New NY bill would require a background check to buy a 3D printer
A New York state senator has re-introduced a bill requiring a criminal background check to purchase 3D printers capable of printing firearms. The goal is to block people who would be disqualified from buying a gun from also purchasing the means to produce one.
The bill comes after law enforcement officials in New York raised the alarm about so-called “ghost guns.” Many of these unmarked and untraceable firearms can be made with certain 3D printers.
A “ghost gun” likely played a role in a recent high-profile New York crime. Police in New York City said they believe Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, used an unmarked firearm. Authorities think it was at least partially made using a 3D printer.
The bill is a testament to the difficulties that law enforcement and lawmakers advocating for gun control reform have experienced when trying to regulate guns.
Federal judges, most notably the Supreme Court, have taken a broad view of the Second Amendment. They use it to block many gun control laws.
Democratic State Sen. Jenifer Rajkumar, the lead sponsor, did not include a memo explaining the bill. However, after introducing an initial version in 2023, she wrote, in part, “This bill will require a background check so that three-dimensional printed firearms do not get in the wrong hands.”
The bill has sparked backlash from 3D printer owners and enthusiasts, who worry its language is overly broad. They point to the growing number of 3D printers in schools that students can use for educational purposes.
Marijuana in peanut butter, meth in crutches: TSA’s top 2024 contraband
TSA agents encounter all kinds of unusual items but the Transportation Security Administration has released its list of the most bizarre discoveries at airport security checkpoints in 2024. The list includes hidden weapons, live animals and other strange items travelers attempted to smuggle.
At Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, North Carolina, agents found a hollowed-out jar of peanut butter concealing marijuana.
In Virginia, TSA officers at Williamsburg International Airport discovered a knife stuffed inside a shoe. The passenger claimed they were unaware of its presence.
At Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, gun parts were hidden inside a red combat boot, which was then stashed in a LEGO box. TSA agents at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport said a knife was found inside the shell of a laptop.
Chicago’s Midway International Airport had an unusual find — a vape pen hidden inside a travel-size toothpaste tube. While vapes are allowed in carry-on bags, this creative concealment violated TSA rules.
Portland International Airport agents uncovered a gun wrapped in tinfoil and hidden in a teapot alongside shot glasses. At Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire, methamphetamine was found wrapped in electrical tape and hidden inside crutches.
In Miami, agents discovered two live snakes concealed inside a passenger’s pants. TSA officials in El Paso, Texas, said they found a replica improvised explosive device disguised as a walkie-talkie in a carry-on bag.
The top discovery of 2024? A gun was found in the seat pocket of a baby stroller at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. TSA officers immediately alerted local law enforcement.
The TSA urges travelers to pack responsibly and review the list of prohibited items before heading to the airport. For travel tips and updates, visit TSA.gov.
A look at US Supreme Court 2025 docket and a warning from Chief Justice Roberts
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is expressing concerns about the growing disregard for the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of major rulings expected in 2025. In his year-end report, Roberts emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial independence, urging that court decisions be honored regardless of their political implications.
“Within the past few years, however, elected officials from across the political spectrum have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings,” Roberts wrote. “These dangerous suggestions, however sporadic, must be soundly rejected. Judicial independence is worth preserving.”
Roberts also warned of the rise in violence directed at judges performing their duties. He noted that the number of hostile threats against judges has more than tripled in the past decade. One reason for the increase in threats, he suggested, is public officials who accuse the judiciary of political bias without credible evidence.
While acknowledging that public officials are entitled to criticize the judiciary, Roberts cautioned that “irresponsible rhetoric can fuel dangerous behavior.”
He added, “It is not in the nature of judicial work to make everyone happy. Most cases have a winner and a loser. Every administration suffers defeats in the court system — sometimes in cases with major ramifications for executive or legislative power or other consequential topics. Nevertheless, for the past several decades, the decisions of the courts, popular or not, have been followed, and the nation has avoided the standoffs that plagued the 1950s and 1960s.”
Roberts also issued a warning that court rulings must be followed and respected, just as the Supreme Court heads into a new year with several high-stakes cases on its docket. Some of these cases could have significant political and social implications.
Major cases in 2025
Attention is focused on these five major cases:
One of the most closely watched is the challenge to a proposed ban on TikTok, prompted by national security concerns due to the app’s ties to China. President Joe Biden signed a law that would ban the app unless it is sold to a U.S. company, and the Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether the ban should proceed.
The Supreme Court will also hear a case challenging a Tennessee law that bans transgender surgeries and hormone treatments for minors. The ruling could set a precedent for similar laws in other states.
Another key case will determine whether the federal government can regulate “ghost guns,” firearms made from kits that lack serial numbers. The justices will consider whether such kits, which can be assembled at home, should be classified as firearms subject to federal regulation.
Justices will also hear a challenge to a Texas law requiring age verification for visitors to pornography websites. The ruling could influence similar laws in around 20 states.
Lastly, the Supreme Court will address the scope of environmental impact assessments required under the National Environmental Policy Act, with the justices set to consider how broad these environmental considerations should be for federal agency actions.
As the justices prepare to rule on these major cases, which are likely to bring political and societal changes, Chief Justice Roberts is getting ahead of these decisions with the warning. He says that the rulings, no matter the outcome, will likely have a negative impact on either side of the political spectrum. However, he reiterated the decisions will be the law of the land, as intended by the U.S. government.
Mangione supporters raise tens of thousands of dollars for legal defense
Supporters of Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, are raising tens of thousands of dollars to fund his legal defense. The development is adding to fears among law enforcement that Mangione is being turned into a “martyr” amid rising threats against other CEOs in the wake of Thompson’s murder.
Several online defense funds from anonymous users have popped up for Mangione. That includes one on the crowdfunding site GiveSendGo, which raised over $50,000 from nearly 1,500 donors as of Thursday, Dec. 12.
The defense fund has dubbed itself “The December 4th Legal Committee.” It’s an apparent reference to the day investigators say Mangione gunned down Thompson on the streets of Manhattan.
The fund’s organizer says they do not support violence but believes “in the constitutional right to fair legal representation.”
GiveSendGo told ABC News that it takes concerns about the fundraising campaign seriously but noted that it allows legal defense funds as it believes in “due process.”
Other crowdfunding websites, like GoFundMe, have taken down Mangione’s legal defense funding efforts. The company states that it bars “fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes.”
Mangione’s attorney reportedly said that while his client should be presumed innocent, he doesn’t feel comfortable accepting money from supporters.
Reddit is also taking action against users posting what investigators say is Mangione’s manifesto by removing or restricting links to the document.
While some users accused the platform of censorship, the company said it violates their violent content policy.
Although many praise Mangione’s alleged actions, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called the support “deeply disturbing.”
Prosecutors in New York City are working to secure an indictment against Mangione, who is still in custody in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona on Monday, Dec. 9.
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect fights extradition to NY, denied bail in PA
New details continue to emerge about the man charged with murder in the killing the UnitedHealthcare CEO. And wildfires burn out of control in southern California as strong winds are forecast to make matters worse. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024.
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect fights extradition to NY, denied bail in PA
Luigi Mangione remains in custody in Pennsylvania as he fights extradition to New York one week after authorities say he shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel.
The murder suspect did not waive his extradition to New York. That means Mangione will remain in custody in Pennsylvania as he has 14 days to challenge the detention.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said it will seek a governor’s warrant to force extradition to New York where Mangione faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she will sign a warrant for his extradition to ensure he is “tried and held accountable.”
Watch the @ABC7NY interview where Deputy Commissioner of @NYPDCT Rebecca Weiner and Chief of @NYPDDetectives Joseph Kenny discuss the ongoing investigation regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3WH9Y0JkMJ
In court Tuesday, Mangione was denied bail on the felony charges of forgery and carrying a firearm without a license in Pennsylvania.
“He has indicated a plea of not guilty. The only charges that we’ve seen thus far, have been the ones here in Pennsylvania. And we have pled not guilty to those charges,” his attorney Thomas Dickey told reporters.
As the investigation in New York murder continues, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told Fox News they are looking into whether the suspect suffered a back injury and filed any claims with the insurance industry prior to the shooting. Mangione’s roommate in Hawaii told various broadcasts Mangione’s back surgery caused him great pain and he was extremely angry about it.
Mangione had three pages of writing on him when he was arrested inside a Pennsylvania McDonald’s Monday morning, Dec. 9. The NYPD said the notes were addressed to “the feds” and told authorities he acted alone.
Investigators said Mangione may have been inspired by the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski and they’re working to determine whether Thompson was the target of “a symbolic takedown” against corporate corruption.
In November, Mangione’s mother had filed a missing persons report for him in San Francisco. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, that came after no one had heard from Mangione since July.
In a statement, Mangione’s family said, “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.”
Fallout from South Korea’s short-lived martial law period
The fallout from South Korea’s martial law declaration widens as the imprisoned former defense minister attempted to take his own life.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is currently being detained at a facility in Seoul on alleged collusion with President Yoon Suk Yeol in imposing martial law last week, attempted to take his own life late Tuesday night.https://t.co/aHM6HP5TUS
Authorities said former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun has been moved to an isolation room after an attempt on his own life before his formal arrest warrant was issued Tuesday night. Kim was the first public figure to be detained over the martial law declaration on Dec. 3 and is accused of being the one to recommend the move.
Separately Tuesday, South Korean police said they sent officers to search President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office as part of the investigation into the declaration.
Yoon is now banned from leaving the country as police and prosecutors investigate whether he and his supporters in the government as well as the military committed an insurrection when they sent armed troops into the National Assembly last week to try to prevent lawmakers from gathering to cancel the martial law decree. They were ultimately unsuccessful; lawmakers voted unanimously to end martial law just six hours after it was put in place.
Investigators have vowed to arrest, or at least detain, Yoon, who is still the country’s president. He refused to resign after an impeachment attempt on Saturday, Dec. 8, failed when members of his party left parliament and boycotted the vote.
The country’s main opposition party says it’s preparing a new impeachment motion and a vote on that is expected as early as this Saturday, Dec. 14.
Malibu wildfire reaches more than 3,000 acres, 0% contained
Firefighters in Southern California are battling a raging wildfire that has prompted evacuations and damaged homes in the affluent beach community of Malibu, northwest of Los Angeles. The Franklin Fire has spread to more than 3,000 acres and was 0% contained as of CalFire’s update at 9:47 p.m. PT Tuesday.
The fast-moving inferno broke out late Monday night and quickly grew, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds. Some gusts were reported as strong as 90 miles per hour.
Widespread Red Flag conditions across much of Southern California due to Santa Ana Winds will continue to be a threat to residents and property throughout the week.
The Franklin Fire in L.A. County has already consumed over 2200 acres this morning, forcing many evacuations. For… pic.twitter.com/7diQcNdi6B
More than 1,500 firefighters had been assigned to battle the flames and smoke.
Students, teachers and administrators at Pepperdine University were told to shelter in place as the fire kept getting closer and closer. Final exams were canceled.
There have been no reports of deaths or serious injuries, but officials said the fire has destroyed at least seven homes so far. The National Weather Service forecast days of extreme dry windy weather ahead.
Federal judge blocks sale of Infowars to The Onion
Jones was forced to put the platform up for sale to help pay $1.5 billion in damages that he owes to the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims for falsely claiming the massacre in Connecticut was a hoax.
Tuesday night, a federal bankruptcy judge said there was a lack of transparency in the auction process, and it failed to maximize value for the victims’ families, even though they had given their approval for Infowars to be sold to The Onion for an undisclosed amount of money.
NJ lawmaker calls for ‘limited state of emergency’ over drones
Republican state Sen. Jon Bramnick said mysterious drones seen flying over New Jersey in recent weeks should prompt a “limited state of emergency.” Bramnick said in a statement New Jersey should ban all drones until the public receives an explanation regarding these multiple sightings.
His statement came after the mayors of 21 New Jersey towns wrote a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy demanding action.
The FBI so far has only said it is doing all it can to figure out what is going on and the public can continue to call in tips.
This comes a year after GM grounded its fleet of driverless vehicles after an accident in California that led to Cruise being fined $1.5 million.
GM, which owns about 90% of Cruise, said it intends to buy the remainder of the company and will combine GM and Cruise technical teams. GM cited an “increasingly competitive robotaxi market” as one reason it will no longer fund the business.
Cruise founder Kyle Vogt, who left the company in 2023, reacted to the news on X saying, “In case it was unclear before, it is clear now: GM are a bunch of dummies.”
Suspect charged with murder in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO
The man accused of gunning down the CEO of UnitedHealthcare on a New York City sidewalk is charged with murder. And the Biden administration levels allegations of war crimes against two Syrians who were high-raking members of the now ousted regime. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
Suspect charged with murder in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO
After nearly a week of searching, the manhunt for the suspected gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel last week is over. Police said they located the 26-year-old suspect inside a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 300 miles from New York on Monday, Dec. 9.
The New York City Police Department filed first-degree murder charges against Luigi Mangione, according to court documents released Monday night. Mangione also faces charges of possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a forged driver’s license, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Mangione is described as a former high school valedictorian and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, who grew up in Maryland but has also had past addresses in California and Hawaii.
Mangione was taken into custody in Altoona after authorities said a McDonald’s employee recognized him as the person of interest seen in images related to Thompson’s shooting death.
When police arrived on the scene, they questioned Mangione. According to court documents, Mangione “started to shake” when asked if he’d recently been in New York City. Authorities said at first, he lied about his identity.
So proud of @NYPDMTN Detectives, and our Major Case and Homicide Squads, who worked around-the-clock on the homicide investigation in Midtown. I joined them last night to thank them for their dedication. No doubt, their work was instrumental to identifying the person of interest… pic.twitter.com/jAFA7JDcHd
Court documents show he was carrying a black 3-D printed pistol with a silencer. The NYPD said the “ghost gun” found on him was consistent with the one used in the murder. Ghost guns do not have serial numbers.
Police said Mangione also had on him a fake ID, matching the one used by the suspect at a New York City hostel before the shooting, and a three-page written note.
“That document is currently in the possession of the Altoona Police Department as part of their investigation but just from briefly speaking with them, we don’t think that there’s any specific threats to other people mentioned in that document, but it does seem that he has some ill will toward corporate America,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenney said.
Multiple reports Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, claimed those writings included the phrases “these parasites had it coming” and it “had to be done.”
During a press conference Monday evening, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) spoke of how the killing has led to some people online sharing their frustrations and anger over the healthcare system but emphasized that Mangione is not a martyr.
“In some dark corners, this killer’s being hailed as a hero,” Shapiro said. “Hear me on this: he is no hero. The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this [Monday] morning. The real heroes every day in our society are the women and men who put on uniforms like these and go out in our communities to keep us safe. This killer is not a hero. He should not be hailed.”
Mangione will remain in custody in Pennsylvania pending his extradition to New York, which is expected to take place later this week.
Jury finds former US Marine not guilty in NYC chokehold death trial
Tensions remain high in New York after a jury acquitted U.S. Marine veteran Daniel Penny of all charges on Monday, including criminally negligent homicide, in the chokehold death of a schizophrenic man, whose behavior had some people on the New York subway testifying they feared for their lives.
The caught-on-camera deadly incident from May 2023 saw Penny put Jordan Neely in a chokehold from behind after Neely walked up and down the F train saying “somebody is going to die today”.
Prosecutors said the chokehold lasted too long, was reckless, and resulted in the 30-year-old homeless man’s death. The defense brought an expert in to show Neely was under the influence of the synthetic marijuana drug K2, arguing he died from drug use and a previous medical condition.
Outside the Manhattan courthouse Tuesday, fights broke out as protesters and counter-protesters clashed. After the verdict Neely’s father stated, “There is no justice.”
US charges 2 former Syrian officials with war crimes
The United States has charged two former high-ranking Syrian intelligence officials with war crimes. The DOJ said during Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Jamil Hassan and Abdul Salam Mahmoud oversaw operations of a detention facility where Americans and civilians who had been deemed enemies of the state were tortured.
In other developments in the Middle East, the U.S. has also sent a special envoy to Beirut, Lebanon to find out what happened to Austin Tice. Tice is an American journalist who vanished in Syria 12 years ago.
"We have heard from sources that have been vetted by the U.S. government that Austin is alive." Austin Tice has been missing in Syria for 12 years. Today his brother & sister tell me "every day is a day that Austin should be released and a day that Austin could be released." pic.twitter.com/o08OgOFKEm
On Sunday, Dec. 8, President Joe Biden said he believes Tice is still alive and his administration is committed to bringing him home. Syria has publicly denied holding Tice.
Meanwhile, Israel has launched a large-scale attack on Syria, striking what it called strategic military sites after the fall of the al-Assad government. It also expanded its presence into the Golan Heights, a buffer zone along the country’s border with Syria.
Israel claimed the move is temporary and aimed at ensuring nearby areas are not exposed to any potential security threats, but Iran has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, saying the expansion is a “flagrant violation” of U.N. charter, breaking a 50-year cease-fire agreement.
Hegseth looks to shore up Senate support on Capitol Hill
President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary is back on Capitol Hill this week. He’s looking to shore up support from Senate Republicans.
Pete Hegseth met with Senators Joni Ernst and Lindsey Graham on Monday. Both had expressed concerns over allegations against Hegseth of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement of veterans’ charities and excessive drinking.
Hegseth denies a lot of it and says he is changed man. He served in the Army in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Lord & Taylor to relaunch as online discount luxury retailer
Another department store chain is set to make an internet comeback. Lord & Taylor is set to relaunch in 2025 as a discount luxury e-commerce platform offering designer goods and Lord & Taylor-branded products, according to its new owner.
Regal Brands Global acquired the Lord & Taylor intellectual property in September after its previous owner, Saadia Group — which had re-launched the chain as an e-commerce website in 2021 — ceased operations.
Regal Brands reportedly aims to position Lord & Taylor products to compete with other high-end retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.
‘Emilia Perez’ receives most Golden Globe nominations
Gunman who shot 2 kindergarteners used war in Gaza as motive: Police
Authorities are releasing new information in the case of a man who shot two kindergarteners on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in northern California. Investigators said on Thursday, Dec. 5, the gunman who wounded the children before fatally shooting himself left behind a note revealing his motive.
Investigators say 56-year-old Glenn Litton wrote in the note he intended the shooting to be a “countermeasure involving child executions” for “America’s involvement with genocide and oppression of Palestinians.”
Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea described the writings as delusions stemming from Litton’s mental illness and said that the information he “pulled from various sources” created a false reality in Litton’s mind.
Authorities say Litton attended a Seventh Day Adventist school as a child. However, it wasn’t the school where the attack occurred.
Honea noted, Litton had a long history of mental health problems and was in and out of prison.
“He has a lengthy criminal history and history of mental health issues. His first prison sentence was in 1991 for theft, several other convictions for other crimes to include theft, fraud, forgery in the 90s and early 2000s,” Honea said.
Police said Litton had an incident in 2002 where he was caught with disguises, bulletproof vests and walkie-talkies. Authorities say they later found through Litton’s internet searches that he had been plotting a mass attack using guns and explosives.
Investigators say shortly before the attack, Litton met with the school’s principal under a false name under the guise he was enrolling his grandson in the school. However, police said he doesn’t have a grandson.
Law enforcement said afterward, Litton opened fire on students on the school’s playground, severely injuring two boys.
“The boys are both in critical condition,” Honea said. “They have a very long road ahead in terms of recovery. It’s very likely that they are going to have a number of surgeries going forward, but the fact that they are currently with us, I think, is a miracle, and something that we should all be thankful for.”
Supreme Court returns to hear cases on guns, porn, transgender rights
A new United States Supreme Court term begins Monday, Oct. 7, with the nine justices returning to the bench from their summer break to decide on dozens of cases, including those involving guns, the adult entertainment industry and transgender issues.
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the court will hear arguments on a case concerning the regulation of “ghost guns.” Manufacturers and gun rights groups argue the Biden administration overstepped its authority to require background checks on these types of firearm kits.
How new Biden order could make active shooter drills less traumatic for kids
With the jury still out on the effectiveness of active shooter drills in American schools, President Joe Biden is taking action to at least make them less traumatic. He’s signing an executive order on Thursday, Sept. 26, to study how these drills may traumatize students and educators in an effort to “maximize effectiveness” and minimize any harm.
Active shooter or “lockdown drills” have been commonplace in schools throughout the United States ever since the Columbine massacre in 1999. Some tactics used in the drills include actors dressed as gunmen and fake blood. However, Everytown found in a 2020 report that active shooter drills often traumatize students with little evidence that they save lives.
Some school districts are already getting rid of graphic school shooting depictions. New York, home to the nation’s largest school district, banned the use of realistic active shooter drills in July. The new rules for this school year mean schools can no longer use actors, props, and violent depictions. Schools are now required to use “trauma informed” and “age appropriate” procedures.
New York’s move and President Biden’s order come as parents, doctors, and even lawmakers have said graphically detailed mock scenes do not actually prepare kids for actual shootings, instead they argue that they create a culture of fear and anxiety.
Biden’s directive also involves establishing a new task force to look into the dangers of so-called “machine-gun-conversion-devices,” which can turn a semiautomatic pistol into a fully automatic gun.
The task force will also examine the growing number of 3D-printed guns that are harder to track than conventional guns because barcodes are reportedly easier to remove from the firearms. The findings will have to be reported back to the president in 90 days.
The White House’s announcement comes on the heels of a mass shooting at a nightclub in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday, Sept. 21, in which four people were killed and 17 others were injured.
They believe it was a paid “hit” on one specific person, with everyone else caught in the crossfire. Witnesses said multiple suspects pulled up in a car, got out and fired dozens of gunshots, then quickly took off.
Birmingham’s mayor said this is not the first time this year the city has seen gun violence like this. During a news conference Sunday, Sept. 22, he called it a “solvable problem.”
“We don’t have any interest in this whole debate about second amendment rights,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “We don’t have any interest in people who want to protect their homes, militia or whatever else you want to say. There’s a certain element in this city, there’s a certain element in this community who are too comfortable running around with semi-automatic weapons, automatic weapons, conversion switches and everything else, whose only intent, hell bent intent, is to harm people, shoot people, kill people.”
Investigators say they do believe the person who was targeted is among the people who died.