Federal prosecutors investigate former NYPD chief over sex crime allegations
Federal prosecutors have launched an investigation into former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey over accusations of sex crimes. Authorities raided his home early Thursday morning, Jan. 2.
Maddrey, New York’s former top cop, abruptly resigned last month after a subordinate filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) accusing him of forcing her to perform unwanted sex acts in exchange for overtime pay.
Maddrey’s defense attorney said Maddrey acknowledged having a sexual relationship with the woman but insisted it was consensual and denied it involved an exchange for extra pay.
“[The subordinate] had a consensual, adult relationship, albeit for a short time with Jeff,” Lambros Lambrou, Maddrey’s attorney, said. “And we have tons of evidence by way of text messages, photographs, videos, phone records, and x-rated and racy videos and photographs from [her], who is a self-professed swinger. And we have all this evidence because she sent it to Chief Maddrey in her attempts to have him begin a relationship with her.”
A lawyer for the subordinate argued that Maddrey’s admission of a sexual relationship contradicted his earlier denial of “every aspect” of the allegations.
According to documents, the subordinate, a 19-year veteran of the department, earned just over $406,000, including more than 1,600 hours of overtime in fiscal year 2024, as reported byABC 7 New York.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating the allegations against the former chief.
In a statement, Tisch said in part: “Maddrey was suspended from the department this morning, as law enforcement agents executed search warrants at several locations, including his residence.”
Chinese-sponsored hackers behind ‘major’ breach: Treasury Department
Investigators accuse China of hacking U.S. Treasury Department computers. And funeral arrangements are set for America’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased updates for Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
Chinese-sponsored hackers are behind ‘major’ breach: Treasury Department
The U.S. Department of Treasury said it’s still working to determine the extent of damage from a data breach it called “a major incident.” In a letter sent to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on Monday, Dec. 30, the Treasury Department said a Chinese-sponsored “threat actor” was able to gain access to department employees’ workstations earlier this month and view “unclassified documents” maintained by those workers.
The letter said the hackers gained access through a third-party cybersecurity service called BeyondTrust and overrode certain department security measures. The department stopped using BeyondTrust after the attack.
The Treasury Department is working with the FBI and other members of the U.S. intelligence community to “fully characterize the incident and determine its full impact.” The department said it will provide Congress more information in a supplemental report within 30 days.
China’s ministry of foreign affairs denied any Chinese involvement.
Arrest warrant issued for embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
The court recently voted to strip Yoon of his presidential powers. He faces impeachment over his short-lived declaration of martial law.
The court granted the arrest warrant for Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. Yoon is wanted for questioning in multiple investigations, including one over accusations of leading an insurrection — a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty in South Korea.
President Joe Biden spoke with the nation’s interim president in recent weeks, expressing America’s commitment to democracy there. America has roughly 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea as a deterrent to communist North Korea.
Memorial events scheduled for late President Jimmy Carter
Details are now public about the nation’s plans to pay tribute to the late former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday, Dec. 29, at 100 years old. Biden declared Thursday, Jan. 9, a National Day of Mourning. New Year’s Day will begin an eight-day mourning period.
The Carter family will gather in the former president’s hometown of Plains, Georgia, over the next few days.
On Saturday, Jan. 4, the state funeral will be held. It starts at 10:15 a.m. ET with a motorcade from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, and will travel through Plains, taking a brief pause at 10:50 a.m.
At that stop, the National Park Service will ring the historic bell on the Carter family farm 39 times in honor of the late president. At 10:55 a.m., Carter’s final journey to Atlanta will begin.
At 3 p.m., the motorcade will stop at the Georgia State Capitol for a moment of silence led by Gov. Brian Kemp. It will then go on to its destination, the Carter Presidential Center, for a service at 4 p.m.
Carter will lie in repose from 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, for the public to pay respects.
He will then be taken to Washington, D.C., where Congress will pay tribute in a private ceremony. Then Carter will lie in state for the public to pay respects until Thursday, Jan. 9, when Carter will be taken home to Georgia for a private family funeral service and internment. Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy at the funeral.
5 people charged in connection with singer Liam Payne’s death
Five people were charged in connection with the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne in Argentina, according to the country’s prosecutor’s office. Payne died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October after police said he consumed “various substances,” including drugs and alcohol.
A friend of Payne, the hotel manager and its head of reception are accused of “negligent homicide” in connection with the singer’s death. If convicted, they face a maximum of five years in prison.
Two other hotel employees were charged with selling Payne drugs. They face up to 15 years in prison.
FAA investigating after Gonzaga Bulldogs’ jet ordered to stop at LAX
The Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation after a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team nearly crossed a runway as another flight took off from Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, Dec. 27.
The FAA has launched an investigation after a Delta plane almost hit the Gonzaga’s men’s basketball team’s private jet on Friday. 😳
The jet, operated by Key Lime Air, was ordered by air traffic controllers to stop as a Delta flight took off. No one was hurt. Gonzaga was in Los Angeles for its game against UCLA on Saturday, Dec. 28.
Over 1 million expected to ring in the new year at Times Square
The NYPD said while there have not been any “specific credible threats” to the Times Square celebration, the department has been operating in a heightened threat environment since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel.
As for the big celebration, fans braving possible wet weather and the many others watching at home will be able to enjoy musical acts from Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and the Jonas Brothers.
NYPD’s top earner, under investigation for massive overtime pay, retires early
The New York Police Department’s highest paid employee, under investigation for massive amounts of overtime pay that contributed to a more than $400,000 salary, is retiring early. Lt. Quathisha Epps claimed to work more than 1,600 hours of overtime, which was uncovered in November by the New York Post.
Epps pulled in more than $204,000 in overtime pay on top of her base salary of around $164,000, plus fringe benefits which put her at $403,515 in 2024.
According to payroll records, her boss made around $292,000 that same year.
Sources told the Post that Epps’ overtime pay was capped after the report came out.
NYPD officials told her at the time she’d be put back on patrol, instead of just working her current desk job.
Now the Post learned Epps filed for retirement this week. She was just shy of 20 years with the department.
Her early exit will impact her pension and cost her a reported $12,000 annually. This payment goes towards officers who retire after the two-decade mark.
The department has now officially launched an internal affairs probe into Epps. The investigation will look into allegations of falsified overtime hours, which includes Epps signing off on time slips herself. Investigators will also look at complaints of her coming into work late, leaving early or not showing up at all.
Epps’ history with the NYPD
Despite the investigation, Epps seemingly had a positive history with the NYPD.
In 2019, the department congratulated Epps for beating cancer three times, posting on social media for World Cancer Day.
Meet Lieutenant Epps: She is a 13-year NYPD veteran, mother, & cancer survivor. 18 years ago, she was first diagnosed with cancer. With the support of her family at home and family in blue, she has since fought cancer 3 times and is back in uniform serving NYC. #WorldCancerDaypic.twitter.com/ux64SIoyw8
Following her recent retirement announcement, Epp’s last day was scheduled for Jan. 14, but the NYPD has suspended her without pay amid the investigation.
The department has 30 days to investigate before her pension goes into effect.
‘Strong person of interest’ in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO arrested
The New York City Police Department confirmed Monday, Dec. 9, that officials arrested a “strong person of interest” in connection to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Officials named 26-year-old Luigi Mangione as the only person of interest in the case.
Police took Mangione into custody after receiving a tip that he was spotted in Pennsylvania.
Mangione carried a ghost gun, resembling the weapon used to kill Thompson, Pennsylvania police said.
“At this time, he is believed to be our person of interest in the brazen, targeted murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare last Wednesday in Midtown Manhattan,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters.
Handwritten letter reveals motive
The Altoona Police Department in Pennsylvania confiscated multiple fake IDs and a three-page handwritten document from Mangione.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the document showed Mangione had “ill will toward corporate America.”
Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that social media profiles showed Mangione graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.
His apparent account on book review site GoodReads includes a positive review for the manifesto of “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski.
Brian Thomspon’s killing
Police described Thompson’s shooting as a targeted attack, with footage showing a shooter waiting for the CEO.
The shooting occurred early Wednesday, Dec. 4. Surveillance tracked the suspect’s escape through Midtown Manhattan and into Central Park. The suspect temporarily hid in the park and found his way out of the city, police said.
Bullet casings found at the scene of the shooting had etchings of the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose.” The first two are part of a common phrase describing insurance companies’ approach to avoid paying claims.
Police said the suspect acted alone based on the confiscated letter.
‘Risk and uncertainty’ as Syrian rebels oust Assad after decades in power
Syrian rebels oust dictator Bashar al-Assad, who has fled the country after nearly 25 years in power. And the suspected killer of a health care CEO in New York City is still at-large after eluding a massive manhunt for almost a week. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.
‘Risk and uncertainty’ as Syrian rebels oust Assad after decades in power
It’s the dawn of a new era in Syria. After more than a decade of civil war in the country, President Bashar al-Assad was ousted after rebel groups overtook the capital in a coup on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Now Syria and its people are left with the question of what comes next as countries around the world, including the United States, react to the changing landscape.
Syrians could be seen celebrating in the streets as word spread that Assad had fled the country. State media reported the president and his family landed in Russia Sunday evening and Assad has been granted political asylum in Moscow.
The toppled leader, who had been in power since 2000 and whose family had ruled for five decades, was forced to vacate after rebel forces quickly captured city after city leading to them taking control of Damascus.
Since the civil war broke out in the wake of the pro-democracy Arab Spring demonstrations of 2011, Assad’s forces have been accused of brutal severe human rights violations, including using chemical weapons against their people. They’ve been held responsible for the deaths of more than 5,000 people and the displacement of millions of others.
The rebels who led to Assad’s ouster were headed by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Jolani called the coup “a victory for the whole Islamic nation.”
Jolani’s group used to be linked to Al Qaeda. Though it has cut those ties, the U.S. still designates it a terrorist group.
President Joe Biden spoke from the White House Sunday, calling the end of Assad’s regime a “fundamental act of justice.” Biden added the U.S. will support Syria’s neighbors Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq should any threat arise from this period of transition.
Biden referred to this as a time of “risk and uncertainty.”
“We will remain vigilante. Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses,” Biden said. “We’ve taken note of statements by the leaders of these rebel groups in recent days and they’re saying the right things now. But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words but their actions.”
Biden said Assad’s downfall came in part due to allies Iran, Russia and Hezbollah being weaker today than when Biden began his term.
President-elect Donald Trump issued a statement on his Truth Social platform Sunday, saying Iran and Russia are in weakened states right now and calling for the end of the war in Ukraine. However, in a post on Saturday, Dec. 7, Trump said the U.S. should not get involved with Syria, saying, “This is not our fight. Let it play out.”
Iran’s president said it is up to the Syrian people to decide the future of their country.
Amid the time of transition in Syria, the U.S. showed it will continue its efforts against ISIS in the region. U.S. Central Command said it launched a series of airstrikes Sunday targeting ISIS camps and leaders in central Syria, confirming 75 “targets” had been hit. U.S. officials said it will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria.
Trump promises to pardon Jan. 6 rioters on first day in office
In his first network TV interview since winning the election, President-elect Trump touched on some of his biggest campaign promises and his plans to start following through with them immediately when he takes office in January.
In an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker for Sunday’s “Meet the Press,” Trump said, “A lot of it will have to do with economics. A lot’s gonna do with energy. A lot’s having to do with the border. We’re gonna immediately strengthen up the border and do a real job.”
Trump also doubled down on his promise to pardon Americans jailed for their role in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, saying they had no other choice than to plead guilty. Department of Justice records show more than 1,500 people have been arrested or charged in connection with that attack and nearly 900 have pleaded guilty.
While Trump said he will not tell his nominees for FBI director and attorney general to go after his political rivals, he did share his opinion on what should happen to lawmakers who were on the House’s select committee to investigate January 6.
“Everybody on that committee, for what they did, honestly, they should go to jail,” he said.
After that interview, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-WY), who was on the committee, issued a statement saying, “Donald Trump’s suggestion that members of congress who later investigated his illegal and unconstitutional actions should be jailed is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our republic.”
Trump did reiterate multiple times during Sunday’s interview he has no plans to go after political rivals, but as we’ve reported here at Straight Arrow News, President Biden is considering preemptive pardons for Cheney and others who were part of the House Jan. 6 investigation, as well as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Special Counsel Jack Smith.
Police release new images of suspect in NYC deadly shooting
The manhunt for the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson enters a new week.
Over the weekend, the NYPD released new images of the apparent suspect. Police identify the man in the pictures as “a person of interest” wanted for questioning for the fatal shooting outside a Hilton hotel Wednesday, Dec. 4.
One image shows the masked man in the back of a taxi. Another shows him walking on the sidewalk outside a vehicle. Police are hoping these images, along with others released last week, will help lead to the gunman.
Authorities reportedly traveled to Atlanta on Saturday, Dec. 7, and have been searching a lake near Central Park. On Friday night, Dec. 6, reports said investigators found a backpack believed to belong to the shooter. Inside they found two items: a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly money.
Jay-Z accused of raping 13-year-old girl alongside Diddy
Music mogul Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs. In a civil suit filed Sunday, the anonymous accuser claimed the assault happened in 2000 at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party.
The federal lawsuit was originally filed in October only listing Combs as a defendant, but it was refiled Sunday to include Carter.
Jay-Z, who is married to Beyonce, denied the accusation and said in a statement directed at the attorney who filed the suit, “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!!”
Combs’ lawyer also responded, calling the suit a “shameless” publicity stunt.
In September, federal prosecutors in New York criminally charged Combs with racketeering, sex trafficking and other offenses. He is in jail awaiting trial, which is scheduled to start May 5.
Kennedy Center honors Coppola, Grateful Dead, The Apollo
President Biden was among those in attendance — a tradition President Trump did not continue during his first term in office, saying he did not want to be a political distraction as some attendees had threatened to boycott his appearance. As Trump gets ready to start his second term in office, there are questions about whether federal funding for the arts might be on the chopping block.
Reports: Juan Soto, Mets agree on largest contract in pro sports history
Former New York Yankees star outfielder Juan Soto is staying in the Big Apple, but moving leagues in reportedly the largest deal in professional sports history.
But should Soto decide not to opt out, his pay will reportedly go up an extra $4 million a year for the remainder of the deal — meaning in the end, this could be an over $800 million deal.
The agreement also reportedly includes a $75 million signing bonus. Soto’s deal surpasses the record set just last year by Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract.
Note: The headline has been corrected to Assad. A previous version had the incorrect name.
The pictures show the suspect’s face from inside a hostel, which NYPD believes he stayed at. Previous footage showed the man wearing a mask.
Police are tapping into surveillance footage and technology to try to track down the suspect. The NYPD says it has already traced his escape path.
The shooting occurred in front of the Hilton Hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th avenues. From there, the suspect fled north into Central Park, which, despite its heavy surveillance, has multiple blind spots.
Police say the last video they have shows the suspect on a bike, possibly a Citi Bike from New York’s bikeshare program. All Citi Bikes require a credit card and are tracked by GPS.
Separately, the suspect was spotted on surveillance video carrying an e-bike battery less than two hours before the shooting.
In addition, police found a cellphone at the scene of the shooting, but law enforcement told local TV channel PIX 11 News that they believed it was a burner phone.
The suspect’s motive is not yet clear, but investigators say they found bullet casings with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” written on them.
The words may be a reference to common strategies insurance companies use when trying to deny coverage. They also make up part of the title of a 2010 book by Rutgers Law School professor Jay Feinman, called “Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.”
Before his death, Thompson had been serving as CEO of UnitedHealthcare since 2021.
PIX 11 also reports that law enforcement sources say Thompson’s wife told them her husband had been receiving threats related to the company’s denial of coverage.
Manhunt underway for suspect in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO
The manhunt continues for the gunman who shot and killed a health care company CEO outside a hotel in New York City. And cryptocurrency Bitcoin hits a milestone. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
Manhunt underway for suspect in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO
The manhunt for the gunman continues as more details are released about the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as he was walked into a Hilton hotel in New York City Wednesday morning, Dec. 4. Family and friends are mourning one of the top executives of the world’s largest health insurer.
“Fifty-year-old Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in what appears at this early stage of our investigation to be a brazen targeted attack,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. “This does not appear to be a random act of violence. The victim was in New York City to speak at an investor conference. It appears a suspect was lying in wait for several minutes and as the victim was walking to the conference hotel the suspect approached from behind and fired several rounds.”
The deadly shooting was captured on surveillance video and police released images from the scene. Authorities said the masked gunman walked up behind the CEO and shot him in the back at point-blank range.
At a press conference Wednesday, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described what happened next.
“The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot,” he said. “It appears that the gun malfunctions, as he clears the jam and begins to fire again. The shooter then flees on foot northbound into an alleyway between 54th Street and 55th Street.”
These are additional images of the suspect sought in connection to this morning's homicide. If you have any information about this incident, the suspect, or his location please contact @NYPDTips at 1(800)577-TIPS. https://t.co/rtfVynljXapic.twitter.com/kUJr7l0nxZ
Police said once the shooter took off from outside the hotel, he got on an electric bike and was last seen riding into Central Park in Manhattan. They also said they recovered a cell phone in the alleyway and are working to see if it is linked to the shooting.
Investigators are speaking to Thompson’s coworkers and family members to see if he received any specific threats leading up to the shooting.
Thompson joined UnitedHealthcare in 2004 and was named CEO in 2021. UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, issued a statement, calling Thompson a “highly respected colleague and friend.” It added, “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, also released a statement saying, “We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives.
“Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.”
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information to give them a call.
2 children critically wounded in shooting at California religious school
In California, two kindergarteners are in “extremely critical condition” after a shooting at a religious K-8 school Wednesday afternoon. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the shooting happened around 1 p.m. local time at Feather River Adventist School near Palermo north of Sacramento.
Authorities said the gunman who had been dropped off at the school by an Uber and just before the shooting, met with the principal about enrolling a student. Investigators are looking into whether that meeting was just a ruse for the man to get on campus.
When deputies got to the scene, they found the shooter dead near the school playground from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police said the gunman had no prior connection to the school or the 5-year-old and 6-year-old boys he shot. Investigators believe he might have targeted the Seventh-day Adventist school because of its church affiliation.
“Whether or not this is a hate crime or whether or not it’s part of some sort of larger scheme,” Honea said at a press briefing Wednesday night. “At this point I don’t have enough information to provide an answer to that.”
Authorities believe they have figured out who the shooter is, but they’re not releasing information about his identity as of yet.
DOJ says Memphis police ‘regularly’ violate Black people’s rights
The Justice Department said the Memphis Police Department “regularly violates” Black people’s rights. The DOJ released its findings Wednesday from an investigation into the police department following the death of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop in 2023.
The civil rights investigation started six months after Nichols was kicked, punched and hit with a police baton as five officers tried to arrest him, ultimately leading to his death. The federal investigation concluded Memphis police used excessive force, and conducted illegal stops, searches and arrests, as well as unlawfully discriminated against Black people.
The DOJ said the City of Memphis and the MPD cooperated fully with its investigation, however, the City of Memphis said in a letter Wednesday it would reject a preliminary agreement on a legally binding consent decree for federal oversight of its police department.
In the letter, the city’s attorney said, “The investigation and unreleased findings only took 17 months to complete, compared to an average of 2-3 years in almost every other instance, implying a rush to judgment.” She added city officials first need the chance to “review, analyze and challenge the allegations.”
21 people, including 5 children, killed in Israeli strike on Gaza tent camp
At least 21 people are dead after an Israeli strike on a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in Gaza Wednesday, according to the director of a hospital in the nearby city Khan Younis.
The Israeli military claimed it struck senior Hamas militants “involved in terrorist activities” in the Muwasi area and took precautions to minimize harm to civilians.
A spokesman for Gaza’s civil defense agency said five children were killed in the strike, which they claim was one of several deadly strikes across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday.
Price of Bitcoin rises to $100,000 for the first time
Bitcoin prices are booming. The price of a single Bitcoin surged Wednesday to more than $100,000, marking the first time the 16-year-old cryptocurrency hit six figures.
Bitcoin’s milestone came just hours after President-elect Donald Trump announced Paul Atkins as his pick to be the next chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins was an SEC commissioner during George W. Bush’s presidency and is known to be a strong supporter of cryptocurrencies.
Michael McDermott, the son of the chain’s co-founder, struck a deal with Hormel Foods, which owns the Chi-Chi’s trademark. Chi-Chi’s closed its last restaurant in 2004 following a hepatitis A outbreak that was linked to four deaths and sickened more than 600 people.
McDermott said there is an opportunity to bring back the brand in a way that resonates with today’s consumers, but specifics on menu items and locations have not yet been revealed.
Members of TDA gang linked to Colorado apartment takeover arrested in NYC
Two members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA), linked to an apartment takeover in Aurora, Colorado, have been arrested in New York City, the New York Post reported. The NYPD and U.S. Homeland Security conducted a raid in the Bronx targeting drug traffickers and credit card scammers, leading to the arrests of 15 Tren de Aragua suspects.
Denyeer Aramillo Meneses, 23, and Edison Peña Angulo, 25, both members of TDA and connected to the Colorado apartment invasions, were arrested during the early-morning raid Wednesday, Nov. 27.
Local police in Colorado had issued arrest warrants for the two suspects on Oct. 1. However, the suspects were able to travel to New York City.
The pair had been seen in a viral video from the Aurora apartment complex on Aug. 18, holding guns and committing an armed robbery just moments before a 25-year-old was fatally shot, according to Denver7.
Law enforcement sources told the Post the group was selling a variety of drugs, including heroin, fake weed and tusi. The group was also involved in credit card fraud and violence, according to authorities. Officers also discovered an “arsenal of deadly assault rifles” during the raid.
Earlier this week, the NYPD reported the gang has been trying to recruit children living in New York City’s migrant shelters. Officials said the gang entered the U.S. via the southern border from Venezuela during President Joe Biden’s time in office.
Police also stated there have been more than 800 reported incidents in 2024. Those included store robberies and purse snatchings committed by young, undocumented immigrants living in the city.
NYPD warns Tren de Aragua is trying to recruit kids in migrant shelter system
The New York Police Department (NYPD) said a Venezuelan gang is trying to recruit children living in the city’s migrant shelters. The Tren de Aragua gang has recruited an unknown number of young people who are in New York as they wait for a ruling on whether they can seek asylum in the U.S.
Police said they’ve accounted for more than 800 incidents this year of low-level crime by young, undocumented people. Those incidents include store robberies and snatching of items like jewelry and cell phones.
The Tren de Aragua gang now has a presence in 16 states according to a Department of Homeland Security memo obtained by the New York Post. They add that the group is participating in what the memo describes as “lower-level fraud and theft schemes.”
Straight Arrow News has not independently confirmed the New York Post’s reporting.
Tren de Aragua has drawn a lot of attention in recent months from top Republican leaders and right-leaning media outlets.
President-elect Donald Trump campaigned in Aurora, Colorado, after calling it a “war zone” after reports of the gang being active in the city. He has also embraced the name “Operation Aurora” for parts of his plan to deport undocumented people.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman responded to the criticism.
“The incidents were limited to several apartment complexes in this city of more than 400,000 residents,” Coffman said an October 2024 Facebook post.
Police in New York said that despite the efforts to recruit at shelters, only a small portion of people who have recently migrated to the U.S. are committing the majority of the crimes the police hope to stop.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams names Jessica Tisch to head NYPD
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, that he is naming Jessica Tisch to be the next commissioner of the New York Police Department. Tisch is currently commissioner of the city’s Department of Sanitation.
In selecting Tisch, Adams is naming just the second female commissioner in the department’s 179-year history. Tisch is also the fourth person to helm the largest police department in the country since Adams became mayor three years ago.
Adams, a former NYPD officer, is facing federal charges on bribery and campaign finance violations after the Justice Department indicted him in September.
The two previous NYPD commissioners, Edward Caban and Thomas Donlon, have been investigated as part of the probe into corruption in the Adams administration. Caban resigned from the role in September while Donlon will leave the role in the coming days.
Tisch is an heir to the Loews Corporation fortune and spent over a decade working for the NYPD, including as its deputy commissioner for information technology.
As sanitation commissioner, Tisch successfully led the mayor’s “Trash Revolution” initiative, getting more than 70% of the city’s trash placed into bins instead of in loose bags placed on city streets.
The New York City Police Benevolent Association, the largest union representing NYPD officers, signaled a willingness to work with Tisch when she assumes the role.
“We are critically understaffed, massively overworked and completely unsupported by a justice system and an oversight regime that care more about punishing cops than helping us get dangerous criminals off the streets. We hope to partner with Commissioner Tisch to make real progress on these issues as quickly as possible,” NYC PBA President Patrick Hendry said in a statement.
Tisch will officially assume the role of commissioner on Monday, Nov. 25.