Video shows Phoenix police Taser, punch deaf Black man with cerebral palsy
Newly released bodycam footage from the Phoenix Police Department revealed the violent arrest of a Black man who is deaf and has cerebral palsy. The footage from Aug. 19 shows two officers, Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue, punching and using a Taser on Tyron McAlpin.
Phoenix police say McAlpin was accused of punching another man at another location in an attempt to steal his bike.
Once Harris and Sue confronted McAplin, they said he took a “fighting stance.”
After a struggle, Harris and Sue took McAlpin to the ground and handcuffed him while lying face down.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office dropped the initial theft charges against McAlpin. He’s charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of resisting arrest, which multiple advocacy organizations are asking to be dropped.
The CEO of Disability Rights Arizona, J.J. Rico said the continued demands to comply were not being heard by McAlpin because he’s deaf. Harris and Sue claim they didn’t know about McAlpin being deaf or having cerebral palsy.
The Phoenix Police Department has been under scrutiny before with the U.S. Justice Department. It said the police department discriminated against minorities and used excessive force.
Harris and Sue have not been put on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
In a statement, the Phoenix Police Union urged the public not to jump to conclusions until all the evidence is reviewed.
UCLA security chief addresses protest management, heavy policing scrutinized
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is drawing criticism for how campus officials are handling safety issues following violent protests in 2024. Some are calling it a “militarized campus.”
In Spring 2024, protests broke out at UCLA over the Israel-Hamas war, which led to clashes between police and protesters. Officers took a down a pro-Palestinian encampment, which ended with students injured and dozens of arrests.
Since then, UCLA officials have been trying to buckle down on campus safety by beefing up security while working to balance protesters’ First Amendment rights.
Campus concerns
The main concern from people on campus is that there are too many police and security officers, which they say has created an uncomfortable environment.
A student told the Los Angeles Times it is “complete overkill.”
A faculty member said the presence of officers ramped up tensions and increased the potential for racial profiling. Another faculty member said she was shocked to count 14 officers on a half-mile walk through campus.
Making improvements
In May 2024, the school hired Rick Braziel, a former Sacramento police chief, to be head of security. He revealed his strategy to make improvements which includes hiring outside consultants to do a deep dive of security staffing levels, revamping their protest response plan, adding more training and hiring a communications specialist.
Braziel also said he is working to strengthen relationships with other law enforcement agencies and he hopes to create a civilian safety staff that’s modeled after community policing.
While Braziel agrees that a large police presence on campus can cause issues itself, he said they must be prepared.
Recent protest
On Monday, Oct. 7, UCLA students gathered on campus to mark one year since the start of the Israel-Hama war. Braziel said he and his team deployed all campus police officers and brought in officers from other departments to be on standby. He said he kept most officers out of sight inside buildings to intervene if needed.
“If you dress for a riot, you’re going to get a riot,” Braziel told the Los Angeles Times. “The visual is super important to the response you’re going to get.”
While there were some tense moments, police determined protesters were not breaking any laws. The night ended without any arrests.
Haitian gang massacre kills at least 70 people including 3 infants
A Haitian gang massacre killed at least 70 people including three infants and 10 women, and injured at least 16 others on Thursday, Oct. 3. The United Nations said members of the Gran Grif Gang raided a farming community north of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, and opened fire on its residents.
U.N. officials reported that the gang members set fires to dozens of houses and vehicles as people ran for safety. The rampage eventually ended in a gunfight with police as two gang members were injured and as people fled the town toward a coastal city.
The leader of the Gran Grif gang claimed the killings were retribution for residents remaining passive while his soldiers were killed by police or vigilantes. Another gang leader said the attack is part of a plan to stop the town from supplying food to the country.
The community is a major rice producer in a nation facing a growing hunger crisis. Some of the main roads in Haiti go through the town and it’s been a source of revenue for gangs, who are reportedly responsible for a rash of kidnappings and ambushes along the roads. From 2022 to 2023, crime data shows the area has seen nearly 1,700 people killed, injured or kidnapped by gangs.
The outbreak of violence puts more strain on a recommitted, yet limited Kenyan-led International Security Force approved by the U.N. meant to quell gang activity in the country. Officers from the force were reportedly deployed to the farming community. However, the force’s mission is based in Haiti’s capital and does not have a permanent presence in rural areas.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Haitians have reportedly fled their homes over the past three years as gang violence has spiked.
Three ex-officers found guilty of witness tampering in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols
A federal jury convicted three former Memphis police officers in the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols Thursday, but they were acquitted of the most serious charges. The jury found Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith guilty of witness tampering for covering up the attack. Haley was also convicted of violating Nichols’ civil rights.
Nichols died three days after the officers brutally beat him following a traffic stop. The officers now face up to 20 years in prison for the witness tampering convictions while Haley’s civil rights violation conviction carries up to 10 years. Sentencing is pending with a hearing scheduled to determine whether they will remain in custody.
The case has triggered federal investigations into Memphis police practices, and Nichols’ family has filed a $550 million lawsuit against the city and its police department.
In a statement, the assistant U.S. attorney who oversees the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “Tyre Nichols should be alive today.”
The strike is over for now, as thousands of dockworkers return to their jobs after a tentative agreement to raise their pay. And why after more than three decades in prison , the Menendez brothers — infamous for killing their parents — might have their case reviewed and the factor it all hinges on. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
Tens of thousands of U.S. dockworkers are getting back on the job after two days of a strike that clogged dozens of East and Gulf coast ports. The historic labor action, which threatened to drive inflation back up, is now on hold until at least January 15.
Thursday night, Oct. 3, members of the International Longshoremen’s Association struck a tentative deal with the U.S. Maritime Alliance over pay. The agreement will increase workers’ wages by 62% over the span of six years.
The agreement is an increase over the Maritime Alliance’s offer of 50% earlier this week, but a compromise for the ILA, which has called for a 77% increase in wages over the same time period.
The new deal would bring hourly pay for top dockworkers to $63 per hour by the end of the deal, compared to $39 an hour under the most recently expired contract.
Dockworkers had also been calling for a total ban on automation, but no deal was reached on that. Sources close to the matter have said that will be the main topic of negotiations between now and Jan. 15.
I applaud the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance for coming together to reopen the East Coast and Gulf ports and ensure the availability of critical supplies for Hurricane Helene recovery and rebuilding.
More Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut
Powerful blasts rocked Beirut Thursday night into Friday morning, Oct. 4, as Israel unleashed some of its heaviest strikes on the Lebanese capital city yet. This comes as Iran’s foreign minister is in Beirut meeting with Lebanese officials over the expanding conflict between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Thursday, Israel ordered more evacuations for villages in southern Lebanon, potentially signaling plans to broaden the ground invasion there. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state-run news agency said an Israeli strike took out the main highway between Lebanon and Syria, which tens of thousands of people have used over the past two weeks to flee the escalating fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
🔴Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, the Commander of Hezbollah’s Communications Unit, during a precise, intelligence-based strike in Beirut yesterday.
Sakafi was a senior Hezbollah terrorist, who was responsible for the communications unit since 2000. Sakafi invested significant efforts… pic.twitter.com/PH65nh5FLI
The Israeli military also said it killed another top Hezbollah militant, Mohammed Anisi, in a recent strike on Beirut. Hezbollah has not yet confirmed that claim.
Three ex-officers found guilty in Tyre Nichols beating death
A federal jury convicted three former Memphis police officers in the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols Thursday, but they were acquitted of the most serious charges. The jury found Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith guilty of witness tampering for covering up the attack. Haley was also convicted of violating Nichols’ civil rights.
Nichols died three days after the officers brutally beat him following a traffic stop. The officers now face up to 20 years in prison for the witness tampering convictions while Haley’s civil rights violation conviction carries up to 10 years. Sentencing is pending with a hearing scheduled to determine whether they will remain in custody.
The case has triggered federal investigations into Memphis police practices, and Nichols’ family has filed a $550 million lawsuit against the city and its police department.
In a statement, the assistant U.S. attorney who oversees the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “Tyre Nichols should be alive today.”
35 years later, Menendez brothers’ case under review following claims of parental abuse
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced his office will review the convictions of Erik and Lyle Menendez, nearly 35 years after they were imprisoned for killing their parents in 1989. New evidence, including a letter from Erik Menendez alleging sexual abuse by their father, prompted the reexamination.
Gascón stressed that while the brothers’ guilt is not being contested, the new evidence and changing views on sexual abuse require a review. The attorney for the Menendez brothers argues they’ve been rehabilitated and is seeking a re-sentencing.
A hearing on Nov. 29 will determine the next steps, which could include a new trial or an adjusted sentence.
Country star Garth Brooks accused of rape
A former employee has come forward accusing country music superstar Garth Brooks of sexual assault and battery. In a the lawsuit, the woman said she worked as his hair and makeup artist.
The lawsuit alleges in 2019, Brooks raped the woman during a work trip in Los Angeles.
Before this lawsuit was made public, CNN reported an anonymous celebrity plaintiff — now identified as Brooks — had tried to block the woman from suing and denied the claims.
In a statement released to the media, Brooks said, “For the last two months, I have been hassled to no end with threats, lies, and tragic tales of what my future would be if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars.”
If there was ever a night that I really needed this, TONIGHT was that night! Thank you for my life!!!!! love, g pic.twitter.com/q6FFLrJO0a
He went on to say, “Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money. In my mind, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable of—ugly acts no human should ever do to another. We filed suit against this person nearly a month ago to speak out against extortion and defamation of character. We filed it anonymously for the sake of families on both sides.”
Category 4 Hurricane Kirk strengthens, expected to stay offshore
Hurricane Kirk, a powerful Category 4 storm, is churning in the Atlantic, with forecasters warning of dangerous swells that could impact the U.S. east coast, Bermuda, the Greater Antilles, and the Bahamas by this weekend. Though the hurricane is expected to remain far from land, its waves might cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.
NEW: #Kirk is now a major #hurricane with 125mph sustained winds and will strengthen to *near Category 5 strength* over the next couple of days. Certainly thankful it will remain out to sea and no threat to land! #HurricaneKirk#weatherpic.twitter.com/frSGbEgtFe
As Kirk strengthens, Tropical Storm Leslie has also formed in the Atlantic but poses no immediate threat to land.
Meanwhile, the southeast is still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which left more than 200 people dead and caused catastrophic damage. Rescue efforts continue as many residents remain without water, power and communication services.
President Joe Biden has visited the region to survey the devastation, pledging federal aid for debris removal and recovery efforts in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Jury deliberating in trial over beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis by police
After months in a federal trial, a jury is now deliberating the fate of three former Memphis police officers. Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith were fired from the Memphis Police Department after Tyre Nichols was beaten on Jan. 7, 2023.
The 29-year-old died days later from head injuries, according to an autopsy and a report from CNN. All three former officers pleaded not guilty to charges of excessive force, failure to intervene and obstructing justice through witness tampering.
Two other officers involved, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., struck a deal with prosecutors and pled guilty to depriving Nichols of his civil rights. In exchange, they testified for the prosecution.
In the courtroom, prosecutors accused the three former officers of wanting to punish Nichols for running from a traffic stop. The defense argued that Nichols had ignored officers’ commands and that the three followed the department’s protocol.
Video played during the trial shows officers using pepper spray and a Taser on Nichols. It also shows them punching and kicking him as he called out for his mother. He was less than a block away from his home.
All five officers have also been charged in state court, though a trial date has not yet been set.
Former Houston officer convicted of murder in 2019 deadly drug raid
Former Houston police officer Gerald Goines has been convicted of murder for his role in a deadly 2019 no-knock drug raid that resulted in the deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. Goines falsified an affidavit to justify the raid, falsely claiming he had purchased heroin from the couple’s home.
Tuttle, a Navy veteran, fired at officers, believing he was defending his home from criminals. The resulting shootout killed both Tuttle and Nicholas. Prosecutors argued that Goines’ lies directly caused their deaths, with no significant drugs found at the scene. Goines faces life in prison and federal civil rights charges for his role in falsifying the search warrant.
Initially praised by the Houston Police Department, Goines’ role in the raid has since sparked outrage. The trial highlighted the dangers of no-knock raids and prompted widespread scrutiny of law enforcement practices in Houston. This case has reignited debate over the use of aggressive police tactics and the reliability of search warrant affidavits.
In addition to the murder conviction, Goines now faces federal charges for civil rights violations due to the falsified search warrant. The sentencing phase has begun, and he could face life in prison.
Philadelphia police cracking down on illegal street racing after chaotic meetups
Illegal car meetups erupted across Philadelphia over the weekend of Sept. 21, turning several neighborhoods into chaotic scenes filled with street racing, fireworks and reckless driving. The gatherings prompted a strong response from local law enforcement as crowds swarmed streets in Center City, South Philadelphia, and near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
According to reports, hundreds of individuals participated in the meetups, blocking intersections as cars spun out in impromptu street races.
Fireworks were set off, further escalating the disorder and forcing police to intervene.
The Philadelphia Police Department deployed officers to disperse the crowds, but they were met with resistance. Several police vehicles sustained damage, including shattered windshields and flattened tires.
One officer was injured in a car crash while responding to the events and is now in stable condition, according to authorities.
No arrests have been made at this time, but investigations into the illegal activities are ongoing. Law enforcement officials are committed to cracking down on street racing and similar illegal gatherings, which they say pose a significant risk to public safety.
Police are asking anyone with information to come forward as they continue their investigation.
Idaho coffee shop owner awarded $4 million in pro-police flag lawsuit
An Idaho coffee shop owner won her case against Boise State University administrators after being pressured to move off campus for displaying a pro-police flag. A jury delivered the verdict Friday, Sept. 13, awarding Sarah Jo Fendley $4 million.
Fendley, who owns Big City Coffee, filed a $10 million tort claim against the university in 2021 after it terminated her contract. Fendley said her business was removed from campus because she displayed a “thin blue line” flag during the George Floyd protests in 2020. Fendley said the closure was a violation of her First Amendment rights.
The jury awarded Fendley $3 million in damages for business losses, mental and emotional distress, personal humiliation and lost reputation. The jury also awarded another $1 million in punitive damages.
The BSU administrators involved in the lawsuit said they plan to appeal the decision to Idaho’s Supreme Court.
Oracle’s Larry Ellison sees AI supervision keeping citizens on ‘best behavior’
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison recently predicted that AI-powered surveillance will become an integral part of daily life. During a Q&A session at Oracle’s Financial Analyst Meeting, Ellison said AI would play a major role in monitoring society through a vast network of interconnected cameras. This system would include security cameras, police body cams and vehicle dashcams.
“Citizens will be on their best behavior, because we’re constantly recording and reporting everything that’s going on,” Ellison said, envisioning a future where AI analyzes real-time data from this network to prevent crime and influence public behavior for a safer society.
Ellison’s proposal, however, raises privacy concerns. Critics argue that widespread surveillance could infringe on personal freedoms, creating a “surveillance state.” Proponents, on the other hand, suggest that such systems could help solve crimes faster and provide transparency in law enforcement, particularly in cases of excessive force.
“We’re going to have supervision. Every police officer’s going to be supervised at all times,” Ellison said, emphasizing AI’s potential to oversee law enforcement activities.
Ellison’s vision highlights a growing trend among tech companies to use AI for societal influence, which could reshape public life in the coming years.
