Calif. man shared planned attack with teen Wis. shooting suspect: FBI
The FBI detained a California man on Tuesday, Dec. 17, that officials said was plotting an attack during conversations with the 15-year-old girl suspected of committing a deadly school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. Police and FBI agents reportedly swarmed the home of 20-year-old Alexander Paffendorf in Carlsbad, California, on Tuesday to seize his guns and ammunition after a judge’s order under the state’s red flag law.
The court’s order came following allegations that Paffendorf was planning a mass shooting with Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, the suspected Wisconsin shooter.
Officials said, during the interview with FBI agents, that Paffendorf admitted that he told Rupnow he planned to arm himself with explosives and a gun in an attack on a government building.
The FBI did not provide further details on the pair’s communication. It’s also unclear if authorities arrested Paffendorf or if he faces any charges.
However, law enforcement said there is no current threat to the local community. Madison Police said Rupnow opened fire at a private Christian school on Monday, Dec. 16, killing a teacher and student and injuring six others.
Police found Rupnow’s body at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A motive for the shooting is still being investigated.
Over 2 million Nigerians kidnapped, more than 600,000 killed in one year: Report
A new report is shedding light on rampant violence in Nigeria. The findings from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show on Thursday, Dec. 19, that more than 2 million Nigerians were kidnapped and more than 600,000 were killed between May of last year and April of this year.
The report also notes that 7 out of 10 households in Nigeria reported murders to law enforcement and kidnapping victims paid out more than $1.4 billion in ransoms over the same time period.
The NBS said the killings and kidnappings are mostly from armed gangs in the northwest and north-central part of the country, while terrorism occurs largely in the northeast of the West African nation.
The news comes as security concerns continue to rise, and security forces are stretched thin as they try to rein in gang violence and terrorism. Security analyst Saheed Shehu says the latest number should be a wakeup call for the Nigerian government to take action now.
Nigerian defense authorities say they are making progress, saying two weeks ago, the military killed 8,000 terrorists and arrested 11,000 suspects, while rescuing 6,000 victims. However, Shehu says he is skeptical of those numbers given the recent findings in the NBS report.
Shehu said, “It does not balance with this report. So, something must be wrong somewhere.”
Quelling gang and terrorist activity has been a major challenge for Nigeria’s government. The country invested 12% of this year’s budget, or around $4 billion, to defense, the largest allocation to any department of government.
US releases Guantanamo Bay detainees as government works to close facility
The Department of Defense has released three detainees from Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. military prison in Cuba, after they spent several years in confinement. One is headed to Kenya while the other two will serve more time in a Malaysian prison for their roles in suspected terrorist attacks.
The two played a part in deadly bombings in Bali back in the early 2000s. The Malaysian detainees worked for the leader of an Al-Qaeda affiliate.
This week, the Pentagon announced Mohammed Farik bin Amin and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep pled guilty to conspiracy, intent to cause serious bodily injury and other charges in January 2024.
Those agreements include testimonies against Encep Nurjaman. U.S. prosecutors said Nurjaman ran the Southeast Asian terrorist organization behind the Bali bombings in 2002. The attack killed 202 people at two tourist spots, including 88 Australians and seven Americans.
U.S. officials said the two Malaysian men have been held at the Naval base in Cuba since 2006. Prosecutors approved the transfer to their home country.
“The Convening Authority approved sentences of confinement for approximately five years for each and recommended that both men be repatriated or transferred to a third-party sovereign nation to serve the remainder of the approved sentence,” a press release from the Department of Defense said.
The Pentagon Review Board also released another man back to Kenya. He was accused of belonging to Al-Qaeda’s eastern African branch. Although he was never charged, he was held at the detention facility for 17 years.
A total of 27 Guantanamo detainees remain imprisoned, and more than a dozen are eligible for transfer. Only two have been convicted and sentenced for crimes by the United States.
Under former President Barack Obama’s administration, the U.S. worked to reduce the population so the facility could eventually close. During his presidency, Guantanamo’s prison population went from 800 to 91.
Guantanamo Bay was originally established by President George W. Bush following the terror attacks of 9/11.
While in office, President Joe Biden announced plans to close the facility before leaving. But with those cleared for release still waiting for a country to take them in, the chances that the prison closes before Jan. 20 are dwindling.
Among those still being held in Guantánamo Bay are suspects accused of planning and carrying out the attacks on 9/11. That includes detainees whose evidence against them was obtained through torture while in the custody of the CIA.
Congressional leaders unveil a stopgap bill to fund the government until March. And a mega-merger between Nissan and Honda might be revving up. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024.
Congressional leaders unveil stopgap government funding bill
With just days left to prevent a shutdown, Congress unveiled a stopgap bill to keep the government funded into March. It’ll be down to the wire with the Dec. 20 deadline, as House leaders are supposed to wait 72 hours before bringing proposed legislation to the floor for a vote. This practice allows lawmakers time to review the bill.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday, Dec. 17, that he believes in adhering to the 72-hour rule, but with the deadline approaching so quickly that might not be feasible.
This new stopgap bill includes more than $100 billion in disaster aid, a one-year extension to the farm bill, $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers, a bill to renew expiring health care programs and a measure to restrict U.S. investments in China.
Right now, the government is funded through Friday by a different stopgap measure approved by lawmakers in September.
I am particularly proud that this bill advances some of my key priorities including strong proposals to help the United States out-compete the Chinese Communist Party. pic.twitter.com/k73axXhUl0
In a statement last night, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he’s “pleased these negotiations led to a bipartisan government funding agreement free of cuts and poison pills, while also securing Democratic priorities like millions for child care, workforce training and job placement, assistance for the key bridge rebuild, additional disaster relief funding and more.”
If approved, this new stopgap bill would keep the government open through March 14, after the GOP has gained control of both the House and Senate.
Luigi Mangione charged with first-degree murder as an act of terrorism
In a press conference Tuesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called the shooting outside a Manhattan hotel a “frightening, well-planned, targeted murder intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.”
Mangione faces 11 counts, including two second-degree murder charges. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole.
Mangione, who remains in a Pennsylvania prison, is set for two hearings on Thursday, Dec. 19. One for charges he faces in the Keystone State and another hearing for his extradition to New York.
Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said officers responded to reports of shots fired at around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday and found a vehicle lying on its side in flames. McCullough said it appears the car was involved in an incident that caused it to crash and catch on fire but did not say how that was related to the shooting.
“We know that there are some additional scenes that we’re investigating right now where other gunfire took place throughout the neighborhood,” McCullough said. “And that was evidenced by the multiple calls for service from the neighbors who were calling 911 about the gunshots in the community.”
McCullough said the incident was “intentional and targeted.” No arrests have been made in connection with this case.
Madison school shooting motive appears to be ‘combination of factors’: Police
Wisconsin authorities provided more information on Tuesday about the shooting inside a Christian school classroom that left three dead: a teacher, a student and the 15-year-old suspect.
In a press conference, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said the motive appears to be “a combination of factors.” Barnes added investigators are speaking with other students to see if bullying was one of those factors.
“Some have asked if people were specifically targeted,” Barnes said. “Everyone was targeted in this incident, and everyone was put in equal danger.”
Barnes said investigators are looking into the suspect’s social activity. Police identified the suspect as Natalie Rupnow and asked anyone who knew her to contact them.
Police said Rupnow opened fire Monday morning, Dec. 16, during a study hall full of students from multiple grade levels at Abundant Life Christian School. She struck several people before shooting herself. Six others were injured in the shooting and two remain in critical condition.
Nissan shares surge amid rumors of merger with Honda
Shares for Nissan surged following reports of potential merger talks with Honda. Both automotive giants released a statement to media confirming the whispers of a possible “business integration,” but not confirming any decisions set in stone yet.
The two have already collaborated on electric vehicles and battery technology, but the companies could benefit from deepening ties as both have seen challenges this year.
Nissan and Honda have seen dwindling sales in China, the world’s largest car market. Additionally, both automakers are navigating a slow shift to the electric vehicle market amid growing competition.
Talks of the potential merger saw Nissan shares notch their best day in more than 40 years with a 24% surge, though Honda saw a dip.
Some reports suggested the two will sign “a memorandum of understanding” on the potential deal soon. Mitsubishi is said to be a potential third player in the mix.
Tom Cruise receives Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award
Nearly 40 years after he first starred as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the film “Top Gun,” actor Tom Cruise was awarded the U.S. Navy’s top civilian honor on Tuesday.
“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said during the ceremony. “I know in life something that is very true to me is that is to lead is to serve, and I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women. I see that in you, and you understand that. And I appreciate everyone’s dedication. And it’s a true honor to represent them. And I’m just very proud.”
The Navy said the 62-year-old actor’s efforts in the film industry have increased public awareness and appreciation for its “highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”
As for what’s next for Cruise, his film “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” is set to be released in theaters in May.
US urges American citizens to leave Syria amid violence and terrorism
The United States urged Americans in Syria to leave the country on Monday, Dec. 16, after the fall of the Assad regime earlier this month. The U.S. government warned the situation in Syria has become “volatile” and “unpredictable” with acts of violence and “terrorism” in the aftermath of a bloody civil war.
The U.S. instructed citizens unable to get out to “be prepared to shelter in place” for long periods. Officials added the U.S. government can “not provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria.”
The United States also noted the U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in 2012 and advised American citizens to contact the “U.S. Embassy in the country they plan to enter.”
Dictator Bashar Assad’s rule ended just over a week ago. He has been reportedly granted asylum in Moscow after he was overthrown by Syrian rebels.
The warning to Americans also comes as a more widespread conflict plays out.
Israeli airstrikes targeting missile warehouses along Syria’s coast rocked the region on Monday in what officials called the “most violent strikes” in more than a decade.
While rebels control much of Syria, the territory remains divided among different militant groups backed by foreign countries, including the United States and Turkey.
‘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.
US fugitive on the run for more than 2 decades arrested in Wales
A U.S. fugitive on the FBI’s “Most Wanted Terrorist” list has been caught in the United Kingdom after more than two decades on the run. Authorities in Wales reportedly arrested Daniel Andreas San Diego on Monday, Nov. 25, in an operation involving Britain’s national intelligence agencies and the FBI.
San Diego, who is considered a domestic terrorist by the FBI, now awaits extradition to the United States. He was federally indicted in 2004 on two counts of destroying or attempting to destroy property with explosives and two counts of using a destructive device in a crime of violence.
The FBI accuses San Diego of openly promoting violence in the name of animal rights. The charges San Diego faces are in connection with a bomb blast at biotechnology company Chiron Inc. near Oakland, California, in 2003.
Investigators found a second bomb that they deactivated and believed was to target first responders. Law enforcement also accuses San Diego of planting a third bomb at another California business a month later.
No one was injured in any of the incidents.
The group Revolutionary Cells claimed responsibility for the attacks on a pro-animal rights website, saying that it targeted the companies because of alleged connections to Huntingdon Life Sciences, which has been condemned by animal rights activists over its use of animal testing.
Huntingdon Life Science was part of a merger in 2015 to form what is now Inotiv.
FBI Director Christopher Wray praised the arrest on Tuesday, Nov. 26, vowing that “No matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.”
Israel agrees to cease-fire with Lebanon, Biden responds to announcement
Israel has agreed to a cease-fire with Lebanon on Tuesday, Nov. 26. This deal puts a temporary end to a fight against Hezbollah that has killed thousands of people since the conflict was sparked by the war in Gaza in 2023.
President Joe Biden announced the cease-fire at the White House Rose Garden in response to the deal.
“I directed my team to work with the governments of Israel and Lebanon to forge a cease-fire to bring a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to a close,” Biden said.
The president added the development is “good news” and is hopeful the deal will lead to a permanent end to the conflict.
The 60-day truce is slated to take effect on Wednesday, Nov. 27. It follows a meeting of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, which met Tuesday, Nov. 26 to discuss the cease-fire deal.
The agreement requires Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon and Lebanon’s army to deploy to the region. Hezbollah would have to end its military presence from north of the Litani River.
Lebanon said it’s ready to have at least 5,000 troops deployed to the southern part of the country. Lebanese officials added the United States could help rebuild infrastructure destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.
Netanyahu demanded proper United Nations enforcement and oversight of the cease-fire and warns that it will show “zero tolerance” toward any violation of the cease-fire by Hezbollah.
Just hours before the announcement, Israel bombarded Beirut’s southern suburbs with strikes against 20 targets Israeli Defense Forces said were Hezbollah strongholds.
The military operations reportedly killed at least seven people and injured 37 other individuals. The strikes come as Hezbollah continued rocket fire into Israel.
Germany suggests ‘sabotage’ and ‘hybrid warfare’ in DHL plane crash
The search for answers into what caused a DHL cargo plane to crash is underway with investigators making a notable find. Lithuanian officials revealed on Tuesday, Nov. 26, that they recovered the black box from the wreckage, which may provide information on what led up to the fiery crash. Germany, where the jet departed from, raised concerns about potential “sabotage” or “hybrid warfare.”
The German chancellor is pushing for the cause of the crash to be “investigated closely” but refusing to “make an accusation until we can prove it.”
Meanwhile, Lithuanian officials say terrorism is being considered and acknowledged “an increasingly aggressive Russia” but cautioned against pointing fingers.
Officials also have stopped short of lumping the crash in with a separate investigation into incendiary devices that detonated in July at DHL logistics hubs in Germany and Britain.
The jet went down on the morning of Monday, Nov. 25, less than a mile from a runway at a Lithuanian international airport as it skidded into a residential area, killing one crew member.
Surveillance video from a nearby security camera captured the explosion as the plane was preparing to land.
Investigators note that the inspection of the crash site should be completed in about three days.
Lithuanian police and prosecutors have reportedly launched a “pre-trial’ investigation into the air disaster with the help of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. The agency says they will release the findings to the public once the investigators are done with their work.
No credible threats to Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade: Report
With Thanksgiving less than a week away, New Yorkers are gearing up for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The famous parade will feature 22 large character balloons, 34 floats, 11 marching bands, 28 performers and more than 10,000 participants.
Each year, the parade attracts millions of spectators lining the streets of New York City. That means it could be a target for foreign and domestic terrorists seeking to commit acts of violence.
However, law enforcement officials said there’s no “specific, actionable threat,” according to a report obtained by ABC News New York.
The document notes the most significant threat “stems from lone offenders and small groups of individuals seeking to commit acts of violence.”
One particular concern, law enforcement says, is vehicle ramming, in which a threat actor targets crowds of pedestrians. ABC News reports law enforcement plans to have trucks posted along the parade route as a precaution.
Last year, dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested for disrupting the parade when they attempted to glue their hands to the pavement. Police say the protesters were arrested and investigated for vandalism.
This year, the bulletin warns law enforcement remains concerned about malicious actors attempting to disrupt public safety, including blocking roads and key transportation hubs.