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Convicted Felon with AR-15 Arrested After Threatening to ‘Shoot Up’ Atlanta Airport

Police in Atlanta arrested a 49-year-old convicted felon on Monday after he allegedly threatened to carry out a mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Authorities say the suspect, identified as Bill Joe Cagle, made violent threats over a FaceTime call before being taken into custody with a firearm.

According to law enforcement officials, Cagle reportedly called a family member on FaceTime and told them he intended to “shoot up” the airport. The family member alerted authorities, prompting a swift response from Atlanta police.

Investigators located Cagle at the airport, where he was arrested without incident. Officers later recovered an AR-15 rifle, or a similar type of firearm, from his vehicle, according to officials. Police said the incident was contained quickly and did not result in any injuries or disruption to airport operations.

At a press conference held Monday afternoon, Atlanta Police Department officials confirmed the arrest and stated that Cagle was already known to law enforcement. “We were familiar with Billy Cagle,” an Atlanta police spokesperson said.

The department described him as “mentally challenged” but emphasized that the case is being treated as a serious criminal threat.

Cagle now faces multiple charges, including making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Police confirmed that Cagle’s prior convictions made it illegal for him to possess any firearm.

Fox 5 Atlanta reported that authorities were first notified after Cagle’s family member contacted police about the disturbing call. Atlanta police quickly located the suspect and placed him under arrest at the airport.

Investigators are continuing to review the case and determine whether any additional charges will be filed. Federal authorities are also expected to review the incident due to the involvement of an airport and the nature of the threats.

Police stated that there was no active shooter situation and that operations at Hartsfield-Jackson — one of the busiest airports in the world — continued without major delays.

The department’s quick response and the tip from the suspect’s family likely prevented a potential tragedy. Atlanta police said additional updates would be provided as the investigation continues.

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‘No Kings’ Protester Caught on Camera Saying He’d Kill Stephen Miller

A protester at a “No Kings” rally in Seattle on Oct. 18 was recorded telling a reporter he wanted to kill White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, video posted online shows, prompting an FBI probe into the man’s statements.

Dozens of demonstrations against President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies took place nationwide on Oct. 18.

Journalist Brandi Kruse posted video of the Seattle protester being interviewed while holding a sign reading, “Would You Like To Kill Nazis [With] Me?” In the clip, Kruse asked, “Who are you gonna kill?” and the man replied, “Nazis.”

When Kruse followed up, “Who do you define as a Nazi?” the protester answered, “What do you mean?”

In a later exchange captured on camera, the protester identified a specific target when Kruse asked, “In this context, who is a Nazi?”

The man responded, “Stephen Miller is a Nazi.” Kruse then repeated, “You’re going to kill Stephen Miller,” and the protester replied, “If I had the chance, yeah, I would.”

Kruse reported afterward that the FBI was investigating the threats.

She also posted video showing another protester who said killing Miller would be “justifiable,” according to her posts.

The threats against Miller come amid an extended campaign of harassment against him and his family. Miller and his family were forced to move from their Arlington, Virginia, home after what has been described as a targeted harassment effort.

The campaign included messages painted on public sidewalks near the residence—phrases such as “Stephen Miller is destroying democracy,” “No white nationalism,” and “Trans rights are human rights”—and flyers that reportedly listed the family’s home address.

At the same “No Kings” protests, other videos circulated showing participants expressing violent sentiments toward political figures and federal officers.

In one video posted Saturday by The Maine Wire, a protester was recorded saying that for her birthday she wanted to wake up the next morning to read President Trump’s obituary.

When asked by the reporter, “You’re wishing that President Trump is dead?” the protester replied, “Yes. Absolutely.”

Separately, at a “No Kings” event in Chicago, a man standing in front of a banner for the Progressive Labor Party allegedly urged attendees to shoot U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

The man was recorded saying, “You gotta grab a gun, we gotta turn around the guns on this fascist system. These ICE agents gotta get shot and wiped out,” and added, “The same machinery that’s on full display right there has to get wiped out.”

Video originally posted to Instagram and later reposted on X by reporter Colin Rugg showed a Chicago protester making what appeared to be a “neck shot” gesture at counter-protesters who displayed a flag honoring Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

The article’s source material states that Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10 while debating college students at Utah Valley University.

The heightened rhetoric comes as ICE facilities in Chicago and Portland, Oregon, have been the scenes of repeated clashes tied to opposition against the agency’s enforcement operations targeting illegal immigration.

Some rioters in Chicago called for ICE agents to be arrested or shot during earlier incidents, according to video posted online.

In Texas, two people were killed in a Sept. 24 shooting at an ICE office in Dallas, including the gunman, who reportedly took his own life.

The prompt material also notes two earlier incidents where shots were fired at ICE or Border Patrol facilities in Texas since July 4, 2025; ten people were later charged with attempted murder in connection with one of those incidents.

Authorities have expressed concern about other suspicious activity near high-profile targets.

The FBI is investigating a hunting stand reportedly set up near Palm Beach International Airport that had a line of sight to areas where the President would board or deplane Air Force One.

The climate of threats and violent rhetoric reflected in videos from Oct. 18 is consistent with broader indicators of extremism and political violence cited by observers.

A survey released in April 2025 by Rutgers University and the Network Contagion Research Institute is cited in the material as finding that 56 percent of “left-of-center” respondents believed assassinating President Donald Trump would be at least partially justifiable; the White House survived two attempts on the President’s life during the 2024 presidential campaign, according to the source text.

Officials have not publicly detailed every investigative step being taken in response to the Oct. 18 footage, but the appearance of explicit threats against a senior White House official and the reported targeting and harassment of his family have prompted federal inquiries.

Journalists and local law enforcement have circulated the videos widely on social platforms, and the FBI’s involvement in the Seattle case illustrates federal interest when threats target government officials.

The Oct. 18 “No Kings” demonstrations were nationwide and included events in multiple major cities.

The incidents captured on camera and shared online have intensified debate about political rhetoric, protest conduct, and the measures law enforcement should take to protect public officials and private citizens amid an increasingly polarized political environment.

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Gavin Newsom Claims Trump ‘Failed Americans’ While California Struggles with Crime, Homelessness

California Governor Gavin Newsom reignited his political feud with President Donald Trump on Monday, accusing the administration of neglecting workers and weakening public safety amid an ongoing federal government shutdown, as reported by Newsmax.

The remarks came as California continues to face record homelessness, rising crime, and economic uncertainty.

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In two separate press releases, Newsom accused President Trump of “turning his back on workers” and cutting funding for “anti-hate” programs.

The governor’s office issued the statements to coincide with United Against Hate Week and the launch of updates to California’s unemployment benefits system.

“While the federal government tries to build division among neighbors, I’m proud of the people all across California who are joining together to stand united against hate,” Newsom said in his statement.

He highlighted hundreds of millions in state funding for community grants, security upgrades for religious organizations, and a state-run hotline called CA vs Hate, which logged roughly 1,200 reports in the past year.

Newsom’s office claimed the state is “filling the void” left by Washington.

Federal officials, however, noted that the Trump administration has maintained a range of civil rights and anti-crime initiatives through the Department of Justice.

Supporters of President Trump point to his focus on border security, job creation, and curbing inflation as evidence of effective national leadership — contrasting it with California’s worsening social and economic conditions.

Critics also say the governor’s focus on attacking Trump distracts from his own policy record. Under Newsom’s administration, California has reported some of the nation’s highest rates of homelessness, theft, and hate crimes despite heavy state spending on related programs.

In a second statement, Newsom tied his latest attacks to the ongoing federal shutdown, now entering its third week. He claimed the closure has hurt families and workers, while unveiling a new digital tool designed to modernize the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD).

Sacramento, CA – Sept 6, 2024: Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at a press conference discussing new emergency regulation on hemp products currently being sold in grocery stores.

The EDD has faced public criticism for widespread delays and billions in fraudulent payments during the pandemic.

“The Trump presidency has been a disaster by every measure,” Newsom said. “His policies have failed ordinary Americans — making life tougher for working people, small business owners, and families.”

Analysts view the statements as part of a broader effort by Newsom to elevate his national profile. His continued criticism of President Trump aligns with speculation about future political ambitions beyond Sacramento.

President Trump, when asked about the California governor in past remarks, described Newsom as “grossly incompetent.” The President’s supporters argue that Newsom’s latest statements are politically motivated and intended to shift attention away from California’s domestic problems.

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Westchester Inmate Smuggles Gun, Shoots Fellow Inmate Inside Police Transport Van

Authorities in Westchester County are investigating how a Bronx man accused of child sex crimes managed to bring a gun and drugs into a Mount Vernon police transport van and allegedly shoot another inmate while in custody, as reported by The New York Post.

According to court filings and police reports, 32-year-old Louis Soto is now facing new assault and weapons charges in addition to his original counts of sex abuse of a minor, burglary, and forcible touching.

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The bizarre incident unfolded Thursday while Soto was being transported with other prisoners to the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla.

Investigators are still working to determine how Soto managed to smuggle a handgun and cocaine into the vehicle. During the trip, officers reportedly heard a single gunshot from the rear of the van, immediately followed by a prisoner claiming he had been shot.

Mount Vernon Police Chief Marcel Olifiers confirmed the events in a statement to WABC Eyewitness News. “The officers reported hearing a single gunshot in the rear of the van followed by a prisoner stating that he had been shot,” Olifiers said.

“This is a very serious incident and we take this very seriously.”

The injured inmate, whose name has not been released, was struck in the leg and is expected to survive, according to investigators.

Two Mount Vernon police officers who were assigned to the transport detail have been placed on modified duty while the investigation continues. City officials have not released their names.

Soto, who had been arrested the previous day on the initial sex crime charges, was immediately taken into custody after the shooting. He is being held at the county jail pending arraignment on the new charges, which include assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

Mount Vernon officials have declined to comment further on the case.

However, law enforcement sources confirmed that the Mount Vernon Police Department is working with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office to determine how the firearm and drugs were brought into the secured vehicle.

The shooting has raised questions about security procedures during inmate transport and how weapons can pass through police custody checks.

The internal review is expected to focus on both the officers’ handling of the prisoners and the screening protocols used before the inmates were loaded into the van.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Kushner and Witkoff Reveal Trump’s Bold Plan to Disarm Hamas in Gaza

President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff offered new details Sunday on the administration’s multi-phase plan to disarm Hamas and establish stable leadership in Gaza following months of conflict.

Speaking on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Kushner and Witkoff explained how they developed the 20-point peace framework and outlined their next steps ahead of a scheduled trip to Israel on Monday.

The pair are key architects behind the Trump-led Israel-Hamas peace initiative, which aims to end Hamas’ military influence and rebuild the devastated region.

Kushner warned that the situation remains fragile and that Hamas could attempt to “try to reconstitute and take back their positions” amid the ongoing power vacuum.

“The success or failure of this will be if Israel and this international mechanism is able to create a viable alternative. If they are successful, Hamas will fail, and Gaza will not be a threat to Israel in the future,” Kushner said.

In recent days, Israel reported that Hamas militants fired on Israeli troops in Rafah, violating the cease-fire agreement.

The terror group has also carried out public executions of Palestinians accused of cooperating with Israel, heightening tensions across Gaza.

Hamas leaders have refused to agree to disarmament, posing a major challenge to the peace plan’s implementation.

To counter Hamas’ influence, Witkoff said the Trump administration is organizing a “weapons buy-back program” designed to incentivize militants to surrender their arms.

The goal, he said, is to prevent Hamas from regaining control of the Palestinian enclave and to create conditions for a transitional government.

Kushner added that efforts are underway to establish an interim governing body that would report directly to the Trump-chaired “Board of Peace,” a new international oversight committee that has yet to be formally created.

The board is expected to include “qualified Palestinians and international experts,” according to the plan.

When asked about Gaza’s long-term political future, Kushner said it remains “too early to tell” whether a democratic system could emerge, emphasizing that the immediate goal is to “make it functional” during the rebuilding phase.

He added that transparency will be central to the administration’s reconstruction strategy.

“You can’t replace a corrupt government with another corrupt government,” Kushner said.

“The reason why — again, and this is an impossible thing to do, but Steve and I and President Trump are always aiming to try and accomplish impossible but rational things. So the goal here is to set up a transparent, good government. This can be very, very difficult to do, but we’re in the very early phases of trying to accomplish that.”

Witkoff estimated the cost of rebuilding Gaza could exceed $50 billion, noting that financial backing is expected from Middle Eastern and European governments.

“You’ll see European participation and so forth. I think the beginning of this plan is how to get it going. And that’s what me and Jared work on all the time. The money raising, we think, is the easy part. We think that happens relatively quickly. But it’s the master plan, and we’re working with a group of people who have been working on master plans for the last two years,” Witkoff said.

Elements of the peace deal are already being implemented, including the recovery of Israeli hostages and the return of the remains of victims.

However, recent violence by Hamas has raised concerns about the durability of the cease-fire. Israel temporarily halted humanitarian aid deliveries Sunday and conducted airstrikes in response to Hamas attacks that killed several IDF soldiers over the weekend.

The Israeli military later stated that aid deliveries would resume Monday.

The U.S. State Department also issued a warning that Hamas was planning an attack “against Palestinian civilians.”

President Trump pledged “to go in and kill” members of the terrorist organization if any civilian lives were taken.

Asked whether American troops might be deployed to disarm Hamas, Witkoff called it “highly unlikely.”

Kushner followed by saying a firm “no,” clarifying that military intervention “was not the intent.”

Officials said the administration will take “appropriate measures” to safeguard civilians and maintain the cease-fire should new attacks occur.

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Houston Family Challenges Mayor’s Dismissal of Bayou Deaths as ‘Gaslighting’ Amid Serial Killer Fears

The family of 22-year-old Kenneth Cutting Jr. is demanding answers from Houston city leaders after his body was found in Buffalo Bayou in June, one of several recovered from the city’s waterways this year, as reported by Fox News.

Officials have downplayed talk of a possible serial killer, but relatives say Mayor John Whitmire’s explanations don’t add up.

Cutting vanished after a night out in downtown Houston on June 28, 2024. Surveillance footage showed him leaving Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar around 11:45 p.m., borrowing a stranger’s phone to call his own lost one, and then walking away while shouting at one of his companions.

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His father said Cutting later rejoined the group, which was driving east on Interstate 10 — the opposite direction from their home in Katy.

According to the family, his roommates told them he became agitated and demanded to get out of the car in a rough part of Houston. Days later, on July 1, police recovered his body about a mile and a half upstream from where he was last seen. He was identified through fingerprints.

The autopsy, performed by Dr. Edward Kilbane, listed both the cause and manner of death as undetermined. The report found no external injuries and no drugs or alcohol in Cutting’s system.

“This 22-year-old male, whose decomposing remains were recovered from a bayou, showed no apparent traumatic injuries, no serious natural disease and no commonly abused drugs in his tissues,” Kilbane wrote.

Cutting’s father, Kenneth Cutting Sr., said his son “didn’t fall into the bayou and drown,” adding that he was a capable swimmer. “Something happened to my son,” he told Fox News Digital.

The case has drawn attention amid a growing number of similar incidents. At least 16 bodies have been pulled from Houston’s bayous in 2025, according to police data.

Mayor Whitmire dismissed speculation of a serial killer during a news briefing last month, describing the deaths as “not a new phenomenon” and attributing many to “drugs, alcohol and homelessness.”

“Unfortunately the homeless, when they pass, often end up in the bayou,” Whitmire said.

Cutting’s cousin, Lauren Freeman, called the mayor’s remarks “gaslighting” and said they fail to explain the consistent pattern of young, otherwise healthy individuals found dead in similar conditions.

“All them people didn’t commit suicide or fall into the bayou accidentally and drown,” said Cutting Sr. “It’s ridiculous. There’s been so many of ’em in the last three years.”

Freeman also cited the case of 20-year-old University of Houston student Jade McKissic, who disappeared after leaving a bar on September 11 and was later found dead in Brays Bayou. Like Cutting, McKissic’s autopsy revealed no external injuries and no drugs.

Retired NYPD sergeant and Penn State professor Joseph Giacalone, who has followed the Houston cases, said each incident requires independent investigation.

“It may be a domestic issue, it also could be a suicide, but the homeless people have nothing to do with it,” he said. “So it was a reckless statement at best.”

The Cutting family continues to press for answers. “Maybe somebody from that bar that night heard or saw something that they would like to come forward with now,” Giacalone added. “You treat it like a homicide until proven otherwise.”

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Florida Mom at Center of Disney Cruise Investigation After Daughter’s Fall

Florida authorities have released new details surrounding the June 29 incident aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship, where a 5-year-old girl fell 50 feet into the ocean after being told by her mother to pose for a photo in front of an open porthole, as reported by The New York Post.

According to a report from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the child lost her balance and fell into the water at approximately 11:29 a.m. while the ship was returning to Florida from the Bahamas. Her father jumped into the ocean roughly 45 seconds later in an effort to save her.

Initial reports circulating online suggested that the father had lifted his daughter onto the railing before she slipped. However, police investigators confirmed that surveillance footage and witness statements indicated it was the girl’s mother who encouraged her to climb onto the railing to take a picture.

The report said the mother “offered for her daughter to take a picture in the porthole” and believed there was glass covering the opening.

“[The mom] assumed the porthole had a window or plexiglass, and she thought that [her daughter] would be caught by the glass, but instead, she kept falling,” the document stated.

Investigators found that the mother had taken several photos of her daughter in similar poses during the trip. “She provided me with a picture of [the girl] laying in a porthole with a window on it,” one deputy noted.

The mother reportedly captured multiple images during the accident sequence that, when viewed in succession, showed the child climbing up before falling backward into the water.

Detective Christopher Favitta, who examined the scene, rejected the mother’s later claim that Disney Cruise Line was responsible, writing that “upon looking at the window myself, as a prudent person, I immediately saw that the window was open to the air, and did not have a covering.”

He added, “This act, facilitated by [the mother], placed the child in a life-threatening situation.”

The father, who was walking about 10 feet ahead at the time, turned to see his daughter in the ocean and immediately ran to find help before jumping into the water.

Following the mayday call, ship personnel launched a rescue boat within three minutes, and both the father and daughter were pulled from the water by 11:50 a.m.

The child was evaluated by the ship’s medical staff and later transported with her father to Broward Health Medical Center. The girl escaped without injury, while her father received treatment for an undisclosed medical issue.

Authorities initially praised the father for his quick response and later issued a public clarification after false rumors suggested he was to blame.

Detective Favitta recommended criminal charges against the mother, but the Broward County State Attorney’s Office declined prosecution.

“While the defendant’s conduct is arguably negligent and irresponsible, it does not rise to the egregious level of conduct necessary to establish criminal culpable negligence,” Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly stated in a September 16 email.

The investigation has since been closed, with officials labeling the event an avoidable accident.

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Golf Icon Takes Swipe at Biden and ‘No Kings’ Protesters with Viral Tweet

Professional golfer Phil Mickelson weighed in on the “No Kings” protests that took place nationwide on Saturday, taking a swipe at both the demonstrators and Joe Biden in a message shared on X.

Mickelson, 55, used his account on the platform to comment on the wave of anti-Trump protests held across multiple cities, which organizers said were intended to oppose what they described as authoritarianism.

The six-time major champion, who has publicly supported President Donald Trump in the past, used the occasion to mock both the protesters and Biden’s handling of executive authority.

“On this special day as we all gather to fight against blanket auto pen pardons and executive orders, lawlessness, and stealing citizen’s resources for illegal non citizens, I believe it has worked!! That is no longer happening so great job everyone,” Mickelson wrote.

The message appeared to reference the controversy surrounding Biden’s reported use of an autopen to authorize pardons and sign executive actions while in office.

Biden’s reliance on the device drew criticism from lawmakers and commentators who said it reflected a lack of engagement in presidential duties.

Mickelson’s post also came after Biden’s departure from the 2024 presidential race, which ended amid declining approval ratings and growing discontent within his own party.

His decision to withdraw from contention left Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket through the final months of the election cycle.

Mickelson, who joined LIV Golf after a long career on the PGA Tour, has been outspoken about national and political issues in recent years.

His post on Saturday drew attention from both golf fans and political commentators who noted that it came during widespread demonstrations under the banner “No Kings.”

According to reports from Breitbart News and other outlets, the protests featured groups of anti-Trump demonstrators dressed in costumes and carrying signs with slogans opposing the current administration.

Protesters were seen wearing inflatable frog, cat, and dinosaur costumes while chanting against what they described as “authoritarian rule.”

The gatherings took place in several major U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles.

The “No Kings” demonstrations, coordinated by left-leaning groups, were promoted online as a statement against “executive overreach.”

The events occurred during the ongoing partial government shutdown that began October 1, after the Senate failed to pass a funding resolution.

Mickelson’s message quickly went viral among conservative commentators who praised the golfer’s willingness to speak publicly on political issues.

The post also sparked pushback from critics who accused him of mocking legitimate protest activity.

The veteran golfer did not issue a follow-up statement, and his representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

However, Mickelson’s public support for President Trump has been consistent.

He previously praised Trump’s approach to business and sports infrastructure, including the President’s role in developing golf resorts and hosting professional tournaments.

The “No Kings” protests were among several nationwide events organized in recent weeks by groups critical of Trump’s administration and Republican leadership in Congress.

Mickelson, a 45-time PGA Tour winner and one of golf’s most recognizable figures, remains active in LIV Golf competition and has frequently used his platform to discuss both the sport and national issues.

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Police Investigate Prince Andrew After Email About Virginia Giuffre Emerges

London’s Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Prince Andrew asked a protection officer to gather damaging information about Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused him of sexual abuse connected to Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by The New York Post.

A spokesperson for The Met confirmed to The Times of London that authorities are “aware of media reporting and are actively looking into the claims made.”

The allegations surfaced after reports that the prince, now stripped of his royal title as Duke of York, sent an email in 2011 to Queen Elizabeth II’s deputy press secretary, the late Ed Perkins.

In that message, Andrew reportedly stated he had provided Giuffre’s personal information — including her date of birth and Social Security number — to an on-duty personal protection officer for investigation.

According to The Times, the communication occurred roughly a decade after Giuffre claimed she was forced to have sex with Andrew during his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The email exchange also took place shortly before the release of a 2001 photo showing the prince with his arm around a then-17-year-old Giuffre, with Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell appearing in the background.

It remains unclear whether the officer carried out the request, but legal experts cited by The Times said the alleged action could represent “a breach of [Giuffre’s] right to privacy” and could carry “legal implications” for the prince.

Giuffre’s family disputed the claim that she had any criminal record, telling the Daily Mail that the emails reveal “the lengths to which those implicated try to discredit and defame survivors.” The family added, “The truth will surface and there will be no shadows in which they can hide.”

Giuffre, known as one of Epstein’s most prominent victims, died by suicide in April at age 41 after years of publicly accusing Prince Andrew of sexual assault when she was a minor.

She had filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew in 2021, and the case was settled in 2022 for a reported $12 million. At the time, Andrew denied the allegations, but Queen Elizabeth removed his military honors amid the fallout.

On Friday, Andrew announced he would no longer use his titles of Duke of York or Knight of the Order of the Garter.

“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first,” he said in a statement, noting that the decision was made after discussions with King Charles III and other family members.

The move came as royal aides reportedly sought to prevent Andrew’s ongoing controversies from overshadowing King Charles and Queen Camilla’s upcoming state visit to the Vatican — a historic event marking the first joint prayer between a British monarch and the pope since the Reformation.

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Trump Cuts All U.S. Foreign Aid to Colombia After President Petro Attacks Anti-Drug Strikes

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States would immediately end foreign aid to Colombia following remarks by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who accused the U.S. of committing “murder” during a recent military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel.

Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, saying that the Colombian government had engaged in what he called “a long term rip off of America.”

The decision follows escalating tensions between Washington and Bogotá over U.S. military operations targeting narcotics networks in the Caribbean and South America.

“President Gustavo Petro, of Colombia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Colombia,” Trump wrote.

“It has become the biggest business in Colombia, by far, and Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America. AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA.”

Trump continued, “The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc. Petro, a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won’t be done nicely. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The exchange came one day after Petro posted a statement on X criticizing the United States for conducting air and sea strikes on suspected narcotics traffickers.

In his post, Petro accused the U.S. of carrying out “murders” against Colombians after American intelligence identified a vessel believed to be transporting drugs northward.

On Sunday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a video showing the U.S. military strike that destroyed a boat with three suspected drug traffickers aboard.

According to Hegseth, intelligence linked the men to the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional, or ELN), a Marxist guerrilla and narcotics organization that has operated in Colombia for decades.

Hegseth said the strike was part of a continuing effort to target drug-smuggling routes and dismantle cartel-linked maritime networks in the Western Hemisphere.

The Trump administration has carried out a series of military actions against narcotics traffickers since early September.

On September 2, U.S. forces intercepted and sank a vessel carrying 11 members of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).

That operation was the first in what defense officials described as a new campaign aimed at curbing transnational drug networks and blocking their entry points into the United States.

The aggressive counter-narcotics strategy has faced pushback from Democrats and some members of the Senate, including Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who raised concerns about the scope of military engagement.

However, the Senate voted on October 8 to block an attempt to halt the strikes, allowing the operations to continue under the President’s directive.

President Trump’s decision to cut foreign aid to Colombia marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward one of its traditional allies in Latin America.

Colombia has received billions of dollars in U.S. assistance over the past two decades, primarily for counter-narcotics and security programs under initiatives such as Plan Colombia.

Trump also reminded the public that his administration took an aggressive approach to international drug enforcement from the outset.

Hours after taking office on January 20, 2025, he issued an executive order designating several major criminal networks—including Mexico’s drug cartels, Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, and El Salvador’s MS-13—as foreign terrorist organizations.

Officials said the designation allowed U.S. forces broader authority to target cartel-linked operations abroad and to classify their activities as acts of terrorism under federal law.

Neither the Colombian government nor the U.S. Department of State issued an immediate response to Trump’s announcement Sunday.

The suspension of aid takes effect immediately, with future bilateral cooperation expected to be reviewed in the coming weeks.


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