News

Justice Served as Teens Who Mowed Down Retired Cop Are Sentenced
News

Justice Served as Teens Who Mowed Down Retired Cop Are Sentenced

/

Two Las Vegas men who pleaded guilty to deliberately running down a retired California police chief with a stolen car have been sentenced to decades in prison, closing a case that shocked the community and highlighted the brutality of the crime, as reported by Fox News.

Jesus Ayala, now 20, and Jzamir Keys, now 18, learned their sentences this week after entering separate guilty pleas in October for the August 2023 killing of retired police chief Andreas “Andy” Probst.

Probst was visiting Las Vegas when he was struck and killed while riding his bicycle.

Ayala, who was 17 at the time of the crime and driving the vehicle, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

In addition, he received an extra sentence of two to 10 years for battery, according to The New York Post. Keys, who was 16 at the time and riding in the passenger seat, was sentenced to 18 years to life.

Clark County District Court Judge Jacqueline Bluth addressed the severity of the crime during sentencing.

“The Probsts not only have to live with the fact of him being killed in this manner,” Bluth said, according to KTNV.

“They had to have been shown what their family member went through, and that is a completely different level of pain. There is no excuse for what you two have done and the damage and pain you have caused.”

Members of Probst’s family addressed the court before sentencing. His son, Michael Probst, spoke about the lasting impact of the killing.

“I can’t help to think that maybe we wouldn’t be in this situation if the defendants had one parent like my father,” he said, according to KTNV.

“The moment I learned of his death, all I could do was scream and yell. It felt like my heart was just torn into pieces. Our family is forever changed, and the emotional trauma will forever haunt us.”

Probst’s daughter, Taylor, also spoke, focusing on milestones her father will never experience.

“He’ll never have the opportunity to walk his little girl down the aisle and give her away. He’ll never have the opportunity to hold his first grandchildren. And that’s because it was stolen from him,” she said, according to The New York Post.

Probst’s widow, Crystal, described the loss as devastating.

“Andy was stolen from me in an act so cruel, so deliberate that it not only shattered my heart, but the heart of everybody who loved him,” she said, according to KTNV.

“Losing him did not just break my heart; it broke the foundation of my life.”

Ayala and Keys declined to speak when given the opportunity to address the court.

The killing occurred on Aug. 14, 2023. Probst was riding his bicycle when he was struck from behind by a Hyundai Elantra.

Video of the incident showed the driver asking, “Ready?” before the passenger, who was recording on an iPhone, responded, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, hit his a**.”

The vehicle then veered into the bike lane, striking Probst and leaving him fatally injured on the side of the road.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said it became aware of the video on Aug. 29, 2023, after Keys allegedly shared it with friends on Instagram. Police said the suspects could be heard laughing as they fled the scene.

According to an incident report obtained by Fox News Digital, Ayala showed no remorse at the time of his arrest and bragged that he would receive a “slap on the wrist.”

Prosecutors also said Ayala and Keys had struck and injured a 72-year-old bicyclist earlier that same day, an incident the victim survived, before allegedly killing Probst.

Democrats’ Narrative on Trump Admin ‘Randomly Shooting Boats’ Sunk by One of Their Own
News

Democrats’ Narrative on Trump Admin ‘Randomly Shooting Boats’ Sunk by One of Their Own

/

Sen. John Fetterman addressed concerns about U.S. military operations near Venezuela during an exchange with broadcaster Chris Cuomo, rejecting claims circulating in the media that American forces are indiscriminately targeting boats in the region.

The discussion focused on recent reporting and commentary suggesting the United States could be sliding into a broader or prolonged military engagement involving Venezuela, particularly through naval or aerial strikes against vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking.

Cuomo asked Fetterman directly what information reassured him that the situation was not escalating into an extended conflict.

“What did you learn, Senator, that gave you any comfort that we’re not heading into some kind of extended military exercise around Venezuela or in Venezuela?” Cuomo asked.

Fetterman responded by describing what he characterized as a detailed and intelligence-driven operational process used by the U.S. military.

He said claims that the military is randomly attacking boats are inaccurate and not supported by the information he reviewed.

“Yeah, absolutely, I thought. I thought it was pretty, pretty comprehensive,” Fetterman said.

“And this, this idea, some things out in the media. It’s kind of putting out this that that the military is just picking off, you know, any boat that comes across. That’s just not true.”

Fetterman said U.S. forces rely on extensive intelligence before taking any kinetic action, including confirming the identities of individuals onboard and the nature of the cargo being transported.

“I mean, there’s extensive intelligence, and they know exactly who’s on that boat, and they know what’s actually on that boat right now,” he said.

He added that military commanders frequently choose not to engage even when vessels are under surveillance, reinforcing his claim that action is taken only when there is a high level of certainty.

“And it’s quite frequently they they decline to take it and to move on those things,” Fetterman said.

According to Fetterman, when strikes do occur, they are based on what he described as absolute confidence in the target’s involvement in criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking tied to Venezuelan networks.

“When they move on those kinetic kinds of strikes, you know, they have absolute confidence that who’s on it and what’s on it, and that’s exactly what it’s about,” he said.

Fetterman rejected suggestions that U.S. forces are acting recklessly or without clear authorization, stressing that the military does not conduct random attacks.

“They’re not just going around randomly, just shooting, shooting boats and those things,” he said.

“That’s just not the fact.”

WATCH:

AOC Scoffs at Classified Briefing, Labels Trump Boat Strikes ‘a Joke’
News

AOC Scoffs at Classified Briefing, Labels Trump Boat Strikes ‘a Joke’

/

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., sharply criticized a classified briefing provided to lawmakers Tuesday on the Trump administration’s policy of striking vessels linked to narcoterrorism, dismissing the session as inadequate and unserious, as reported by Fox News.

Ocasio-Cortez made the remarks after leaving the briefing on Capitol Hill, where members of Congress were briefed on the administration’s use of targeted strikes against boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking.

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 24: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks at an Earth Day Celebration in Astoria Park on April 24, 2021 in the Astoria neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

Video of her comments was shared on X by MeidasTouch Network senior digital editor Acyn Torabi, showing her speaking with Migrant Insider editor Pablo Manríquez.

“Oh, hell no. That was a joke,” Ocasio-Cortez said when asked about the briefing.

She went on to argue that the session failed to meet the standard of other intelligence briefings lawmakers have received.

“There was not a single piece of intelligence that was shared that even rises to the level of any other briefing that we’ve seen on Ukraine, China, anything,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

She added that it “was not a serious intelligence briefing. This was a communication of opinion.”

The congresswoman also suggested that the administration’s actions could require further congressional authorization.

She said if President Donald Trump’s “administration wants to go to war… they need to go get it from Congress. And if Republicans want to defend this argument that cocaine is a weapon, they can go vote on that. But… this is just conjecture at this point.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment following Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

The briefing addressed a controversial policy under which the Trump administration has authorized strikes against vessels accused of participating in narcoterrorism and large-scale drug trafficking.

Administration officials have argued that the policy is designed to disrupt transnational criminal networks that pose threats to U.S. security.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth participated in providing briefings to both Senate and House members on Tuesday, outlining the legal and intelligence framework supporting the strikes.

WASHINGTON – January 14 2025: Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense nominee, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Not all lawmakers shared Ocasio-Cortez’s assessment of the briefing. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., offered a markedly different view during an appearance Tuesday on the Fox News Channel.

Kennedy said his takeaways from the briefing were that the strikes “are legal” and “effective,” and that they are based on “exquisitely good” intelligence. He also said safeguards are in place to prevent harm to non-combatants.

“There are checks and balances to make sure innocent people who just happen to be in a boat are not hurt,” Kennedy said.

The contrasting reactions underscore ongoing divisions in Congress over the administration’s national security and counter-narcotics strategy.

Supporters of the policy argue it represents a decisive response to international drug trafficking operations tied to organized crime and violence, while critics have questioned both the scope of executive authority and the intelligence supporting the strikes.

The administration has maintained that the targeted operations are limited, lawful, and focused on disrupting criminal networks rather than engaging in broader military conflict. No formal vote in Congress has been taken specifically on the policy.

As debate continues, the classified briefings are expected to remain a point of contention between lawmakers who support the administration’s aggressive approach and those who argue for greater congressional oversight and authorization.

SUNY Plattsburgh Approves Furry Student Club as Campus Trend Grows
News

SUNY Plattsburgh Approves Furry Student Club as Campus Trend Grows

/

A student government at a New York public college has approved a new “furry” student club, adding to a growing list of similar organizations appearing on college campuses across the United States, as reported by The New York Post.

According to a report published Tuesday by The College Fix, the Student Association at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh voted 11–1 on Nov. 16 to grant provisional recognition to a club known as “Plattsfur.”

The decision makes SUNY Plattsburgh one of several U.S. universities to formally recognize a furry-focused student organization in recent years.

Furry fandom is a subculture centered on anthropomorphized animal characters.

Members often create a personalized animal persona, commonly referred to as a “fursona,” which they use for social interaction, art, writing, role-playing, and online engagement.

The International Anthropomorphic Research Project describes the furry community as including “fans, artists, writers, gamers, and role-players” who share an interest in anthropomorphic animal characters.

The group reports that more than 75 percent of people who identify as furries are under the age of 25, and nearly 60 percent say they are currently enrolled in college.

According to SUNY Plattsburgh’s campus newspaper Cardinal Points, Plattsfur was proposed as a social and creative outlet for students who identify with the subculture. The organization currently lists 17 members.

Plattsfur president Styx Williams, a junior anthropology major, told Cardinal Points that the group was designed to provide a welcoming environment for students with shared interests.

“We aim to not only have social dialogues, but also incorporate certain elements of crafts as well as arts, and not only teach methods, but also invite people to explore stuff that they may not have before,” Williams said.

Williams said the idea for the club grew organically among friends on campus.

“Originally, this started with a handful of us that were friends that kind of just found out that we’re all furries,” Williams said.

“We realized that there’s not really a club geared toward that on campus, and through reaching out to other people in different areas of campus, we found out that there are quite a few furries on campus.”

Since receiving provisional status, Plattsfur has hosted several events, including a coloring-page meet-and-greet and a campfire gathering, according to the club’s Instagram page.

SUNY Plattsburgh’s approval reflects a broader national trend. Over the past two academic years, multiple universities have either launched or formally recognized furry-related student organizations.

These include Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Maverick Furry Club; California Polytechnic State University’s Furry Club; MataFurs at California State University, Northridge; and UTK Furries at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

At the University of California, San Diego, the campus group Triton Tails is affiliated with the Anthropomorphic Animal Appreciation Association, a global network for university-based furry clubs.

Triton Tails reports that there are now more than 100 furry club chapters at universities worldwide.

The expansion of these clubs comes as colleges continue to broaden the range of student organizations eligible for recognition, funding, and access to campus facilities.

Provisional approval typically allows new clubs to recruit members and hold events while meeting additional requirements for full recognition.

SUNY Plattsburgh did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital regarding the approval of Plattsfur or the criteria used by the Student Association in granting provisional status.

Fani Willis Has A Complete Meltdown When Questioned About Payments to Nathan Wade
News

Fani Willis Has A Complete Meltdown When Questioned About Payments to Nathan Wade

/

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testified Wednesday before the Georgia Senate Special Committee on Investigations, where lawmakers questioned her about financial records and her past relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade in connection with the RICO case brought by her office against President Donald Trump, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Willis appeared after attempting to block subpoenas requiring her testimony before the state Senate committee.

The subpoenas were issued as part of a broader inquiry into her conduct, including her relationship with Wade and the financial arrangements surrounding his employment by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.

It has previously been established through court filings and testimony that Willis engaged in a romantic relationship with Wade, whom she hired in November 2021 to serve as a top prosecutor in the election-related RICO case.

Both Willis and Wade testified in court that their romantic relationship began in 2022, after his hiring.

However, subsequent filings contradicted those claims. Cell phone location data showed that Wade visited the Yeartie condominium where Willis was living before his November 2021 hiring.

Those records raised questions about the accuracy of their sworn testimony.

Additional court filings detailed Wade’s financial expenditures during the period in question. According to those records, Wade paid for luxury vacations taken with Willis, including trips to Napa Valley and a Caribbean cruise.

The filings further alleged that Wade used funds earned through his Fulton County contract to cover those expenses.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported:

“County records show that Wade, who has played a prominent role in the election interference case, has been paid nearly $654,000 in legal fees since January 2022. The DA authorizes his compensation.”

Financial documents presented in court also showed Wade purchased airline tickets for Willis, including flights to Miami and San Francisco.

Bank statements indicated Wade paid for hotels, air travel, a cruise, Uber rides, and flowers for Willis during the period of their relationship.

During Wednesday’s Senate hearing, Willis reacted sharply when investigators questioned her about documents detailing how much money Wade received and how those funds were spent.

At one point, Willis accused her critics of racial bias.

“Why don’t you investigate how many times they’ve called me the n word?” Willis said during the hearing.

Willis also forcefully defended Wade before the committee, raising her voice while addressing lawmakers and rejecting allegations that their relationship created conflicts of interest or ethical violations.

The Senate hearing comes after significant developments in the underlying RICO case. In November, the Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis and her entire office from prosecuting President Trump.

The court cited the appearance of impropriety stemming from Willis’s relationship with Wade and the financial entanglements connected to his role in the case.

The disqualification marked a major setback for the prosecution and followed months of litigation focused on whether Willis and Wade had been truthful under oath and whether taxpayer-funded payments created improper personal benefits.

The Georgia Senate Special Committee on Investigations continues to review evidence related to Willis’s conduct, including her testimony, financial disclosures, and communications.

Lawmakers have said the inquiry is focused on accountability, ethics, and the proper use of public funds.

Neither Willis nor her office has indicated whether additional legal challenges will be filed related to the Senate investigation. The committee has not announced when it expects to conclude its review.

John Bolton, Antifa, and Smartmatic All Hit in Rapid-Fire Indictments
News

John Bolton, Antifa, and Smartmatic All Hit in Rapid-Fire Indictments

/

Journalist John Solomon said a series of major indictments handed down within a short span of time signals what he described as a growing movement toward accountability inside the U.S. justice system, aligning with commitments made by President Donald Trump and senior officials in his administration.

Solomon made the remarks while outlining three separate indictments that emerged within roughly an hour, involving a former national security official, an election technology company, and an alleged Antifa cell accused of violence against federal law enforcement.

“Yesterday, we had the FBI director on the show, and he said to us, more accountability is coming. And he said it could come with Antifa. It could come with big public officials,” Solomon said.

“Well, tonight, three separate indictments have been unleashed in the last hour. Let me walk you through them.”

The first indictment, according to Solomon, involves former National Security Advisor John Bolton.

A grand jury charged Bolton with 18 federal felony counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified information after leaving government service.

“The first is a former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, 18 felonies accusing President Trump’s former National Security Advisor, the man who turned against the president, of mishandling classified information,” Solomon said.

Solomon stated that the indictment alleges Bolton sent thousands of pages of sensitive government material to relatives who lived in his home.

“1000s of pages the government alleges were sent by John Bolton to two relatives who lived in his home, giving secret information from his daily doings at the White House,” Solomon said.

According to Solomon, some of the materials were marked at the highest classification levels.

“Some of that information was classified. Other documents taken home or to his office were marked classified, highly sensitive, top secret at the compartmentalized levels,” he said.

Solomon described the case as unusually broad in scope.

“With the indictment says this is a very serious national security indictment, in fact, one of the most sweeping I’ve seen in a long time as a reporter,” Solomon said.

While that indictment was being unsealed, Solomon said a second grand jury action took place in Miami involving election technology company Smartmatic.

“Now, while that was going on, a separate grand jury in Miami indicted Smartmatic, the election computer company, the company that creates election machines,” Solomon said.

He said prosecutors accused the company of paying bribes to secure an overseas election contract.

“The government, the Trump and Justice Department, accused Smartmatic of paying a million dollars in bribes to win an election contract in the country of the Philippines,” Solomon said.

Solomon then turned to a third indictment involving alleged domestic extremism.

He said a grand jury in Dallas returned charges against multiple individuals described as members of Antifa.

“And if that doesn’t get you excited enough, or at least your head spinning. Remember just a few days ago, Democrats said there’s no Antifa, it’s just an idea. Well, a grand jury in Dallas disagrees,” Solomon said.

According to Solomon, the indictment alleges a coordinated and violent attack against a federal facility.

“Just about five minutes ago, a grand jury handed up an indictment saying that a cell of 11 Antifa members in North Texas were behind a very serious attack against an ice facility,” he said.

Solomon said the charging documents include detailed allegations involving weapons and threats to federal employees.

“There gripping details in this indictment about going for rifles and trying to create harm to the ice employees who were just doing their job arresting illegal aliens and transporting them,” he said.

Solomon stated the attack occurred in Fort Worth in July.

“This attack occurred back around in July in I believe it was Fort Worth, if I remember correctly,” he said.

Solomon concluded by linking the indictments to prior statements from administration officials and allies.

“So, three indictments in just a short period of time. Yes, accountability is beginning to come,” Solomon said.

“The sort of things that Kash Patel said yesterday, sort of things Pam Bondi has been talking about, the things that President Trump promised on the campaign trail coming to bear in the United States court system.”

WATCH:

Chuck Schumer Wrote the Law to Allow Trump to Blow Up Nacro-Terrorists Boats: Steve Gruber
News

Chuck Schumer Wrote the Law to Allow Trump to Blow Up Nacro-Terrorists Boats: Steve Gruber

/

Conservative commentator Steve Gruber sharply criticized Democrats over drug interdiction and fentanyl policy during recent remarks, arguing that political leaders are prioritizing the wrong concerns while overdose deaths continue to devastate communities across the country, including small towns in Michigan.

Gruber framed his comments around maritime drug enforcement and recent actions targeting drug vessels, saying Democratic opposition reflects misplaced sympathy.

“I clearly expect the President talking about Venezuela, about seizing the oil tankers 1.8 million barrels on the one that they took, the skipper value maybe $100 million but blowing the boats out of the water, the Democrats are on the wrong side of this stance,” Gruber said.

“There’s no question about they’re on the wrong side because they’re focused on the wrong victims.”

According to Gruber, Democrats focus on those transporting drugs rather than the communities harmed by them.

“They’re worried about who’s driving that boat, who’s in a boat full of drugs, and who’s getting blown up,” he said.

“But they don’t talk about are little places like Rapid River, Michigan.”

Gruber cited specific overdose figures to drive home his argument.

“335 people in Michigan supplement. It’s like God’s country. 335 people, five people in that in that little, tiny town, have died in the last year from fentanyl overdose in Grand Rapids,” he said.

He also referenced recent deaths in a major city. “They lost eight in a single month.”

“These are the real stories that the Democrats don’t seem to care about,” Gruber continued.

“They’re throwing their chips in with the drug dealers, the drug runners, human traffickers. Nobody buys that, not here, not anywhere.”

Gruber described the impact on families and said public patience has run out.

“Look when moms and dads are burying their sons and daughters, those are the real stories that impact America,” he said.

“And people are sick and tired of it. They want a real war on drugs. They want the poison to stop.”

He warned that overdose deaths are continuing at a rapid pace. “They don’t want 100,000 Americans to die from overdose as we sit here tonight,” Gruber said.

“As we sit here tonight, before the clock strikes midnight, 25 more Americans will be dead from fentanyl overdose. 25 more, and those funerals will happen. Those people will never see the new year of 2026.”

Gruber reiterated his view that Democrats are aligned against enforcement efforts. “The Democrats are on the wrong side of this,” he said.

During his remarks, Gruber singled out Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, calling him an exception among Democrats. “John Fetterman, the only honest Democrat,” Gruber said.

“I can’t believe we’re sitting here having that conversation.”

Gruber acknowledged past criticism of Fetterman but credited him for candor.

“John Fetterman, the guy, look, I was not a fan. I thought he was compromised. He had the stroke. He couldn’t speak, right?” Gruber said.

“He turns out to be the one guy you can count on from the Democrats, to at least be honest, he’s a Democrat, but he’ll tell you the truth.”

Gruber said Fetterman accurately described the legal basis for maritime drug interdiction following a classified briefing.

“He went into that classified intelligence briefing and came out, unlike other Democrats, and told the truth about what he had seen, why it’s legal,” Gruber said.

Gruber then cited federal law to support enforcement actions.

“Oh, and by the way, right here, this in front of me, this is the maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act of 1986 authored by a member of Congress in 1986 from the state of New York,” he said.

“His name: Chuck Schumer.”

According to Gruber, the law clearly authorizes the destruction of drug vessels. “He wrote the law that passed almost unanimously that makes it legal to blow drug boats out of the water,” Gruber said. “It happened in the 80s, a lot. In the 90s, a lot.”

Gruber concluded by pointing directly to Schumer’s role. “Go ahead, look it up, folks,” he said.

“Chuck Schumer the author of this bill that made what we’re doing with Venezuelan drug boats fully legal. We don’t need permission from the rest of the world. Chuck Schumer gave us that in 1986.”

WATCH:

Trump Announces Christmas Cash Payments for Troops Funded by Tariff Revenue
News

Trump Announces Christmas Cash Payments for Troops Funded by Tariff Revenue

/

President Donald Trump announced a new financial benefit for U.S. service members, unveiling what he called a “Warrior Dividend” that will provide a $1,776 payment to approximately 1.45 million members of the military.

The announcement was tied to what Trump described as strong federal revenues driven by tariffs and recently passed legislation.

Speaking publicly, President Trump said the payments are intended to honor the nation’s founding year and recognize the role of the military.

According to Trump, the checks are already being issued and are expected to arrive before Christmas.

“To be the largest tax refund season of all time because of tariffs, along with the just passed one big, beautiful bill,” Trump said.

“Tonight, I am also proud to announce that more than 1400 50,000 think of this, 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special we call warrior dividend before Christmas, a warrior dividend in honor of our nation’s founding in 1776 we are sending every soldier $1,776 think of that, and the checks are already on the way.”

Trump attributed the funding for the payments to higher-than-expected revenue tied to tariffs, as well as the impact of the newly enacted legislation.

He said the financial outcome exceeded initial expectations and allowed the administration to move forward with the payments.

“Nobody understood that one until about 30 minutes ago, we made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs, and the Bill helped us along,” Trump said.

The president framed the Warrior Dividend as a direct acknowledgment of military service, emphasizing that no group was more deserving of the benefit.

He congratulated service members and highlighted what he described as a dramatic turnaround in military recruitment.

“Nobody deserves it more than our military, and I say congratulations to everybody,” Trump said.

Trump contrasted current enlistment figures with those from the previous year, claiming a significant improvement.

He said recruitment numbers had reached record levels after experiencing what he described as some of the worst results in military history just one year earlier.

“And by the way, we now have record enlistment in our military, and last year, we had among the worst recruitment numbers in our military’s history,” Trump said. “What a difference a year makes.”

The announcement positioned the Warrior Dividend as both a symbolic and financial gesture, linking the $1,776 payment amount to the year 1776, when the United States declared independence.

Trump emphasized the historical reference as part of the rationale behind the program.

In addition to discussing the payments and recruitment figures, Trump suggested that his approach on a broader, unspecified issue set him apart from other political figures.

He said his actions were unprecedented compared to those of past leaders from both major parties.

“In addition, I’m doing what no politician of either party has ever done,” Trump said.

WATCH:

Queens Senior Begins Four-Year Sentence on Gun Charges After Justified Self-Defense Shooting
News

Queens Senior Begins Four-Year Sentence on Gun Charges After Justified Self-Defense Shooting

/

A 67-year-old retired doorman will begin serving a four-year prison sentence on January 14 following a Queens case that stemmed from a fatal self-defense shooting but ultimately resulted in criminal weapons possession charges, as reported by The New York Post.

Charles Foehner, a longtime New York City resident who later relocated to Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to owning unlicensed firearms after a May 2023 incident in the Kew Gardens neighborhood of Queens.

Although prosecutors determined the shooting itself was justified, the Queens District Attorney’s Office pursued charges related to firearms found in his possession.

According to court records and statements from authorities, the case originated in the early morning hours of May 2023, when Foehner went out to purchase cigarettes.

Crime in the area had increased following the opening of a now-closed hotel in 2017.

Foehner had previously complained publicly about conditions in the neighborhood, telling the New York Post in 2020, “This isn’t our nice little neighborhood anymore,” while describing open drug activity.

On the night of the incident, Foehner encountered Cody Gonzalez outside his building. Gonzalez, who had a criminal record dating back to 2004 and a documented history of mental illness, demanded a cigarette and Foehner’s phone. Surveillance footage captured the encounter.

“He kept coming closer, and clearly he was going to attack me,” Foehner said. He stated that he pointed his firearm at the ground, but Gonzalez continued approaching and motioned toward Foehner’s neck with an object. Foehner fired, killing Gonzalez.

“I didn’t want to hurt anyone. He left me no choice,” Foehner said.

Foehner immediately called 911 and cooperated with police. Prosecutors did not charge him in Gonzalez’s death, ruling the shooting justified.

However, a subsequent search revealed that Foehner owned approximately 26 firearms, only a few of which were licensed under New York law.

“Until that night, I never pointed a gun at anybody. I never had to. I’m not a gun bully…I don’t want power over anyone,” Foehner said. “I believe in the social contract.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office charged Foehner with criminal weapons possession. Facing the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted at trial, Foehner accepted a plea deal resulting in a four-year sentence.

Foehner’s attorney, Thomas Kenniff, who has also represented Daniel Penny, cited New York’s firearms laws as a central issue in the case.

Kenniff said those laws make it difficult for otherwise law-abiding citizens to legally possess firearms for self-defense.

The sentencing judge declined a request from prosecutors to remand Foehner to Rikers Island immediately and allowed him to remain free through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

As he prepares to report to prison, Foehner has expressed uncertainty about his future.

“I don’t know if he’s going to be here in three, four years when I get out,” he said, referring to friends and loved ones. “I might not come out.”

Foehner said he does not know where he will serve his sentence, but has begun preparing mentally for incarceration.

“Survive,” he said, when asked about his goal. He also said he has considered learning a trade or tutoring while incarcerated.

Foehner’s wife, Jenny Foehner-Speed, said the situation has been difficult for the family. “We’re just sad and devastated,” she said. “It’s hard to grasp.”

While incarcerated, Foehner’s Social Security benefits will be suspended. His wife was recently laid off from her job, and the couple has relied on fundraising to cover legal expenses.

Despite maintaining that the shooting was unavoidable, Foehner said he continues to struggle with the outcome. “Whatever the circumstances are, a guy is dead because of me,” he said.

“Maybe I should have taken the beating [that night], but who knows where the beating stops.”

Minnesota Disability Advocate Blasts Tim Walz During Emotional Fraud Rant
News

Minnesota Disability Advocate Blasts Tim Walz During Emotional Fraud Rant

/

Nathaniel Olson, a Minnesota disability advocate, appeared before the Fraud and Prevention Oversight Committee to raise concerns about what he described as widespread fraud affecting disabled residents across the state.

Olson told committee members that as many as 600,000 disabled people in Minnesota could be harmed, and he said the situation has created fear among families who rely on state systems for care and support.

In his remarks, Olson identified himself and explained why he was addressing the committee.

“Madam Chair. I’m Nathaniel M Olsen, a disability advocate for the state of Minnesota,” Olson said at the start of his testimony.

Olson said he had listened to commissioners and representatives from the Department of Human Services but remained focused on what he described as the scale and seriousness of the problem.

He told lawmakers that his primary concern was fraud occurring across the state and its potential impact on disabled individuals.

According to Olson, families have repeatedly contacted him to describe what they say is happening to their children and loved ones.

“I’ve heard the commissioners and the Department of Human Services, but the one thing that I’m freaking worried about is this freaking fraud that is happening over our state, where there’s 600,000 disability people in the state of Minnesota that could suffer,” Olson said.

During his testimony, Olson criticized Governor Tim Walz, accusing the administration of minimizing the problem and failing to take meaningful action.

Olson said he was troubled by public statements from the governor and expressed frustration with what he described as continued delays and assurances from state agencies.

“And sadly, it’s quite interesting that we have Governor Walz speaking in front of the state and saying that this fraud is nothing but the side, but my people are done suffering,” Olson said.

“We’re done with this fraud. We’re done with the Department of Human Services coming up here and saying, Oh, we’re going to figure this out. This has been too long.”

Olson told the committee that, in his view, the administration had prior knowledge that the fraud was coming.

He said families and parents had been contacting him for some time, describing fears about what they believed was happening within the system.

“The administration knew that this fraud was coming. I talked to families, parents. Everyone had been reaching out me and saying, Oh, this is what is happening to my child. This is what is happening to my child. We’re afraid,” Olson said.

He urged lawmakers and state leaders to set aside political differences and work together to stop the fraud.

Olson said the current situation has left families fearful and uncertain about the safety of their loved ones.

“We need to put aside this differences, and we need to come together and put a stop to this fraud,” Olson said.

Olson also accused Governor Walz of shifting blame rather than addressing the issue directly.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, acknowledges the crowd after delivering his acceptance speech during the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago.

He rejected any attempt to place responsibility elsewhere and said he did not believe those explanations were credible.

“Our governor is not doing anything to help us but sit here and decide he wants to blame Donald J ,The President of the United States, who has nothing to do with this,” Olson said.

“There is a time to hold our governor accountable, and I’m not seeing it.”

During his testimony, Olson spoke about his own family and said the situation has affected his personal decisions regarding his brother’s care.

He told the committee he fears what could happen if his brother were placed in an institutional care setting.

“This fraud is outrageous, and I’m very scared for my little brother if he goes into ICS home,” Olson said.

“But right now, he’s home with my parents, and he’s going to stay there.”

Olson said he sees himself as a voice for disabled individuals who are not present in the room and said he plans to continue advocating on their behalf.

“I’m going to keep fighting for these disability people, because none of them are right here, and I am their voice,” he said.

As his remarks continued, Olson expressed emotional frustration with what he said has happened to the state and called for an end to what he described as repeated excuses.

“It is time for us to say enough is enough. I’m done,” Olson said.

“And it makes me sad to see what’s happening to our state.”

Olson concluded his testimony by reflecting on Minnesota’s past and calling for change, linking the state’s future to addressing the fraud he described.

“This was a great state, it was, but all of this fraud that is coming around here, all these excuses that is happening needs to stop,” Olson said.

“Minnesota needs to become a great state again. Thank you and thank you guys for your guys’ hard work.”

WATCH:


Scroll to Top