News

U.S. Warrior Killed Handling Iranian Drone Ordnance in Northern Iraq
News

U.S. Warrior Killed Handling Iranian Drone Ordnance in Northern Iraq

/

A U.S. service member was killed in northern Iraq while performing one of the most dangerous jobs in the world—disarming unexploded ordnance.

U.S. Central Command confirmed that the incident occurred during a controlled detonation operation involving remnants of an Iranian one-way attack drone that had gone down in the region.

The service member, whose name has not yet been released, was part of an ordnance disposal team neutralizing post-strike hazards left by Iranian-made weapons.

This was not a battlefield firefight or a political soundbite—it was a reminder that America’s warriors face lethal risks even after the fight ends.

They do their job quietly, without fanfare, making sure no one else dies from the tools of Tehran’s terror machine.

U.S. Central Command issued a statement Sunday confirming the death and providing limited details while respecting notification protocols for next of kin. The American was killed “during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance” from the Iranian drone.

The command withheld identity information for 24 hours pending completion of family notifications.

The death marks another bitter blow in a week already marred by blood loss. Just one day earlier, two other U.S. service members were killed in Jordan when Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeted American and coalition forces.

Four more troops were injured and medically evacuated, though they have since been released from hospitals and returned to duty, according to the command.

CENTCOM initially reported one additional service member as missing after that same Iranian onslaught.

However, on Sunday the military confirmed that “unidentified remains” were discovered during search efforts, and those remains are now under examination to confirm the identity.

The military did not immediately release the specific location of the Iraq incident, citing operational security. Yet it’s clear that America’s footprint in the region continues to come under increasing threat from Iran-backed militias and Tehran’s direct strikes.

Despite repeated White House attempts to play down the scope of conflict, the facts are unambiguous: the war with Iran’s military proxies is claiming more American lives, and it’s escalating.

According to U.S. Central Command, the number of American troops killed in the ongoing Iran conflict has now reached 18 since fighting intensified early this year.

More than 400 have been wounded in the campaign that began on February 28, making it one of the most active periods of combat engagement for U.S. forces in the region in years.

Among the fallen this year was Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, the commanding officer of the Navy’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5.

He lost his life in July when his MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter went down in the Arabian Sea during operations supporting U.S. maritime missions. Three sailors were rescued from that crash, one of many sacrifices buried beneath headlines dominated by domestic political theater.

Each of these losses underscores that America’s global commitments remain dangerous and that the threats facing our troops are deadly serious.

Iran’s strategy of proxy warfare, coupled with its direct drone and missile attacks, has created a new phase of the Middle East war—one where official “peace time” rhetoric masks a nonstop firefight for survival.

While liberal politicians focus on climate summits and campus protests, real American men and women are still walking into harm’s way daily under the shadow of Iranian aggression. The Pentagon establishment might call it “operations tempo,” but for those on the ground it’s life and death.

Our troops are dying not because they lack courage—that’s never been in question—but because they’re being constrained by policies that won’t allow them to fight to win.

President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have repeatedly made it clear that peace through strength requires strength first, not muddled rules of engagement and diplomatic handwringing.

The continued use of Iranian drones and precision munitions against American forces reveals exactly why deterrence cannot be achieved through appeasement. Iran is not bluffing, and the recent fatal explosion in northern Iraq proves it again. The Islamic Republic is testing America’s response time, its chain of command, and its willpower.

Every time a U.S. warrior falls while handling the deadly leftovers of Iranian aggression, it’s a call for America to stop absorbing losses and start delivering consequences.

Controlled detonations may neutralize a single shell or bomb, but they cannot neutralize the ideology behind the weapon. That challenge demands clear leadership and decisive military resolve.

As America mourns another fallen service member, it’s also time the country reaffirms its priorities. Our enemies abroad have never stopped fighting—and they count on America’s political divisions to keep us weak.

The men and women in uniform deserve a War Department willing to strike back, not one that buries them in bureaucratic caution.

The quiet courage of those who serve behind the explosions deserves better recognition than another news cycle’s passing mention.

The mission is ongoing. And for those who still wear the uniform in Iraq, Jordan, and beyond, the price of vigilance remains heartbreakingly high.

Army Activates New PSYOP Company Targeting Africa’s Information Battlefield
News

Army Activates New PSYOP Company Targeting Africa’s Information Battlefield

/

The United States Army has stood up a brand-new psychological operations company designed specifically to operate across Africa, signaling a full shift toward information dominance rather than direct combat engagement on the continent.

On July 15, the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) activated Delta Company, 7th Psychological Operations Battalion, under U.S. Africa Command.

Known as “Drongo Company,” the unit will be deployed to shape perceptions, influence adversaries, and support contingency operations across the vast and volatile African region.

The move represents another step in the Army’s mission to modernize warfare for the twenty-first century—fighting not just on the ground but in the cognitive space.

Capt. Richard Koch, the first commander of the newly formed outfit, told his troops at Fort Bragg that the task ahead is nothing short of foundational. “Starting today, we begin the hard work of building this company from the ground up,” Koch said.

“We’re building a team that will be ready to operate and win in any environment. The legacy begins today.” His words set the tone for a mission that leans heavily on persuasion, deception, and precision storytelling rather than bullets and bombs.

Drongo Company takes its name from a small yet cunning African bird known for mimicking the calls of other species to deceive predators and rivals alike.

In the same spirit, Army psychological operators act as the unseen hand in complex environments, using information, influence, and manipulation to disrupt enemy narratives and bolster American strategic interests. It’s a form of warfare that relies on wits as much as willpower—and it’s becoming a central pillar of today’s military doctrine.

The 7th Psychological Operations Battalion, formed in 2011 and based at Fort Bragg, falls under the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

It was once connected to the 4th Psychological Operations Group, famous for its unnervingly surreal recruiting videos, but it now focuses directly on operational influence and messaging in high-stakes regions. In the war of words and minds, PSYOP soldiers are America’s front-line communicators.

The Army’s larger information warfare transformation has been years in the making. As cyber and digital propaganda threats explode worldwide, the War Department has been reshaping its special operations elements, cutting outdated formations and replacing them with agile, purpose-built psychological and information units like Delta Company.

These organizations are trained not just to broadcast American messages but to counteract enemy misinformation, disinformation, and online manipulation that threaten global U.S. interests.

While U.S. kinetic operations in Africa have scaled back, psychological and partnership operations have ramped up. The Pentagon’s strategy has evolved from striking targets to strengthening allied capabilities across Africa.

The United States still conducts selective drone strikes, especially in Somalia against ISIS-linked and al-Shabab militants, but the focus has moved toward training, coordination, and influence operations that help local militaries hold their ground against insurgent groups.

Earlier this year, American forces withdrew several combat elements from various African nations, including closing drone bases in Niger and scaling back presence in Nigeria after missions there ended in early July.

At the same time, Africa Command has been working to expand cooperative frameworks such as a new drone training academy in Morocco, emphasizing capacity building and sustainability among friendly nations.

Gen. Dagvin Anderson, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, has made it clear that the strategy involves smarter, not heavier, engagement.

Rather than stationing large formations abroad, the United States is opting for focused influence and intelligence sharing—operations where psychological experts like Drongo Company play a critical role. This reflects a modern approach to warfare that leverages communication, technology, and targeted messaging to achieve strategic outcomes.

In many ways, this pivot represents the type of warfighting mindset that President Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth have emphasized: leaner forces, stronger partnerships, and dominance in the information battlespace.

The old model of endless boots-on-the-ground interventions is being replaced by agile operations that can shape outcomes without committing thousands of troops indefinitely.

The activation of Drongo Company is one more layer in a growing network of American soft-power projection through military precision. Influence operations, when executed effectively, can win conflicts before they ever become kinetic.

That philosophy underlies the new doctrine emerging across the War Department—a doctrine focused on controlling the narrative and protecting American interests far from U.S. shores.

As America recalibrates its footprint on the African continent, the arrival of this new PSYOP unit ensures that information agility and strategic deception remain core to U.S. dominance.

While some critics may dismiss these moves as obscure or theoretical, those inside the special operations community recognize what’s really happening: the next generation of warfare is being fought in pixels, words, and whispers. And Drongo Company just became the newest weapon in that fight.

The message is clear—America no longer simply responds to threats; it shapes the environment that produces them.

From Fort Bragg to the far reaches of Africa, the Army is building influence with the precision of a sniper and the subtlety of a strategist. The war of ideas just got a new frontline unit.

American Heroes Killed in Iranian Missile and Drone Strike in Jordan
News

American Heroes Killed in Iranian Missile and Drone Strike in Jordan

/

Two American service members were killed in action Friday during an Iranian ballistic missile and drone assault targeting U.S. and partner forces stationed in Jordan.

Another American remains missing while four others were wounded and medically evacuated to nearby hospitals, according to U.S. Central Command.

The War Department confirmed that the four injured troops have since been released from medical care and returned to duty.

Their resilience embodies the American fighting spirit, despite the mounting threat from Iran’s growing network of proxies and direct attacks on U.S. forces in the region.

While details surrounding the exact base targeted remain classified, what is clear is that Tehran has once again tested Washington’s resolve—and paid no serious price for it.

The attack marks one of the deadliest in months, showcasing how far the Iranian regime is willing to go in its reckless campaign against American interests.

The identities of the fallen have not yet been released, pending notification of their families. Out of respect for the families, the military will observe the traditional 24-hour period before publishing names.

Friday’s strike brings the grim toll to sixteen American troops killed in action since the war with Iran began earlier this year. To date, more than 400 U.S. troops have been wounded as part of the continuing campaign that started on February 28.

These are not faceless numbers—they are men and women who volunteered to serve, standing firm in hostile territory under constant threat.

One recent casualty, Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of the Navy’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, was killed on July 1 when his MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter went down in the Arabian Sea.

The loss of leaders like Cmdr. Edwards underscores the sharp human cost of America’s fight for peace and stability against the Iranian dictatorship.

Iran’s aggression is not new but has intensified as the regime senses weakness from Washington’s current leadership. Every missile and drone launched at U.S. personnel is a deliberate provocation—one that cries out for clear, forceful response.

The question is whether America’s political leadership has the will to enforce red lines or continue issuing yet another round of “sternly worded” condemnations.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has repeatedly emphasized the need to restore military deterrence through overwhelming strength. That’s what bad actors like Iran understand—power, not pleas.

And for the families who now mourn their loved ones, the time for symbolic responses is over. America must make clear that the price for targeting its warriors will be devastating.

The attack shows once again how dangerous the Middle East remains when American resolve wavers. Under strong leadership, Iran kept its aggression largely in check, aware that consequences would come swiftly.

But ever since globalist advisers began prioritizing “diplomatic channels” over decisive security action, Tehran’s armed proxies—from Yemen to Iraq to Syria—have gained both confidence and capability.

It’s not just about revenge. It’s about deterrence, credibility, and the fundamental duty of any administration to protect those in uniform. America cannot afford a policy of endless restraint while its sons and daughters come home under flag-draped coffins.

Central Command continues to monitor Iranian activity and assess potential retaliatory measures. Military officials confirm that combat readiness has been increased across regional bases.

Commanders remain vigilant for potential follow-up attacks, particularly using drones and short-range ballistic systems that Iran has supplied to its militia allies.

For now, families of the fallen brace themselves for the knock on the door no spouse, parent, or child ever wants to hear.

These heroes gave everything on the edge of freedom’s frontier so that others could live without fear. Their sacrifices remind us that peace is not free—and that weakness invites war.

The American people are watching. Our troops are watching.

And if Washington truly wants to honor those killed in Jordan, it must do more than issue statements. It must act like the world’s greatest power again.

Blue Haired Trans Student Freaks Out and Attacks Police After Officer Uses Wrong Pronoun [WATCH]
News

Blue Haired Trans Student Freaks Out and Attacks Police After Officer Uses Wrong Pronoun [WATCH]

/

Police body camera footage from a February 2025 arrest at the University of Central Florida has recently gone viral after circulating widely on social media, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The video shows officers responding to an encounter with 27-year-old Jarrett Vick inside a campus building.

According to the footage and subsequent court records, the interaction escalated into a physical confrontation that resulted in Vick being arrested and later facing multiple criminal charges.

The encounter began when an officer entered a university building while investigating a reported stolen vehicle.

According to the video, Vick confronted the officer, asking, “Why do you let those kids get away with this? They are not supposed to be here.”

The officer responded that he was on campus conducting an investigation.

During the exchange, he warned Vick that continued behavior could result in being handcuffed and transported under Florida’s Baker Act for a psychiatric evaluation.

According to the body camera footage, Vick replied, “f*cking try it.”

The officer then requested backup over the radio. During that transmission, the officer referred to Vick by a pronoun that prompted an immediate response.

According to the recording, Vick shouted, “She! She! Just say the right pronouns!”

The officer then responded, “What’d you say?” before removing a canister of pepper spray as the situation continued to escalate.

A second officer soon arrived to assist. Police then attempted to take Vick into custody. The body camera footage shows a struggle lasting several minutes as officers worked to restrain Vick.

According to police, Vick resisted arrest during the encounter. Officers ultimately deployed a Taser before placing Vick in handcuffs.

After Vick was secured in a patrol vehicle, the officers discussed the incident while still wearing their body cameras.

During that conversation, officers stated that Vick had thrown punches and kicks while resisting arrest.

The officers also discussed whether Vick should be evaluated under Florida’s Baker Act.

“He’s gonna need some care,” one officer said. “He’s gonna need some care. There’s something wrong, and he definitely can’t be with the gen pop. They will destroy him.”

The body camera footage was later published by Inside The Blue TV and has attracted renewed attention online more than a year after the incident occurred.

According to court records cited in the report, Vick, who is from Treasure Island, Florida, was charged on Feb. 5, 2025, with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

The New York Post reported that Vick disputed the officers’ actions when contacted after the incident.

Approached by the newspaper, Vick said he was being “f–king harassed by the cops,” and blamed them for him now “being harassed by the media.”

Court records indicate that Vick pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

The report states that the last court appearance in the case occurred on Jan. 16 and that the cases were subsequently marked as closed in Orange County records.

The report also noted that Orange County court records include a booking photograph taken following the arrest.

The circumstances surrounding the arrest, the officers’ use of force, and the criminal charges have continued to generate discussion online as the body camera footage has gained renewed attention.

Jake Tapper Grills El-Sayed Over Israel and Iran, and It Turns Into a Disaster [WATCH]
News

Jake Tapper Grills El-Sayed Over Israel and Iran, and It Turns Into a Disaster [WATCH]

/

Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed faced a series of questions from CNN host Jake Tapper during a Sunday interview that focused on his past comments about Israel, Iran, and divisions within the Democratic Party, as reported by Townhall.

El-Sayed is seeking the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. Recent polling has shown a competitive race between El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens as both candidates campaign for the nomination.

During the interview, Tapper first asked El-Sayed about comments made by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani regarding the Democratic Party’s relationship with supporters of Israel.

Tapper referenced an interview in which Mamdani said that Democrats who receive support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) remain welcome within the party.

Tapper contrasted those remarks with comments El-Sayed previously made on CNN, in which he suggested support for Israel could be attributed to AIPAC influence rather than Democratic views on human rights.

“So, it sounds as though — and correct me if I’m wrong — it sounds as though you and Mayor Mamdani disagree about how big this tent should be, whether there’s room … in the tent for Israel supporters,” Tapper said.

El-Sayed responded by saying that “there’s always room in the tent for folks.”

He then criticized the line of questioning.

“Every time I come on CNN, you guys ask me the same questions about these theoretical rights of existence, or whether or not I agree with the mayor of New York,” El-Sayed said.

The interview later shifted to comments El-Sayed reportedly made following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Tapper cited audio that he said was obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.

“20 weeks ago, when Iran’s supreme leader was killed, you told your staff, according to audio obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, ‘There are a lot of people in Dearborn who are sad today. So like, I just don’t want to comment on Khamenei at all.'”

Tapper continued by explaining why he was asking about the remarks.

“I thought that quote was interesting because the Ayatollah has killed tens of thousands of innocent Iranians, not to mention the proxies that Iran has funded that have killed innocent civilians all over the Middle East.”

“Why were you worried about offending people who support the Ayatollah?”

El-Sayed did not directly answer that question and instead turned the discussion toward U.S. military involvement overseas.

“Jake, on a day where we’re mourning the loss of two more service members in a war we never should have fought, I think all of us ought to step back and ask whether or not everybody in Michigan, frankly, everybody in America, shouldn’t be sad about the fact that this president, backed by the prime minister of a foreign government, took us to a war we had no business fighting in.”

“So, yeah, I didn’t want to comment on it then, because it’s a ridiculous pretext.”

“And now you’re asking me about the Ayatollah, who’s dead, by the way, and you’re not asking me about the service members who’ve died.”

“You’re not asking me about whether or not this war should have ever been fought. You’re not asking me about whether or not the costs that are being borne by Michiganders in the tax dollars we pay, or the gas prices that are insane right now, are worth it…”

Tapper followed up by returning to his original question.

“I was specifically asking you about comments you didn’t want to make, because you didn’t want to offend people in Dearborn, which is in Michigan…”

The interview highlighted policy differences and foreign policy issues that have become part of the Democratic primary campaign in Michigan.

Questions surrounding Israel, Iran, and Middle East policy have drawn increased attention in the race, particularly as candidates seek support from different constituencies across the state.

Neither Tapper nor El-Sayed moved beyond the exchange during that portion of the interview, and the discussion concluded after Tapper reiterated the basis for his question regarding El-Sayed’s previous remarks.

Vance Family Welcomes New Baby as JD Makes Vice Presidential History [WATCH]
News

Vance Family Welcomes New Baby as JD Makes Vice Presidential History [WATCH]

/

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, announced Sunday that they have welcomed their fourth child, a son named Alec Neel Vance, as reported by Breitbart.

The announcement said Alec Neel Vance was born Sunday morning and that both mother and child are doing well. The couple’s new son joins his siblings, Ewan, 9, Vivek, 6, and Mirabel, 4.

“We are excited to announce that our baby boy, Alec Neel Vance, was born this morning. Usha and the baby are happy and healthy, and our kids are overjoyed to meet their little brother,” the statement said.

Vance also expressed appreciation for the medical professionals who assisted with the birth.

According to the announcement, the vice president thanked the White House medical team as well as the doctors and staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for their care and support.

The birth is historically significant because, according to the Associated Press and the White House Historical Association, Vance is the first sitting vice president in more than 150 years to welcome a child while serving in office.

The Associated Press reported that the last vice president known to have had a child while serving was Schuyler Colfax.

Colfax and his second wife, Ellen Wade, welcomed a son, Schuyler Colfax III, in 1870 while Colfax was serving as vice president under President Ulysses S. Grant.

The White House Historical Association also notes that an earlier example occurred in 1829, when Vice President John C. Calhoun and his wife, Floride Bonneau, welcomed a son, William, during Calhoun’s tenure as vice president.

Colfax served as vice president from 1869 through 1873 during the Grant administration, making the birth of Alec Neel Vance the first such event during a vice president’s time in office since that period.

The announcement drew congratulations from supporters and observers following its release Sunday, as the Vance family celebrated the arrival of its newest member.

JD Vance has served as vice president during President Donald Trump’s second administration. Since taking office, he and Usha Vance have continued balancing their public responsibilities with raising their growing family.

The birth also follows several other announcements from members of the administration who have welcomed children during President Trump’s second term.

Those include White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, both of whom have recently announced additions to their families.

The Vance family’s statement emphasized that both Usha Vance and the newborn are healthy and that the couple’s three older children are excited to welcome their younger brother.

With the arrival of Alec Neel Vance, the vice president joins a short list of U.S. vice presidents who have welcomed a child while serving in office, marking a rare event in the nation’s political history.

Blue Angels Cleared After Thrilling Low Flyover at Florida Beach
News

Blue Angels Cleared After Thrilling Low Flyover at Florida Beach

/

The U.S. Navy’s legendary flight team, the Blue Angels, will face no punishment after a breathtakingly low flyover at Pensacola Beach that turned heads and shook beach umbrellas along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao officially cleared the pilots of any wrongdoing, sending a clear message that patriotism and precision flying still have a home in America’s armed forces.

Cao made the announcement Thursday, putting an end to online chatter and sensationalized “safety” speculation from critics who apparently have forgotten what real aviation excellence looks like. “Flight debrief complete,” he posted on X.

“No reprimands. No firings. No problem.” That’s the kind of leadership America needs—direct, unapologetic, and rooted in supporting the men and women who make the military the envy of the world.

The incident began on Wednesday, when beachgoers captured footage of Blue Angels jets slicing through the sky in an unusually close pass above the shoreline.

The roar of the engines rattled chairs and sent umbrellas tumbling, but for most patriots on the beach, it was a heart-pounding display of American brilliance, not a cause for bureaucratic review.

Nevertheless, the Navy initiated a standard safety review, as it always does after an irregular maneuver, though Cao’s decisive statement largely rendered the issue closed.

The speed with which he defended his aviators is a refreshing shift from the overly cautious tone that defined previous administrations that were often more concerned about optics than morale.

The response from the Trump administration and its allies was both swift and enthusiastic. War Secretary Pete Hegseth joined the chorus with a characteristically blunt post on social media: “The flyovers will continue until morale improves.”

It was a cheeky nod to the phrase popularized among troops long tired of political correctness—and a promise that America’s military culture under this leadership values courage over compliance.

Even the White House chimed in, posting a patriotic animation with the caption: “It’s okay to love America.” That’s the kind of unapologetic positivity that stands in stark contrast to years of over-regulation and “wokeness” creeping into military tradition.

The message is simple: Our elite fliers aren’t villains for making America feel proud; they’re heroes reminding everyone that this nation’s military spirit still soars.

Still, Blue Angels Commanding Officer Adam Bryan acknowledged in a circulating video clip that one of the pilots flew lower than expected during the formation pass.

He said the team would review the event and evaluate the data to ensure it doesn’t happen again unintentionally. That transparency shows professionalism, not guilt—a distinction that some left-leaning critics seem unable or unwilling to grasp.

Bryan’s leadership continues the Blue Angels’ long commitment to both excellence and accountability. The team’s objective is simple: perform some of the most complex and precise aerial maneuvers on Earth, thrill millions of spectators each year, and inspire future generations of pilots. That mission has not, and should not, change.

Despite the momentary swirl of online debate, the reality is that beach flyovers like this one strengthen the connection between civilians and the armed forces.

They remind Americans—especially after years of political and cultural division—that awe and pride are still alive when the power of the U.S. military roars overhead. That’s something foreign adversaries should take note of.

For decades, Blue Angels performances have been symbols of national resolve, especially in times when Americans needed reminders of what unites them. From their inception in the aftermath of World War II to their modern-day precision jet displays, these heroes in blue and gold embody everything the War Department stands for: discipline, dominance, and duty.

Acting Secretary Cao’s decision to defend his pilots without hesitation sends an unmistakable message to the ranks: Initiative and intensity are not crimes. America doesn’t win wars or maintain peace through timidity and paperwork; it does so through skill, courage, and resolve—the very traits the Blue Angels display every day.

Under the current Trump administration’s defense posture, such decisions reinforce a sea change in philosophy. The War Department is prioritizing mission readiness, national pride, and support for those in uniform. As Secretary Hegseth often reminds Americans, the strength of the military begins with leadership willing to stand behind its warriors, not in their way.

This episode from the skies over Pensacola may have started as a routine training sequence, but it became a vivid snapshot of something larger: a revitalized military culture that values action over apology. The Blue Angels flew low, but their morale—and the nation’s—just soared sky-high.

Memphis Mom Charged With Murder After Shooting Man Found Hiding Under Teen Daughter’s Bed [WATCH]
News

Memphis Mom Charged With Murder After Shooting Man Found Hiding Under Teen Daughter’s Bed [WATCH]

/

A Memphis, Tennessee, mother has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities say she fatally shot a 20-year-old man she found hiding under her 13-year-old daughter’s bed inside the family’s home, as reported by The New York Post.

According to an arrest affidavit, Kendra Scott, 36, was arrested after Memphis police responded to her residence shortly before 2 a.m.

Thursday and found Rodderius Morton, 20, dead outside the home from a gunshot wound to the back of his head.

Scott was also charged with employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, according to the Memphis Police Department.

She remained in custody ahead of a Monday morning court appearance, where a judge is expected to determine her bond.

Police said Scott told officers she had returned home and discovered Morton inside her daughter’s bedroom.

“I saw a dude under my kids’ bed.”

“And I did what I had to do,” she said, according to the arrest affidavit.

Investigators said Scott’s 13-year-old daughter told officers she had invited Morton to the family’s home around 1 a.m.

Court documents state Scott arrived home roughly 30 minutes later, pounding on the front door while shouting, “Who’s at my house?!”

The affidavit says the girl became frightened after realizing her mother was allegedly carrying a firearm.

According to investigators, the daughter told police Scott had previously said that if she “sees a boy in my house, I will put a hole in his ass.”

After the teen opened the door, Scott allegedly found Morton hiding beneath the girl’s bed.

Police allege Scott yelled, “Get out of my house bitch,” before following Morton out the front door.

Authorities said Scott’s daughter and a nearby neighbor both reported hearing a gunshot moments later.

According to the affidavit, the neighbor told officers he walked outside and saw Scott standing near Morton’s body while still holding a handgun.

The witness told police Scott repeatedly stated, “I shot him, I shot him.”

Investigators recovered a spent shell casing from the front porch along with a black Smith & Wesson handgun, according to court records.

Scott was taken to the police department for questioning before being formally charged.

Her attorney, Blake Ballin, described the circumstances surrounding the case as every parent’s nightmare.

“This incident started with the worst nightmare of any parent of a 13-year-old girl,” Ballin said.

“Predictably, it ended in tragedy. One of the key questions in this case will be whether anyone could act rationally in this circumstance,” he added.

The case has also raised questions about Tennessee’s Castle Doctrine, which allows individuals to use reasonable, including deadly, force under certain circumstances when confronting an intruder.

Retired law enforcement officer and firearm self-defense trainer Buddy Smith told Action News 5 that the facts described in the arrest affidavit do not appear to satisfy the legal standard for protection under the law.

“You’re allowed to protect the people in your residence when someone breaks in to commit a violent felony against you or someone in your house,” Smith said.

He added that “the affidavit does not allege that [Morton] threatened the mother or anyone else at that time.”

“Those alleged facts will likely be important issues for the court, and ultimately the jury.”

The case has generated widespread discussion online, with differing opinions over whether Scott’s actions were justified based on the circumstances described in court documents.

Neighbors also expressed differing views following the shooting.

“She seemed like a real nice lady. All I can say is that hurts that someone was in there with one of her little girls,” neighbor Gloria Milon told Action News 5.

Another resident said police should have been called instead.

“If it would’ve been me in that situation…I would’ve called the police and had them sitting at my house when I got there,” the unidentified neighbor said.

“Therefore, you take him out, take him on to jail,” he added.

The investigation remains ongoing as Scott awaits her initial court appearance in Memphis.

True Value Abandons Chicago After 78 Years, Cites Illinois Taxes And Radical Energy Rules
News

True Value Abandons Chicago After 78 Years, Cites Illinois Taxes And Radical Energy Rules

/

True Value announced it will relocate its headquarters from Chicago to Fort Wayne, Indiana, ending a 78-year presence in the city after its acquisition by Indiana-based Do it Best Group, as reported by Red State.

The companies said the move will consolidate their operations under a single headquarters in Fort Wayne.

The relocation follows Do it Best Group’s acquisition of True Value and is intended to bring the organizations together at one location.

The announcement has prompted discussion among Illinois officials about the state’s business climate and the factors that influence corporate relocation decisions.

Illinois state Sen. Chris Balkema, R-Channahon, said the move reflects broader concerns he hears from businesses operating throughout the state.

“I’m happy that that is occurring, but I also understand it,” Balkema said.

“As I tour businesses throughout the district and the state, the top two things that businesses fear about Illinois and need help in is rules and regulations is absolutely the number one.”

Balkema argued that businesses continue to raise concerns about Illinois’ regulatory environment and tax policies when considering where to invest and expand.

He also cited the state’s energy policies, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), as an issue affecting business planning. The law establishes a goal for Illinois to transition to carbon-free electricity by 2045.

“The CEJA Act that requires all gas and coal-fired power plants to be shut down 19 short years from now, which means people start scaling back sooner and not doing overhauls, is absolutely having a dramatic effect,” Balkema said.

True Value has maintained its headquarters in Chicago for nearly eight decades. Under the new ownership structure, the company said its operations will be combined with those of Do it Best Group in Fort Wayne.

Corporate headquarters relocations following acquisitions are common as companies seek to consolidate management, administrative functions, and operations.

In this case, the acquiring company is already based in Indiana, making Fort Wayne the location for the combined headquarters.

The relocation also means some employees associated with the Chicago headquarters may face decisions about whether to relocate to Indiana or pursue other opportunities.

The companies have not publicly detailed how many positions will move or how the transition will affect individual employees.

The move comes as several states continue competing to attract businesses through tax policies, regulatory approaches, workforce availability, and operating costs.

Corporate relocations often involve multiple factors, including mergers, acquisitions, logistics, labor markets, and long-term operating expenses.

Indiana has promoted itself as a destination for business investment, while Illinois has faced ongoing debate over taxes, regulations, and economic competitiveness.

State officials and lawmakers have frequently offered differing views about how those policies affect employers and economic growth.

True Value operates through a nationwide network of independently owned hardware stores. For decades, the company has served retailers across the United States while maintaining its corporate headquarters in Chicago.

The transition to Fort Wayne marks a significant organizational change following the acquisition and brings the company’s headquarters to the same state as its new parent organization.

Company officials have indicated the relocation is part of integrating the two businesses under a unified headquarters.

Gunfire Erupts in Bustling Tucson District, Leaving Ten People Wounded and Suspect Shot by Police [WATCH]
News

Gunfire Erupts in Bustling Tucson District, Leaving Ten People Wounded and Suspect Shot by Police [WATCH]

/

At least 10 people were wounded during a shooting in downtown Tucson, Arizona, early Sunday after a gunman opened fire in a busy entertainment district before being stopped by a responding police officer, according to authorities, as reported by Fox News.

The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. on July 19 in the 100 block of East Congress Street, an area known for its bars, restaurants, and nightlife.

According to the Tucson Police Department (TPD), officers who were patrolling nearby heard multiple gunshots and immediately ran toward the scene.

Police said they encountered a man running from the area after the shooting. Authorities said the suspect ignored repeated commands from officers, prompting a uniformed Tucson police officer to fire his weapon, striking the fleeing suspect.

The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was taken into custody after the shooting.

Officers rendered first aid before Tucson Fire Department personnel transported him to a local hospital. Police said the suspect was listed in life-threatening condition.

No fatalities were reported in the incident. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said nine victims suffered gunshot wounds, while a tenth person was also reported injured.

Police said the gunshot victims were struck primarily in their extremities, including their arms and legs.

Responding officers began providing emergency medical assistance to several victims before firefighters arrived. All of the injured victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

“Last night, Tucson experienced another serious and senseless act of gun violence,” Romero said in a statement Sunday.

“A shooter recklessly began shooting in a crowded area, striking nine people before being stopped by a Tucson Police Officer.”

Authorities said no law enforcement officers were injured during the response.

Romero also praised the emergency response by police officers and firefighters following the shooting.

“Thanks to the quick actions and excellent care provided by our firefighters and police officers, all victims were stabilized and taken to the hospital, where we are hopeful they will all recover,” Romero said.

The officer-involved shooting will be investigated by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Tucson police said the department will also conduct a separate internal investigation to determine whether any department policies were violated during the incident.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the initial shooting remains ongoing.

Authorities have not released a possible motive, and the suspect’s identity had not been made public as of Sunday evening.

Following the incident, Romero also called for additional gun-control measures in Arizona.

“Easy access to guns and Arizona’s weak gun safety laws have continued to put all of us at risk,” Romero said.

“From requiring universal background checks to extreme risk laws to funding violence prevention, there is more lawmakers can and should do.”

The mayor’s comments came as investigators continued processing the crime scene in downtown Tucson and gathering evidence related to the shooting.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is overseeing the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

Authorities have not announced any criminal charges, and investigators continue working to determine what led to the shooting.

Officials have indicated that both the criminal investigation into the shooting and the review of the officer’s actions remain active.


Scroll to Top