Who was Thomas Gigler? Passenger who jumped off Carnival Panorama presumed dead as US Coast Guard ends search
The U.S. Coast Guard has called off its search for Thomas Gigler, a 56-year-old passenger who was reported overboard from the Carnival Panorama while the cruise ship was sailing off the coast of Mexico. Thomas Gigler remained missing after more than 41 hours of search efforts. (Representative Image) (Pexels) Gigler remained missing after more than 41 hours of search efforts involving Coast Guard aircraft, a Mexican naval vessel and six other vessels. Crews searched an area spanning more than 1,707 square miles but found no trace of him, according to the Department of Homeland Security press release. “Decisions to suspend search operations are never easy and are made with careful consideration of all available information. Our hearts are with those impacted by his loss,” said Jessica Davila, chief of incident management for the Coast Guard’s Southwest District. Gigler’s final cruise day Gigler, who was from Redlands, was traveling aboard the Carnival Panorama with his wife, Michelle, 48. The couple was on the final day of a seven-night Mexican Riviera cruise and had been celebrating their upcoming 15th wedding anniversary, which was set for Wednesday, Sept. 23. The cruise began in Long Beach on Sept. 13 and included stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta before the ship began its return journey. Also read | Jason Landry update: New details as Texas State student’s remains identified after nearly 6 years Gigler was last seen Friday evening. He was reported missing around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the Coast Guard. Camera footage reviewed after disappearance Authorities later reviewed camera footage that captured Gigler going overboard from the ship. According to the Coast Guard’s latest account, the ship was about 57 miles from the Mexican coast when the report was made. The details provide a clearer timeline of the incident and the extensive response that followed. Coast Guard coordinates extensive search The Rescue Coordination Center Alameda took charge of the search after receiving the missing-person report from Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach at approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Multiple Coast Guard fixed-wing aircraft were deployed to search from the air. Officials also worked with Mexico’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Center and used the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue system, or AMVER, to locate nearby vessels capable of helping with the operation. Also read | Where is Miriam Haley now? Harvey Weinstein sentencing puts victim’s whereabouts in focus A Mexican naval vessel and six Good Samaritan vessels joined the surface search, while Coast Guard aircraft covered the area from above. Despite the coordinated response and more than 1,707 square miles of ocean being searched, authorities said there were no sightings of Gigler before the operation was suspended. Source link
‘Why is Trump wearing gloves?’ POTUS’s unusual outfit choice at Xi Jinping welcome draws attention
Donald Trump turned up at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday afternoon to welcome Xi Jinping, the President of China. Xi, accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan, is on a three-day state visit to the United States. President Donald Trump at China’s President Xi Jinping’s arrival ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 23. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) As Donald and Melania Trump greeted their Chinese counterparts, followed by an arrival ceremony, many noticed something unusual about Trump’s outfit. The 80-year-old showed up wearing black gloves, coupled with a full winter coat that, many thought, does not go with the weather in Maryland. The gloves, especially, drew attention has Trump has been suffering from bruises on his hands. He has explained previously that they occur because of a high dose of aspirin that the 80-year-old has to take daily. Thus, some speculated that Trump might be wearing gloves to cover the bruising on his hands. ‘Why Is Trump Wearing Gloves’: Social Media Erupts Thousands of people watching the live broadcast of the arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews took notice of the gloves. Needless to say, most found it “unusual,” given the weather at the time in Maryland. “Trump is dressed like he’s going ice fishing, with a winter coat and gloves, and it’s in the mid-60’s in DC,” wrote one. “So, why did President Trump wear gloves as he greeted Xi on the tarmac? I was like… hummm is he worried about a poison being passed via handshakes? Or is he just letting his germaphobe leanings out for a romp?” wrote another. “Is Trump sick? He is wearing a topcoat and gloves in 60-degree weather. Looks very weak in comparison to the Chinese leader,” said one. “Why is Trump in a full coat and gloves? Xi has neither. He’s very ill,” said one. “Trump is the only one wearing gloves. It makes him look weak. It’s 64° there for Christ sake,” added one. Also read: Is it legal for Trump to ban media networks from White House? DoJ says access is ‘privilege, not a right’ Xi Jinping’s 3-Day US Visit: What To Know Xi Jinping arrived at Joint Base Andrews after a nearly 11-hour flight from Beijing. No other state event after the arrival ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday. Thursday will be a busy with bilateral talks scheduled at the White House till late afternoon. It will be followed by a state dinner where the POTUS and the First Lady will host Xi and Peng Liyuan, along with their envoys. Reuters reported that some tech leaders are also expected to attend the dinner. Then, on Friday, Xi and the Peng Liyuan will start their day with a private tea with Trump and Melania at the White House. They are scheduled to visit the US National Archives to see the documents connected to US history before flying back to China. Source link
Where is Wilber Perez now? Austin ICE shooting victim’s lawyer shares concerning details, ‘Appeared discolored, swollen’
The lawyer representing the man who was shot in Austin, Texas by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has shared an update on his condition. Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch revealed that Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national, “remains gravely ill, with the bullet still lodged in his body, and he remains in ICE detention.” Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a Venezuelan man who said he had been out working as a DoorDash food delivery driver when shot by a federal immigration agent, holds his shoulder from the wound during his arrest in Austin, Texas, U.S. September 20, 2026 in a still image from police body camera video. (Austin Police/Handout via REUTERS) (via REUTERS) “According to the detainee who spoke with his wife, Wilber appeared discolored, extremely swollen, and in significant pain,” she added on X. “Our immediate demands are clear: restore Wilber’s communication privileges and take him back to the hospital. He needs access to appropriate medical care. Thank you to everyone who has continued supporting Wilber and his family.” Lincoln-Goldfinch previously said that Perez lives in Austin and is a DoorDash driver who was in the middle of a delivery when he was shot. Also Read | Laura Loomer’s fiery clash with Austin ICE shooting victim’s lawyer sparks buzz, ‘ICE was justified…’ She revealed in an earlier X post that Perez had been transferred back to detention from the hospital. “He told us directly that he had been discharged from the hospital just hours after being shot, with the bullet still lodged in his body, and transferred into ICE custody while in severe pain,” she said. In another post, Lincoln-Goldfinch alleged, “Wilber tells me that after he spoke publicly, guards at the Pearsall detention center forcibly took the tablet from his hands, revoked his communication privileges, and moved him out of the infirmary into an isolated room with a flat bed that cannot be adjusted like a medical bed.” How did Wilber Rafael Garces Perez enter the US? In a previous post, Lincoln-Goldfinch shared details about how Perez entered the United States. Also Read | Wilber Perez update: Austin ICE shooting victim’s lawyer shares shocking details, ‘Bullet still in body, slept on floor’ “Wilber entered through CBPOne seeking asylum. He was inspected and entered lawfully through a port of entry. He was issued a valid work permit,” she wrote. Lincoln-Goldfinch added, “The issue regarding the deportation order is that he moved and changed addresses. There was a notice for a hearing sent to the wrong address that he missed, which is VERY common. We are working on that. He will be released from detention, his immigration matter will be resolved, and the agencies will be held accountable.” Lincoln-Goldfinch explained that her client was issued a deportation order in absentia because “the immigration court sent a notice for a hearing to an OLD address.” Source link
Fire in San Jose? Santa Clara residents complain of smoke too as Angel Island vegetation burn impacts Bay Area
San Jose and Santa Clara residents feared there was a fire on September 23. This came amid heavy smoke in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. The smoke is due to a prescribed vegetation burn on Angel Island. Smoke from a prescribed vegetation burn led to fears of a fire in San Jose and Santa Clara. Image for representational purposes. (Unsplash) At the time of writing, there are no reports of active blazes in either San Jose or Santa Clara. The former is about 53 miles away from Angel Island while Santa Clara is about 4-5 miles away from San Jose. San Jose and Santa Clara residents complain of smoke Several news outlets took note of the smoke in the Bay Area amid the prescribed vegetation burn. “For anyone smelling smoke today, it is from the prescribed vegetation burn on Angel Island that resumed today after a two-week pause. The preventative operation by CAL FIRE and Marin County Fire has caused visible smoke and campfire odors across San Francisco and the East Bay. The prescribed burn is expected to run into tomorrow. The operation is expected to burn some 260-acres overall. Angel Island is the largest island in San Francisco Bay at one square mile and is visible from many surrounding Bay Area communities. Many Bay Area residents are likely to see smoke from the burns from 9 AM to 6 PM,” a local news channel noted. The San Francisco Chronicle added “That smoky smell hanging over parts of the Bay Area isn’t a new wildfire. It is coming from Angel Island, where fire crews resumed a prescribed burn.” Angel Island burn sparks fears of fire Though the vegetation burn on Angel Island was prescribed, the smell of the smoke led to fears among locals. “Something’s on fire,” one wrote, adding, “Yea it’s really BAD in the Richmond area.” Another said “Yea…we smelled it up here in hilltop and in El Sobrante! And it was Smokey a lil bit.” Yet another remarked “It smells bad here at Downtown Oakland.” Also Read | California declares statewide emergency amid record-breaking El Niño forecasts: Which counties are affected? Meanwhile, many pointed out that it was coming from Angel Island. “Yes, I believe the smell is coming from the burn on Angel Island. It’s pretty bad. I just had to shut all my windows because the smell is so strong,” one said. Angel Island prescribed burns notice A notice was issued by California State Parks about the prescribed burn on Angel Island. “Prescribed Burn at Angel Island State Park to Continue as Early as Sept. 23. After pausing of the September 8th prescribed burn at Angel Island Island State Park, California State Parks, in partnership with CAL FIRE and the Marin County Fire Department, plan to continue the prescribed burn as early as Wednesday, Sept. 23 to Thursday, Sept. 24,” it read. “Community members should refrain from calling 911 to report smoke from Angel Island to avoid overwhelming emergency dispatchers. Prescribed burns conducted in State Parks promote habitat improvement and reduce fuel loads that have accumulated in the absence of historically frequent, low-intensity fires. All burning is dependent upon wildfire activity, resource availability, weather conditions, predicted smoke movement and fuel moisture. If conditions are not conducive, the burn will be rescheduled,” the notice added. “Trail Closures at Angel Island State Park: Ida Trail, Sunset Trail, the fire road and Perimeter Road may be closed on and immediately following burn days. For more updates keep checking Angel Island State Park social media and the park webpage or use the Watch Duty app to see burn operations updates,” the statement also noted. Source link
Trump administration targets birth tourism with visa curbs: Who could face restrictions under new policy
The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting people who knowingly engage in or facilitate commercial “birth tourism”, including operators of birth-tourism networks, visa “fixers” accused of coaching applicants to commit fraud and foreign medical providers involved in such arrangements. Trump administration announces new visa restrictions targeting networks, visa fixers and medical providers. (Bloomberg) Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy on September 23, saying the measure is aimed at commercial networks that arrange for foreign nationals to travel to the US to give birth primarily to obtain US citizenship for their children. The department accused such networks of advertising birth-tourism services, coaching applicants to lie on US visa applications and charging tens of thousands of dollars to arrange births on American soil. Also read: New UPI levy from October 15: What NRIs should know about merchant payments, transfers and more Who could face the new visa restrictions? The policy targets individuals who knowingly engage in, have engaged in or facilitate commercial birth tourism. According to the State Department, this includes owners, operators and managers of commercial birth-tourism facilitation networks. It also covers visa “fixers” who coach applicants to commit fraud, foreign medical providers who knowingly facilitate such travel and the fraudulent use of Medicaid, as well as other people who support, assist or enable commercial birth tourism. The State Department said certain family members of people covered by the restrictions may also be subject to the policy. Rubio said the administration is using the visa restrictions to protect the integrity of US citizenship, safeguard public-benefit programs and protect American taxpayers from what the department described as exploitation. Is birth tourism already banned under US visa rules? The latest policy builds on existing restrictions concerning birth tourism. The State Department has previously said that travelling to the US primarily to give birth so that a child obtains US citizenship is not a permissible purpose for a visitor visa. Also read: US military service and immigration: What Indians should know about citizenship, Green Cards and family benefits In January 2020, the State Department introduced a rule allowing consular officers to deny a B visa application when they have reason to believe the applicant’s primary purpose for travelling to the US is to give birth in order to obtain citizenship for the child. The new policy goes beyond the individual traveler by specifically targeting people and businesses involved in facilitating commercial birth-tourism arrangements. What does the new policy change? The announcement does not establish a blanket visa restriction on pregnant foreign nationals. Its stated focus is on people who knowingly participate in, facilitate or profit from commercial birth tourism. The State Department’s policy is directed at individuals whose conduct falls within the department’s stated criteria rather than creating a new visa category or a general prohibition on travel by pregnant visitors. The announcement marks another step in the administration’s efforts to use visa restrictions against individuals it says are exploiting US immigration rules and committing fraud. The State Department said the policy is intended to send a message that commercial networks cannot use the US visa system to arrange births for the purpose of obtaining citizenship. Source link
8 suicide bids on USS Abraham Lincoln amid Iran deployment scrutiny, Navy confirms
Eight sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during a stretch that overlapped with the group’s combat operations against Iran. Cao said no service members had killed themselves during the deployment. (AFP) A letter obtained by global news agencies such as AFP and CNN from Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao revealed the data in written responses to questions posed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand about the morale and mental health of the USS Abraham Lincoln’s crew. Cao said no service members had killed themselves during the deployment. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed in the Middle East for more than 260 days, supporting US combat operations against Iran, and has set a modern US Navy record for the longest uninterrupted time at sea without a port visit, according to the Associated Press. Also Read | Sailors ‘tried to jump off’ US warship: What Homer knew and science now explains about being at sea for long Between 6,000 and 7,000 US Navy sailors were deployed as part of the Lincoln strike group, the CNN reported. However, reports of deteriorating living conditions and poor mental health on board the carrier have made headlines in the US, provoking criticism of President Donald Trump’s war against Iran. “Since the beginning of Lincoln’s deployment, there have been a total of eight suicide attempts across the strike group,” said the letter from the navy secretary. “There have been no suicides onboard during this deployment,” it added. The letter provided additional details on the suicide attempts, saying a sailor assigned to an air wing “went overboard from the ship in early August” and was quickly recovered by a search and rescue helicopter, then taken off ship for follow-up care. Another sailor “attempted to go overboard in March and was stopped by his shipmates” and returned to homeport. Also Read | Sailor’s video showing broken, clogged toilets on USS Abraham Lincoln sparks debate: ‘Try the infantry’ There was no immediate comment from the Navy at the time of filing this report. In a response to CNN earlier, the Navy said: “We have not observed an increase in suicidal ideations or attempts aboard the ship. We take every service member’s well-being seriously and have religious, medical and mental health professionals available to assess and address concerns as they arise.” In August, military families and lawmakers raised the alarm about reported suicide attempts and other serious mental health issues, food shortages and poor hygiene. The US Navy acknowledged supply challenges but denied that a mental health crisis was taking place on the Lincoln. Also Read | Pedicures, burgers: USS Abraham Lincoln’s 5,000 sailors unwind in Thailand after 286-day deployment against Iran President Trump junked claims that family members were concerned about the welfare of their relatives and dismissed the possibility that the deployment had been too long. “Not nearly long enough,” he told reporters. Amid mounting criticisms, the Lincoln made a stopover in Thailand in early September after 286 days at sea. US Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper acknowledged mental health challenges aboard. “Here’s an important fact: Of the US Navy’s 11 active aircraft carriers, the Lincoln currently has among the lowest number of cases related to mental health,” Cooper posted on X after he visited the ship last month. “This doesn’t mean that all is perfect. Find any of the nearly 4 million Navy veterans in America today and they will likely tell you that service at sea for long periods isn’t for everyone.” Source link
Trump slammed for ‘wincing’ during flypast video with China’s Xi: ‘Embarrassment on world stage’
President Donald Trump‘s video next to China’s Xi Jinping went viral on social media as the world leaders for a state visit. The Republican appeared to wince during a flypast he had organized, while Xi stood next to Trump, looking unperturbed. President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews. (AP Photo) The video quickly went viral on social media, with many criticizing Trump’s reaction. In the video, Trump could be seen holding up a salute, but as a plane goes by he looks up appears to bare his teeth and then looks in Xi’s direction. A flypast is a planned flight of a group of aircraft, usually held to honor special events, national holidays, or memorials. This is not the first time Trump has organized a flyby or a flypast. In 2025, when Trump greeted Vladimir Putin, a B-2 stealth bomber and fighter jets flew overhead. While the Russian president took note of the planes, China’s Xi did not seem to have any reaction in the clips shared online. The contrasting way Trump and Xi reacted as the plane flew overhead has been highlighted in some of the comments on social media. Donald Trump faces flak for ‘wincing’ during flypast Trump’s reaction was widely slammed online with many feeling the US President had failed in his show of strength. Given that Trump himself had arranged for the flypast, many questioned why he was surprised by the planes flying overhead in the first place. Also Read | ‘Why is Trump wearing gloves?’ POTUS’s unusual outfit choice at Xi Jinping welcome draws attention “Trump winched and acted startled, over the very event he personally ordered to impress the leader of China, Xi Jinping, who didn’t even flinch during the traditional ceremonial flyover of US B1 bombers. Once again he’s an embarrassment on the world stage,” one wrote. Another added “Xi barely even looks at Trump’s military spectacle. Trump winces as the B-1 flies over. The “show” looks more like a photo-op than strength.” Yet another said “Trump orders a low B-1 flyover as a show of force but it backfires.” However, some of Trump’s supporters backed the show of military strength. “President Trump has an entire SQUADRON of American fighter jets chilling on the tarmac right next to where Xi’s plane will be parking here shortly. Our stealth fighters are MILES better than anything China can produce,” conservative political commentator and independent journalist Nick Sortor wrote. Xi’s visit to the US This is Xi’s first visit to the US in more than a decade. He arrived in Washington on Wednesday and was greeted planeside by President Trump in a rare move. First Lady Melania Trump was also present as Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived in the US. Xi is visiting for three days and much pomp is expected, including a dinner at the White House. Source link
Trump-Xi meeting LIVE: Trumps waited at foot of ladder as Xi, wife got off plane; Chinese President to stay at Waldorf
Chinese President Xi Jinping, First lady of China Peng Liyuan, U.S. President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump walk on the red carpet during an arrival ceremony on September 23, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Trump-Xi Jinping meeting LIVE: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day state visit. He received a rare planeside welcome from US President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews. Trump and first lady Melania Trump were at the military base to welcome Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, in an arrival ceremony. Xi is making his first state visit to Washington in over a decade. The visit, which includes a formal state dinner at the White House on Thursday, comes as tensions remain high between the two geopolitical rivals over trade, artificial intelligence, Iran and Taiwan. Trump pulls out all the stops Trump has repeatedly praised Xi as a “great leader” and described their relationship as warm. During Trump’s visit to China in May, Trump was welcomed in Beijing with a red carpet, a military honour guard, a military band and around 300 Chinese youths waving Chinese and American flags. Melania Trump said her husband chose to greet Xi personally because “they have a great relationship.” “He’s coming on our soil, and we need to welcome them with the most respect,” she said in an interview with Fox News. What’s on the agenda Xi and Trump are expected to discuss major bilateral issues behind closed doors. Thursday’s schedule includes a formal White House arrival ceremony, a troop review and a black-tie state dinner attended by business and technology leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. On Friday, Xi and Peng are scheduled to have private tea with Trump and Melania before visiting the National Archives in Washington. …Read More The visit, which includes a formal state dinner at the White House on Thursday, comes as tensions remain high between the two geopolitical rivals over trade, artificial intelligence, Iran and Taiwan. Trump pulls out all the stops Trump has repeatedly praised Xi as a “great leader” and described their relationship as warm. During Trump’s visit to China in May, Trump was welcomed in Beijing with a red carpet, a military honour guard, a military band and around 300 Chinese youths waving Chinese and American flags. Melania Trump said her husband chose to greet Xi personally because “they have a great relationship.” “He’s coming on our soil, and we need to welcome them with the most respect,” she said in an interview with Fox News. What’s on the agenda Xi and Trump are expected to discuss major bilateral issues behind closed doors. Thursday’s schedule includes a formal White House arrival ceremony, a troop review and a black-tie state dinner attended by business and technology leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. On Friday, Xi and Peng are scheduled to have private tea with Trump and Melania before visiting the National Archives in Washington. Follow all the updates here: Sep 24, 2026, 14:35:53 IST Trump-Xi Jinping meeting LIVE: Chinese defence ministry urges ‘extreme caution’ over arms sales to Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi summit Trump-Xi Jinping meeting LIVE: The United States should take “extreme caution” over any arms sales to Taiwan, a Chinese defence ministry spokesperson said on Thursday ahead of a summit in Washington between President Donald Trump and China’s leader Xi Jinping. (Reuters) Sep 24, 2026, 14:15:00 IST Trump-Xi Jinping meeting LIVE: China stocks post biggest one-day drop in a month on Trump-Xi summit caution Trump-Xi Jinping meeting LIVE: China stocks logged their worst day in a month on Thursday as investors remained sceptical that a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington would produce a broader breakthrough.(Reuters) Sep 24, 2026, 13:22:56 IST Trump-Xi Jinping meeting LIVE: What Chinese President said on US arrival China and the US should be “partners, not rivals”, Chinese President Xi Jinping asserted upon arriving in Washington, and he expressed confidence that the two can find a way to get along in the new era. In a rare gesture, US President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, when they landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday. Trump welcomed Xi at the airport as the US Air Force band marched on the tarmac and the US and Chinese flags flew. In a written speech upon arrival, Xi extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the US people on behalf of the Chinese people, Xinhua reported. China and the US are “both great countries, and their peoples are great as well,” Xi said, adding that the two peoples have maintained friendly exchanges for a long time and that their interests are deeply intertwined. China and the US “should be partners, not rivals,” he said, noting that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand, and that the two countries can help each other succeed and advance the well-being of the whole world. Sep 24, 2026, 12:46:37 IST Trump-Xi Jinping meeting LIVE: US President’s pageantry masks deep tensions US President Donald Trump will host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House on Thursday for a day full of pageantry with one goal — keeping the fragile peace between the rival superpowers. Trump personally greeted Xi on the tarmac after his arrival on Wednesday, the first time in more than six decades that a US president has welcomed a foreign political leader at Joint Base Andrews near Washington. He will lay on more pomp and ceremony for Xi on Thursday, treating him to a formal welcome on the White House South Lawn, a military flyover, talks in the Oval Office and finally a grand state banquet. But the lavish welcome masks deep tensions over thorny topics, including the trade war between the world’s top two economies, artificial intelligence and Beijing’s diplomatic and economic support for
Who is Francisco Ivan Mendiola? Miami International Airport shooting suspect faces multiple charges – 5 things to know
Francisco Ivan Mendiola has been charged after four shots were fired towards a Miami International Airport terminal, striking a trash can and an unoccupied vehicle. Francisco Ivan Mendiola was charged over the shooting incident at the Miami International Airport. Image for representational purposes. (Unsplash) The incident on Wednesday, September 23, prompted large law enforcement response at the the ninth busiest airport in the US (as per 2025 numbers). Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office noted that deputies responded to the airport around 4:05pm after reports of shots fired. Detective Joseph Peguero Rivera said that it was an isolated incident and authorities later clarified that there was no active shooter threat and no injuries that had come from the shooting. MIA further clarified that all passengers and employees were safe. Also Read | Man shot by ICE in Texas back in hospital due to bullet in the back Meanwhile, here’s everything to know about Francisco Ivan Mendiola, the man charged over the MIA shooting incident. Who is Francisco Ivan Mendiola? 5 things to know Francisco Ivan Mendiola is a 31-year-old who faces a felony count of shooting or throwing a deadly missile, one misdemeanor count of unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public place and two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief. According to the affidavit filed, Mendiola fired four rounds near an airport terminal, CBS News reported. Of these, three were fired toward the terminal and struck a trash can. The fourth hit an unoccupied Dodge Challenger. Mendiola was found on the second floor of the short-term parking garage, and one deputy saw him holding a firearm and loading a magazine into it. Many passengers had frantically directed authorities towards the shooting suspect. He was later taken into custody while seated on a bench in the short-term parking area. They found a firearm in his backpack and four spent shell casings were found near the area where he was present. The firearm Mendiola was carrying had two 16-round-capacity magazines containing 12 rounds each. As per authorities, Mendiola appeared intoxicated and was acting aggressively, making an interview impossible at the time due to his condition and behavior. MIA shooting: Passengers react While the investigation remains underway, people at the Miami International Airport reacted to the shooting incident. When Mendiola opened fire, there were several people nearby and flights were operating normally as well. A Tennessee family at the scene recounted what it was like. “I heard a loud pop, and I look at my father, and we both agree that it’s not a tire. It’s a pistol,” tourist Joshua Miller told WSVN. A travel influencer and blogger added “So we were standing right here waiting on our Uber and we heard three shots go off and the man was in there. God was with us today, and that’s the most important thing I can say.” Source link
Ole Miss deaths update: Coroner shares new details as Gov. Tate Reeves speaks out, ‘Illegal drugs are…’
The Lafayette County coroner has confirmed that the two University of Mississippi students who were found dead on Monday, September 21, were both male, aged 18 and 20. The coroner confirmed that the 18-year-old male student died on campus at Stewart Hall, while the 20-year-old male student died at an off-campus house, per WTVA. Ole Miss deaths update: Coroner shares new details as Gov. Tate Reeves speaks out (The University of Mississippi – Ole Miss/Facebook) The names of the students have not been announced. According to law enforcement, kratom was purchased from a local retailer in both cases and was found on the scene. Also Read | Ole Miss students causes of death: What we know as authorities warn against illicit drug use The Lafayette County coroner also said that a toxicology report will be done. Results could take a few weeks to be announced. Gov. Tate Reeves breaks silence Gov. Tate Reeves spoke out about the deaths, saying in a statement Wednesday, September 23, “Mississippi is praying for the families and friends of the two Ole Miss students during this incredibly difficult time. Illegal drugs are a serious problem at colleges and universities throughout the country.” He added, “The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics are working closely with local law enforcement. They are assisting in the investigation and working to expedite toxicology reports.” Action News 5 reported that emergency responders were called to Stewart Hall around 1:30 pm Monday for a possible overdose. The Lafayette County dispatch call said, “Stewart Hall 61 Women’s Terrace for a possible OD. They do not believe the subject is breathing. Trying to start CPR over the phone.” Also Read | Ole Miss students express fear after 2 peers tragically die, ‘Can’t even know what you can trust…’ The deaths happened after the campus hosted LSU for a football game over the weekend. The event drew thousands of people to Oxford. Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said on Tuesday that there is “no evidence the deaths are connected.” The agency added that “packaged kratom from a retail store was found during both investigations.” The Oxford Police Department shared a release from Lafayette County Metro Narcotics on X, which warned Ole Miss students to “avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source.” Kratom is illegal in Arkansas and Tennessee. However, it can be sold in parts of Mississippi to people over the age of 21. While Oxford banned kratom in 2019, Lafayette County banned it in 2021. Source link