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Tag: crime world

  • Trump says Democrats have ‘blood on their hands’ after deadly Charlotte train stabbing

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    President Donald Trump said that “blood is on the hands of the Democrats” after the brutal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte, North Carolina, who was attacked and killed on a light rail train by a man with a lengthy criminal history last month. 

    Social media exploded over the weekend after surveillance footage, released by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), showed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska boarding a Lynx Blue line last month before a man pulled out a knife and began stabbing Zarutska three times, including at least once in the neck.

    “The blood of this innocent woman can literally be seen dripping from the killer’s knife, and now her blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to put bad people in jail, including Former Disgraced Governor and ‘Wannabe Senator’ Roy Cooper,” Trump said on Truth Social. “North Carolina, and every State, needs LAW AND ORDER, and only Republicans will deliver it! Additionally, where is the outrage from the Mainstream Media on this horrible tragedy? VOTE FOR MICHAEL WHATLEY FOR UNITED STATES SENATE, HE WON’T LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN!”

    GOFUNDME PULLS FUNDRAISERS FOR FELON ACCUSED OF KILLING COMMUTER IN RANDOM CHARLOTTE TRAIN ATTACK

    Suspect in the motion of stabbing the victim aboard the train next to a photo of President Donald Trump. (NewsNation via Charlotte Area Transit System; AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

    Earlier in the day, the White House posted  reaction from Trump on X.com, saying, “The perpetrator was a well known career criminal, who had been previously arrested and released on CASHLESS BAIL in January, a total of 14 TIMES. What the hell was he doing riding the train, and walking the streets? Criminals like this need to be LOCKED UP.”

    The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, was arrested shortly after the stabbing and hospitalized before being arrested on a charge of first-degree murder. Records obtained by The New York Post showed that Brown has a history of arrests going back more than a decade, including charges of felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon and communicating threats. Police said Brown did not know Zarutska and the attack was random.

    By taking aim at the Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Trump directly injected the tragedy into the center of the upcoming U.S. senate race in North Carolina, slated for next year. Cooper and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley are the two major front-runners. 

    On Monday, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) echoed Trump’s argument, insisting Cooper’s policies “kept violent criminals like this on the streets instead of in jail where they belong.”

    RNC Chair Michael Whatley announces his run for Senator for North Carolina on July 31st, 2025.

    RNC Chair Michael Whatley announces his run for Senator for North Carolina on July 31st, 2025.

    Meanwhile, Whatley said in a X post on Monday that “a vote for Roy Cooper is a vote for more crime, more violence, more criminals.”

    REPUBLICAN WANTS JUDGES HELD ACCOUNTABLE IF THEY RELEASE REPEAT VIOLENT CRIMINALS WHO STRIKE AGAIN

    He followed up later in the day after Trump’s Truth Social post, adding that the president was “spot on” with his assessment of Democrats. 

    “My far-left opponent Roy Cooper’s spineless, soft-on-crime policies have unleashed predators like Decarlos Brown Jr. and countless other violent thugs who unleash hell on innocent people because they know they’ll face no real justice,” Whatley said.

    A spokesperson for Cooper’s campaign, when reached for comment, accused Whately of “lying again” because “he knows his support for federal policies that cut local and state law enforcement funding is wrong for North Carolina.” 

    “This was a heartbreaking, despicable act of evil and Iryna Zarutska’s family and loved ones are in our prayers,” the spokesperson continued in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Roy Cooper knows North Carolinians need to be safe in their communities; he spent his career prosecuting violent criminals and drug dealers, increasing the penalties for violence against law enforcement, and keeping thousands of criminals off the streets and behind bars.” 

    North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper

    Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who, last month, threw his hat in the ring for the U.S. Senate.

    North Carolina’s Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, was slammed over the weekend, when the video of the stabbing was first released, for not speaking out earlier. He ultimately commented on the matter Monday morning.

    “I am heartbroken for the family of Iryna Zarutska, who lost their loved one to this senseless act of violence, and I am appalled by the footage of her murder. We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe,” Stein posted on X. 

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    “That’s why my budget calls for more funding to hire more well-trained police officers. I call upon the legislature to pass my law enforcement recruitment and retention package to address vacancies in our state and local agencies so they can stop these horrific crimes and hold violent criminals accountable.”

    During a tour of the Museum of the Bible in the nation’s capital on Monday, Trump weighed in on the event once again after the video of the attack surfaced over the weekend.

    “We’re all people of religion, but there are evil people,” Trump said. “And we have to confront that.”

    Fox News’ Andrew Mark Miller and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.

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  • California woman facing felony charges for registering her dog to vote, casting 2 ballots

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    A California woman illegally registered her dog to vote and cast two ballots under the canine’s name, according to officials.

    Laura Lee Yourex, 62, of Costa Mesa, faces five felony charges, including perjury, procuring or offering a false or forged document to be filed, casting a ballot when not entitled to vote and registering a non-existent person to vote, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

    Yourex submitted mail-in ballots under her dog’s name, Maya Jean Yourex, during the 2021 gubernatorial recall election and the 2022 primary, the District Attorney’s Office said.

    NONCITIZEN ILLEGALLY VOTED IN SWING STATE’S 2024 ELECTION, AUTHORITIES SAY

    A California woman illegally registered her dog to vote and cast two ballots under the canine’s name. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

    The recall ballot was counted, but the primary ballot was rejected.

    The woman reported herself in October of last year to the Orange County Registrar of Voter’s Office, which reported her to the District Attorney’s Office.

    An investigation into the incident revealed she posted about her dog’s voting activity on social media.

    In January 2022, Yourex posted a photo of her dog wearing an “I Voted” sticker and posing with the ballot.

    Ballots at a voting center

    Laura Lee Yourex, 62, is facing five felony charges. (AP)

    In October of last year, she posted a photo of the dog’s collar and a mail-in ballot addressed to the animal, saying that Maya still received the ballot despite passing away.

    “Maya is still getting her ballot,” Yourex wrote.

    Yourex faces a maximum sentence of six years in prison if convicted on all counts.

    TWO MEN CONVICTED IN PENNSYLVANIA MAYORAL RACE ELECTION FRAUD CASE HIT WITH HARSHER SENTENCES THAN EXPECTED

    Absentee envelopes

    The woman posted about her dog’s voting activity on social media. (Getty Images)

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    The District Attorney’s Office did not reveal how Yourex cast the fraudulent votes or which party received the dog’s votes.

    To register to vote in California, an eligible voter must fill out a form with identifiable information, political preference and affirm their citizenship under the penalty of perjury.

    Proof of residence or identification is not required for citizens to register to vote or cast a ballot in state elections, but proof of residence and registration is needed for first-time voters to cast a ballot in a federal election.

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  • Trump roils Chicago Democrats with ‘Apocalypse Now’ meme hinting at National Guard deployment

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    President Donald Trump on Saturday gave possibly his strongest hint yet that he may deploy federal troops to Chicago by posting a parody meme of himself as a commander at war with Chicago. The post drew a swift rebuke from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and other officials who said it amounted to a threat.

    In the image, Trump, known to provoke his opponents with his savvy use of social media, is styled as Robert Duvall’s character in “Apocalypse Now,” a Vietnam War epic about a decorated U.S. officer who has gone rogue deep in the Cambodian jungle.

    “I love the smell of deportations in the morning…” Trump wrote above the image, a play on the famous quote from the hit 1979 film.

    “Chicago is about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR,” he wrote, followed by three helicopter emoji. It came a day after he signed an executive order changing the Defense Department’s name to the Department of War.

    ‘SLAP IN THE FACE’: MAJOR BLUE STATE GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL OPENING FINANCIAL AID TO ILLEGALS

    Trump shared a digitally altered meme depicting himself as a commander “at war” with Chicago, drawing backlash from Illinois leaders. (President Donald Trump via Truth Social)

    The post appeared aimed at provoking Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who have both strongly opposed Trump’s threats to activate the National Guard in the Windy City to clamp down on crime and help enhance immigration enforcement efforts. 

    In the image, Trump is dressed in military fatigues resembling Duvall’s character, Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, a flamboyant and fearless air cavalry officer who leads a helicopter air assault on a Vietnamese village.

    Helicopters fly over the Chicago skyline in a fiery background, evoking Vietnam War scenes.

    The text “Chipocalypse Now” is scrawled on the bottom of the image, a riff on “Apocalypse Now,” with “Chi” referring to Chicago.

    Trump’s goading appeared to work. Within an hour, Pritzker shot back, with Johnson also weighing in.

    ILLINOIS GOV CALLS FOR MASS PROTESTS AGAINST TRUMP ADMIN: GOP ‘CANNOT KNOW A MOMENT OF PEACE’

    President Donald Trump points while speaking in the Oval Office

    President Trump on Saturday gave possibly his strongest hint yet that he may deploy federal troops to Chicago by posting a parody meme of himself as a commander at war with Chicago (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

    “The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city,” Pritzker wrote on X “This is not a joke. This is not normal. Donald Trump isn’t a strongman, he’s a scared man. Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator.”

    Johnson conveyed similar words of warning. 

    “The President’s threats are beneath the honor of our nation, but the reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our Constitution,” Johnson wrote. “We must defend our democracy from this authoritarianism by protecting each other and protecting Chicago from Donald Trump.”

    JB Pritzker holds a press conference

    Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during a press conference amid reports of possible federal deployments to Chicago Sept. 2, 2025.  (Kamil Krazaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

    Another outspoken Trump critic, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., also decried the post on Saturday during remarks before a parade in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.

    “This tweet this morning was disgusting to suggest that the troops are coming into Chicago or that the Department of War is going to be engaged is an embarrassment,” Durban said, according to Fox 32 Chicago. 

    Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of deploying the National Guard in Chicago, replicating operations in Washington, D.C., which has also seen the federal government take control of the local police. 

    National Guard units sent without state approval are generally restricted to defending federal property and personnel. When Guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles in June over anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement protests, they were confined to federal buildings and escort duties for immigration agents. In Washington, D.C., which is under federal jurisdiction, Guard units have conducted armed patrols alongside local police.

    Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at a press conference following President Donald Trump’s comments about possibly sending U.S. troops to Chicago and Baltimore.

    Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (Getty Image/ Kamil Krazaczynski)

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    Chicago recorded 573 homicides in 2024, marking the 13th straight year Chicago has led the nation in total murders, according to Chicago Police Department data compiled by Wirepoints.

    According to the Council on Criminal Justice’s year-end 2024 update, aggravated assaults declined by 4% compared to 2023 but remained 4% higher than in 2019. The council reported that gun assaults fell 15%, though they were still 5% above 2019 levels, and that carjackings dropped 32% year-over-year, yet were 25% higher than in 2019.

    Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.

    You can send tips to michael.dorgan@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.

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  • MSNBC host urges Pritzker to do the ‘radical’ thing and work with Trump

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    MSNBC host Joe Scarborough urged Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, to do something “radical” Tuesday — partner with President Donald Trump to address violent crime in Chicago.

    Over the past few weeks, Trump has repeatedly suggested sending the National Guard to Chicago after deploying hundreds of federal troops to Washington, D.C., to combat crime. Pritzker has pushed back, calling the idea “a dangerous power grab.”

    Though Scarborough agreed that Trump likely lacks the constitutional authority to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, he argued on “Morning Joe” that Pritzker should, at the very least, be open to working with the president.

    President Donald Trump (left) and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (right) traded sharp words as the president floated deploying National Guard troops to Chicago and Pritzker vowed to fight the move in court. (Getty Images)

    MSNBC’S JOE SCARBOROUGH ADMITS ‘SO MANY’ DEMOCRATS ARE SECRETLY CHEERING TRUMP’S DC CRIME CRACKDOWN

    “I actually think that JB Pritzker should do something radical,” Scarborough said. “I think he should pick up the phone, call the president, and say, ‘You know, and I know you don’t have the constitutional authority to deploy the National Guard here and to police my [city]. You can do that in D.C. You can’t do that in Chicago. But let’s partner up.’”

    Scarborough’s comments came after reports that at least 58 people were shot and eight killed in Chicago over the Labor Day weekend, despite both Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson insisting the city did not need federal assistance.

    The MSNBC host criticized both Democratic leaders for downplaying crime.

    “Because right now, just the ‘Hey, nothing to see here,’ moving along, no problem here, ‘Hey Donald Trump, we don’t need you,’ and the mayor talking about ‘we’re going to protect people’s dignity in our city.’ Well, protect their lives! That’s protecting their dignity!” Scarborough said.

    split of MSNBC host Joe Scarborough and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker

    MSNBC host Joe Scarborough (left) told Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (right) to partner with President Donald Trump. (Noam Galai/Getty Images for Global Citizen; Sophie Park/Reuters)

    He added, “It would be radical for us to figure out a way to actually do what I’ve been saying from the very beginning [with] Washington, and that is seeing politicians creating partnerships that protect their people.”

    CHICAGO RESIDENTS BEG FOR MORE HELP AS CRIME WREAKS ‘HAVOC’ ON NEIGHBORHOODS

    Fox News Digital reached out to Pritzker’s office for comment.

    Johnson signed an executive order Friday rejecting Trump’s threat to deploy federal troops or the National Guard. 

    “We do not need nor want an unconstitutional and illegal military occupation of our city,” Johnson said, vowing that Chicago would “do everything in our power to defend our democracy and protect our communities.”

    Chicago-pritzker-johnson-getty

    Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (center) and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (back right) vowed to fight back against President Donald Trump. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

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    Days before signing the order, Johnson repeatedly dodged questions from Scarborough about whether more police officers on the street would reduce crime in Chicago.

    Fox News’ Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.

    Lindsay Kornick is an associate editor for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to lindsay.kornick@fox.com and on Twitter: @lmkornick.

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  • Benny Johnson says New York Times downplayed dangers his wife, newborn faced during 2020 arson

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    Conservative podcaster Benny Johnson says he is considering legal action against The New York Times over what he calls a “sloppy hit job” that downplayed the dangers his wife and newborn child faced when a rowhouse that shared a wall with his home was set ablaze in Washington, D.C. 

    The 2020 fire killed two dogs and security camera footage shows police officers using a crowbar to pry open Johnson’s front door before his wife exits while holding a baby as black smoke pours out. New York Times reporter Ken Bensinger penned an Aug. 30 story headlined, “He Plagiarized and Promoted Falsehoods. The White House Embraces Him,” that implied the influencer embellished what his family experienced. 

    “Absolutely, we are looking into [legal action]. It’s something that has caused an enormous amount of pain to my family. Why bring this back up? Why force my wife to relive this? It was the worst day of our lives,” Johnson told Fox News Digital. 

    BENNY JOHNSON SCOLDS WHITE HOUSE REPORTERS WHO ‘LIE’ ABOUT D.C. BEING SAFE DURING PRESS BRIEFING

    Political commentator Benny Johnson attends the daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on August 12, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

    “The entire article and my entire engagement with this reporter for The New York Times was him saying that effectively, ‘We don’t deserve sympathy for having our house damaged in a horrible fire [where] there’s a video of my home with flames and black smoke in my child’s nursery,’” Johnson continued. “It’s a real lack of humanity that’s demonstrated on the left, and they really need to fix that.” 

    The fire was raised when Johnson, a pro-Trump pundit who has 3.8 million followers on X, attended an Aug. 12 press briefing about the administration cracking down on crime in the nation’s capital.

    “As a D.C. resident of 15 years, I lived on Capitol Hill. I witnessed so many muggings and so much theft, I’ve lost track,” Johnson told press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “I was carjacked. I have murders on my Ring camera and mass shootings. I witnessed a woman on my block get held up at gunpoint for $20, and my house was set ablaze in an arson with my infant child inside.” 

    Johnson believes the Times worked to discredit his claims. The paper reported that “police records show nobody has been murdered since at least 2017 on the block where Mr. Johnson lived in Washington. And his home was not burned, though his next-door neighbor’s house was ‘intentionally set’ on fire, according to the city’s fire department.” 

    CNN’S EFFORT TO RIDICULE TRUMP AS WASHINGTON’S BATMAN BACKFIRES AS SOCIAL MEDIA HAILS ‘COOL’ COMPARISON

    Security footage shows police officers attempting to open the front door of Benny Johnson’s rowhouse after the connected unit was set on fire.

    Security footage shows police officers attempting to open the front door of Benny Johnson’s rowhouse after the connected unit was set on fire. 

    Johnson told Fox News Digital that the Times failed to add critical facts and context related to both the fire and murder he mentioned at the press briefing. 

    “For those who are unfamiliar with the rowhouse model, these are homes that share walls. This is what I find particularly insulting. They leave that out of the article. This is like saying that the room connected to your child’s nursery was set ablaze. It shares a wall with your child,” Johnson said. 

    “So, it’s a room in your house. It’s on fire. But then The New York Times says your child isn’t in danger even though the room next to him or her is ablaze and dogs are being burned alive in it,” Johnson continued. “That’s what The New York Times decided to say about my fire.”

    Security footage shows fire engulfing the back of rowhouses where Benny Johnson lived with his family while police officers attempt to enter the front door.

    Video shows flames engulfing the back of rowhouses where Benny Johnson lived with his family in 2020, while police officers tried to enter through the front door. (Benny Johnson)

    Johnson said he provided the Times with photos and videos that should have left “no ambiguity” about what happened. 

    “The entire breakdown was framed under the suspicion that, ‘We can’t prove anything,’ but we did prove something, and in spite of all that, they still wrote that the police report doesn’t show that we were in danger,” Johnson said, adding that police reports typically give broad overviews.

    In a YouTube video posted Aug. 6, Johnson said his family “nearly died” in the incident and his home was “burned to the ground,” remarks Bensinger disputed in his Times report.

    Johnson also said he was living in the rowhouse when he witnessed the murder in 2017 and called the article a “sloppy hit job.”

    NY TIMES REPORTER ADMITS TRUMP IS ‘WAY MORE EFFECTIVE’ IN SECOND TERM

    Johnson posted a text message exchange with Bensinger on X.

    “DC fire records show that the Oct. 25, 2020, arson was actually in your next door neighbor’s house and was contained there. No humans were injured (although two dogs were killed). You have stated that your wife and child’s lives were put at risk and nearly died. That cannot be confirmed or denied based on police and fire reports, which make no mention of neighbors being at risk,” Bensinger wrote in a message to Johnson. 

    Johnson wrote, “Here is Ken’s direct text message to me declaring I could not ‘confirm’ my family was in danger in spite of police video evidence and the dogs being BURNED ALIVE.” 

    Bensinger responded on X: “The angle was decidedly not there is no proof his child was in danger. It was that he lied about it being ‘burned to the ground.’ The house wasn’t set on fire & did not burn.” 

    “Johnson says the article targets his wife & children. Untrue. It’s about him and his history with veracity; they are scarcely mentioned. The article does state ‘security footage viewed by The Times shows Mr. Johnson’s wife and a child being escorted out of their house, but no people were injured,’” Bensinger continued. 

    HUNTER BIDEN’S INTERVIEWER REVEALS DETAILS ABOUT NY TIMES KILLING HIS OP-ED AMID MELANIA TRUMP SUIT

    “It was the NYT that dug up the police & fire reports that show he was not telling the truth when he claimed in public multiple times that (a) his house burned to the ground and (b) that there were murders on his front lawn,” Bensinger added. “There were no murders on his entire block, although there was a shooting that the police report shows wounded three but killed nobody. The fire report shows his house was not burned because it was contained to the neighboring house.” 

    Bensinger referred Fox News Digital to the newspaper’s media relations team when asked for comment.

    The New York Times said in a statement that the report was not about Johnson’s family and not an attempt to diminish safety concerns.

    “This was a detailed report about his journalistic dishonesty that refutes, with facts, the many falsehoods he continues to share seemingly to promote the president’s federalization of Washington’s law enforcement. These falsehoods include the claim that a lethal shooting happened on his block, which is disputed by police records, and that his own home ‘was burned to the ground,’ which is disputed by the video showing the door of an adjoining home as smoke billows from the property,” a Times spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

    Johnson, who relocated to Florida after the fire, said the next steps are up to his lawyer.

    “However, on a moral level, it is disgraceful,” Johnson said. ‘I’m fighting for decency here.” 

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Brian Flood is a media editor/reporter for FOX News Digital. Story tips can be sent to brian.flood@fox.com and on Twitter: @briansflood. 

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  • Jury duty phone scams on the rise as fraudsters impersonate local officials, threaten arrest

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    Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people. While older tactics like phishing emails and impersonating government agencies to steal credentials are becoming easier to spot, bad actors are now turning to more alarming methods. One of the latest involves impersonating local authorities. 

    People have reported receiving phone calls claiming they missed jury duty and now face a warrant for their arrest. This kind of impersonation scam is harder to spot because it’s highly personalized, but that doesn’t mean you’re defenseless. Let’s break it down.

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    DON’T FALL FOR THIS BANK PHISHING SCAM TRICK

    Scammers impersonating local authorities are on the rise, telling victims they missed jury duty and must pay to avoid legal trouble. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What jury duty scam victims need to know

    Scammers posing as court officials are targeting individuals with false claims about missed jury duty, prompting warnings from law enforcement. The fraud typically begins with a call from a blocked or unknown number, alleging that the recipient has missed jury duty and is facing an arrest warrant. The scammers then demand payment, usually through wire transfers or gift cards.

    A key warning sign is being asked to pay money to avoid arrest or legal trouble. It is important never to give money or personal information to unknown callers.

    These scams often target older or more vulnerable individuals, although younger people have also reported close calls. In one example, a person received repeated calls from an unidentified number before answering. The caller, claiming to be from a local sheriff’s department and equipped with the individual’s full name and address, insisted they had failed to appear for jury duty and faced multiple citations.

    HOW FAKE MICROSOFT ALERTS TRICK YOU INTO PHISHING SCAMS

    man using laptop and talking on phone while in apartment

    Victims can spot jury duty impersonation scams by verifying suspicious calls before taking action and reducing their digital footprint. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to spot jury duty impersonation scams

    • No jury duty arrest warrants: Missing jury duty doesn’t lead to criminal citations or warrants.
    • Blocked or spoofed numbers: Real law enforcement won’t hide their identity.
    • Unusual payment methods: No government agency will ask for gift cards or crypto.
    • Aggressive threats: Threats of arrest or contempt of court are a scare tactic.

    Legitimate jury summonses are delivered by mail, not through threatening phone calls.

    6 ways to protect yourself from jury duty scam calls

    If you get a suspicious call about missed jury duty, don’t panic. Follow these steps to stay safe and protect your personal information.

    1) Don’t trust calls from unknown numbers

    This might sound obvious, but don’t trust any unknown caller, especially if they demand money. Legitimate authorities will never ask for payment over the phone, especially not through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If someone threatens you with arrest or legal action unless you pay immediately, it’s almost certainly a scam. Hang up and call your local court or police department using an official number.

    HOW TO HAND OFF DATA PRIVACY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS TO A TRUSTED LOVED ONE 

    2) Verify suspicious calls before taking action

    If you receive a suspicious call, take a breath and fact-check. Court summonses are always delivered by mail, not over the phone. Even if the caller has personal information like your name or address, that doesn’t make them credible. Scammers often use leaked or publicly available data to appear convincing.

    Be extra cautious, even if the scam comes through text messages or email. Do not click on any suspicious links, as they can install malware on your device and steal your personal data.

    The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

    Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

    GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE 

    3) Reduce your digital footprint to stop scammers

    The truth is, your data is already out there, from old social media profiles to past breaches. That’s often how scammers get enough personal details to sound legitimate. Investing in a data removal service can help reduce your digital footprint by scrubbing your information from people-search sites and data brokers.

    While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

    Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

    Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

    man talking to black-cased iphone in car

    Victims of jury duty phone scams can block and report suspicious numbers to local law enforcement or fraud reporting agencies. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    4) Block and report scam numbers

    If you receive a scam call, report it to local law enforcement or your country’s fraud reporting agency. After hanging up, block the number on your phone and report it to:

    • FTC (USA): reportfraud.ftc.gov
    • Local police or sheriff’s office
    • Your phone carrier’s scam call reporting option

    Many carriers allow you to forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).

    5) Use call screening or spam protection apps

    Apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and built-in features like Google Call Screen or Silence Unknown Callers on iPhones can detect and block fake calls automatically.

    Pro Tip: Enable your phone’s “silence unknown callers” feature for extra protection. 

    6) Talk to vulnerable family members

    Older adults are frequent targets. Sit down with your parents, grandparents, or neighbors to explain how these scams work and what to watch for. A simple heads-up could stop a costly mistake.

    What this means for you

    Scammers are getting bolder and more convincing, but you can stay a step ahead. Knowing the signs of a jury duty phone scam, using smart tools like antivirus and call blockers and limiting your digital footprint can dramatically reduce your risk. Empower yourself and your loved ones with this knowledge.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

    Kurt’s key takeaway

    Instead of relying on faceless phishing emails, scammers are now using hyper-personalized and emotionally charged phone calls. By impersonating local authorities and referencing civic duties like jury duty, they exploit both fear and a sense of responsibility. What makes this especially dangerous is how plausible it sounds, drawing on real processes that many people don’t fully understand.

    Do you think law enforcement and government agencies are doing enough to educate the public about these scams? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. 

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • TransUnion becomes latest victim in major wave of Salesforce-linked cyberattacks, 4.4M Americans affected

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    You might have recently noticed a wave of cyberattacks hitting companies whose services millions of Americans rely on every day. Among the victims are Google, Farmers Insurance, Allianz Life, Workday, Pandora, Cisco, Chanel and Qantas, all reporting breaches linked to Salesforce-connected applications.

    Now, credit reporting firm TransUnion has confirmed its own major incident, with more than 4.4 million U.S. consumers affected. Attackers exploited weaknesses in third-party integrations, not Salesforce itself. Security researchers tie this technique to the extortion group ShinyHunters and its affiliated crews.

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    SCAMMERS ARE USING DOCUSIGN EMAILS TO PUSH APPLE PAY FRAUD

    Hackers stole 13 million records, exposing data of 4.4 million Americans in the latest TransUnion cyberattack. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg)

    What you need to know about the TransUnion data breach

    TransUnion has disclosed a major data breach that impacted 4,461,511 individuals in the United States, according to a filing with the Maine Attorney General’s Office. The incident occurred on July 28, 2025, and was discovered two days later on July 30.

    The breach resulted from unauthorized access to a third-party application used in TransUnion’s U.S. consumer support operations. The company stressed that its core credit database and credit reports were not compromised.

    Although TransUnion characterized the exposed information as “limited,” the stolen data is highly sensitive. It includes names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, billing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, reasons for customer transactions (such as requests for a free credit report), and customer support tickets and messages.

    Hackers claim they stole more than 13 million records in total, with about 4.4 million tied to U.S. consumers.

    In response, TransUnion is providing all affected individuals with 24 months of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.

    FARMERS INSURANCE DATA BREACH EXPOSES 1.1M AMERICANS

    entrance of google office building with people standing outside

    The breach at TransUnion follows several similar cyberattacks against tech companies, including Google and Cisco, and retail brands, such as Chanel and Adidas.  (Mike Kemp/In Pictures)

    Hackers target companies through Salesforce apps

    The breach appears to be part of a broader wave of Salesforce-related attacks that is hitting organizations across sectors, from tech and finance to retail and aviation. Alongside Google, Farmers Insurance, Allianz Life, Workday, Pandora, Cisco, Chanel and Qantas, brands like Adidas, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Air France-KLM have also reported incidents tied to weaknesses in Salesforce-linked applications.

    In most cases, attackers exploited malicious third-party integrations or OAuth-connected apps disguised as legitimate Salesforce tools to siphon sensitive records. This technique bypassed traditional login protections and gave intruders long-lasting access to customer relationship management data. The stolen information ranges from basic contact details and business notes to highly sensitive identifiers such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth and driver’s license information.

    Researchers say these intrusions align with activity from the extortion group ShinyHunters, with some overlap in tactics and infrastructure linked to other threat actors like Scattered Spider. Campaigns tracked under names such as UNC6395 and UNC6040 point to a larger “extortion-as-a-service” model, where criminal crews collaborate and share stolen data across underground forums.

    TransUnion’s response

    CyberGuy reached out to TransUnion for a comment and received the following response:

    “TransUnion recently experienced a cyber incident that affected a third-party application serving our U.S. consumer support operations. Upon discovery, we quickly contained the issue, which did not involve our core credit database or include credit reports.

    The incident involved unauthorized access to limited personal information for a very small percentage of U.S. consumers. We are working with law enforcement and have engaged third-party cybersecurity experts for an independent forensics review. Additionally, we will notify affected consumers and provide credit monitoring services.”

    As for the gap between when the breach occurred (July 28, 2025) and when it was officially recorded as “discovered” (July 30, 2025), a TransUnion spokesperson clarified that the company “identified and contained this event within hours” of it happening, but that it is common industry practice to designate a later “date of discovery” to reflect a more complete assessment following the initial response.

    MARY KAY’S ICONIC PINK CADILLAC SHIFTS TO FULLY ELECTRIC

    hacker wearing globes and using laptop

    Researchers have linked the latest cybercrimes to extortion group ShinyHunters and its affiliated crews. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    8 ways you can stay safe from the TransUnion data breach

    The TransUnion breach exposed millions of people’s data, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are eight ways to stay safe.

    1) Delete personal data that puts you at risk

    Go through old online accounts, shopping profiles or cloud storage that may still hold sensitive data. Deleting what you no longer use reduces the amount of information that could be stolen in future breaches or sold on dark web forums. You can also get help from a data removal service.

    While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.

    Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com/Delete.

    Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan.

    2) Avoid phishing scams and use strong antivirus software

    Data stolen in breaches often ends up fueling phishing campaigns. Attackers may use your name, email or phone number to make messages look more convincing. If you get an email or text claiming to be from TransUnion, your bank or any service asking you to “verify” details, don’t click on the link. Instead, log in through the official website or call customer service directly.

    The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

    Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech.

    3) Save passwords securely

    If your login details were exposed, reusing the same password across sites puts multiple accounts at risk. Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for every service. Even if hackers get hold of one, they won’t be able to use it elsewhere. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

    Next, see if your passwords have been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com/Passwords) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. 

    Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/Passwords.

    HACKERS FOUND A WAY TO TURN OFF WINDOWS DEFENDER REMOTELY

    4) Turn on two-factor authentication

    Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a critical extra step beyond just a password. If someone tries to break into your email, banking app or social media account, they’ll also need the one-time code from your authenticator app or text message. This makes stolen credentials much less useful.

    5) Keep your devices updated

    Hackers often rely on outdated software to spread malware or steal information. Installing the latest updates for your phone, computer and apps ensures security patches are in place, blocking known vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.

    6) Freeze your credit right away

    One of the biggest risks after a breach is criminals opening new loans or credit cards in your name. A credit freeze with all three major bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian, prevents anyone from accessing your credit file without your approval. It’s free and can be temporarily lifted if you need to apply for credit.

    7) Monitor your accounts regularly

    Watch your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges, no matter how small. Set up transaction alerts where available. You should also pull your free annual credit report to check for unauthorized accounts or inquiries, which could be signs of fraud.

    8) Consider identity theft protection services

    If your Social Security number, driver’s license or other sensitive identifiers were exposed, you may want to sign up for an identity theft protection service. These services monitor credit reports, dark web forums and financial activity for signs of misuse. Some also include insurance or recovery assistance if your identity is stolen, giving you added peace of mind beyond basic credit monitoring. If you’re one of the affected TransUnion users, make use of the 24 months of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. If not, you might get one yourself for the future.

    See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at  Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft.

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    Kurt’s key takeaway

    The reality is that the TransUnion breach isn’t just about stolen names and numbers. It’s about how exposed ordinary people are when a single company holds the keys to their financial identity. For years, consumers have had little choice but to trust credit bureaus they never opted into.

    Should companies like TransUnion be held legally accountable when millions of people are exposed to fraud? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

    Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
    Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.

    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.  

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Chicago police will not collaborate with National Guard, federal agents if Trump moves on deployment: mayor

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    Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, signed an executive order on Saturday prohibiting city police officers from collaborating with National Guard troops or federal agents if President Donald Trump follows through on his threats to deploy them to the Windy City.

    “This executive order makes it emphatically clear that this president is not going to come in and deputize our police department,” Johnson said at a news conference with other city leaders.

    The mayor’s order affirms that Chicago police officers will continue to enforce state and local laws, but will not work with the National Guard or federal agents on patrols, arrests, immigration enforcement or other law enforcement actions.

    “We will protect our Constitution, we will protect our city, and we will protect our people,” he said. “We do not want to see tanks in our streets. We do not want to see families ripped apart. We do not want grandmothers thrown into the back of unmarked vans. We don’t want to see homeless Chicagoans harassed or disappeared by federal agents.”

    PRITZKER SAYS ‘ACTION WILL BE MET WITH A RESPONSE’ AFTER TRUMP THREATENS TO SEND NATIONAL GUARD TO CHICAGO

    Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order to prohibit the city’s police officers from collaborating with National Guard troops. (Getty Image/ Kamil Krazaczynski)

    The order also instructs city police to wear their official police uniforms, continue to identify themselves, follow body camera procedures and to not wear masks so they can be clearly distinguished from any federal operations.

    “The Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement,” Johnson said. “We will not have our police officers who are working hard every single day to drive down crime deputized to do traffic stops and checkpoints for the president.”

    The order states that the deployment of federal military forces in Chicago without the consent of local authorities “undermines democratic norms, violates the City’s sovereignty, threatens civil liberties, and risks escalating violence rather than securing the peace.”

    This order comes as Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker have been feuding with Trump over the potential of National Guard troops being deployed to Chicago to address crime in the city.

    Johnson has cited data showing that violent crime has declined in the last year, including homicides and robberies dipping by more than 30%, and shootings dropping by nearly 40%.

    Pritzker has also warned Trump that “action will be met with a response” and that a federal deployment without the state’s request would be “unconstitutional” and “un-American.”

    CHICAGO MAYOR CALLS TRUMP’S NATIONAL GUARD PLAN ‘MOST FLAGRANT VIOLATION OF OUR CONSTITUTION’

    Brandon Johnson speaks on Capitol Hill on March 5, 2025

    The mayor’s order affirms that Chicago police officers will not work with the National Guard or federal agents on any patrols, arrests or other law enforcement actions. (Graeme Sloan for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

    Trump responded to the Democratic leaders last week by saying that Pritzker is “incompetent” and Johnson “no better.”

    The White House dismissed Johnson’s order on Saturday, claiming that Democrats were attempting to make efforts to reduce crime a partisan issue.

    “If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement to Reuters.

    Johnson said on Saturday that he was considering any legal and legislative measures to stop the federal government, including possible lawsuits.

    “We will use the courts if that’s necessary,” Johnson said.

    Trump speaks with National Guard and law enforcement personnel

    President Donald Trump speaks with members of law enforcement and National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

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    Previous deployments of the National Guard to Chicago were coordinated with local officials, according to Reuters. The president’s authority to deploy troops is limited under U.S. law, although there are no restrictions on sending ICE agents or other federal law enforcement officers.

    Trump’s threat to deploy troops to the Windy City comes after he boosted the presence of federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C., in an attempt to cut down on crime.

    Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops have been deployed to the streets of D.C. as part of the federal takeover of the district.

    Reuters contributed to this report.

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  • Winsome Earle-Sears rebukes Spanberger plan to undo Virginia’s ICE pact: ‘This is not hard’

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    EXCLUSIVE: Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears rebuked a plan announced Wednesday by her 2025 gubernatorial opponent Abigail Spanberger to rescind an executive order that gives law enforcement and jailers authority to work with ICE in particular circumstances.

    “Well, we know she won’t be able to do that because she’s not going to win,” Earle-Sears quipped in a Wednesday interview.

    “The people of Virginia are going to vote for me because [Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s order is] common sense and is keeping them safe. They have been safe since we’ve been in office,” she said.

    Earle-Sears said she and Youngkin have overseen a one-third drop in statewide crime, and she dismissed Spanberger’s remarks — first made in a Virginia Mercury interview — as “dangerous ideas” that are “all theory; no practical usage.”

    VIRGINIA LEADERS REBUKE RACIST SIGN TARGETING GOP GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE WINSOME EARLE-SEARS: ‘REPULSIVE’

    Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va. (Getty Images)

    Youngkin’s order sought to “maximize collaboration” with DHS and “us[e] all available methods to facilitate the arrest and deportation of inadmissible and removable criminal illegal immigrants.”

    To that end, Earle-Sears said Spanberger’s pledge ignores major developments in the battle against illegal immigrant gangs and the like.

    “The number three MS-13 [was captured] right here in Manassas under her nose in her former neck of the woods,” Earle-Sears said of Salvadoran national Henrry Josue Villatoro-Santos, who is alleged to be a top ranking member of the transnational gang.

    Villatoro-Santos, 24, was arrested in March in Dale City – a middle-class suburb along I-95 between Fredericksburg and Washington – in an operation overseen by the FBI’s Manassas Field Office from the other side of Prince William County.

    Spanberger previously represented the area in Congress – in a seat now held by Democrat Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman, the twin brother of high-profile Trump impeachment figure Alexander Vindman.

    In breaking the news earlier Wednesday, Spanberger said, “I would rescind [Youngkin’s] executive order, yes.”

    Spanberger said the Youngkin-Sears effort pulls local law enforcement away from their regular duties and wrongly encourages the state to dabble in federal roles.

    DNC HIRES NEW TOP EXEC WITH LONG HISTORY OF PUSHING RACIAL GRIEVANCES, LEFTIST IDEOLOGY

    The Democrat called the U.S. immigration system “absolutely broken” and said allowing cops to help “tear families apart [is] a misuse of … resources.”

    Earle-Sears said officials in Richmond cannot focus on economic development and other top concerns of Virginians unless those constituents live in a safe environment.

    Therefore, she said, separating themselves from DHS is counterproductive and “dangerous” to both the citizenry and the federal agents conducting the immigration operations.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

    The Republican nominee emphasized that she, too, is an immigrant — stressing that she came to the U.S. legally — and contrasted her story with that of many illegal immigrants arrested with criminal records, noting that her family came from Jamaica in search of opportunity and a better life.

    “These criminal illegal immigrants, they come here for an opportunity to prey on us, and they prey on the very population that they’re a part of,” she said.

    “We don’t want that.”

    Youngkin also responded to the news, asking rhetorically if November’s “choice could be any more clear.”

    “In her very first act as governor, [Abigail Spanberger] promises to turn Virginia into a sanctuary state for dangerous illegal immigrants,” Youngkin said on X. 

    “[Earle-Sears] promises to keep dangerous criminals off our streets,” the term-limited governor said.

    Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. 

    He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant. 

    Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.

    Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.

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  • Kansas City police officer killed by fleeing suspect while deploying stop sticks to end pursuit

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    Kansas City is mourning the loss of a police officer after he was fatally struck by a driver fleeing law enforcement while attempting to deploy stop sticks.

    The Kansas City Police Department in Kansas identified the slain officer as 26-year-old Hunter Simoncic. The young officer graduated from the department’s academy in 2023.

    Simoncic was struck early Tuesday morning while deploying stop sticks on State Avenue in an effort to stop a driver who was fleeing law enforcement, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

    Dennis Mitchell III, 31, is accused of hitting Simoncic and is charged with capital murder, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of theft, according to Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree on Wednesday.

    MAUI OFFICER KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY, POLICE CHIEF CALLS HER ‘THE FINEST OF US’

    Kansas City, Kansas police officer Hunter Simoncic, 26, was killed on Tuesday when a driver fleeing law enforcement hit him with a truck while he was deploying stop sticks. (Officer Down Memorial Page)

    The incident began at around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday when Kansas City officers responded to reports of shots fired on Everett Avenue, according to the department. 

    Officers arrived at the location at 12:40 a.m. to find an unconscious man, later identified as Mitchell, in the driver’s seat of a truck. He woke up when they approached him and fled the scene, sparking a pursuit.

    Mitchell abandoned the truck he was driving for another truck and continued fleeing, KBI said.

    While police continued pursuing Mitchell, Simoncic and another KCKPD officer exited their vehicle to stage stop sticks.  When Mitchell got close to that location, he allegedly drove toward Simoncic, hit him with the second truck and drove off.

    Simoncic was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

    Dennis Mitchell III mugshot

    Dennis Mitchell III, 31, is accused of killing Kansas City, Kansas police officer Hunter Simoncic and is charged with capital murder in his death, among other crimes. (Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office)

    UTAH POLICE OFFICERS KILLED DURING DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE RESPONSE WERE HUSBANDS, FATHERS: ‘DEFINITELY HEROES’

    After allegedly hitting the officer, Mitchell wrecked at around 12:55 a.m. on Kaw Drive. He was taken into custody and transported to the same hospital as Simoncic for treatment. He was released not long after and taken to the Wyandotte County Jail.

    Police said they later learned both trucks Mitchell drove Tuesday night had been reported stolen.

    The department said in a Facebook post that Simoncic’s death brings a “profound sense of loss and pain.”

    Before joining KCKPD, Simoncic worked as a shift supervisor at the Southeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center, according to the department. He also held a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in forensic science.

    He was also a volunteer at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School and read to children on a weekly basis through a program known as Lead to Read KC.

    Hunter Simoncic's patrol vehicle

    Patrol vehicle belonging to slain Kansas City, Kansas police officer Hunter Simoncic was adorned with flowers and candles ahead of a vigil planned for him. (Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office)

    “While he grew up in a small town in southeast Kansas, he chose to serve our community because, in his words, ‘I want to take what I have learned in life to make positive changes in a community I believe truly deserves it.’ Let that sink in,” the department wrote.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Simoncic’s death comes just weeks after Elijah Ming, a deputy in Kansas City, was shot and killed in the line of duty.

    “God speed Hunter. You and Elijah rest easy, we will take it from here,” KCKPD wrote on Facebook.

    His funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3.

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  • Bodycam video shows illegal immigrant truck driver speaking limited English with New Mexico officer

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    New bodycam footage has been released showing illegal immigrant truck driver Harjinder Singh struggling with limited English after he was pulled over by police for speeding in New Mexico last month – a detail that has since become a major talking point in the case.

    The footage shows Singh — the suspect accused of jackknifing his 18-wheeler while making an illegal U-turn in Florida that killed three people — being stopped by a New Mexico State Police officer on July 3 for allegedly driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone.

    During the interaction, Singh appears apologetic as he receives a ticket from the trooper. He initially communicates without issue until after signing paperwork and preparing to leave, when the officer struggles to understand what the trucker is saying. 

    Bodycam still shows Harjinder Singh holding paperwork as a New Mexico State Police officer issues him a speeding ticket during a July 3 traffic stop. (New Mexico State Police bodycam)

    TRUMP ADMIN THREATENS TO CUT MILLIONS IN FEDERAL FUNDING FROM 3 STATES OVER TRUCKER ENGLISH LANGUAGE RULES

    “What’s that,” the trooper says, before Singh speaks again.

    “I’m sorry, I guess I don’t understand what you’re saying,” the trooper replies.

    “Maybe in this, this my ticket, on my license, how many years,” Singh says to the officer in broken English.

    The officer then appears to understand the question and explains to Singh that he thinks the ticket will remain on his license for five to seven years, 

    Singh’s limited English has drawn sharp scrutiny since the Department of Transportation (DOT) said he failed an English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment following the deadly crash in Fort Pierce, Florida. The DOT said that Singh provided the correct responses to just 2 of 12 verbal questions and only accurately identified 1 of 4 highway traffic signs, raising questions as to how and why he was driving a commercial truck in the first place.

    Additionally, during the July 3 stop, Singh was not subjected to an English language proficiency test, which the DOT said was required by law beginning on June 25. State police or highway patrol officers are required to carry out such checks during routine roadside inspections.

    “A driver who can’t understand English will not drive a commercial vehicle in this country. Period,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in May while announcing the new enforcement guidelines.

    Harjinder Singh signs paperwork on the hood of a New Mexico State Police car during July 3 traffic stop.

    Bodycam still shows Harjinder Singh signing paperwork on a New Mexico State Police vehicle after being pulled over for speeding on July 3, 2025. (New Mexico State Police bodycam)

    FLORIDA AG ANNOUNCES PROBE OF SANCTUARY JURISDICTIONS THAT GIVE TRUCKING LICENSES TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

    On Tuesday, New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler pushed back on claims by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that the state was not properly enforcing the new English language requirements.

    Weisler said federal officials had mischaracterized New Mexico’s Commercial Driver’s License policy and compliance with the law, noting that while general guidelines were issued on June 25, no standardized testing procedure was provided.

    “When State Police sought clarification, the response received was simply, ‘You know when somebody doesn’t speak English,’” Weisler said, adding that New Mexico developed its own compliance process and trained officers to apply it consistently.

    Weisler also argued that New Mexico had kept federal regulators informed with updates in late July and mid-August — before the Florida crash occurred.

    Regarding Singh’s July 3 stop, Weisler said an ELP test would not have been triggered even if the new rules had already been in effect.

    “Both the Federal guidelines and today’s statements by the U.S. Department of Transportation make clear that ELP assessments are only required when there is a challenge in communication,” Weisler said.

    “As the video of the traffic stop demonstrates, there were no communication issues between Mr. Singh and the officer. Therefore, there would have been no reason to initiate an ELP assessment.”

    Harjinder Singh, 28, was arrested after allegedly making an unauthorized U-turn in Florida last week that resulted in a crash that left three people dead, officials said.

    Harjinder Singh, 28, is accused of making an unauthorized U-turn in Florida that resulted in a crash that left three people dead, officials said. (St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office)

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Singh, who crossed into the United States illegally in 2018 via the southern border, has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and was extradited to Florida to face charges after traveling to California in the aftermath of the crash.

     According to the DOT, Singh was issued a regular full-term commercial driver’s license in the state of Washington in July 2023, but illegal immigrants are not allowed to obtain this type of license. 

    A year later, Singh was issued a limited-term/non-domiciled commercial driver’s license in California. The DOT is investigating further whether the issuance of that license followed federal regulations. 

    Fox News’ Peter D’Abrosca contributed to this report. 

    Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.

    You can send tips to michael.dorgan@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.

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  • Illinois man accused of drugging girlfriend with abortion pills to cause miscarriage

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    An Illinois man was arrested after he allegedly drugged his pregnant girlfriend with abortion-inducing pills, causing her to have a miscarriage, according to police.

    Emerson Evans, 31, was charged with two counts of intentional homicide of an unborn child, Bloomington police said in a news release.

    Officers were called to a home in Bloomington on Friday at around 7 p.m., when they found a pregnant woman suffering a medical emergency.

    During the probe, investigators determined that Evans administered abortion pills without the woman’s consent to cause her to miscarry, according to police. While abortion is legal in Illinois, intentional homicide of an unborn child carries a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count.

    MORE THAN 20 GOP ATTORNEYS GENERAL CALL ON RFK JR, FDA TO REINSTATE SAFEGUARDS FOR ABORTION DRUGS

    Emerson Evans, 31, was charged with two counts of intentional homicide of an unborn child. (Bloomington Police Department)

    After unknowingly taking the drugs, the woman began experiencing medical complications and lost her unborn child.

    Evans’ girlfriend was seven weeks pregnant when she miscarried, according to IPM Newsroom.

    He allegedly put four Mifepristone pills into his girlfriend’s vagina, according to the report. The pill is meant to be taken orally and the recommended dose is one pill.

    “We are again saddened by the alleged criminal actions which resulted in harm to others,” Police Chief Jamal Simington said in a statement. “It is my hope the mother involved in the matter fully recovers and has the resources and support of this strong community in the future. The officers and detectives worked diligently and honorably through this very tough investigation.”

    DOJ WORKER FACES CAPITAL MURDER CHARGE FOR ALLEGEDLY SLIPPING ABORTION DRUG INTO PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND’S DRINK

    Mifepristone

    Evans allegedly administered abortion pills without his girlfriend’s consent to cause her to miscarry. (Shuran Huang for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

    The incident remains under investigation.

    During a court hearing, Judge Amy McFarland said Evans allegedly told police he “made the decision” for his girlfriend, according to IPM Newsroom.

    “Frankly, the number of pills demonstrates a lack of knowledge or consent,” Judge Amy McFarland said at the hearing.

    Evans wanted to “effectuate his beliefs of what should occur in the absence of consent. That involved taking a life,” McFarland told the court.

    A woman holds the first of two combination pills, mifepristone, which will induce an abortion

    Evans’ girlfriend was seven weeks pregnant when she miscarried. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

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    Evans is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 12.

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  • Florida sheriff shows off $50K chain snatched from alleged drug dealer implicated in overdose death

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    Sheriff Grady Judd, a no-nonsense Florida sheriff known for his tough talking and showmanship, announced the takedown of a drug-trafficking gang by donning the ringleader’s gold chain and bracelet during a press conference.

    The Polk County sheriff wore the jewelry to drive home what he called the deadly consequences of so-called “low-level” drug dealing. He also held up seized guns to underline his point that dealers are armed and dangerous.

    “I got their drip. I got their money. We got their guns. We got their dope,” Judd said Friday, unveiling the results of a yearlong investigation that led to the arrests of 32 suspects in Bartow.

    Judd identified Nathaniel “Nate” Donald, a repeat offender, as heading the network and said a member of his ring sold cocaine to 65-year-old Irene Anderson on a Saturday night last year. Anderson collapsed and died hours later as she was on her way to church.

    FLORIDA SHERIFF RIPS ‘REPREHENSIBLE’ LAKE BRAWL AFTER 8 ARRESTED

    Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd holds up a revolver during a press conference on “Operation Capital City Crack Down.” (WTVT)

    “She was walking out of her house to church when she collapsed. So, she died so Nate could have this drip,” Judd said. “Did you hear what I said? He’s buying this drip from selling drugs to people on the streets, one of which died.”

    Judd said law enforcement carried out six wire intercepts and eight search warrants in Bartow last November, which uncovered $50,000 worth of jewelry.

    Sheriff Grady Judd displays photos of suspects arrested in Bartow drug bust.

    Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd holds up photos of two suspects during a press conference on “Operation Capital City Crack Down,” which led to 32 arrests. (WTVT)

    COCKY FUGITIVE’S SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE TO SHERIFF BACKFIRES IN SPECTACULAR FASHION

    “But I want you to imagine this for a minute. People continue to tell you that drugs are low-level and nonviolent,” Judd said. “They’re anything but low-level and nonviolent. Where you see $50,000 in drip, where you see that ‘not-so-dangerous’ drug of cannabis, you see guns and you see first-degree murder from overdose.”

    Detectives identified Donald, Bryan “B” Myrick, and Isaiah “Bubba” Donald as key members of the network. Myrick, who was released from prison in 2021 for cocaine trafficking, now faces dozens of new counts, including conspiracy to sell cocaine and trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and MDMA.

    Troy Walker, supplied by Myrick, sold the cocaine to Anderson and has since been indicted for first-degree murder in her overdose death.

    In total, investigators seized thousands of grams of illegal drugs with a combined street value of $150,000. Arrests included suspects already on probation or pre-trial release, and several firearms were recovered from convicted felons. Detectives said the suspects’ combined criminal histories add up to 554 felonies and 394 misdemeanors.

    Judd said the only place for drug dealers is in prison, because when they are released they quickly reoffend — often with deadly consequences.

    Chart shows suspects and organizational links in

    Investigators released a chart showing 32 suspects and their roles in “Operation Capital City Crack Down,” a yearlong investigation into drug trafficking in Bartow. (PCSO/Handout)

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    “They’re a menace to society. They’ve got to stay in prison, or people die,” Judd said. “Whoever tells you that narcotics is low level and nonviolent — they’re crazy.”

    The investigation, dubbed “Operation Capital City Crack Down,” began in August 2024. It was led by PCSO’s Tactical Drug Unit, Organized Crime Unit and the HIDTA Task Force with support from the State Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, FDLE, FBI, the Bartow Police Department, and other partners.

    Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.

    You can send tips to michael.dorgan@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.

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  • Decapitated body discovered near Nashville Waffle House

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    Decapitated human remains found in a wooded area near a Nashville Waffle House and McDonald’s have police investigating searching for clues as to what happened.

    The discovery was made by a woman who called authorities on Friday morning, according to reports. Police told local station WZTV that the skull was found 100 yards away from the body near a wood line by the restaurants. 

    The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has not identified the victim, and is looking into how long the remains were there. 

    “Given the heat and the woods and the nature of how this person was found it’s extremely difficult for officers to see and for our CSI team to photograph and capture,” a police spokesperson said, according to the New York Post. 

    TENNESSEE MAN CHARGED FOR ALLEGEDLY RAPING UNCONSCIOUS WOMAN OUTSIDE CHURCH BEFORE SHE DIED

    The human remains were located on Friday near the Waffle House and McDonald’s on Dickerson Pike in Nashville, Tennessee, according to reports.  (Google Maps)

    MNPD did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital inquiry. 

    TEEN’S BODY FOUND UNDER SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES AT DETROIT AREA CEMETERY PROMPTS INVESTIGATION

    Aerial view of Nashville remains found scene

    An aerial view of the McDonald’s, Waffle House and wooded area nearby where decapitated skeletal remains were found on Aug. 22, 2025, reports said.  (Google Maps)

    “It’s pretty gory. That’s crazy. I don’t even know what to say,” local worker Tom Keesee told WSMV. 

    McDonald's arches

    A human skull and other remains were found Friday, August 22, 2025, near a McDonald’s location in Nashville. (iStock)

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    “We live in a big city,” he added. “I don’t want to say killings are normal, but a headless body, that’s the next level.”

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  • FBI warns seniors about billion-dollar scam draining retirement funds, expert says AI driving it

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    A cybersecurity expert warns that a scam that has been used to drain entire life savings or retirement accounts has become “devastating” for seniors.

    FBI Los Angeles on July 15 posted a reminder on X about the Phantom Hacker Scam, which has cost Americans over $1 billion since at least 2024, according to the agency. The FBI said the scam targets senior citizens and warns that victims could lose their “life savings.”

    The scam operates in three phases: a “tech support impostor,” “financial institution impostor” and a “US government impostor.”

    In the first phase, a tech support impostor will contact victims through text, phone call or email, then direct them to download a program allowing the scammer remote access to their computer. Then, the scammer asks victims to open their financial accounts to “determine whether there have been any unauthorized charges,” which the FBI says “is most lucrative for targeting.” Afterwards, the scammer will choose an account to target, then tell the victim they will get a call for further instructions from the “fraud department” of the bank hosting their account.

    HOW SCAMMERS EXPLOIT YOUR DATA FOR ‘PRE-APPROVED’ RETIREMENT SCAMS

    The FBI is warning Americans about a scam targeting seniors. (Getty Images)

    In the second phase, the financial institution impostor will then call the victim and inform them that their funds have been “accessed by a foreign hacker” and must be moved to a “safe” third party account. Victims are then instructed to send the money via wire transfer, cash or cryptocurrency, and are told to send “multiple transactions over a span of days or months.”

    In the third phase of the scam, the victim could be contacted by someone posing as a U.S. government employee, who prompts the individual to move their funds to an “alias” account for protection.

    SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION PHISHING SCAM TARGETS RETIREES

    Grandpa on swing with kids

    Pete Nicoletti said families should have discussions with their loved ones about the Phantom Hacker Scam. (Getty Images/Adamkaz)

    Pete Nicoletti, chief information security officer at Check Point, told Fox News Digital the scam has become “devastating” for seniors, and said families need to have discussions with their loved ones to keep them protected. Nicoletti said scammers are now getting personal with some of their tactics, targeting people with specific interests they have. 

    A senior citizen uses a smartphone

    Families should discuss ways for seniors to protect themselves from scams, said Pete Nicoletti, chief information security officer at Check Point. (iStock)

    “The family should have dinner-time discussions about this,” Nicoletti said. “But, you know, seniors are posting things on Facebook like they’re a Corvette collector. The criminals are actually using artificial intelligence to look for those type of characteristics and profiles. And they’ll send you an email or a message saying, ‘hey, that Corvette that you ordered a month ago is now available. It’s, you know, for $500, you can get it…and we’ll deliver it to you right away. And of course, the senior goes, ‘well, I’m a Corvette collector. Maybe I was forgetful and I didn’t know that I ordered that Corvette, or, you know.”

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Close up of hands holding cash

    Over $1 billion has been taken from seniors as a result of the Phantom Hacker Scam. (iStock)

    Nicoletti said that victims rarely get their money back, even after reporting it stolen to authorities.

    “It’s devastating,” he said. “If [victims report their funds stolen] the same day, there’s a chance. I think it’s in the single digit percentages. It’s, you know, 10, 15%. I’ve heard, I have heard of people getting their money back. If it delayed beyond that, it’s not good. It’s gone.”

    Adam Sabes is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Adam.Sabes@fox.com and on Twitter @asabes10.

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  • Mamdani seemingly takes swipe at scandals surrounding Eric Adams in new video: ‘I have something to hide’

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    Self-described Democratic-Socialist New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani announced on Saturday a scavenger hunt across the city with a campaign video that appears to take aim at his opponent, Mayor Eric Adams, amid recent alleged scandals surrounding Adams’ inner circle.

    The clip — posted to Mamdani’s X account with the caption “game on” — begins with a camera following along a trail of potato chips that leads to Mamdani, who is sitting on a bench eating from a bag of Herr’s Sour Cream & Onion ripple chips.

    FORMER TOP ADAMS ADVISER, DONORS CHARGED IN BRIBERY CASE AS CUOMO MOCKS WITH CHIPS STUNT

    The video, which had garnered more than 30,000 likes by Saturday afternoon, follows just days after Winnie Greco, a former aide to Adams, was accused of trying to hand a reporter from news outlet THE CITY a wad of cash hidden inside a bag of the exact same brand of potato chips.

    New York City Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, spoke to supporters at a canvass launch event in Prospect Park last week. Mamdani took to X Saturday to announce a scavenger hunt that he plans to conduct in the city on Sunday. (Deirdre Heavey/Fox News Digital)

    “Hello, my friends. I have to come clean,” Mamdani says while munching on the bag of chips. “I have something to hide. Many things, in fact, because we’re doing a scavenger hunt.”

    EX-ADAMS AIDE ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO GIVE REPORTER A WAD OF CASH HIDDEN IN A POTATO CHIP BAG

    Mamdani’s scavenger hunt across New York City begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, and participants will solve a series of clues tied to the city’s history — each of which will lead them to the next location. The first clue will be shared in a video on Sunday morning, and the final stop will feature a surprise, Mamdani said.

    “At the final stop, you’ll find a special surprise — not a wad of cash,” Mamdani said in the video, seemingly taking another jab at his rival.

    Eric Adams holds presser at City Hall

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a news conference at City Hall in 2024. In an X post Saturday, NYC Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani appeared to take aim at his opponent, Adams, amid recent scandals surrounding Adams’ inner circle. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)

    The clip ends with Mamdani bending down to sweep up potato chips scattered across the sidewalk.

    CUOMO, ADAMS TRADE SHOTS OVER WHO SHOULD DROP OUT IN RACE AGAINST MAMDANI FOR NYC MAYOR

    “While New Yorkers struggle to afford the most expensive city in America, Adams’ administration is too busy tripping over corruption charges to come to their defense,” Zohran Mamdani campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec told Fox News Digital in an email. “New Yorkers deserve a mayor who is focused on them, not stuck in courtrooms. As for the video, we think it speaks for itself.”

    NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Winnie Greco

    New York Mayor Eric Adams and Winnie Greco, in New York City. (Violet Mendelsund/New York Mayoral Photography Office via AP, File)

    Just one day after THE CITY exposed Greco about the alleged potato chip incident, a handful of folks from Adams’ inner circle, including one of his former top advisors, were indicted in their own alleged bribery scandal.

    The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday four indictments alleging a pay-to-play scheme and other charges against several Adams associates — including a former top adviser, her son, two political donors, and local business owners.

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    Eric Adams did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

    Fox News Digital’s Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.

    Sophia Compton is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

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  • ‘It’s really an invasion’: Protesters slam Trump’s DC police takeover as crime tumbles

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    Protesters continue to blast the Trump administration’s takeover of policing in Washington, DC, likening it to an “invasion” even as crime plummets.

    Demonstrators, who did not appear to be part of a specific organization, on a pedestrian bridge on the I-95 in Virginia near the city this week, said that “our systems are being assaulted.”

    “What the problem is, is that these are the National Guard are like my friends’ sons and daughters,” one woman told Fox News Digital. “It’s their time away from their family. The money being wasted to make a point is really sort of disgraceful and un-American because they’re sending them against actual Americans with weapons. And it’s really an invasion. And we’re not Russia, we’re the United States of freaking America.”

    TRUMP VOWED DC TAKEOVER MULTIPLE TIMES ON 2024 CAMPAIGN TRAIL: ‘HE’S KEEPING HIS PROMISE’

    DC Metropolitan Police detain a person after an altercation between members of the public in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 14, 2025.  (REUTERS/Nathan Howard)

    The DC Police Union says crime has taken a tumble in since the takeover was announced by President Donald Trump earlier this month. On Thursday, it was noted that there were no reported homicides in the city in the past week.

    In addition to the National Guard, numerous federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI, are on patrol in the capital city. Attorney General Pam Bondi signed an order that prompts local officers to comply with federal immigration authorities in a strong rebuke to the city’s own sanctuary policies.

    PROTESTERS CONFRONT OFFICERS PATROLLING DC STREETS AFTER TRUMP POLICING TAKEOVER

    Crime in Washington DC

    A U.S. military member holds a child near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., August 14, 2025.  (REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez)

    “719 arrests and 91 illegal guns seized in Washington, DC Just yesterday we made 40 arrests, took 5 more illegal firearms off our streets, and had 36 ICE arrests—including a suspected MS-13 gang member. Thank you [President Trump] for your unwavering support to make DC safe again!” Bondi posted to X on Friday morning.

    Trump has threatened to take the takeover a step further in a Truth Social post on Friday.

    “Washington, D.C. is SAFE AGAIN! The crowds are coming back, the spirit is high, and our D.C. National Guard and Police are doing a fantastic job. They are out in force, and are NOT PLAYING GAMES!!!” he wrote.

    “As bad as it sounds to say, there were no murders this week for the first time in memory. Mayor Muriel Bowser must immediately stop giving false and highly inaccurate crime figures, or bad things will happen, including a complete and total Federal takeover of the City! Washington D.C. will soon be great again!!!” the president added.

    BLUE CITIES IN TRUMP’S CROSSHAIRS AFTER DC POLICE TAKEOVER

    Crime in Washington DC

    U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conduct a traffic stop near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. on August 14, 2025.  (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

    Another protester noted that he is glad to see that crime has dropped in the city, but said declaring the crime issue in Washington D.C. was not necessary.

    “I really do believe that we are edging into an area where we are not following the law, where we’re not doing the things that we need to be doing in order to serve the people,” he said.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    “I’m very happy that crime’s down, and it doesn’t surprise me at all if you’re going to have troops and a lot of people having law enforcement on the streets,” he said. “The problem with this is that we are making an emergency out of something that wasn’t an emergency.”

    Cameron Arcand is a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand 

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  • Rhode Island prosecutor in viral arrest video placed on unpaid leave, job future unclear

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    The Rhode Island assistant attorney general, whose arrest went viral earlier this week after she seemingly tried to use her position to evade arrest, telling officers they’d “regret” putting her behind bars, will be placed on unpaid leave.

    Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan, who was arrested for trespassing, was placed on paid leave directly after the incident while the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office reviewed the matter. But, starting Monday, Flanagan will go on unpaid leave, the office told Fox News Digital. 

    It is unclear how long Flanagan will remain on unpaid leave until a final determination is made on her employment. The Attorney General’s office did not respond to additional questions about its ongoing review of the matter, or when it might make a final decision.

    FORMER TOP ADAMS ADVISOR, DONORS CHARGED IN BRIBERY CASE; CUOMO MOCKS WITH POTATO CHIP STUNT

    Bodycam footage shows the arrest of a Rhode Island prosecutor, Devon Flanagan, who berated officers and yelled at them, ‘I’m an AG! I’m an AG!’ in an apparent attempt to skirt the trouble she was facing. (Newport Police Department)

    State payroll records, according to the Boston Globe, show that Flanagan was raking in approximately $113,000 a year in her position as a Special Assistant Attorney General.

    “I’m an AG! I’m an AG!” Flanagan could be heard saying to police as they tried to detain her for failing to comply with their demands. “You’re going to regret this. You’re going to regret it. I’m an A-” Flanagan said as she was escorted to the back of a police car and the door was shut.

    “Good for you, I don’t give a s—,” one of the arresting officers can be heard saying back at one point.

    CONTROVERSIAL NEW ORLEANS MAYOR INDICTED FOR ALLEGED ILLICIT RELATIONSHIP WITH TAXPAYER-FUNDED BODYGUARD

    In a subsequent radio interview following Flanagan’s arrest, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha called the incident “inexcusable behavior” that will likely result in “strong, strong sanction[s].” However, he did note that this isn’t the first time he’s dealt with a case like this involving his staff.

    “I’ve got 110 lawyers, she embarrassed all of them. I haven’t had many issues like this while I’ve been attorney general. I’ve had a few, and I let one guy go for driving drunk – had to bring him back – well I didn’t have to, but did bring him back after I fired him about a year later because, again, I needed somebody to go into a courtroom and try ugly, hard murder cases,” Neronha told WPRO Radio.

    Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha

    Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha called Flanagan’s behavior “inexcusable,” but said he previously brought back a former attorney who was once arrested for drunk driving.  (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

    “It’s just really hard to find and keep capable lawyers and so I just have to think really carefully about this one. But no question there will be a strong, strong sanction here,” the attorney general continued. 

    Neronha added that he believed the incident was alcohol-related, and noted that doesn’t necessarily excuse the behavior. He also said Flanagan had an “unblemished” record working under him, is thought highly of by the state bar association and is taking steps to make amends with the New Port Police Department, including issuing an apology.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

    Rhode Island prosecutor gets arrested

    A screenshot from Newport Police Department bodycam footage shows Rhode Island prosecutor Devon Flanagan arguing with police. (Newport Police Department)

    The attorney general was asked about certain details of the incident, including whether Flanagan was right in telling the officer it was the law that he must turn off his body camera upon request by a citizen.

    “I’m not sure what she was thinking. Clearly, she was not thinking straight,” said Neronha, who added that Flanagan was incorrect in her assertion that police officers must shut off their bodycam upon request.

    “She’s humiliated herself,” Neronha added. “Regardless of what happens vis a vis her employment with us, she’s going to have a long time coming back from this. It’s just really unfortunate.”

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  • Lyle Menendez denied parole by California board in Beverly Hills murder case

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    SAN DIEGO — Lyle Menendez, one of the two brothers convicted in the 1989 shotgun slayings of their parents in Beverly Hills, was denied parole by a California review board on Friday in his first appearance before the board. 

    The decision came after his brother, Erik, was denied parole on Thursday. The brothers will be eligible to go before the parole board again in three years.

    The California Board of Parole Hearings recommendation marks a significant development in the decades-long case that drew international attention, with the brothers’ televised trial becoming one of the most infamous of the 1990s. Lyle, now 57, has spent more than 30 years behind bars.

    Gov. Gavin Newsom can still review, and potentially veto, the decision.

    MENENDEZ BROTHERS’ JUNE HEARING CONVERTED FROM CLEMENCY TO PAROLE AS DECISION LOOMS FOR GOV. NEWSOM

    This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez.  (California Dept. of Corrections via AP, File)

    A panel of parole hearing officers evaluated the brothers individually. Similarly to his brother, Lyle Menendez faced the board via video conference from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. 

    “The panel has found today that there are still signs” that Lyle poses a risk to the public, Parole Commissioner Julie Garland said.

    “We find your remorse is genuine,” she said. “In many ways, you look like you’ve been a model inmate. You have been a model inmate in many ways who has demonstrated the potential for change. But despite all those outward positives, we see … you still struggle with anti-social personality traits like deception, minimization and rule breaking that lie beneath that positive surface.” 

    “Don’t ever not have hope … this denial is not … it’s not the end,” Garland added. “It’s a way for you to spend some time to demonstrate, to practice what you preach about who you are, who you want to be.” 

    Lyle Menendez appears at his parole hearing

    Lyle Menendez appears at his parole hearing

    The board members mentioned Lyle’s history of breaking rules behind bars and his repeated cellphone use in prison.

    “You seem to be different things at different times,” Deputy Parole Commissioner Patrick Reardon said.

    Lyle’s attorney, Heidi Rummel, said during the hearing that he “spent the first 21 years of life in the prison of his home, and the rest of his life in prison… I hope that we’re in a place today that we have a deeper understanding of childhood sexual abuse.” 

    Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Ethan Milius said that Lyle has shown “no growth,” however.

    “When he commits a violation, he lies about it, and tries to avoid responsibility.” Milius said.

    Lyle said he does take “responsibility for all this pain,” though. “My Mom and Dad did not have to die that day.” 

    Lyle, who cried during his closing remarks, spoke with a strained voice about Aug. 20, the date that he and his brother murdered their parents.

    “It’s the anniversary of a crushing day for so many in my family,” he said. “I think about all the phone calls on that day with the shattering news and the loss and the grief.”

    “I will never be able to make up for the harm and grief I caused everyone in my family,” he added. “I am so sorry to everyone, and I will be forever sorry.” 

    Lyle Menendez looks pensive in court holding two fingers up to his cheek

    Lyle Menendez has spent more than 30 years behind bars for his parents’ murders. (Kim Kulish/Sygma via Getty Images)

    The brothers’ family said in a statement after Lyle’s hearing that “this is not the end of the road,” and that both will go before the board again, and their habeas petition remains under review.

    “While we are of course disappointed by today’s decision as well, we are not discouraged. The process for parole is exceptionally rigorous, but we are incredibly proud of how Erik and Lyle showed up — with honesty, accountability, and integrity.”

    Next steps

    The California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH), under the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), has 21 full-time commissioners. Each commissioner is appointed by the Governor of California and confirmed by the state Senate. The commissioners serve three-year terms, with the brothers’ each meeting with 2-3 commissioners.

    Because the California Board of Parole Hearings did not recommend Lyle Menendez for parole, he will remain incarcerated.

    Newsom, while he’ll be unable to reverse the independent board’s decision, will still be able to affirm, reverse, or take no action on the board’s decision. Under California law, he has 30 days to make a decision.

    If the governor chooses not to act, the parole board’s decision stands.

    MENENDEZ BROTHERS ASK CALIFORNIA GOV. NEWSOM FOR CLEMENCY

    Menendez Brothers in a black and white photo outside their Beverly Hills home

    Erik Menendez, left, and his brother, Lyle, in front of their Beverly Hills home. (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

    During Thursday’s parole board hearing, Erik Menendez was denied a recommendation for parole.

    Commissioner Robert Barton emphasized the weight of Erik’s actions and subsequent prison conduct.

    “I believe in redemption or I wouldn’t be doing this job … but based on the legal standards, we find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.” 

    He said that while the family’s forgiveness was “amazing,” forgiveness and parole eligibility were separate matters: “Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you and you can still be found unsuitable for parole.”

    Barton raised concerns, not only of the nature of the shotgun killings, but of Erik’s misconduct during his sentence. He pointed to his use of contraband, including a cell phone, drug and alcohol, as well as his role in a prison gang tax scheme.

    Parole hearing attended by Erik Menendez from a desktop computer

    Erik Menendez appears remotely for Thursday’s parole hearing. (CDCR)

    The decision came on the heels of a bombshell resentencing hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court in May, where Judge Michael Jesic reduced their life-without-parole sentences to 50-to-life, making them eligible for parole consideration.

    In a press conference following the ruling on Wednesday, May 14, Newsom explained the multi-layered process of considering the Menendez brothers’ eligibility for release.

    The governor explained that, before any decision was finalized, a team of forensic psychologists conducted individualized risk assessments on each brother. 

    “We thought that would be prudent to do,” he said, saying that those assessments have been “debated” not only by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and the victim’s family, but also by the judge “both publicly in another conversation, some of it behind closed doors.”

    The topic of the brothers’ Comprehensive Risk Assessments (CRA) has been a sticking point for Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

    The brothers’ were marked as “moderate risk,” an increase from their previous “low risk” assessment. The moderate risk increase came after each report found that Erik and Lyle, in recent months, had been cited for breaking prison rules for contraband violations, specifically the possession of cell phones.

    District Attorney Hochman outside court for the hearing on the resentencing of the Menendez brothers for the murder of their parents

    Los Angeles District Attorney, Nathan Hochman speaks to the media outside court in Van Nuys, CA, Tuesday, May 13, 2025.  (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

    Hochman shared the findings on Lyle Menendez first, whose “actions perpetrated deceit,” speaking about the contraband phone. 

    He added that Lyle had “downplayed his rule-breaking” and that his report showed his “entitlement and willingness to meet his own needs.”

    MENENDEZ BROTHERS ASK CALIFORNIA GOV. NEWSOM FOR CLEMENCY

    Along with the illicit cell phone usage, Erik was flagged for possessing and dealing drugs, as well as helping other inmates with tax fraud. Hochman, who ran on a tough-on-crime platform, has been vocal about the brothers’ lack of rehabilitation.

    Menendez family photo from the 1980s

    An undated photo of the Menendez family as it appears on screen during a panel at CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday, June 2.  (Fox News Digital)

    In August 1989, Beverly Hills socialites José and Kitty Menendez were shot to death in their home. 

    Hochman previously called the murders “mafia-like hits,” remarking on the violent nature of the repeated rounds that were fired at the parents.

    The boys, then 18 and 21, were convicted in 1996. 

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    The defense’s assertion was that the brothers had been driven to violence by years of physical and sexual abuse at their father’s hands. 

    Despite the first trial resulting in a hung juror, leading to their eventual conviction in 1996, the public has remained divided on whether the brothers acted in greed or in self-defense.

    Stepheny Price is a Writer at Fox News with a focus on West Coast and Midwest news, missing persons, national and international crime stories, homicide cases, and border security.

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  • Erik Menendez denied parole by California board in Beverly Hills murder case

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    SAN DIEGO –  Erik Menendez, one of the two brothers convicted in the 1989 shotgun slaying of their parents in Beverly Hills, has been denied parole by a California review board, officials confirmed.

    The California Board of Parole Hearings denial of parole marks a significant development in the decades-long case that drew international attention, with the brothers’ televised trial becoming one of the most infamous of the 1990s. Erik, now 54, has spent more than 30 years behind bars.

    MENENDEZ BROTHERS’ JUNE HEARING CONVERTED FROM CLEMENCY TO PAROLE AS DECISION LOOMS FOR GOV. NEWSOM

    Erik Menendez appears remotely for Thursday’s parole hearing. (CDCR)

    In a statement, the Menendez family said they are disappointed with the decision.

    “While we respect the decision, today’s outcome was of course disappointing and not what we hoped for. But our belief in Erik remains unwavering and we know he will take the Board’s recommendation in stride. His remorse, growth, and the positive impact he’s had on others speak for themselves. We will continue to stand by him and hold to the hope he is able to return home soon,” the Menendez family said. “Tomorrow, we turn our attention to Lyle’s hearing. And while it is undoubtedly difficult, we remain cautiously optimistic and hopeful that the commissioner will see in Lyle what so many others have: a man who has taken responsibility, transformed his life, and is ready to come home.”

    Next steps

    With the California Board of Parole Hearings not recommending Erik Menendez for parole, he will remain incarcerated.

    Menendez Brothers in a black and white photo outside their Beverly Hills home

    Erik Menendez, left, and his brother, Lyle, in front of their Beverly Hills home. (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

    The decision came on the heels of a bombshell resentencing hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court in May, where Judge Michael Jesic reduced their life-without-parole sentences to 50-to-life, making them eligible for parole consideration.

    In a news conference following the ruling on Wednesday, May 14, Newsom explained the multi-layered process of considering the Menendez brothers’ eligibility for release.

    The governor explained that, before any decision was finalized, a team of forensic psychologists conducted individualized risk assessments on each brother. 

    MENENDEZ BROTHERS ASK CALIFORNIA GOV. NEWSOM FOR CLEMENCY

    “We thought that would be prudent to do,” he said, saying that those assessments have been “debated” not only by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and the victims’ family, but also by the judge “both publicly in another conversation, some of it behind closed doors.”

    The topic of the brothers’ Comprehensive Risk Assessments (CRA) has been a sticking point for Hochman.

    The brothers were marked as “moderate risk,” an increase from their previous “low risk” assessment. The moderate risk increase came after each report found that Erik and Lyle, in recent months, had been cited for breaking prison rules for contraband violations, specifically the possession of cell phones.

    District Attorney Hochman outside court for the hearing on the resentencing of the Menendez brothers for the murder of their parents

    Los Angeles District Attorney, Nathan Hochman speaks to the media outside court in Van Nuys, CA, Tuesday, May 13, 2025.  (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

    Hochman shared the findings on Lyle Menendez first, whose “actions perpetrated deceit,” speaking about the contraband phone. 

    He added that Lyle had “downplayed his rule-breaking” and that his report showed his “entitlement and willingness to meet his own needs.”

    MENENDEZ BROTHERS ASK CALIFORNIA GOV. NEWSOM FOR CLEMENCY

    Along with the illicit cellphone usage, Erik was flagged for possessing and dealing drugs, as well as helping other inmates with tax fraud. Hochman, who ran on a tough-on-crime platform, has been vocal about the brothers’ lack of rehabilitation.

    Menendez family photo from the 1980s

    An undated photo of the Menendez family as it appears on screen during a panel at CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday, June 2.  (Fox News Digital)

    In August 1989, Beverly Hills socialites José and Kitty Menendez were shot to death in their home. 

    Hochman previously called the murders “mafia-like hits,” remarking on the violent nature of the repeated rounds that were fired at the parents.

    The boys, then 18 and 21, were convicted in 1996. 

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    The defense’s assertion was that the brothers had been driven to violence by years of physical and sexual abuse at their father’s hands. 

    Despite the first trial resulting in a hung juror, leading to their eventual conviction in 1996, the public has remained divided on whether the brothers acted in greed or in self-defense.

    Stepheny Price is a Writer at Fox News with a focus on West Coast and Midwest news, missing persons, national and international crime stories, homicide cases, and border security.

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