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Tag: officials

  • Law enforcement officials tell the AP that the suspect in the New Orleans crash is dead

    Law enforcement officials tell the AP that the suspect in the New Orleans crash is dead


    NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The suspect in the New Orleans truck crash that killed 10 people and injured 30 revelers in New Orleans on New Year’s Day was killed after a firefight with police, law enforcement officials told the AP.

    The officials were not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

    The suspect rammed a vehicle into a crowd of pedestrians in New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter district at 3:15 a.m. Wednesday along Bourbon Street, known worldwide as one of the largest destinations for New Year’s Eve parties, and with crowds in the city ballooning in anticipation for the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome later in the day.

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    At a news conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the killings as a “terrorist attack” and the city’s police chief said the act was clearly intentional. But an assistant FBI agent in charge declared that is was “not a terrorist event.” The news conference ended before authorities could reconcile the two characterizations.

    Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, said officials were investigating the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene.

    Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said police officers would work to ensure safety at the Sugar Bowl, indicating that the game would go on as scheduled.

    “He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” Kirkpatrick said. “It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could.”

    Two police officers who were shot after the driver emerged from the truck are in stable condition, she said.

    Officials did not immediately provide an update on the status of the driver, whether there was an ongoing threat to the public or offer a suspected motive in the fatal incident.

    Officials did not immediately provide an update on the status of the driver, whether there was an ongoing threat to the public or offer a suspected motive.

    NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness department, said the injured had been taken to five local hospitals.

    The White House said President Joe Biden has been briefed. Attorney General Merrick Garland was also briefed on the attack, the Justice Department said.



    Law enforcement officials confirm suspect in New Orleans crash is deceased

    In a tragic turn of events, law enforcement officials have confirmed to the Associated Press that the suspect responsible for the devastating crash in New Orleans is dead. The suspect, who has not been identified at this time, was reportedly killed in a confrontation with police following the incident.

    The crash, which occurred in the bustling French Quarter of New Orleans, left multiple people injured and caused chaos and fear among residents and visitors alike. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle speeding through the crowded streets before crashing into a group of pedestrians.

    Authorities have not yet released any further details about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding their death. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.

    Our thoughts are with the victims of this senseless tragedy and their loved ones during this difficult time. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

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  • Georgia judge dies by suicide at courthouse: officials

    Georgia judge dies by suicide at courthouse: officials


    Authorities: State court judge dies by suicide at Effingham County Courthouse

    A state court judge is dead after authorities say he took his own life at the Effingham County Courthouse.

    Um, do you have any opening statements or do you want to just go straight into? I hadn’t really prepared anything. Um, at approximately 10, 10:30 this morning. We received *** call that there was *** possible suicide at the courthouse. We came over. The court folks And already found Judge Yeo. It appears to be *** self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, it’s *** pending investigation. We’re going for an autopsy and we’ll know more as the, the interview I’m at the uh investigation goes on forward. Um, you said that he was found around between 10 and 11 this morning. Is there any idea of when he may have actually, uh, committed suicide? It looks like it was last night and we’re going on the pretext that, uh, suicide, but you know, you had to do everything to, to see that it is so. Was there any note or anything left behind? Did you guys find anything? Have you been to the residence yet? Uh, we understand there was note sent to the governor. I’m not sure yet what that is, but we’ll, we’ll look at that. No note as Right now. There is *** copy of that note circulating on social media. We haven’t been able to confirm its authenticity yet, so just clarify that. But it appeared that Judge Yekel had tried to resign from his position and that the governor’s office may have rejected that resignation. Are y’all able to confirm whether any of that is accurate? Yes, it is accurate. That happened. Uh, one day last week, I think it’s when all that came out, uh, the resignation was supposed to been final yesterday, but the governor didn’t accept it. I don’t remember the date that that came out, but it was one day last week. Also on social media there was *** former assistant of the previous judge that worked here who said that there was *** lawsuit against the um Judge Yeko. Was there any belief that this had any involvement and with that, is there any result of what that investigation might have been through? I hadn’t heard of any anything on that, um, no lawsuit that I’m aware of, but you know they do those through private attorneys, so we don’t know about it until papers are served. Can you talk about Yokel’s um previous? Does he have any, you know, any charges against him or any kind of criminal activity? No, nothing that, nothing that we’re aware of. Um, I talked to. Linda Smith at UBI this morning and she didn’t say anything about it but we text back and forth with her. What are the other agencies involved in this investigation? Right now just the sheriff’s office. Will GBI be involved through the investigation? No, not at this point. Uh, GBI will do the autopsy. Of course we have to do that through them, but they, they’ll be involved in as far as the autopsy goes. Is there any word on who discovered his body? It was one of my deputies. I don’t know right now which one, but it was one of our, our deputies, so. And that was in *** courtroom, or, um. Was court is supposed to be in session today? No, he didn’t have any court this week. Did he have anything yesterday? Uh, I don’t remember. I was in and out yesterday, but I don’t remember of anything. Usually this time of year, everything’s winding down, so you don’t have too much, but he could have, but I’m just not sure. Um, Sheriff, I know that, you know, y’all in the legal community obviously work very closely together. Um, do you have any comments just for the community or the judge’s family at this time? Yes, and, you know, we want to offer them our condolences, uh, you know, this is never good for anybody. The family’s distraught. I mean it’s supposed to be *** happy time this time of year, and now they’ve got this. I think he’s got some sons that are law enforcement too, so they know what it’s like, but I can’t imagine if they have anything that they need from us we’ll be available and and make stuff available to them going forward. Are you asking for any help from the community on possibly uncovering *** reason for this, any me or premeditated reason for what happened? Of course if anybody knows of anything we would appreciate *** phone call um there’s not much that we know in the community that that would be unless he spoke to somebody uh individually but uh we have talked with his secretary and she’s been with us the entire time through the investigation. Has she hinted on anything? Apparently she didn’t know anything either so it was all *** surprise to her as well. for me. Thank you. Thank y’all. Thank you.

    Authorities: State court judge dies by suicide at Effingham County Courthouse

    A state court judge is dead after authorities say he took his own life at the Effingham County Courthouse.

    Above video: Effingham County sheriff discusses the investigation thus farA state court judge is dead after authorities say he took his own life Tuesday at the Effingham County Courthouse.According to the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Judge Stephen Yekel died by suicide after shooting himself.Officials believe it happened sometime overnight. He was found Tuesday in the courtroom by a sheriff’s deputy. The ECSO was notified between 10 and 10:30 a.m.The ECSO is investigating. An autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.Below video: The scene outside the courthouseYekel, who lost his bid for reelection earlier this year, sent a resignation letter to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on December 6. In it, he said he would resign effective December 30, one day before his term was to end.By resigning, it would cause Kemp to appoint a new judge to fill the position, which would nullify the results of the election.Kemp responded on December 12, denying the request.Additional information has not been released. Check back for updates to this developing story.If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.TRENDING STORIESFuneral Plans Announced: Where and when you can pay your respects to former President Jimmy Carter’Significant Damage’: Crews respond to house fire on Tybee IslandPolice investigating suspicious death at Beaufort apartment complex

    Above video: Effingham County sheriff discusses the investigation thus far

    A state court judge is dead after authorities say he took his own life Tuesday at the Effingham County Courthouse.

    According to the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Judge Stephen Yekel died by suicide after shooting himself.

    Officials believe it happened sometime overnight. He was found Tuesday in the courtroom by a sheriff’s deputy. The ECSO was notified between 10 and 10:30 a.m.

    The ECSO is investigating. An autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

    Below video: The scene outside the courthouse

    Yekel, who lost his bid for reelection earlier this year, sent a resignation letter to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on December 6. In it, he said he would resign effective December 30, one day before his term was to end.

    By resigning, it would cause Kemp to appoint a new judge to fill the position, which would nullify the results of the election.

    Kemp responded on December 12, denying the request.

    Additional information has not been released. Check back for updates to this developing story.

    If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

    TRENDING STORIES



    In a tragic turn of events, a Georgia judge was found dead by suicide at the courthouse, officials have confirmed. The shocking incident has left the community reeling and has raised questions about mental health support for those working in the legal system.

    The judge, whose name has not been released, was discovered in his chambers with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and have not yet released any further details.

    This heartbreaking news serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support in all professions, including those in the legal field. It is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of our judges, lawyers, and all courthouse staff to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the judge during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.

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  • Even without a specific threat, officials concerned about safety at Times Square ball drop

    Even without a specific threat, officials concerned about safety at Times Square ball drop


    Though there is no specific threat, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies “remain concerned” that New Year’s celebrations in Times Square on Tuesday could be targeted by people seeking to carry out large protests or acts of violence, according to a copy of an interagency threat assessment.

    The assessment, compiled and produced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security each year, reviews the types of threats and potential security concerns with the annual ball drop in midtown Manhattan.

    The New York Police Department’s assessment — included in the DHS memo — is that the city and the United States broadly continue “to face a heightened and dynamic threat environment amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts, which may contribute to mobilizing a variety of extremists and malicious actors to violence against mass gatherings, iconic locations, and high-profile events.”

    New Year's Eve ball-drop test in Times Square
    Workers run tests Monday ahead of the New Year’s Eve ball drop in New York’s Times Square.Eduardo Munoz / Reuters

    DHS said its concern about people who may attempt “simple, unsophisticated attacks that are difficult to detect in advance” stems from the political climate in the Middle East.

    “The Israel-Hamas conflict has created a heightened threat environment; therefore, the Intelligence Community remains concerned about lone offenders encouraging threats of violence against Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Arab communities in response to the ongoing conflict,” the agency said.

    Mayor Eric Adams lauded his city’s first responders Monday and said Times Square will be safe for those ringing in 2025 in the iconic celebration.

    “We’ll make sure each one of those who come here to visit and enjoy the ball drop will be safe,” he said. “There’ll be officers in uniform and out of uniform. We’re going to make sure we have the omnipresence of the blue uniform.”

    NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday that although there are no specific threats for the celebration, police have been operating under a “heightened threat environment” and remain “vigilant.”



    As we approach the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, officials are expressing concerns about safety despite the absence of any specific threats. The annual ball drop event draws thousands of revelers from around the world, making it a prime target for potential attacks.

    Law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of everyone attending the festivities. Increased police presence, surveillance measures, and strict security protocols will be in place to safeguard against any potential threats.

    While there is no specific threat to the event, officials are urging attendees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. With recent terrorist attacks in major cities around the world, the threat of violence is always a possibility, and it is crucial for all attendees to stay alert and aware of their surroundings.

    Despite these concerns, the spirit of celebration and unity will prevail as we ring in the new year together in Times Square. Let us come together to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another, while also keeping safety at the forefront of our minds. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and have a happy New Year!

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  • Boston officials celebrate crime 2024 crime statistics

    Boston officials celebrate crime 2024 crime statistics


    With New Year’s Eve around the corner, Boston city leaders are celebrating the success of “strategies that have made Boston the safest major city in the country.”Mayor Michelle Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Senior Advisor for Community Safety Isaac Yablo invited reporters to police headquarters on Friday to discuss crime statistics from the past year.”Safety isn’t just the absence of harm or fear or violence; it is the positive affirmation of belonging,” Wu said. “Of people feeling excited to be a part of a community that they are welcome and able to use every opportunity in every part of every neighborhood.” The mayor said that recent crime prevention successes can be traced back to a violence reduction workshop held for city agencies in 2022. Wu said important strategies have included providing crime statistics periodically to communities, recruiting larger classes of new and diverse officers, a 2023 police contract that includes disciplinary reforms, programming for young people, summer jobs and the deployment of community intervention teams. Video below: Mayor praises improvements in city safetyBoston set a record-low number of homicides in 2023, and as 5 Investigates has reported, the numbers continued to plummet this year. Cox announced Friday that the 24 homicides in the city so far this year “appears to be the lowest since 1957” and is “by far” the lowest total since modern tracking of the data began in 2007. “In the entire time that I’ve been a police officer, going back since when I came on, the city has never been safer. Period. When it comes to crime, particularly violent crime, and it could probably go back to before I was born in the city,” said Cox, a Boston native who served as an officer and became commissioner in 2022.”It really has been an all-hands-on-deck effort. This is about saving lives, and that is maybe the most important investment of all — to stop cycles of trauma and violence,” Wu said. “We also see that a focus on delivering results, especially in the areas of violent crimes, lead to resources that can then be deployed to address quality of life issues and those safety issues that residents might feel most of all.”Video below: Commissioner describes 2024 crime statisticsCox said 2024 was the third consecutive year of declines in the number of shooting incidents and the lowest since at least 2005.”This was the lowest year of instances of gunfire in the city since 2011, when we began reliably tracking the statistics,” said Cox. Cox also said 2024 was the third consecutive year of declines in the number of shooting incidents and the lowest since at least 2005. “This was the lowest year of instances of gunfire in the city since 2011, when we began reliably tracking the statistics,” said Cox. “When we do well at keeping violent crime down, we do well at doing everything else in addition,” Wu said. In September, 5 Investigates looked at the Violence Reduction Task Force, which is credited with a key role in curbing violence through a model of prevention, intervention, and enforcement, known as “PIE.”Wu’s celebration of these safety statistics comes ahead of a very busy 2025. The mayor said she will be launching her reelection campaign early next year, after the birth of her third child. “We know there’s more work to do, so today is not a victory lap but a report out and a reflection of the type of results we see when we all understand community safety to be a collective responsibility,” Wu said.

    With New Year’s Eve around the corner, Boston city leaders are celebrating the success of “strategies that have made Boston the safest major city in the country.”

    Mayor Michelle Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Senior Advisor for Community Safety Isaac Yablo invited reporters to police headquarters on Friday to discuss crime statistics from the past year.

    “Safety isn’t just the absence of harm or fear or violence; it is the positive affirmation of belonging,” Wu said. “Of people feeling excited to be a part of a community that they are welcome and able to use every opportunity in every part of every neighborhood.”

    The mayor said that recent crime prevention successes can be traced back to a violence reduction workshop held for city agencies in 2022. Wu said important strategies have included providing crime statistics periodically to communities, recruiting larger classes of new and diverse officers, a 2023 police contract that includes disciplinary reforms, programming for young people, summer jobs and the deployment of community intervention teams.

    Video below: Mayor praises improvements in city safety

    Boston set a record-low number of homicides in 2023, and as 5 Investigates has reported, the numbers continued to plummet this year.

    Cox announced Friday that the 24 homicides in the city so far this year “appears to be the lowest since 1957” and is “by far” the lowest total since modern tracking of the data began in 2007.

    “In the entire time that I’ve been a police officer, going back since when I came on, the city has never been safer. Period. When it comes to crime, particularly violent crime, and it could probably go back to before I was born in the city,” said Cox, a Boston native who served as an officer and became commissioner in 2022.

    “It really has been an all-hands-on-deck effort. This is about saving lives, and that is maybe the most important investment of all — to stop cycles of trauma and violence,” Wu said. “We also see that a focus on delivering results, especially in the areas of violent crimes, lead to resources that can then be deployed to address quality of life issues and those safety issues that residents might feel most of all.”

    Video below: Commissioner describes 2024 crime statistics

    Cox said 2024 was the third consecutive year of declines in the number of shooting incidents and the lowest since at least 2005.

    “This was the lowest year of instances of gunfire in the city since 2011, when we began reliably tracking the statistics,” said Cox.

    Cox also said 2024 was the third consecutive year of declines in the number of shooting incidents and the lowest since at least 2005.

    “This was the lowest year of instances of gunfire in the city since 2011, when we began reliably tracking the statistics,” said Cox.

    “When we do well at keeping violent crime down, we do well at doing everything else in addition,” Wu said.

    In September, 5 Investigates looked at the Violence Reduction Task Force, which is credited with a key role in curbing violence through a model of prevention, intervention, and enforcement, known as “PIE.”

    Wu’s celebration of these safety statistics comes ahead of a very busy 2025. The mayor said she will be launching her reelection campaign early next year, after the birth of her third child.

    “We know there’s more work to do, so today is not a victory lap but a report out and a reflection of the type of results we see when we all understand community safety to be a collective responsibility,” Wu said.



    Boston officials are celebrating a significant decrease in crime rates for the year 2024. According to the latest statistics, reported crimes in the city have dropped by 20% compared to the previous year, marking a major victory for law enforcement and safety efforts in the community.

    Mayor Johnson praised the hard work and dedication of the Boston Police Department, as well as the collaboration with community organizations and residents, for contributing to this positive change. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts to prevent crime and keep the city safe for all its inhabitants.

    Chief of Police Rodriguez highlighted some of the key strategies that have been implemented to address crime in Boston, including increased patrols, community engagement initiatives, and targeted interventions in high-crime areas. He expressed gratitude for the support of city officials and the commitment of his officers to making a difference in the community.

    With these encouraging statistics, Boston officials are optimistic about the future of public safety in the city and are committed to building on this success to create an even safer and more vibrant community for all residents.

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  • Over 20 patients evacuated as officials respond to water main break at Pennsylvania hospital, police say

    Over 20 patients evacuated as officials respond to water main break at Pennsylvania hospital, police say



    CBS News Philadelphia

    Live

    Upland police and emergency services told CBS News Philadelphia Thursday night that they are responding to a water main break and electrical fire inside the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania.

    Upland Police Chief Michael Irey said about 24 patients from the hospital are being evacuated.

    Crozer-Chester CEO Tony Esposito said in an emailed statement, “We experienced a small flood that resulted in a fire, but there is no longer an active fire. Critical care patients were evacuated from the facility to safe areas and we have been working with the county ensure their safety. No injuries have been reported.”    

    A spokesperson for PECO said crews were on the scene and part of the building lost power.

    lns-crozer-medical-center-fire-frame-29127.jpg

    CBS News Philadelphia.


    Chopper 3 was overhead, where crews could be seen entering the building.

    This is a developing story. Stay with CBS News Philadelphia for updates.



    In a recent emergency situation at a hospital in Pennsylvania, over 20 patients had to be evacuated as officials responded to a water main break. The incident, which occurred earlier today, prompted a quick and coordinated response from hospital staff, emergency responders, and local police.

    The water main break caused flooding in certain areas of the hospital, leading to concerns about patient safety and the overall functioning of the facility. As a result, patients were swiftly moved to other areas of the hospital or transferred to nearby medical facilities.

    Officials are currently working to repair the water main break and assess the extent of the damage caused by the flooding. In the meantime, hospital staff are working diligently to ensure that patient care is not compromised and that all necessary measures are taken to address the situation.

    We commend the quick and effective response of all involved in handling this emergency situation and send our best wishes to the patients and staff affected by the water main break. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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