Home Blog Page 170

At least 3 dead and 8 wounded after boat pulls up and opens fire on marina restaurant known as tourist hotspot

By
admin
-
0

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (BN24) — A gunman opened fire on a crowd of diners at a popular waterfront restaurant in Southport, North Carolina, on Saturday night, killing at least three people and injuring eight others before fleeing by boat, authorities said.

The attack unfolded around 9:30 p.m. near the American Fish Company, a well-known tourist hotspot at the Southport Yacht Basin, according to city spokesperson ChyAnn Ketchum. Witnesses said the suspect, who was alone on board, pulled up to the marina in a white center console boat, fired into the crowd, and then sped away on the Intracoastal Waterway toward Oak Island.

By shortly after 10 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard spotted a man matching the suspect’s description loading a vessel at a public ramp. He was detained and turned over to the Oak Island Police Department with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, officials said. As of early Sunday, he was being questioned as a person of interest, though no charges had been announced.

Southport Police Chief Todd Coring told reporters at a 1 a.m. press conference that investigators were working two crime scenes, one at the marina and another on Oak Island. Coring said it was too soon to determine a motive but stressed that there was “no longer an active threat” to the community. Additional police patrols were deployed in the city as a precaution.

Authorities initially issued an urgent alert to residents, warning of an active shooter and urging people to shelter in place. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it was assisting in the response alongside multiple agencies. “Please keep all those affected, as well as our first responders, in your thoughts and prayers,” the sheriff’s office posted on social media.

Southport, a coastal town of about 4,000 residents, is located 30 miles south of Wilmington on the Cape Fear River, where the Intracoastal Waterway meets the Atlantic Ocean. The American Fish Company, the restaurant at the center of the attack, is a popular marina hangout known for live music and a view of the waterfront. On Saturday evening, the local band Bacon Grease had been performing for a crowd of patrons when gunfire erupted.

Officials said the investigation remains active and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

Source: dailymail

Vijay rally stampede: At least 36 people killed and dozens injured at campaign event for Indian actor-politician

By
admin
-
0

NEW DELHI (BN24) — At least 36 people, including women and children, were killed and dozens more injured when a stampede broke out at a campaign rally for actor-turned-politician Vijay in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, authorities said Saturday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed the death toll in a post on X, saying eight children and 16 women were among the victims. “I am deeply saddened and pained to learn that 36 people, including eight children and 16 women, have died so far,” Stalin wrote. He ordered a judicial inquiry led by a retired judge and announced compensation of one million rupees (about $19,500) for the families of those killed.

The tragedy occurred in the city of Karur, where thousands had gathered to hear Vijay speak. According to reports in the Hindustan Times, sections of the crowd surged toward the barricades near the stage in an attempt to catch a closer glimpse of the 51-year-old star, triggering the deadly crush.

Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest actors for more than three decades and founder of a political party launched in 2024, was addressing the rally when chaos erupted. He stopped speaking as the commotion grew and later expressed his anguish on social media. “My heart is shattered,” Vijay wrote on X. “I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur.”

Health Minister Ma Subramanian said more than 40 people were injured, while lawmaker V. Senthilbalaji reported that about 58 were being treated at hospitals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences. “The deaths are deeply saddening,” he posted on social media. “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time.”

Deadly crowd incidents are not uncommon in India, where mass gatherings often lack adequate safety measures. Earlier this year, a stampede at the Kumbh Mela religious fair killed 30 people, while in July 2024, at least 121 people died during a Hindu religious festival in Uttar Pradesh. Just this June, 11 cricket fans were crushed during celebrations for Bengaluru’s first Indian Premier League title.

The Tamil Nadu tragedy has reignited concerns over crowd management at political events and public gatherings, as Vijay’s growing popularity continues to draw massive turnouts across the state.

Ghana suspends boxing activities after 2 deaths in 6 months

By
Simeon
-
0

ACCRA (BN24) — The government of Ghana has suspended all boxing activities indefinitely following the tragic death of professional boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey, the second such fatality in the sport within six months. The suspension, announced on Friday by the National Sports Authority (NSA) in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, reflects heightened concerns over athlete safety.

Akushey, 32, died on September 23, 2025, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, 11 days after sustaining severe injuries during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena. His death follows that of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who passed away in March 2025 after a fight in Accra. Both tragedies have sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for greater safety measures in boxing.

In a statement, the NSA confirmed that the suspension of all boxing activities would take effect immediately. The statement emphasized that the decision was made in the interest of prioritizing the health and safety of athletes. “The National Sports Authority, in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has, with immediate effect, suspended all boxing activities in Ghana,” the statement read. “This decision follows the tragic passing of professional boxer Ernest ‘Bahubali’ Akushey after his most recent bout. It reflects the joint commitment of the NSA and the Sports Ministry to prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of athletes.”

The NSA further revealed that a five-year safety and development plan had already been prepared to address the current challenges in the sport. The plan, which will focus on improving medical protocols, technical standards, and regulatory frameworks, aims to elevate Ghana’s boxing industry to meet global standards. A nine-member Interim Management Committee has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of these reforms.

While the suspension is expected to disrupt the immediate activities of the sport, authorities have stressed its necessity in restoring public confidence and ensuring the long-term sustainability of boxing in Ghana. “While the suspension may present immediate challenges, it remains a necessary step to protect lives, preserve the integrity of the sport, and secure its future,” the NSA statement continued. “It is in line with the committee set up by the Hon. Minister following the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.”

Boxing has deep cultural roots in Ghana, particularly in the Bukom community, which has produced world champions such as Azumah Nelson. The recent fatalities, however, have cast a dark shadow over the sport, reigniting calls for stricter medical protocols, better oversight, and stronger safety measures across all levels of competition.

Authorities have pledged to take all necessary steps to ensure that boxing returns to Ghana under safer, more professional, and globally compliant standards. The reforms are expected to include enhanced medical screenings, improved equipment, and more stringent regulations on match conditions to safeguard the health of boxers.

As the suspension unfolds, the boxing community in Ghana and beyond will be watching closely to see how the government’s efforts to reform the sport take shape, hoping that such tragedies are never repeated.

EPL: Brighton stun 10-man Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge

By
Simeon
-
0

LONDON (BN24) — Chelsea’s 12-match unbeaten home streak in the Premier League came to a bitter end on Saturday as Brighton mounted a stunning 3-1 comeback at Stamford Bridge, capitalizing on a second-half red card for Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah.

The match had started well for Chelsea, who took the lead in the 13th minute. Moisés Caicedo won the ball in midfield and played a pass to Reece James, whose precise cross found Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder powered a header past Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead. The Blues appeared comfortable in the first half, controlling possession and limiting Brighton’s attacking opportunities.

However, the game shifted dramatically early in the second half when Chalobah was sent off in the 50th minute for denying a clear goalscoring chance. After a quick counter-attack from Brighton, Chalobah brought down striker Joël Veltman just outside the penalty area, preventing what would have been a clear path to goal. Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation in showing the Chelsea center-back a straight red card, leaving the Blues to play with 10 men for the second consecutive match.

Chelsea’s manager was forced to adjust his tactics as his team faced an uphill battle. Brighton, having gained an extra man on the pitch, immediately began to assert their dominance, pushing Chelsea deeper into their own half.

The pressure eventually paid off for Brighton in the 77th minute when Danny Welbeck scored the equalizer. A well-timed cross from Yankuba Minteh found Welbeck, who rose above the Chelsea defenders to head past goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. The goal leveled the score at 1-1, and the momentum shifted firmly in Brighton’s favor.

In the closing minutes of the match, Brighton added to their tally. Maxim De Cuyper, making his first appearance for the club, scored in the 88th minute with a powerful header from a corner to put Brighton 2-1 ahead. The visitors were not done yet, and in stoppage time, Welbeck struck again. This time, he latched onto a cross from De Cuyper, finishing calmly to seal a remarkable 3-1 victory for Brighton.

The defeat left Chelsea frustrated, particularly given the timing of Chalobah’s red card. For the second week in a row, the Blues were reduced to 10 men, and it was a costly dismissal that ultimately cost them the game. Despite their early dominance, Chelsea struggled to cope with Brighton’s increased pressure after the red card, and the visitors capitalized on their advantage.

The result marked Brighton’s first significant away victory of the season, providing a much-needed boost for the Seagulls. For Chelsea, the loss is a reminder of the discipline issues that have plagued them in recent weeks, with fans expressing growing concern over the team’s inability to control games when playing with a numerical disadvantage.

As Chelsea now faces a challenging period ahead, questions will continue to be raised about their defensive vulnerabilities and the impact of costly red cards on their season.

Iraq resumes Kurdish oil exports to Turkey after two-and-a-half-year halt

By
Simeon
-
0

BAGHDAD (BN24) — Iraq has resumed crude oil exports from its semi-autonomous Kurdistan region to Turkey after a two-and-a-half-year suspension, marking a significant breakthrough following a series of legal and technical disputes. The resumption of the oil flow began at 6 a.m. local time (03:00 GMT) on Saturday, according to a statement from Iraq’s oil ministry.

The statement confirmed that operations proceeded smoothly, with no significant technical issues reported. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also confirmed the resumption of exports in a post on the social media platform X, further validating the significance of the development.

The decision comes after a key agreement was struck between Iraq’s federal government, the Kurdistan regional government (KRG), and international oil companies operating in the region. Under the terms of the deal, between 180,000 and 190,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude will be transported to Turkey’s Ceyhan port, which serves as the main terminal for Kurdish oil exports. Iraq’s Oil Minister confirmed the deal on Kurdish broadcaster Rudaw, signaling the successful resolution of ongoing disputes.

The deal had been heavily backed by the United States, which had pushed for the resumption of exports. The restart of the oil flow is expected to bring up to 230,000 bpd of crude back to international markets, which comes at a crucial time as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) aims to increase production to gain a larger share of the global market. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the deal, noting that it “will bring tangible benefits for both Americans and Iraqis.”

Mohammed al-Najjar, Iraq’s delegate to OPEC, added that the country could export even more oil in the future as new projects come online, including efforts to increase capacity at the Basra port. His comments underscored the broader potential for Iraq to boost its oil production and meet rising global demand, in line with OPEC’s objectives.

Under the terms of the deal, companies operating in the Kurdish region will receive $16 per barrel to cover production and transportation costs. The eight oil companies involved in the agreement, alongside Kurdish authorities, have also agreed to meet within 30 days of the resumption to discuss a mechanism for settling the Kurdish region’s outstanding debt of approximately $1 billion to the firms.

The resumption of oil exports is seen as a critical step toward improving Iraq’s oil revenues, which have been significantly affected by the suspension of exports. It also represents an effort to stabilize the often tense relationship between Baghdad and the Kurdistan region, which has long held control over its oil exports without federal oversight. The Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, which serves as the primary conduit for these exports, had been shut down in March 2023, after an international arbitration ruling required Turkey to pay Iraq $1.5 billion in damages for allowing unauthorized Kurdish exports.

The Kurdish oil industry has suffered significant financial losses during the hiatus, with the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan estimating Iraq’s losses at over $35 billion due to the pipeline’s closure.

The resumption of Kurdish oil exports is seen as a critical move not only for the economic benefit of Iraq but also for the broader stability of the region. However, the situation remains fluid, and the long-term success of the deal will depend on how effectively both the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdish authorities can navigate their complex relationship and ensure that oil revenues are managed transparently and equitably.

Tyson Fury’s 16-year-old daughter Venezuela gets engaged to boxer Noah Prince

By
Simeon
-
0

LONDON (BN24) — Tyson Fury’s daughter, Venezuela, has gotten engaged to her boyfriend, boxer Noah Prince, during a celebration for her 16th birthday. The special moment was revealed by Tyson’s wife, Paris Fury, who shared a heartwarming video of the proposal on Instagram.

Paris, 35, posted the footage of the proposal, which took place at Venezuela’s birthday party. In the video, Noah, wearing a red polo shirt, can be seen sharing a laugh with Venezuela, who wore a white crop top and matching skirt. After a few moments, Noah drops to one knee, presenting a ring box to the 16-year-old, who happily accepts the proposal. Noah then slips the ring onto her finger and kisses her cheek, as the couple celebrates the joyful occasion.

Paris, who married Tyson at 19 and is now a mother to seven children, captioned the video on Instagram: “Congratulations to @venezuelafuryofficial and @7noahprice on getting engaged. Both are young, but when you know, you know! Still in shock but very happy for you both. Your Dad and I couldn’t be prouder xxx @tysonfury.”

Venezuela also shared the moment on her Instagram stories, writing: “Engaged @7noahprice” along with a red heart emoji.

The engagement comes shortly after Venezuela and Noah publicly confirmed their relationship on social media. While both are young, the proposal has captured widespread attention, with many celebrating the couple’s special moment. The Fury family, known for their close-knit bond, expressed pride and excitement at the news of the engagement.

Tyson Fury, the heavyweight boxing champion, has not yet publicly commented on the engagement, but fans have flooded social media with congratulatory messages for the young couple. The family’s fans have also expressed well-wishes for the couple’s future.

Brentford stun Manchester United 3-1, piling pressure on Amorim

By
Simeon
-
0

LONDON (BN24) — Manchester United’s woes deepened on Saturday as they suffered a humbling 3-1 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, leaving manager Ruben Amorim facing mounting pressure with the international break looming. The loss followed a disappointing performance that has intensified calls for accountability within the club.

Brentford’s Brazilian forward Igor Thiago was the star of the match, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes to put the hosts firmly in control. The early breakthrough came in the 8th minute, when Thiago expertly timed his run to stay onside and race past the United defense. He collected a well-placed ball and finished with composure, calmly beating United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to give Brentford a 1-0 lead.

The hosts were soon two goals to the good in the 20th minute. Thiago capitalized on a rebound after Bayindir blocked his initial shot. In the ensuing scramble, Thiago was in the right place at the right time, tapping the ball into the net to make it 2-0. United, struggling to cope with Brentford’s high pressing and quick transitions, looked shell-shocked as the early goals rocked their defensive structure.

Manchester United’s response came midway through the first half. In the 26th minute, a chaotic sequence in the Brentford penalty area allowed United to pull one back. A scramble in the box following a cross from the left saw the ball fall to Benjamin Šeško, who reacted quickest to poke the ball home, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The goal breathed life into United’s challenge, and for a brief moment, it seemed they could mount a comeback.

However, despite the goal, United continued to struggle for any real rhythm or control in the game. Brentford remained resolute in defense, limiting United’s attacking threats and pressing high whenever they had the chance.

The match’s pivotal moment came in the 71st minute when United were awarded a penalty after United defender Harry Maguire fouled Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Bruno Fernandes, the designated penalty taker and United captain, stepped up with a chance to equalize. However, Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, who had been solid throughout, guessed correctly and dived to his left to save Fernandes’ weak spot-kick. The miss was a crushing blow to United’s hopes, as the chance to level the score was squandered.

With United now pressing for an equalizer and leaving gaps at the back, Brentford capitalized on a late counter-attack. In stoppage time, substitute Mathias Jensen raced away from the United defense and, with an unmarked run, received a pass before calmly curling a shot from outside the box. The ball flew past Bayindir and into the corner of the net, sealing Brentford’s 3-1 victory and handing them a deserved three points.

The defeat compounded Manchester United’s ongoing struggles, which have already seen them fail to consistently perform at the level expected of a club of their stature. Just one week after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea, United have once again found themselves in crisis mode, with their manager, Ruben Amorim, now under intense scrutiny. The loss puts further pressure on Amorim, whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain as the club faces more questions about its leadership, defensive vulnerabilities, and attacking inconsistency.

For Brentford, the victory is a testament to their hard work and collective effort. The Bees, who have been steadily improving since their promotion to the Premier League, showed a clinical edge and resilience in the face of United’s sporadic challenges. With 3 points in the bag, Brentford now have reason to be optimistic about the rest of the season, with their impressive start providing them with a solid foundation to build on.

For Manchester United, the defeat marks another setback in a season that has already been marked by inconsistency. With questions surrounding Amorim’s tactical approach and the team’s overall chemistry, United’s fans face an uncertain period as the club heads into the international break. The pressure is now squarely on the management to address the issues and find a way to restore the club to its former competitive stature.

Kenyan Police disrupt trafficking ring sending victims to fight for Russia in Ukraine

By
Simeon
-
1

NAIROBI, Kenya (BN24) — Kenyan authorities have dismantled a human trafficking syndicate that preyed on job seekers by offering false employment opportunities in Russia, only to send them to fight in Ukraine, police confirmed Wednesday.

More than 20 Kenyan nationals were rescued during an intelligence-driven operation that targeted a suspected trafficking network operating in the country. The operation followed a raid at a residential apartment on the outskirts of Nairobi, where police seized recruitment materials, travel documents, and letters for fake job offers in Moscow.

One suspect, identified as the individual believed to have coordinated the victims’ recruitment between September and October, was arrested during the operation. The suspect appeared in court, where a judge authorized a 10-day detention period for further investigation.

According to police, the victims were lured with promises of well-paying jobs in Russia, but once recruited, many were covertly sent to Ukraine to join the Russian military, which has been embroiled in the ongoing conflict there. Investigators found that the victims had been promised jobs in Moscow but were misled about the true nature of the work, which included joining Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.

Detectives revealed that the victims had signed contracts with an unnamed overseas employment agency, agreeing to pay substantial fees for visas, travel arrangements, accommodation, and other expenses. Some victims had committed to paying up to $18,000 for these services, while others had already made upfront payments ranging from $1,500 to $2,000.

The trafficking ring is believed to have exploited Kenyans desperate for employment opportunities abroad, with authorities noting that many of the victims were unaware of the risks involved. Police said the victims were found in an apartment in Athi River, a town near Nairobi, where they were being kept “awaiting processing” for their travel to Russia.

Authorities have raised alarm over the increasing number of Kenyans being trafficked abroad under false job promises. This incident follows reports of other Kenyans who have been recruited by trafficking syndicates with the intention of sending them to conflict zones. One such case involved a young Kenyan athlete who recently appeared in a video from Ukraine, stating that he was tricked into joining the Russian army.

Two individuals, who were recently returned from Ukraine, were reportedly injured and traumatized. One of them is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Nairobi. Police have warned that victims of trafficking are often left in dire conditions, and many do not survive the experience, either being injured, psychologically scarred, or, in some cases, never returning home.

The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that they are investigating multiple reports of Kenyans being trafficked to Russia and subsequently captured by Ukrainian forces. Several Kenyans are believed to be among the prisoners of war held by Ukraine. According to Petro Yatsenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s handling of prisoners of war, individuals from various African countries, including Somalia, Sierra Leone, Cuba, and Sri Lanka, are also being detained in Ukrainian camps. Yatsenko expressed concern that many African governments, including Kenya, have shown little interest in repatriating their citizens held in Ukraine.

While the Kenyan government has yet to confirm the exact number of nationals held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps, the foreign ministry is working closely with international agencies to trace missing Kenyans and ensure their safety.

Authorities emphasized that the operation was part of a wider effort to combat the rising trend of human trafficking, particularly targeting young Kenyans seeking overseas employment. The Kenyan police and foreign ministry continue to coordinate with other nations to track down the remaining members of the trafficking network, who are believed to be operating across several countries.

Atletico Madrid crush Real Madrid 5-2 in thrilling La Liga derby

By
Simeon
-
0

MADRID, Spain (BN24) — Atletico Madrid handed Real Madrid their first defeat of the season with a dramatic 5-2 victory in a gripping La Liga derby at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, putting an end to their rivals’ perfect start to the campaign.

Real Madrid, led by coach Xabi Alonso, had won all six of their opening matches before the encounter, but Atletico dominated the game from start to finish. The match featured a rollercoaster of goals, with Atletico coming from behind twice to secure a memorable win.

Atletico took an early lead in the 14th minute through Robin Le Normand, who headed in a cross from Giuliano Simeone, son of Atletico’s head coach Diego Simeone. However, Real Madrid quickly responded. Kylian Mbappe leveled the score with a precise finish after cutting in from the right, and moments later, Arda Guler put Real Madrid ahead with a brilliant cross from Vinicius Junior, who outfoxed his marker to set up the goal.

Despite falling behind, Atletico showed resilience. Alexander Sorloth equalized just before halftime, heading home a cross in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-2.

The second half was all Atletico, with Julian Alvarez taking center stage. The Argentine forward, fresh off a hat-trick in a midweek match against Rayo Vallecano, converted a penalty in the 56th minute after Guler’s high boot caught Nico Gonzalez in the head. Alvarez, who had a penalty disallowed in the teams’ previous meeting, made no mistake this time, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way.

Atletico’s dominance continued, and in the 69th minute, Alvarez struck again. His free-kick, despite Courtois getting a hand to it, found the back of the net to put Atletico ahead 4-2. Antoine Griezmann sealed the win with a late strike, rolling the ball past Courtois in the 84th minute to make it 5-2, much to the delight of the home fans.

Diego Simeone, visibly emotional on the sideline, praised his team for their performance after a difficult start to the season. “From the start of the game, we knew where we could hurt them… today was a very, very good performance,” Simeone said.

Real Madrid, who had come into the game with a perfect record, struggled to cope with Atletico’s high press and relentless attacking play. While Mbappe netted his eighth league goal of the season and showed his usual flashes of brilliance, the rest of the team, including Jude Bellingham, who started for the first time since shoulder surgery, couldn’t match Atletico’s intensity.

“This is a derby, and it’s a deserved defeat,” said Alonso, whose team conceded five goals for the first time in a derby since 1950. “We’re hurting.”

Atletico’s victory lifted them to fourth place in the standings, temporarily closing the gap on their rivals. “It’s a very special day, we knew how important this game was, being a derby, of course, but also because we needed the three points,” Alvarez said after the match.

With the win, Atletico brought an end to Real Madrid’s perfect run, and now Barcelona have the chance to move to the top of La Liga if they can defeat Real Sociedad on Sunday.

“Few words can console us, but tomorrow the sun will come out and we will work harder than ever,” said Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal, determined to put the defeat behind them.

Trump plans sending troops to Portland, Oregon, in latest deployment to U.S. cities

By
admin
-
0

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump said Saturday he will deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, authorizing “full force, if necessary” to counter what he described as domestic terrorist threats, as his administration expands federal deployments to more American cities.

Trump made the announcement on social media, saying he directed the Department of Defense to send personnel to “protect war-ravaged Portland” and defend U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which he claimed were “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”

The White House provided no immediate details about the type of troops or a timeline for their arrival. The Pentagon also offered few specifics, with spokesman Sean Parnell saying only that the department “stands ready to mobilize U.S. military personnel in support of DHS operations in Portland at the President’s direction.”

Oregon officials rejected the move. Gov. Tina Kotek said there is “no national security threat” in Portland, while Portland Mayor Keith Wilson warned that sending troops would “perpetrate” violence rather than prevent it. Members of Oregon’s Democratic congressional delegation, except Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz, sent a letter condemning Trump’s plan as an “abuse of executive authority” and an effort to “incite violence.”

On the ground Saturday, Portland showed no visible signs of unrest. Residents strolled along the Willamette River and downtown businesses were open. “Where’s the emergency?” asked Allen Schmertzler, 72, who called Trump’s decision “disgusting.” Another resident, John McNeur, described the city as “a beautiful place” and said Trump’s warning of lawlessness was “ridiculous.”

The city, home to 636,000 people, was the scene of extended racial justice protests in 2020, which sometimes turned violent. Federal agents were sent in then to protect the courthouse and ICE facilities. Recent demonstrations, however, have been smaller and largely confined to the ICE building, where boarded windows and graffiti reflect lingering tensions.

Trump also pointed to Chicago and Memphis as cities where deployments are under consideration. In Memphis, about 80 to 100 protesters gathered in front of City Hall to denounce the expected arrival of federal forces, carrying signs that read “Resources Not Task Forces” and chanting against what they called a federal “occupation.”

Portland officials, meanwhile, have tried to highlight progress since 2020. Violent crime in the city dropped 17% in the first half of 2025 compared with the previous year, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and downtown has seen its busiest summer for pedestrians since before the pandemic. Homeless encampments have also declined, and businesses report steadier recovery.

Trump’s move comes amid his heightened rhetoric against what he calls the “radical left,” which he blames for unrest and political violence. Following the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Trump has escalated calls for federal crackdowns.

“We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland,” Trump said Thursday, referring to protesters as “professional agitators and anarchists.”

1...169170171...963Page 170 of 963