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Appeals Court rules Trump administration can end migrant protections for more than 400,000 from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela

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BOSTON (BN24) — A federal appeals court ruled Friday that the Trump administration has the authority to end humanitarian parole protections for more than 430,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, a decision that could force many to leave the United States.

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a two-page ruling lifting a lower court stay that had temporarily blocked the administration from moving forward. While the decision marks a legal victory for President Donald Trump’s administration, it does not immediately change the status of migrants as the lawsuit continues.

In its opinion, the three-judge panel acknowledged the “risks of irreparable harm” raised by the lower court — including family separation, loss of lawful employment, and the possibility of returning to dangerous conditions in home countries. But the court found those concerns were insufficient to override the administration’s legal authority.

“Absent a strong showing of likelihood of success on the merits, the risk of such irreparable harms cannot, by itself, support a stay,” the judges wrote.

The ruling allows the Department of Homeland Security to move forward with its plan to revoke parole, which grants migrants two-year authorization to live and work in the U.S.

Reaction From Both Sides

Attorneys for the migrants expressed disappointment. Esther Sung, legal director of the Justice Action Center, said the decision “hurts everyone.”

“People who came here from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela did everything the government asked of them, and the Trump administration cruelly and nonsensically failed to hold up the government’s end of the bargain,” Sung said, vowing to continue litigation.

Government lawyers, led by Solicitor General D. John Sauer, argued that the program was always discretionary and temporary, and that requiring case-by-case reviews would be a “gargantuan task” that would undermine removal efforts.

“The Secretary’s discretionary rescission of a discretionary benefit should have been the end of the matter,” Justice Department attorneys said.

A Historic Rollback of Migrant Protections

The decision stems from Trump’s March announcement to terminate humanitarian parole programs introduced under President Joe Biden. The administration argued that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has full authority to end parole designations without judicial intervention.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs countered that Noem ignored humanitarian concerns and that the law requires individualized review. They described the policy change as “the largest mass illegalization event in modern American history.”

The Supreme Court had already lifted a district court stay in May, signaling skepticism of challenges to Trump’s policy. Friday’s appeals court ruling reinforces the administration’s position, even as broader litigation continues.

Trump’s Immigration Agenda

The ruling underscores Trump’s broader campaign pledge to deport millions and dismantle immigration pathways expanded under Biden. The administration’s move represents the first-ever mass revocation of humanitarian parole in U.S. history, setting up a precedent for sweeping changes in immigration law.

Nigeria’s President Tinubu mourns APC stalwart, Air Vice Marshal Terry Okorodudu

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ABUJA (BN24) — President Bola Tinubu expressed deep condolences to the Delta State Government and the All Progressives Congress following the death of Air Vice Marshal Terry O. Okorodudu, a prominent party chieftain who passed away September 9 at age 70.

The president extended sympathies to Okorodudu’s wife, children, extended family, associates and friends in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.

President Tinubu recognized the significant contributions Okorodudu made to APC’s political fortunes at both state and national levels, including his service as a member of the security committee for Tinubu’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Council. The president described the deceased as “my political ally for many years” who worked diligently and selflessly for Nigeria.

Air Vice Marshal Okorodudu, born August 27, 1955, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, traced his heritage to Warri in Delta State through the Itsekiri, Okpe and Ijaw ethnic groups. He began his distinguished military career after earning his commission as a Nigerian Air Force pilot officer on January 5, 1976, following his graduation from the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy.

The retired officer’s military service spanned over three decades, during which he held numerous significant positions including operational pilot duties on multiple aircraft types, staff positions at various command levels, and leadership roles in specialized units. His career progression reflected steady advancement built on exemplary service and professional competence.

From 1979 to 1983, Okorodudu served as an operational pilot on the Dornier 28-D-2 aircraft before transitioning to fly the G-222 aircraft as an operational officer from 1984 to 1988. His expertise led to assignments including Staff Officer 2 Training at Military Airlift Headquarters in Ibadan and Military Assistant to the Air Officer Commanding, Military Airlift Command.

One of his most prestigious assignments came from 1991 to 1998 when he served as Operations Officer with the Presidential Air Fleet, a position requiring the highest levels of security clearance and professional competence. This role was followed by an appointment as Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji from 1998 to 2000.

Okorodudu’s international service included a notable deployment as Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to Moscow, Russia, from February 2006 to July 2009, with concurrent accreditation to Ukraine, Belarus and Georgia. During this diplomatic assignment, he represented Nigeria’s defense interests in these strategically important regions.

His educational achievements complemented his military service, including a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and professional military education at institutions including the Junior Staff College, Jaji, and the Naval War College in Rhode Island, where he studied Military and Peacekeeping Operations in accordance with international law.

International colleagues recognized Okorodudu’s leadership qualities during his studies at the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies in Newport. Roy Kevin, International Military Student Officer, praised him as “a tremendously articulate and skilled officer and a consummate professional” whose contributions enriched fellow students from 19 countries.

In 2009, Okorodudu was appointed Chief Executive of Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian Air Force focused on aircraft maintenance and technical services. His leadership at the company strengthened Nigeria’s local capacity in aeronautical maintenance while reducing dependence on expensive foreign contractors.

The late Air Vice Marshal pioneered innovative approaches to military procurement and maintenance that became foundations for what developed into a multi-billion-naira defense entity. His vision for direct procurement of aircraft parts and local servicing of military hardware represented significant cost savings for the Nigerian government.

Beyond military service, Okorodudu founded the Grassroots Initiatives for Transformation, a platform designed to mobilize citizens toward mindset change, peacebuilding, security and economic development. After his voluntary retirement in October 2010, he established Centurion Security Company Limited, an integrated technology and defense security firm.

President Tinubu noted Okorodudu’s meritorious military career and his rise “to the peak of his career” while mentoring countless officers throughout his service. The president emphasized the deceased officer’s dedication to national service and his role in Nigeria’s security architecture.

The Air Vice Marshal served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Harry’s Friends Club, described as a think-tank for good governance, demonstrating his continued commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development even after retirement.

Okorodudu’s personal interests extended beyond military and political affairs to include music, sports, astronomy, poetry and literature, reflecting the breadth of his intellectual curiosity and cultural engagement.

He is survived by his wife, one son and four grandchildren who carry forward his legacy of integrity, resilience and service to Nigeria.

“He rose to the peak of his career and mentored countless officers. He worked diligently and selflessly for our country. I pray that Almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family,” President Tinubu stated in his tribute.

The death of Air Vice Marshal Okorodudu represents a significant loss for both the All Progressives Congress and Nigeria’s military community, removing a figure who bridged professional military service with active political engagement in support of democratic governance.

His passing comes as the APC continues building its organizational strength across Nigeria’s 36 states, making the loss of such an experienced and committed party stalwart particularly significant for the party’s activities in Delta State and the broader South-South geopolitical zone.

At least 193 dead after 2 boat accidents in northwestern Congo

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KINSHASA, Congo (BN24) — Two separate boat disasters in northwestern Congo this week have killed at least 193 passengers and left dozens more missing, authorities confirmed Friday, underscoring the persistent dangers of water travel in the vast Central African nation.

The first accident occurred Wednesday in Equateur province’s Basankusu territory, where a motorized boat carrying scores of passengers capsized, killing at least 86 people. State media reported that most of the victims were students traveling along the Congo River. Civil society groups said the toll could be higher, but officials have not confirmed additional figures.

Just a day later, tragedy struck again about 150 kilometers away in Lukolela territory, where a whaleboat with nearly 500 passengers caught fire and capsized Thursday evening near the village of Malange. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs said 209 people were rescued, but many remain unaccounted for.

Causes Under Investigation

State media attributed Wednesday’s sinking to “improper loading and night navigation.” Images from the scene showed villagers gathered around recovered bodies as families mourned. Local groups blamed the government for failing to enforce safety rules and claimed the actual number of victims was being underreported.

The causes of Thursday’s accident remain unclear. Officials have not said whether search and rescue efforts are continuing, and communication from the remote areas has been limited.

Deadly Pattern of Congo River Travel

Boat accidents are tragically common in Congo, where waterways are often the only means of transportation across its vast and largely roadless terrain. Most of the vessels are poorly maintained, overcrowded, and rarely equipped with life jackets. Many also travel at night, making rescue operations more difficult and leaving many bodies unrecovered.

The twin disasters this week have renewed calls for stronger safety regulations and enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.

Charlie Kirk shooting suspect in custody after manhunt, officials announce

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SALT LAKE CITY (BN24) — A 22-year-old Utah man has been arrested in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, ending a massive manhunt that mobilized state and federal law enforcement agencies across the region, officials announced Friday.

Tyler Robinson, a Utah native from St. George, was identified as the person who shot and killed Kirk on Wednesday at Utah Valley University, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said during a press conference. Robinson has been booked into the Utah County Jail on charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we got him,” Cox declared at the Friday press conference, praising the investigation that led to Robinson’s capture within 33 hours of the shooting.

The arrest came after a family friend contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Thursday night, reporting that Robinson had confessed or implied that he had killed Kirk. The breakthrough in the case occurred when Robinson’s father identified his son from photographs distributed by authorities and convinced him to surrender.

Robinson’s father contacted a youth pastor who also serves as a U.S. Marshals task force officer. The task force officer advised the father to have his son remain in place, and U.S. Marshals took Robinson into custody before contacting the FBI, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Investigators interviewed a family member of Robinson who revealed that the suspect had “become more political in recent years.” In a recent incident detailed to investigators, Robinson attended a family dinner where he mentioned that Kirk was coming to Utah Valley University. During the conversation with another family member, they discussed their dislike of Kirk and his political viewpoints.

President Donald Trump confirmed the arrest during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” Friday morning, stating he had been informed just minutes before the interview that the suspect was in custody. Trump praised the father’s role in the arrest, saying “somebody that was very close to him turned him in.”

The shooting occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. Wednesday when Kirk was struck by a single shot while speaking at an outdoor event on the Orem campus. According to Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, the suspect arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m., traveled through stairwells to reach the roof of a building near the event, then fired down at Kirk before fleeing the scene.

Surveillance footage showed the gunman climbing down from the roof of the Losee Center building and jumping to the grass below before fleeing off-campus into a nearby neighborhood. Kirk was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the pace of the investigation, calling the 33-hour timeline for apprehending the suspect “historic progress.” The FBI received more than 11,000 leads during the manhunt, all of which will be investigated, Patel said.

Forensic evidence continues to be processed at FBI laboratories in Quantico. Among the evidence recovered was a high-powered bolt-action rifle found in a wooded area near the shooting location. The weapon, identified as an older model imported Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle with a mounted scope, was wrapped in a dark-colored towel.

Investigators also recovered several bullet cartridges containing written messages. One cartridge bore the message “Hey fascist! CATCH!” which Cox said “speaks for itself,” while another contained Italian lyrics to the song “Bella, ciao,” and a third read “If you read this, you are GAY Lmao.”

Law enforcement officials described some of the cartridge markings as containing “transgender and anti-fascist” writing, though authorities are still working to determine the meaning or whether the markings were intended as misdirection for investigators.

Robinson was not a student at Utah Valley University but had been living with his family in St. George, located in southern Washington County approximately four hours from the Orem campus where the shooting occurred. A spokesperson from Utah Valley University confirmed that Robinson is a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.

Educational records show Robinson attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021 and earned college credits through Utah Tech University while in high school from 2019 to 2021.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray plans to file formal charges against Robinson on Tuesday, according to a statement from his office. The charges are expected to include aggravated murder, obstruction of justice for allegedly moving and hiding the weapon, and felony discharge of a firearm causing bodily injury.

Cox emphasized that officials do not anticipate making additional arrests at this time and could not comment on whether the suspect is cooperating with law enforcement. The FBI had offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible for Kirk’s murder.

During the press conference, Cox addressed the broader implications of political violence, describing the assassination as “an attack on all of us.” He urged young people to build a “culture that is very different than what we are suffering through right now.”

“To my young friends out there, you are inheriting a country where politics feels like rage. It feels like rage is the only option. But through those words, we have a reminder that we can choose a different path,” Cox said.

Trump reiterated during his television interview that the shooter should face the death penalty, noting that Utah maintains capital punishment and praising Cox as “a good governor” who is “intent on the death penalty in this case.”

The shooting represents one of the most high-profile acts of political violence in recent years, targeting a prominent conservative activist known for his campus speaking engagements and political commentary. Kirk’s assassination has sparked renewed concerns about the escalation of political tensions and violence in American society.

FBI Director Patel concluded his remarks with a message directed at the victim: “Rest now, brother. We have the watch.”

Jihadists massacre 89 christians in Congo, many killed during funeral service

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BENI, Democratic Republic of the Congo (BN24) — At least 89 Christians were massacred by jihadist militants in a series of brutal attacks in eastern Congo, including dozens slain during a funeral service, officials and advocacy groups said.

The killings occurred Monday night in North Kivu province, a region long plagued by violence from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-linked extremist group. According to Open Doors, an organization monitoring global Christian persecution, 70 victims were killed while attending a funeral service, with others later found dead in the villages of Potodu and Ntoyo.

The U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks militant activity, confirmed to Reuters the death toll had risen to nearly 100. Many villagers remain missing.

Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the ADF, also known as the Islamic State Central Africa Province. The group has been linked to a string of deadly assaults across the region, including an incident in July when 49 Christians were killed in the village of Komanda while praying for peace. Another 66 victims were reported killed earlier this year in Irumu.

“They arrived and started killing,” said Rev. Mbula Samaki, speaking to an Open Doors partner from the scene. “Those who tried to flee were shot dead, and others were killed with machetes.”

Verified footage viewed by Fox News Digital showed the horrific aftermath, including the bodies of women and children strewn across the ground. In one image, victims appeared to have had their hands tied behind their backs. Audio captured the cries of surviving family members.

A regional Open Doors partner, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, said the scale of the violence is far greater than what is being publicly reported. “If we take just August, there have been over 10 documented attacks,” she said, noting that many others go unreported, with multiple villages sometimes attacked simultaneously.

“The people, they say, ‘We are tired, when will this come to an end?’” she added. “You can find a family where two or three members have been killed, or a child whose both parents have been killed. So it’s pain. It’s agony.”

The eastern region of Congo is home to a majority Christian population and has been under sustained assault by Islamist militants who, according to local observers, are intent on driving Christians from their land and suppressing their faith.

Despite efforts by Congolese forces to push back, residents and local leaders say the response has been largely ineffective. One source told Fox News Digital that government action remains “largely insufficient” to stop the ADF’s escalating violence.

While President Donald Trump announced a peace deal for the DRC in June, sources say its impact is mostly limited to the area surrounding Goma, far from the sites of these latest atrocities.

A spokesperson for the Trump administration condemned the attacks, telling Fox News Digital: “The Trump administration condemns in the strongest terms this horrific violence against Christians in the DRC and is committed to advancing the Washington Accords to bring peace back to the region and end targeted killings.”

One Christian leader with direct knowledge of the region urged U.S. officials to match their support for Ukraine with similar attention to Congo. “Maybe they can mount pressure on the DRC government and even support them to address these ADF attacks more properly,” he said.

“If these people — these powers that be — can just see this as a family, as a child whose father no longer lives, if they can see it not as incidents but as people, then maybe something will change,” he added. “Everybody deserves to live.”

Turkey arrests 161 Islamic State suspects in nationwide raids

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Ankara, Turkey — Turkish authorities arrested 161 suspected members of the Islamic State group in a series of nationwide operations over the past week, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced Friday.

The suspects, accused of actively working within the extremist network and providing financial support, were detained across 38 provinces, including the capital Ankara and the country’s largest city, Istanbul. Yerlikaya said the coordinated operations also led to the seizure of unlicensed firearms, Islamic State documents and digital materials.

“Turkey remains determined to dismantle terrorist structures and eliminate their financial and logistical networks,” Yerlikaya wrote in a post on X, praising the security forces for their actions.

Ongoing Threat of IS in Turkey

The Islamic State has carried out multiple deadly attacks in Turkey over the past decade. Among the worst was a 2015 double suicide bombing at a political rally in Ankara that killed more than 100 people — the deadliest terror attack in the nation’s history.

Officials said the latest wave of arrests underscores the government’s continued efforts to root out sleeper cells and prevent further attacks. Security forces in Turkey have intensified counterterrorism raids in recent years, particularly as IS attempts to rebuild its regional networks following battlefield losses in Syria and Iraq.

The detainees remain in custody as prosecutors review evidence seized during the raids. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any of the suspects were planning imminent attacks.

Associated Press

NBA’s first openly gay player Jason Collins diagnosed with brain tumor

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NEW YORK (BN24) — Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, the league confirmed Thursday. The 46-year-old former center, who made history both on and off the court, is currently undergoing treatment as he and his family request privacy during this difficult time.

The NBA made the announcement on behalf of Collins and his loved ones, asking fans for support and prayers. No additional details were disclosed regarding the nature or severity of the tumor, with the league emphasizing Collins’ need to focus on his health and recovery.

Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA after being selected 18th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the then-New Jersey Nets. He went on to play for six teams — including the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards — before returning to the Nets after their move to Brooklyn. He officially retired from the league in November 2014.

In 2013, Collins became the first active NBA player to come out publicly as gay, a watershed moment for professional sports. His announcement was met with widespread support from teammates, fans, and notable figures in and beyond the league, including the late Kobe Bryant and then-NBA Commissioner David Stern.

Collins famously wore the number 98 jersey during his time with the Brooklyn Nets in honor of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old college student whose 1998 murder became a pivotal moment in the fight against anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes. The tribute was a powerful personal statement and a symbol of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

This past May, Collins married his longtime partner, film producer Brunson Green, in a private ceremony, marking another milestone in his personal journey as an advocate for inclusion and equality.

While the news of his diagnosis has shocked fans and supporters around the world, messages of hope and encouragement have poured in across social media, reflecting the impact Collins has had both as a professional athlete and as a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ representation in sports.

Brazilian Supreme Court sentences former President Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for coup attempt

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Brasília, Brazil (BN24) — A panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court justices sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison Thursday after convicting him of attempting a coup to remain in power following his 2022 election defeat to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The ruling marks the first time in Brazilian history that a former president has been convicted of orchestrating a coup attempt. Bolsonaro, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, remains under house arrest in Brasília and is expected to appeal the decision.

Four of the five justices reviewing the case found Bolsonaro guilty on five counts, including conspiracy to overthrow democratic order, participation in an armed criminal organization, and inciting violence against state institutions. Justice Cármen Lúcia, siding with the majority, said Bolsonaro was “the instigator, the leader of an organization that orchestrated every possible move to maintain or seize power.”

The ruling immediately triggered backlash from Washington, deepening tensions between Brazil and the United States. President Donald Trump told reporters he was “very unhappy” with the conviction, describing Bolsonaro as “outstanding.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later posted on X that the Trump administration “will respond accordingly to this witch hunt.”

The U.S. had already imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, citing what it called “political persecution” against Bolsonaro. Observers warned that new sanctions could follow, straining already fragile relations between the two countries.

The sentence will not immediately send Bolsonaro to prison. The Supreme Court has up to 60 days to publish the full ruling, after which his lawyers will have five days to file motions for clarification. Legal experts say appeals are unlikely to overturn the conviction but may slightly delay enforcement.

Rafael Mafei, a law professor at the University of São Paulo, noted that “it’s unlikely, but not impossible, that appeals to the full Supreme Court would change the outcome. The defense will try, because they should.”

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over the case, said Bolsonaro led a “criminal organization and coup plot” designed to prevent Lula’s government from taking office. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Luis Fux voted to acquit, arguing that “a coup d’état does not result from isolated acts or individual demonstrations lacking coordination.”

Bolsonaro’s sons denounced the decision as political persecution. Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on X that the ruling was “supreme persecution” and said history would vindicate his father. Eduardo Bolsonaro, another son, called for Congress to approve amnesty for the former leader.

Despite the conviction, Bolsonaro remains a central figure in Brazilian politics. He has already been barred from running for office until 2030 in a separate case, but his allies expect him to choose a political heir to challenge Lula in next year’s elections.

“I had the honor to serve as Jair Messias Bolsonaro’s chief of staff. I have never seen any act from him that wasn’t out of love for Brazil and absolute honesty,” Sen. Ciro Nogueira said on X. Former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro added, “There is a God in heaven who sees everything, who loves justice and hates iniquity.”

The trial has split public opinion. Supporters of Bolsonaro have taken to the streets claiming political persecution, while others view the ruling as a landmark moment for democracy.

Thomas Traumann, a political consultant and former government minister, called the conviction “the most important day for Brazil’s democracy since the 1988 constitution was approved.”

“It is the first time a former president, a former defense minister and a former military commander are punished for trying to stop an elected government from taking office,” Traumann said. “The threats of the American government make this decision even braver.”

Current President Lula welcomed the outcome, saying there was overwhelming evidence. “Bolsonaro attempted a coup in this country, and there is hundreds of pieces of evidence,” Lula said in a TV interview before the ruling.

As Bolsonaro’s lawyers prepare their appeals, his conviction threatens to further destabilize Brazil’s political landscape and intensify its diplomatic standoff with Washington.

16-year-old Colorado high school shooter was ‘radicalized by some extremist network,’ sheriff’s department says

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Colorado (BN24) – Authorities in Colorado said Thursday that a 16-year-old student who opened fire at Evergreen High School, wounding two classmates before killing himself, had been “radicalized by some extremist network” and appeared to be on a self-declared mission.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Desmond Holly, a sophomore at the school. Officials confirmed Holly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the attack, which erupted around 12:24 p.m. Wednesday in the Rocky Mountain foothills community about 30 miles west of Denver.

Sheriff’s officials said Holly was armed with a revolver that “was fired a lot” during the rampage. Shots shattered windows and tore through lockers as the teenager moved through the school searching for new targets, but he was blocked from reaching more victims by locked classroom doors.

Three students were transported to the hospital in critical condition, including the shooter. As of Thursday, none of the wounded had been released, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise. Authorities clarified that a fourth student taken to the hospital Wednesday had not been struck by gunfire.

One victim, 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone, remains hospitalized. His family issued a statement thanking the community for its support and asking for privacy as they focus on his recovery.

Investigators said Holly’s actions were likely influenced by an extremist network that he had been communicating with online. Authorities are searching his phone, home, and school locker to determine the nature of those connections. “We believe he was radicalized, and he had a mission,” the sheriff’s department said.

The FBI confirmed Thursday it had deployed an evidence response team and other resources to assist with the investigation. “Most importantly, our thoughts continue to be with the two victims injured in the shooting and all those who have been impacted by this horrific attack,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement.

Gov. Jared Polis said he was “devastated” by the violence. “My heart goes out to the victims and their families as they grapple with this senseless act of violence,” he said in a statement.

Following the shooting, Evergreen High School was locked down as heavily armed police officers swept the campus room by room. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said more than 100 officers responded, with assistance from the FBI and NCIS to process multiple crime scenes inside the school and on a nearby street.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Jacki Kelley credited lockdown drills with preventing further casualties. “Students and staff were amazing. They did their job and they did it well. Lives were saved yesterday,” Kelley said.

Officials said they are still working to determine whether the attack was targeted or random and are investigating the ownership of the weapon Holly used.

The shooting drew grim reminders of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, also in Jefferson County, where 14 people were killed. Authorities said Evergreen students’ quick response to lockdown training underscored how lessons from Columbine continue to shape school safety protocols more than two decades later.

23-year-old mother puts 15-day-old baby in refrigerator because he was not sleeping

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Simeon
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MORADABAD, India (BN24) — A 23-year-old mother in the Karula area of Moradabad, India, allegedly placed her 15-day-old baby boy inside a refrigerator after being unable to soothe him, authorities and family members said Friday. The infant was rescued by a relative and survived the ordeal. Doctors later confirmed the woman was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of the incident.

The incident unfolded early Friday morning when the woman, reportedly overwhelmed by her newborn’s persistent crying, placed the baby inside a refrigerator and went to sleep. According to the family, the baby’s grandmother heard muffled cries and discovered the infant inside the appliance. The child was pulled out and rushed to a nearby doctor, who confirmed the infant’s condition was stable.

The identity of the mother has not been disclosed due to patient confidentiality. Family members initially believed she was under the influence of “evil forces” and resorted to traditional rituals in an attempt to treat her behavior. When those efforts failed, she was taken to the Archna Raj Psychiatry and De-Addiction Centre.

Dr. Kartikeya Gupta, a psychiatrist at the facility, later diagnosed the woman with postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe mental health condition that can occur after childbirth. She is currently receiving professional counselling and medical treatment, according to doctors familiar with her case.

The incident has drawn attention to the lack of awareness and support surrounding maternal mental health in India, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Mental health professionals emphasize that postpartum psychosis, while rare, is a psychiatric emergency and requires immediate intervention to protect both mother and child.

Authorities have not indicated whether legal action will be taken, as the focus remains on the mother’s treatment and recovery. The baby remains in the care of family members and is reportedly in good health.

The case underscores the urgent need for increased education, early screening, and accessible treatment options for postpartum mental health disorders, which often go undiagnosed in India.

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