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Gunman Charged With Murder After Killing Israeli Embassy Staff in D.C., Citing Support for Palestine

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Gunman Charged With Murder After Killing Israeli Embassy Staff in D.C., Citing Support for Palestine

WASHINGTON — A man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy employees outside a Washington, D.C., museum has been charged with murder and could face the death penalty, federal officials confirmed Friday.

Elias Rodriguez, 31, appeared in federal court in the nation’s capital following his arrest at the scene. Prosecutors say Rodriguez killed the couple—identified as Israeli national Yaron Lischinsky and American citizen Sarah Milgrim—as they exited the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening. Both victims were Jewish and employed by the Israeli Embassy. The couple was reportedly planning to travel to Jerusalem over the weekend, where Lischinsky intended to propose.

Federal authorities allege that following his arrest, Rodriguez proclaimed, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” and shouted “Free Palestine,” statements officials say point to a political motive behind what they are investigating as a targeted attack.

Rodriguez, who had no known prior criminal history, faces two counts of murder of foreign officials. Additional charges may follow as investigators continue to gather evidence, according to Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro.

“This is a death penalty eligible case,” Pirro said during a press briefing. “But it is far too early to say whether the government will pursue that option.”

Rodriguez was not handcuffed during his court appearance and remained silent as the judge formally read the charges against him. MailOnline reported that he nodded as the proceedings unfolded.

The victims, described by friends and family as deeply committed to their diplomatic work and Jewish heritage, had just attended an event at the museum when the gunman opened fire. Surveillance footage and witness accounts suggest Rodriguez had been pacing outside the museum prior to the shooting.

After firing the fatal shots, authorities say Rodriguez entered the museum, where security detained him until police arrived.

The two victims

Milgrim’s father, Robert Milgrim, told The New York Times that Lischinsky had recently purchased an engagement ring and was planning to propose in Jerusalem. “He was incredible,” he said of his would-be son-in-law. “He was very much like Sarah—passionate, extremely intelligent, dedicated to what he does, always on the cause of what’s right.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser denounced the violence. “This crime will not be tolerated in our city,” she said, noting the city’s history of confronting antisemitism. “In this moment, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder as one community.”

The Israeli Embassy in Washington issued a somber statement mourning the loss of two of its staff. “The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time,” the statement read.

President Donald Trump also weighed in on the attack via Truth Social, writing: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by ordering enhanced security for Israeli diplomatic staff around the world. Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the attack as “a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism,” expressing confidence that U.S. authorities will “take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act.”

Federal investigators are treating the case as a potential hate crime, and law enforcement officials have not ruled out charging Rodriguez under terrorism statutes.

 Federal Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Move to Revoke Legal Status of International Students

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 Federal Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Move to Revoke Legal Status of International Students

OAKLAND, Calif. — A federal judge in California has issued a sweeping injunction against the Trump administration, blocking it from revoking the legal status of international students at universities across the United States.

The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland, halts immigration enforcement actions against foreign-born students while a broader legal challenge unfolds. The decision prevents the administration from arresting, detaining or transferring students based solely on their immigration status until the case is resolved.

In his written order, Judge White sharply criticized the administration’s erratic handling of international student visas, accusing it of destabilizing the lives of foreign students and violating legal safeguards.

“The government has wreaked havoc on the lives of these plaintiffs and similarly situated students,” White wrote. “It is unclear how this game of whack-a-mole will end unless defendants are enjoined from skirting their own mandatory regulations.”

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment from NBC News.

This ruling marks the first nationwide relief granted to international students facing sudden visa terminations under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. While some students have previously secured individual reinstatements, White’s order provides broader protections as legal proceedings continue.

The injunction bars the Department of Homeland Security from reversing reinstated student visa records or relocating plaintiffs to jurisdictions outside of their residences. It also blocks any attempts to detain students while their immigration cases are still pending in court.

The Trump administration had argued that an injunction was unnecessary because it had already begun restoring student visa statuses as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) develops a new framework for revocations. But White rejected that argument, noting the administration’s pattern of changing its position only after court intervention.

“At each turn in this and similar litigation across the nation, Defendants have abruptly changed course to satisfy courts’ expressed concerns,” he wrote.

The legal challenge stems from the administration’s March initiative to revoke the records and legal statuses of thousands of international students. Many of those targeted had been involved in political protests or had criminal charges on their records, such as DUIs.

During an April court hearing, DHS officials acknowledged that between 10 to 20 employees were tasked with screening the names of approximately 1.3 million foreign-born students using the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.

However, immigration experts and attorneys have raised concerns about the reliability of the NCIC, which depends on voluntary data submissions from state and local jurisdictions. The database often lacks final dispositions of criminal cases, leading to erroneous visa terminations for students who were either not convicted or had their charges dismissed.

Critics argue that the Trump administration’s aggressive approach toward international students undermines legal due process and academic freedom, especially for students who have been in the country lawfully and are enrolled in accredited programs.

The case continues to draw attention from civil rights groups and academic institutions, many of which view the administration’s actions as part of a broader campaign to limit immigration and suppress political dissent on campuses.

 Trump Administration Revokes Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students Amid SEVP Decertification

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 Trump Administration Revokes Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students Amid SEVP Decertification

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has barred Harvard University from enrolling international students after revoking its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, escalating tensions between the White House and one of the nation’s most prominent academic institutions.

In a letter addressed to Harvard leadership, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the university had failed to comply with multiple requests for student-related information, prompting the government to decertify Harvard from the SEVP — a program that permits noncitizens to study in the United States under F and J nonimmigrant visas.

“As a result of your refusal to comply with multiple requests to provide the Department of Homeland Security pertinent information while perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ policies, you have lost this privilege,” Noem wrote.

The ruling means that Harvard is now prohibited from enrolling new international students under the SEVP for the 2025-2026 academic year. Additionally, current international students on F or J visas must transfer to another SEVP-certified institution to maintain their visa status.

Harvard officials sharply criticized the decision, describing it as retaliatory and unlawful.

“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” the university said in a statement Thursday. “The government’s action is unlawful. We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University — and this nation — immeasurably.”

The revocation follows a formal request sent by Noem to Harvard in April, in which she demanded the university submit detailed data about student visa holders, including any involvement in protests, violent activity, disciplinary measures, or actions perceived as obstructing the campus learning environment. The request also included a call for academic records tied to visa compliance.

Noem stated Harvard’s response was inadequate and reaffirmed that student access to U.S. institutions through visa programs is “a privilege, not a right.”

“The revocation of your Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification means that Harvard is prohibited from having any aliens on F- or J-nonimmigrant status for the 2025-2026 academic school year,” Noem wrote. “Consequences must follow to send a clear signal to Harvard and all universities that want to enjoy the privilege of enrolling foreign students, that the Trump administration will enforce the law and root out the evils of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in society and campuses.”

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson echoed that sentiment, accusing Harvard of allowing a culture of extremism to flourish on campus.

“Harvard has turned their once-great institution into a hotbed of anti-American, antisemitic, pro-terrorist agitators,” Jackson said in a statement to ABC News. “They have repeatedly failed to take action to address the widespread problems negatively impacting American students and now they must face the consequences of their actions. Enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right.”

The revocation marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing clash with elite universities over campus speech, anti-Israel protests, and institutional policies viewed by conservatives as politically biased. Harvard’s SEVP status had previously allowed the school to admit thousands of international students annually.

Legal analysts say the decertification could set a precedent for future federal action against universities deemed noncompliant with immigration-related demands. Harvard is expected to challenge the decision in court, citing potential violations of due process and the impact on its academic freedom and global research mission.

 Brooklyn Woman Convicted of Stowing Away on Delta Flight to Paris Without Ticket

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 Brooklyn Woman Convicted of Stowing Away on Delta Flight to Paris Without Ticket

NEW YORK — A Brooklyn federal jury on Thursday convicted Svetlana Dali, a Russian national and U.S. permanent resident, of stowing away on a Delta Air Lines flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris in November 2024, after she bypassed security checkpoints and gate agents.

The jury found Dali guilty of a federal stowaway charge after evidence showed she boarded Delta Flight 202 to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on Nov. 26 without a valid boarding pass or ticket. Prosecutors argued that Dali exploited a security vulnerability by slipping through a crewmember-designated TSA lane and blending in with legitimate passengers boarding the overnight flight.

Dali, who previously lived in Philadelphia, admitted under oath that she did not have a boarding pass. “I walked to where the people were boarding and just got on the airplane,” she testified during her brief trial in Brooklyn federal court. She claimed she spent most of the transatlantic journey hiding in the aircraft’s lavatory.

Surveillance video obtained by ABC News showed Dali approaching Gate B38 at Terminal 4, where she loitered nearby as passengers had their documents checked by gate attendants. When a separate group of customers was waved through, Dali closely followed behind and entered the jet bridge without being stopped.

According to an FBI criminal complaint, Delta flight crew became suspicious during the flight and discovered that Dali was not listed on the passenger manifest. Upon arrival in France, she failed to provide documentation to French border officials and was denied entry at customs. French authorities refused to admit her into the country, forcing her to be returned to the United States.

When officials attempted to place Dali on a return flight to the U.S., she resisted and was ultimately removed from that aircraft. She was later transported back to New York under federal custody to face prosecution.

During her interview with FBI agents, Dali admitted to boarding the aircraft without a ticket, confirming she had deliberately evaded security protocols and airline staff in order to travel internationally without paying.

Following her arrest, Dali was granted pretrial release in December 2024. However, she allegedly violated release conditions by removing her court-ordered ankle monitor and traveling to Buffalo. There, she attempted to flee to Canada via bus across the Peace Bridge on Dec. 16, 2024, but was intercepted by border officials and taken back into custody. She has remained detained ever since.

Though U.S. District Judge Frederic Block has yet to set a sentencing date, Dali faces a potential prison term of up to six months. With over five months already served, she may be credited for time behind bars.

In response to the security breach at JFK Airport, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration confirmed that an internal review had been conducted. “Additional security measures are now in place to prevent future incidents,” the agency said in a statement. “TSA’s protocols are continuously evolving to address threats and vulnerabilities in the aviation system.”

The case has raised fresh concerns over airport security procedures at one of the busiest international travel hubs in the country. Aviation experts and lawmakers are calling for enhanced scrutiny of security operations to prevent future stowaway attempts and to rebuild public trust in the integrity of the nation’s air travel infrastructure.

 2 Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in Washington, D.C. Shooting Identified as Antisemitic Terror Act

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 2 Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in Washington, D.C. Shooting Identified as Antisemitic Terror Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two Israeli Embassy employees were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night in what U.S. officials are calling a targeted antisemitic terrorist attack. The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were not diplomats but held staff roles at the Israeli Embassy, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

The couple, who were reportedly preparing to get engaged, were exiting a Jewish conference hosted by the American Jewish Committee when they were gunned down. “This is the direct result of toxic antisemitic incitement against Israel and Jews around the world that has intensified since the October 7th massacre,” Sa’ar stated at a Thursday morning press conference.

Lischinsky served as a researcher in the political division of the Israeli Embassy, while Milgrim coordinated American missions to Israel. Their tragic deaths have sparked renewed calls for vigilance and condemnation of hate-driven violence, especially targeting the Jewish community.

The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. Authorities say he opened fire shortly after 9 p.m. as the event at the museum concluded. Witnesses reported Rodriguez shouting “Free, free Palestine” after the attack. D.C. Metro Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed he attempted to enter the venue but was intercepted by event security.

Rodriguez now faces multiple federal charges, including murder of foreign officials, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and first-degree murder. Officials say the FBI is reviewing written materials allegedly authored by Rodriguez that could offer insight into his motives. Law enforcement has also conducted a court-authorized search at his residence in Chicago.

“This appears to have been a deliberate act of targeted violence,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, adding that the bureau responded immediately given the attack occurred close to its Washington Field Office. A bureau officer rendered first aid to the victims at the scene.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, confirmed that Lischinsky had purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose to Milgrim next week in Jerusalem. “They had their whole lives ahead of them. This attack has shattered families and hearts,” he said.

Leiter noted he received a call from President Donald Trump, who pledged full U.S. support in combatting antisemitism. On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end NOW. Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that based on current evidence, Rodriguez acted alone. “This person will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Bondi vowed.

Katie Kalisher, an attendee at the event, recalled offering Rodriguez water before he pulled a keffiyeh from his backpack and said, “I did this for Gaza. Free Palestine.” Another witness, Yoni Kalin, described Rodriguez as appearing frightened.

Upon arrest, Rodriguez reportedly provided authorities with the location of the weapon, which was recovered shortly afterward. He continued to chant pro-Palestinian slogans while in custody, police said.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after 9:08 p.m., finding both victims unresponsive. At least one was transported to a hospital in critical condition but succumbed to injuries.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized that there is no active threat to the public but pledged that the city “will not tolerate terrorism or hate.” She urged unity in the face of antisemitic violence and thanked first responders for their immediate action.

The American Jewish Committee expressed devastation in a statement, saying their “hearts are solely with those harmed and their families.” Ted Deutch, CEO of the AJC, confirmed the event was held in collaboration with the museum.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “shocked” by the killings and confirmed he has ordered increased security at all Israeli diplomatic posts worldwide. He spoke with the victims’ families and the ambassador to express condolences and support.

In response to the attack, the Secret Service increased security around the Israeli Embassy and ambassador’s residence in D.C. The NYPD also elevated protection at Jewish and Israeli institutions across New York, a measure officials say will remain indefinitely.

Danny Danon, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, called the shooting a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” and warned that violence targeting Jewish communities crosses a global red line.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem assured the public that federal authorities are fully engaged in the investigation. “We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” she posted on X.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff, who has worked to combat antisemitism, issued statements decrying the attack. Emhoff wrote, “May the memory of Yaron and Sarah be a blessing. Jews must be able to gather without fear.”

The Capital Jewish Museum announced it will reopen in the coming days with heightened security measures in place.

At Least 2 Dead After Small Jet Crashes Into San Diego Military Housing, Igniting Homes and Vehicles

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At Least 2 Dead After Small Jet Crashes Into San Diego Military Housing, Igniting Homes and Vehicles

SAN DIEGO  — A small business jet crashed into a San Diego military housing neighborhood Thursday morning, killing at least two people aboard and triggering a fierce blaze that destroyed homes and vehicles, authorities said.

The San Diego Police Department confirmed via social media that two individuals died in the crash and eight others sustained injuries. Emergency officials said approximately 15 homes were impacted, with fires consuming multiple residences and cars.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief Dan Eddy described the devastation during a press briefing:
“I just walked it myself, and down the street itself, it looks like something from a movie,” Eddy said, noting that no ground fatalities had been reported despite the widespread damage.

Eddy said the victims were onboard the aircraft, a Cessna C550 jet manufactured in 1985, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The exact number of passengers has not been confirmed, but the aircraft can accommodate eight to ten people, including the pilot. The identities of the deceased remain unknown as of Thursday afternoon.

The crash ignited a massive fireball and spilled jet fuel across multiple streets, prompting evacuations and the dispatch of hazardous materials teams.
“We have jet fuel all over the place,” Eddy said. “We have hazmat on scene right now, and we’ve asked for more resources to come for that.”

All the affected residences were military housing units, and U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Healy said that displaced families may be out of their homes for some time. He added that the Navy would assist with temporary housing arrangements.

The aircraft departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on Wednesday night, landing briefly in Wichita, Kansas early Thursday before heading toward Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, according to FlightAware tracking data. The plane crashed shortly before its expected arrival.

Aerial footage of the aftermath showed smoldering wreckage, a charred residential structure, and burnt-out cars along the street. Police Chief Scott Wahl described the site as “pretty horrific,” with “jet fuel going down the street and everything on fire all at once.”

Local resident Forrest Gallagher, a Marine Corps mechanic, said he was jolted awake by a “loud boom.”
“I smelt a weird burning smell, like rubber or plastic,” Gallagher told NBC News. He ran outside to see a vehicle engulfed in flames, though he did not spot any plane wreckage and was not evacuated.

Another neighbor, Jasmine, described how she helped a neighbor escape the fire by using a ladder to bridge the gap between fences.
“That’s the beauty of what I love in this neighborhood — military looking out for one another,” said Assistant Chief Eddy, referencing her actions.

San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo acknowledged that “numerous homes were lost,” but assured that “no more people are in harm’s way at this moment.”
“I pray for those who lost their lives and we will help those affected recover,” he said in a statement.

The San Diego Police Department urged residents to avoid the area and confirmed the closure of two elementary schools nearby due to safety concerns.

Mayor Todd Gloria praised the emergency response, stating:
“Still a tragedy, and again, our hearts are with those who are impacted. We’ll continue to be here throughout this response effort to make sure the families who are not able to access their homes are well supported.”

The FAA said it was still working to confirm the total number of people aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Congo Court Convicts Former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo in $245 Million Corruption Scandal

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Congo Court Convicts Former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo in $245 Million Corruption Scandal

KINSHASA, Congo  — Former Congolese Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon was convicted Tuesday in one of the country’s most significant corruption trials in recent years, accused of embezzling $245 million from a massive but failed agriculture project launched under ex-President Joseph Kabila.

The Constitutional Court handed Ponyo a 10-year sentence of forced labor after ruling he had diverted funds during the development of a state-run corn farm meant to spark an agricultural revolution. The project, launched as part of an ambitious initiative to create 22 large-scale farms across the country, collapsed just three years after it began operations in 2014.

Two other high-profile figures were also convicted in absentia: Deogratias Mutombo, former governor of the Central Bank of Congo, and Christo Grobler, a South African businessman involved in the project. Both were sentenced to five years of forced labor, though none of the three men are currently in custody.

Ponyo’s attorney, Laurent Onyemba, denounced the ruling, claiming it was politically motivated and unfair. He confirmed that the former prime minister remains in Kinshasa. Congolese officials say Grobler is in South Africa, while Mutombo is believed to be living in Belgium.

The court’s ruling marks a symbolic victory for President Felix Tshisekedi, who has pledged to root out corruption stemming from Kabila’s nearly two-decade rule. The prosecution of Ponyo, once one of Kabila’s closest economic stewards, underscores Tshisekedi’s efforts to dismantle entrenched networks of graft.

The failed farm project, situated 260 kilometers southeast of Kinshasa, was intended to be a flagship of economic diversification and food security. The government had contracted a South African company to manage the development, but the firm withdrew in 2017, citing non-payment by Congolese authorities.

The corruption case, opened in 2021, came after Tshisekedi appointed an investigative task force to review the previous administration’s handling of state funds. What they uncovered in the farm project—dubbed Agro-Industrial Park of Bukanga-Lonzo—became a touchstone in the president’s broader anti-corruption campaign.

The trial also unfolds against a backdrop of political tension. Former President Joseph Kabila, who relinquished power in 2018, has been living mostly in South Africa since late 2023. Tshisekedi’s administration has since accused him of having indirect ties to the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, which has seized territory in eastern Congo—an allegation Kabila’s party vehemently denies.

Despite the landmark nature of the verdict, questions remain over whether the convicted officials will be extradited or arrested. For now, the convictions serve more as a political statement than as a clear path to restitution or incarceration.

Reuters

Trump Presses South Africa’s Ramaphosa on False White Genocide Claims in Tense Oval Office Meeting

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Trump Presses South Africa’s Ramaphosa on False White Genocide Claims in Tense Oval Office Meeting

WASHINGTON  — President Donald Trump sparked diplomatic tensions on Wednesday after pressing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with false and inflammatory claims of white “genocide” and land seizures, echoing far-right conspiracy theories during a confrontational Oval Office meeting that drew comparisons to his earlier ambush of Ukraine’s leader.

President Donald Trump meets South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Although South Africa grapples with high crime rates, the vast majority of murder victims are Black, a reality that sharply contrasts with Trump’s assertions about white farmers facing targeted persecution. Nevertheless, Trump escalated the narrative, accusing Pretoria of failing to protect white landowners and suggesting the U.S. should offer them refuge.

“We have many people who feel they’re being persecuted,” Trump said, referring specifically to white South African farmers. “Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases, they’re being killed.”

Ramaphosa, who came prepared to discuss trade and economic cooperation, brought with him a delegation that included prominent white South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and billionaire Johann Rupert, aiming to present a balanced image of post-apartheid South Africa. But the meeting quickly turned confrontational.

Trump launched into his claims by presenting a video montage and printed news clippings that he said proved his case. “We have thousands of stories… documentaries, news articles,” Trump declared before dimming the lights to play a video that showed white crosses, inflammatory political speeches, and suggested white South Africans were under violent siege. He even called for the arrest of South African opposition leader Julius Malema, who has been a vocal critic of white landownership disparities.

Despite the pressure, Ramaphosa maintained composure, watching the video in silence and later pointing to the presence of the three white South African businessmen seated beside him.

“If there was an Afrikaner farmer genocide, I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here,” he said.

Ramaphosa reiterated that land reform in South Africa is being carried out through legal, constitutional means, with provisions for court challenges and no recorded expropriations without compensation to date. The controversial law is aimed at redressing centuries of land dispossession during apartheid and colonial rule.

“There is crime in South Africa,” Ramaphosa acknowledged. “But the majority of victims are Black.” Trump quickly cut him off, saying, “The farmers are not Black.”

Trump’s remarks closely reflect talking points of white nationalist groups in the United States and abroad, where the myth of white genocide in South Africa has been embraced by the far right.

“I will say: apartheid, terrible,” Trump stated. “This is sort of the opposite of apartheid.”

Despite the sharp exchange, Ramaphosa struck a diplomatic tone, complimenting the gold-themed Oval Office decor and expressing his enthusiasm about handing over the G20 presidency next year. Trump declined to confirm whether he would attend the G20 summit in South Africa in November 2025.

In recent months, Trump has criticized South Africa’s land reform law, canceled aid, expelled the South African ambassador, and offered asylum to white Afrikaners, citing “racial persecution” — claims South Africa has categorically denied.

Though diplomatic relations have grown tense, economic stakes remain high. The United States is South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trade partner, trailing only China. Ramaphosa had hoped to shift the conversation toward tariff negotiations and investment opportunities.

Billionaire Johann Rupert later defended Ramaphosa, stating that violent crime affects all communities, and suggested that American-born South African tech magnate Elon Musk’s Starlink system could help improve policing across the country.

Chris Brown Released on $6.7 Million Bail in UK Assault Case, Tour Cleared to Proceed

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Chris Brown Released on $6.7 Million Bail in UK Assault Case, Tour Cleared to Proceed

LONDON  — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown has been released on £5 million ($6.7 million) bail after a London judge cleared him to proceed with his European tour despite facing serious assault charges linked to a violent nightclub attack in 2023.

Judge Tony Baumgartner of Southwark Crown Court granted the 36-year-old American performer conditional release on Wednesday, ordering Brown to post the multi-million-dollar bail as a guarantee of his appearance at upcoming court hearings. Brown had been held in custody in Salford, near Manchester, following his arrest at a hotel last week.

The charges stem from an alleged unprovoked attack on music producer Abe Diaw during a night out at the upscale Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district in February 2023. Prosecutors claim Brown struck Diaw multiple times with a bottle before punching and kicking him in front of a crowded venue. The assault was reportedly captured on surveillance footage.

Brown was originally ordered into custody by a district judge in Manchester after being charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, casting doubt on his upcoming tour plans. His next scheduled court appearance was set for June 13, but the new bail terms mean he can now launch his tour as planned.

The singer, who rose to fame in 2005 with hits like “Run It” and “Kiss Kiss,” was not present for Wednesday’s hearing. He was released from jail in the late afternoon and is expected to continue preparations for the June 8 kickoff of his European tour in Amsterdam, followed by North American dates starting in July.

Omololu Akinlolu, 38, an American musician who performs under the name “Hoody Baby” and is a known associate of Brown, has also been charged in the incident. Like Brown, Akinlolu has yet to enter a plea, and both men have been ordered to appear in court again on June 20.

Brown, who won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2011 for “F.A.M.E.,” secured another win in the same category earlier this year for “11:11 (Deluxe).” Despite a career punctuated by chart-topping success, Brown has faced a series of high-profile legal troubles, including his notorious 2009 conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna.

The latest case threatens to reignite scrutiny over Brown’s repeated brushes with the law, even as his global fanbase and commercial success remain intact.

Pentagon Accepts Boeing 747 Gift from Qatar for Trump’s Use as Air Force One

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Pentagon Accepts Boeing 747 Gift from Qatar for Trump’s Use as Air Force One

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department has accepted a luxury Boeing 747 aircraft from Qatar for use as Air Force One by President Donald Trump, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday, prompting a firestorm of legal, constitutional, and ethical concerns in Washington.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the acquisition during Trump’s recent Middle East trip, where the Qatari government presented the plane as a gift. The move has ignited backlash over potential violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bars federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the aircraft was accepted “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations” and that the Defense Department would ensure “proper security measures” are implemented before the aircraft is cleared for presidential use.

Trump defended the arrangement on his social media platform, claiming it would save taxpayer dollars.

“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE?” Trump wrote during his trip.

However, critics argue the gesture could prove more costly in the long run. The aircraft, described by some as a “palace in the sky,” will require extensive retrofitting to meet Air Force One standards — a process that experts warn could exceed $1 billion and take years to complete.

Democrats, and even several Republicans, have voiced alarm over the implications of the gift. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., blasted the move during a Senate hearing, calling it “unconstitutional” and “a dangerous course of action.”

“Far from saving money, this unconstitutional action will not only cost our nation its dignity, but it will force taxpayers to waste over $1 billion to overhaul this aircraft when we already have two fully operational Air Force One planes,” Duckworth said.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink testified that Secretary Hegseth has already directed the service to begin planning the aircraft’s upgrades, acknowledging that “significant modifications” are needed. The Air Force also confirmed it is preparing to award a classified contract for the upgrade, but details remain restricted due to national security considerations.

Speaking alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office, Trump bristled when questioned about the optics of accepting a luxury jet from a foreign monarchy.

“They are giving the United States Air Force a jet,” Trump said. “It’s not to me — it’s to the Air Force, to help us out.”

Ramaphosa, in a light-hearted moment, replied, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you,” to which Trump responded, “If your country was offering the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it.”

Trump has not offered a national security justification for accepting the plane rather than waiting for Boeing to complete the new fleet of Air Force One jets already under contract. Those planes, ordered during Trump’s first term, have faced repeated production delays.

In an apparent attempt to ease political tensions, Trump said he does not intend to use the Qatar aircraft once he leaves office. Instead, he suggested it could eventually serve as a centerpiece in a future presidential library, akin to President Ronald Reagan’s retired Boeing 707, now housed in a California museum.

AP

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