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Trump Warns Elon Musk of ‘Very Serious Consequences’ if He Funds Democrats Amid Budget Bill Feud

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a sharp warning to Elon Musk, saying the billionaire entrepreneur would face “very serious consequences” if he chooses to support Democratic candidates in opposition to Republicans who back the administration’s sweeping budget legislation.

“If he does, he’ll have to pay the consequences for that,” Trump told NBC News in a phone interview, though he declined to specify what those consequences might be. “He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that.”

The warning comes days after an escalating feud between Trump and Musk erupted into public view, marked by a flurry of online attacks and the apparent breakdown of what had once been a key political and policy alliance. Trump confirmed during the interview that he believes the relationship is beyond repair. “No,” the president said when asked whether he hoped to mend ties with Musk. “I would assume so, yeah,” he added when asked if the relationship was over.

Trump and Musk traded barbs throughout the week on social media platforms X and Truth Social. The president accused Musk of being “very disrespectful to the office of the President,” adding, “I think it’s a very bad thing. You could not disrespect the office of the President.”

The fallout follows Musk’s criticism of the GOP-led “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a multi-trillion-dollar spending package aimed at reshaping the federal government. Despite Trump’s assertion that Musk had previously endorsed the bill’s framework, Musk posted a series of sharp criticisms, including a now-deleted post accusing Trump of corruption and promoting calls for his impeachment.

Musk also revived old allegations linking Trump to financier Jeffrey Epstein, which the president dismissed Saturday as “old news.” “Even Epstein’s lawyer said I had nothing to do with it,” Trump said. “It’s old news.”

Trump had previously hinted that Musk’s attacks could jeopardize his companies’ lucrative federal contracts. “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” he wrote Thursday on Truth Social. When asked Saturday if he still planned to follow through, Trump replied, “I’d be allowed to do that… but I haven’t given it any thought.”

Despite the controversy, Trump voiced confidence in the budget bill’s chances in the Senate before the July 4 recess. “The Republican Party has never been united like this before,” he said. “It’s actually more so than it was three days ago.”

Musk had been a significant donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign, reportedly contributing over $250 million in support. Early in Trump’s second term, Musk was appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency, where he spearheaded cost-cutting initiatives that included mass layoffs and the downsizing of several federal agencies.

Asked whether outside calls, including those from activist Steve Bannon, for investigations into Musk’s immigration record or business dealings had gained traction within the administration, Trump said it was not currently a priority. “It’s not something that’s on top of my mind right now,” he said.

While tensions continue to mount, Trump noted a silver lining. “I think, actually, Elon brought out the strengths of the bill because people that weren’t as focused started focusing on it, and they see how good it is,” Trump said. “So in that sense, there was a big favor. But I think Elon, really, I think it’s a shame that he’s so depressed and so heartbroken.”

Coco Gauff Wins First French Open Title Defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 at Roland Garros 2025 Final

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PARIS — Coco Gauff captured her first French Open title and second Grand Slam championship Saturday, overcoming world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, at Roland Garros.

The victory marks a milestone for the 20-year-old American, who added the prestigious Paris crown to her 2023 U.S. Open title — both times defeating Sabalenka after dropping the opening set.

In a match defined by dramatic momentum swings and sustained tension, Gauff, the tournament’s No. 2 seed, showcased resilience and tactical maturity, seizing control in the second and third sets after narrowly losing a tight opening-set tiebreak. The triumph cemented her status as one of the top contenders in women’s tennis and dealt another narrow loss to Sabalenka in a Grand Slam final.

The showdown was the first French Open final between the top two seeded women since 2013, when Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets. Saturday’s clash also marked only the second No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in the past three decades at Roland Garros.

Gauff’s road to the title in Paris included straight-sets victories in each of her previous matches leading up to the final. Against Sabalenka, she elevated her game under pressure, adjusting her baseline strategy and outmaneuvering her opponent with consistency and mental fortitude.

With this win, Gauff becomes the youngest American woman to claim the French Open title since Monica Seles in 1992. She also strengthens her bid to overtake the top spot in the world rankings later this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo Declines Club World Cup Invitations, Deals Blow to FIFA’s Hopes

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MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 04: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal at Munich Football Arena on June 04, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/2025 Getty Images)

MUNICH — Cristiano Ronaldo said Saturday he is “practically certain” he will not take part in this month’s FIFA Club World Cup, despite receiving multiple invitations from participating clubs, delivering a significant setback to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s push to feature global stars at the newly expanded tournament.

MUNICH, GERMANY – JUNE 04: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal at Munich Football Arena on June 04, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/2025 Getty Images)

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final against Spain, the 40-year-old forward confirmed he had been approached by several clubs about joining them for the tournament, which kicks off June 14, but he has declined the offers.

“Some things make sense to talk about, other things don’t,” Ronaldo said. “You can’t take part in everything. You have to think about the short, medium and long term. It’s a decision practically made on my part not to go to the Club World Cup, but I’ve had quite a few invitations to go.”

Ronaldo remains under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until the end of June. Speculation about a possible short-term transfer arose after FIFA created a unique transfer window for the Club World Cup to allow flexibility for marquee players to feature. Ronaldo further fueled speculation when he posted “this chapter is over” following Al-Nassr’s final league match of the season.

Among the potential destinations mentioned were Brazilian giants Palmeiras and Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal — Al-Nassr’s local rival and the only Saudi club qualified for the tournament. A move to Al-Hilal would have been controversial, given the intense rivalry and the structure of Saudi football, where both clubs are majority-owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). PIF holds a 75% stake in each club and was recently announced as an “official partner” of the Club World Cup by FIFA.

FIFA had reportedly hoped that Ronaldo’s presence would boost international interest and ticket sales for the inaugural 32-team edition of the tournament. His absence will leave rival Lionel Messi, who is set to compete with Inter Miami, as the tournament’s biggest individual draw.

Ronaldo, however, chose to keep the focus on national duties ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain. “This is irrelevant right now,” he said when asked again about the Club World Cup. “It makes no sense to talk about anything other than the national team.”

Ronaldo scored the match-winning goal in Portugal’s 2-1 semifinal victory over Germany on Wednesday, extending his world record to 137 international goals. If he plays Sunday, it will mark his 221st appearance for the Portuguese national team, another all-time record.

Elon Musk Deletes X Post Claiming Trump in Jeffrey Epstein Files as White House Dismisses Allegation

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NEW YORK — A social media post by Elon Musk alleging that President Donald Trump appears in files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been removed from the X platform, marking the latest escalation in a public feud between the tech billionaire and the president.

The controversial post, which Musk published on X without providing supporting evidence, claimed that Trump’s alleged connection to Epstein files was preventing their public release. The message stated that Trump “is in the Epstein files” and asserted this was “the real reason they have not been made public,” concluding with a prediction that “the truth will come out.”

The White House quickly dismissed Musk’s unsubstantiated allegation through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who characterized the claim as stemming from Musk’s dissatisfaction with the administration’s legislative agenda. The post disappeared from X by Sunday, with users attempting to access the message receiving an error notification stating the page no longer existed.

The deleted post represented the culmination of a dramatic public breakdown in relations between Musk and Trump that began Thursday when the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive criticized the president’s signature tax and spending legislation. Musk described the proposed bill as a “big ugly spending bill” in a series of messages posted on his social media platform.

President Trump responded on Truth Social, claiming that Musk had been “wearing thin” and asserting that he had “asked him to leave” his government position as a special government employee. Musk denied being dismissed from the role, which he had vacated just days earlier.

The escalating exchange prompted Musk to make his unverified claim about Trump’s alleged connection to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died by suicide in his jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors.

Leavitt’s official response emphasized that the president remained focused on passing his legislative priorities despite what she termed “an unfortunate episode from Elon.” She suggested Musk’s criticism stemmed from the spending bill’s failure to include policies he had advocated for during his brief government tenure.

The public dispute between the two prominent figures had immediate financial consequences, with Tesla shares plummeting 14.3 percent on Thursday and losing approximately $150 billion in market value. The stock decline reflected investor concerns about the potential impact of the feud on Musk’s business interests and his relationship with the Trump administration.

When asked about reports of a scheduled phone call with Musk during an ABC News interview, Trump reportedly responded dismissively, referring to the billionaire as “the man who has lost his mind.” The comment underscored the complete deterioration of what had previously been a collaborative relationship between the president and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

The controversy highlights the volatile nature of high-profile political relationships conducted through social media platforms, particularly when unsubstantiated allegations involve sensitive historical figures like Epstein. The removal of Musk’s post from X, the platform he owns, raises questions about content moderation policies and the handling of potentially defamatory claims by platform owners.

The public feud represents a significant shift from the previously cordial relationship between Trump and Musk, who had been involved in government advisory roles during the early days of the current administration. The breakdown occurred rapidly, transforming from policy disagreements to personal attacks and unverified allegations within a matter of days.

As the situation continues to develop, both figures face scrutiny over their handling of the dispute and its potential implications for their respective business and political interests.

Russian Overnight Strikes Kill 7, Wound Dozens Across Ukraine, Officials Say

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KYIV, Ukraine — A wave of Russian missile and drone strikes overnight across Ukraine killed at least seven people and wounded more than 40 others, Ukrainian officials said Saturday, as attacks targeted civilian neighborhoods and energy infrastructure in multiple regions.

Ukrainian authorities reported widespread damage from the barrage, with particular devastation in the northeastern city of Kharkiv. “Russia continues its terror against civilians,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on social media. “Hundreds of drones and missiles rained down on Ukraine overnight. Kharkiv had a particularly terrible night.”

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, was hit by dozens of projectiles, killing three people and injuring 21, including a baby and a 14-year-old girl, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. In the surrounding Kharkiv Oblast, a person was injured in Kupyansk, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

According to Syniehubov, Russian forces launched a sustained assault on Kharkiv using 48 Shahed-type drones, five guided aerial bombs, four multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), and three missiles. Strikes hit the city’s Kyivskyi and Osnovianskyi districts, damaging homes and infrastructure.

In southern Ukraine, a married couple aged 56 and 54 were killed in Kherson after Russian forces shelled the port city and surrounding region, Kherson Oblast Governor Olexandr Prokudin said. Ten others were wounded in the area.

Further east, in Donetsk Oblast, regional officials reported two people killed and eight others injured in separate strikes, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Another person was reported injured in Sumy Oblast, which borders Russia.

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched a total of 215 projectiles during the night, including 206 Iranian-designed drones, two ballistic missiles, six guided aircraft missiles, and a cruise missile. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 174 of those threats.

“There were strikes throughout Ukraine — in Donetsk, Dnipro, Ternopil, Odesa, and other regions,” Foreign Minister Sybiha said. “People were injured and killed, and the energy infrastructure was also damaged.”

The latest escalation comes amid sustained Russian efforts to cripple Ukraine’s power grid and exert pressure on the civilian population as the war enters its third year. Ukrainian officials continue to appeal for increased Western support to bolster air defenses.

“To put an end to Russia’s killing and destruction, more pressure on Moscow is required, as are more steps to strengthen Ukraine,” Sybiha added. “Russia is a terrorist state, and it must be called such. It has already done more than enough to earn this title.”

Wagner Group Withdraws from Mali After Heavy Losses, Russia’s Africa Corps to Maintain Military Presence

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BAMAKO, Mali — The Kremlin-backed Wagner Group announced Friday that it is pulling out of Mali after more than three years of combat operations against Islamist insurgents, signaling a shift in Russia’s security presence in the Sahel. Despite Wagner’s withdrawal, Russian military influence in the region will continue through the Africa Corps, a state-controlled paramilitary force overseen by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

“Mission accomplished. Private Military Company Wagner returns home,” the group stated via its Telegram channel, claiming it had secured Mali’s regional capitals, expelled militants, and eliminated their leaders. Wagner operatives have operated in the West African country since late 2021, following a military coup that led to the exit of French troops and international peacekeepers.

The group’s withdrawal follows a series of battlefield setbacks, including heavy losses during recent attacks by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaida-linked group. In a particularly deadly assault last week, dozens of Malian soldiers were killed at a central military base.

Russia’s Africa Corps, now positioned as Moscow’s primary paramilitary instrument in Africa, stated that Wagner’s exit would not alter Russia’s continued military cooperation with Mali. “The Russian contingent will remain,” Africa Corps said Friday, confirming its intent to fill the vacuum left by Wagner.

Wagner’s presence in Mali had long drawn scrutiny from rights groups and the international community. In recent months, the United Nations and Human Rights Watch documented allegations of summary executions and forced disappearances attributed to both Wagner fighters and Malian forces. At least 32 civilians were reportedly killed over an eight-month period, according to a December 2024 report by Human Rights Watch.

Russia’s expanding influence in the Sahel is part of a broader effort to replace waning Western involvement. Initially facilitated through Wagner, that strategy has shifted since the 2023 death of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash following his short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin. Since then, Moscow has sought to consolidate control over paramilitary operations under its defense ministry, revamping the Africa Corps as a more structured, state-run alternative to the Wagner model.

Security analysts say Moscow is in talks with Malian authorities to transfer Wagner fighters into the Africa Corps ranks and expand the new unit’s role in the country. “Since Prigozhin’s death, Russia has moved to place Wagner under formal military command,” said Beverly Ochieng, a Sahel analyst at Control Risks. “Africa Corps is Moscow’s way to retain its paramilitary footprint in former Wagner strongholds.”

Approximately 2,000 Russian mercenaries are believed to remain in Mali, although it remains unclear how many belong to Wagner and how many have already transitioned to Africa Corps, according to U.S. officials.

Analysts suggest that the Africa Corps’ presence will emphasize training, logistics, and equipment provision rather than direct combat. “Africa Corps has a lighter footprint and focuses more on training, providing equipment and doing protection services,” said Ulf Laessing, who leads the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. “They fight less than the ‘Rambo-type’ Wagner mercenaries.”

The sudden departure of Wagner without a coordinated announcement from Mali’s government hints at possible internal tensions, said Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South. “This could point to a new framework for Russian presence in the country,” he said.

The continued instability and violence in Mali, coupled with the evolving nature of Russian involvement, underscore the region’s fragile security situation and the growing complexity of foreign military engagement.

Myanmar Arrests 6-Year-Old Girl, 15 Others Over Retired General’s Assassination in Yangon | Anti-Junta Killing

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YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar’s military authorities have detained 16 individuals in connection with the assassination of a retired general, including the six-year-old daughter of the suspected gunman, state media reported.

The arrests stem from the May 22 killing of Cho Tun Aung, a former ambassador to Cambodia who was shot dead outside his residence in Yangon. The anti-junta group calling itself the “Golden Valley Warriors” claimed responsibility for the targeted assassination of the retired military officer.

Myanmar’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper announced that authorities had apprehended 16 members of the Golden Valley Warriors organization across multiple locations. The detained individuals include 13 men and three females, among them the wife and young daughter of the primary suspect identified as Myo Ko Ko.

The state media report provided no explanation for what charges the six-year-old girl faces in connection with the general’s murder. According to the official account, Myo Ko Ko and an accomplice traveled to the victim’s home on bicycles, carried out the shooting, and subsequently escaped to a predetermined safe house.

The assassination of Cho Tun Aung represents the latest incident in a pattern of targeted attacks against military-affiliated figures in Myanmar’s largest city and commercial center. Since the military’s seizure of power in a February 2021 coup, Yangon has experienced regular grenade and gun attacks targeting individuals linked to the ruling junta.

Myanmar’s political landscape has been transformed into a complex, multi-sided civil conflict following the military takeover that ended the country’s brief democratic transition. The ongoing civil war involves pro-democracy guerrilla fighters and reinvigorated ethnic minority armed organizations challenging junta control across vast territories.

While the majority of active combat operations remain concentrated in rural areas and smaller municipalities, urban centers like Yangon continue to witness periodic violence as resistance groups target military-connected individuals and infrastructure. The Golden Valley Warriors’ successful elimination of a former senior military officer demonstrates the reach of anti-government forces into the country’s most heavily controlled urban environment.

The military regime has faced substantial territorial losses in recent months as opposition forces have coordinated more effective campaigns against junta positions. However, defense analysts emphasize that Myanmar’s ruling military remains far from complete defeat, maintaining significant advantages including a powerful air force equipped with Russian-supplied aircraft and ongoing military support from China.

The arrest of family members, including a child, in connection with political violence reflects the junta’s increasingly desperate measures to combat growing resistance to its rule. The inclusion of the suspect’s six-year-old daughter among those detained has raised questions about the military government’s approach to collective punishment and its treatment of non-combatant family members.

Myanmar’s civil war has intensified significantly since the coup, with the military government struggling to maintain control over large portions of the country while facing coordinated opposition from multiple armed resistance groups. The urban assassination campaign in Yangon represents a new front in the broader conflict, bringing political violence directly into the heart of Myanmar’s economic capital.

The killing of retired General Cho Tun Aung and subsequent mass arrests underscore the deepening instability that has characterized Myanmar since the military’s overthrow of the elected civilian government, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into its most severe crisis in decades.

34 Internet Fraudsters Sentenced to Prison by Nigerian High Court

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BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Two justices of the Edo State High Court, Nigeria, have sentenced 34 internet fraudsters to prison terms following their conviction on cybercrime charges, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission announced Friday.

Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin, presiding over separate court sessions between May 29 and June 4, 2025, handed down sentences of two years imprisonment each to the convicted cybercriminals, who were alternatively given the option to pay N200,000 fines.

The convicted internet fraudsters were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on charges including obtaining money by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents. Among those sentenced were Ogbeide Bright, George Micheal, Asazobro Kindness, Asamonye Chibudion, and Efosa Imasuen.

Additional convicts identified in the EFCC statement included Fortune Innocent, Owah Eloho, Osifo Bright, Oselunosen Oziegbe, Igbinogie Eloghosa, Abijade Jeffery, Godwin Osayowanbor, Okon Benjamin, Owie Etinosa, Emmanuel Ariwa, Ogbonna Precious, and Agboniroho Promise.

The comprehensive list of sentenced cybercriminals also encompassed Ogbonna Michael, Sunday Onyekachi, Igbinogie Amos, Favour Abdul, Efe Ediyeri, Benson Kelly, Oliver Chijioke, Odia Aisosa, Arinze Michael, Brainson Bassey, Paul Oreavbiere, Marvelous Imasuen, Adams Eloghosa, Omorodion Ayomide, Owenaze Wealth and Nathaniel Ihaza.

Each defendant faced individual charges under the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006. The specific charge against Ogbeide Osayande Bright stated that he possessed documents containing false pretence on May 15, 2025, violating Sections 6 and 8(b) of the Act and punishable under Section 1(3).

All 34 defendants entered guilty pleas when their charges were read in court, prompting prosecution counsel F.A. Jirbo, I.M. Elodi, I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, Ibrahim Al-Amin, M.S. Dahiru, Salihu Ahmed, Bala Rabah and Faisal Ibrahim to request conviction and sentencing. Defense counsel appealed for leniency, noting their clients’ remorse for their criminal activities.

Justice Erhabor delivered the first set of convictions and sentences on May 29, while Justice Aziegbemhin concluded the remaining cases on June 4. Both justices imposed identical sentences of two years imprisonment or N200,000 fines for each convicted internet fraudster.

Beyond the prison sentences, the court ordered comprehensive asset forfeiture as part of the cybercrime penalties. All convicted fraudsters forfeited their mobile phones, computers and money discovered in their bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The defendants also provided written undertakings to maintain good behavior going forward.

The EFCC revealed that the cybercriminals’ path to conviction began with their arrest during a coordinated sting operation conducted by operatives from the Benin Zonal Directorate. The law enforcement action followed intelligence reports linking the suspects to fraudulent internet activities and online scam operations.

The mass sentencing represents a significant victory for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud and cybercrime, demonstrating the country’s commitment to prosecuting online scammers who damage its international reputation. The EFCC’s systematic approach to investigating and prosecuting internet fraudsters continues to yield substantial results in courts across the nation.

The Edo State High Court’s decisive action against these cybercriminals sends a strong message to potential internet fraudsters about the serious legal consequences awaiting those who engage in online scam activities within Nigeria’s jurisdiction.

Punchng

‘Mass Shooting’ Attempt Foiled at Michigan High School Graduation, 2 Arrested

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PONTIAC, Mich. — Authorities in Oakland County, Michigan, say they have arrested two suspects in connection with a thwarted mass shooting attempt during a high school graduation ceremony in Pontiac earlier this week.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard announced Friday that law enforcement disrupted what could have become a deadly attack at the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac (ATAP) graduation held Tuesday evening at the United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) Sports Complex.

What initially began as a fistfight quickly escalated into a potential mass casualty threat, officials said. Deputies responded at around 6:40 p.m. to reports of a physical altercation inside the venue, but were soon alerted by a concerned attendee that a threatening Snapchat post had circulated, suggesting someone planned to “shoot up the crowd,” Bouchard said.

Although the exact contents of the post are unavailable due to its deletion, authorities immediately acted on the information. Surveillance footage from UWM’s security system showed two individuals involved in the fight had been seen placing packages under cars in the parking lot.

The two suspects—both residents of Pontiac—were identified and taken into custody. One, 20-year-old Jamarion Jaryante Hardiman, was already on probation for a prior weapons conviction. A second 19-year-old male suspect, whose name is being withheld pending formal charges, also has a criminal history involving firearms.

Search teams recovered two fully loaded weapons at the scene: a Glock semi-automatic handgun with a 40-round extended magazine and a pink AR-style pistol similarly equipped. The latter was found concealed in a backpack under a vehicle.

“So just those two weapons without changing magazines had 80 rounds of potential firepower,” Bouchard said. “Shooting into a graduation—you can only imagine the outcome of that.”

Both suspects were allegedly uncooperative with investigators, the sheriff added. Formal charges are expected in the coming days.

In a statement posted on social media, the school confirmed that a brief physical altercation occurred during the ceremony but was quickly resolved by staff and security. “Thankfully, no one within the ceremony was harmed, and we were able to complete our beautiful commencement celebration without further disruption,” the statement read.

Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident and examine possible motives behind the threat.

Ex-Arkansas Police Chief Convicted of Rape and Murder Captured After Prison Escape

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A former Arkansas police chief convicted of rape and murder was captured Friday, nearly two weeks after escaping from a state prison by impersonating a law enforcement officer.

Grant Hardin, 56, was taken into custody less than two miles from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, where he had walked out of the facility on May 25 dressed in what authorities described as a “makeshift” law enforcement uniform. The Arkansas Department of Corrections said tracking dogs led U.S. Border Patrol agents and Arkansas law enforcement officers to his location near a creek in Izard County.

His identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis, according to a statement from the Izard County Sheriff’s Office.

“To every one of our Department staff that assisted in this manhunt over the last 13 days, I give my heartfelt thank you for your immeasurable contributions to bring this search to a peaceful conclusion,” Arkansas Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace said in a statement.

Hardin’s escape sparked an extensive multi-agency manhunt. According to an affidavit, he approached a secured gate at the North Central Unit around 3 p.m. on May 25, impersonating a corrections officer and pushing a wheeled cart. Surveillance images released by authorities showed Hardin dressed in black and pushing what appeared to be wooden pallets.

The FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, Arkansas State Police, and Department of Corrections offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to his capture.

Hardin’s prior experience in law enforcement added complexity to the search. He briefly served as police chief in Gateway, Arkansas, in early 2016 and previously worked with the Fayetteville Police Department from 1990 to 1991 before being dismissed during training. He also held various roles including police officer, county constable, and corrections officer, according to NBC affiliate KNWA.

His criminal convictions stem from two separate cases. In 2017, Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of Gateway city water employee James Appleton. He was also serving a 50-year sentence for the 1997 rape of schoolteacher Amy Harrison. Both cases drew national attention and were featured in the 2023 Max documentary Devil in the Ozarks.

Arkansas Department of Corrections spokesperson Rand Champion previously acknowledged that Hardin’s law enforcement knowledge made the search particularly challenging.

As of Friday, authorities have not disclosed how Hardin obtained the uniform or whether any prison staff may face disciplinary action in connection with the escape.

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