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At Least 3 Dead, 5 Injured in Glendale, Arizona Restaurant Shooting During Cinco de Mayo Celebration

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GLENDALE, Ariz.  — A festive Cinco de Mayo gathering at a Glendale, Arizona, seafood restaurant turned deadly Sunday night after multiple gunmen opened fire, leaving at least three people dead and five others injured, according to local authorities.

Glendale Police Department spokesperson Moroni Mendez confirmed the casualties during a late-night press briefing, describing a chaotic and “enormous” crime scene still under investigation into the early hours of Monday. Officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time at El Camarón Gigante, a family-friendly restaurant near 57th Drive and Lamar Road.

The restaurant was reportedly hosting a Cinco de Mayo party when violence erupted.

“There are three deceased individuals from this incident,” Mendez stated. “And a total of five additional victims have sustained injuries — either from gunfire or shrapnel.”

Although more than one shooter was involved, Mendez said it remains unclear whether the violence stemmed from an altercation between rival groups or another motive. “Whether they know each other, whether they’re related, whether they’re allies or opponents — we don’t know yet, and that’s what we’re trying to solve and figure out,” he said.

There were no immediate arrests, but Mendez said several individuals had been detained as investigators worked to determine their roles. “Quite a few people were detained,” he noted. “We’re trying to figure out who’s a victim, who’s a witness, and who might be a suspect.”

Police confirmed no officers discharged their weapons during the incident.

An unnamed witness told NBC affiliate KPNX in Phoenix that they had just exited the restaurant when the shooting began. They reported hearing more than 20 shots in rapid succession over a 15 to 20 second span, followed by a brief pause and then another burst of approximately 10 rounds.

The witness said they returned to the scene to help, applying pressure to a woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They also reported seeing paramedics administering chest compressions to three people while another conscious victim was transported by stretcher.

Dozens of people, including children, were reportedly in attendance at the time of the shooting, enjoying a Cinco de Mayo celebration advertised as family-friendly.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased or injured as they continue notifying next of kin. Glendale police said they planned to work through the night to process the crime scene, which Mendez described as expansive and complex.

“This is an enormous scene,” Mendez told reporters. “It’s going to take us well into the daytime hours to fully work through it.”

The Mexican Consulate in Phoenix acknowledged the tragedy in a statement on Facebook, offering assistance to any Mexican nationals affected by the shooting.

Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, though the investigation remains active and no clear motive has been established.

Trump Denies 2028 Run, Questions Constitutional Obligations in Wide-Ranging ‘Meet the Press’ Interview

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump ruled out the possibility of seeking a third term in 2028, deflected blame for the contracting U.S. economy, and expressed uncertainty over his constitutional duties in a contentious and sweeping interview with NBC’s Meet the Press that aired May 4.

Marking his first 100 days back in the White House during his second term, Trump used the interview to reinforce core themes of his 2024 campaign — economic nationalism, mass deportations, and tariff-heavy trade reform — while facing pointed questions from moderator Kristen Welker on mounting economic pressures, constitutional obligations, and controversial rhetoric.

Here are the key takeaways from Trump’s sit-down with Meet the Press as his administration contends with plummeting approval ratings and deepening recession fears:

Trump rules out 2028 run — despite selling ‘Trump 2028’ merchandise

Pressed on whether he is considering a third presidential term, Trump appeared to backtrack from previous teases, stating unequivocally that he is not pursuing a 2028 bid.

“I’m not looking at that,” Trump said, referencing ongoing sales of “Trump 2028” hats through his campaign store. “I will say this. So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that. But it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do.”

The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment clearly prohibits any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice. Trump acknowledged the constitutional restriction but suggested he was still unsure whether such limitations should apply.

“I’ll be an eight-year president. I’ll be a two-term president. I always thought that was very important, to be honest with you,” he added.

Trump disavows responsibility for economic contraction

As the U.S. economy shrank at an annualized rate of 0.3% during the first quarter of the year, Trump refused to accept blame, instead pinning responsibility on President Joe Biden, who left office on Jan. 19.

Asked at what point the economy becomes his responsibility, Trump replied: “It partially is right now… I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy because he’s done a terrible job.”

Although economists have warned that Trump’s sweeping tariffs could fuel inflation, Trump insisted his administration was successfully reducing costs. Despite having only been in office for just over three months during the measured quarter, Trump highlighted recent gains in the stock market as evidence that his economic agenda is taking effect.

“Ultimately, I take responsibility for everything,” he said, before pointing to the market’s rebound. “Didn’t it have nine or 10 days in a row, or 11 days, where it’s gone up?”

Trump questions whether he must uphold the Constitution

In a legally fraught moment, Trump cast doubt on whether he is constitutionally obligated to uphold due process for immigrants, in the wake of a Supreme Court decision ordering the U.S. to facilitate the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a Maryland resident deported without trial.

“I don’t know,” Trump said when asked if he must follow the Constitution. “I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said.”

When pressed further on whether due process under the Fifth Amendment applies to all individuals, Trump again wavered: “I don’t know. It might say that, but if you’re talking about that, then we’d have to have a million or 2 million or 3 million trials.”

His comments have drawn fire from legal scholars and immigrant advocates, who say the president is signaling a willingness to sidestep constitutional protections.

Trump administration officials have accused Abrego Garcia of gang affiliations — which he denies — and have stated they do not intend to facilitate his return, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Trump doubles down on doll imports and tariffs

Trump defended his universal tariffs on imported goods, using a controversial analogy involving American children and dolls.

“I don’t think that a beautiful baby girl — that’s 11 years old — needs to have 30 dolls,” Trump said, defending steep tariffs on Chinese imports. “They can have three dolls or four dolls. What we were doing with China was just unbelievable.”

Despite economic concerns and potential price hikes for everyday goods, Trump argued that tariffs would ultimately enrich the nation and rejuvenate U.S. manufacturing.

“No, I’m not saying that [store shelves will be empty],” Trump added. “I’m just saying they don’t need to have 30 dolls… they don’t need to have 250 pencils. They can have five.”

The administration recently raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, while temporarily pausing increases on imports from other countries. Trump’s 10% baseline tariff remains in effect globally.

Trump says recession fears are overblown

Amid growing concern from economists that the U.S. may enter a recession due to his aggressive tariff regime and large-scale government layoffs, Trump downplayed the risks.

“Everything’s OK,” he told Welker, framing current economic instability as a necessary “transition period.”

Asked directly whether he feared a recession, Trump said, “No, I think we’re going to have the greatest economic [revival].” However, he left the door open to further volatility, admitting that permanent tariffs might be necessary to deter companies from manufacturing overseas.

“If somebody thought [tariffs] were going to come off the table, why would they build in the United States?” he asked.

The interview highlights Trump’s steadfast adherence to his populist economic vision — even as it draws scrutiny from Wall Street, global trade partners, and constitutional watchdogs.

Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Foreign Films, Citing National Security and Industry Collapse

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WASHINGTON  — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that his administration will impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States, a move he claims is necessary to revive the declining American film industry and counter what he describes as foreign “messaging and propaganda.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had authorized the U.S. Trade Representative to begin implementing the new tariff, which would apply to all motion pictures not produced within the U.S. borders. He argued that aggressive incentives offered by foreign governments to attract film productions have created an uneven playing field and pose a direct threat to the health of the domestic industry.

“Our once great movie industry is dying a very fast death,” Trump wrote. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!”

The surprise announcement is likely to send shockwaves through the global entertainment industry, particularly in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and India — all of which have thriving film sectors and serve as production hubs for major Hollywood studios seeking lower costs and government subsidies.

While Trump did not specify whether the tariff would apply retroactively or only to future releases, his administration is expected to clarify the policy in the coming days. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has yet to issue a formal statement or implementation timeline.

Industry analysts warn the decision could ignite a cultural trade war and significantly disrupt international co-productions, film imports, and streaming platforms that rely heavily on non-U.S. content. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has long railed against globalization’s impact on American industries, including steel, autos, and manufacturing. His latest move extends that nationalist agenda into the cultural arena, where films have historically enjoyed free-flowing international exchange.

“This tariff isn’t just about economics. It’s about controlling the narrative,” said Michael Reynolds, a media policy expert at Georgetown University. “Trump is signaling that he sees foreign-produced films as a threat not only to jobs, but to American values and global influence.”

The president’s post accused foreign film incentives of draining talent and resources away from Hollywood, which he claimed has suffered job losses and declining output as a result. Although U.S.-based studios continue to dominate global box offices, many now shoot films abroad to take advantage of favorable tax breaks and cheaper production costs.

Some entertainment insiders speculate the tariff could lead to major studios reshuffling their production plans, particularly for franchises and streaming content filmed overseas. Others warned of retaliatory measures by U.S. allies whose markets remain key to American film exports.

The announcement comes amid Trump’s broader “America First” campaign platform, which has leaned heavily into economic protectionism and the revitalization of American cultural dominance. During his Sunday post, Trump stopped short of threatening further actions against foreign streaming platforms but hinted at more trade penalties to come.

The proposed tariff could face legal and logistical challenges, including scrutiny by the World Trade Organization and pushback from U.S. companies with global operations. Still, Trump’s directive appears to be in line with his broader effort to reassert American control over industries he views as under siege from foreign competition.

Hamas Executes Alleged Looters Amid Gaza Food Crisis Deepening Under Israeli Blockade

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  — Hamas has executed multiple individuals accused of looting as lawlessness escalates in Gaza, where a severe food crisis continues to deteriorate under Israel’s months-long blockade, sources within the militant group confirmed Saturday.

The executions were reportedly carried out after heavily armed gangs targeted food warehouses and community kitchens across the besieged enclave this week. Hamas officials accused some of the looters of acting as collaborators with Israel, which has tightly restricted humanitarian aid from entering Gaza since late February. Israel has not commented on the allegations.

The Hamas-run Interior Ministry said it is taking extreme measures to restore order. In a statement issued Saturday, the ministry vowed to “strike with an iron fist all these renegades” and said it would pursue anyone threatening public security and stealing from civilians “no matter the cost.”

The crackdown came amid mounting desperation among Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom are on the brink of starvation. The United Nations has warned of “famine-like conditions” and mass displacement, as Israel’s military operations and blockade—triggered by the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack—have devastated the territory’s infrastructure and access to basic supplies.

Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of Gaza’s Hamas-controlled media office, said the executions targeted “several top criminals” who were allegedly involved in large-scale theft and extortion. “Some of them operated under clan umbrellas, while others were part of organized criminal networks receiving direct support from the occupation,” he said, referring to Israel.

Palestinian media reported that Hamas’ armed wing imposed nightly curfews beginning at 9 p.m. across several areas to restrict civilian movement and root out criminal activity. Residents described scenes of chaos, with gangs robbing travelers at gunpoint and stealing food aid.

“Those gangs, some of them armed, have terrorized people, not only stealing food, but stopping some people on the roads and taking away their money and phones,” said Ahmed, a resident of Gaza City who declined to give his full name for security reasons. “They aid the occupation in starving us; they must be dealt with as collaborators.”

The interior ministry, according to the pro-Hamas SAFA news agency, has assembled a new rapid-response force of 5,000 personnel tasked with confronting looters and criminal gangs. However, efforts by local police have been severely hindered by Israeli drone strikes, which continue targeting armed individuals in densely populated areas.

In one incident this week, a Hamas police officer was killed and others wounded after an Israeli drone strike targeted a patrol pursuing suspects in Gaza City, according to the interior ministry. Israeli officials did not comment on the strike.

Since the beginning of Israel’s retaliatory campaign in October, more than 52,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The offensive began after a Hamas assault on southern Israel that left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. Israeli officials argue that Hamas has siphoned off aid for its fighters, a charge Hamas has repeatedly denied.

Meanwhile, at least 40 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours in renewed Israeli air and artillery strikes across the enclave, health officials said. The ongoing violence has severely restricted humanitarian operations, even as food, water, and medicine grow scarcer by the day.

With police presence weakened and social order eroding, the Gaza Strip has seen sporadic unrest and rare public protests against Hamas, particularly over the uneven distribution of aid and increasing hardship. Hamas’ response to the unrest—swift executions and mass deployment of new security forces—appears aimed at quelling further dissent amid the most acute crisis in Gaza’s modern history.

Brazilian Police Arrest Two in Alleged Bomb Plot Targeting Lady Gaga’s Historic Rio Concert

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RIO DE JANEIRO  — Brazilian authorities said Sunday that two individuals were arrested in connection with an alleged plot to carry out a bomb attack at Lady Gaga’s record-breaking concert on Copacabana Beach, which drew an estimated 2.5 million fans in what became the pop icon’s largest performance to date.

Police said the suspects, one of whom was a teenager, were believed to be planning attacks using homemade explosives and Molotov cocktails, motivated in part by anti-LGBTQ sentiment. Authorities conducted coordinated raids in multiple states prior to the show, seizing electronic equipment but reportedly no explosive materials.

Felipe Cury, secretary of the Rio police, said during a Sunday press conference that the suspects had expressed clear intent to target Lady Gaga’s concert due to her outspoken support for the LGBTQ community. “They were clearly saying that they were planning an attack at Lady Gaga’s concert motivated by sexual orientation,” Cury stated.

Police Chief Luiz Lima added that the group spread hate speech online in an attempt to radicalize young people. “Most of their followers were teenagers, and even children,” he said. “They used violent, extremist content to lure vulnerable youth into their circle.”

Despite the arrests, Saturday’s concert unfolded without disruption. The event was heavily secured with a deployment of more than 5,200 military and police personnel along the beach. Lady Gaga performed fan favorites including “Born This Way,” which has long been embraced as a global LGBTQ anthem.

In the wake of the revelations, some questioned why no public warning was issued ahead of the show. Authorities said they intentionally withheld details to “avoid panic” and prevent “distortion of information” that could jeopardize the safety operation.

A spokesperson for Lady Gaga issued a statement saying the star and her team were not informed of the alleged threat ahead of time. “Her team worked closely with law enforcement throughout the planning and execution of the concert and all parties were confident in the safety measures in place,” the statement read.

One of the suspects, believed to be the group’s leader, was arrested in Rio Grande do Sul on illegal weapons charges. A second suspect — a minor — was detained in Rio de Janeiro for child pornography offenses. While police have not disclosed their precise roles in the alleged plot, officials said they were among 15 individuals targeted during simultaneous raids across multiple states. Phones and other devices were confiscated during the operation, which police described as part of an ongoing effort to neutralize extremist threats.

The Justice Ministry reported that the group posed “a risk to public order” and had posed online as fans of Lady Gaga — known collectively as “Little Monsters” — to attract impressionable teens into a network spreading violent and self-harming ideologies.

In one instance, authorities said a suspect in Macaé claimed religious motives and accused Lady Gaga of being “a Satanist.”

Lady Gaga has not publicly addressed the alleged bomb plot but took to Instagram after the concert to express gratitude to Brazilian fans. “Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night’s show — the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil,” she wrote. “The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away.”

Her free concert came at a time when global ticket prices for major artists have surged dramatically, with fans paying hundreds of dollars for admission. Gaga’s Rio performance followed her recent set at the Coachella music festival in California, where tickets sold for over $600.

The concert marked another historic moment for Rio, echoing Madonna’s 2024 performance on the same beach, which attracted more than 1.6 million people.

Thousands of Islamists Rally in Bangladesh to Protest Proposed Reforms on Women’s Rights

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DHAKA, Bangladesh  — More than 20,000 supporters of the hardline Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam marched through central Dhaka on Saturday to protest against proposed legal reforms aimed at strengthening women’s rights, including potential changes to inheritance laws for Muslim women. The demonstration underscored rising tensions in the country as conservative religious factions push back against efforts to introduce gender equality into national legislation.

The rally, held near the iconic Dhaka University campus, saw participants carrying placards and banners that read, “Say no to Western laws on our women, rise up Bangladesh.” Chanting slogans and waving religious flags, protesters accused the country’s interim government of undermining Islamic values by considering reforms they say contradict Sharia law.

Mamunul Haque, a senior leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, delivered a fiery address condemning the proposed reforms and demanding the dissolution of the interim reform commission responsible for drafting them. “These proposals insult the beliefs of the Muslim majority,” he said, warning the government of nationwide protests on May 23 if their demands are ignored.

The controversy centers on draft recommendations introduced by a government-appointed commission that suggest expanding rights for women, particularly in matters of property and inheritance. While the reforms are part of a broader initiative to promote legal equality for women of all faiths in Bangladesh, Islamist leaders claim the move is an attack on Islamic jurisprudence.

Haque accused the commission of labeling Islamic inheritance laws as the root cause of gender inequality, calling for its members to be tried for what he described as “blasphemous intentions.” He also demanded the banning of the Awami League, the secular political party led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in August after a student-led uprising and has since gone into exile in India.

Hasina’s 15-year rule ended amid allegations of widespread repression, including the deaths of hundreds of student demonstrators. Her political opponents, now emboldened by Islamist groups, continue to rally public support against any policies linked to her former government, including ongoing reform initiatives.

Since Hasina’s removal, hardline Islamist factions have grown more vocal in the public sphere, with minority religious and secular groups reporting increased threats and harassment. Rights advocates warn that the backlash against women’s rights reforms signals a broader regression in civil liberties and religious pluralism across the country.

The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Punus, has not issued an official response to Saturday’s rally or the demands issued by Hefazat-e-Islam. However, observers note that the administration faces a delicate balancing act between promoting international human rights standards and placating a resurgent Islamist base amid political uncertainty.

As the May 23 deadline approaches, tensions are expected to intensify, with further mass mobilizations likely if the proposed legal reforms proceed without amendments accommodating Islamic legal frameworks.

Trump Says He’s Unsure Whether Due Process Applies to All Individuals in U.S.

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty over whether individuals in the United States—regardless of immigration status—are constitutionally entitled to due process, sparking renewed debate over the legal rights of non-citizens amid heightened immigration enforcement.

During an interview recorded Friday for NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker,” Trump was asked whether he agreed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent statement that “of course” everyone in the U.S. is entitled to due process. Trump responded, “I don’t know. I’m not, I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know,” adding that upholding such rights could potentially involve “a million or 2 million or 3 million trials,” referencing the scale of the undocumented population and the burden on the legal system.

Although Trump emphasized that his administration would follow Supreme Court rulings, his ambiguous remarks underscored his administration’s aggressive stance on immigration and raised questions about how legal safeguards are being applied to deportation proceedings. “My lawyers are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said,” he added.

Trump’s comments come as the Supreme Court temporarily blocked his administration from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants whom federal authorities allege are gang members. His legal team has argued that those targeted for removal were given advance notice and sufficient time to seek judicial review.

In another case involving mistaken deportation, the Supreme Court ordered the administration to help facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man wrongly removed from the U.S. despite a pending court case. Garcia remains detained in El Salvador, and a federal judge has demanded a full account of efforts made to bring him back.

The debate over due process for immigrants and non-citizens is particularly relevant as Trump continues to invoke a wartime-era statute to fast-track deportations, sparking legal and political scrutiny.

In the same interview, Trump addressed speculation about seeking a third term in office, saying, “It’s not something I’m looking to do,” while acknowledging the constitutional limitation. “To the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do that,” he said, referencing the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two elected terms.

Trump’s statements have fueled concern among legal experts and civil rights advocates who warn that eroding due process protections could set a dangerous precedent. The remarks reflect a broader effort by the administration to redefine the scope of constitutional protections in the context of immigration enforcement and national security.

2 Killed After Small Plane Crashes Into Homes in Simi Valley, California

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SIMI VALLEY, Calif.  — Two people died Saturday after a small aircraft crashed into a residential neighborhood in Simi Valley, California, USA, igniting a fire that damaged two homes but left occupants on the ground uninjured, authorities said.

The crash occurred in the afternoon approximately 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The plane, a privately operated aircraft, was en route from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster to Camarillo Airport when it went down, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Fire crews from Ventura County responded swiftly to the scene. About 40 firefighters were deployed to battle the blaze, which engulfed the crash site in flames. The fire was quickly brought under control, the fire department reported.

“There were individuals inside both homes at the time of the crash, but none sustained injuries,” said Fire Chief Chad Dowd. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

Eyewitness accounts described a scene of chaos and confusion. Shelby Joice, a nearby resident, told ABC News that she and her mother were watching television when they heard an unusual noise overhead. “All of a sudden, we heard a big crash and our entire house started shaking. We actually thought something crashed into our house,” she said. “Then we saw a big, massive fireball and thick black smoke rising.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash in coordination with the FAA. Officials have not confirmed the cause of the accident, and it remains unclear whether weather or mechanical failure played a role.

Simi Valley, a suburban city nestled between the hills of Ventura County, is not a frequent site of aviation incidents, but officials say the proximity of small airfields makes such events a persistent risk in Southern California.

The crash marks another in a string of general aviation accidents in the region and comes amid ongoing concerns about flight safety involving small aircraft in densely populated areas.

Lady Gaga Draws Over 2 Million Fans to Historic Free Concert on Brazil’s Copacabana Beach

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RIO DE JANEIRO  — Lady Gaga electrified more than 2 million fans Saturday night in a historic free concert on Copacabana Beach, transforming Rio de Janeiro’s iconic shoreline into one of the largest music venues in history.

The pop superstar opened her set around 10:10 p.m. local time with her 2011 track “Bloody Mary,” igniting thunderous cheers from the tightly packed audience. Many fans had waited on the sand since early morning under the scorching sun to secure prime spots, while others perched in trees for a better view of the stage. By nightfall, the beach swelled with over 2.1 million attendees, according to event organizers.

“Tonight, we’re making history,” Lady Gaga told the roaring crowd. “Thank you for making history with me.”

Performing a mix of global hits such as “Poker Face” and “Alejandro,” Gaga dazzled the audience in a series of elaborate costumes, including one styled in the colors of the Brazilian flag. The concert marked her return to Brazil for the first time since 2012, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world.

The enthusiasm for the pop icon sparked what local media dubbed “Gaga-mania,” with celebrations throughout Rio in the days leading up to the performance. City employees danced to her hit “LoveGame” in promotional videos, and a free exhibition showcasing her career quickly sold out. More than 500,000 tourists arrived in Rio ahead of the show, more than double initial forecasts, according to local transportation data.

For many fans, the concert was deeply emotional. “It’s surreal to be here,” said 27-year-old designer Manoela Dobes, wearing a dress printed with a photo of her 2019 encounter with Gaga in the U.S. Another fan, Ingrid Serrano, 30, traveled from Colombia, describing Gaga as a symbol of “total freedom of expression — being who one wants without shame.”

The event was not only a cultural phenomenon but also a significant economic driver. Rio City Hall estimated that the concert would inject at least $106 million into the city’s economy, part of a broader strategy to stimulate activity beyond traditional celebrations like Carnival and New Year’s Eve. The city plans to host similar free beachfront concerts every May through 2028.

To support the massive event, authorities deployed 3,300 military personnel, 1,500 police officers, and 400 firefighters across Copacabana. Sixteen sound towers lined the beach to ensure music reached the sprawling crowd. Security officials reported no major incidents.

This weekend’s turnout surpassed Madonna’s 2023 Copacabana concert, which drew 1.6 million fans. It also joined a legacy of record-setting performances on the beach, including Rod Stewart’s 1994 New Year’s Eve show, which attracted an estimated 4 million people — a Guinness World Record for the largest free rock concert.

Among Saturday night’s audience were fans still recalling the heartbreak of Gaga’s last-minute cancellation in 2017 due to health issues. “She’s the best artist in the world,” said 25-year-old Ricardo Filho. “It was worth the wait.”

Nigerian Man Accused of Romance Scam Arrested in Canada for Defrauding Women of Over $600,000

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TORONTO  — A 28-year-old Nigerian man has been arrested in Toronto for allegedly orchestrating an online romance scam that defrauded two women of more than $600,000 by posing as a wealthy oil rig owner, Canadian authorities announced Friday.

Chimezie Nwabueze

Peel Regional Police said Chimezie Nwabueze was taken into custody earlier this week in connection with a two-year-long scheme that targeted women on dating websites, where he allegedly fabricated a romantic relationship to solicit large sums of money under false pretenses. Between June 2021 and July 2023, Nwabueze reportedly engaged in electronic-only communication with both victims, convincing them he operated an oil rig in the Middle East and needed financial assistance with promises of eventual reimbursement and a personal meeting.

Authorities said the suspect ceased all communication with the victims once they became suspicious and confronted him. In total, investigators said the women were defrauded of approximately $610,382. According to police, no funds were ever recovered or returned.

Nwabueze now faces multiple charges including fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, laundering the proceeds of crime, uttering forged documents, participating in a criminal organization, and instructing the commission of an offense for a criminal organization. He was released on a promise to appear in court in Brampton at a future date.

Peel Regional Police emphasized that the suspect may be linked to a broader international fraud ring that specializes in exploiting users of online dating platforms, particularly targeting older adults who may be more vulnerable to emotional manipulation.

“This type of fraud is deeply exploitative,” investigators said in a statement, urging potential additional victims to come forward. They added that Nwabueze had previously been arrested in November 2023 for a similar offense involving over $250,000 obtained through comparable methods. That case is currently proceeding through the courts.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau.

Online romance scams have become increasingly common in recent years, with criminal organizations exploiting digital anonymity and emotional vulnerability to steal large amounts of money from unsuspecting victims. Canadian law enforcement continues to warn the public about such fraud schemes, urging caution when forming relationships online.

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