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U.S. Bombs Military Targets on Iran’s Kharg Island as President Donald Trump Warns Oil Infrastructure Could Be Next

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(AP) — U.S. forces carried out airstrikes on military facilities on Kharg Island, President Donald Trump said Friday, warning that Iran’s critical oil infrastructure could face destruction if Tehran continues disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump declared in a social media message that American forces had “obliterated” military positions on the island, a key hub for Iran’s petroleum exports.

The president added that while the current strikes targeted military facilities, the United States could escalate operations against the country’s energy infrastructure if Iran continues interfering with ships transiting the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to global markets.

The statement marked one of the strongest warnings yet from Washington during the nearly two-week-old war between Iran and its regional adversaries.

Kharg Island sits roughly 21 miles (33 kilometers) off Iran’s coast and serves as the primary terminal through which most of the country’s crude oil exports move to international markets.

Iran has shipped roughly 13.7 million barrels of oil since the conflict began on Feb. 28, according to maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.com, which identified tankers loading crude at the island earlier this week using satellite imagery.

Trump said the latest American strikes avoided the island’s oil export facilities, though he cautioned that restraint could end quickly.

“If Iran or anyone else interferes with ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz, we will reconsider wiping out the oil infrastructure,” Trump wrote.

The threat underscores how energy infrastructure has become central to the expanding confrontation, with analysts warning that attacks on oil facilities could have far-reaching economic consequences.

Iranian officials responded with stark warnings that further attacks on their maritime frontier could trigger a broader conflict.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned earlier this week that assaults on Iran’s islands in the Persian Gulf would prompt the country to abandon restraint.

In a social media post, he cautioned that any such strikes could lead to “a new level of retaliation.”

On Saturday, Iran’s joint military command reiterated that warning.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari said Iranian forces could target energy installations linked to U.S. interests across the region.

The warning included oil facilities belonging to companies with American investment or those cooperating with the United States.

Iran’s semiofficial Fars News Agency stated that the strikes caused no damage to Kharg Island’s oil export infrastructure.

However, the outlet said at least 15 explosions were recorded on the island, including hits on an air defense installation, a naval base, an airport control tower and a helicopter hangar used by an offshore oil company.

As tensions escalate, Washington is also expanding its military footprint across the Middle East.

A U.S. official familiar with the deployment plans confirmed that roughly 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being dispatched to the region.

The reinforcements include elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault vessel USS Tripoli.

The unit is currently based in Okinawa and has been moving across the Pacific Ocean in recent days.

Satellite tracking earlier showed the USS Tripoli sailing near Taiwan, placing it more than a week away from waters near Iran.

Marine Expeditionary Units are designed for a wide range of missions, including amphibious landings, embassy protection, evacuation of civilians and humanitarian response.

Officials stressed that the deployment does not necessarily signal preparations for a ground invasion.

The additional Marines could eventually join a significant U.S. naval force operating in the region.

Earlier this week the Navy had 12 warships stationed in the Arabian Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers.

Should the USS Tripoli link up with that group, it would become the second-largest American vessel in the theater.

One of the region’s largest American installations, Al-Udeid Air Base, typically hosts about 8,000 U.S. troops.

The Pentagon has not publicly disclosed the total number of American service members currently deployed across the Middle East.

Meanwhile, violence linked to the war reached Baghdad, where a missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy Baghdad complex, two Iraqi security officials said.

Video captured by The Associated Press showed smoke rising above the sprawling diplomatic facility Saturday morning.

The embassy has frequently been targeted by rockets and drones launched by Iran-aligned militias operating inside Iraq.

The U.S. Embassy did not immediately comment on the strike.

A day earlier, the mission renewed a Level 4 security warning advising Americans not to travel to Iraq due to threats from Iran-linked militant groups.

The island strikes unfolded as Israeli and American forces continued a broad air campaign targeting military infrastructure inside Iran.

Pete Hegseth said in Washington that more than 15,000 targets have been hit since the war began.

Israeli officials said their air force struck more than 200 sites during the previous 24 hours alone, including missile launchers, weapons factories and air defense systems.

Beyond Kharg Island, several smaller islands in the Persian Gulf remain sensitive flashpoints between Iran and Gulf states allied with Washington.

Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunb have long been contested between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran seized the islands in 1971 after British forces withdrew from the region, shortly before the formation of the UAE.

Tehran maintains military garrisons on the islands, which sit near major shipping lanes used by global energy markets.

Another strategic location, Qeshm Island, lies near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz and hosts a population of roughly 150,000 people.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously accused the United States of striking a desalination plant on Qeshm earlier in the war — a claim Washington has not acknowledged.

The strikes on Kharg Island represent a potentially dangerous turning point in the confrontation between the United States and Iran.

Unlike military bases or weapons facilities, energy infrastructure sits at the core of Iran’s economy. Kharg Island alone handles the vast majority of the country’s crude exports.

Energy analysts warn that disabling the terminal could instantly halt Iran’s ability to sell oil abroad, depriving the government of one of its primary sources of revenue.

At the same time, such a move could trigger severe retaliation.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, with roughly 20% of globally traded oil passing through the narrow waterway.

Any sustained disruption could send shockwaves through international energy markets, raising fuel prices worldwide and increasing economic pressure far beyond the Middle East.

For Washington, the threat to strike oil infrastructure appears designed to increase leverage against Tehran without immediately triggering the most destabilizing scenario.

But with Iranian leaders warning they will target regional energy facilities tied to the United States, the economic battlefield may soon become as significant as the military one in determining how the conflict unfolds.

6 U.S. Airmen Killed After KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Crashes During Iran War Mission in Iraq

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 All six crew members aboard a U.S. military refueling aircraft died after their KC‑135 Stratotanker crashed during a combat support mission connected to the war against Iran, American military authorities confirmed Friday.

Officials from U.S. Central Command disclosed that the tanker went down Thursday in western Iraq following an incident involving two aircraft operating in what the military described as “friendly airspace.”

A second aircraft involved in the episode completed the mission safely and landed without damage, military officials said, while the circumstances that led to the crash remain under investigation.

The loss of the tanker marks another deadly episode in the expanding U.S. military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, pushing the confirmed American death toll in the conflict to at least 13 service members.

Seven other U.S. troops were previously killed in combat operations tied to the war, while roughly 140 American service members have sustained injuries, including several severe cases, according to figures the Pentagon shared earlier in the week.

Three of the six airmen killed in the crash were assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard 121st Air Refueling Wing, Mike DeWine revealed in a message posted to social media.

DeWine did not release the names of the airmen but extended condolences to their families and colleagues.

“Our hearts are with the families and fellow airmen grieving this tragic loss,” the governor wrote.

Military officials indicated that the crew was conducting an operational mission supporting combat aircraft when the incident occurred.

Senior defense leaders acknowledged the crash during a briefing at the Pentagon, though confirmation of the deaths came afterward.

Pete Hegseth described the crew as American heroes while addressing reporters.

“War is hell. War is chaos,” Hegseth said. “As we saw yesterday with the tragic crash of our KC-135 tanker, bad things can happen. American heroes, all of them.”

At the same briefing, Dan Caine told journalists that the crash unfolded over friendly territory in western Iraq while the crew was engaged in a combat support mission.

Both officials emphasized that preliminary information shows the aircraft was not brought down by hostile fire or friendly fire.

Military authorities have not yet identified the specific chain of events that caused the aircraft to crash.

A U.S. official familiar with the incident, speaking anonymously due to the ongoing investigation, indicated that the second aircraft involved in the encounter was also a KC-135 tanker.

Meanwhile, Yechiel Leiter wrote on the social platform X that the other aircraft safely reached Israel following the incident.

Aviation specialists note that refueling missions require aircraft to fly extremely close together, sometimes only a few feet apart, which creates a narrow margin for error.

Yang Uk said it would be unusual for a tanker aircraft to be shot down by enemy forces because refueling operations typically occur far from the front lines of combat.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is among the most important support aircraft in the U.S. military arsenal.

Its primary mission is to refuel fighter jets, bombers and surveillance aircraft while they are in flight, dramatically extending their range and allowing them to remain in combat zones for longer periods.

The aircraft can also transport cargo and personnel and is sometimes used in aeromedical evacuation missions to move wounded troops from the battlefield.

The tanker is based on the same airframe design as the Boeing 707, one of the most widely used passenger aircraft of the mid-20th century.

Although the KC-135 has undergone numerous upgrades over the decades, the final examples were produced in the 1960s.

According to the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. Air Force maintained 376 KC-135 tankers as of last year, including aircraft assigned to active duty units, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.

The tanker fleet is gradually being replaced by the next-generation KC‑46A Pegasus, though hundreds of Stratotankers remain in service.

A typical KC-135 crew includes three airmen: a pilot, a co-pilot and a boom operator.

The boom operator controls a telescoping refueling arm that extends from the rear of the aircraft to deliver fuel to another plane.

During the operation, the receiving aircraft carefully approaches the tanker and aligns with the boom, often guided by a series of lights beneath the aircraft.

The boom operator typically performs the task while lying face-down and looking through a viewing window at the underside of the tanker.

Some variants of the aircraft also use wing-mounted pods that allow them to refuel multiple aircraft at once.

Military experts note that such missions frequently occur at night and sometimes without external lighting to avoid detection by enemy radar or missiles.

Despite its long service history, the KC-135 has been involved in several fatal accidents.

One of the most recent occurred in May 2013 when a tanker supporting operations in Afghanistan crashed shortly after takeoff near Chaldovar.

An investigation by the U.S. Air Force determined that problems with the aircraft’s rudder contributed to the accident.

As the crew struggled to maintain control, the tail section separated and the aircraft broke apart in midair, killing all three people aboard.

Another historic accident occurred in 1966 when a tanker collided with a B‑52 Stratofortress carrying nuclear weapons near Palomares.

The crash caused nuclear material to scatter across the area, triggering a major international cleanup operation.

The latest crash has revived questions about safety procedures aboard KC-135 aircraft, including the use of parachutes.

Alan Diehl said not all KC-135 crews historically carried parachutes.

Maintenance costs and training requirements were among the reasons the equipment was sometimes removed from the aircraft in earlier decades.

In some cases, military guidance suggested it was statistically safer for crews to remain inside the aircraft rather than attempt a midair escape.

“Removing parachutes from military aircraft may sound peculiar, but KC-135s are not like other aircraft,” an Air Force news release in 2008 explained while discussing the policy.

Diehl cautioned that it remains unclear whether parachutes were present on the aircraft that crashed in Iraq or whether they would have altered the outcome.

Refueling tankers are expected to become even more essential if the conflict with Iran continues to expand.

Long-distance missions may require American aircraft to operate far from regional bases as Iranian forces reposition deeper inside the country.

Air-to-air refueling enables fighters and bombers to stay airborne for extended periods, making it a crucial element of sustained air campaigns.

Although fighter jets and missile strikes dominate headlines during wartime, the crash underscores the often-overlooked dangers faced by support crews operating behind the front lines.

Aerial refueling missions involve complex choreography between multiple aircraft traveling at high speed while maintaining extremely close formation.

Even a minor error in positioning or turbulence can trigger a catastrophic chain reaction.

The loss of a tanker also carries strategic implications.

Each KC-135 acts as a force multiplier, allowing dozens of combat aircraft to extend their missions without landing. Losing one reduces operational flexibility, particularly during a sustained campaign such as the current war involving Iran.

At the same time, the accident highlights the aging nature of parts of the U.S. tanker fleet. Although heavily upgraded, many KC-135 aircraft remain more than half a century old.

The Pentagon has accelerated efforts to introduce the KC-46A Pegasus as a replacement, but the transition will take years to complete.

For now, the Stratotanker remains a backbone of American air operations — and the crash in Iraq serves as a reminder that even the most routine support missions carry serious risks in wartime.

AP

U.S. Deploys 2,500 Marines to Middle East as Iran War Escalation Rattles Oil Markets and Regional Stability

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(AP) — The United States has ordered approximately 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, significantly reinforcing American forces in the region as the war involving Iran intensifies and begins to reshape global energy markets.

A U.S. official familiar with the deployment confirmed the move Friday while speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the military planning had not yet been publicly detailed.

The reinforcements include elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, which have been directed toward the Middle East amid the deepening conflict involving Iran, Israel, and several regional actors.

The order represents one of the largest single reinforcements of U.S. military personnel to the region since the outbreak of the current hostilities nearly two weeks ago.

The latest deployment comes as Iranian missile and drone attacks continue to strike Israeli territory and energy infrastructure across the Gulf region. At the same time, Israeli aircraft have launched waves of strikes against Iranian military facilities and related targets.

The conflict has also disrupted one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors — the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of globally traded oil typically passes.

Iran’s actions to effectively shut the strait have amplified concerns across global energy markets, pushing oil prices higher and raising fears of wider economic repercussions.

Meanwhile, violence has spilled beyond Iran and Israel into neighboring countries.

In Lebanon, Israel has intensified airstrikes against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, contributing to a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry indicated that nearly 800 people have been killed and more than 850,000 displaced since the latest round of fighting began.

In an interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump suggested that the duration of the conflict remains uncertain.

“The war will end when I feel it in my bones,” Trump said during the interview.

He also cautioned that overthrowing Iran’s ruling system would be difficult, pointing to the country’s internal security apparatus.

Trump specifically cited the Basij, a force aligned with Iran’s leadership that has historically suppressed domestic protests.

“That’s a big hurdle for people who don’t have weapons,” Trump said.

Military officials said the Marine deployment does not necessarily signal that American ground combat operations are imminent.

Units such as the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are trained for a broad range of missions that include evacuating civilians, securing embassies, conducting amphibious operations and responding to humanitarian disasters.

The Marine unit and its supporting ships are based in Okinawa and have spent recent days moving across the Pacific.

Satellite imagery recently captured the USS Tripoli sailing near Taiwan, suggesting it could take more than a week to reach waters near Iran.

Once there, the vessel would likely join a growing American naval presence that already includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and multiple guided-missile destroyers operating in the Arabian Sea.

At the start of the week, the U.S. Navy had at least 12 ships in the area.

As the military buildup continued, a powerful blast struck a central district of Tehran during a large state-organized rally.

The explosion occurred in Ferdowsi Square, where thousands had gathered for the annual Quds Day.

Participants at the rally were chanting anti-Israel and anti-U.S. slogans when the blast erupted.

Israel had issued a warning in Persian on social media urging civilians to leave the area shortly beforehand.

However, many residents may not have seen the message because Iranian authorities have imposed sweeping internet restrictions across the country.

Footage circulating online showed crowds continuing to chant religious slogans as smoke rose in the distance.

Among those present was Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, who was conducting a televised interview when the explosion occurred.

Security guards quickly surrounded him as the broadcast continued.

Iranian officials did not immediately confirm casualties.

In Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the scale of ongoing military operations against Iranian targets.

Hegseth said more than 15,000 enemy targets have been struck since the start of the war.

That average — roughly 1,000 targets per day — highlights the intensity of the air campaign underway.

He also sought to reassure markets concerned about disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

“We have been dealing with it and don’t need to worry about it,” Hegseth said during a briefing.

Amid the expanding operations, the U.S. military confirmed that all six crew members aboard a KC‑135 Stratotanker died after the aircraft crashed in Iraq.

Officials with U.S. Central Command said the crash did not involve hostile fire.

Another aircraft involved in the mission landed safely.

The incident pushed the confirmed U.S. death toll in the conflict to at least 13 service members.

Earlier in the war, three American fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by friendly fire from Kuwait, military officials said.

Iran continued launching attacks across the broader Gulf region.

Authorities in Oman said two people were killed when drones crashed in the Sohar area, the Oman News Agency said.

Elsewhere, a U.S. official indicated that the Navy destroyer USS Oscar Austin intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey.

Residents in Adana said they heard a loud blast followed by sirens at Incirlik Air Base, which hosts American forces.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes continued to batter areas believed to host Hezbollah infrastructure.

An attack on the southern coastal city of Sidon killed at least eight people, the country’s Health Ministry said.

The death toll could rise as rescue workers search collapsed buildings.

The United Nations estimates that hundreds of thousands have fled their homes since the latest escalation began.

During a visit to Lebanon, Secretary-General António Guterres launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged Israel to halt its strikes while also criticizing Hezbollah’s attacks on Israeli targets.

“There is no justification in holding an entire nation hostage,” Salam said.

Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, signaled that the military campaign could expand.

The strikes so far, Katz said earlier, are “just the beginning.”

The dispatch of 2,500 Marines to the Middle East reflects Washington’s effort to maintain strategic flexibility in a rapidly expanding conflict.

Marine Expeditionary Units function as crisis-response forces capable of evacuating civilians, reinforcing embassies or launching amphibious operations if conditions deteriorate.

Their deployment suggests the Pentagon is preparing for scenarios ranging from humanitarian evacuations to possible escalation involving American personnel.

Equally significant is the economic dimension of the war.

Iran’s disruption of the Strait of Hormuz threatens global oil supply chains at a moment when energy markets remain fragile. Even temporary restrictions in the narrow waterway can trigger sharp price increases worldwide.

Another concern involves regional spillover.

The conflict already spans multiple fronts — Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and the Gulf states — increasing the risk that a localized war could evolve into a broader regional confrontation.

The arrival of additional U.S. forces may help deter further escalation, but it also underscores how quickly the crisis has drawn in global powers.

If the fighting continues to widen, analysts warn the Middle East could face one of its most volatile geopolitical periods in decades, with significant consequences for global security and the world economy.

US Military Refueling Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq During Iran Operations; Rescue Efforts Underway

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(AP/BBC/Reuters) — A U.S. military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations connected to the war with Iran, triggering an emergency rescue mission, United States Central Command announced Thursday.

The aircraft, a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker, went down after what military officials described as an “incident” involving two aircraft flying in the same area.

Central Command said one aircraft landed safely while the other crashed in what it described as “friendly airspace” in western Iraq.

Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site.

“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the command said in a statement, referring to the U.S. military campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

Officials emphasized that the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, suggesting that enemy action did not bring down the aircraft.

A U.S. official familiar with the developing situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that the second aircraft involved in the incident was also a KC-135 refueling tanker.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were casualties.

The tanker aircraft was part of the extensive aerial network supporting Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign launched after the United States and Israel began coordinated strikes against Iranian targets on Feb. 28.

In recent weeks, the Pentagon has moved a significant number of aircraft into the Middle East as part of the operation.

Refueling aircraft such as the KC-135 play a critical role in sustaining long-range combat missions.

They allow fighter jets, bombers and surveillance aircraft to remain airborne for extended periods by transferring fuel mid-flight.

Military analysts note that these aircraft are often positioned in carefully coordinated aerial formations involving multiple combat jets and support planes operating simultaneously.

Although the cause of the crash remains under investigation, aviation experts say one possible explanation could involve a mid-air collision or mishap during aerial refueling operations.

The BBC noted that refueling missions require aircraft to fly extremely close together — sometimes only a few feet apart — while a fuel boom extends from the tanker to connect with another aircraft.

During these operations, pilots rely on precision maneuvering and visual cues to align their aircraft with the tanker.

Once contact is established, fuel flows through the boom for several minutes while the aircraft maintain tight formation.

The process becomes even more complex when conducted at night or under combat conditions.

In some cases, aircraft lights are turned off to reduce the risk of detection by enemy radar or missile systems.

In such environments, multiple aircraft may be operating simultaneously in confined airspace.

Maintaining formation under those circumstances requires exceptional skill from pilots and boom operators.

A typical KC-135 carries a crew of three: a pilot, a co-pilot and a boom operator responsible for controlling the refueling apparatus.

The crash represents the latest aviation incident since the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran.

According to reporting cited by The Guardian, it marks the fourth U.S. aircraft lost since the start of the conflict on Feb. 28.

Earlier this month, three U.S. fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwait Air Defense Forces in what officials described as a “friendly fire” incident.

All pilots in those aircraft successfully ejected and survived.

The broader conflict has already resulted in significant casualties.

Seven U.S. service members have been killed in attacks linked to the war, while Reuters indicated earlier this week that as many as 150 American troops have been wounded during retaliatory strikes by Iran.

Iranian officials say more than 1,300 people have died inside the country since the fighting began, according to the nation’s ambassador to the United Nations.

Aerial refueling aircraft like the KC-135 are often described by military planners as the “lifeline” of long-range air operations.

Without them, combat aircraft would be limited by their onboard fuel capacity, significantly reducing mission range and operational endurance.

In modern conflicts — particularly those involving strikes across vast geographic distances — refueling tankers enable bombers and fighter jets to travel thousands of miles to reach their targets and return safely.

The United States Air Force maintains one of the largest aerial refueling fleets in the world.

According to the service’s Air Mobility Command, nearly 400 tanker aircraft operate across the U.S. military’s global logistics network.

These aircraft often fly continuous missions during major conflicts, remaining airborne for hours while servicing multiple fighter jets.

Rescue operations in western Iraq may prove complex depending on the location of the crash site.

Although the region is described by the military as “friendly airspace,” large portions of western Iraq consist of remote desert terrain with limited infrastructure.

Search and rescue teams typically rely on helicopters, drones and ground forces to reach downed aircraft crews quickly.

Military doctrine places a high priority on recovering pilots and aircrew, both for humanitarian reasons and to prevent sensitive equipment or information from falling into hostile hands.

Officials have not yet disclosed the number of crew members aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.

The crash illustrates the enormous operational pressure placed on military aviation during large-scale conflicts.

Since the start of the war with Iran, the United States has significantly increased its air presence across the Middle East.

That expansion has created an environment where dozens of aircraft may operate simultaneously across relatively tight air corridors.

Such conditions increase the risk of accidents even when enemy forces are not directly involved.

Military analysts note that logistical aircraft — particularly refueling tankers — often fly continuous missions that stretch crews and equipment.

While combat losses typically draw more public attention, aviation accidents have historically accounted for a substantial share of aircraft losses during prolonged military operations.

The incident also underscores how aerial refueling missions, though routine, remain among the most technically demanding tasks in military aviation.

As investigators work to determine the precise cause of the crash, the outcome of the rescue mission will likely be the Pentagon’s immediate focus.

Further details about the aircraft, its crew and the circumstances of the crash are expected as the investigation continues.

1 Dead, 2 Injured After Shooting at Old Dominion University, Virginia; Gunman With Prior ISIS Conviction Also Dead

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(AP/NBC/Reuters) — A shooting inside a classroom at Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA, left one person dead and two others wounded Thursday before the suspected gunman was killed, authorities said, prompting a lockdown and the cancellation of campus operations.

Police said the gunfire erupted shortly before 10:49 a.m. inside Constant Hall, the building housing the university’s College of Business.

Officers rushed to the scene within minutes of receiving emergency calls reporting shots fired. When law enforcement arrived, the suspected attacker was already dead, officials said.

Two victims were transported by ambulance to a hospital while a third individual who had been wounded made their way independently to another medical facility, Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton told reporters during a news conference.

“One of the victims is deceased, and we’re working on getting in touch with the family at this point,” Shelton said, adding that authorities would withhold the victim’s identity until relatives were notified.

All three victims are affiliated with the university community, he said.

Senior law enforcement officials briefed on the case told NBC News that the gunman has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old resident of Sterling, Virginia.

Officials said Jalloh was also killed during the incident, though investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of his death.

The suspect had previously pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to Islamic State, according to public court records cited by NBC News and federal authorities.

Court documents from that case indicate that Jalloh attempted to help obtain weapons for a potential attack in the United States and provided financial support to individuals seeking to join the extremist organization.

He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and released from federal custody in 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed.

Officials said investigators are examining whether the university shooting had any connection to terrorism.

Two of the injured victims are members of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Old Dominion, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Cadet Command told The Associated Press.

Lt. Col. Jimmy Delongchamp, public information officer for Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, confirmed the affiliation during a telephone interview.

“We will continue to coordinate with the university and law enforcement agencies as they investigate the incident,” Delongchamp said.

Medical officials said two victims were transported to the Level I trauma center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. One of those patients later died from their injuries, while the other remains hospitalized.

A third person was treated at Sentara Independence, a freestanding emergency facility in Virginia Beach, before being released, Sentara Health said.

The university issued an emergency alert shortly before 10:48 a.m. warning of an active threat in Constant Hall.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., campus officials issued another message describing the situation as an “active shooter” event and announcing that the attacker had been neutralized.

Authorities subsequently confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the campus.

Police vehicles blocked streets around the university as officers secured the area and conducted searches inside the building.

Within about an hour, the university lifted the emergency alert but urged people to avoid the vicinity while investigators processed the scene.

Classes and campus operations were canceled for the remainder of Thursday and the university announced it would remain closed Friday.

Counseling and support services were made available for students and staff.

Brian O. Hemphill described the shooting as a tragedy for the campus community.

“Old Dominion University has faced a tragedy today,” Hemphill said in a message to students and staff.

“The safety of our campus community is my top priority,” he added. “We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times.”

Abigail Spanberger said she had spoken with university leadership and was coordinating assistance from state agencies.

“My administration remains in close contact with local emergency responders as state support is being mobilized to assist,” Spanberger wrote on social media.

Law enforcement agencies responding to the scene included Norfolk Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and federal investigators.

Officials said several groups of high school students were visiting the campus when the shooting occurred.

Norfolk Public Schools confirmed that students from multiple area high schools were participating in a campus tour at the time.

A district spokesperson told WAVY-TV that all visiting students and staff were safe.

The university campus sits in Norfolk, a coastal city that is home to roughly 24,000 Old Dominion students and located near Naval Station Norfolk.

Nearly 30% of the university’s students are affiliated with the military, according to the school’s website.

Kash Patel said the shooting is being examined as a possible act of terrorism.

In a statement posted on social media, Patel said the gunman died after “a group of brave students stepped in and subdued him.”

Their intervention, he said, “undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.”

Investigators are continuing to determine whether the suspect specifically targeted the ROTC classroom and whether any ideological motivation played a role.

The shooting at Old Dominion University highlights ongoing concerns about how individuals with violent histories reintegrate into society after completing prison sentences.

The suspect’s prior conviction for attempting to support ISIS raises difficult questions for policymakers about monitoring individuals previously convicted in terrorism cases.

Federal law enforcement agencies typically track such individuals after release, but civil liberties protections limit the extent to which authorities can monitor former offenders without evidence of new criminal activity.

Security experts note that universities face particular vulnerabilities because they must remain open, accessible environments while still protecting large populations of students and staff.

In recent years, many institutions have expanded campus police forces, installed emergency alert systems and implemented active-shooter training programs.

The rapid police response at Old Dominion — with officers arriving within minutes — likely prevented additional casualties.

Still, the tragedy underscores the persistent threat of gun violence in educational institutions across the United States.

For the Old Dominion community, the coming days will likely focus on mourning the loss of a member of the campus family while confronting the reality that even well-protected academic environments are not immune to violence.

Gunman Crashes Vehicle Into Michigan Synagogue, Killed After Security Opens Fire at Temple Israel

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(AP/NBC/Reuters) — A man armed with a rifle crashed a vehicle into one of the largest Reform synagogues in the United States on Thursday before being fatally shot during a confrontation with security personnel, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

Authorities said the attacker drove a vehicle through the entrance of Temple Israel, a large Jewish congregation in the Detroit suburbs, sending the vehicle into a hallway of the complex.

Shortly after the impact, the vehicle burst into flames, filling parts of the synagogue building with smoke. Investigators later discovered the suspect dead inside the vehicle.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.

“We can’t say what killed him at this point but security did engage the suspect with gunfire,” Michael Bouchard told reporters.

The sheriff said the attacker appeared to have driven deliberately through the building.

“He was traveling with purpose down the hall, from my look at the video,” Bouchard said.

Authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect or determined a motive. A person familiar with the investigation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity cautioned that the inquiry remains in its early stages.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the crash, where aerial footage showed smoke rising from the synagogue’s roof as police and fire units surrounded the building.

Temple Israel also houses an early childhood center that serves children as young as six weeks old.

Sheriff Bouchard said no children or staff members were injured in the incident.

A security officer stationed at the synagogue was struck by the vehicle and briefly knocked unconscious. The officer was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover, authorities said.

The synagogue maintains multiple security personnel on site, a measure that officials say proved crucial in preventing further harm.

“Everything that was supposed to happen, happened,” Bouchard said. “Security did their job, and then the responders did theirs.”

Police quickly cleared the synagogue building while parents rushed to retrieve children from the preschool program.

About a dozen parents were seen running toward the facility after learning about the incident.

The West Bloomfield School District placed its campuses on lockdown as a precaution.

Authorities also issued a temporary shelter-in-place order within roughly a mile of the synagogue while officers searched the surrounding area to ensure no accomplices were present.

The Michigan State Police confirmed they were aware of what they described as an active incident and urged residents to avoid the area while first responders worked.

Nearby Jewish institutions initially entered lockdown as well after guidance from the Jewish Federation of Detroit, which advised affiliated organizations to secure their buildings until authorities confirmed the situation had stabilized.

The federation later lifted the advisory.

Federal investigators joined local authorities at the scene.

Kash Patel said personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation were assisting with the investigation.

“FBI personnel are on the scene with partners in Michigan and responding to the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation out of Temple Israel Synagogue,” Patel wrote on social media.

Investigators were also searching the suspect’s vehicle.

CNN cited law enforcement sources saying a significant quantity of explosives may have been found in the car, though authorities have not yet confirmed those details publicly.

Temple Israel describes itself as the largest Reform synagogue in North America, representing roughly 1% of the Reform movement’s membership.

The congregation includes approximately 12,000 members from around 3,500 families, according to information on its website.

Founded in 1941, the synagogue emphasizes inclusive community life and Jewish education.

“Our mission is to be an inclusive congregation that demonstrates respect for the needs of all,” the synagogue states.

Community members gathered outside police barricades as the investigation unfolded.

Lisa Stern, a congregant who stood outside the perimeter, told NBC News affiliate WDIV that she feared for friends inside the building.

“I’m scared to death for my friends,” Stern said.

She avoided calling anyone she knew inside, worried that a phone ringing could endanger people.

“This is senseless. It’s senseless,” she said.

Samuel Bennett, whose wife had been inside the building during the attack, told WDIV-TV that he struggled to find words after learning she had escaped unharmed.

“I don’t even know what the words are,” Bennett said.

Children from the preschool program were evacuated and transported to a nearby Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, where they were reunited with their parents.

Gretchen Whitmer said she was closely following developments and expressed support for the Jewish community.

“This is heartbreaking,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace.”

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also condemned the attack.

“Antisemitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated,” Nessel said.

Jewish institutions across the United States and abroad have heightened security in recent weeks following the outbreak of a broader conflict in the Middle East after U.S. and Israeli missile strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

Law enforcement agencies have warned of potential retaliatory threats and extremist activity.

The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia said officers in Washington were increasing patrols around synagogues and other houses of worship as a precaution.

Authorities have also pointed to a rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years.

FBI statistics show that anti-Jewish hate crimes account for nearly two-thirds of religion-based hate crimes reported in the United States.

The incident in West Bloomfield underscores the growing security pressures facing religious institutions across the United States.

Over the past decade, synagogues, churches and mosques have increasingly invested in private security, surveillance systems and emergency preparedness training.

The quick response by armed security officers at Temple Israel may have prevented a far more devastating outcome.

Many Jewish institutions in the U.S. have adopted such measures following high-profile attacks including the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the Poway synagogue shooting.

Security experts say vehicle ramming attacks have also become a tactic used in extremist violence worldwide because they require minimal planning and are difficult to detect in advance.

For the Jewish community in the Detroit region, the events at Temple Israel serve as a reminder of both vulnerability and resilience.

Rabbi Josh Whinston told reporters that incidents like this often strengthen community resolve.

“While this is deeply upsetting and traumatic, regardless if we know anyone in that community or not, when things like this happen, we deepen our resolve as Jews,” Whinston said.

He added that the synagogue’s security response likely saved lives.

“Thank God they were there,” he said. “It could have been much worse than what it turned out to be.”

South Africa Deploys Soldiers to Crime-Hit Areas as Government Moves to Crush Gang Violence and Illegal Mining

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(AP) — Soldiers moved into several crime-stricken neighborhoods of Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday as Cyril Ramaphosa began a major security operation using the military to support police efforts against organized crime.

Military vehicles rolled through the suburbs of Riverlea and Westbury, two communities long troubled by violent crime. Armed troops disembarked from armored carriers and entered residential buildings as part of patrol operations designed to deter gangs and illegal mining syndicates.

The deployment marks the first significant implementation of Ramaphosa’s pledge, announced during his annual address to the nation last month, to deploy the army against criminal networks he described as one of the most serious threats facing the country’s democracy and economy.

Authorities indicated that soldiers would operate under police supervision during the operation.

Residents in Riverlea, where gunfire and gang activity have become a near-daily occurrence, reacted with cautious optimism as troops arrived in the neighborhood.

Pearl Hilma, a resident of the area, said she supported the security crackdown.

“Because there’s lots of gangsterism as well as gunshots every night,” Hilma told The Associated Press, describing the atmosphere in the community.

Nearby walls and buildings reflect similar frustrations with crime. One message painted on a structure near a school reads: “No to Guns, Pray for our Community.”

The South African government had initially scheduled the operation to begin March 1, but the rollout was delayed while soldiers completed additional training.

The deployment is being coordinated by South African Police Service and the Department of Defence and Military Veterans, which oversees the country’s armed forces.

Officials have yet to release detailed operational plans, though Ramaphosa informed Parliament that about 550 soldiers would initially be assigned to security duties in Gauteng Province, the region that includes Johannesburg.

That deployment is expected to run until the end of April.

Police authorities have indicated that the broader operation could extend across five of South Africa’s nine provinces, depending on conditions on the ground.

Yasin Botha, another resident of Riverlea, said the presence of both police and soldiers gave him a sense that authorities would be able to respond more quickly to violence.

“Currently, I feel unsafe because we don’t know when the next shooting is going to happen and we don’t know who it is targeted at,” Botha told the AP.

Government plans show that the deployment will focus on two major security threats: illegal mining operations and gang violence.

Illegal mining activity will be targeted primarily in Gauteng, North West Province, and Free State Province.

Meanwhile, gang violence will be the focus in the Western Cape Province and Eastern Cape Province.

Officials have indicated that parts of the operation could continue for more than a year if conditions require extended intervention.

South Africa’s second-largest city, Cape Town, has become one of the most notorious centers of gang violence in the country.

On the outskirts of Cape Town, areas collectively known as the Cape Flats have been plagued by turf wars between rival gangs for decades.

Groups with names such as the Americans, the Hard Livings and the Terrible Josters have fought for control of lucrative illegal drug markets, while also participating in extortion, prostitution rings and contract killings.

Bystanders — including children — are frequently caught in the crossfire.

Police statistics indicate that three of South Africa’s most crime-ridden precincts are located in and around Cape Town, reflecting the intensity of the violence.

Illegal mining has also emerged as a major national security challenge.

Across Gauteng and surrounding regions, abandoned gold mines have become hubs for underground mining gangs commonly referred to as “zama zamas.”

Authorities say these operations are often controlled by heavily armed criminal syndicates.

The gangs recruit informal miners from impoverished communities to descend into abandoned shafts in search of leftover gold deposits.

Investigators say these operations are frequently linked to violent crime in nearby communities.

One of the most shocking incidents connected to illegal mining occurred in 2022, when about 80 suspected illegal miners were accused of gang-raping eight women who were filming a music video near an abandoned mine.

Another confrontation last year resulted in at least 87 illegal miners dying after police cut off supplies to a mine shaft in an effort to force them to surface.

Officials estimate that around 30,000 illegal miners are currently operating across South Africa, using roughly 6,000 abandoned mines.

The government estimates that illegal mining operations cost the country more than $4 billion annually in lost gold, much of it believed to be controlled by criminal networks with links to migrants from neighboring Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

South Africa continues to struggle with some of the highest violent crime rates in the world.

Police data show that 6,351 homicides occurred between October and December 2025, an average of nearly 70 killings every day in a country with a population of roughly 62 million people.

In addition to homicide, authorities also report high levels of attempted murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault.

The scale of violence has fueled growing public pressure on the government to take stronger action.

The use of the military to support domestic policing has occurred several times in recent years.

In 2021, thousands of troops were deployed following riots and widespread looting in two provinces after the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma.

Those unrests left more than 350 people dead and caused extensive economic damage.

South Africa also used soldiers to enforce strict COVID-19 lockdown measures in 2020.

Ramaphosa has acknowledged that deploying the army domestically carries historical sensitivities.

During the decades of racial segregation under the Apartheid, which ended in 1994, government troops were frequently used to suppress pro-democracy protests.

Mindful of that legacy, Ramaphosa said the current decision had not been taken lightly.

“It has become necessary due to a surge in violent organized crime that threatens the safety of our people and the authority of the state,” the president said.

He also emphasized that soldiers would operate under police command to avoid concerns about military overreach.

The military deployment reflects both the severity of South Africa’s crime problem and the growing political pressure on the government to demonstrate decisive action.

For many analysts, the decision suggests that conventional policing alone has struggled to keep pace with sophisticated criminal networks involved in drugs, mining and organized violence.

Illegal mining syndicates in particular have evolved into complex operations that resemble organized crime cartels, often equipped with weapons and international connections.

Yet security experts caution that military intervention may offer only temporary stability.

Soldiers are trained for combat rather than community policing, and long-term reductions in crime typically depend on economic development, police reform and stronger judicial systems.

Still, for communities such as Riverlea and Westbury — where residents describe nightly gunfire — the visible presence of troops may provide a sense of security that has been missing for years.

Whether the strategy succeeds in reducing violence, however, will likely determine how far the government is willing to rely on the military to confront crime in the future.

Forbes 2026 Billionaires List: Elon Musk Tops World’s Richest as Global Wealth Hits Record $20.1 Trillion

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(AFP) — The world’s billionaire class has expanded to unprecedented levels in 2026, with Elon Musk once again ranking as the richest person on the planet, according to the latest global wealth ranking compiled by Forbes.

The financial publication unveiled its 40th annual World’s Billionaires list on March 10, documenting a historic rise in global fortunes driven largely by surging technology stocks and investment gains tied to artificial intelligence.

Forbes determined that 3,428 people worldwide now qualify as billionaires, the highest number recorded since the list began in 1987. That total represents an increase of roughly 400 additional billionaires compared with 2025, reflecting a year of explosive wealth growth.

Combined, the world’s richest individuals now control an estimated $20.1 trillion, a dramatic increase of about $4 trillion compared with last year’s total.

The rankings are calculated using stock market valuations and currency exchange rates as of March 1, Forbes noted in its methodology.

Musk extends historic lead

At the top of the list is Musk, whose fortune has reached an estimated $839 billion, making him the richest individual ever recorded in the history of the ranking.

The entrepreneur — who leads electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla and aerospace company SpaceX — saw his wealth increase by roughly $497 billion over the past year.

The dramatic jump was fueled by the continued rise in Tesla’s stock price and the rapidly growing valuation of SpaceX, which analysts expect could go public in 2026.

Forbes editors said Musk has become the first person ever documented to surpass $800 billion in personal wealth, placing him within reach of a milestone once considered purely theoretical — becoming the world’s first trillionaire.

Chase Peterson-Withorn, a senior editor covering wealth at Forbes, said the latest ranking reflects extraordinary economic momentum among the ultra-wealthy.

“It’s the year of the billionaire,” Peterson-Withorn said, explaining that the global economy produced more than one new billionaire every day over the past year, largely driven by technology and AI-related investment gains.

Tech leaders dominate top ranks

The billionaire ranking continues to be dominated by technology founders and investors whose companies transformed the digital economy over the past three decades.

Google cofounder Larry Page occupies the No. 2 position, with an estimated fortune of $257 billion.

His longtime business partner Sergey Brin follows closely behind in third place, with a net worth estimated at $237 billion.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ranks fourth, holding roughly $224 billion, while Mark Zuckerberg completes the top five with about $222 billion.

The technology sector’s strong representation near the top of the list highlights the immense financial impact of the digital economy, particularly companies involved in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and social media platforms.

United States leads global billionaire count

The United States continues to dominate the global billionaire landscape.

Forbes counted 989 billionaires living in the United States, more than any other country in the world and the highest national total ever recorded.

Other countries with large concentrations of billionaires include China, India, Germany and France.

Meanwhile, the 2026 ranking also introduced 390 newcomers who reached billionaire status for the first time.

Among the high-profile additions were entertainment figures such as Dr. Dre, global pop icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and tennis legend Roger Federer.

Their inclusion highlights how wealth creation increasingly extends beyond traditional industries like finance and manufacturing into entertainment, sports and media.

President Donald Trump’s wealth rises

The ranking also included Donald Trump, whose net worth climbed to an estimated $6.5 billion, according to Forbes.

Trump’s fortune rose about 27% compared with the previous year, with the increase attributed largely to cryptocurrency investments and the dismissal of a major fraud penalty in New York.

Despite the increase, Trump ranks No. 645 globally on the list.

Global fortunes soar to historic levels

The unprecedented wealth surge captured in the 2026 ranking reflects major shifts in the global economy.

Technology companies tied to artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing experienced major stock gains during the past year, significantly boosting the fortunes of founders and investors.

Meanwhile, sectors such as luxury goods, finance and cryptocurrency trading also produced new billionaires.

AFP noted that the scale of wealth growth recorded in the latest list is unmatched in the four-decade history of the ranking.

Analysis: The widening gap between the ultra-rich and the rest of the world

While the billionaire boom reflects extraordinary wealth creation, it also highlights the growing concentration of global economic power in the hands of a relatively small group of individuals.

The combined $20.1 trillion held by billionaires now rivals the annual economic output of some of the world’s largest national economies.

Economists say several forces are driving this phenomenon.

First, financial markets have become increasingly dependent on high-growth technology companies, whose valuations can surge dramatically in short periods.

Second, global capital markets allow founders to maintain large ownership stakes even after companies become publicly traded, enabling massive personal fortunes to accumulate as share prices climb.

Finally, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and advanced computing has created entirely new industries almost overnight.

These trends have made technology entrepreneurs some of the richest individuals in modern history.

At the same time, critics argue that the growing wealth gap could intensify political debates over taxation, corporate power and economic inequality.

Governments around the world have already begun exploring policies such as wealth taxes and stronger regulation of digital monopolies.

How those debates unfold could influence the next generation of billionaire fortunes.

Forbes and its global influence

For more than a century, Forbes has been one of the world’s most recognizable business media brands, documenting the achievements of entrepreneurs, executives and investors.

The company now reaches more than 140 million readers each month worldwide, according to its own figures, through digital platforms, print publications and international editions in dozens of countries.

Its annual billionaire ranking remains one of the most widely cited measures of global wealth.

Top 50 Richest People in the World – Forbes 2026 Billionaires List

  1. Elon Musk — $839B — Age 54 — United States — Tesla, SpaceX
  2. Larry Page — $257B — Age 52 — United States — Google
  3. Sergey Brin — $237B — Age 52 — United States — Google
  4. Jeff Bezos — $224B — Age 62 — United States — Amazon
  5. Mark Zuckerberg — $222B — Age 41 — United States — Facebook
  6. Larry Ellison — $190B — Age 81 — United States — Oracle
  7. Bernard Arnault & family — $171B — Age 77 — France — LVMH
  8. Jensen Huang — $154B — Age 63 — United States — Semiconductors
  9. Warren Buffett — $149B — Age 95 — United States — Berkshire Hathaway
  10. Amancio Ortega — $148B — Age 89 — Spain — Zara
  11. Rob Walton & family — $146B — Age 81 — United States — Walmart
  12. Jim Walton & family — $143B — Age 77 — United States — Walmart
  13. Michael Dell — $141B — Age 61 — United States — Dell Technologies
  14. Alice Walton — $134B — Age 76 — United States — Walmart
  15. Steve Ballmer — $126B — Age 69 — United States — Microsoft
  16. Carlos Slim Helu & family — $125B — Age 86 — Mexico — Telecom
  17. Changpeng Zhao — $110B — Age 49 — Canada — Cryptocurrency exchange
  18. Michael Bloomberg — $109B — Age 84 — United States — Bloomberg LP
  19. Bill Gates — $108B — Age 70 — United States — Microsoft
  20. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & family — $100B — Age 72 — France — L’Oréal
  21. Mukesh Ambani — $99.7B — Age 68 — India — Diversified
  22. Giancarlo Devasini — $89.3B — Age 61 — Italy — Cryptocurrency
  23. Thomas Peterffy — $82.9B — Age 81 — United States — Discount brokerage
  24. Julia Koch & family — $81.2B — Age 63 — United States — Koch Inc.
  25. Charles Koch & family — $73.8B — Age 90 — United States — Koch Inc.
  26. Zhang Yiming — $69.3B — Age 41 — China — TikTok
  27. Zhong Shanshan — $68.1B — Age 71 — China — Beverages, pharmaceuticals
  28. Jeff Yass — $67.4B — Age 67 — United States — Trading, investments
  29. Dieter Schwarz — $67.2B — Age 86 — Germany — Retail
  30. Germán Larrea Mota Velasco & family — $67.1B — Age 72 — Mexico — Mining
  31. Gautam Adani — $63.8B — Age 63 — India — Infrastructure, commodities
  32. Tadashi Yanai & family — $61.8B — Age 77 — Japan — Fashion retail
  33. Ma Huateng — $53.8B — Age 54 — China — Online games
  34. Robin Zeng — $53.2B — Age 57 — Hong Kong — Batteries
  35. Iris Fontbona & family — $52.6B — Age 83 — Chile — Mining
  36. Masayoshi Son — $51.5B — Age 68 — Japan — Telecom, investments
  37. Ken Griffin — $49.8B — Age 57 — United States — Hedge funds
  38. Jacqueline Mars — $49.1B — Age 86 — United States — Candy, pet food
  39. John Mars — $49.1B — Age 90 — United States — Candy, pet food
  40. Lukas Walton — $48.9B — Age 39 — United States — Walmart
  41. Giovanni Ferrero — $48.8B — Age 61 — Italy — Nutella, chocolates
  42. Li Ka-shing — $47B — Age 97 — Hong Kong — Diversified
  43. Mark Mateschitz — $45.8B — Age 33 — Austria — Red Bull
  44. Gianluigi Aponte — $44.5B — Age 85 — Switzerland — Shipping
  45. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant — $44.5B — Age 80 — Switzerland — Shipping
  46. Andrea Pignataro — $42.6B — Age 55 — Italy — Financial software
  47. Klaus-Michael Kuehne — $41.9B — Age 88 — Germany — Shipping
  48. Thomas Frist Jr. & family — $41.1B — Age 87 — United States — Hospitals
  49. Alain Wertheimer — $39.4B — Age 77 — France — Chanel
  50. Gerard Wertheimer — $39.4B — Age 75 — France — Chanel

For the complete ranking, Forbes directs readers to its full billionaire database at www.forbes.com/billionaires.

Pittsburgh Episcopal Cathedral Dean Charged After Alleged Theft of $1,000 in Baseball Cards From Walmart

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(AP) — The dean and head priest of a prominent Episcopal cathedral in Pittsburgh is facing criminal charges after authorities say he stole more than $1,000 worth of baseball cards from a Walmart store outside the city.

The Very Rev. Aidan Smith, who leads Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh, was arrested Feb. 27 after police say he left a store in Economy Borough, northwest of the city, carrying unopened packs of trading cards without paying.

Court documents show Smith, 42, has been charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property following an investigation that began when store security alerted local police.

Authorities say Smith allegedly concealed 27 packs of baseball cards beneath his clothing and inside a cardboard box before exiting the store.

Police officers responded after Walmart’s loss-prevention staff contacted them about a suspected shoplifting incident involving Smith.

Security personnel had previously observed suspicious activity involving the same individual during multiple visits to the store, authorities said.

Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage from the retailer and determined that Smith had allegedly taken baseball card packs from the store on several earlier occasions.

According to police records, store security cameras captured the suspect removing merchandise during four separate visits in the days leading up to the arrest, each time leaving the store without completing a purchase.

Walmart officials estimated the total value of the merchandise at $1,099.99, the court filings indicate.

Authorities arrested Smith shortly after he exited the store during the Feb. 27 incident.

Smith serves as the dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, one of the most prominent Episcopal congregations in the Pittsburgh area and the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh.

As dean, Smith oversees religious services, community programs and administrative leadership at the cathedral, which occupies a central place in the region’s Episcopal community.

The arrest has prompted concern within the diocese, which said it has begun reviewing the circumstances surrounding the case.

In a message distributed to cathedral members, the Right Rev. Ketlen Solak, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, acknowledged the charges and pledged that church authorities would examine the matter through established disciplinary procedures.

Solak indicated that diocesan officials will follow church canons that outline how allegations of misconduct involving clergy are evaluated.

“I have spoken with Aidan and assured him of our prayers for him in this difficult time,” Solak wrote in the message to parishioners.

She also encouraged members of the congregation to pray for Smith and his family, as well as for the cathedral community as it confronts the situation.

“Please pray for Aidan, for Melanie and their children, for the entire cathedral congregation as we grieve this news, and for everyone involved in this hard situation,” Solak added.

Solak’s message also indicated that Smith had already been placed on administrative leave in late January, though the diocese did not specify the reason for that earlier action.

It remains unclear whether the administrative leave was connected to the alleged incidents at Walmart or to other matters.

Church officials have not released further details about Smith’s status within the diocese or whether additional internal disciplinary proceedings are underway.

Meanwhile, Smith’s defense attorney declined to discuss the case publicly.

The case has drawn attention across the Pittsburgh area because of Smith’s role as a senior religious leader.

Retail theft cases typically involve relatively minor financial losses, but the alleged involvement of a cathedral dean has amplified public interest in the situation.

Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed related to the earlier incidents captured on surveillance video.

Legal proceedings will determine whether the accusations can be substantiated in court.

Under Pennsylvania law, retail theft involving merchandise valued above a certain threshold can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.

Court records did not immediately indicate whether Smith had any prior criminal history.

Cases involving clergy facing criminal allegations often trigger both legal proceedings and internal church disciplinary processes.

Within the Episcopal Church, clergy are subject to ecclesiastical rules known as Title IV canons, which outline how misconduct complaints are investigated and resolved.

Those procedures typically involve an initial inquiry by diocesan authorities, followed by potential disciplinary hearings if the allegations warrant further review.

Depending on the outcome, sanctions could range from counseling or suspension to removal from ministry.

The diocese has not said whether a formal Title IV investigation has begun, though Solak’s statement suggests that church officials are evaluating the matter.

While the legal questions surrounding the theft charges will ultimately be decided in court, the case highlights broader issues related to leadership, accountability and public trust within religious institutions.

Clergy members often occupy positions of moral authority within their communities, making allegations of misconduct particularly sensitive.

For congregations, such situations can be emotionally difficult because parishioners often develop close personal relationships with their religious leaders.

The response from church leadership may therefore play a critical role in shaping how the community processes the allegations.

By acknowledging the situation publicly and committing to follow established church procedures, diocesan officials appear to be attempting to balance transparency with pastoral care for both the accused priest and the congregation.

The case also underscores the growing scrutiny religious organizations face regarding internal governance and oversight.

In recent decades, many denominations have strengthened accountability systems in response to various forms of misconduct involving clergy.

For members of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the arrest has introduced uncertainty and concern about the future leadership of the congregation.

Cathedrals often serve as symbolic centers for dioceses, hosting major religious events and serving as focal points for community outreach programs.

A leadership disruption at such an institution can therefore have ripple effects throughout the broader diocesan network.

Parishioners will likely look to church authorities for guidance as the legal process unfolds.

At the same time, diocesan leaders may face pressure to clarify how the situation developed and what safeguards exist to address potential misconduct among clergy.

The criminal case against Smith will proceed through the Pennsylvania court system in the coming months.

Prosecutors will be required to present evidence supporting the allegations, including the surveillance footage and testimony from store security personnel referenced in police records.

Smith retains the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

For now, the combination of a criminal investigation and a potential church disciplinary review ensures that the case will remain under close attention both inside and outside the Episcopal community in Pittsburgh.

As the process continues, the outcome may influence not only the future of one priest but also the broader conversation about accountability and leadership within religious institutions.

Pope Leo Sacks San Diego Bishop Accused of Stealing About $250,000 From Parish

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(AP/Reuters) — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of a bishop serving the Chaldean Catholic community in the San Diego area after authorities accused him of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his parish.

The Vatican disclosed Tuesday that Emanuel Hana Shaleta, who oversaw a small Eastern Rite Catholic diocese in Southern California, stepped down following allegations that he diverted church funds for personal use.

Emanuel Hana Shaleta

Shaleta, 69, pleaded not guilty Monday to 16 felony counts, including embezzlement and money laundering, during a court appearance in California, according to local media accounts cited by Reuters and The Associated Press.

Authorities arrested Shaleta on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while he was preparing to leave the United States, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Investigators allege the bishop diverted funds belonging to St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral, located east of San Diego in the city of El Cajon.

Prosecutors say the suspected financial misconduct occurred in 2024, after irregularities surfaced in church accounts.

According to Joel Madero, the alleged thefts involved monthly rental payments of more than $30,000 from a tenant using the church’s social hall.

Those funds were expected to be deposited in parish accounts but allegedly went missing.

Madero told the court that Shaleta offered “completely unreasonable tales” about where the money had gone, a claim detailed in reporting by The Associated Press.

The case began when a church employee provided documentation last August suggesting that parish funds might have been misappropriated, authorities said.

Investigators later determined that approximately $250,000 to $270,000 in church funds could not be accounted for.

Shaleta faces the possibility of up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges, according to the district attorney’s office.

A judge set bail at $125,000 and ordered the bishop’s passport confiscated after prosecutors argued he posed a potential flight risk.

Shaleta’s attorney, Sharon Appelbaum, said the trip he was preparing to take had been planned in advance and was not an attempt to flee.

Although the Vatican formally announced the resignation this week, officials indicated that Pope Leo XIV accepted Shaleta’s request to step down in February.

The Holy See delayed publicly confirming the decision to avoid interfering with the ongoing criminal investigation, the Vatican embassy in Washington explained.

The resignation was processed under canon law governing Eastern Catholic Churches, which allows a bishop to request retirement subject to papal approval.

Following Shaleta’s departure, the Vatican named Saad Hanna Sirop as the temporary administrator of the local Chaldean Catholic diocese.

Before his arrest, Shaleta publicly rejected the accusations during a Mass held on Feb. 22.

“I have never abused any penny of the church money,” he said, insisting he had worked to protect parish donations.

“On the contrary, I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations of the church properly.”

His attorney has indicated the defense will seek to demonstrate that the allegations are unfounded.

Meanwhile, priests within the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle released a statement expressing solidarity with Shaleta.

The Chaldean Catholic Church is one of the Eastern Catholic churches that recognizes the authority of the pope while maintaining its own liturgical traditions rooted in ancient Christian communities of the Middle East.

The church traces its heritage to Aramaic-speaking Christian populations primarily from Iraq.

Globally, the Chaldean Catholic Church counts more than one million members.

In the United States, the Chaldean Community Foundation estimates the population at roughly 500,000, with major concentrations in Detroit, California and Arizona.

In the San Diego region alone, Vatican statistics estimate roughly 71,000 Chaldean Catholics.

Shaleta himself was ordained as a priest in Detroit in 1984 before being appointed to lead the San Diego-area diocese in 2017.

The Vatican announcement Tuesday also revealed that Louis Sako, the patriarch who leads the global Chaldean Catholic Church, has retired at age 76.

Sako said he decided to step down voluntarily in order to focus on “prayer, writing and simple service.”

His retirement was described as unrelated to the legal case involving Shaleta.

The patriarch had occasionally clashed with political leaders in Iraq during his tenure, particularly over the protection and rights of Christian minorities.

The resignation of a bishop under criminal investigation represents a significant moment for the Chaldean Catholic community, particularly because it is a relatively small but tightly knit diaspora population.

Religious leaders in Eastern Catholic churches often serve not only as spiritual authorities but also as cultural anchors for immigrant communities.

As a result, scandals involving clergy can reverberate deeply among parishioners.

Experts on Eastern Catholicism say the case may generate tension and uncertainty within the diocese while the legal proceedings unfold.

The Rev. Mark Morozowich, director of the Center for Ukrainian Church Studies at the Catholic University of America, said a bishop occupies a unique role as the “spiritual father” of a community.

When a leader faces serious criminal accusations, he said, the repercussions often extend far beyond the immediate parish.

At the same time, the Vatican’s decision to accept Shaleta’s resignation before publicly announcing it suggests an effort to maintain distance between church governance and the criminal justice process.

The immediate impact of the controversy has been felt locally.

When reporters visited St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral following the Vatican announcement, the church doors were closed and the parking lot largely empty.

For many parishioners, the case has introduced uncertainty about the leadership of their community and the future of the diocese.

A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for April 27, when prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence related to the alleged embezzlement.

Until then, the case will continue to draw attention not only because of its legal implications but also because of its broader impact on a global Christian community that has historically endured displacement, persecution and political upheaval.

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