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Trump Administration Winds Down Minnesota Immigration Crackdown After Protests and 2 Fatal Shootings

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(AP)-The Trump administration is scaling back a sweeping immigration enforcement campaign in Minnesota that federal officials had described as the largest operation of its kind, a move that follows weeks of mass protests, political blowback and two fatal shootings that intensified scrutiny of federal tactics.

Border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday that the operation, known as Operation Metro Surge, is concluding after resulting in more than 4,000 arrests since it began in December. Speaking to reporters, Homan characterized the effort as a success and argued that the surge had reduced criminal activity in the state.

“The surge is leaving Minnesota safer,” Homan said. “I’ll say it again: It’s less of a sanctuary state for criminals.”

The Department of Homeland Security had earlier branded the initiative its “largest immigration enforcement operation ever,” deploying thousands of federal officers across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and other communities. Convoys of unmarked vehicles and heavily armed agents became a common sight in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations, altering daily life in the Twin Cities.

The operation quickly became one of the most visible test cases of President Donald Trump’s pledge to carry out mass deportations. It also emerged as a political liability after federal officers fatally shot two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during confrontations in Minneapolis that triggered days of demonstrations.

A new AP-NORC poll found that a majority of U.S. adults believe Trump’s immigration policies have gone too far, adding national pressure as the Minnesota crackdown dominated headlines.

Homan did not provide a detailed timeline for the withdrawal but indicated that officers would begin leaving immediately. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said he had been assured that the drawdown would start at once.

“We will help you get to the airport,” Walz said at a news conference, signaling his frustration with the federal presence. “We will clear the road to get to the airport. I will pack your damn bags if that’s what it takes.”

Walz condemned what he described as an “unnecessary, unwarranted and in many cases unconstitutional assault” on the state and proposed a $10 million aid package to help businesses that suffered losses during the enforcement surge. He also urged Congress to attach reforms to any future funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

The crackdown rippled through immigrant communities. Some families kept children home from school or shifted to remote learning. Businesses in predominantly immigrant corridors temporarily closed. Churches reported sparse attendance as fear of detention spread.

Russ Adams of the Lake Street Council, which represents businesses in a largely immigrant neighborhood of Minneapolis, estimated that commercial losses in December and January alone reached tens of millions of dollars. He cautioned that economic recovery would not be swift even if federal agents depart.

While administration officials described those targeted as dangerous offenders, local leaders and advocates said many detainees had no criminal histories and included working parents and children, among them 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and other U.S. citizens swept up in enforcement actions.

The heavy federal presence fueled an organized resistance effort. Volunteer networks monitored the movements of immigration agents and alerted communities to enforcement activity. Street confrontations at times escalated, with protesters throwing snowballs and spray-painting slogans while officers deployed tear gas and pepper spray.

The two fatal shootings became flashpoints. After the second death, of Pretti, Homan assumed direct oversight of the operation amid mounting criticism over its execution by senior Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino. The deaths reshaped the public debate, with some Republicans acknowledging that trust had eroded.

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky said during a Senate hearing that the incidents altered perceptions of the crackdown. “It’s clearly evident that the public trust has been lost,” he said, calling for transparency in rules of engagement and reforms within ICE and Border Patrol.

Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told lawmakers that the agency is still seeking approximately 16,840 individuals in Minnesota who have final orders of removal, underscoring that enforcement efforts will continue even as the surge ends.

In Minneapolis, reactions to Homan’s announcement were mixed. City Council Member Aurin Chowdhury expressed cautious skepticism, saying that any remaining ICE presence would continue to generate fear. Activists gathered at makeshift memorials honoring those killed.

Sheila Rzepecki, visiting a memorial for Good, described the anxiety felt by immigrant families, including a health aide who assists her disabled son and has been reluctant to leave home despite lawful status. “This is the fear they put into such wonderful people in our community,” Rzepecki said.

Mayor Jacob Frey met with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to discuss strategies for protecting immigrant communities. Frey wrote on social media that standing with neighbors was “deeply American,” framing the episode as a test of civic solidarity.

The federal withdrawal comes amid a broader funding dispute in Washington. Democratic lawmakers have demanded limits on immigration enforcement practices before approving additional DHS funding, while the administration seeks congressional support to prevent a lapse in federal appropriations.

Homan emphasized that ending the surge does not signal a retreat from the administration’s broader deportation strategy. “President Trump made a promise of mass deportation, and that’s what this country is going to get,” he said.

The Minnesota operation illustrates both the reach and the political risks of large-scale immigration enforcement in densely populated urban areas. By concentrating thousands of agents in a single region, the administration achieved high arrest numbers but also created a visible and sustained federal footprint that galvanized opposition.

Historically, immigration enforcement has relied on more dispersed operations that attract limited local attention. Operation Metro Surge departed from that model, producing daily visual reminders of federal authority — armored vehicles, tactical gear and mass detentions — that became catalysts for organized resistance.

The fatal shootings shifted the calculus. Even supporters of aggressive enforcement have expressed concern about the optics and legality of lethal force during immigration operations. As public opinion data reflects growing discomfort with the scope of deportation efforts, the administration faces the challenge of balancing campaign promises with political sustainability.

Economically, the episode may have lasting consequences. Neighborhoods dependent on immigrant-owned small businesses experienced abrupt revenue declines. Even if enforcement subsides, consumer confidence may lag, particularly among communities that felt targeted.

Nationally, the Minnesota crackdown may serve as a template — or cautionary tale — for future enforcement campaigns. If similar operations are launched elsewhere, federal officials will likely confront heightened scrutiny, demands for transparency and closer congressional oversight.

For now, Minnesota enters a period of recovery, with questions lingering about accountability, economic restitution and the long-term impact on trust between immigrant communities and government institutions. Whether the drawdown signals tactical recalibration or merely a pause remains to be seen as the broader immigration debate continues to define the national political landscape.

House Republicans Pass Citizenship Proof Requirement for Midterm Voters Despite Democratic Opposition

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U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks at a House Republicans press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 12, 2024. REUTERS/Craig Hudson

WASHINGTON — The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday requiring Americans to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in November midterm elections, advancing a controversial measure that Democrats characterize as voter suppression designed to concentrate electoral power in President Donald Trump’s administration.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks at a House Republicans press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 12, 2024. REUTERS/Craig Hudson

Lawmakers voted 218-213 to pass the SAVE America Act, with only one Democrat—Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas—joining Republicans to support the measure. The narrow partisan vote sends the legislation to the Republican-led Senate, where it faces uncertain prospects of securing the 60-vote supermajority necessary to overcome a filibuster.

The bill represents the latest iteration of election legislation that emerged during the 2024 presidential campaign, driven by Trump’s unsubstantiated claims that large numbers of people residing illegally in the country have been voting in federal elections. Similar measures passed the House twice—in April 2025 and during 2024—only to die in the Senate without receiving floor votes.

The House vote occurred barely a week after Trump called for Republicans to “take over” elections in more than a dozen locations, comments that Democrats cite as evidence of coordinated efforts to manipulate electoral processes. The legislation would require citizenship proof when registering to vote in midterm elections and would impose criminal penalties on election officials who register anyone without required documentation.

Republicans added a photo identification requirement for people casting ballots at polling places or via mail-in ballots in subsequent federal elections. They cited surveys including a Pew Research Center poll showing that 83 percent of voters—including 71 percent of Democrats—support photo identification requirements for voters.

House Speaker Mike Johnson characterized the bill as “common sense legislation to just ensure that American citizens decide American elections,” framing the measure as addressing legitimate integrity concerns rather than creating voting obstacles.

However, Democratic Party leaders contend the legislation attempts to suppress voter turnout and undermine their electoral prospects at a moment when independent political analysts favor Democrats to capture House control. Republicans have been rattled by a series of Democratic special election victories, including one for the Texas state Senate that GOP strategists view as a warning signal heading into midterms.

“The SAVE America Act is part of a comprehensive Republican strategy to cement power this year. Speaker Johnson wants to make it harder for Americans to vote, easier for Washington Republicans to control how elections are run,” declared Representative Joe Morelle, the ranking Democrat on the House committee overseeing elections.

Federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections. Independent organizations across the political spectrum, along with state election officials, have consistently found such voting to be extraordinarily rare—contradicting Republican rhetoric suggesting widespread illegal voting represents a significant problem.

The left-leaning Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law has cautioned that the SAVE America Act could deny voting rights to millions of U.S. citizens who lack ready access to passports, birth certificates and other documents proving their citizenship. This disproportionately affects low-income Americans, minorities, elderly citizens and those born in rural areas where documentation requirements were historically less rigorous.

Democracy advocates position the legislation within a larger confrontation between the Trump administration and state governments that has encompassed withholding federal funds, deploying National Guard troops and conducting an FBI search of a county election office in Georgia—actions critics characterize as federal overreach into traditionally state-controlled electoral administration.

“We have checks and balances in place that include state and local officials acting as a check against federal overreach,” explained Mai Ratakonda, program director of election protection at States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization safeguarding free and fair elections. “That’s what the federal government is trying to undermine.”

Representative Chip Roy, the Texas Republican who authored the SAVE America Act, positioned the legislation as essential following what he characterized as an influx of millions of illegal immigrants entering the United States during the four-year Biden administration. The bill updates Roy’s earlier Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act that passed the House in April 2025 but never received Senate consideration.

Whereas the original SAVE Act would create a federal proof of citizenship mandate in voter registration processes and impose requirements for states to maintain voter rolls free of ineligible voters, the updated version additionally requires photo identification to vote in any federal elections.

The legislation would mandate information-sharing between state election officials and federal authorities when verifying citizenship on current voter rolls and enable the Department of Homeland Security to pursue immigration cases if non-citizens were discovered listed as eligible voters—provisions Democrats argue inappropriately federalize traditionally state-controlled election administration.

“If we want to rebuild confidence again in American elections, we need to pass the SAVE Act,” Representative Mike Haridopolos, a Florida Republican, told Fox News Digital. “What better way to eliminate that distrust than to make sure that whoever votes is an American citizen who is truly eligible to vote?”

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, a Massachusetts Democrat, accused Republicans of attempting to suppress women’s votes specifically. She argued the legislation would complicate ballot-casting for married women whose surnames differ from their maiden names on birth certificates.

“Republicans aren’t worried about non-citizens voting. They’re afraid of actual American citizens voting. Why? Because they’re losing among women,” Clark asserted during House floor debate. “This is a minefield of red tape that you have put in front of women and American citizens and their right to vote.”

House GOP Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern, an Oklahoma Republican, emphasized that the legislation targets preventing illegal immigrants from voting in U.S. elections. “This really is about feeding the narrative that Democrats want illegals from all over the world to come here to support them,” Hern claimed regarding Democratic opposition.

Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger, a Texas Republican, told Fox News Digital: “The American people did not give Republicans a mandate to make excuses. They gave us one to deliver wins, and the SAVE America Act is exactly that. Every single Democrat who voted no today proved they would rather let illegal aliens tip the scales in our national elections than protect your vote.”

If implemented, the bill could impose new requirements on voters participating in November midterm elections. However, Senate passage appears unlikely given current procedural rules requiring at least several Democrats to join Republicans in reaching the 60-vote threshold necessary to overcome a filibuster.

Republicans are simultaneously preparing a second, broader election bill designated the Make Elections Great Again Act, which would mandate paper ballot usage, restrict mail-in voting and prohibit ranked-choice voting in federal general elections. The House Administration Committee examined the legislation during a Tuesday hearing, suggesting Republicans intend pursuing comprehensive electoral system changes beyond citizenship verification alone.

The SAVE America Act’s partisan vote underscores the profound ideological divide regarding voting rights and election administration. Republicans frame the measure as common-sense integrity protections ensuring only eligible citizens participate in democracy, while Democrats characterize it as discriminatory suppression tactics designed to advantage Republican candidates by creating barriers disproportionately affecting constituencies likely to support Democratic candidates.

The citizenship proof requirement particularly affects Americans born before widespread hospital birth certificate issuance, those adopted or born overseas to American parents, individuals whose records were destroyed in natural disasters, and citizens who changed names through marriage or other legal processes. Obtaining replacement documentation often requires fees, travel to government offices during business hours, and bureaucratic navigation that creates obstacles for low-income workers and elderly citizens.

Critics note the ironic timing of Republicans advancing voting restrictions amid special election losses rather than after electoral victories, suggesting the legislation responds to political calculations about upcoming competitive races rather than evidence of actual voting irregularities.

As the legislation advances to the Senate, the fundamental question remains whether concerns about theoretical non-citizen voting—for which little evidence exists—justify imposing documentation requirements that voting rights advocates warn will disenfranchise eligible American citizens lacking easy access to required papers.

Foxnews/Reuters

Activists Say Iran Protest Death Toll Surpasses 7,000 as Nuclear Tensions With U.S. Escalate

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The number of people killed in Iran’s sweeping suppression of nationwide protests has climbed to at least 7,002, activists said Thursday, marking a dramatic escalation in one of the deadliest crackdowns in the Islamic Republic’s history.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which has tracked casualties during previous waves of unrest, published the updated figure after weeks of verification through contacts inside Iran. The organization relies on a network of sources within the country to cross-check identities amid severe communication restrictions.

Iranian authorities have offered a significantly lower official figure. On Jan. 21, the government announced that 3,117 people had died. In past episodes of unrest, the theocratic leadership has been accused by rights groups of minimizing casualty counts or withholding them entirely.

The Associated Press has not been able to independently confirm the number of fatalities because Iranian officials have restricted internet access and disrupted international phone lines since the protests intensified.

The rising toll underscores mounting domestic pressure on Iran’s leadership even as the country navigates a high-stakes diplomatic standoff with the United States over its nuclear program. A second round of negotiations remains uncertain, particularly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressed President Donald Trump to harden Washington’s demands on Tehran.

Following discussions with Netanyahu, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he insisted talks with Iran continue “to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated.” He added that reaching an agreement would be preferable but warned that previous refusals had brought consequences for Tehran. “Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible,” Trump said.

Inside Iran, grief is expected to intensify as families begin marking the traditional 40-day mourning period for loved ones killed during the unrest. In Iranian culture, the fortieth day after a death often becomes a focal point for remembrance gatherings, which in previous protest movements have evolved into renewed demonstrations.

Diplomatic maneuvering has continued in parallel with domestic turmoil. Senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani met Wednesday in Qatar with Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar hosts a major U.S. military installation that Iran attacked in June after U.S. forces struck Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day Iran-Israel conflict. Larijani also held discussions with Hamas officials and met Tehran-aligned Houthi representatives in Oman.

In remarks to Qatar’s Al Jazeera satellite network, Larijani acknowledged an “exchange of messages” with Washington but indicated no formal proposal had been delivered during talks in Oman. Qatar’s state-run Qatar News Agency said Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani later spoke with President Donald Trump about regional de-escalation and security efforts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to Russian state broadcaster RT, emphasized Tehran’s distrust of Washington. He recalled that negotiations last June were interrupted by military action. “We need to make sure that that scenario is not repeated,” Araghchi said, adding that responsibility for avoiding escalation “is mostly up to America.” Despite skepticism, he suggested it might be possible to reach “a better deal than Obama,” referencing the 2015 nuclear agreement that Trump withdrew from during his first term.

The United States has increased its military footprint in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying vessels have deployed to the Middle East. U.S. forces have shot down a drone that approached the carrier and intervened when Iranian forces attempted to stop a U.S.-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump told Axios he is weighing the possibility of dispatching a second carrier strike group, stating, “We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going.”

Vice President JD Vance, during a visit to Azerbaijan, said Washington remains focused on diplomacy but retains alternatives. “He’s going to have a lot of options, because we have the most powerful military in the world,” Vance said.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian Nobel Committee voiced alarm over the treatment of 2023 Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi. The committee said it was “deeply appalled” by accounts describing her arrest, alleged physical abuse and continued denial of adequate medical care. It urged her immediate release, noting reports that she has fainted repeatedly and suffers from dangerously high blood pressure. Mohammadi, 53, was recently sentenced to more than seven additional years in prison.

Iran marked the 47th anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution this week amid stark contrasts. State television broadcast images of large pro-government rallies featuring chants of “Death to America!” and displays of missiles and debris said to be from Israeli drones. President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed supporters at Tehran’s Azadi Square, asserting that Iran is “not seeking nuclear weapons” and stands ready for verification, although the International Atomic Energy Agency has been unable for months to conduct full inspections.

Simultaneously, witnesses in Tehran described hearing nighttime chants of “Death to the dictator!” from residential neighborhoods. Pezeshkian acknowledged that the crackdown beginning Jan. 8 had “caused great sorrow,” saying the government is “obligated to assist all those who were harmed.” He did not directly address the casualty figures cited by activists.

HRANA’s higher death count reflects the cumulative impact of security operations involving the Revolutionary Guard and other forces. Activists say tens of thousands have been detained. Iran’s population of roughly 85 million includes both staunch supporters of the theocracy and citizens increasingly vocal in opposition. Economic hardship, sanctions pressure and generational divides have compounded frustration.

The expanding casualty figures could further complicate diplomatic calculations. Western governments face growing scrutiny over engagement with Tehran while human rights conditions deteriorate. Conversely, Iranian leaders may view negotiations as a means to relieve sanctions pressure and stabilize the economy amid domestic unrest.

Whether nuclear talks advance or collapse may determine the trajectory of tensions across the Middle East. Regional governments fear that a breakdown could trigger broader confrontation, particularly given the military assets now concentrated in the Persian Gulf.

For many Iranians, however, the immediate concern remains accountability for the bloodshed. As mourning ceremonies approach, the country stands at a volatile intersection of grief, political dissent and international brinkmanship — a convergence that could shape Iran’s future well beyond the current crisis.

The Associated Press original

Kenya Charges Starvation Cult Preacher Paul Mackenzie Over 52 Additional Deaths in Expanding Shakahola Case

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Kenyan prosecutors have filed new criminal charges against self-proclaimed preacher Paul Mackenzie and seven associates in connection with 52 additional deaths linked to an alleged doomsday cult that shocked the nation and drew global condemnation.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions announced Wednesday in a post on X that Mackenzie and the co-defendants face counts of organized criminal activity, two charges of radicalization, and two counts of facilitating the commission of a terrorist act. The charges relate to deaths that authorities say occurred in the Kwa Binzaro area of Chakama, in Kilifi County along Kenya’s southeastern coast.

The accused entered not guilty pleas during their court appearance, and the matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 4.

In its statement, the prosecution office asserted that the defendants “promoted an extreme belief system by preaching against the authority of the government, adopted an extreme belief system against authority, and facilitated the commission of a terrorist act.” Authorities allege that the group’s teachings fostered hostility toward state institutions and enabled deadly outcomes.

Mackenzie was already facing multiple charges, including murder and terrorism-related offenses, stemming from the discovery of hundreds of bodies in Shakahola Forest in 2023. That case, often referred to as the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” ranks among the deadliest cult-related tragedies in modern history.

Al Jazeera reported that prosecutors have accused Mackenzie and his Good News International Church of orchestrating a cult in which followers were instructed to starve themselves and their children to death in anticipation of the end of the world. Mackenzie has consistently denied those accusations.

By 2025, two years after investigations began, authorities had recovered more than 400 bodies from shallow graves in Shakahola Forest, located in Kilifi County near the Indian Ocean coastline. Postmortem examinations determined that most victims died from starvation, while others, including children, showed signs of strangulation, blunt-force trauma or suffocation.

Mackenzie previously pleaded not guilty to multiple manslaughter charges at his initial trial in Mombasa and has remained in custody since his arrest in 2023.

The latest charges stem from the discovery last year of additional bodies in the remote village of Kwa Binzaro, roughly 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Shakahola. Prosecutors contend that Mackenzie continued to orchestrate activities connected to the cult even after his detention, allegedly using radical religious teachings to attract followers to the isolated site.

AfricaNews, citing AFP, reported that the new charges expand the legal proceedings against Mackenzie in a case that first drew international attention when hundreds of bodies were uncovered near the Kenyan resort town of Malindi in 2023.

Authorities argue that the pattern of deaths at Kwa Binzaro indicates the same extremist network remained active beyond Mackenzie’s arrest. The prosecution’s position is that the accused coordinated and oversaw operations through intermediaries, maintaining ideological influence over adherents.

The unfolding case has intensified scrutiny of fringe religious movements in Kenya, a majority-Christian country where constitutional protections guarantee freedom of worship and separation of church and state. Government efforts to impose stricter oversight on religious organizations have historically encountered resistance from faith leaders who view regulation as a threat to religious liberty.

Separate findings from Kenya’s Senate and a state-funded human rights watchdog concluded that earlier intervention by authorities might have prevented some of the deaths. Those assessments have fueled debate over whether law enforcement agencies failed to act on warning signs before the scale of the tragedy became evident.

The Shakahola revelations triggered widespread public outrage and prompted calls for reforms to monitor self-styled pastors operating outside established denominations. Critics argue that regulatory gaps allowed extreme teachings to flourish unchecked, particularly in remote communities where poverty and limited access to education may leave residents vulnerable to manipulation.

Legal analysts note that the addition of terrorism-related charges signals the government’s intent to frame the alleged conduct not merely as criminal negligence but as a broader threat to public order and national security. The inclusion of radicalization counts underscores prosecutors’ emphasis on ideology as a central component of the case.

At the same time, rights advocates caution that efforts to regulate religion must balance security concerns with constitutional safeguards. Kenya’s courts are expected to play a pivotal role in defining the boundaries between legitimate religious expression and criminal conduct.

The case continues to reverberate across East Africa, raising broader questions about the intersection of faith, authority and accountability. Experts say the tragedy reflects how charismatic leaders can exploit social and economic vulnerabilities, particularly in regions where distrust of government institutions runs deep.

As proceedings move forward, families of victims await answers and accountability in a case that has left lasting scars on communities in Kilifi County and beyond. The March 4 hearing is expected to address procedural matters as prosecutors prepare to present evidence related to the newly filed charges.

For now, Mackenzie and his co-defendants remain in custody as one of Kenya’s most consequential criminal cases unfolds, reshaping national conversations about faith, oversight and the protection of vulnerable citizens.

Citizenship/Aljazeera

Dawson’s Creek Star James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 Following Battle with Colorectal Cancer

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James Van Der Beek, the actor who achieved fame portraying the earnest teenager Dawson Leery in the beloved 1990s teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” died Tuesday at age 48 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, his family announced.

His wife Kimberly disclosed the death in an Instagram post that emphasized the actor’s courage during his final days. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she wrote.

“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” the statement continued, requesting space for the family to process their devastating loss.

Van Der Beek revealed in November 2024 that he had privately been receiving treatment for stage 3 colorectal cancer since his summer 2023 diagnosis. The actor initially dismissed symptoms including irregular bowel movements, attributing the changes to his caffeine consumption before medical evaluation revealed the serious malignancy.

Following news of his death, tributes from entertainment industry peers and devoted fans began flooding social media platforms. “I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” actress Sarah Michelle Gellar commented on Kimberly’s Instagram post. “While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F*** Cancer.”

Chad Michael Murray added: “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us – he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”

Born March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek—whose surname translates from Dutch as “from the Creek”—initially “never wanted to be an actor” and instead envisioned becoming an athlete. However, a concussion sustained at age 13 forced him to curtail athletic training and pivot toward drama as an alternative creative outlet.

He began acting at 13, playing Reuben in his school’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” and subsequently portraying Danny Zuko in “Grease.” Displaying precocious determination, he insisted that his mother Belinda transport him to New York at age 15 to secure professional representation.

Van Der Beek auditioned for “Dawson’s Creek” in 1997 and withdrew from Drew University once he secured the lead role as the introspective, film-obsessed Dawson Leery. The WB Network picked up the series, launching the careers of Van Der Beek and co-stars Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams into the cultural stratosphere.

“Dawson’s Creek” became an instant phenomenon, portraying the angst and innocence of adolescence in a fictional Massachusetts coastal town while gripping young viewers with storylines including Dawson’s enduring romantic feelings for his best friend Joey, portrayed by Holmes. The show aired for six seasons comprising 128 episodes from 1998 to 2003, defining teen television for a generation.

However, Van Der Beek’s experience as a young actor proved complicated. He admitted in 2017 that hearing the show’s iconic theme song “I Don’t Want to Wait” by Paula Cole provoked an immediate “weird panic” response even years after the series concluded.

“I have a complicated relationship with that song,” he told The Guardian in 2017. “If I was at karaoke and it started playing there’s a part of me – and I’m a f***ing grown-ass man with four kids – that still wants to go hide under the table.”

Van Der Beek married his first wife, Heather McComb, in 2003 before filing for divorce in 2009. On “Live with Kelly and Mark” in 2017, he acknowledged: “I got married very young,” explaining how co-star Busy Philipps provided emotional support during the divorce proceedings.

During a spiritual journey to Israel, Van Der Beek experienced what he characterized as a “realisation” that he needed to find his “soulmate” to establish a family. When he shared this revelation with a friend, his future wife Kimberley Brook interrupted the conversation to ask the friend a question.

“I was annoyed. Who the hell was stepping all over my moment?” he recalled later with obvious affection. The pair began dating within weeks and married a year later in a Tel Aviv ceremony in 2010.

The couple had four daughters and two sons together—Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua and Jeremiah. Van Der Beek openly discussed the couple’s heartbreaking experiences with miscarriages, demonstrating vulnerability about reproductive struggles that many couples face privately. In 2020, they announced plans to leave Los Angeles for Texas, seeking a different lifestyle for their growing family.

He regularly extolled the virtues and joys of fatherhood, describing it as “the craziest thing I’ve ever done” and “the thing that’s made me happiest.” This paternal devotion became increasingly central to his public identity in his later years.

Van Der Beek continued a successful television career beyond “Dawson’s Creek,” including main cast roles in “Mercy,” “Law & Order,” “CSI: Cyber,” “Friends with Better Lives,” the British sitcom “Carters Get Rich,” and “Vamperina.” Regarding his work in “Carters Get Rich” in 2017, he joked: “When you think ‘British sitcom’, you don’t think ‘James Van Der Beek’, huh? Well, I aim to change all that!”

He earned critical acclaim playing a fictionalized version of himself in “Don’t Trust the B*** in Apartment 23,” demonstrating comedic range and self-awareness about his teen heartthrob image. Van Der Beek also garnered notice for film roles including “Varsity Blues” and “The Rules of Attraction.” The latter—a dark comedy involving drugs and promiscuity adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’ novel—represented a deliberate tonal departure from his clean-cut television persona.

He later acknowledged exercising excessive caution after “Dawson’s Creek,” declining roles in “The Amityville Horror” and “Wedding Crashers” that ultimately helped establish Ryan Reynolds and Bradley Cooper respectively as major stars.

“That’s actually one that I kick myself over as well,” he told Vanity Fair regarding Cooper’s “Wedding Crashers” role. “I mean, everything works out, and I’m happy with where I’m at…”

He also made guest appearances on television series including “Ugly Betty,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “One Tree Hill,” a cameo in “Scary Movie” and an appearance in Ke$ha’s “Blow” music video, maintaining steady work across diverse genres.

In 2017, Van Der Beek wrote, produced and starred in “What Would Diplo Do?,” a film about the DJ that debuted on Viceland to positive reviews and a 90 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating, demonstrating creative ambitions beyond acting.

He appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2019, ultimately finishing fifth with professional dancer Emma Slater, while also competing on season 13 of the U.S. edition of “The Masked Singer,” continuing to engage with audiences through reality entertainment platforms.

In his final months, Van Der Beek leaned heavily into Christian faith as cancer treatment stripped away his professional identity and forced confrontation with mortality’s reality. “I had to come nose to nose with death,” he explained in a March 2025 video posted for his birthday on Instagram. “And all those definitions that I cared so deeply about were stripped from me.”

He sold signed “Varsity Blues” merchandise to generate funds for his cancer treatment and assist others facing similar medical expenses, demonstrating characteristic generosity during his own crisis. He described the period as “the hardest year of my life,” feeling like “just a too skinny, weak guy, alone in an apartment with cancer … what am I?”

However, he discovered spiritual resolution through his faith journey. “I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist. And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?” he concluded, finding peace amid physical deterioration.

In September 2025, Michelle Williams organized a “Dawson’s Creek” cast reunion for a live charity reading of the series’ first episode, raising money for the organization F Cancer. Van Der Beek had been scheduled to participate but was forced to withdraw due to “two stomach viruses”—likely cancer-related complications.

He ultimately appeared via video message, introducing his replacement Hamilton star and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda while thanking fans for their sustained support. Despite Van Der Beek’s absence, Kimberly and their six children traveled to New York City to attend, with his wife explaining on Instagram that “it was important to him we come!!”

“This night was so special to the whole family, and more importantly, like just feeling my husband fill the entire theater, and the love for him,” Kimberly reflected afterward. “We’ll be unwinding this one for a while, but thank you for the love and support and for the prayers.”

Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua and Jeremiah, who must now navigate life without the devoted father who prioritized family above all professional accomplishments.

Tumbler Ridge School Shooter Killed Mother Who Defended Transgender Rights Before Teen’s Deadly Rampage

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The mother of the teenage school shooter who killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia was herself among the victims, authorities confirmed Wednesday, revealing that Jennifer Strang, 39, had publicly defended transgender rights and urged online critics to cease hateful rhetoric targeting transgender youth in social media posts published less than two years before her son’s deadly rampage.

The slain mother of the transgender high school dropout who murdered her and his stepbrother before gunning down six at a British Columbia school defended trans rights in a resurfaced Instagram post.

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, speaking from Surrey approximately 670 kilometers southwest of Tumbler Ridge, confirmed the identity of the suspect found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rotselaar, formerly known as Van Rootselaar. The teenager died from what authorities characterized as a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the Tuesday afternoon attack.

Strang, who described herself as a “conservative leaning libertarian,” unleashed a profanity-fueled plea in a July 2024 Instagram post urging her followers to abandon hatred targeting transgender individuals. The post resurfaced following revelations that her child had transitioned and subsequently carried out the massacre that claimed her life along with seven others including her 11-year-old son, Van Rotselaar’s stepbrother.

“As a conservative leaning libertarian who lives in the north and loves living in a small town. I really hope the hate I see online is just bored old people and not true hatred,” Strang wrote, urging people to “evolve” and “do better and educate yourself before spewing bulls–t online.”

Her impassioned message continued: “I normally don’t say anything and I normally don’t go on s–tbook to see the keyboard warriors and I know I can’t control everything or shield my kids from everything but please for the love of f–k can you get your sh–t together so we don’t have to bring our kids up in a world full of hatred.”

Strang specifically referenced suicide risks facing transgender youth subjected to hateful rhetoric. “Do you have any idea how many kids are killing themselves over this kind of hate. Please STOP the bulls–!” she implored, demonstrating awareness of mental health vulnerabilities her own child may have experienced.

The tragic irony that Strang’s defense of transgender rights preceded her murder by her transgender child has generated intense discussion about family dynamics, mental health intervention failures and the complex factors contributing to mass violence. The posts reveal a mother attempting to create supportive environment for her child while confronting community prejudices in a small conservative town.

Van Rotselaar launched the horrifying attack at a private residence on Fellers Avenue in the sleepy rural community Tuesday afternoon before continuing the carnage at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Authorities discovered two bodies at the family home—Strang and her 11-year-old son—before finding six additional victims deceased inside the school building.

CBC News identified Strang as one of the two individuals killed at the residence, with police confirming the 11-year-old boy was Van Rotselaar’s stepbrother. The familial murders preceding the school attack suggest the rampage may have begun with domestic violence before expanding to target the educational institution.

McDonald disclosed that among those killed are a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students and two male students aged 12 and 13. The concentration of young victims—multiple 12-year-olds and one 13-year-old—underscores the particular horror of violence targeting children barely into adolescence.

Two additional victims—a 12-year-old girl and 19-year-old woman—were airlifted to hospital where police confirmed they remain in serious condition Wednesday. Approximately 25 more individuals sustained physical injuries ranging from minor to moderate severity, overwhelming the small community’s limited medical resources.

Van Rotselaar had dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School four years earlier and was not enrolled as a student at the time of the shooting, police revealed. The four-year gap between school departure and the attack raises questions about what experiences during that period may have contributed to the decision to target the educational institution specifically.

McDonald emphasized that police are continuing to notify loved ones, noting that whether victims’ identities are made public will be determined by individual families. This cautious approach reflects sensitivity to privacy concerns while acknowledging public interest in understanding the tragedy’s full scope.

Tumbler Ridge, home to approximately 2,400 people, is located about 660 kilometers northeast of Vancouver and just over 500 kilometers west of Edmonton. The small population means virtually every resident experiences the tragedy through personal connections to victims, survivors or the shooter’s family.

Tumbler Ridge pastor George Rowe characterized the community as “very closely knit,” explaining: “We all share this tragedy as if it was my family, or my neighbour’s family.” This intimacy intensifies collective trauma as residents process losses affecting people they know personally rather than abstract victims.

Town councillor Chris Norbury, whose wife teaches at the school and survived the attack, told CBC News he personally knew every victim. “I’ve seen them grow up,” he disclosed. “We sang stories together, we read books together … I saw them everywhere. And knowing that I can’t see them anymore, that we won’t see them anymore, that their family has to live with this incredible loss … is almost unbearable.”

The killer killed his mother and stepbrother before his massacre at the school.

Norbury’s anguished statement captures the devastating reality of small-town mass violence where perpetrators, victims and survivors often share years of shared history and interconnected relationships. The loss resonates through multiple social networks as residents confront grief for children they watched mature from infancy.

The revelation of Van Rotselaar’s transgender identity and Strang’s public advocacy adds complex dimensions to understanding the massacre’s origins. Whether the teenager experienced bullying related to gender identity, struggled with mental health challenges exacerbated by social rejection, or faced family tensions despite maternal support remains under investigation.

Strang’s Instagram posts demonstrate parental acceptance and active defense of transgender rights, suggesting she attempted to create supportive home environment. However, the family murders indicate profound dysfunction or conflict that remains unexplained. Whether the stepbrother’s death represented collateral damage or deliberate targeting also requires clarification.

The concentration of young female victims—three 12-year-old girls among the school dead—may indicate gender-specific targeting or simply reflect random victim selection within a small school population. Investigators will examine whether the shooter harbored particular grievances against specific individuals or attacked indiscriminately.

Van Rotselaar’s four-year absence from school complicates efforts to identify institutional warning signs or intervention opportunities. If the teenager had remained enrolled, school counselors and administrators might have observed concerning behaviors enabling preventive action. The dropout status removed that potential safety net.

The case raises uncomfortable questions about transgender youth mental health support in small, conservative communities where acceptance may lag behind urban areas. Strang’s July 2024 post suggesting she hoped online hatred came from “bored old people” rather than “true hatred” indicates she perceived community hostility her child may have experienced directly.

Whether Van Rotselaar received adequate mental health treatment, had access to gender-affirming care, or experienced social isolation contributing to violent ideation will likely emerge as investigation progresses. Small communities like Tumbler Ridge often lack specialized transgender healthcare resources, potentially leaving vulnerable youth without appropriate support.

The family dynamics preceding the massacre—including relationships among Strang, Van Rotselaar and the 11-year-old stepbrother—may illuminate immediate triggers for the violence. Domestic disputes, family conflicts or recent crises could have precipitated the attack, though such factors rarely fully explain mass casualty events.

For Tumbler Ridge residents processing the tragedy, the revelation that the shooter’s mother actively advocated for acceptance and warned against hatred’s consequences adds cruel irony to already incomprehensible violence. Strang’s efforts to combat prejudice and protect her child ultimately could not prevent the catastrophic outcome she apparently feared.

As investigators piece together Van Rotselaar’s path from troubled teenager to mass killer, the broader Canadian public confronts difficult conversations about transgender youth wellbeing, rural mental health resources, firearm access despite strict regulations, and early intervention strategies for individuals exhibiting warning signs.

The approximately 25 injured survivors face lengthy physical and psychological recovery, while Tumbler Ridge’s entire population must navigate collective grief and trauma. The small town’s close-knit nature that typically provides strength during hardship now means virtually everyone experiences direct personal loss or knows those who do.

CBC/NYPost

At Least 15 Dead After Passenger Ferry Capsizes on Nile River in Northern Sudan

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(AP)- A passenger ferry carrying dozens of people overturned on the Nile River in northern Sudan on Wednesday, leaving at least 15 people dead and several others missing, a medical monitoring group confirmed.

The vessel sank in the Shendi district of Nile River province, an area north of the capital, Khartoum, as it transported at least 27 passengers, including women and children. The Sudan Doctors Network, a medical organization that monitors casualties linked to Sudan’s ongoing conflict, indicated that recovery teams had retrieved 15 bodies from the river.

The group further indicated that at least six people survived the accident, while search operations continued for others believed to be missing. Residents and volunteer rescuers joined emergency teams along the riverbanks in an effort to locate the unaccounted passengers.

The Sudan Doctors Network appealed to authorities to dispatch specialized rescue units equipped with proper diving gear and search tools to accelerate recovery efforts, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated intervention.

Details surrounding the cause of the capsizing were not immediately available. Local officials had not issued a comprehensive statement by late Wednesday regarding the circumstances leading to the incident, including whether the vessel was overloaded or whether mechanical failure or strong currents contributed to the disaster.

River transport remains a vital means of travel across large parts of Sudan, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions where infrastructure has been degraded by years of economic hardship and armed conflict. In many communities, ferries provide the only practical route across the Nile and its tributaries, linking markets, schools and medical facilities.

Fatal boat accidents are not uncommon in Sudan and other African nations where aging vessels, minimal regulatory enforcement and overcrowding frequently combine to create hazardous conditions. Safety standards are often loosely applied, and passengers sometimes board boats without life jackets or adequate emergency provisions.

Wednesday’s tragedy unfolded against the backdrop of Sudan’s protracted internal conflict, which has strained public institutions and weakened oversight across key sectors, including transportation and emergency response. The Sudan Doctors Network has emerged as one of the few independent groups consistently documenting casualties and humanitarian developments amid limited access to official data.

The Nile River, one of the world’s longest waterways, serves as a lifeline for millions in Sudan. It supports agriculture, trade and daily commuting. However, the river’s significance also brings risk, particularly in areas where ferry services operate without stringent safety inspections or modern navigation systems.

Residents in the Shendi district described scenes of panic as word spread that the vessel had gone down. Families gathered along the banks awaiting updates as divers and volunteers searched the waters. With limited equipment available locally, rescue efforts often depend heavily on community participation.

The call by the Sudan Doctors Network for specialized rescue teams underscores broader concerns about Sudan’s emergency preparedness capacity. Prolonged instability and resource shortages have hindered investment in disaster response infrastructure. In many regions, first responders lack modern boats, sonar devices or trained divers capable of conducting swift underwater searches.

While authorities have not formally attributed a cause to the capsizing, analysts note that overcrowding frequently plays a role in similar incidents across the region. Economic pressures often compel ferry operators to maximize passenger loads, sometimes exceeding recommended capacity limits. Combined with fluctuating water levels and unpredictable currents, such conditions can quickly become deadly.

The humanitarian dimension of the tragedy is compounded by Sudan’s fragile health system. Hospitals in parts of the country continue to grapple with shortages of medical supplies and personnel, a situation worsened by ongoing violence between rival military factions. Survivors of the accident may face challenges accessing sustained medical and psychological support.

Beyond the immediate loss of life, the incident highlights the broader infrastructure vulnerabilities confronting Sudan. Years of political upheaval have left regulatory institutions under-resourced. River transportation oversight, in particular, has received limited attention amid competing national priorities.

International maritime and river safety experts have long emphasized the need for improved vessel inspections, mandatory life jacket distribution and stricter passenger capacity enforcement to reduce fatalities. In countries where waterways serve as primary transportation corridors, modest investments in safety training and equipment can significantly lower accident rates.

For families affected by Wednesday’s disaster, however, such reforms come too late. As search operations continue, community leaders in Shendi have urged both national and provincial authorities to launch a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the sinking.

The Sudan Doctors Network reiterated its appeal for coordinated rescue deployment, warning that delays could reduce the chances of recovering missing passengers. The group’s involvement reflects the growing role of civil society organizations in filling information gaps during Sudan’s ongoing crisis.

The capsizing serves as a stark reminder of the risks embedded in everyday travel for many Sudanese citizens. As long as river crossings remain essential and safety enforcement remains inconsistent, similar tragedies may continue to occur.

In the aftermath of the accident, attention is likely to focus not only on the immediate recovery operation but also on systemic reforms aimed at preventing future losses along the Nile. Whether those reforms materialize will depend largely on political stability and the availability of resources in a nation already grappling with profound challenges.

For now, residents of Shendi await further developments as rescue teams press on along the riverbanks, searching for the missing and mourning those whose lives were cut short in the waters of the Nile.

AP

Death Toll Climbs to 31 as Tropical Cyclone Gezani Devastates Madagascar’s Port City

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Tropical Cyclone Gezani tore across Madagascar’s eastern coastline, collapsing homes and crippling infrastructure in the country’s principal port city, leaving at least 31 people dead and thousands displaced, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Madagascar’s National Office for Risk and Disaster Management attributed many of the fatalities to building collapses as the powerful storm made landfall late Tuesday in Toamasina, a coastal city of roughly 300,000 residents. At least 36 people sustained serious injuries, and four others were reported missing. More than 6,000 residents have been forced from their homes.

The national weather service placed multiple regions under red alert ahead of the cyclone’s arrival, cautioning that torrential rain and high winds could trigger flooding and landslides. Gezani struck the island with sustained winds exceeding 195 kilometers per hour (121 miles per hour), sweeping inland across a nation of about 31 million people, many of whom live in vulnerable housing structures ill-equipped to withstand severe storms.

Officials said the majority of the deaths occurred in and around Toamasina, where widespread destruction was visible across neighborhoods. Power outages have persisted in the city since Tuesday, compounding the challenges for emergency responders and residents attempting to assess the damage.

President Michael Randrianirina, who assumed office following a military takeover in October, traveled to Toamasina to inspect affected areas and meet with displaced families. Footage released on his office’s Facebook page showed inundated streets, homes with torn-off roofs, shattered storefronts and debris strewn across major thoroughfares. Uprooted trees and downed utility poles lined sections of the city, underscoring the scale of the destruction.

In a statement, the president’s office indicated that approximately 75% of Toamasina’s infrastructure had sustained damage or been destroyed.

“It’s devastation,” said a resident identified only as Michel, speaking by telephone. “Roofs have been blown away, walls have collapsed, power poles are down, trees have been uprooted. It looks like a catastrophic landscape.”

Gezani weakened to a tropical storm as it moved westward across Madagascar on Wednesday, passing roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of the capital, Antananarivo. The capital remained under a red alert due to the risk of flooding as heavy rainfall continued.

Forecast models issued by the national weather service indicated that the system was expected to move into the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and Africa’s east coast on Thursday. Meteorologists cautioned that Gezani could regain strength over warm ocean waters and potentially redevelop into a tropical cyclone before curving back toward Madagascar’s southwestern coastline next week.

Regional authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s path. In Mozambique, where severe flooding last month affected more than 700,000 people, officials issued precautionary weather advisories for three coastal provinces that could feel Gezani’s impact if the storm intensifies again.

Madagascar remains acutely vulnerable to tropical systems forming over the Indian Ocean. Less than two weeks ago, Tropical Cyclone Fytia struck the island on Jan. 31, killing 14 people and displacing more than 85,000 residents, according to the country’s disaster management agency. The back-to-back storms have strained already limited resources and deepened humanitarian concerns.

The United Nations earlier this week released $3 million from its emergency response fund to support preparedness and relief efforts ahead of Gezani’s landfall. U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed Monday that the funding was intended to help authorities reinforce response capacity in anticipation of the cyclone’s impact.

Madagascar’s cyclone season, which typically runs from November through March, regularly subjects the island to destructive weather systems. As the world’s fourth-largest island, Madagascar sits directly in the path of storms that gather strength over the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Since 2020, more than a dozen tropical storms and cyclones have struck the country.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimates that such storms cause roughly $85 million in infrastructure damage annually, undermining development in one of the world’s poorest nations. Repeated destruction of roads, bridges, schools and hospitals hampers recovery efforts and leaves communities exposed when the next storm arrives.

Analysts note that Madagascar’s vulnerability stems not only from its geographic position but also from chronic underinvestment in resilient infrastructure. Rapid urban growth in coastal cities such as Toamasina has led to the expansion of informal settlements where housing is often constructed from lightweight materials unable to withstand hurricane-force winds. In rural areas, deforestation has exacerbated the risk of landslides during heavy rainfall, increasing the human toll of cyclones.

Climate scientists have also warned that warming ocean temperatures can intensify tropical systems, raising concerns that storms striking the southwest Indian Ocean basin may become more destructive over time. While no single cyclone can be directly attributed to climate change, experts say the trend toward heavier rainfall and stronger winds aligns with broader global patterns observed in other cyclone-prone regions.

For Madagascar, the immediate priority remains emergency relief and restoring essential services. Aid organizations are coordinating with local authorities to provide temporary shelter, clean water and medical assistance to displaced families. Restoring electricity and clearing blocked roads will be critical to reopening supply lines to affected communities.

As residents begin to sift through debris and account for losses, the rising death toll underscores the fragile balance between survival and vulnerability in a country repeatedly battered by extreme weather. With cyclone season still underway and forecasts suggesting Gezani could re-intensify, Madagascar faces the prospect of continued uncertainty in the days ahead.

British Columbia School Shooting Claims 10 Lives Including Female Suspect in Canada’s Deadliest Rampage Since 2020

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A shooting at a northeastern British Columbia secondary school left ten people dead including a female suspect whom authorities believe died from a self-inflicted injury, marking Canada’s deadliest mass casualty incident since a 2020 Nova Scotia rampage claimed 22 lives, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed Tuesday.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police disclosed that more than 25 people sustained injuries, including two individuals airlifted to hospital with life-threatening conditions, following the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in the small mountain community located more than 1,000 kilometers north of Vancouver near the Alberta border.

An active shooter alert was issued at 3:15 p.m. Mountain Time by RCMP, covering an extensive area including Chetwynd and Dawson Creek. Residents were instructed to remain indoors and shelter in place. That alert was lifted at 6:45 p.m. MT after authorities determined no ongoing threat to public safety existed.

Police officers arrived at the school within two minutes of the initial emergency call, British Columbia Premier David Eby disclosed to reporters. They discovered seven people deceased inside the educational facility, including a suspect who appeared to have succumbed to a “self-inflicted injury,” local police detailed in a statement. An eighth person died while being transported to hospital, while two additional individuals were found dead at a residence authorities believe was connected to the attack.

RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd told reporters that investigators had identified a female suspect but declined to release her name, emphasizing that the shooter’s motive remained unclear. He added that police continue investigating how the victims are connected to the shooter, suggesting the attack may not have involved random target selection.

Six people were found deceased inside the school building, while another died en route to medical facilities. The two people discovered dead at a nearby home represent a separate but connected crime scene that investigators are examining to determine relationships among all victims and the perpetrator.

Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka expressed profound grief for the community of approximately 2,400 to 2,700 residents, characterizing the town as a “big family” where interconnections run deep. “I broke down,” he acknowledged, describing it as “devastating” to learn how many had perished. “I have lived here for 18 years. I probably know every one of the victims.”

The mayor’s personal knowledge of likely all victims underscores the intimate nature of small communities where tragedies affect virtually every resident either directly through personal relationships or indirectly through social networks. In towns where everyone knows everyone, mass casualty events generate collective trauma that urban communities with greater anonymity may not experience as intensely.

Pastor George Rowe of the Tumbler Ridge Fellowship Baptist Church went to the recreation center where victims’ families awaited information about their loved ones’ fates. “It was not a pretty sight. Families are still waiting to hear if it’s their child that’s deceased and because of protocol and procedure the investigating team is very careful in releasing names,” Rowe recounted.

“The big thing tonight was my having to walk away and the families still waiting to find out. It is so difficult. Other pastors and counselors are there so they are not alone,” he continued, highlighting the agonizing limbo families endure while authorities methodically confirm identities before official notifications.

Rowe once taught at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and his three children graduated from the institution, providing him intimate familiarity with the facility and community now traumatized by violence. “To walk through the corridors of that school will never be the same again,” he reflected, acknowledging how violent events permanently alter perceptions of previously safe spaces.

The provincial government website lists Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as serving 175 students from Grades 7 to 12, suggesting the attack occurred in a relatively small educational facility where students and staff likely knew one another personally. This intimacy potentially intensifies trauma as survivors process losses of individuals they knew well rather than abstract victims.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared in a social media post that he was devastated by the shooting. “I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” he wrote.

Carney’s office announced he is suspending a planned trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia and Munich, Germany, where he was scheduled to unveil a long-awaited defense industrial strategy Wednesday before attending the Munich Security Conference. The cancellation demonstrates how mass casualty events compel governmental leaders to abandon routine activities to focus on crisis response and national mourning.

Premier Eby disclosed he had spoken with Carney following what he characterized as an “unimaginable tragedy.” “I know it’s causing us all to hug our kids a little bit tighter tonight,” Eby expressed. “I’m asking the people of British Columbia to look after the people of Tumbler Ridge tonight,” appealing to provincial solidarity with the grieving community.

School shootings remain rare in Canada compared to the United States, where such incidents occur with tragic frequency. Canadian gun control measures—significantly more restrictive than American regulations—have historically limited access to firearms that enable mass casualty attacks, though Tuesday’s violence demonstrates that determined individuals can still obtain weapons and inflict catastrophic harm.

Canada’s government has responded to previous mass shootings with enhanced gun control measures, including a recently expanded prohibition on all firearms it classifies as assault weapons. Whether Tuesday’s tragedy prompts additional legislative action remains uncertain, though the political pattern suggests further restrictions may be considered.

Tuesday’s shooting represents Canada’s deadliest rampage since April 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people through shootings and set fires that claimed another nine lives over a 13-hour period. That incident shocked Canada and prompted governmental examination of firearms regulations and law enforcement response protocols.

The 2020 Nova Scotia shooter had acquired firearms illegally, complicating policy responses since existing laws theoretically should have prevented his weapon access. The case illustrated limitations of regulatory approaches when determined individuals exploit black markets or other illicit channels to obtain prohibited items.

North District Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd emphasized in a statement that “this was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift co-operation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response.” The rapid police arrival within two minutes likely prevented additional casualties by shortening the timeframe during which the shooter could continue attacking unimpeded.

“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident,” Floyd continued. “This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the co-operation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”

RCMP Major Crime Unit investigators are examining the scene and gathering evidence to construct a comprehensive timeline of events, determine motive, and understand relationships among all individuals involved. The investigation will likely examine the shooter’s background, mental health history, weapon acquisition, and any warning signs that might have been detected through intervention mechanisms.

Tumbler Ridge, situated in the Canadian Rockies approximately 176 kilometers northeast of Prince George, is a former mining community that has diversified economically while retaining its small-town character. The 2021 census recorded a population of about 2,400, though some estimates place current population closer to 2,700.

The town’s remote location and small size create challenges for emergency response and trauma support services. While the two-minute police arrival time demonstrates effective local law enforcement, the community likely lacks extensive mental health resources necessary to address collective trauma following such catastrophic violence.

The airlift of two critically injured victims to advanced medical facilities reflects the limited local healthcare capacity typical of small, remote communities. These patients likely required surgical interventions or intensive care unavailable at Tumbler Ridge’s medical facilities, necessitating dangerous winter helicopter transport to larger urban hospitals.

For families awaiting notification about loved ones’ fates, the careful identification protocols that Pastor Rowe referenced—while necessary to ensure accuracy—extend agonizing uncertainty. The tension between rapid information release and methodical confirmation creates unavoidable suffering for those desperate to know whether their children, spouses or parents survived.

As investigators work to establish motive and reconstruct events, the Canadian public confronts difficult questions about violence prevention, mental health intervention, firearm regulation effectiveness, and school security measures. Each mass casualty event generates renewed debate about whether additional policy responses could prevent future tragedies or whether such incidents represent irreducible risks in any society.

The female suspect’s identity and background will likely emerge in coming days, potentially illuminating warning signs that were missed or ignored before she carried out the attack. Whether she had documented mental health struggles, faced recent crises, or exhibited concerning behaviors observable to family, friends or authorities will inform discussions about intervention opportunities.

For Tumbler Ridge residents, the immediate focus remains on supporting grieving families, treating injured survivors, and beginning the lengthy process of collective healing. The corridors Pastor Rowe said “will never be the same again” represent physical spaces now haunted by violence, requiring both practical decisions about the school’s future use and psychological work to reclaim safe spaces from traumatic associations.

CBC/AP

Democratic Congressman Publicly Identifies 6 Men Whose Names Were Redacted from Epstein Files

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Democratic Representative Ro Khanna publicly disclosed Tuesday the identities of six men whose names were redacted from Jeffrey Epstein documents, including billionaire retail magnate Leslie Wexner whom the FBI appears to have designated as a co-conspirator, marking a significant revelation in the ongoing controversy over governmental transparency regarding the deceased sex offender’s criminal network.

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna

The California congressman identified the individuals during a House floor speech following a visit to the Department of Justice where he and Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky spent two hours reviewing unredacted documents that remain largely concealed from public view despite legislative mandates for disclosure.

The six men identified by Khanna are Wexner, the Victoria’s Secret founder; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chief executive of DP World and an Emirati billionaire businessman; and four others designated as Nicola Caputo, Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze and Leonic Leonov. Khanna provided no evidence of criminal wrongdoing against any of them, nor have they been charged with offenses connected to Epstein’s crimes.

“If we found six men that they were hiding in two hours, imagine how many men they are covering up for in those 3m files,” Khanna declared during his floor speech, challenging Justice Department redaction practices that he characterized as protecting wealthy and powerful individuals from public scrutiny.

“Why are they protecting these rich and powerful men? People I call part of the ‘Epstein class’. Why are we in a country where there is no elite accountability for people who do the most heinous things?” Khanna demanded, framing the redactions as systemic protection of privileged wrongdoers.

Khanna revealed that when he and Massie identified the redactions for Justice Department officials during their Monday visit, “they acknowledged their mistake” and disclosed the identities. However, he emphasized that the vast majority of the files remain redacted despite congressional legislation specifically requiring comprehensive disclosure.

The Justice Department made its most recent document release available for members of Congress to review in-person rather than publishing unredacted versions publicly. Khanna and Massie told reporters Monday that the pair had to conduct “some digging” before discovering the redacted names, suggesting the documents were not organized to facilitate easy identification of improperly concealed information.

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution and served a 13-month sentence under a controversial non-prosecution agreement that generated outrage when its lenient terms became publicly known years later. He died in an apparent suicide in a New York jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Being named in the Epstein files does not establish guilt, as individuals may appear simply through email correspondence, contact information or other documentation referencing the disgraced financier. However, the redaction of certain names while others remained public raises questions about which criteria determined concealment and whether powerful individuals received preferential privacy protection.

Leslie “Les” Wexner, 88, established a retail empire encompassing Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch and Bath & Body Works while maintaining a lengthy financial relationship with Epstein, who managed his investments for many years. A November New York Times investigation attributed Wexner as the individual who elevated Epstein’s financial status from millionaire to plutocrat, noting that beyond monetary benefits, his “greatest value to Epstein was that he imbued him with new credibility and credentials.”

Though Wexner’s ties to Epstein were already publicly documented and his name had surfaced in previous releases, it has now been revealed that he appears to have been labeled a co-conspirator with Epstein by the FBI—a designation carrying significant legal implications despite Wexner facing no criminal charges in connection with Epstein’s offenses.

The co-conspirator designation suggests federal investigators possessed evidence implicating Wexner in criminal activity related to Epstein’s sex trafficking operation, though prosecutors apparently determined insufficient grounds existed for charges or chose not to pursue prosecution for undisclosed reasons. This gap between investigative findings and prosecutorial action exemplifies the accountability failures Khanna highlighted in his floor speech.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Dubai-based businessman leading DP World—a multinational ports and logistics enterprise with operations spanning more than 80 countries—is also the brother of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, head of the FIA governing body for world motorsport championships including Formula One.

Recently disclosed documents reveal that Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem emailed Epstein in 2015 describing meeting a girl “two years ago” who attended an American university in Dubai and constituted “the best sex I ever had amazing body.” He added: “She got engaged but now she back with me.”

Massie disclosed that since the names were unredacted, it appears the Justice Department confirmed that Sulayem was the recipient of an email from Epstein stating: “I loved the torture video.” The context and content of this referenced video remain unclear, though the terminology raises disturbing questions about material Epstein shared with associates.

A man named Nicola Caputo served as an Italian politician representing his country in the European Parliament between 2014 and 2019 before assuming a senior position in Campania’s regional administration. However, no verified evidence confirms this individual is mentioned in officially released documents, and established news organizations have not corroborated any connection between him and the files. The identification remains tentative pending further confirmation.

Leslie Wexner, CEO of of the parent company of Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and other businesses, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World CEO. Composite: AP, Reuters (TheGuardian)

The identities and Epstein connections of Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze and Leonic Leonov remain unknown as of Tuesday evening. The lack of immediately available information about these individuals suggests they may be less prominent public figures or operate in jurisdictions where biographical information is less accessible through standard internet searches.

The congressional visit to review unredacted documents occurred following passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation co-led by Massie requiring the Justice Department to release redacted versions of all materials related to the Epstein investigation. The law emerged after months of delays and public pressure demanding transparency about Epstein’s criminal network and the wealthy, powerful individuals who associated with him.

The Justice Department published three million pages of documents in recent weeks, though extensive redactions have frustrated transparency advocates and congressional oversight efforts. The department has cited privacy protections for victims, ongoing investigative interests and other exemptions as justifications for concealing names and details.

However, Khanna’s floor speech suggests that at least some redactions protected individuals whose privacy interests may not legitimately outweigh public accountability concerns, particularly if FBI designations like “co-conspirator” accurately characterized their roles. The acknowledgment of “mistakes” when congressmen identified redacted names indicates the department may have applied exemptions too broadly.

The bipartisan nature of the congressional investigation—with Democrat Khanna and Republican Massie jointly reviewing documents and publicly challenging redactions—demonstrates rare cross-partisan agreement that elite accountability for Epstein-related crimes has proven insufficient. This unity suggests the transparency issues transcend typical ideological divisions.

Khanna’s concept of an “Epstein class”—wealthy, powerful individuals allegedly protected from consequences through systemic mechanisms including prosecutorial discretion, privacy redactions and social connections—resonates with broader public frustration about differential justice for elites versus ordinary citizens. Whether this frustration translates into meaningful accountability mechanisms remains uncertain.

The revelation of six previously redacted names discovered in two hours of document review validates concerns that Justice Department disclosure compliance has been incomplete. If congressional investigators can identify improperly redacted information so quickly, comprehensive review might expose numerous additional cases where privacy exemptions were inappropriately applied to shield powerful individuals.

The Wexner co-conspirator designation particularly raises questions about prosecutorial decision-making. If federal investigators possessed sufficient evidence to designate him as Epstein’s co-conspirator, what factors prevented criminal charges? Did evidentiary insufficiency explain the decision, or did Wexner’s wealth, legal resources and social connections enable him to avoid prosecution that might have proceeded against less privileged individuals?

As the three million pages of Epstein documents continue generating revelations and raising accountability questions, the tension between legitimate privacy protections and public transparency demands will persist. Khanna’s floor speech and the bipartisan congressional pressure it represents suggest that blanket redactions concealing powerful individuals’ connections to a convicted sex trafficker will face intensifying scrutiny and resistance.

TheGuardian

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