SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a fatal crash in March that killed a police officer on his way home from work made a court appearance Thursday in Sedgwick County.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752109">&nbsp;Gage Kaiser, 19,&nbsp; Mulvane,</a> is charged with&nbsp;with involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the&nbsp;the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

The accident occurred just before 3:30a.m. March 16, when a passenger vehicle driven by 26-year-old Scott Hollingsworth was southbound on U.S. 81 at 119th Street, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday. A westbound pickup struck the vehicle driven by Hollingsworth.&nbsp;

Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three passengers in the pickup to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The pickup driver later identified as Kaiser was not injured.

Clearwater PD said Hollingsworth had served the department for a year.

Hollingsworth's survivors included his wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney.&nbsp;

On Sept. 10, Geary County deputies arrested Kaiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaiser is due back in court September 30. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752109">He remains jailed </a>on a $200,000, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726259901569.png" alt="Kaiser-photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Kaiser-photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a fatal crash in March that killed a police officer on his way home from work made a court appearance Thursday in Sedgwick County.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752109">&nbsp;Gage Kaiser, 19,&nbsp; Mulvane,</a> is charged with&nbsp;with involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the&nbsp;the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710681634704.png" alt="Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater" />
 <figcaption>Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater</figcaption>
 </figure>The accident occurred just before 3:30a.m. March 16, when a passenger vehicle driven by 26-year-old Scott Hollingsworth was southbound on U.S. 81 at 119th Street, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday. A westbound pickup struck the vehicle driven by Hollingsworth.&nbsp;Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three passengers in the pickup to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The pickup driver later identified as Kaiser was not injured.Clearwater PD said Hollingsworth had served the department for a year.Hollingsworth's survivors included his wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney.&nbsp;On Sept. 10, Geary County deputies arrested Kaiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaiser is due back in court September 30. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752109">He remains jailed </a>on a $200,000, according to the district attorney's office.

Suspect in crash that killed Kan. officer remains jailed on a $200K bond

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers are scrambling to ensure that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-secret-service">U.S. Secret Service</a>&nbsp;has enough money and resources to keep the nation’s presidential candidates safe amid repeated threats of violence. It’s unclear, though, how much they can do with only weeks before the election, or if additional dollars would make an immediate difference.

Days after a gunman was arrested on former President Donald Trump's golf course, the House on Friday overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation 405-0 to require the agency use the same standards when assigning agents to major presidential candidates as they do presidents and vice presidents. The agency has told Congress that it has already boosted Trump's security, but House lawmakers want it put into law.

The efforts come after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;on former President Donald Trump at a rally in July, and after Secret Service agents arrested a man with a rifle hiding on the golf course at Trump’s Florida club over the weekend. The suspect in Florida apparently also sought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-what-to-know-564c56e167c3cdc6c50f6a2e91db9a6c">to assassinate</a>&nbsp;the GOP presidential nominee.

“In America, elections are determined at the ballot box, not by an assassin’s bullet,” Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., a chief sponsor of the bill, said in floor debate ahead of the vote. “That these incidents were allowed to occur is a stain on our country."

With the election rapidly approaching and Congress headed out of town before October, lawmakers are rushing to figure out exactly what might help, hoping to assess the agency’s most pressing needs while ensuring that they are doing everything they can in an era where political violence has become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-political-violence-america-3cbc5575e2b4c53a231e8abd9b786d22">more commonplace</a>&nbsp;and every politician is a target.

“We have a responsibility here in Congress to get down to the bottom of this to figure out why these things are happening and what we can do about it,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday. “This is not a partisan issue. We have both parties working on it."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that “we've got to get the Secret Service into a position where its protectees are shielded in the most maximum way possible.”

Democrats and Republicans have been in talks with the agency this week to find out whether additional resources are needed. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, the Democratic chairman of the spending subcommittee that oversees the Secret Service, said Congress wants to make sure that if it is spending new dollars, “it’s going to help the situation between now and the inauguration.”

Murphy said new money could go toward technology like drones, partnerships with other agencies that could provide immediate assistance and overtime pay for agents. It would likely be added to a stopgap spending bill that Congress will consider next week to keep the government running, either in the form of allowing the Secret Service to spend money more quickly or providing them with emergency dollars.

“I’m confident we are going to take care of this one way or the other,” Murphy said.

After the July shooting, House Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-congress-task-force-cd084a29e3a26da7eead4425e4064118">created a bipartisan task force</a>&nbsp;focused on investigating the security failures of that day, and the panel will hold its first hearing next week. The House voted Friday to expand the committee's mandate to include what happened in Florida, even though the Secret Service successfully apprehended the suspect before anyone was hurt.

In a letter earlier this month, the Secret Service told lawmakers that a funding shortfall was not the reason for lapses in Trump's security when a gunman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-fbi-secret-service-a382e3ec081dd13e85eaa9e726cca02c">climbed onto an unsecured roof</a>&nbsp;on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and opened fire. But Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. said this week that the agency had “immediate needs” and that he’s talking to Congress.

Secret Service officials also told lawmakers behind closed doors that they have already increased Trump’s security to the same level as Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden.

"There are a handful of specialized assets only the commander in chief gets, but the rest of his protection is at the same level,” Spencer Love, a Democratic spokesperson for the House task force, said after the agency briefed members on Wednesday.

In the Senate, Florida Sen. Rick Scott has also introduced a bill mandating similar protection for presidential candidates. Both bills would also require regular reports to Congress on the status of the candidates’ protection. Senate leaders have not yet said whether they will consider the legislation.

In a joint statement after the bill’s passage, Lawler and his co-sponsor, Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York, urged the Senate to take up the bill and President Joe Biden to sign it. They thanked Biden for expanding Trump’s security but said that “without the passage and implementation of this legislation, this enhanced protection will not be codified into law and is subject to change with time.”

Republicans have argued that an overhaul of the agency, and potentially reallocating agents, should be a higher priority than funding.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican who was himself shot at a baseball practice in 2017, noted this week that the Secret Service has received regular budget increases in recent years.

“It’s not about the money,” Scalise said, but “what they’re doing with the money.”

Rep. Mike Waltz, a Republican on the task force, said he pushed Secret Service officials Wednesday on what new resources they needed and they said they were still evaluating.

“I think it’s irresponsible to just throw money at it when they’re not even sure what exactly they need and how quickly they can get it,” the Florida lawmaker said, adding that he hopes the agency shifts to a more threat-focused approach to protecting officials and candidates.

It's unclear, though, if Republicans would fight a funding boost.

“It’s been made implicitly clear that they’re stretched pretty thin,” said Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey, a member of the task force. “I know that there’s some folks who see a $3 billion budget and think that should be enough. But when you look at where all of the bodies have to go, that’s a problem.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726692527169.png" alt="House Speaker Mike Johnson with Donald Trump earlier this week-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Mike Johnson with Donald Trump earlier this week-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers are scrambling to ensure that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-secret-service">U.S. Secret Service</a>&nbsp;has enough money and resources to keep the nation’s presidential candidates safe amid repeated threats of violence. It’s unclear, though, how much they can do with only weeks before the election, or if additional dollars would make an immediate difference.Days after a gunman was arrested on former President Donald Trump's golf course, the House on Friday overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation 405-0 to require the agency use the same standards when assigning agents to major presidential candidates as they do presidents and vice presidents. The agency has told Congress that it has already boosted Trump's security, but House lawmakers want it put into law.The efforts come after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;on former President Donald Trump at a rally in July, and after Secret Service agents arrested a man with a rifle hiding on the golf course at Trump’s Florida club over the weekend. The suspect in Florida apparently also sought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-what-to-know-564c56e167c3cdc6c50f6a2e91db9a6c">to assassinate</a>&nbsp;the GOP presidential nominee.“In America, elections are determined at the ballot box, not by an assassin’s bullet,” Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., a chief sponsor of the bill, said in floor debate ahead of the vote. “That these incidents were allowed to occur is a stain on our country."With the election rapidly approaching and Congress headed out of town before October, lawmakers are rushing to figure out exactly what might help, hoping to assess the agency’s most pressing needs while ensuring that they are doing everything they can in an era where political violence has become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-political-violence-america-3cbc5575e2b4c53a231e8abd9b786d22">more commonplace</a>&nbsp;and every politician is a target.“We have a responsibility here in Congress to get down to the bottom of this to figure out why these things are happening and what we can do about it,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday. “This is not a partisan issue. We have both parties working on it."House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that “we've got to get the Secret Service into a position where its protectees are shielded in the most maximum way possible.”Democrats and Republicans have been in talks with the agency this week to find out whether additional resources are needed. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, the Democratic chairman of the spending subcommittee that oversees the Secret Service, said Congress wants to make sure that if it is spending new dollars, “it’s going to help the situation between now and the inauguration.”Murphy said new money could go toward technology like drones, partnerships with other agencies that could provide immediate assistance and overtime pay for agents. It would likely be added to a stopgap spending bill that Congress will consider next week to keep the government running, either in the form of allowing the Secret Service to spend money more quickly or providing them with emergency dollars.“I’m confident we are going to take care of this one way or the other,” Murphy said.After the July shooting, House Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-congress-task-force-cd084a29e3a26da7eead4425e4064118">created a bipartisan task force</a>&nbsp;focused on investigating the security failures of that day, and the panel will hold its first hearing next week. The House voted Friday to expand the committee's mandate to include what happened in Florida, even though the Secret Service successfully apprehended the suspect before anyone was hurt.In a letter earlier this month, the Secret Service told lawmakers that a funding shortfall was not the reason for lapses in Trump's security when a gunman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-fbi-secret-service-a382e3ec081dd13e85eaa9e726cca02c">climbed onto an unsecured roof</a>&nbsp;on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and opened fire. But Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. said this week that the agency had “immediate needs” and that he’s talking to Congress.Secret Service officials also told lawmakers behind closed doors that they have already increased Trump’s security to the same level as Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden."There are a handful of specialized assets only the commander in chief gets, but the rest of his protection is at the same level,” Spencer Love, a Democratic spokesperson for the House task force, said after the agency briefed members on Wednesday.In the Senate, Florida Sen. Rick Scott has also introduced a bill mandating similar protection for presidential candidates. Both bills would also require regular reports to Congress on the status of the candidates’ protection. Senate leaders have not yet said whether they will consider the legislation.In a joint statement after the bill’s passage, Lawler and his co-sponsor, Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York, urged the Senate to take up the bill and President Joe Biden to sign it. They thanked Biden for expanding Trump’s security but said that “without the passage and implementation of this legislation, this enhanced protection will not be codified into law and is subject to change with time.”Republicans have argued that an overhaul of the agency, and potentially reallocating agents, should be a higher priority than funding.House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican who was himself shot at a baseball practice in 2017, noted this week that the Secret Service has received regular budget increases in recent years.“It’s not about the money,” Scalise said, but “what they’re doing with the money.”Rep. Mike Waltz, a Republican on the task force, said he pushed Secret Service officials Wednesday on what new resources they needed and they said they were still evaluating.“I think it’s irresponsible to just throw money at it when they’re not even sure what exactly they need and how quickly they can get it,” the Florida lawmaker said, adding that he hopes the agency shifts to a more threat-focused approach to protecting officials and candidates.It's unclear, though, if Republicans would fight a funding boost.“It’s been made implicitly clear that they’re stretched pretty thin,” said Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey, a member of the task force. “I know that there’s some folks who see a $3 billion budget and think that should be enough. But when you look at where all of the bodies have to go, that’s a problem.”

Unanimous: House votes to boost Trump security 

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a registered Kansas offender on new allegations after an arrest.&nbsp;

Just before 3:30p.m. Thursday, police arrested 41-year-old Marcus Grant of Ogden on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear.

 &nbsp;The original charge in this matter is for violation of the offender registration act.&nbsp; Grant has been listed in Kansas as a registered offender since 2013 after conviction in Saline County for aggravated robbery. He was later convicted in&nbsp; Geary County for aggravated battery in 2023, according to the KBI offender registry.

Grant is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726847204692.png" alt="Grant photo Riley County" />
 <figcaption>Grant photo Riley County</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a registered Kansas offender on new allegations after an arrest.&nbsp;Just before 3:30p.m. Thursday, police arrested 41-year-old Marcus Grant of Ogden on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. &nbsp;The original charge in this matter is for violation of the offender registration act.&nbsp; Grant has been listed in Kansas as a registered offender since 2013 after conviction in Saline County for aggravated robbery. He was later convicted in&nbsp; Geary County for aggravated battery in 2023, according to the KBI offender registry.Grant is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

Registered offender held on a $50,000 bond for skipping court

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting have made an arrest.

Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City, Kansas police&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 7h Street and Parallel Parkway on reports of a person lying in the street.

First responders discovered 45-year-old Jimmie Clark, Jr. the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp;

Late Thursday, police reported the arrest of 53-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Willie Lee Rucker, of Kansas City, Kansas. The Wyandotte County Attorney has charged him with three felonies including second degree, intentional murder; criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle; and unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to police.

Rucker is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726826834396.png" alt="Rucker-photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Rucker-photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting have made an arrest.Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City, Kansas police&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 7h Street and Parallel Parkway on reports of a person lying in the street.First responders discovered 45-year-old Jimmie Clark, Jr. the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp;Late Thursday, police reported the arrest of 53-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Willie Lee Rucker, of Kansas City, Kansas. The Wyandotte County Attorney has charged him with three felonies including second degree, intentional murder; criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle; and unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to police.Rucker is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.&nbsp;

Police ID Kansas man found dead in the street, make arrest

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police have not reported an arrest and continue asking the public for help to find a Kansas man accused in a deadly gunfight on Father's Day.

Wichita Police have reported no new update on missing 33-year-old Eric Gonzalez-Gutierrez, who is wanted for violating his pre-trial restrictions.&nbsp;On June 21, he cut his ankle monitor, according to Wichita Police.

On June 16, police arrested Gonzalez-Gutierrez on requested charges including first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Aron Lara.

Just after 8:30p.m. on Father's Day, police responded to a shooting incident in the 1900 block of N. Jackson Street in Wichita, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

While working to gather further information, the 911 dispatcher could hear gunfire in the background, prompting an immediate upgraded dispatch of officers to the scene.

First responders discovered Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sedgwick County EMS provided initial critical care at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital where he died.

Another victim, a 22-year-old Hispanic man, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot to the arm and was privately transported to St. Francis Hospital.

The incident occurred during a neighborhood barbecue in observance of Father's Day. According to preliminary reports, Lara, was involved in a verbal altercation with the Gonzales-Gutierrez earlier in the evening.&nbsp; Gonzales-Gutierrez allegedly returned home, retrieved a rifle, and fired upon the victim, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

It is believed that two men accompanying Lara returned fire, resulting in injuries to the second victim.

If you have any information on Gonzalez-Gutierrez whereabouts, please call 911 or WPD Detectives at 316-268-4407. To provide anonymous tips call 316-267-2111

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718711572362.png" alt="GONZALES-GUTIERREZ" />
 <figcaption>GONZALES-GUTIERREZ</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police have not reported an arrest and continue asking the public for help to find a Kansas man accused in a deadly gunfight on Father's Day.Wichita Police have reported no new update on missing 33-year-old Eric Gonzalez-Gutierrez, who is wanted for violating his pre-trial restrictions.&nbsp;On June 21, he cut his ankle monitor, according to Wichita Police.On June 16, police arrested Gonzalez-Gutierrez on requested charges including first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Aron Lara.Just after 8:30p.m. on Father's Day, police responded to a shooting incident in the 1900 block of N. Jackson Street in Wichita, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.While working to gather further information, the 911 dispatcher could hear gunfire in the background, prompting an immediate upgraded dispatch of officers to the scene.First responders discovered Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sedgwick County EMS provided initial critical care at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital where he died.Another victim, a 22-year-old Hispanic man, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot to the arm and was privately transported to St. Francis Hospital.The incident occurred during a neighborhood barbecue in observance of Father's Day. According to preliminary reports, Lara, was involved in a verbal altercation with the Gonzales-Gutierrez earlier in the evening.&nbsp; Gonzales-Gutierrez allegedly returned home, retrieved a rifle, and fired upon the victim, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting.It is believed that two men accompanying Lara returned fire, resulting in injuries to the second victim.If you have any information on Gonzalez-Gutierrez whereabouts, please call 911 or WPD Detectives at 316-268-4407. To provide anonymous tips call 316-267-2111

Search continues for suspect in deadly Kan. BBQ gunfight

JOHNSON COUNTY —A suspect&nbsp; in a 19-year-old murder is now in custody in a Kansas jail.

On September 15, 2005, police responded to the report of suspicious activity at an apartment in the 11900 block of W. 77th Terrace in Lenexa, according to a media release.

 Officers arrived and found 30-year-old Maria Morfin-Rojas of Lenexa. She had been stabbed to death.&nbsp;

Lenexa detectives quickly identified a suspect in this case, identified as Angel Maria Herrera, of Shawnee, Kansas. Detectives learned that Herrera fled the United States into Mexico a few days prior to the discovery of Morfin-Rojas’ body at the Lenexa apartment.

On September 17, 2005, the Johnson County District Attorney’s charged Herrera with 1st Degree Murder in this case, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On April 27, 2023, detectives were notified that Herrera had been arrested in El Salvador and was being held pending extradition to the United States.

On Wednesday, the lead detective for the Lenexa Police Department who has been working on this case since 2005 flew to El Salvador along with federal agents to take custody of Herrera and extradite him back to Johnson County. 

Herrera was booked into the Johnson County Adult Detention Center Thursday morning to await his arraignment in Johnson County District Court for the murder of Morfin-Rojas.

The investigation, arrest, and extradition of Herrera are the culmination of many years of diligent work by Lenexa officers, detectives, the Johnson County Crime Lab, the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others who have tirelessly sought for justice for Maria Morfin-Rojas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726766972266.png" alt="Herrera photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Herrera photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A suspect&nbsp; in a 19-year-old murder is now in custody in a Kansas jail.On September 15, 2005, police responded to the report of suspicious activity at an apartment in the 11900 block of W. 77th Terrace in Lenexa, according to a media release. Officers arrived and found 30-year-old Maria Morfin-Rojas of Lenexa. She had been stabbed to death.&nbsp;Lenexa detectives quickly identified a suspect in this case, identified as Angel Maria Herrera, of Shawnee, Kansas. Detectives learned that Herrera fled the United States into Mexico a few days prior to the discovery of Morfin-Rojas’ body at the Lenexa apartment.On September 17, 2005, the Johnson County District Attorney’s charged Herrera with 1st Degree Murder in this case, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.On April 27, 2023, detectives were notified that Herrera had been arrested in El Salvador and was being held pending extradition to the United States.On Wednesday, the lead detective for the Lenexa Police Department who has been working on this case since 2005 flew to El Salvador along with federal agents to take custody of Herrera and extradite him back to Johnson County. Herrera was booked into the Johnson County Adult Detention Center Thursday morning to await his arraignment in Johnson County District Court for the murder of Morfin-Rojas.The investigation, arrest, and extradition of Herrera are the culmination of many years of diligent work by Lenexa officers, detectives, the Johnson County Crime Lab, the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others who have tirelessly sought for justice for Maria Morfin-Rojas.

Suspect in Kan. woman's murder extradited from El Salvador

Following the recent law enforcement investigation into alleged social media threats against Junction City Middle School and listing of student and staff names from USD 475, a juvenile was arrested by the JCPD on a recommended charge of Aggravated Criminal Threat and released to their parents.&nbsp;Assistant Junction City Police Chief Cory Odell noted that the first incident was not unique to USD 475 while the second round of alleged threats was specific to USD 475.

Thursday representatives from the JCPD, Geary County Sheriff's Department and Fort Riley Police Department met with the USD 475 Board of Education.&nbsp;

Possible options identified for moving forward included implementing use of clear book bags for the 2025-26 school year to advancing metal detection practices. Those could help with detection and deterrence. Education that could teach that actions have consequences and repercussions also received discussion.

Goals mentioned included fostering open dialogue with the community.

Sheriff Eric Coffman pointed to the need to get as much information as possible to those in need.

On accountability actions BOE President Kristy Haden suggested additional training for students and parents, and why not implement the clear bag step sooner, possibly at the end of the semester. She feels the Board should talk abut that subject.

There was discussion only on the board meeting agenda Thursday evening.

Following the recent law enforcement investigation into alleged social media threats against Junction City Middle School and listing of student and staff names from USD 475, a juvenile was arrested by the JCPD on a recommended charge of Aggravated Criminal Threat and released to their parents.&nbsp;Assistant Junction City Police Chief Cory Odell noted that the first incident was not unique to USD 475 while the second round of alleged threats was specific to USD 475.Thursday representatives from the JCPD, Geary County Sheriff's Department and Fort Riley Police Department met with the USD 475 Board of Education.&nbsp;Possible options identified for moving forward included implementing use of clear book bags for the 2025-26 school year to advancing metal detection practices. Those could help with detection and deterrence. Education that could teach that actions have consequences and repercussions also received discussion.Goals mentioned included fostering open dialogue with the community.Sheriff Eric Coffman pointed to the need to get as much information as possible to those in need.On accountability actions BOE President Kristy Haden suggested additional training for students and parents, and why not implement the clear bag step sooner, possibly at the end of the semester. She feels the Board should talk abut that subject.There was discussion only on the board meeting agenda Thursday evening.

School Safety was a topic for BOE discussion

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Ashanti McGill, Theft by deception (Value $1,500 to $25,000), Forgery, Making or altering a written instrument (3rd subsequent conviction), arrested 09/18

Noe Lara, Racing on highways/exhibition of speed; Speed in excess for conditions, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 09/18

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726765719561.jpeg" alt="Addie Cook, Aggravated assault, Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 09/18" />
 <figcaption>Addie Cook, Aggravated assault, Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 09/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726765755925.jpeg" alt="Austin Rowzer, Outside warrant, arrested 09/18" />
 <figcaption>Austin Rowzer, Outside warrant, arrested 09/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726765822035.jpeg" alt="Deonte Jones, Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Stalking, Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family; Assault, Criminal threat, cause terror, evacuation or disruption, arrested 09/18" />
 <figcaption>Deonte Jones, Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Stalking, Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family; Assault, Criminal threat, cause terror, evacuation or disruption, arrested 09/18</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Ashanti McGill, Theft by deception (Value $1,500 to $25,000), Forgery, Making or altering a written instrument (3rd subsequent conviction), arrested 09/18Noe Lara, Racing on highways/exhibition of speed; Speed in excess for conditions, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 09/18Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Sept. 19

KANSAS CITY— A dozen Kansas City metropolitan area men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in at least one death, and to illegally possessing firearms.

Justin D. Rivera, also known as “JD,” 20, Yael Figueroa, also known as “Grit,” 23, Jose R. Lugo, Jr., also known as “El Wey,” 20, Aaron Contreras-Jaquez, also known as “Van Kleefy,” 24, Jose Lorenzo-Medina, 24, and Antonio R. Baeza-Brown, also known as “Tony,” 25, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Simon L. Figueroa, 26, and Jonathan Gonzales, 25, both citizens of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo.; Luis Calvillo-Ortiz, also known as “Loc,” 19, of Independence, Mo.; and Marcos Favian Alvarado, also known as “Baby Face,” 20, Chad B. Green, also known as “Gso Yad,” 24, and Crencio Carbajal-Loya, 18, all of Kansas City, Kansas, were charged in a 35-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 11.

Three residential search warrants also were executed. Law enforcement officers seized 6,738 fentanyl pills, 11 firearms, including a machinegun, five stolen automobiles, and more than $75,000 in cash.

The federal indictment alleges that all 12 of the defendants have participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl since Dec. 1, 2022. The indictment also alleges that all 12 of the defendants have participated in a conspiracy to use and carry firearms in relation to that drug-trafficking conspiracy.

In addition to the drug-trafficking and firearms conspiracies, Rivera is charged with distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a victim identified as “M.M.” on May 7, 2023. Rivera is also charged with eight counts of distributing fentanyl, three counts of using and carrying firearms during a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of using and carrying a machine gun during a drug-trafficking crime.

Alvarado is also charged with one count of distributing fentanyl, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.

Yael Figueroa is also charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.

Medina is also charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl.

Contreras-Jaquez is also charged with two counts of distributing fentanyl and two counts of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

Calvillo-Ortiz, Gonzales, and Simon Figueroa each are also charged with one count of distributing fentanyl.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726691837457.png" alt="Chad Green is among those included in the indictment-photo from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Chad Green is among those included in the indictment-photo from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A dozen Kansas City metropolitan area men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in at least one death, and to illegally possessing firearms.Justin D. Rivera, also known as “JD,” 20, Yael Figueroa, also known as “Grit,” 23, Jose R. Lugo, Jr., also known as “El Wey,” 20, Aaron Contreras-Jaquez, also known as “Van Kleefy,” 24, Jose Lorenzo-Medina, 24, and Antonio R. Baeza-Brown, also known as “Tony,” 25, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Simon L. Figueroa, 26, and Jonathan Gonzales, 25, both citizens of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo.; Luis Calvillo-Ortiz, also known as “Loc,” 19, of Independence, Mo.; and Marcos Favian Alvarado, also known as “Baby Face,” 20, Chad B. Green, also known as “Gso Yad,” 24, and Crencio Carbajal-Loya, 18, all of Kansas City, Kansas, were charged in a 35-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 11.Three residential search warrants also were executed. Law enforcement officers seized 6,738 fentanyl pills, 11 firearms, including a machinegun, five stolen automobiles, and more than $75,000 in cash.The federal indictment alleges that all 12 of the defendants have participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl since Dec. 1, 2022. The indictment also alleges that all 12 of the defendants have participated in a conspiracy to use and carry firearms in relation to that drug-trafficking conspiracy.In addition to the drug-trafficking and firearms conspiracies, Rivera is charged with distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a victim identified as “M.M.” on May 7, 2023. Rivera is also charged with eight counts of distributing fentanyl, three counts of using and carrying firearms during a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of using and carrying a machine gun during a drug-trafficking crime.Alvarado is also charged with one count of distributing fentanyl, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.Yael Figueroa is also charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.Medina is also charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl.Contreras-Jaquez is also charged with two counts of distributing fentanyl and two counts of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.Calvillo-Ortiz, Gonzales, and Simon Figueroa each are also charged with one count of distributing fentanyl.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Police in KC seized fentanyl, a machine gun, stolen cars and cash.

ALLEN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage incident and made an arrest of the teen driver for allegedly pointing a gun at occupants of another vehicle.

Shortly before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, two individuals from Chanute, Kansas, reported to the Humboldt Police Department that they had been traveling on Old U.S. Hwy 169 to the gym in Humboldt, according to a statement from the Allen County Sheriff's office.

A Jeep Liberty, reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed, passed and repeatedly braked in front of them. The vehicles “leap-frogged” each other a couple of times before a gun was pointed at the Chanute residents as the vehicles crossed the bridge near the Monarch Cement plant.

Officers located the Jeep and two juvenile occupants including&nbsp; a 17-year-old driver from Buffalo, Kansas. They were detained by the Iola Police Department at the Pete’s convenience store on the east side of Iola until a sheriff's deputy arrived.&nbsp;

Deputies removed a .45 caliber handgun matching the description given by the reporting party from the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Bottles of liquor, nicotine and THC vapes, along with items alleged to be narcotics and drug paraphernalia, were found also in the vehicle and seized. &nbsp;The gun is believed to belong to the girl’s father, who kept the gun in an unlocked safe.

Deputies took the 17-year-old girl into custody and transported her to the juvenile detention center in Girard. The fifteen-year-old passenger in the vehicle was released to a parent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The following charges are being forwarded to the Allen County Attorney’s Officer for consideration:&nbsp; Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of THC, Possession of Alcohol by a Minor, Possession of Tobacco/Nicotine by a Minor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

ALLEN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage incident and made an arrest of the teen driver for allegedly pointing a gun at occupants of another vehicle.Shortly before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, two individuals from Chanute, Kansas, reported to the Humboldt Police Department that they had been traveling on Old U.S. Hwy 169 to the gym in Humboldt, according to a statement from the Allen County Sheriff's office.A Jeep Liberty, reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed, passed and repeatedly braked in front of them. The vehicles “leap-frogged” each other a couple of times before a gun was pointed at the Chanute residents as the vehicles crossed the bridge near the Monarch Cement plant.Officers located the Jeep and two juvenile occupants including&nbsp; a 17-year-old driver from Buffalo, Kansas. They were detained by the Iola Police Department at the Pete’s convenience store on the east side of Iola until a sheriff's deputy arrived.&nbsp;Deputies removed a .45 caliber handgun matching the description given by the reporting party from the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp; Bottles of liquor, nicotine and THC vapes, along with items alleged to be narcotics and drug paraphernalia, were found also in the vehicle and seized. &nbsp;The gun is believed to belong to the girl’s father, who kept the gun in an unlocked safe.Deputies took the 17-year-old girl into custody and transported her to the juvenile detention center in Girard. The fifteen-year-old passenger in the vehicle was released to a parent.&nbsp;&nbsp;The following charges are being forwarded to the Allen County Attorney’s Officer for consideration:&nbsp; Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of THC, Possession of Alcohol by a Minor, Possession of Tobacco/Nicotine by a Minor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Road rage: 17-year-old Kansas girl arrested, gun seized

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 4p.m. September 15, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office observed an individual with warrants for his arrest in the 6700 block of SW Briarmeade Lane in the Topeka area, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located. The deputy arrested Jeramie J. Morrissey, 37, of Topeka, on requested charges of Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Morrissey also had the warrants for his arrest and were for Speeding and driving while license suspended and&nbsp;Topeka bench warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726418665460.png" alt="Morrissey-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Morrissey-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 4p.m. September 15, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office observed an individual with warrants for his arrest in the 6700 block of SW Briarmeade Lane in the Topeka area, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located. The deputy arrested Jeramie J. Morrissey, 37, of Topeka, on requested charges of Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Morrissey also had the warrants for his arrest and were for Speeding and driving while license suspended and&nbsp;Topeka bench warrants.

Kansas man wanted on warrants was transporting drugs

RILEY COUNTY —An arson suspect who skipped a court appearance is in jail.

Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 39-year-old Mahboooba Babrakzai, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Babrakzai was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge in this matter is for aggravated arson stemming from a report filed in July of 2022. Total bond was set at $100,000.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —An arson suspect who skipped a court appearance is in jail.Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 39-year-old Mahboooba Babrakzai, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Babrakzai was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge in this matter is for aggravated arson stemming from a report filed in July of 2022. Total bond was set at $100,000.&nbsp;

Arson suspect held on $100,000 bond after skipping court

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726676186189.jpeg" alt="Amanda Wunder, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 09/17" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Wunder, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 09/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726676249023.jpeg" alt="Jocelyn Quarcoo, Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 09/17" />
 <figcaption>Jocelyn Quarcoo, Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 09/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726676354446.jpeg" alt="Thomas Carter,&nbsp;Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 09/17" />
 <figcaption>Thomas Carter,&nbsp;Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 09/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726676385800.jpeg" alt="Jerry Saenz, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt;$25,000 pocket picking, Making false information, arrested 09/17" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Saenz, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt;$25,000 pocket picking, Making false information, arrested 09/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726676455603.jpeg" alt="Angela Washington, Failure to appear (Two counts), Aggravated failure to appear, arrested 09/17" />
 <figcaption>Angela Washington, Failure to appear (Two counts), Aggravated failure to appear, arrested 09/17</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Sept. 18

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that left one person dead in Wyandotte County.

Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City, Kansas&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 7h Street and Parallel Parkway on reports of a person lying in the street. 

First responders discovered a man, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. Police have not released the name of the victim or reported an arrest.

 This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that left one person dead in Wyandotte County.Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City, Kansas&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 7h Street and Parallel Parkway on reports of a person lying in the street. First responders discovered a man, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. Police have not released the name of the victim or reported an arrest. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward

Homicide: Kansas man found lying in the street

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday made his first public appearance since Sunday’s second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">apparent assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;against him, speaking to an crowd chanting “God bless Trump!” and “Fight, Fight, Fight” as U.S. Secret Service agents surrounded the stage to protect him.

“It’s been a great experience,” the Republican presidential nominee said in an evening town hall in Flint, Michigan, about holding events with thousands of supporters. But he also went on to call running for president “a dangerous business” akin to car racing or bull riding.

“Only consequential presidents get shot at,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;struck a measured tone, even steering clear of mentioning Trump by name in an interview with Black journalists that starkly contrasted with the former president’s own highly contentious appearance before the same group.

The two candidates briefly put their differences aside in a phone call Trump described as “very, very nice” even as crowds booed when he mentioned Harris by her first name. Harris said earlier in the day that she told Trump “there’s no place for political violence in our country.”

Both sides are ramping up campaigning with no changes to Trump’s calendar despite the apparent assassination attempt at one of his Florida golf courses, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-2024-election-assassination-attempt-836523f3bbecf4a183dc46fbefd8230a">renewed accusations by Republicans</a>&nbsp;that Democrats’ criticism against Trump is inspiring violent attacks. Democrats have accused Trump in the past for his long history of inflammatory campaign rhetoric and advocacy for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-wisconsin-election-economy-a6923d6c5758dabb6d959417ea9d7d12">jailing or prosecuting his political enemies</a>. But Harris was treading more carefully in the aftermath of the latest incident.

Her session with the National Association of Black Journalists was one of the few extensive sit-down interviews Harris has done since replacing President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket in July. She repeatedly criticized Trump on issues including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and opposition to abortion access, but was careful to refer to him as the former president and in other ways that avoided naming him directly.

Trump re-upped his past retaliation threats against election workers, donors and others as he tries to stoke fears about the integrity of the upcoming 2024 election.

He posted Tuesday on his social media site, “Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before.”

The Michigan town hall was billed as focusing on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-auto-industry-tariffs-false-chinese-factories-0f024d98e25a361db35761b2fb740e3b">the auto industry</a>, a pillar of the battleground state. Trump alleged Democrats would undercut American car manufacturing by pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles and repeated false claims that Chinese automakers are building large factories across the border in Mexico to flood the U.S. with vehicles.

Trump has appearances later in the week in New York, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina.

Harris has her own stops in Washington as well as Michigan and Wisconsin in the coming days, with the two candidates overlapping in concentrating on the industrial Midwest, Pennsylvania and North Carolina — all swing areas that could decide an election expected to be exceedingly close.

Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-nabj-black-voters-trump-philadelphia-election-vance-walz-f40ec2b5833155562463efa05df6a03f">answered questions from three association journalists</a>&nbsp;at a small, relatively quiet venue at the Philadelphia studios of public radio station WHYY. That was very different from Trump’s addressing the NABJ conference in Chicago in July, when he was antagonistic to the moderators and sparked an uproar by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-black-journalists-convention-nabj-1e96aa530e88013ed6f577feaf89ccb6">questioning the vice president’s racial identity</a>.

Her manner was a departure from her campaign rallies, where Harris often receives some of her loudest applause by declaring that her professional background as a prosecutor means, “I know Donald Trump’s type.”

Pressed about reports of eroding support among Black male voters, Harris said she wasn’t “assuming I’m gonna have it because I’m Black.” She ducked a question about whether she’d support efforts by some congressional Democrats for reparations from the government to compensate descendants of slaves for years of unpaid labor by their ancestors. Biden has backed the idea of at least studying reparations.

So far, Biden and Harris have tried to avoid politics in their responses to Sunday’s incident, instead condemning political violence of all kinds. The president also urged Congress to increase funding to the Secret Service.

Trump has claimed, without evidence, that months of criticism against him by Harris and Biden, who call him a threat to American democracy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-2024-election-assassination-attempt-836523f3bbecf4a183dc46fbefd8230a">inspired the latest attack</a>.

“I really believe that the rhetoric from the Democrats” is “making the bullets fly. And it’s very dangerous. Dangerous for them. It’s dangerous for both sides,” Trump said in an interview with The Washington Post.

Authorities say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-suspect-ukraine-f76ed09f256f6bd21727a10901d92af7">Ryan Wesley Routh</a>&nbsp;camped outside the golf course in West Palm Beach, where Trump was playing Sunday, for nearly 12 hours with food and a rifle but fled without firing shots when a Secret Service agent spotted and shot at him. He was subsequently arrested as he drove on the highway.

Routh’s past online posts suggest he has not been consistent about his politics in terms of supporting Democrats or Republicans. The attack came barely two months after Trump was wounded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-assassination-attempt-city-8c62803f8a57f569a2a5639172a6c783">during a rally in Pennsylvania</a>.

Trump also met Tuesday with sheriff’s office deputies who activated the highway traffic stop that took Routh into custody.

Trump’s running mate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-kemp-faith-freedom-c808cd8c56b63cba44fe0e0349d432e3">Ohio Sen. JD Vance</a>, said at a Georgia Faith &amp; Freedom Coalition event on Monday that “it’s popular on a lot of corners of the left to say that we have a both sides problem.” But “no one has tried to kill Kamala Harris in the last couple of months, and two people now have tried to kill Donald Trump.”

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during her briefing with reporters Tuesday that there should be zero tolerance for violence-inciting rhetoric. She bristled at the suggestion that Biden and Harris have stoked division by calling Trump a threat to democracy, saying there were concrete examples of the former president being that — such as when he helped incite an attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

In response to Vance’s comments, Jean-Pierre said, “When you have that type of language out there it’s dangerous. It’s dangerous because people look up to that particular national leader, and they listen to you.” She said such comments open the door for “people to take you very seriously.”

Dan Curry, 44, of Saginaw, Michigan, attended the town hall Tuesday and said he is worried about the prospect of more violence against Trump.

“They say the Republicans are the gun-crazed lunatics trying to shoot people, but you don’t see us going after them,” said Curry, while adding these attacks may mobilize more support for Trump.

“It energizes his base,” he said. “How could it not?”

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday made his first public appearance since Sunday’s second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">apparent assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;against him, speaking to an crowd chanting “God bless Trump!” and “Fight, Fight, Fight” as U.S. Secret Service agents surrounded the stage to protect him.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VP <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> says she spoke with former President Trump today: &quot;I checked to see if he was OK. I told him what I have said publicly, there is no place for political violence in our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sS1hffXE5O">pic.twitter.com/sS1hffXE5O</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1836127462868082714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It’s been a great experience,” the Republican presidential nominee said in an evening town hall in Flint, Michigan, about holding events with thousands of supporters. But he also went on to call running for president “a dangerous business” akin to car racing or bull riding.“Only consequential presidents get shot at,” he said.Earlier in the day, Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;struck a measured tone, even steering clear of mentioning Trump by name in an interview with Black journalists that starkly contrasted with the former president’s own highly contentious appearance before the same group.The two candidates briefly put their differences aside in a phone call Trump described as “very, very nice” even as crowds booed when he mentioned Harris by her first name. Harris said earlier in the day that she told Trump “there’s no place for political violence in our country.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Donald Trump on assassination attempt this past Sunday: &quot;Secret Service did a hell of a job. They really did.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/7earysPTMb">pic.twitter.com/7earysPTMb</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1836201443922936266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Both sides are ramping up campaigning with no changes to Trump’s calendar despite the apparent assassination attempt at one of his Florida golf courses, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-2024-election-assassination-attempt-836523f3bbecf4a183dc46fbefd8230a">renewed accusations by Republicans</a>&nbsp;that Democrats’ criticism against Trump is inspiring violent attacks. Democrats have accused Trump in the past for his long history of inflammatory campaign rhetoric and advocacy for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-wisconsin-election-economy-a6923d6c5758dabb6d959417ea9d7d12">jailing or prosecuting his political enemies</a>. But Harris was treading more carefully in the aftermath of the latest incident.Her session with the National Association of Black Journalists was one of the few extensive sit-down interviews Harris has done since replacing President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket in July. She repeatedly criticized Trump on issues including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and opposition to abortion access, but was careful to refer to him as the former president and in other ways that avoided naming him directly.Trump re-upped his past retaliation threats against election workers, donors and others as he tries to stoke fears about the integrity of the upcoming 2024 election.He posted Tuesday on his social media site, “Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before.”The Michigan town hall was billed as focusing on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-auto-industry-tariffs-false-chinese-factories-0f024d98e25a361db35761b2fb740e3b">the auto industry</a>, a pillar of the battleground state. Trump alleged Democrats would undercut American car manufacturing by pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles and repeated false claims that Chinese automakers are building large factories across the border in Mexico to flood the U.S. with vehicles.Trump has appearances later in the week in New York, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina.Harris has her own stops in Washington as well as Michigan and Wisconsin in the coming days, with the two candidates overlapping in concentrating on the industrial Midwest, Pennsylvania and North Carolina — all swing areas that could decide an election expected to be exceedingly close.Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-nabj-black-voters-trump-philadelphia-election-vance-walz-f40ec2b5833155562463efa05df6a03f">answered questions from three association journalists</a>&nbsp;at a small, relatively quiet venue at the Philadelphia studios of public radio station WHYY. That was very different from Trump’s addressing the NABJ conference in Chicago in July, when he was antagonistic to the moderators and sparked an uproar by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-black-journalists-convention-nabj-1e96aa530e88013ed6f577feaf89ccb6">questioning the vice president’s racial identity</a>.Her manner was a departure from her campaign rallies, where Harris often receives some of her loudest applause by declaring that her professional background as a prosecutor means, “I know Donald Trump’s type.”Pressed about reports of eroding support among Black male voters, Harris said she wasn’t “assuming I’m gonna have it because I’m Black.” She ducked a question about whether she’d support efforts by some congressional Democrats for reparations from the government to compensate descendants of slaves for years of unpaid labor by their ancestors. Biden has backed the idea of at least studying reparations.So far, Biden and Harris have tried to avoid politics in their responses to Sunday’s incident, instead condemning political violence of all kinds. The president also urged Congress to increase funding to the Secret Service.Trump has claimed, without evidence, that months of criticism against him by Harris and Biden, who call him a threat to American democracy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-2024-election-assassination-attempt-836523f3bbecf4a183dc46fbefd8230a">inspired the latest attack</a>.“I really believe that the rhetoric from the Democrats” is “making the bullets fly. And it’s very dangerous. Dangerous for them. It’s dangerous for both sides,” Trump said in an interview with The Washington Post.Authorities say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-suspect-ukraine-f76ed09f256f6bd21727a10901d92af7">Ryan Wesley Routh</a>&nbsp;camped outside the golf course in West Palm Beach, where Trump was playing Sunday, for nearly 12 hours with food and a rifle but fled without firing shots when a Secret Service agent spotted and shot at him. He was subsequently arrested as he drove on the highway.Routh’s past online posts suggest he has not been consistent about his politics in terms of supporting Democrats or Republicans. The attack came barely two months after Trump was wounded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-assassination-attempt-city-8c62803f8a57f569a2a5639172a6c783">during a rally in Pennsylvania</a>.Trump also met Tuesday with sheriff’s office deputies who activated the highway traffic stop that took Routh into custody.Trump’s running mate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-kemp-faith-freedom-c808cd8c56b63cba44fe0e0349d432e3">Ohio Sen. JD Vance</a>, said at a Georgia Faith &amp; Freedom Coalition event on Monday that “it’s popular on a lot of corners of the left to say that we have a both sides problem.” But “no one has tried to kill Kamala Harris in the last couple of months, and two people now have tried to kill Donald Trump.”White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during her briefing with reporters Tuesday that there should be zero tolerance for violence-inciting rhetoric. She bristled at the suggestion that Biden and Harris have stoked division by calling Trump a threat to democracy, saying there were concrete examples of the former president being that — such as when he helped incite an attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.In response to Vance’s comments, Jean-Pierre said, “When you have that type of language out there it’s dangerous. It’s dangerous because people look up to that particular national leader, and they listen to you.” She said such comments open the door for “people to take you very seriously.”Dan Curry, 44, of Saginaw, Michigan, attended the town hall Tuesday and said he is worried about the prospect of more violence against Trump.“They say the Republicans are the gun-crazed lunatics trying to shoot people, but you don’t see us going after them,” said Curry, while adding these attacks may mobilize more support for Trump.“It energizes his base,” he said. “How could it not?”<h2>___</h2>

🎥Harris describes phone call to Trump following 2nd assassination attempt

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack on a&nbsp;25-year-old babysitter at a park in Lawrence on Tuesday.

Just after 12:30p.m. the woman was attacked at Centennial Park, 2124 W 9th Street in Lawrence, while she was holding a 4-year-old child. 

Witnesses told police that a woman, who is believed to be living in the park, angrily approached a small group of people supervising children on the playground. 

The victim, worried for the safety of the child, picked her up and attempted to get away from the 33-year-old suspect, but the suspect allegedly struck the victim in the back with a dumbbell multiple times. 

The victim was able to run away from the suspect, get into her vehicle with the child, and leave the area while calling police. 

The suspect was located in the park and arrested on a requested charge of aggravated battery and child endangerment. 

The victim declined medical treatment at the scene and will be physically ok, but was clearly shaken. Officers were unable to determine a motive for the attack but said the suspect's behavior with them was very erratic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726654684422.png" alt="Centennial Park, 2124 W 9th Street in Lawrence-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Centennial Park, 2124 W 9th Street in Lawrence-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack on a&nbsp;25-year-old babysitter at a park in Lawrence on Tuesday.Just after 12:30p.m. the woman was attacked at Centennial Park, 2124 W 9th Street in Lawrence, while she was holding a 4-year-old child. Witnesses told police that a woman, who is believed to be living in the park, angrily approached a small group of people supervising children on the playground. The victim, worried for the safety of the child, picked her up and attempted to get away from the 33-year-old suspect, but the suspect allegedly struck the victim in the back with a dumbbell multiple times. The victim was able to run away from the suspect, get into her vehicle with the child, and leave the area while calling police. The suspect was located in the park and arrested on a requested charge of aggravated battery and child endangerment. The victim declined medical treatment at the scene and will be physically ok, but was clearly shaken. Officers were unable to determine a motive for the attack but said the suspect's behavior with them was very erratic.

Babysitter attacked with dumbbell while caring for child at Kan. park

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement and school districts across Kansas are investigating school threats and several individuals have been taken into custody.

On Tuesday, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a social media post that mentions St. Paul school along with a couple of other schools outside of Neosho County as being on an alleged list, according to a media release.&nbsp; Law Enforcement in those jurisdictions have been notified and Neosho County investigators are currently following&nbsp; leads as the post is being treated as a criminal threat.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;The Dodge City Police Department reported they were aware of two circulating Snapchat messages that contain threats to Comanche Middle School and Dodge City Middle School, according to a media release. "We are actively working to identify the individuals responsible, and officers are increasing patrols around the schools to ensure student safety."

The Liberal Police Department reported they were also aware of a recent threat regarding a potential school shooting. After following several leads, the police department determined that the threat is non-credible.

Law enforcement are investigating a surge of reports of a vague school shooting threat circulating online about the USD 230 Spring Hill school district, according to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be proactive, the sheriff's office has increased their presence at schools in Spring Hill and adjacent districts in Johnson and Miami counties.

Junction City Police and Geary USD 475 investigated school&nbsp;threats made on TikTok against Junction City Middle School.

On Friday, September 13th, officers in Junction City were alerted to additional social media activity, which included a list of names of students and staff from USD 475 posted on Snapchat. On Tuesday, the Junction City Police Department identified a juvenile believed to be responsible for the post. Police arrested the juvenile, charged them with Aggravated Criminal Threat, a Level 5-person felony, and later released them to their parents.

In Hays, police&nbsp;received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School, 201 W 29th Street, Hays,  according to a statement from Police Chief Don Scheibler.

The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said.

During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said.

A 37-year-old Salina man was arrested September 13, after he allegedly made alarming statements about plans to "shoot up a school" while standing in line at a local Casey's convenience store.

Police recommend that parents talk with their children about the consequences of making threats. We would also ask that parents educate children not to re-share social media posts but rather contact law enforcement immediately.

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement and school districts across Kansas are investigating school threats and several individuals have been taken into custody.On Tuesday, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a social media post that mentions St. Paul school along with a couple of other schools outside of Neosho County as being on an alleged list, according to a media release.&nbsp; Law Enforcement in those jurisdictions have been notified and Neosho County investigators are currently following&nbsp; leads as the post is being treated as a criminal threat.On Tuesday,&nbsp;The Dodge City Police Department reported they were aware of two circulating Snapchat messages that contain threats to Comanche Middle School and Dodge City Middle School, according to a media release. "We are actively working to identify the individuals responsible, and officers are increasing patrols around the schools to ensure student safety."The Liberal Police Department reported they were also aware of a recent threat regarding a potential school shooting. After following several leads, the police department determined that the threat is non-credible.Law enforcement are investigating a surge of reports of a vague school shooting threat circulating online about the USD 230 Spring Hill school district, according to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be proactive, the sheriff's office has increased their presence at schools in Spring Hill and adjacent districts in Johnson and Miami counties.Junction City Police and Geary USD 475 investigated school&nbsp;threats made on TikTok against Junction City Middle School.On Friday, September 13th, officers in Junction City were alerted to additional social media activity, which included a list of names of students and staff from USD 475 posted on Snapchat. On Tuesday, the Junction City Police Department identified a juvenile believed to be responsible for the post. Police arrested the juvenile, charged them with Aggravated Criminal Threat, a Level 5-person felony, and later released them to their parents.In Hays, police&nbsp;received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School, 201 W 29th Street, Hays, according to a statement from Police Chief Don Scheibler.The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said.The school was determined to be safe.During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said.A 37-year-old Salina man was arrested September 13, after he allegedly made alarming statements about plans to "shoot up a school" while standing in line at a local Casey's convenience store.Police recommend that parents talk with their children about the consequences of making threats. We would also ask that parents educate children not to re-share social media posts but rather contact law enforcement immediately.

Police, school districts across Kansas investigating threats

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a Kansas man on multiple allegations after an incident on a Kansas highway.

Just before 4 p.m. Sept. 12, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a traffic complaint of a gray passenger vehicle unable to maintain the driving lane, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies discovered a Kaleb Liam Johnson, 25, of Topeka, allegedly drove reckless swerving in front of another vehicle causing it to almost leave the roadway, engaging in reckless driving, swerving across multiple lanes of traffic. The vehicle was occupied with two children inside.

Johnson was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated child endangerment, reckless driving and driving with an expired registration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726257133879.png" alt="Johnson-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a Kansas man on multiple allegations after an incident on a Kansas highway.Just before 4 p.m. Sept. 12, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a traffic complaint of a gray passenger vehicle unable to maintain the driving lane, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies discovered a Kaleb Liam Johnson, 25, of Topeka, allegedly drove reckless swerving in front of another vehicle causing it to almost leave the roadway, engaging in reckless driving, swerving across multiple lanes of traffic. The vehicle was occupied with two children inside.Johnson was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated child endangerment, reckless driving and driving with an expired registration.

Kan. man jailed after wild drive with two children in the vehicle

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-diddy-combs">Sean “Diddy” Combs</a>&nbsp;presided over a sordid empire of sexual crimes, coercing and abusing women for years while using blackmail and shocking acts of violence to keep his victims in line, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.

<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iSrpU9eql323koZY7Omi0TmOWzrIOpSQ/view">Click here to read the full&nbsp;</a>14 page indictment&nbsp;

The music mogul pleaded not guilty, standing to speak, after listening to the allegations while showing little reaction, his uncuffed hands folded in his lap.

Federal prosecutors called Combs dangerous and urged that he be jailed without bail.

“Mr. Combs physically and sexually abused victims for decades. He used the vast resources of his company to facilitate his abuse and cover up his crimes. Simply put, he is a serial abuser and a serial obstructor,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told a court. She also said he had “extensive and exhaustive history of obstruction of justice,” including alleged bribery and witness intimidation.

His lawyers, meanwhile, proposed in court papers that he be released on a $50 million bond to home detention with electronic monitoring.

The racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking indictment described Combs inducing female victims and male sex workers into drugged-up, sometimes dayslong sexual performances dubbed “Freak Offs."

It also refers obliquely to an attack on his former girlfriend, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-cassie-lawsuit-e3681f1abbe38c11d829c269c9a89260">R&amp;B singer Cassie</a>, that was captured on video.

The 54-year-old founder of Bad Boy Records is accused of striking, punching and dragging women, throwing objects and kicking them — and getting his personal assistants, security and household staff to help him hide it all.

Prosecutors said in court papers that they had interviewed more than 50 victims and witnesses and expect the number to grow. They said they would use financial, travel and billing records, electronic data and communications and videos of the “Freak Offs” to prove their case.

Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said outside the courthouse Tuesday that Combs is innocent.

“His spirits are good. He’s confident,” said the attorney, who said Combs came to New York voluntarily to “engage the court system and start the case.”

Combs' three sons also arrived at the courthouse to observe.

Combs was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-arrested-93831d646c5cf36add77a91ba668ae84">arrested late Monday</a>&nbsp;in Manhattan, roughly six months after federal authorities conducting a sex trafficking investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-sex-trafficking-raids-feds-74a31ab6d1778ef84f1b97e7578dc906">raided his luxurious homes</a>&nbsp;in Los Angeles and Miami.

A conviction on every charge in the indictment would require a mandatory 15 years in prison with the possibility of a life sentence.

The indictment describes Combs as the head of a criminal enterprise that engaged or attempted to engage in sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, drug offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.

Combs and his associates wielded his “power and prestige” to intimidate and lure women into his orbit, “often under the pretense of a romantic relationship,” the indictment says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726573364033.png" alt="Sean 'Diddy' Combs" />
 <figcaption>Sean 'Diddy' Combs</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-diddy-combs">Sean “Diddy” Combs</a>&nbsp;presided over a sordid empire of sexual crimes, coercing and abusing women for years while using blackmail and shocking acts of violence to keep his victims in line, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iSrpU9eql323koZY7Omi0TmOWzrIOpSQ/view">Click here to read the full&nbsp;</a>14 page indictment&nbsp;The music mogul pleaded not guilty, standing to speak, after listening to the allegations while showing little reaction, his uncuffed hands folded in his lap.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726583216599.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Federal prosecutors called Combs dangerous and urged that he be jailed without bail.“Mr. Combs physically and sexually abused victims for decades. He used the vast resources of his company to facilitate his abuse and cover up his crimes. Simply put, he is a serial abuser and a serial obstructor,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told a court. She also said he had “extensive and exhaustive history of obstruction of justice,” including alleged bribery and witness intimidation.His lawyers, meanwhile, proposed in court papers that he be released on a $50 million bond to home detention with electronic monitoring.The racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking indictment described Combs inducing female victims and male sex workers into drugged-up, sometimes dayslong sexual performances dubbed “Freak Offs."It also refers obliquely to an attack on his former girlfriend, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-cassie-lawsuit-e3681f1abbe38c11d829c269c9a89260">R&amp;B singer Cassie</a>, that was captured on video.The 54-year-old founder of Bad Boy Records is accused of striking, punching and dragging women, throwing objects and kicking them — and getting his personal assistants, security and household staff to help him hide it all.Prosecutors said in court papers that they had interviewed more than 50 victims and witnesses and expect the number to grow. They said they would use financial, travel and billing records, electronic data and communications and videos of the “Freak Offs” to prove their case.Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said outside the courthouse Tuesday that Combs is innocent.“His spirits are good. He’s confident,” said the attorney, who said Combs came to New York voluntarily to “engage the court system and start the case.”Combs' three sons also arrived at the courthouse to observe.Combs was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-arrested-93831d646c5cf36add77a91ba668ae84">arrested late Monday</a>&nbsp;in Manhattan, roughly six months after federal authorities conducting a sex trafficking investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-sex-trafficking-raids-feds-74a31ab6d1778ef84f1b97e7578dc906">raided his luxurious homes</a>&nbsp;in Los Angeles and Miami.A conviction on every charge in the indictment would require a mandatory 15 years in prison with the possibility of a life sentence.The indictment describes Combs as the head of a criminal enterprise that engaged or attempted to engage in sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, drug offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.Combs and his associates wielded his “power and prestige” to intimidate and lure women into his orbit, “often under the pretense of a romantic relationship,” the indictment says.It says he then would use force, threats and coercion to get the women to engage with male sex workers in the “Freak Offs” — “elaborate and produced sex performances” that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during and often recorded, creating dozens of videos.He sometimes arranged to fly the women in and ensured their participation by procuring and providing drugs, controlling their careers, leveraging his financial support and using intimidation and violence, according to the indictment.The events could last for days, and Combs and victims would often receive IV fluids to recover from the exertion and drug use, the indictment said.It said his employees facilitated “Freak Offs” by arranging travel, booking hotel rooms, stocking them with such supplies as drugs and baby oil, scheduling the delivery of IV fluids and cleaning the rooms afterward.During the searches of Combs’ homes earlier this year, law enforcement seized narcotics, videos of the “Freak Offs” and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, according to prosecutors. They said agents also seized firearms and ammunition, including three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers — two of them, broken into parts, in his bedroom closet in Miami.The indictment portrays Combs as a violent man who choked and shoved people, hit and kicked victims and sometimes dragged them by their hair, causing injuries that often took days or weeks to heal. His employees and associates sometimes witnessed his violence and kept victims from leaving or tracked down those who tried, the indictment said.It alleges that Combs sometimes kept videos of victims engaging in sex acts and used the recordings as “collateral" to ensure the women's continued obedience and silence. He also exerted control over victims by promising career opportunities, providing and threatening to withhold financial support, dictating how they looked, monitoring their health records and controlling where they lived, according to the indictment.In a court filing, prosecutors accused Combs and an unidentified co-conspirator of kidnapping someone at gunpoint a few days before Christmas in 2011 in order to facilitate a break-in at another person’s home. Two weeks later, they wrote, Combs set fire to someone’s vehicle by slicing open its convertible top and dropping in a Molotov cocktail.All of this, prosecutors allege, was happening behind the facade of Combs’ global music, lifestyle and clothing business.“A year ago, Sean Combs stood in Times Square and was handed a key to New York City. Today, he’s been indicted and will face justice," Manhattan-based U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said at a news conference Tuesday.Combs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-cassie-key-to-nyc-bf222c354facd571d1be73fca2ec7f4c">returned the key</a>&nbsp;in June after Mayor Eric Adams requested it back.Combs was recognized as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop before a flood of allegations emerged over the past year.As the threat of criminal charges loomed, Combs and his associates pressured witnesses and victims to stay silent, offering bribes and supplying false narratives of what happened, the indictment says.In November, Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, filed a lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-rape-lawsuit-53e664171385e8704a9c4135262b888a">saying he had beaten and raped her for years</a>. She accused Combs of coercing her, and others, into unwanted sex in drug-fueled settings.The suit was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-cassie-lawsuit-2d2a4c8938eb82c34b62c01a30969554">settled in one day</a>, but months later, CNN aired hotel security footage showing Combs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-cassie-hotel-video-beating-6f8c82b8c4cadd204ddbf33196cb45d4">punching and kicking Ventura</a>&nbsp;and throwing her on a floor. After the video aired,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-apology-cassie-video-4e6a81d3e9ab40fa229edef2fb8ad357">Combs apologized</a>, saying, “I was disgusted when I did it.”The indictment refers to the attack, without naming Ventura, and says Combs tried to bribe a hotel security staffer to stay mum about it.Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Ventura, declined to comment Tuesday.Combs and his attorneys denied similar allegations made by others in a string of lawsuits.A woman said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-rape-lawsuit-53e664171385e8704a9c4135262b888a">Combs raped her</a>&nbsp;two decades ago when she was 17. A music producer sued, saying Combs forced him to have sex with prostitutes. Another woman,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-sexual-assault-lawsuit-3a64e5b28d87fb76051865b9e47eba67">April Lampros,</a>&nbsp;said Combs subjected her to “terrifying sexual encounters,” starting when she was a college student in 1994.The AP does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly, as Ventura and Lampros did.-------------NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-diddy-combs">Sean “Diddy” Combs</a>&nbsp;presided over a sordid empire of sexual crimes, coercing and abusing women for years, threatening them to keep them in line and enlisting a cast of aides to cover it up, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iSrpU9eql323koZY7Omi0TmOWzrIOpSQ/view">Click here to read the full </a>14 page indictment&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726583216599.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The music mogul “engaged in a persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women and other individuals," including physical violence, in order "to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct, the indictment said.It describes him inducing female victims and male sex workers into drugged-up, sometimes dayslong sexual performances dubbed “Freak Offs.” It also refers obliquely to an attack on his former girlfriend, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-cassie-lawsuit-e3681f1abbe38c11d829c269c9a89260">R&amp;B singer Cassie</a>, that was captured on video.Combs was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-arrested-93831d646c5cf36add77a91ba668ae84">arrested late Monday</a>&nbsp;in Manhattan, roughly six months after federal authorities conducting a sex trafficking investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-sex-trafficking-raids-feds-74a31ab6d1778ef84f1b97e7578dc906">raided his luxurious homes</a>&nbsp;in Los Angeles and Miami. He was due in court Tuesday afternoon, and his three sons arrived at the courthouse Tuesday morning to observe.Prosecutors said they would seek to have Combs detained pending trial. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said outside the courthouse Tuesday morning that he'd fight to keep him free, and that Combs is innocent and would plead not guilty.“His spirits are good. He’s confident," said the attorney, who said Combs came to New York voluntarily to "engage the court system and start the case.”The indictment describes Combs, the 54-year-old founder of Bad Boy Records, as the head of a criminal enterprise that engaged or attempted to engage in sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, drug offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.He's accused of striking, punching and dragging women, throwing objects and kicking them — and getting his personal assistants, security and household staff to help him hide it all.“The evidence in this case is incredibly powerful,” prosecutors said in a document seeking Combs' detention. They said they had interviewed over 50 victims and witnesses and expect the number to grow.Combs and his associates wielded his “power and prestige” to intimidate and lure women into his orbit, “often under the pretense of a romantic relationship,” the indictment says. It says he then would use force, threats and coercion to get the women to engage with male sex workers in the “Freak Offs” — “elaborate and produced sex performances” that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during and often recorded, creating dozens of videos.He sometimes arranged to fly the women in and ensured their participation by procuring and providing drugs, controlling their careers, leveraging his financial support and using intimidation and violence, according to the indictment.The events could last for days, and Combs and victims would often receive IV fluids to recover from the exertion and drug use, the indictment said. It said his employees facilitated “Freak Offs” by arranging travel, booking hotel rooms, stocking them with such supplies as drugs and baby oil, scheduling the delivery of IV fluids and cleaning the rooms afterward.During a search of Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles this year, law enforcement seized narcotics, videos of the “Freak Offs” and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, according to prosecutors. They said agents also seized firearms and ammunition, including three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers — two of them, broken into parts, in his bedroom closet in Miami.The indictment portrays Combs as a violent man who choked and shoved people, hit and kicked victims and sometimes dragged them by their hair, causing injuries that often took days or weeks to heal. His employees and associates sometimes witnessed his violence and kept victims from leaving or tracked down those who tried, the indictment said.It alleges that Combs sometimes kept videos of victims engaging in sex acts and used the recordings as “collateral" to ensure the women's continued obedience and silence. He also exerted control over victims by promising career opportunities, providing and threatening to withhold financial support, dictating how they looked, monitoring their health records and controlling where they lived, according to the indictment.As the threat of criminal charges loomed, Combs and his associates pressured witnesses and victims to stay silent, offering bribes and supplying false narratives of what happened, the indictment says.All of this, prosecutors allege, was happening behind the facade of Combs’ global music, lifestyle and clothing business.“A year ago, Sean Combs stood in Times Square and was handed a key to New York City. Today, he’s been indicted and will face justice," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said at a news conference Tuesday. His office is bringing the case.Combs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-cassie-key-to-nyc-bf222c354facd571d1be73fca2ec7f4c">returned the key</a>&nbsp;in June after Mayor Eric Adams requested it back.Combs was recognized as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop before a flood of allegations emerged over the past year.In November, Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, filed a lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-rape-lawsuit-53e664171385e8704a9c4135262b888a">saying he had beaten and raped her for years</a>. She accused Combs of coercing her, and others, into unwanted sex in drug-fueled settings.The suit was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-cassie-lawsuit-2d2a4c8938eb82c34b62c01a30969554">settled in one day</a>, but months later, CNN aired hotel security footage showing Combs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-cassie-hotel-video-beating-6f8c82b8c4cadd204ddbf33196cb45d4">punching and kicking Ventura</a>&nbsp;and throwing her on a floor. After the video aired,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-apology-cassie-video-4e6a81d3e9ab40fa229edef2fb8ad357">Combs apologized</a>, saying, “I was disgusted when I did it.”The indictment refers to the attack, without naming Ventura, and says Combs tried to bribe a hotel security staffer to stay mum about it.Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Ventura, declined to comment Tuesday.Combs and his attorneys denied similar allegations made by others in a string of lawsuits.A woman said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-rape-lawsuit-53e664171385e8704a9c4135262b888a">Combs raped her</a>&nbsp;two decades ago when she was 17. A music producer sued, saying Combs forced him to have sex with prostitutes. Another woman,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-sexual-assault-lawsuit-3a64e5b28d87fb76051865b9e47eba67">April Lampros,</a>&nbsp;said Combs subjected her to “terrifying sexual encounters,” starting when she was a college student in 1994.The AP does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly, as Ventura and Lampros did.Combs has been in legal trouble before. Notably, he was acquitted in 2001 of weapons charges related to a Manhattan nightclub shooting two years earlier that injured three people.___