KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a Thursday evening homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 45-year-old Ian Walker, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, patrol officers were dispatched to 54th and Euclid on the report of sounds of shots.

First responders located Walker in a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. 

Medics transported Walker to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. This is being investigated as homicide. Preliminary information revealed there was a disturbance in the street that led up to the shots being fired. 

Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744942512869.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a Thursday evening homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 45-year-old Ian Walker, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, patrol officers were dispatched to 54th and Euclid on the report of sounds of shots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744942490486.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located Walker in a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics transported Walker to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. This is being investigated as homicide. Preliminary information revealed there was a disturbance in the street that led up to the shots being fired. Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.

Homicide: Police ID victim found shot in a car in Kansas City

WASHINGTON — A Kansas City resident, attending college in Boston, was arrested and made his initial court appearance in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, to face federal charges related to an arson at a Tesla business in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1397151/dl?inline">Click here to read </a>the criminal complaint

According to the criminal complaint, filed in the Western District of Missouri, Owen McIntire, 19, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of malicious damage by fire of any property used in interstate commerce.

“Let me be extremely clear to anyone who still wants to firebomb a Tesla property: you will not evade us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted. You will spend decades behind bars. It is not worth it.”

“Crimes have consequences. The people behind these violent and dangerous attacks on private property will face decades in prison — we will not make deals and we will not negotiate,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

“This is the second arrest this week of a suspect charged with targeting Tesla, more proof that the FBI will not stand for these destructive acts,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These actions are dangerous, they are illegal, and we are going to arrest those responsible. We will work with our partners at the Department of Justice to hold accountable anyone who commits such crimes. I commend our FBI teams in Kansas City and Boston for their work.”

“ATF’s Special Agents and forensic experts recovered and analyzed key evidence—including Molotov cocktails—used in this deliberate and dangerous arson attack,” said Acting Director Dan Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “This wasn’t vandalism — it was a violent criminal act. Thanks to the relentless work of ATF special agents, and our close coordination with the FBI and local law enforcement, we now have a suspect in custody. I am committed to ensuring ATF continues to stand on the front lines of public safety. ATF will not tolerate those who incite political violence in our communities.”

According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, on March 17, at approximately 11:16 p.m., an officer with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department (KCMOPD) in the vicinity of the Kansas City (KC) Tesla Center observed smoke coming from a grey Cybertruck parked in the KC Tesla Center parking lot. The officer also observed an unbroken suspected incendiary device near the burning Cybertruck. KCMOPD recovered the unbroken incendiary device, also known as a Molotov cocktail. The fire spread from the Cybertruck to a second Cybertruck in the lot. The Kansas City Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire.

The Cybertrucks had sale prices of $105,485 and $107,485. Additionally, two charging stations were damaged by the fire, each of which is valued at approximately $550.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Foley and Trey Alford for the Western District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

The FBI Kansas City and Boston Field Offices, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department are investigating the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742324423678.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — A Kansas City resident, attending college in Boston, was arrested and made his initial court appearance in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, to face federal charges related to an arson at a Tesla business in Kansas City, Missouri.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1397151/dl?inline">Click here to read </a>the criminal complaint<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745180645595.png" alt="McIntire photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>McIntire photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the criminal complaint, filed in the Western District of Missouri, Owen McIntire, 19, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of malicious damage by fire of any property used in interstate commerce.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI</a> Boston &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIKansasCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBIKansasCity</a> special agents &amp; our partners at the ATF have arrested Owen McIntire, a college student in Boston, for allegedly launching a Molotov cocktail at a Tesla facility in Kansas City, MO, while home on spring break. <a href="https://t.co/csDfvwav6H">https://t.co/csDfvwav6H</a> <a href="https://t.co/egcpuyFHaD">pic.twitter.com/egcpuyFHaD</a>&mdash; FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIBoston/status/1913306226303058235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Let me be extremely clear to anyone who still wants to firebomb a Tesla property: you will not evade us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted. You will spend decades behind bars. It is not worth it.”“Crimes have consequences. The people behind these violent and dangerous attacks on private property will face decades in prison — we will not make deals and we will not negotiate,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.“This is the second arrest this week of a suspect charged with targeting Tesla, more proof that the FBI will not stand for these destructive acts,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These actions are dangerous, they are illegal, and we are going to arrest those responsible. We will work with our partners at the Department of Justice to hold accountable anyone who commits such crimes. I commend our FBI teams in Kansas City and Boston for their work.”“ATF’s Special Agents and forensic experts recovered and analyzed key evidence—including Molotov cocktails—used in this deliberate and dangerous arson attack,” said Acting Director Dan Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “This wasn’t vandalism — it was a violent criminal act. Thanks to the relentless work of ATF special agents, and our close coordination with the FBI and local law enforcement, we now have a suspect in custody. I am committed to ensuring ATF continues to stand on the front lines of public safety. ATF will not tolerate those who incite political violence in our communities.”According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, on March 17, at approximately 11:16 p.m., an officer with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department (KCMOPD) in the vicinity of the Kansas City (KC) Tesla Center observed smoke coming from a grey Cybertruck parked in the KC Tesla Center parking lot. The officer also observed an unbroken suspected incendiary device near the burning Cybertruck. KCMOPD recovered the unbroken incendiary device, also known as a Molotov cocktail. The fire spread from the Cybertruck to a second Cybertruck in the lot. The Kansas City Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire.The Cybertrucks had sale prices of $105,485 and $107,485. Additionally, two charging stations were damaged by the fire, each of which is valued at approximately $550.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Foley and Trey Alford for the Western District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.The FBI Kansas City and Boston Field Offices, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department are investigating the case.A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.&nbsp;

Read the criminal complaint: KC teen charged in Tesla arson case

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a traffic stop. Just after 3a.m. April 17,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop near 142nd Road on U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the encounter, deputies arrested 54-year-old Frederick Daniel Anguish, of Topeka. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, distribute certain stimulants, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle without an interlock device and driving while suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745026568303.png" alt="Anguish photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Anguish photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a traffic stop. Just after 3a.m. April 17,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop near 142nd Road on U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.During the encounter, deputies arrested 54-year-old Frederick Daniel Anguish, of Topeka. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, distribute certain stimulants, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle without an interlock device and driving while suspended.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of selling illegal drugs

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an alleged domestic incident involving a gun.

Just after 1p.m. April 16, police were in the area of the 2000 block of Lane Street in Topeka and witnessed shots being fired, according to Topeka Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

&nbsp;The suspect was believed to have been hiding in a nearby residence but has not been located. The shooting was being investigated as a domestic dispute and there with no imminent threat to the public.&nbsp;

As a result of this investigation police arrested 53-year-old Christopher L. Cowan on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Aggravated endangering a child, reckless situation to a child &lt;18, Criminal discharge of a firearm, recklessly at occupied vehicle, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon,&nbsp;Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felon warrant service or execution and Parole violation warrant arrest.

&nbsp;U.S. Marshall’s Service assisted Topeka police in the arrest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744898147600.png" alt="Cowan photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cowan photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an alleged domestic incident involving a gun.Just after 1p.m. April 16, police were in the area of the 2000 block of Lane Street in Topeka and witnessed shots being fired, according to Topeka Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.&nbsp;The suspect was believed to have been hiding in a nearby residence but has not been located. The shooting was being investigated as a domestic dispute and there with no imminent threat to the public.&nbsp;As a result of this investigation police arrested 53-year-old Christopher L. Cowan on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Aggravated endangering a child, reckless situation to a child &lt;18, Criminal discharge of a firearm, recklessly at occupied vehicle, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon,&nbsp;Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felon warrant service or execution and Parole violation warrant arrest.&nbsp;U.S. Marshall’s Service assisted Topeka police in the arrest.&nbsp;

U.S. Marshals help catch Kansas felon wanted for shooting

Harvard University is the latest in a growing list of higher education institutions that had its federal funding targeted by the government in order to comply with the Trump administration's political agenda.

The series of threats — and subsequent pauses in funding — to some of the top U.S. universities have become an unprecedented tool for the administration to exert influence on college campuses. Six of the seven universities impacted are Ivy League schools.

President Donald Trump vowed to pursue these federal cuts on the campaign trail last year, saying he would focus on schools that push "critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content." Public school systems are targets for cuts too.

Here's a look at which universities have been pressured by the administration's funding cuts so far.

The administration announced its antisemitism task force would conduct a " comprehensive review " of the Massachusetts university on March 31. The government was set to review nearly $9 billion of federal grants and contracts.

Harvard is among universities across the country where pro-Palestinian protests erupted on campus amid the war in Gaza last year. Republican officials have since heavily scrutinized those universities, and several Ivy League presidents testified before Congress to discuss antisemitism allegations.

The administration issued its list of demands to Harvard in a letter on April 3. The demands included a ban on face masks, limitations on campus protests and a review of academic departments' biases.

About a week later, those demands were expanded to include leadership reforms, admission policy changes and stopping the university's recognition of certain student organizations.

Then, on Monday, Harvard President Alan Gerber refused to comply, saying in a letter that the university "will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights."

Hours later, the administration announced it froze more than $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to the university.

The White House announced last week that it froze more than $1 billion of Cornell's federal funding. The administration said the freeze came as it investigated alleged civil rights violations at the university.

The New York university was among a group of more than 60 universities that received a letter from the Education Department on March 10 urging them to take steps to protect Jewish students or else face "potential enforcement actions."

The Defense Department issued more than 75 stop-work orders for research, Cornell said in a statement, but that the federal government hadn't confirmed if the total funding freeze totaled $1 billion.

Like Cornell, Northwestern also saw a halt in some of its federal funding last week. The amount was about $790 million, according to the Trump administration.

The Illinois university did not receive an official message from the White House on the freeze despite its cooperation with civil rights investigations, according to Northwestern officials at the time.

University spokesperson Jon Yates said Northwestern's scientific research was "at jeopardy" because of the freeze — a widespread issue for universities facing research cuts from the National Institutes of Health.

The Trump administration was anticipated to pause federal grants and contracts at Brown University because of the Rhode Island school's response to alleged antisemitism on campus, according to a White House official on April 3.

The total was expected to be about $510 million in funding, according to the official.

Dozens of research grants were suspended at Princeton University without a clear rationale, according to an April 1 campus message from university president Christopher Eisgruber. The grants came from federal agencies such as the Department of Energy, NASA and the Defense Department.

Before the funding pause, Eisgruber had expressed his opposition to Trump's threatened cuts at Columbia University in an essay in The Atlantic magazine. He called the administration's move a "radical threat to scholarly excellence and to America's leadership in research."

Unlike the other targeted universities, the University of Pennsylvania saw funding cuts because of a transgender athlete who competed in Penn's swimming program, according to the Trump administration.

After a Feb. 5 executive order barring transgender athletes from participating in women's and girls' sports, the Education Department launched an investigation a day later into athletics programs at Penn and San Jose State University. The Penn investigation centered on Lia Thomas, who is the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title and graduated from the university in 2022.

Over a month later, the White House announced the suspension of about $175 million in federal funding from the Defense Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. The administration said the halt in funding on March 19 came after a separate discretionary federal money review.

The university said at the time that it wasn't directly notified of the action.

Columbia University was the first major institution that had its funding singled out by the Trump administration.

At first, federal agencies declared they were considering stop-work orders for about $51 million of contracts with Columbia on March 3. Trump had also said on social media that schools that allow "illegal protests" would see funding cuts.

Last year, Columbia student protesters started a wave of campus demonstrations against Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The protests led to tense faceoffs with police at the New York City university and the arrests of more than 100 demonstrators.

University leadership faced scathing condemnations from Republicans on the protests' proliferation, leading former president Minouche Shafik to step down. Columbia also began investigating pro-Palestinian student activists, such as Mahmoud Khalil, who was later arrested and is at threat of deportation.

On March 7, the Trump administration cancelled about $400 million of Columbia's federal funding. Columbia took some action afterward, such as expelling and suspending some student protesters who occupied a campus building during demonstrations.

The university announced March 21 that it had agreed to make even more sweeping policy changes that the Trump administration had demanded.

The changes included placing the Middle East studies department under supervision, hiring new safety personnel who can make arrests, and banning face masks "for the purposes of concealing one's identity." The university also agreed to appoint a senior provost tasked with reviewing several international studies departments' leadership and curriculum.

Armstrong resigned from her post the following week. The decision was met with dissatisfaction among some faculty members and a lawsuit against the cuts.

But following Harvard's defiance of the Trump administration's demands, Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, had a new message Monday. She said that while she agrees with some of the administration's requests, the university would reject "heavy-handed orchestration" that would "require us to relinquish our independence and autonomy as an educational institution."

Discussions were still ongoing between the federal government and Columbia as of Monday, according to Shipman's campus letter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744677178521.png" alt="Harvard President Alan Garber- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Harvard President Alan Garber- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MAKIYA SEMINERA Associated PressHarvard University is the latest in a growing list of higher education institutions that had its federal funding targeted by the government in order to comply with the Trump administration's political agenda.The series of threats — and subsequent pauses in funding — to some of the top U.S. universities have become an unprecedented tool for the administration to exert influence on college campuses. Six of the seven universities impacted are Ivy League schools.President Donald Trump vowed to pursue these federal cuts on the campaign trail last year, saying he would focus on schools that push "critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content." Public school systems are targets for cuts too.Here's a look at which universities have been pressured by the administration's funding cuts so far.Harvard UniversityThe administration announced its antisemitism task force would conduct a " comprehensive review " of the Massachusetts university on March 31. The government was set to review nearly $9 billion of federal grants and contracts.Harvard is among universities across the country where pro-Palestinian protests erupted on campus amid the war in Gaza last year. Republican officials have since heavily scrutinized those universities, and several Ivy League presidents testified before Congress to discuss antisemitism allegations.The administration issued its list of demands to Harvard in a letter on April 3. The demands included a ban on face masks, limitations on campus protests and a review of academic departments' biases.About a week later, those demands were expanded to include leadership reforms, admission policy changes and stopping the university's recognition of certain student organizations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.” - President Alan Garber <a href="https://t.co/6cQQpcJVTd">https://t.co/6cQQpcJVTd</a>&mdash; Harvard University (@Harvard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Harvard/status/1911835670953214401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Then, on Monday, Harvard President Alan Gerber refused to comply, saying in a letter that the university "will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights."Hours later, the administration announced it froze more than $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to the university.Cornell UniversityThe White House announced last week that it froze more than $1 billion of Cornell's federal funding. The administration said the freeze came as it investigated alleged civil rights violations at the university.The New York university was among a group of more than 60 universities that received a letter from the Education Department on March 10 urging them to take steps to protect Jewish students or else face "potential enforcement actions."The Defense Department issued more than 75 stop-work orders for research, Cornell said in a statement, but that the federal government hadn't confirmed if the total funding freeze totaled $1 billion.Northwestern UniversityLike Cornell, Northwestern also saw a halt in some of its federal funding last week. The amount was about $790 million, according to the Trump administration.The Illinois university did not receive an official message from the White House on the freeze despite its cooperation with civil rights investigations, according to Northwestern officials at the time.University spokesperson Jon Yates said Northwestern's scientific research was "at jeopardy" because of the freeze — a widespread issue for universities facing research cuts from the National Institutes of Health.Brown UniversityThe Trump administration was anticipated to pause federal grants and contracts at Brown University because of the Rhode Island school's response to alleged antisemitism on campus, according to a White House official on April 3.The total was expected to be about $510 million in funding, according to the official.Princeton UniversityDozens of research grants were suspended at Princeton University without a clear rationale, according to an April 1 campus message from university president Christopher Eisgruber. The grants came from federal agencies such as the Department of Energy, NASA and the Defense Department.Before the funding pause, Eisgruber had expressed his opposition to Trump's threatened cuts at Columbia University in an essay in The Atlantic magazine. He called the administration's move a "radical threat to scholarly excellence and to America's leadership in research."University of PennsylvaniaUnlike the other targeted universities, the University of Pennsylvania saw funding cuts because of a transgender athlete who competed in Penn's swimming program, according to the Trump administration.After a Feb. 5 executive order barring transgender athletes from participating in women's and girls' sports, the Education Department launched an investigation a day later into athletics programs at Penn and San Jose State University. The Penn investigation centered on Lia Thomas, who is the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title and graduated from the university in 2022.Over a month later, the White House announced the suspension of about $175 million in federal funding from the Defense Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. The administration said the halt in funding on March 19 came after a separate discretionary federal money review.The university said at the time that it wasn't directly notified of the action.Columbia UniversityColumbia University was the first major institution that had its funding singled out by the Trump administration.At first, federal agencies declared they were considering stop-work orders for about $51 million of contracts with Columbia on March 3. Trump had also said on social media that schools that allow "illegal protests" would see funding cuts.Last year, Columbia student protesters started a wave of campus demonstrations against Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The protests led to tense faceoffs with police at the New York City university and the arrests of more than 100 demonstrators.University leadership faced scathing condemnations from Republicans on the protests' proliferation, leading former president Minouche Shafik to step down. Columbia also began investigating pro-Palestinian student activists, such as Mahmoud Khalil, who was later arrested and is at threat of deportation.On March 7, the Trump administration cancelled about $400 million of Columbia's federal funding. Columbia took some action afterward, such as expelling and suspending some student protesters who occupied a campus building during demonstrations.The university announced March 21 that it had agreed to make even more sweeping policy changes that the Trump administration had demanded.The changes included placing the Middle East studies department under supervision, hiring new safety personnel who can make arrests, and banning face masks "for the purposes of concealing one's identity." The university also agreed to appoint a senior provost tasked with reviewing several international studies departments' leadership and curriculum.Armstrong resigned from her post the following week. The decision was met with dissatisfaction among some faculty members and a lawsuit against the cuts.But following Harvard's defiance of the Trump administration's demands, Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, had a new message Monday. She said that while she agrees with some of the administration's requests, the university would reject "heavy-handed orchestration" that would "require us to relinquish our independence and autonomy as an educational institution."Discussions were still ongoing between the federal government and Columbia as of Monday, according to Shipman's campus letter.

A look at universities with federal funding targeted by Trump admin.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Two people were killed and six others were injured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-state-university-shooting-c9a33f571466ce1ab1045dafebb30b82">when a gunman opened fire</a>&nbsp;at Florida State University, sending students fleeing from the student union and putting the Tallahassee, Florida, campus under lockdown.

Authorities have identified the shooter as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Florida State student who is the stepson of a sheriff’s deputy. He began firing with his stepmother’s former service weapon before he was shot and wounded by officers when he refused to comply with commands, investigators said.

Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-campus-university-shootings-america-0a9229257e46f4c9ff7a1440bef8ded1">shooting</a>, which began around lunchtime Thursday just outside the student union.

Officials have also not identified the victims who died. A family member said that university employee Robert Morales was one of those who were killed. Attorneys for the family of the second victim identified him as Tiru Chabba, a food service vendor executive. Here is what we know about Morales and Chabba.

Robert Morales was a university dining coordinator who had worked at Florida State since 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile.

“Today we lost my younger Brother, he was one of the victims killed at FSU,” Ricardo Morales Jr. posted on social media late Thursday. “He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful Wife and Daughter. I’m glad you were in my life.”

Morales had studied criminology at the school in the early 1990s, according to the LinkedIn profile.

The profile also said he was CEO of Black Bean Food Group, though state records show that the business was dissolved a decade ago.

Morales developed innovative menus, especially Cuban food, and was a former assistant football coach at nearby Leon High School, Kyle Clark, a senior vice president at FSU, said Friday afternoon at a vigil.

“He didn’t just do a job. He lived the job,” Clark said. “He was a stellar person."

The Morales brothers' father, Ricardo Morales, was a Cuban exile turned CIA operative in South Florida with the nickname “Monkey.” Ricardo Morales Jr. describes his father's work as a contract agent for the CIA in the forthcoming book, “Monkey Morales: The True Story of a Mythic Cuban Exile, Assassin, CIA Operative, FBI Informant, Smuggler, and Dad,” which is expected to be published later this year.

“Dubbed ‘The Monkey’ for his disruptive and unpredictable escapades, Morales grabbed headlines for decades as tales of his bombings, arrests, assassination attempts (both those he executed and those he suffered), and testimony constructed a real-life spy adventure unlike anything brought to page or screen,” reads promotional material from publisher Simon &amp; Schuster.

The elder Morales was fatally shot in a bar brawl in 1982 at the age of 43.

Tiru Chabba was working for food service vendor Aramark when he was killed on the Florida State campus, said Michael Wukela, a spokesperson for attorneys hired by the family.

A LinkedIn profile listed Chabba as a regional vice president of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality who had worked for the company for more than two decades. The 45-year-old Greenville, South Carolina, resident was a married father of two children who had earned an MBA from The Citadel in South Carolina.

"Tiru Chabba’s family is going through the unimaginable now,” Bakari Sellers, one of the attorneys hired by the family, said in a statement. “Instead of hiding Easter eggs and visiting with friends and family, they’re living a nightmare where this loving father and devoted husband was stolen from them in an act of senseless and preventable violence.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744916940669.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation at FSU -photo courtesy WCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation at FSU -photo courtesy WCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Two people were killed and six others were injured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-state-university-shooting-c9a33f571466ce1ab1045dafebb30b82">when a gunman opened fire</a>&nbsp;at Florida State University, sending students fleeing from the student union and putting the Tallahassee, Florida, campus under lockdown.Authorities have identified the shooter as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Florida State student who is the stepson of a sheriff’s deputy. He began firing with his stepmother’s former service weapon before he was shot and wounded by officers when he refused to comply with commands, investigators said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745026211201.png" alt="This undated photo provided by the Strom Law Firm on Friday, April 18, 2025, shows Tiru Chaba, one of the people fatally shot on Florida State University campus. (Strom Law Firm via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This undated photo provided by the Strom Law Firm on Friday, April 18, 2025, shows Tiru Chaba, one of the people fatally shot on Florida State University campus. (Strom Law Firm via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-campus-university-shootings-america-0a9229257e46f4c9ff7a1440bef8ded1">shooting</a>, which began around lunchtime Thursday just outside the student union.Officials have also not identified the victims who died. A family member said that university employee Robert Morales was one of those who were killed. Attorneys for the family of the second victim identified him as Tiru Chabba, a food service vendor executive. Here is what we know about Morales and Chabba.<h2>Robert Morales</h2>Robert Morales was a university dining coordinator who had worked at Florida State since 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile.“Today we lost my younger Brother, he was one of the victims killed at FSU,” Ricardo Morales Jr. posted on social media late Thursday. “He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful Wife and Daughter. I’m glad you were in my life.”Morales had studied criminology at the school in the early 1990s, according to the LinkedIn profile.The profile also said he was CEO of Black Bean Food Group, though state records show that the business was dissolved a decade ago.Morales developed innovative menus, especially Cuban food, and was a former assistant football coach at nearby Leon High School, Kyle Clark, a senior vice president at FSU, said Friday afternoon at a vigil.“He didn’t just do a job. He lived the job,” Clark said. “He was a stellar person."The Morales brothers' father, Ricardo Morales, was a Cuban exile turned CIA operative in South Florida with the nickname “Monkey.” Ricardo Morales Jr. describes his father's work as a contract agent for the CIA in the forthcoming book, “Monkey Morales: The True Story of a Mythic Cuban Exile, Assassin, CIA Operative, FBI Informant, Smuggler, and Dad,” which is expected to be published later this year.“Dubbed ‘The Monkey’ for his disruptive and unpredictable escapades, Morales grabbed headlines for decades as tales of his bombings, arrests, assassination attempts (both those he executed and those he suffered), and testimony constructed a real-life spy adventure unlike anything brought to page or screen,” reads promotional material from publisher Simon &amp; Schuster.The elder Morales was fatally shot in a bar brawl in 1982 at the age of 43.<h2>Tiru Chabba</h2>Tiru Chabba was working for food service vendor Aramark when he was killed on the Florida State campus, said Michael Wukela, a spokesperson for attorneys hired by the family.A LinkedIn profile listed Chabba as a regional vice president of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality who had worked for the company for more than two decades. The 45-year-old Greenville, South Carolina, resident was a married father of two children who had earned an MBA from The Citadel in South Carolina."Tiru Chabba’s family is going through the unimaginable now,” Bakari Sellers, one of the attorneys hired by the family, said in a statement. “Instead of hiding Easter eggs and visiting with friends and family, they’re living a nightmare where this loving father and devoted husband was stolen from them in an act of senseless and preventable violence.”___

Details on the victims who died in shooting at Florida State University

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop on a bicycle.

Just after 11:30 p.m. April 15, , a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near NW Taylor Street and NW Lyman Road in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, the deputy found illegal drugs and arrested 49-year-old Donald W. St Clair of Topeka. He was&nbsp; booked into the Shawnee County Department on&nbsp;charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana and the bicycle was not equipped with lamp when in use at night

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744897598539.png" alt="St. Clair photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>St. Clair photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop on a bicycle.Just after 11:30 p.m. April 15, , a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near NW Taylor Street and NW Lyman Road in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, the deputy found illegal drugs and arrested 49-year-old Donald W. St Clair of Topeka. He was&nbsp; booked into the Shawnee County Department on&nbsp;charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana and the bicycle was not equipped with lamp when in use at night

Kansas bicyclist caught transporting illegal drugs

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.

Just after 9p.m. Thursday, police arrested 29-year-old&nbsp;Sherman Sherin II of Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Sherin is being held on a $20,000 bond on requested charges of Stalking and two counts of Violation of Protection Order. He was discharged from the Kansas Department of Corrections in May of 2024, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744993509896.png" alt="Sherin photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Sherin photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.Just after 9p.m. Thursday, police arrested 29-year-old&nbsp;Sherman Sherin II of Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Sherin is being held on a $20,000 bond on requested charges of Stalking and two counts of Violation of Protection Order. He was discharged from the Kansas Department of Corrections in May of 2024, according to online records.

Manhattan man accused of stalking

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 11a.m. April 14, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a red 1992 Nissan Sentra with a stolen license plate near SE 6th Avenue and SE Jefferson Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

A patrol deputy located the vehicle in the 600 block of SE Sherman Avenue. Three individuals were taken into custody. During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located.

Matthew B. Banks, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested charges of&nbsp; Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of hallucinogenic drug, Use/possess with intent to use drug

paraphernalia into human body, Possession of stolen property, Driving while license suspended, Vehicle liability insurance and Possession of marijuana.

Kaylee D. Simmons, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked on requested charges of&nbsp; Interference with law enforcement, Possession of marijuana,&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and&nbsp;&nbsp;Possession of a hallucinogenic drug

Jeremiah J. Hennessee, 34, of Topeka, had three misdemeanor warrants for his arrest through the City of Topeka and was transported to municipal court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744721022175.png" alt="Banks photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Banks photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11a.m. April 14, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a red 1992 Nissan Sentra with a stolen license plate near SE 6th Avenue and SE Jefferson Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.A patrol deputy located the vehicle in the 600 block of SE Sherman Avenue. Three individuals were taken into custody. During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744721004925.png" alt="Simmons photo Shawnee&nbsp; Co." />
 <figcaption>Simmons photo Shawnee&nbsp; Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Matthew B. Banks, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested charges of&nbsp; Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of hallucinogenic drug, Use/possess with intent to use drugparaphernalia into human body, Possession of stolen property, Driving while license suspended, Vehicle liability insurance and Possession of marijuana.Kaylee D. Simmons, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked on requested charges of&nbsp; Interference with law enforcement, Possession of marijuana,&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and&nbsp;&nbsp;Possession of a hallucinogenic drugJeremiah J. Hennessee, 34, of Topeka, had three misdemeanor warrants for his arrest through the City of Topeka and was transported to municipal court.

Sheriff: Stolen license plate led to Kansas drug bust

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on sex crime allegations.

Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 44-year-old Jeffery Bailey,&nbsp; of Pittsburg Kansas on a Riley County District Court warrant for 5 counts of rape, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Bailey remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a bond of $75,000.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on sex crime allegations.Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 44-year-old Jeffery Bailey,&nbsp; of Pittsburg Kansas on a Riley County District Court warrant for 5 counts of rape, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Bailey remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a bond of $75,000.

Suspect jailed in Manhattan for 5 counts of alleged rape

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in connection with a fire near the Orpheum Theatre,&nbsp;200 N Broadway Street, in Wichita&nbsp; made his first court appearance Wednesday.

Jeremy Wycoff, 33, Wichita, was charged with aggravated arson and arson, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

On the evening of April 10, crews responded to report of a fire near the 102-year-old theatre that is undergoing renovations.&nbsp;

"Thanks to the quick response of Wichita Fire Department, the situation was contained before it caused any major damage to our building or our neighbors along First Street," the theatre announced on their social media page.

Police arrested Wycoff on Sunday and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp; His next court appearance (PH-CAD) is April 28. He remains jailed on&nbsp; a&nbsp;150,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744832383037.png" alt="Wycoff photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wycoff photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in connection with a fire near the Orpheum Theatre,&nbsp;200 N Broadway Street, in Wichita&nbsp; made his first court appearance Wednesday.Jeremy Wycoff, 33, Wichita, was charged with aggravated arson and arson, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;On the evening of April 10, crews responded to report of a fire near the 102-year-old theatre that is undergoing renovations.&nbsp;"Thanks to the quick response of Wichita Fire Department, the situation was contained before it caused any major damage to our building or our neighbors along First Street," the theatre announced on their social media page.Police arrested Wycoff on Sunday and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp; His next court appearance (PH-CAD) is April 28. He remains jailed on&nbsp; a&nbsp;150,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Suspect in arson fire near historic Kan. theatre faced a judge

WASHINGTON (AP) —The president addressed about 40 Christian leaders in the White House’s Blue Room for an Easter prayer service and dinner, telling them, “I hope this is going to be one of the great Easters ever.”

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-hosts-easter-prayer-service-and-dinner/658676">Click here to watch th</a>e White House Easter Service and dinner.

He called the death and resurrection of Jesus “two of the most monumental events in history.”

In brief remarks that stuck mostly to a religious message — without the many lengthy asides the president usually relishes when giving speeches — Trump denounced the persecution of Christians in other parts of the world and noted the creation of a Department of Justice task force to combat anti-Christian bias.

Trump also told those gathered that his administration is filled with “fantastic people, and they’re people that believe like you do.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —The president addressed about 40 Christian leaders in the White House’s Blue Room for an Easter prayer service and dinner, telling them, “I hope this is going to be one of the great Easters ever.”<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-hosts-easter-prayer-service-and-dinner/658676">Click here to watch th</a>e White House Easter Service and dinner.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Three days later, Christ followers found the empty tomb. Jesus had defeated darkness and death, and promised new life to all of humankind, and that&#39;s what we celebrate each year at Easter, as we joyfully proclaim on Sunday, &#39;He is risen.&#39;&quot; <a href="https://t.co/bTpher5fUv">pic.twitter.com/bTpher5fUv</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1912650300411773010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “Nearly 2,000 years ago during this sacred week, the living son of God entered Jerusalem in triumph… The savior of mankind, who brought truth and light into the world, was betrayed, arrested, tried, beaten, nailed to a cross, and crucified. For our sake, he gave up his… <a href="https://t.co/39r0YjZIS6">pic.twitter.com/39r0YjZIS6</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1912649062135853151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">✝️&quot;This Holy Week, Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the living Son of God who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of Heaven for all of humanity.&quot; –President Trump <a href="https://t.co/WdW2kRDi4p">pic.twitter.com/WdW2kRDi4p</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1911566089512952105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He called the death and resurrection of Jesus “two of the most monumental events in history.”In brief remarks that stuck mostly to a religious message — without the many lengthy asides the president usually relishes when giving speeches — Trump denounced the persecution of Christians in other parts of the world and noted the creation of a Department of Justice task force to combat anti-Christian bias.Trump also told those gathered that his administration is filled with “fantastic people, and they’re people that believe like you do.”

🎥Trump hosts Easter service and dinner at the White House

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 3p.m. April 13, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;arrested 39-year-old Amy Cash of Pulaski County Missouri. She was wanted on $25,000 Felony Warrants for Theft, Criminal Use of a Financial Card and Possession of a Depressant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant. 

She remains jailed on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744731583640.png" alt="Cash-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Cash-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 3p.m. April 13, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;arrested 39-year-old Amy Cash of Pulaski County Missouri. She was wanted on $25,000 Felony Warrants for Theft, Criminal Use of a Financial Card and Possession of a Depressant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant. She remains jailed on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas deputy captured woman wanted for ID theft in Missouri

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.

Just before 10p.m. April 10, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling over 100mph on U.S. 36 near mile marker 356, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;

After investigating, the deputy arrested 29-year-old Chelsea Cohara of St. Joseph, Missouri on requested charges of Felony DUI, Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked, Transporting Open Container, Speeding&nbsp; and No Proof of Insurance.&nbsp; She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744731748954.png" alt="Cohara photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Cohara photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.Just before 10p.m. April 10, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling over 100mph on U.S. 36 near mile marker 356, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;After investigating, the deputy arrested 29-year-old Chelsea Cohara of St. Joseph, Missouri on requested charges of Felony DUI, Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked, Transporting Open Container, Speeding&nbsp; and No Proof of Insurance.&nbsp; She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Woman with no license caught driving 100mph on Kan. highway

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays man was arrested after his roommate attempted to pay fines with cash that allegedly smelled like marijuana.

Hays Police Deputy Chief Tim Greenwood said the investigation began Monday after a records clerk reportedly smelled marijuana on the cash and alerted an officer, who confirmed the odor.

Another officer traced the cash to the woman’s residence in the 400 block of West Eighth Street.

Greenwood said an officer knocked on the door, where 28-year-old James Washington answered and admitted to possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he allegedly presented to the officer.

Washington denied the officer entry until a search warrant was obtained. Once executed, authorities allegedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, THC vape cartridges and liquid wax, and two handguns, Greenwood said.

Washington was arrested on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greenwood said the woman who paid the fine was not arrested or charged at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744751863517.png" alt="Washington photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Washington photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays man was arrested after his roommate attempted to pay fines with cash that allegedly smelled like marijuana.Hays Police Deputy Chief Tim Greenwood said the investigation began Monday after a records clerk reportedly smelled marijuana on the cash and alerted an officer, who confirmed the odor.Another officer traced the cash to the woman’s residence in the 400 block of West Eighth Street.Greenwood said an officer knocked on the door, where 28-year-old James Washington answered and admitted to possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he allegedly presented to the officer.Washington denied the officer entry until a search warrant was obtained. Once executed, authorities allegedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, THC vape cartridges and liquid wax, and two handguns, Greenwood said.Washington was arrested on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greenwood said the woman who paid the fine was not arrested or charged at that time.

Kan. man jailed after roommate pays fine with marijuana-scented cash

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla was scheduled for a court appearance before Judge William Wooley&nbsp; on Tuesday.&nbsp; The preliminary hearing for&nbsp;30-year-old Johnathan F. Erhart was rescheduled for next month according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On March 27, 2025, the Wichita Police Department presented the results of the investigation into an allegation of intentional damage to a Tesla Model X that occurred on March 20, in northwest Wichita, according to a statement from the District Attorney's office.

After a full review of the investigation, the district attorney charged&nbsp; Erhart of Jefferson County with one count of criminal damage to property, a severity level 9 non-person felony.

Under Kansas law, severity level 9 felony carries a range of sentence of 5 to 17 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, depending on a defendant’s established criminal history (convictions, not arrests).

&nbsp; Earhart is no longer in custody in Jefferson County after meeting the requirement of a $2,500 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743203584353.png" alt="Erhart photo Jefferson Co." />
 <figcaption>Erhart photo Jefferson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla was scheduled for a court appearance before Judge William Wooley&nbsp; on Tuesday.&nbsp; The preliminary hearing for&nbsp;30-year-old Johnathan F. Erhart was rescheduled for next month according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On March 27, 2025, the Wichita Police Department presented the results of the investigation into an allegation of intentional damage to a Tesla Model X that occurred on March 20, in northwest Wichita, according to a statement from the District Attorney's office.After a full review of the investigation, the district attorney charged&nbsp; Erhart of Jefferson County with one count of criminal damage to property, a severity level 9 non-person felony.Under Kansas law, severity level 9 felony carries a range of sentence of 5 to 17 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, depending on a defendant’s established criminal history (convictions, not arrests).&nbsp; Earhart is no longer in custody in Jefferson County after meeting the requirement of a $2,500 bond, according to online jail records.

Hearing delayed for Kan. man accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla 

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin teenager charged in the deaths of his parents faces wider allegations that he killed them to “obtain the financial means” to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/trump-assassination-attempt-butler-pennsylvania/">assassinate President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and overthrow the government, according to a recently unsealed federal warrant.

Nikita Casap, 17, was charged last month by Waukesha County authorities with first-degree murder, theft and other crimes in the deaths of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and his stepfather, Donald Mayer. Authorities allege the teenager fatally shot them at their home outside Milwaukee in February and lived with the decomposing bodies for weeks before fleeing with $14,000 cash, passports and the family dog. He was arrested last month in Trego County.

Casap, in custody at the Waukesha County jail on a $1 million bond, is due in court next month to enter a plea. County prosecutors have offered a glimpse of the federal allegations, which were outlined in an FBI warrant unsealed Friday.

Federal authorities accuse Casap of planning his parents’ murders, buying a drone and explosives, and sharing his plans with others, including a Russian speaker. His intentions are detailed in a three-page antisemitic manifesto praising Adolf Hitler. The warrant filed at the federal court in Milwaukee also contains excerpts of communications on TikTok and the Telegram messenger app.

“Casap appears to have written a manifest calling for the assassination of the President of the United States. He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the United States,” the search warrant says. “The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carrying out his plan.”

In court, prosecutors alleged Casap was in touch with a person who speaks Russian and shared a plan to flee to Ukraine. Authorities found him in Kansas with money, passports, a car and the family’s dog.

Federal prosecutors alleged Casap’s manifesto outlined his reasons for wanting to kill Trump and included ideas about how he would live in Ukraine.

Citing Casap’s writings, the federal warrant said the teenager wanted to spur governmental collapse by “by getting rid of the president and perhaps the vice president.”

Phone and online messages seeking comment were left Sunday for Casap’s public defender, Nicole Ostrowski. In court last month, she moved to dismiss some of the charges against her client, including theft, arguing that prosecutors had not laid out their case. She’s also noted her client’s age during court proceedings.

“He is young, he is still in high school,” she said on March 12.

County authorities also charged Casap with hiding a corpse, theft and misappropriating identification to obtain money.

Officers found the bodies of Tatiana Casap, 35; and Mayer, 51, on Feb. 28. Family members requested a well-being check after Mayer didn’t report for work and Nikita Casap skipped school for about two weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744674855261.png" alt="Casp PhotoWaukesha County Sheriff's Department)" />
 <figcaption>Casp PhotoWaukesha County Sheriff's Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin teenager charged in the deaths of his parents faces wider allegations that he killed them to “obtain the financial means” to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/trump-assassination-attempt-butler-pennsylvania/">assassinate President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and overthrow the government, according to a recently unsealed federal warrant.Nikita Casap, 17, was charged last month by Waukesha County authorities with first-degree murder, theft and other crimes in the deaths of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and his stepfather, Donald Mayer. Authorities allege the teenager fatally shot them at their home outside Milwaukee in February and lived with the decomposing bodies for weeks before fleeing with $14,000 cash, passports and the family dog. He was arrested last month in Trego County.Casap, in custody at the Waukesha County jail on a $1 million bond, is due in court next month to enter a plea. County prosecutors have offered a glimpse of the federal allegations, which were outlined in an FBI warrant unsealed Friday.Federal authorities accuse Casap of planning his parents’ murders, buying a drone and explosives, and sharing his plans with others, including a Russian speaker. His intentions are detailed in a three-page antisemitic manifesto praising Adolf Hitler. The warrant filed at the federal court in Milwaukee also contains excerpts of communications on TikTok and the Telegram messenger app.“Casap appears to have written a manifest calling for the assassination of the President of the United States. He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the United States,” the search warrant says. “The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carrying out his plan.”In court, prosecutors alleged Casap was in touch with a person who speaks Russian and shared a plan to flee to Ukraine. Authorities found him in Kansas with money, passports, a car and the family’s dog.Federal prosecutors alleged Casap’s manifesto outlined his reasons for wanting to kill Trump and included ideas about how he would live in Ukraine.Citing Casap’s writings, the federal warrant said the teenager wanted to spur governmental collapse by “by getting rid of the president and perhaps the vice president.”Phone and online messages seeking comment were left Sunday for Casap’s public defender, Nicole Ostrowski. In court last month, she moved to dismiss some of the charges against her client, including theft, arguing that prosecutors had not laid out their case. She’s also noted her client’s age during court proceedings.“He is young, he is still in high school,” she said on March 12.County authorities also charged Casap with hiding a corpse, theft and misappropriating identification to obtain money.Officers found the bodies of Tatiana Casap, 35; and Mayer, 51, on Feb. 28. Family members requested a well-being check after Mayer didn’t report for work and Nikita Casap skipped school for about two weeks.

Teen arrested in NW Kansas accused of plotting to kill Trump

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22TARA%20COPP%20and%20LOLITA%20C.%20BALDOR%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By TARA COPP and LOLITA C. BALDOR&nbsp;</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — A long sliver of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border that President Donald Trump is turning over to the Department of Defense would be controlled by the Army as part of a base, which could allow troops to detain any trespassers, including migrants, U.S. officials told The Associated Press.

The transfer of that border zone to military control — and making it part of an Army installation — is an attempt by the Trump administration to get around a federal law that prohibits U.S. troops from being used in domestic law enforcement on American soil.

But if the troops are providing security for land that is part of an Army base, they can perform that function. However, at least one presidential powers expert said the move is likely to be challenged in the courts.

The officials said the issue is still under review in the Pentagon, but even as any legal review goes on, the administration’s intent is to have troops detain migrants at the border.

The land transfer is the farthest the Trump administration has gone yet to use the military for border security. Up until now, the military's involvement has been limited largely to helping build or fortify sections of the border wall and operating deportation flights to send migrants back to their home countries or, in some cases, to the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The military also has assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents by conducting surveillance or performing backup administrative tasks.

The corridor, known as the Roosevelt Reservation, is a 60-foot-wide federal buffer zone that ribbons along the border from New Mexico to California, except where it encounters tribal or privately owned land. It had been run by the Interior Department until Trump directed control be transferred to the Defense Department in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/military-mission-for-sealing-the-southern-border-of-the-united-states-and-repelling-invasions/">presidential memo</a>&nbsp;released Friday night.

For the next 45 days, the Defense Department will test taking control of a section of the Roosevelt Reservation in New Mexico, east of Fort Huachuca, which is an Army installation in Arizona, one of the U.S. officials said. During that period, the Army will put up additional fencing and signs warning people not to trespass.

People not authorized to be in that area could be arrested by the Army’s security forces, the officials said, who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public.

Any migrants in the country illegally who are detained by military personnel on those lands would be turned over to local civilian law enforcement agencies, the officials said.

It was not clear if the added land would require the military to deploy additional forces to the border. There are about 7,100 active duty troops under federal control currently assigned to the border and about 4,600 National Guard troops under state control.

Troops are prohibited from conducting civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil under the Posse Comitatus Act. An exception known as the military purpose doctrine allows it in some cases — but would not apply here and would likely be challenged in the courts, said Elizabeth Goitein, an expert on presidential emergency powers at the Brennan Center for Justice.

That’s because even though troops would be on land designated as an Army installation, they would have to prove that their primary mission there was not to conduct border security and law enforcement — and the whole point of Trump’s order transferring the Roosevelt Reservation to the military’s control is to secure the border, she said.

The military purpose doctrine “only applies if the law enforcement aspect is incidental,” Goitein said. “Does this (area) have a military purpose that has nothing to do with enforcing customs and security at the border?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738854959688.png" alt="File Photos U.S. Northern Command" />
 <figcaption>File Photos U.S. Northern Command</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22TARA%20COPP%20and%20LOLITA%20C.%20BALDOR%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By TARA COPP and LOLITA C. BALDOR&nbsp;</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — A long sliver of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border that President Donald Trump is turning over to the Department of Defense would be controlled by the Army as part of a base, which could allow troops to detain any trespassers, including migrants, U.S. officials told The Associated Press.The transfer of that border zone to military control — and making it part of an Army installation — is an attempt by the Trump administration to get around a federal law that prohibits U.S. troops from being used in domestic law enforcement on American soil.But if the troops are providing security for land that is part of an Army base, they can perform that function. However, at least one presidential powers expert said the move is likely to be challenged in the courts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738854978070.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The officials said the issue is still under review in the Pentagon, but even as any legal review goes on, the administration’s intent is to have troops detain migrants at the border.The land transfer is the farthest the Trump administration has gone yet to use the military for border security. Up until now, the military's involvement has been limited largely to helping build or fortify sections of the border wall and operating deportation flights to send migrants back to their home countries or, in some cases, to the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The military also has assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents by conducting surveillance or performing backup administrative tasks.The corridor, known as the Roosevelt Reservation, is a 60-foot-wide federal buffer zone that ribbons along the border from New Mexico to California, except where it encounters tribal or privately owned land. It had been run by the Interior Department until Trump directed control be transferred to the Defense Department in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/military-mission-for-sealing-the-southern-border-of-the-united-states-and-repelling-invasions/">presidential memo</a>&nbsp;released Friday night.For the next 45 days, the Defense Department will test taking control of a section of the Roosevelt Reservation in New Mexico, east of Fort Huachuca, which is an Army installation in Arizona, one of the U.S. officials said. During that period, the Army will put up additional fencing and signs warning people not to trespass.People not authorized to be in that area could be arrested by the Army’s security forces, the officials said, who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public.Any migrants in the country illegally who are detained by military personnel on those lands would be turned over to local civilian law enforcement agencies, the officials said.It was not clear if the added land would require the military to deploy additional forces to the border. There are about 7,100 active duty troops under federal control currently assigned to the border and about 4,600 National Guard troops under state control.Troops are prohibited from conducting civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil under the Posse Comitatus Act. An exception known as the military purpose doctrine allows it in some cases — but would not apply here and would likely be challenged in the courts, said Elizabeth Goitein, an expert on presidential emergency powers at the Brennan Center for Justice.That’s because even though troops would be on land designated as an Army installation, they would have to prove that their primary mission there was not to conduct border security and law enforcement — and the whole point of Trump’s order transferring the Roosevelt Reservation to the military’s control is to secure the border, she said.The military purpose doctrine “only applies if the law enforcement aspect is incidental,” Goitein said. “Does this (area) have a military purpose that has nothing to do with enforcing customs and security at the border?”—-

US Army to control land on Mexico border as part of base, migrants could be detained

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase in a Kansas City suburb.

Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp; police officer observed a vehicle speeding and driving recklessly on Watson Drive near Price Chopper Kearney, Missouri, according to a media release. As the officer got behind the speeding vehicle, he noticed a paper temporary tag that expired in 2024. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver had other plans. 

The vehicle continued south on Watson Drive past the water tower and toward 19th Street, failing to stop. The vehicle then took the 19th street bridge to southbound Interstate 35 where he continued to evade officers who were now in pursuit.

Assistance was requested to other law enforcement agencies for help. Deputies with the Clay County Sheriff's Office set up a perfect cascade of tire deflation devices (stop sticks) near the 69/Lightburne exit ramp from Interstate 35. The suspect drove over all the sticks and every tire was quickly deflating. The driver then took the 291 Highway exit into Liberty, turning onto N Church Road near the Price Chopper.

As all the tires were shredded, the vehicle stopped, and the driver immediately got out and started to run from the vehicle. After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was tased and taken into custody without further incident. 

The driver was revealed to have a revoked driver's license and had 6 active warrants for his arrest to include resisting/evading arrest . There were no damages to any other property and no other people were injured during this pursuit.

The 33-year-old male of Gladstone, Missouri was transported to the Clay County Detention Center where he was booked in requested felony charges of aggravated fleeing in motor vehicle (Valentine's Law). He was charged in custody by the Clay County Prosecutors Office with a bond of $75,000.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744508951322.png" alt="Shredded tire -photo Kearney Police" />
 <figcaption>Shredded tire -photo Kearney Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase in a Kansas City suburb.Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp; police officer observed a vehicle speeding and driving recklessly on Watson Drive near Price Chopper Kearney, Missouri, according to a media release. As the officer got behind the speeding vehicle, he noticed a paper temporary tag that expired in 2024. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver had other plans. The vehicle continued south on Watson Drive past the water tower and toward 19th Street, failing to stop. The vehicle then took the 19th street bridge to southbound Interstate 35 where he continued to evade officers who were now in pursuit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744508909470.png" alt="&nbsp;Kearney Police body camera image" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kearney Police body camera image</figcaption>
 </figure>Assistance was requested to other law enforcement agencies for help. Deputies with the Clay County Sheriff's Office set up a perfect cascade of tire deflation devices (stop sticks) near the 69/Lightburne exit ramp from Interstate 35. The suspect drove over all the sticks and every tire was quickly deflating. The driver then took the 291 Highway exit into Liberty, turning onto N Church Road near the Price Chopper.As all the tires were shredded, the vehicle stopped, and the driver immediately got out and started to run from the vehicle. After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was tased and taken into custody without further incident. The driver was revealed to have a revoked driver's license and had 6 active warrants for his arrest to include resisting/evading arrest . There were no damages to any other property and no other people were injured during this pursuit.The 33-year-old male of Gladstone, Missouri was transported to the Clay County Detention Center where he was booked in requested felony charges of aggravated fleeing in motor vehicle (Valentine's Law). He was charged in custody by the Clay County Prosecutors Office with a bond of $75,000.&nbsp;

Wanted suspect captured after running from KC area high-speed chase

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Promises to voters ring hollow as emphasis remains on reducing income taxes

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly patted themselves on the back last June after placing into state law a compromise bill slashing income taxes an estimated $1.2 billion over three years.

Senate Bill 1 had broad support with a mere six opponents among 159 legislators voting on the package negotiated by the Democratic governor, Republican Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita. The focus of that bill was income taxes, but it did raise to $75,000 the exemption on the value of a residence when calculating a taxpayer’s obligation to the state’s property tax levy for public schools.

While 2024 was viewed as the year of the income tax, promises were made by Republicans and Democrats to address property tax reform during the 2025 legislative session. The end of the annual session last week offered evidence the performance of lawmakers on property tax relief was again underwhelming.

“When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short,” said Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican candidate for governor, said Monday.

He said state lawmakers this session delivered a paltry $25.88 property tax break for the owner of a $150,000 home. That’s not enough to fill the gas tank in many vehicles, cover the cost of a couple sacks of groceries or pay someone to mow a lawn.

Schwab encouraged “every property owner” to respond by challenging their property tax valuation with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals.

“Kansans expected leadership that would address runaway property tax increases, arrest out-of-control valuations and restore confidence that they can afford the homes they live in — not rent them from the government,” he said.

The Senate did endorse an amendment to the Kansas Constitution imposing a 3% cap on residential property tax valuation increases. That won’t be appearing on statewide ballots, however, because the amendment was never taken up in the House.

“We came here with a mandate,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican. “I’m just disappointed that we end up at the end of this session with no&nbsp;real&nbsp;relief for those homeowners who are facing selling their home or paying their&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax. That’s where we are.”

Lenexa Sen. Dinah Sykes, who serves as Democratic leader of the Senate, drew the same conclusion with a partisan twist. She said progress on property tax reform was minimal, but reminded Kansans that Republicans held supermajorities in the House and Senate. Those two-thirds majorities meant the GOP could pass just about any bill it desired and had numbers to override the governor’s vetoes and place constitutional amendments on the ballot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744653464396.png" alt=" Republican Sen. Mike Thompson, right, says the Kansas Legislature failed to deliver on a bipartisan promise to concentrate during the 2025 session on meaningful property tax reform. Here, Thompson speaks with Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau on the floor of the Kansas Senate in March. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Republican Sen. Mike Thompson, right, says the Kansas Legislature failed to deliver on a bipartisan promise to concentrate during the 2025 session on meaningful property tax reform. Here, Thompson speaks with Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau on the floor of the Kansas Senate in March. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Promises to voters ring hollow as emphasis remains on reducing income taxes</h2>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly patted themselves on the back last June after placing into state law a compromise bill slashing income taxes an estimated $1.2 billion over three years.Senate Bill 1 had broad support with a mere six opponents among 159 legislators voting on the package negotiated by the Democratic governor, Republican Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita. The focus of that bill was income taxes, but it did raise to $75,000 the exemption on the value of a residence when calculating a taxpayer’s obligation to the state’s property tax levy for public schools.While 2024 was viewed as the year of the income tax, promises were made by Republicans and Democrats to address property tax reform during the 2025 legislative session. The end of the annual session last week offered evidence the performance of lawmakers on property tax relief was again underwhelming.“When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short,” said Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican candidate for governor, said Monday.He said state lawmakers this session delivered a paltry $25.88 property tax break for the owner of a $150,000 home. That’s not enough to fill the gas tank in many vehicles, cover the cost of a couple sacks of groceries or pay someone to mow a lawn.Schwab encouraged “every property owner” to respond by challenging their property tax valuation with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals.“Kansans expected leadership that would address runaway property tax increases, arrest out-of-control valuations and restore confidence that they can afford the homes they live in — not rent them from the government,” he said.The Senate did endorse an amendment to the Kansas Constitution imposing a 3% cap on residential property tax valuation increases. That won’t be appearing on statewide ballots, however, because the amendment was never taken up in the House.“We came here with a mandate,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican. “I’m just disappointed that we end up at the end of this session with no&nbsp;real&nbsp;relief for those homeowners who are facing selling their home or paying their&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax. That’s where we are.”Lenexa Sen. Dinah Sykes, who serves as Democratic leader of the Senate, drew the same conclusion with a partisan twist. She said progress on property tax reform was minimal, but reminded Kansans that Republicans held supermajorities in the House and Senate. Those two-thirds majorities meant the GOP could pass just about any bill it desired and had numbers to override the governor’s vetoes and place constitutional amendments on the ballot.“Kansans deserve better than what they got from their Legislature in 2025,” Sykes said. “Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues refused to join us in that effort. Republicans promised Kansans they would deliver&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;relief, but they failed to make good on that promise.”<h2>‘Put Kansans first’</h2>Kansas voters were assured by sloganeering candidates during last year’s August primary and November general elections that nothing would stand in the way of meaningful property tax reform in 2025. Voters made it clear they thought property taxes were too high, valuations were rising faster than paychecks and, incredibly, some people on fixed incomes who worked all their lives to have a home of their own were being forced out.As the legislative session began in January, another layer of political vows emerged about cutting property taxes.“You expect us to put Kansans first, control the overreach of government and keep our promises — and that is exactly what we intend to do,” Masterson said. “That must begin with property tax relief and reform.”When the dust settled in April, the Legislature barely scratched the surface on rolling back state property taxes. The governor signed Senate Bill 35, which used general state tax dollars to replace a 1.5-mill state property tax dedicated to government building projects. It was unanimously approved in the Senate and overwhelmingly endorsed in the House 96-26.The Legislature passed a bill renewing the state’s 20-mill property tax, valued at about $875 million annually, to provide financial support to K-12 public schools. The Legislature could have earmarked state income or sales tax dollars to public schools and trimmed state property tax dedicated to that purpose.Instead, the Republican-controlled House and Senate placed emphasis on income tax reform by voting to override Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 269. This so-called income-tax-trigger bill was designed to methodically drop individual and corporate income tax rates to 4%.“I have proposed and supported tax cuts when they are implemented responsibly and benefit the people of Kansas, especially those who need it most,” Kelly said. “This bill ignores Kansas families at a time of rising costs and inflation in favor of hundreds of millions of dollars in giveaways to corporations and the wealthy.”The override vote on SB 269 was 87-37 in the House and 30-10 in the Senate. Instead of responding to Kansans’ demands for gradual reduction of property taxes, the Legislature in 2025 ended up dedicating future state revenue surpluses to gradually reducing income taxes.The Senate did endorse a constitutional amendment that would have set a 3% cap on property taxes starting in 2027, but House GOP leaders said the necessary two-thirds majority to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1603 before Kansas voters didn’t exist in the House.Critics of the amendment had argued the limitation would cripple the ability of cities and counties to operate, because municipal government relied heavily on property and sales taxes. The state’s revenue stream includes income, sales and property taxes.<h2>‘Very disappointed’</h2>In January, the conservative Kansas Policy Institute highlighted for legislators an opinion poll conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of the Wichita think tank. It showed 64% of participants were in favor of limits on annual increases in the appraised value of property rather than the current practice of annually resetting appraisals to fair market value.The poll showed majority support for restraint of property taxes existed in urban and rural regions of the state, said Dave Trabert, a lobbyist with Kansas Policy Institute.He said 70% of conservatives in the poll were supportive of steps to hold down property taxes, while 67% of moderates and 52% of liberals were on board. Eighteen percent were opposed and the same percentage was uncertain.“Many homeowners have experienced double-digit property tax increases because local officials took advantage of valuation spikes,” Trabert said.Rep. Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat often distant from KPI’s perspective on public policy issues, said it was folly to ignore will of the people.“Our constituents are asking for property tax relief,” said Sawyer, who contended the income tax trigger law would prove to be an obstacle to property tax reform. “We go to a rachet so all of our money above inflation in the future goes to cutting the income tax.”Some of the Senate’s most right-wing members were convinced the Legislature did a belly flop on property taxes in 2025.Sen. Virgil Peck, a Republican from Havana, said it wasn’t enough the Legislature worked on income tax policy and ditched the 1.5-mill property tax for building construction.“I think we could do better when it comes to&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;reductions,” Peck said.Finally, Wichita GOP Sen. Renee Erickson, said the Legislature’s approach to property tax issues didn’t answer the public’s call for relief.“I’m very disappointed we did not do more for our constituents on&nbsp;property&nbsp;tax&nbsp;and I hope that we seriously are able to do something next session,” she said.