SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for allegedly damaging a police car.&nbsp;

Just after 8:30p.m. Sunday, police were called to the&nbsp;Hastings Motel, 217 South Broadway Avenue, in Salina,&nbsp; for a disturbance between two 40-year-old residents. 

The dispute involved accusations of prior vehicle damage and claims that each party was armed, though it was later determined that only one subject was armed with a torch lighter. No charges were filed in connection with the incident, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

While officers were investigating this incident, a resident of the motel, identified as 61-year-old Ricky L. Hall,&nbsp; had been in the parking lot yelling and cursing at officers, according to Feldman . Hall was not involved in the original call, but as an officer investigating the disturbance was speaking with hotel employees in the office, he heard loud banging and went outside and observed Hall with a logging chain striking the hood of a police car.

The officer intervened, ordering Hall to the ground at taser point. Hall complied and was taken into custody without further incident.

The hood and windshield of the police car sustained damage, estimated at $4,000. Hall was booked into the Saline County Jail on a requested charge of felony damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737490684180.png" alt="Hall from an arrest in May for alleged criminal threat-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Hall from an arrest in May for alleged criminal threat-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for allegedly damaging a police car.&nbsp;Just after 8:30p.m. Sunday, police were called to the&nbsp;Hastings Motel, 217 South Broadway Avenue, in Salina,&nbsp; for a disturbance between two 40-year-old residents. The dispute involved accusations of prior vehicle damage and claims that each party was armed, though it was later determined that only one subject was armed with a torch lighter. No charges were filed in connection with the incident, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.While officers were investigating this incident, a resident of the motel, identified as 61-year-old Ricky L. Hall,&nbsp; had been in the parking lot yelling and cursing at officers, according to Feldman . Hall was not involved in the original call, but as an officer investigating the disturbance was speaking with hotel employees in the office, he heard loud banging and went outside and observed Hall with a logging chain striking the hood of a police car.The officer intervened, ordering Hall to the ground at taser point. Hall complied and was taken into custody without further incident.The hood and windshield of the police car sustained damage, estimated at $4,000. Hall was booked into the Saline County Jail on a requested charge of felony damage to property.

Kansas man accused of damaging police car with a logging chain

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate the Sedgwick County jail.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention staff discovered an unresponsive inmate identified as 29-year-old Rashawn Pleas of Rockford, Illinois, on the floor of his cell in Pod 6, according to a media release.

On-site medical personnel and Sedgwick County EMS were immediately notified and responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were attempted. He was pronounced dead at approximately 10:52 p.m.

&nbsp;Pleass had been in custody since Dec. 23, 2023, awaiting sentencing in the 18th Judicial District Court on charges of aggravated domestic battery, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of opiates.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Pleass did not have any obvious signs of trauma and investigators are now awaiting an autopsy and toxicology.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737478356602.png" alt="Pleass photo from his Sedgwick Co. arrest in 2023" />
 <figcaption>Pleass photo from his Sedgwick Co. arrest in 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate the Sedgwick County jail.Just after 10p.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention staff discovered an unresponsive inmate identified as 29-year-old Rashawn Pleas of Rockford, Illinois, on the floor of his cell in Pod 6, according to a media release.On-site medical personnel and Sedgwick County EMS were immediately notified and responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were attempted. He was pronounced dead at approximately 10:52 p.m.&nbsp;Pleass had been in custody since Dec. 23, 2023, awaiting sentencing in the 18th Judicial District Court on charges of aggravated domestic battery, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of opiates.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.Pleass did not have any obvious signs of trauma and investigators are now awaiting an autopsy and toxicology.

Prisoner in Kansas jail for domestic battery has died

WASHINGTON (AP) — The former leader of the Proud Boys and the founder of the Oath Keepers have been released from prison after their lengthy sentences for seditious conspiracy in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;were wiped away by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-jan-6-pardons-trump-justice-department-8ce8b2a8f8cb602d5eaf85ac7b969606">a sweeping order</a>&nbsp;from President Donald Trump benefiting more than 1,500 defendants.

Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes were two of the highest-profile Jan. 6 defendants and received some of the harshest punishments in what became the largest investigation in Justice Department history. Rhodes, of Granbury, Texas, was serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c">an 18-year prison sentence</a>, and Tarrio, of Miami, was serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">a 22-year sentence</a>&nbsp;after they were convicted of orchestrating plots to stop the peaceful transfer of power after Trump, a Republican, lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden.

Their attorneys confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday they had been released hours after Trump pardoned, commuted the sentences of or ordered the dismissal of cases against all the 1,500-plus people who were charged with federal crimes in the riot. Trump's action paved the way for the release of extremist group leaders convicted in major conspiracy cases, as well people who violently attacked law enforcement officers defending the Capitol.

Trump also ordered the attorney general to seek the dismissal of roughly 450 cases that were still pending before judges.

Trump made rewriting the history of the Jan. 6 attack a centerpiece of his bid to return to the White House, and the pardon of the rioters fulfills a campaign pledge to free defendants he contends were politically persecuted by the Justice Department.

Trump said the pardons will end “a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years” and begin “a process of national reconciliation.”

Trump had suggested in the weeks leading up to his return to the White House that instead of blanket pardons, he would look at the Jan. 6 defendants on a case-by-case basis. Vice President JD Vance said just days ago that&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/jan-6-prosecutions/">people</a>&nbsp;responsible for the violence during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Capitol riot</a>&nbsp;“obviously” should not be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-congress-capitol-riot-crimes-4443c672fc3b1492640684652647cde6">pardoned</a>.

More than 1,200 people across the U.S. were convicted of Jan. 6 crimes over the last four years, including roughly 200 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement. More than a dozen defendants were convicted of seditious conspiracy, a rare Civil War-era charge and the most serious one brought in the Jan. 6 attack.

Tarrio, who led the neofacist Proud Boys group as it became a force in mainstream Republican circles, was convicted in 2023 of seditious conspiracy and other crimes after a monthslong trial on allegations that he orchestrated violence to overturn Biden's 2020 victory over Trump.

Tarrio wasn’t in Washington on Jan. 6, because he had been arrested two days earlier in a separate case and ordered out of the capital city. But prosecutors said he organized and directed the attack by Proud Boys who stormed the Capitol that day.

Rhodes was convicted in a separate trial alongside members of his far-right militia group who prosecutors alleged were intent on keeping Trump in power at all costs. Over seven weeks of testimony, jurors heard how Rhodes rallied his followers to fight to defend Trump, discussed the prospect of a “bloody” civil war and warned that the Oath Keepers may have to “rise up in insurrection” to defeat Biden if Trump didn’t act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669760612209.png" alt="-Rhodes from his Jan. 2022 arrest-photo Collin County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>-Rhodes from his Jan. 2022 arrest-photo Collin County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The former leader of the Proud Boys and the founder of the Oath Keepers have been released from prison after their lengthy sentences for seditious conspiracy in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;were wiped away by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-jan-6-pardons-trump-justice-department-8ce8b2a8f8cb602d5eaf85ac7b969606">a sweeping order</a>&nbsp;from President Donald Trump benefiting more than 1,500 defendants.Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes were two of the highest-profile Jan. 6 defendants and received some of the harshest punishments in what became the largest investigation in Justice Department history. Rhodes, of Granbury, Texas, was serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c">an 18-year prison sentence</a>, and Tarrio, of Miami, was serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">a 22-year sentence</a>&nbsp;after they were convicted of orchestrating plots to stop the peaceful transfer of power after Trump, a Republican, lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden.Their attorneys confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday they had been released hours after Trump pardoned, commuted the sentences of or ordered the dismissal of cases against all the 1,500-plus people who were charged with federal crimes in the riot. Trump's action paved the way for the release of extremist group leaders convicted in major conspiracy cases, as well people who violently attacked law enforcement officers defending the Capitol.Trump also ordered the attorney general to seek the dismissal of roughly 450 cases that were still pending before judges.Trump made rewriting the history of the Jan. 6 attack a centerpiece of his bid to return to the White House, and the pardon of the rioters fulfills a campaign pledge to free defendants he contends were politically persecuted by the Justice Department.Trump said the pardons will end “a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years” and begin “a process of national reconciliation.”Trump had suggested in the weeks leading up to his return to the White House that instead of blanket pardons, he would look at the Jan. 6 defendants on a case-by-case basis. Vice President JD Vance said just days ago that&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/jan-6-prosecutions/">people</a>&nbsp;responsible for the violence during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">Capitol riot</a>&nbsp;“obviously” should not be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-congress-capitol-riot-crimes-4443c672fc3b1492640684652647cde6">pardoned</a>.More than 1,200 people across the U.S. were convicted of Jan. 6 crimes over the last four years, including roughly 200 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement. More than a dozen defendants were convicted of seditious conspiracy, a rare Civil War-era charge and the most serious one brought in the Jan. 6 attack.Tarrio, who led the neofacist Proud Boys group as it became a force in mainstream Republican circles, was convicted in 2023 of seditious conspiracy and other crimes after a monthslong trial on allegations that he orchestrated violence to overturn Biden's 2020 victory over Trump.Tarrio wasn’t in Washington on Jan. 6, because he had been arrested two days earlier in a separate case and ordered out of the capital city. But prosecutors said he organized and directed the attack by Proud Boys who stormed the Capitol that day.Rhodes was convicted in a separate trial alongside members of his far-right militia group who prosecutors alleged were intent on keeping Trump in power at all costs. Over seven weeks of testimony, jurors heard how Rhodes rallied his followers to fight to defend Trump, discussed the prospect of a “bloody” civil war and warned that the Oath Keepers may have to “rise up in insurrection” to defeat Biden if Trump didn’t act.

Proud Boys leader and Oath Keepers founder now free after Trump clemency

BUTLER COUNTY – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography which was found on multiple electronic devices.

According to court documents, Alexander James Rosell, 34, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

Rosell's activity was discovered through an international investigation into a particular dark web website, as well as reports made against IP addresses connected to a residence to which he had access. During a search warrant at the home, investigators found Rosell had child pornography images on a cell phone and multiple laptops.

Rosell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are investigating the case

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737409307108.png" alt="Rosell is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Rosell is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography which was found on multiple electronic devices.According to court documents, Alexander James Rosell, 34, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.Rosell's activity was discovered through an international investigation into a particular dark web website, as well as reports made against IP addresses connected to a residence to which he had access. During a search warrant at the home, investigators found Rosell had child pornography images on a cell phone and multiple laptops.Rosell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are investigating the case

International child porn investigation led to Kan. man's arrest

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating an vehicle crash have made an arrest.

Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 53-year-old Teresa Garcia, of Manhattan in the 700 block of Crestwood Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Garcia was arrested on requested charges of aggravated battery- DUI, failure to stop at an accident, interference with an LEO, and driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol. 

&nbsp;Garcia met the requirement of $6,750 bond and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating an vehicle crash have made an arrest.Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 53-year-old Teresa Garcia, of Manhattan in the 700 block of Crestwood Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Garcia was arrested on requested charges of aggravated battery- DUI, failure to stop at an accident, interference with an LEO, and driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol. &nbsp;Garcia met the requirement of $6,750 bond and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

Manhattan woman arrested for alleged DUI crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a June 4, homicide is scheduled made a court appearance for&nbsp;a preliminary hearing on Friday.

Judge Quentin Pittman ruled 23-year-old Jeremiah Walker will stand trial for second-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Walker is charged for the death of&nbsp;27-year-old Quentin Gordon.

Just after 9:30p.m. June 4, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston.

Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

&nbsp;Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.

On June 6, police asked for help to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about the homicide.&nbsp;

On June 12, Wichita Police Homicide investigators arrested Walker, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718212493808.png" alt="Walker phot Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker phot Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a June 4, homicide is scheduled made a court appearance for&nbsp;a preliminary hearing on Friday.Judge Quentin Pittman ruled 23-year-old Jeremiah Walker will stand trial for second-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Walker is charged for the death of&nbsp;27-year-old Quentin Gordon.Just after 9:30p.m. June 4, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston.Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.On June 6, police asked for help to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about the homicide.&nbsp;On June 12, Wichita Police Homicide investigators arrested Walker, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Kan. suspect captured after 6-day search will stand trial for murder

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects in connection with a shooting at a hotel.

On December 18, police responded to a shooting at the Meadow Acres Inn, 2950 SW Topeka Blvd, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Shots were reportedly fired into a hotel room occupied by two adults. 

Upon arrival, officers observed property damage to the room and found a person in another room who was transported to a local hospital for life-threatening injuries.

Just before 8p.m. January 15, police located Michael H. Howey, 31, of Topeka, in the 700 block of SE 34th St. As a result of the investigation, Howey was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Battery; aggravated Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied dwelling w great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of firearm; Unoccupied dwelling, Criminal damage to property; To injure or defraud value $1000 to $25000 and&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful discharge of firearm in city limits, Assault; aggravated, Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana and Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution

On January 16, federal partners located Leonard Madison III, 29, of Topeka, in the 5800 block of SW Topeka Blvd. As a result of the investigation, Madison was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal possession of a weapon by felon; less than 8 years since sentence/diversion, Battery; aggravated, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied dwelling w great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of firearm; Unoccupied dwelling, Criminal damage to property; To injure or defraud value $1000 to $25000, Unlawful discharge of firearm in city limits and Assault; aggravated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737152240415.png" alt="Howey-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Howey-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects in connection with a shooting at a hotel.On December 18, police responded to a shooting at the Meadow Acres Inn, 2950 SW Topeka Blvd, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Shots were reportedly fired into a hotel room occupied by two adults. Upon arrival, officers observed property damage to the room and found a person in another room who was transported to a local hospital for life-threatening injuries.Just before 8p.m. January 15, police located Michael H. Howey, 31, of Topeka, in the 700 block of SE 34th St. As a result of the investigation, Howey was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Battery; aggravated Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied dwelling w great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of firearm; Unoccupied dwelling, Criminal damage to property; To injure or defraud value $1000 to $25000 and&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful discharge of firearm in city limits, Assault; aggravated, Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana and Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737152384650.png" alt="Madison-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Madison-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>On January 16, federal partners located Leonard Madison III, 29, of Topeka, in the 5800 block of SW Topeka Blvd. As a result of the investigation, Madison was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal possession of a weapon by felon; less than 8 years since sentence/diversion, Battery; aggravated, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied dwelling w great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of firearm; Unoccupied dwelling, Criminal damage to property; To injure or defraud value $1000 to $25000, Unlawful discharge of firearm in city limits and Assault; aggravated.

Police track down 2 for shooting at Kan. motel that critically injured victim

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.

On January 15,&nbsp;the Finney County Sheriff’s Office / Garden City Police Department Joint Drug Task Force and Holcomb Police Department served a search warrant at 401 Emmanuel Drive Apt. 3 in Holcomb, according to a media release.

This search warrant stemmed from an ongoing investigation into the activities of the residents of the apartment. The search of the residence resulted in the seizure of Methamphetamine and multiple items associated with the illegal distribution of controlled substances. The following people were arrested and lodged in the Finney County Jail as a result of the search warrant.

Danyl Rodriguez, 39,&nbsp; Holcomb, arrested on requested charges that include Distribute stimulants; 3.5-100 grams within 1000’ of a school zone; Possession of drug paraphernalia for distribution; Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transactions; Use of communication device to facilitate felony drug violation; Possession of drug paraphernalia for use; Felony interference with law enforcement and for destroying evidence.

Larry Briscoe Jr., 45, Holcomb, was arrested on requested charges that includ Possession of a Stimulant with 1 prior convictionand Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Zuleyca Beatriz Perez-Gomez, 30, Dodge City, was arrested on requested charges of&nbsp; Interference with a law enforcement officer and obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737126059592.png" alt="Briscoe-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Briscoe-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.On January 15,&nbsp;the Finney County Sheriff’s Office / Garden City Police Department Joint Drug Task Force and Holcomb Police Department served a search warrant at 401 Emmanuel Drive Apt. 3 in Holcomb, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737217611476.png" alt="Perez-Gomez-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Perez-Gomez-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>This search warrant stemmed from an ongoing investigation into the activities of the residents of the apartment. The search of the residence resulted in the seizure of Methamphetamine and multiple items associated with the illegal distribution of controlled substances. The following people were arrested and lodged in the Finney County Jail as a result of the search warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737126123906.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Danyl Rodriguez, 39,&nbsp; Holcomb, arrested on requested charges that include Distribute stimulants; 3.5-100 grams within 1000’ of a school zone; Possession of drug paraphernalia for distribution; Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transactions; Use of communication device to facilitate felony drug violation; Possession of drug paraphernalia for use; Felony interference with law enforcement and for destroying evidence.Larry Briscoe Jr., 45, Holcomb, was arrested on requested charges that includ Possession of a Stimulant with 1 prior convictionand Possession of drug paraphernalia.Zuleyca Beatriz Perez-Gomez, 30, Dodge City, was arrested on requested charges of&nbsp; Interference with a law enforcement officer and obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution.

Three accused in southwest Kansas drug sale operation

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop and arrest.

Just before 1 a.m. Dec. 15, a sheriff' s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a blue 1994 Ford Ranger near NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Lyman Road, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the traffic stop, the driver gave false information including his name, date of birth, age, and more. Eventually, it was discovered that the driver had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest through the City of Topeka and a suspended driver’s license.

A K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located. John J. Shaw, 41, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia,&nbsp;Identity theft,&nbsp; Interference with law enforcement, Driving while license suspended, Improper display of license plate and No vehicle liability insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736976441700.png" alt="Shawnee photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Shawnee photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop and arrest.Just before 1 a.m. Dec. 15, a sheriff' s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a blue 1994 Ford Ranger near NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Lyman Road, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.During the traffic stop, the driver gave false information including his name, date of birth, age, and more. Eventually, it was discovered that the driver had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest through the City of Topeka and a suspended driver’s license.A K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located. John J. Shaw, 41, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia,&nbsp;Identity theft,&nbsp; Interference with law enforcement, Driving while license suspended, Improper display of license plate and No vehicle liability insurance.

Wanted Kan. suspect gave fake name and more during traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Missouri man who crashed a rental truck into barriers protecting the White House was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison for an attack that prosecutors said was inspired by his fascination with Nazi ideology, court records show.

Sai Varshith Kandula, then 19, nearly struck two people standing next to a park bench when he steered a U-Haul box truck onto a sidewalk and toward metal bollards that prevent vehicles from entering Lafayette Square, which is located north of the White House. He retrieved a Nazi flag from a backpack after the May 22, 2023, crash, which didn't injure anybody.

Kandula wanted to “attack and destroy” the U.S. government,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.257624/gov.uscourts.dcd.257624.41.0.pdf">prosecutors said</a>.

“He wanted to eliminate the democratic process in America and replace the government with a Nazi style dictatorship," they wrote.

U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich also sentenced Kandula to three years of supervised release after his prison term and ordered him to pay nearly $57,000 in restitution, according to court records.

Defense attorney Scott Rosenblum said Kandula was&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.257624/gov.uscourts.dcd.257624.44.0.pdf">suffering from schizophrenia</a>&nbsp;and was overwhelmed by delusional thoughts, including his belief that “a reptilian race had installed a puppet regime to operate the U.S.”

“He’s amenable to treatment, understands its necessity, and recognizes an illness produced the acts that led to his current circumstances,” Rosenblum wrote.

Prosecutors recommended an eight-year prison sentence for Kandula, who pleaded guilty in May to a property damage charge. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

Kandula planned the attack for weeks before he took a flight from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. only hours before the crash, prosecutors said. He rented the truck in Herndon, Virginia approximately three hours before he crashed it into the barriers.

After Kandula backed up and slammed into the bollards a second time, the truck began smoking from its engine compartment and leaking fluids.

Authorities didn’t find any weapons, ammunition or explosives in his possession. But prosecutors said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-secret-service-assassination-attempt-campaign-7dca5e30730287f46cceaa35437f0d47">attempted assassination</a>&nbsp;of President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;at a July 13 rally in Pennsylvania shows that "individuals who carry such destructive intent are capable of inflicting serious damage to the American political system.”

Police body camera video captured the aftermath of the crash. After his arrest, Kandula told investigators that he purchased the swastika flag because “Nazis have a great history."

“He specifically praised Adolf Hitler. And it wasn’t just words — when his truck was disabled in the attack, the first thing he did was unfurl the flag of Nazi Germany,” prosecutors wrote.

After Kandula's arrest, two psychologists diagnosed him with schizophrenia, according to Rosenblum.

“Both also believe his illness led directly to his offense,” the lawyer wrote.

Rosenblum said Kandula's conviction will likely result in his deportation to India.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737068721383.png" alt="Kandula photo Mo. Rockwood R-VI School District" />
 <figcaption>Kandula photo Mo. Rockwood R-VI School District</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A Missouri man who crashed a rental truck into barriers protecting the White House was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison for an attack that prosecutors said was inspired by his fascination with Nazi ideology, court records show.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684847745876.png" alt="Scene of the crashed&nbsp; U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House-photo courtesy WJLA TV" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the crashed&nbsp; U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House-photo courtesy WJLA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Sai Varshith Kandula, then 19, nearly struck two people standing next to a park bench when he steered a U-Haul box truck onto a sidewalk and toward metal bollards that prevent vehicles from entering Lafayette Square, which is located north of the White House. He retrieved a Nazi flag from a backpack after the May 22, 2023, crash, which didn't injure anybody.Kandula wanted to “attack and destroy” the U.S. government,&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.257624/gov.uscourts.dcd.257624.41.0.pdf">prosecutors said</a>.“He wanted to eliminate the democratic process in America and replace the government with a Nazi style dictatorship," they wrote.U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich also sentenced Kandula to three years of supervised release after his prison term and ordered him to pay nearly $57,000 in restitution, according to court records.Defense attorney Scott Rosenblum said Kandula was&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.257624/gov.uscourts.dcd.257624.44.0.pdf">suffering from schizophrenia</a>&nbsp;and was overwhelmed by delusional thoughts, including his belief that “a reptilian race had installed a puppet regime to operate the U.S.”“He’s amenable to treatment, understands its necessity, and recognizes an illness produced the acts that led to his current circumstances,” Rosenblum wrote.Prosecutors recommended an eight-year prison sentence for Kandula, who pleaded guilty in May to a property damage charge. He has remained in custody since his arrest.Kandula planned the attack for weeks before he took a flight from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. only hours before the crash, prosecutors said. He rented the truck in Herndon, Virginia approximately three hours before he crashed it into the barriers.After Kandula backed up and slammed into the bollards a second time, the truck began smoking from its engine compartment and leaking fluids.Authorities didn’t find any weapons, ammunition or explosives in his possession. But prosecutors said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-secret-service-assassination-attempt-campaign-7dca5e30730287f46cceaa35437f0d47">attempted assassination</a>&nbsp;of President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;at a July 13 rally in Pennsylvania shows that "individuals who carry such destructive intent are capable of inflicting serious damage to the American political system.”Police body camera video captured the aftermath of the crash. After his arrest, Kandula told investigators that he purchased the swastika flag because “Nazis have a great history."“He specifically praised Adolf Hitler. And it wasn’t just words — when his truck was disabled in the attack, the first thing he did was unfurl the flag of Nazi Germany,” prosecutors wrote.After Kandula's arrest, two psychologists diagnosed him with schizophrenia, according to Rosenblum.“Both also believe his illness led directly to his offense,” the lawyer wrote.Rosenblum said Kandula's conviction will likely result in his deportation to India.

Man going to prison for truck crash attack near White House

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a June 4, homicide is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday.

Jeremiah Walker, 23 of Wichita, is charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of&nbsp;27-year-old Quentin Gordon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718212493808.png" alt="Walker -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Walker -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a June 4, homicide is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday.Jeremiah Walker, 23 of Wichita, is charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of&nbsp;27-year-old Quentin Gordon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 9:30p.m. June 4, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston.Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.On June 6, police asked for help to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about the homicide.&nbsp;On June 12, Wichita Police Homicide investigators arrested Walker, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Kan. murder suspect captured after 6-day search due back in court

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2481/Jerome-Davis-Complaint-Packet-REDACTED">charged with 10 felonies</a>&nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting near the 3100 block of Elmwood Ave. in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Jerome L. Davis faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, four counts of Armed Criminal Action, Assault in the 1st Degree, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the 1st Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2480/Davis_Jerome---PC-Statement_Redacted_FINAL">According to court records</a>, on January 1, 2025, officers were dispatched to the area of Elmwood Avenue near 31st Street where they located four parties at a residence, two of whom were suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim was declared deceased, and the other was sent to a nearby hospital for a gunshot wound to his arm.&nbsp;

Witnesses told detectives they were celebrating at a New Years Eve party at the residence when they saw the defendant load his 9mm handgun in the living room and shoot the victims. Then, witnesses said they saw the defendant pull out of the driveway in the vehicle the deceased victim arrived in.

Detectives conducted a computer search of the defendant after witnesses told them he had just been released from prison, and they found he was on federal house arrest. Contact was made with his probation officer who advised the defendant was wearing an ankle monitor GPS device, which indicated him to be at the residence at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;

When detectives conducted a search warrant of the defendant’s residence, they found multiple shell casings consisting of the same calibers that were recovered from the original crime scene.

In a statement to detectives, the defendant said he was present at the party, but was not aware of a homicide, did not feel threatened or engage in any arguments, and got a ride home with an unknown individual. &nbsp;

The defendant is being held on no bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736998125701.png" alt="Davis has a previous conviction for flee and elude law enforcement- photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Davis has a previous conviction for flee and elude law enforcement- photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2481/Jerome-Davis-Complaint-Packet-REDACTED">charged with 10 felonies</a>&nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting near the 3100 block of Elmwood Ave. in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736956567240.jpeg" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation New Year's Day" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation New Year's Day</figcaption>
 </figure>Jerome L. Davis faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, four counts of Armed Criminal Action, Assault in the 1st Degree, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the 1st Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2480/Davis_Jerome---PC-Statement_Redacted_FINAL">According to court records</a>, on January 1, 2025, officers were dispatched to the area of Elmwood Avenue near 31st Street where they located four parties at a residence, two of whom were suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim was declared deceased, and the other was sent to a nearby hospital for a gunshot wound to his arm.&nbsp;Witnesses told detectives they were celebrating at a New Years Eve party at the residence when they saw the defendant load his 9mm handgun in the living room and shoot the victims. Then, witnesses said they saw the defendant pull out of the driveway in the vehicle the deceased victim arrived in.Detectives conducted a computer search of the defendant after witnesses told them he had just been released from prison, and they found he was on federal house arrest. Contact was made with his probation officer who advised the defendant was wearing an ankle monitor GPS device, which indicated him to be at the residence at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;When detectives conducted a search warrant of the defendant’s residence, they found multiple shell casings consisting of the same calibers that were recovered from the original crime scene.In a statement to detectives, the defendant said he was present at the party, but was not aware of a homicide, did not feel threatened or engage in any arguments, and got a ride home with an unknown individual. &nbsp;The defendant is being held on no bond.&nbsp;

Kansas felon charged for killing at New Year's party 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating one of three homicides on Tuesday have identified another victims as 22-year-old Alex Benson,&nbsp;, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at an apartment complex in the area of 6300 Manchester Avenue in Kansas City, according to Gonzalez.

When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with the calling party who advised someone was shot inside. Officers entered the residence and located a man, later identified as Benson, suffering from apparent, gunshot trauma and unresponsive. EMS personnel responded to the scene and declared him deceased.

Police had no preliminary information at this time that would indicate what lead up to the shooting and have not reported an arrest or suspect information.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736904780718.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation near 6300 Manchester Avenue on Tuesday afternoon- Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation near 6300 Manchester Avenue on Tuesday afternoon- Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating one of three homicides on Tuesday have identified another victims as 22-year-old Alex Benson,&nbsp;, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at an apartment complex in the area of 6300 Manchester Avenue in Kansas City, according to Gonzalez.When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with the calling party who advised someone was shot inside. Officers entered the residence and located a man, later identified as Benson, suffering from apparent, gunshot trauma and unresponsive. EMS personnel responded to the scene and declared him deceased.Police had no preliminary information at this time that would indicate what lead up to the shooting and have not reported an arrest or suspect information.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.

Homicide: Police ID man found dead in Kansas City apartment

RILEY COUNTY– On January 15, 2025, officers with the Riley County Police Department (RCPD) executed a search warrant in the 2000 block of College Heights Road as part of the investigation into the shootings that occurred on the evening of November 30 and the early morning hours of December 1, 2024, according to a media release from the RCPD.

The search warrant led to the arrest of Jessica Miller, 42, of Manhattan, on requested that include Perjury (Testify to statement as per KSA 53-601) – 10 counts;&nbsp; Endangering a child – 1 count;&nbsp; Violation of the Offender Registration Act (1st conviction) – 9 counts;&nbsp; Possession with the intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school (25 grams &lt; 450 grams); Possession of marijuana; Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia; Possession of a controlled substance (per KSA 65-4105(h))

This search and subsequent arrest are significant developments in the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.

RCPD continues to urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RCPD via the non-emergency line at 785-537-2112 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777. Individuals providing tips through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.

RCPD would like to thank the community for its continued cooperation and support as investigators work to bring closure to these cases.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737040193918.png" alt="Miller has been listed as a registered offender since May of 2018&nbsp; for a drug distribution conviction-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Miller has been listed as a registered offender since May of 2018&nbsp; for a drug distribution conviction-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY– On January 15, 2025, officers with the Riley County Police Department (RCPD) executed a search warrant in the 2000 block of College Heights Road as part of the investigation into the shootings that occurred on the evening of November 30 and the early morning hours of December 1, 2024, according to a media release from the RCPD.The search warrant led to the arrest of Jessica Miller, 42, of Manhattan, on requested that include Perjury (Testify to statement as per KSA 53-601) – 10 counts;&nbsp; Endangering a child – 1 count;&nbsp; Violation of the Offender Registration Act (1st conviction) – 9 counts;&nbsp; Possession with the intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school (25 grams &lt; 450 grams); Possession of marijuana; Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia; Possession of a controlled substance (per KSA 65-4105(h))This search and subsequent arrest are significant developments in the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.RCPD continues to urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RCPD via the non-emergency line at 785-537-2112 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777. Individuals providing tips through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.RCPD would like to thank the community for its continued cooperation and support as investigators work to bring closure to these cases.&nbsp;

RCPD arrests convicted drug dealer in shooting investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a home invasion robbery have made four arrests and continue searching for one additional suspect, according to Wichita police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Early Sunday, two victims reported that suspects entered their home in the 1000 block of Ellis Street in Wichita armed with shotguns and handguns, forcing them into a bedroom at gunpoint, according to Ford.

The victims were then restrained with zip ties while the suspects stole several electronic devices and three handguns. The victims, who were familiar with the suspects, began searching for their stolen property after the incident. One victim discovered that his phone and vehicle keys were missing and tracked their location to the 13600 block of West Nantucket in Wichita, a residence believed to be associated with one of the suspects.

Wichita Police responded to the Nantucket address, established a perimeter, and attempted to communicate with the occupants. Officers engaged with individuals inside the residence through a Ring doorbell camera, during which an occupant inadvertently activated the speaker. This revealed a conversation indicating the occupants were aware of law enforcement’s presence.

Despite repeated attempts to negotiate, the individuals refused to exit, prompting the activation of the SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team.

While waiting for the search warrant, one suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. During the subsequent search of the home, two additional suspects were found hiding in the attic and were also taken into custody. Police later arrested a fourth suspect identified as 51-year-old Robert D. Cook.

Andrew Denning, 33; Trinity Cook, 19; George Bos, 62 and Robert D. Cook all of Wichita, each made court appearances on Wednesday.&nbsp; Each were charged with aggravated robbery, kidnapping and aggravated burglary, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Trinity Cook and George Bos remain jailed on separate bonds of $150,000. Robert D. Cook is being held&nbsp; on a $250,000 bond.&nbsp; Andrew Denning is being held on a $200,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736723276240.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a home invasion robbery have made four arrests and continue searching for one additional suspect, according to Wichita police spokesman Andrew Ford.Early Sunday, two victims reported that suspects entered their home in the 1000 block of Ellis Street in Wichita armed with shotguns and handguns, forcing them into a bedroom at gunpoint, according to Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767403069.png" alt="George Bos-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>George Bos-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The victims were then restrained with zip ties while the suspects stole several electronic devices and three handguns. The victims, who were familiar with the suspects, began searching for their stolen property after the incident. One victim discovered that his phone and vehicle keys were missing and tracked their location to the 13600 block of West Nantucket in Wichita, a residence believed to be associated with one of the suspects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767350735.png" alt="Cook -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cook -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Police responded to the Nantucket address, established a perimeter, and attempted to communicate with the occupants. Officers engaged with individuals inside the residence through a Ring doorbell camera, during which an occupant inadvertently activated the speaker. This revealed a conversation indicating the occupants were aware of law enforcement’s presence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736972072424.png" alt="Cook-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cook-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite repeated attempts to negotiate, the individuals refused to exit, prompting the activation of the SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767770109.png" alt="Denning photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Denning photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>While waiting for the search warrant, one suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. During the subsequent search of the home, two additional suspects were found hiding in the attic and were also taken into custody. Police later arrested a fourth suspect identified as 51-year-old Robert D. Cook.Andrew Denning, 33; Trinity Cook, 19; George Bos, 62 and Robert D. Cook all of Wichita, each made court appearances on Wednesday.&nbsp; Each were charged with aggravated robbery, kidnapping and aggravated burglary, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Trinity Cook and George Bos remain jailed on separate bonds of $150,000. Robert D. Cook is being held&nbsp; on a $250,000 bond.&nbsp; Andrew Denning is being held on a $200,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Search continues for one suspect in Kan. home invasion robbery

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating three separate homicides on Tuesday in Kansas City have identified one of the victims as 58-year-old&nbsp;Larry Curtis, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 12:15a.m. Tuesday, officers were patrolling in the area of E 30th Street and Indiana Avenue when they observed a vehicle stopped in the roadway and facing oncoming traffic, according to Gonzalez.

Officers stopped to check the vehicle and any occupants that may be inside. As they approached the vehicle, an adult male victim, later identified as Curtis, could be seen inside suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive.

EMS responded to the scene and declared Curtis deceased.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating three separate homicides on Tuesday in Kansas City have identified one of the victims as 58-year-old&nbsp;Larry Curtis, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.Just before 12:15a.m. Tuesday, officers were patrolling in the area of E 30th Street and Indiana Avenue when they observed a vehicle stopped in the roadway and facing oncoming traffic, according to Gonzalez.Officers stopped to check the vehicle and any occupants that may be inside. As they approached the vehicle, an adult male victim, later identified as Curtis, could be seen inside suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive.EMS responded to the scene and declared Curtis deceased.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

Homicide: Police ID victim found in car facing wrong-way on KC street

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an dispute involving firearm.

On Monday, sheriff's deputies responded to report of a physical altercation at a home outside Pomona, Kansas, according to a media release from the Franklin County Sheriff.

The altercation ended with a firearm discharged into a vehicle.

The incident started as a disturbance among family in the 300 Block of Georgia Road. The argument eventually escalated into being physical which caused one person to be injured requiring medical treatment, according to the sheriff's office.

As the injured individual attempted to drive from the scene, 53-year-old Marion 'Gene' Ferris of Richmond allegedly discharged a firearm into the vehicle striking a tire.&nbsp; Three people including a 3-year-old child were in the vehicle.&nbsp;

The only injuries were non-life-threatening and not from the discharge of the firearm being discharged.&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies located Ferris at his residence in Richmond. He refused to exit the home. Ten hours later, deputies arrested him after he attempted to flee from the rear of the residence. He is being held on requested charges of attempted second degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal damage to property, felony interference with law enforcement and aggravated child endangerment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736894679012.png" alt="Ferris photo Franklin County" />
 <figcaption>Ferris photo Franklin County</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an dispute involving firearm.On Monday, sheriff's deputies responded to report of a physical altercation at a home outside Pomona, Kansas, according to a media release from the Franklin County Sheriff.The altercation ended with a firearm discharged into a vehicle.The incident started as a disturbance among family in the 300 Block of Georgia Road. The argument eventually escalated into being physical which caused one person to be injured requiring medical treatment, according to the sheriff's office.As the injured individual attempted to drive from the scene, 53-year-old Marion 'Gene' Ferris of Richmond allegedly discharged a firearm into the vehicle striking a tire.&nbsp; Three people including a 3-year-old child were in the vehicle.&nbsp;The only injuries were non-life-threatening and not from the discharge of the firearm being discharged.&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies located Ferris at his residence in Richmond. He refused to exit the home. Ten hours later, deputies arrested him after he attempted to flee from the rear of the residence. He is being held on requested charges of attempted second degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal damage to property, felony interference with law enforcement and aggravated child endangerment.

Kansas man fired gun at vehicle with 3-year-old inside

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with an armed robbery.

Just after 9p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a medical emergency in the 6500 block of NW Elmont Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies discovered that an armed robbery had just occurred when a 61-year-old man's vehicle and money were stolen from him at gunpoint.

Deputies arrested Jaterri J. Davis, 36, of Topeka, on requested charges of Aggravated robbery,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated assault, Criminal trespass, Theft, Theft of a motor vehicle,&nbsp;Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and Possession of an opiate, opium and narcotic or certain stimulant

Deputies also arrested&nbsp;Diamantae T. M. Boyd, 31, of Junction City, on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of stolen property; firearm, Possession of stolen property and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736890224327.png" alt="Davis photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Davis photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with an armed robbery.Just after 9p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a medical emergency in the 6500 block of NW Elmont Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736890453717.png" alt="Boyd-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Boyd-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies discovered that an armed robbery had just occurred when a 61-year-old man's vehicle and money were stolen from him at gunpoint.Deputies arrested Jaterri J. Davis, 36, of Topeka, on requested charges of Aggravated robbery,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated assault, Criminal trespass, Theft, Theft of a motor vehicle,&nbsp;Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and Possession of an opiate, opium and narcotic or certain stimulantDeputies also arrested&nbsp;Diamantae T. M. Boyd, 31, of Junction City, on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of stolen property; firearm, Possession of stolen property and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia

Suspects took cash, vehicle from Kansas man at gunpoint

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pam-bondi-justice-department-trump-attorney-general-4b94c094cfcabf606e4883fe709ab55a">Pam Bondi</a>, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, sought to reassure Democratic senators Wednesday that her Justice Department would not prosecute anyone for political purposes but also refused to rule out the potential for investigations into adversaries of the Republican president-elect.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/us-attorney-general-nominee-pam-bondi-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/430145">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the full hearing

Her often-testy confirmation hearing centered on concerns that Trump would seek to use the Justice Department's law enforcement powers to exact retribution against opponents, including investigators who investigated him. Democrats pressed her on whether she could maintain the department's independence from the White House and say no to the president if asked to do something unethical, while Republicans welcomed her as a course correction for a Justice Department they believe has pursued a liberal agenda and unfairly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-aileen-cannon-d7be86dad89227f12a6f5aac3433b202">pursued Trump through investigations</a>&nbsp;resulting in two indictments.

“What would you do if your career DOJ prosecutors came to you with a case to prosecute, grounded in the facts and law, but the White House directs you to drop the case?” asked Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat.

“Senator,” Bondi replied, “if I thought that would happen, I would not be sitting here today. That will not happen.”

The line of questioning laid bare what Democrats see as the stakes of Bondi’s appointment, particularly given the pressure Trump wielded on his Justice Department during his first term to advance his personal interests,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/879c9f7844ae4c5aa4df3750233521eb">including by demanding that the-then FBI director</a>&nbsp;abandon an investigation into an ally and by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bf2d24bc798e42409d5ef66f484361da">firing his first attorney general</a>&nbsp;following his recusal from an investigation into Trump's 2016 campaign. Heading into another term, he's also called for investigations into perceived foes, including prosecutors and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-a79f2d3683c7591058635c9b3d870070">lawmakers who investigated him over offenses including trying to undo the 2020 election.</a>

“I need to know that you would tell the president ‘no’ if you’re asked to do something that’s wrong, illegal or unconstitutional,” said Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/richard-durbin">Dick Durbin</a>, the committee's top Democrat, noting how Bondi had represented Trump during the first of two Senate impeachment trials.

Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida and the first woman to hold that job, repeatedly stressed that she would not play politics with the Justice Department or pursue anyone for political reasons. She said she would uphold the Constitution and said the public, not the president, would be her client.

“Of course not,” she said when asked by Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana if she would “start with a name to prosecute and then look for a crime.” “I hope no attorney general going forward would ever do that," she added.

But those reassurances seemed unlikely to allay Democratic concerns about her loyalty to Trump. Her testimony at times echoed Trump's campaign trail rhetoric as she refused to denounce some of his more incendiary claims and repeatedly invoked the size of Trump's election win in November — “Look at the map of California, Sen. Schiff. It's bright red” — as proof of a mandate for sweeping change.

She also made clear her allegiance to Trump by repeatedly refusing to denounce some of his most incendiary stances, such as his claims that supporters arrested in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol</a>&nbsp;were “hostages” or “patriots.”

Given a chance by Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mazie-hirono">Mazie Hirono</a>, a Hawaii Democrat, to reject that characterization, Bondi simply said: “I am not familiar with that statement.” She also refused to say she would encourage Trump not to issue blanket pardons of all 1,500 people who have been charged in the attack that left more than 100 police officers injured. But Bondi denounced violence against police officers, adding: “I’m not going to speak for the president, but the president does not like people that abuse police officers, either.”

Bondi also wouldn’t directly answer when asked whether Trump lost in 2020 to Democrat Joe Biden, only going so far initially to say that Biden is the president.

She later said she accepted the results of the election, but she also suggested there was fraud — alluding to her time as an advocate for the campaign in Pennsylvania in the days after that election, where she said she saw “many things” while on the ground.

“We shouldn’t want there to be any issues with election integrity in our country.” There is no evidence of widespread fraud that impacted the outcome of the election.

She backed up Trump’s claims that the prosecutions against him amounted to political persecution, saying the Justice Department “had been weaponized for years and years and years, and it’s got to stop.”

“They targeted Donald Trump,” Bondi said. “They went after him — actually starting back in 2016, they targeted his campaign. They have launched countless investigations against him.” She added: “If I am attorney general, I will not politicize that office.”

In a heated exchange with Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/adam-schiff">Adam Schiff</a>, a California Democrat and frequent target of Trump's ire, she stated that “every case will be done on a case-by-case basis” and said “no one should be prosecuted for political purposes” — a stance that she and other Republicans suggested was a departure from the last four years.

But she equivocated when Schiff asked Bondi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-aileen-cannon-d7be86dad89227f12a6f5aac3433b202">whether she would investigate Jack Smith,</a>&nbsp;the Justice Department special counsel who brought two indictments against Trump.

“I haven’t seen the file ...I haven’t looked at anything. It would be irresponsible of me to make a commitment regarding anything ... without looking at the file.”

Then, as the two spoke over each other, Bondi said that what she'd been “hearing on the news is horrible.”

The suggestion that the investigations into Trump were politically motivated has been sharply contested by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/merrick-garland">Attorney General Merrick Garland</a>&nbsp;and by Smith. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-aileen-cannon-d7be86dad89227f12a6f5aac3433b202">a report released this week</a>, Smith said politics played no part in his decisions and the evidence his team gathered was sufficient for Trump to have been convicted at trial on charges of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-justice-department-jack-smith-d6172cf98d8e03e099571c908267456c">Smith dismissed that case</a>&nbsp;and a separate one charging Trump with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, after Trump’s election win in November, citing longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting criminal cases against a sitting president.

The Justice Department under Garland also investigated Biden over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">his mishandling of classified information</a>&nbsp;— no charges were filed — and named a special counsel to investigate Biden’s son Hunter, who was convicted of tax and gun crimes before being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-justice-department-david-weiss-3bf0a31e6889bfaaa965a6fe4325024c">pardoned by his father</a>&nbsp;in December.

Republicans expressed overwhelming support for Bondi and her planned agenda, which she said includes protecting gun rights, free speech and the border and fighting violent crime and terrorism.

By day’s end, her confirmation seemed assured in the Republican-majority Senate. Republicans suggested that pointed Democratic questions during the hearing about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-trump-patel-fisa-russia-2d215ded96ad8a08689b6f7f0b2d49ec">Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI director</a>, was a more pressing concern for Democrats than Bondi.

“If confirmed, I will work to restore confidence and integrity to the Department of Justice — and each of its components,” Bondi said. “Under my watch, the partisan weaponization of the Department of Justice will end. America must have one tier of justice for all.”

Even as Democrats expressed concern that Trump would politicize the Justice Department, Republican senators insisted that that's what had happened over the last four years and that Bondi's selection represented an opportunity to change direction.

Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/chuck-grassley">Chuck Grassley</a>, the Republican committee chair, listed years of grievances against the Justice Department, includes the Trump-Russia investigation and more recently a Garland-era memo aimed at targeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/merrick-garland-school-boards-violence-daaff3f659981354b7a9a536db5cf2e2">threats from parents at school board meetings</a>.

“Ms. Bondi, should you be confirmed,” Grassley said, “the actions you take to change the department’s course must be for accountability, so that the conduct I just described never happens again.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pam-bondi-justice-department-trump-attorney-general-4b94c094cfcabf606e4883fe709ab55a">Pam Bondi</a>, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, will face sharp questioning from Democratic senators at a confirmation hearing Wednesday expected to center on concerns that the Republican president-elect will look to use the Justice Department's powers to seek retribution against his adversaries.

Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-ut-state-wire-acquittals-politics-93c85dcfb0e6b2185391965e77ebea51">was part of Trump's legal team</a>&nbsp;during his first of two impeachment trials before the Senate, encounters a skeptical reception from Democrats concerned by her perceived loyalty to Trump. Republicans, by contrast, eagerly welcome her as a course correction to a Justice Department they believe has pursued an overly liberal agenda and unfairly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-aileen-cannon-d7be86dad89227f12a6f5aac3433b202">pursued Trump through investigations</a>&nbsp;and a special counsel appointment resulting in two indictments.

“If confirmed, I will work to restore confidence and integrity to the Department of Justice – and each of its components,” Bondi will say in her opening statement, according to a copy of her prepared remarks. “Under my watch, the partisan weaponization of the Department of Justice will end. America must have one tier of justice for all.”

She did not elaborate on what she meant by “one tier of justice.” The Justice Department under outgoing Attorney General Merrick Garland also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">investigated President Joe Biden over his mishandling of classified information</a>&nbsp;— no charges were filed — and named a special counsel to investigate Biden's son Hunter, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-justice-department-david-weiss-3bf0a31e6889bfaaa965a6fe4325024c">was charged with tax and gun crimes before being pardoned in December by his father</a>.

Democrats including Sen. Richard Durbin are expected to seize on Bondi's yearslong presence in Trump's orbit and her public defense of him on cable news appearances, including one on Fox News Channel last year in which she said: “The Department of Justice, the prosecutors will be prosecuted — the bad ones. ... The investigators will be investigated.”

Bondi has also said members of the so-called deep state were “hiding in the shadows” during Trump’s first term “but now they have a spotlight on them, and they can all be investigated.”

Such comments have raised alarms that the department under Bondi's watch could pursue investigations at Trump's behest. Although longstanding norms dictate that presidents have no role in individual criminal investigations, Trump was known during his first term to call for specific inquiries into adversaries and berated his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for having recused from an investigation into Russian election interference that ultimately shadowed much of his tenure.

Bondi, a corporate lobbyist who spent 18 years in the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office in Florida, was named to the attorney general role after Trump's first pick, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matt-gaetz">withdrew from consideration amid continued fallout</a>&nbsp;over a federal sex trafficking investigation that ended without charges.

Bondi is likely to try to keep the focus of Wednesday's hearing on her own agenda for the department. In her opening statement, she pledged to protect the First Amendment rights of free speech and religion, as well as the Second Amendment right to bear arms, and to reform the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-prisons-closing-ap-investigation-abuse-decay-c02c96b6f6a3c5535cc3e3025d5d2585">beleaguered federal Bureau of Prisons</a>.

“If confirmed as United States Attorney General, my overriding objective would be to return the Department of Justice to its core mission of keeping Americans safe and vigorously enforcing the law,” she will say. “That requires getting back to basics — prosecuting violent crime and gang activity, stopping child predators and drug traffickers, protecting our nation from terrorists and other foreign threats, and addressing the overwhelming crisis at the Border.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736954812365.png" alt="Trump Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pam-bondi-justice-department-trump-attorney-general-4b94c094cfcabf606e4883fe709ab55a">Pam Bondi</a>, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, sought to reassure Democratic senators Wednesday that her Justice Department would not prosecute anyone for political purposes but also refused to rule out the potential for investigations into adversaries of the Republican president-elect.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/us-attorney-general-nominee-pam-bondi-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/430145">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the full hearing<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenAdamSchiff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenAdamSchiff</a>: &quot;Will you be able to review hundreds of cases on day one? Of course you won&#39;t...&quot; Pam Bondi: &quot;You were censured by Congress, Senator, for comments just like this.&quot; Watch complete exchange between Sen. Schiff and Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi. <a href="https://t.co/oy0lo03gAR">pic.twitter.com/oy0lo03gAR</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879600598389064018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/maziehirono?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@maziehirono</a>: &quot;Who won the 2020 presidential election?&quot; Pam Bondi: &quot;Joe Biden is the president of the United States.&quot; Hirono: &quot;I can say that Donald Trump won the 2024 election, I may not like it, but I can say it. You cannot say who won the 2020 presidential election.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wooDPEG7ey">pic.twitter.com/wooDPEG7ey</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879575631454679490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi on Kash Patel: &quot;I don&#39;t believe he has an enemies list...I have known Kash and I believe that Kash is the right person at this time for this job...there will never be an enemies list within the Department of Justice.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/VvQ77H3mBx">pic.twitter.com/VvQ77H3mBx</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879566905159155738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Her often-testy confirmation hearing centered on concerns that Trump would seek to use the Justice Department's law enforcement powers to exact retribution against opponents, including investigators who investigated him. Democrats pressed her on whether she could maintain the department's independence from the White House and say no to the president if asked to do something unethical, while Republicans welcomed her as a course correction for a Justice Department they believe has pursued a liberal agenda and unfairly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-aileen-cannon-d7be86dad89227f12a6f5aac3433b202">pursued Trump through investigations</a>&nbsp;resulting in two indictments.“What would you do if your career DOJ prosecutors came to you with a case to prosecute, grounded in the facts and law, but the White House directs you to drop the case?” asked Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat.“Senator,” Bondi replied, “if I thought that would happen, I would not be sitting here today. That will not happen.”The line of questioning laid bare what Democrats see as the stakes of Bondi’s appointment, particularly given the pressure Trump wielded on his Justice Department during his first term to advance his personal interests,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/879c9f7844ae4c5aa4df3750233521eb">including by demanding that the-then FBI director</a>&nbsp;abandon an investigation into an ally and by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bf2d24bc798e42409d5ef66f484361da">firing his first attorney general</a>&nbsp;following his recusal from an investigation into Trump's 2016 campaign. Heading into another term, he's also called for investigations into perceived foes, including prosecutors and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-a79f2d3683c7591058635c9b3d870070">lawmakers who investigated him over offenses including trying to undo the 2020 election.</a>“I need to know that you would tell the president ‘no’ if you’re asked to do something that’s wrong, illegal or unconstitutional,” said Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/richard-durbin">Dick Durbin</a>, the committee's top Democrat, noting how Bondi had represented Trump during the first of two Senate impeachment trials.Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida and the first woman to hold that job, repeatedly stressed that she would not play politics with the Justice Department or pursue anyone for political reasons. She said she would uphold the Constitution and said the public, not the president, would be her client.“Of course not,” she said when asked by Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana if she would “start with a name to prosecute and then look for a crime.” “I hope no attorney general going forward would ever do that," she added.But those reassurances seemed unlikely to allay Democratic concerns about her loyalty to Trump. Her testimony at times echoed Trump's campaign trail rhetoric as she refused to denounce some of his more incendiary claims and repeatedly invoked the size of Trump's election win in November — “Look at the map of California, Sen. Schiff. It's bright red” — as proof of a mandate for sweeping change.She also made clear her allegiance to Trump by repeatedly refusing to denounce some of his most incendiary stances, such as his claims that supporters arrested in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol</a>&nbsp;were “hostages” or “patriots.”Given a chance by Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mazie-hirono">Mazie Hirono</a>, a Hawaii Democrat, to reject that characterization, Bondi simply said: “I am not familiar with that statement.” She also refused to say she would encourage Trump not to issue blanket pardons of all 1,500 people who have been charged in the attack that left more than 100 police officers injured. But Bondi denounced violence against police officers, adding: “I’m not going to speak for the president, but the president does not like people that abuse police officers, either.”Bondi also wouldn’t directly answer when asked whether Trump lost in 2020 to Democrat Joe Biden, only going so far initially to say that Biden is the president.She later said she accepted the results of the election, but she also suggested there was fraud — alluding to her time as an advocate for the campaign in Pennsylvania in the days after that election, where she said she saw “many things” while on the ground.“We shouldn’t want there to be any issues with election integrity in our country.” There is no evidence of widespread fraud that impacted the outcome of the election.She backed up Trump’s claims that the prosecutions against him amounted to political persecution, saying the Justice Department “had been weaponized for years and years and years, and it’s got to stop.”“They targeted Donald Trump,” Bondi said. “They went after him — actually starting back in 2016, they targeted his campaign. They have launched countless investigations against him.” She added: “If I am attorney general, I will not politicize that office.”In a heated exchange with Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/adam-schiff">Adam Schiff</a>, a California Democrat and frequent target of Trump's ire, she stated that “every case will be done on a case-by-case basis” and said “no one should be prosecuted for political purposes” — a stance that she and other Republicans suggested was a departure from the last four years.But she equivocated when Schiff asked Bondi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-aileen-cannon-d7be86dad89227f12a6f5aac3433b202">whether she would investigate Jack Smith,</a>&nbsp;the Justice Department special counsel who brought two indictments against Trump.“I haven’t seen the file ...I haven’t looked at anything. It would be irresponsible of me to make a commitment regarding anything ... without looking at the file.”Then, as the two spoke over each other, Bondi said that what she'd been “hearing on the news is horrible.”The suggestion that the investigations into Trump were politically motivated has been sharply contested by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/merrick-garland">Attorney General Merrick Garland</a>&nbsp;and by Smith. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-aileen-cannon-d7be86dad89227f12a6f5aac3433b202">a report released this week</a>, Smith said politics played no part in his decisions and the evidence his team gathered was sufficient for Trump to have been convicted at trial on charges of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-justice-department-jack-smith-d6172cf98d8e03e099571c908267456c">Smith dismissed that case</a>&nbsp;and a separate one charging Trump with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, after Trump’s election win in November, citing longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting criminal cases against a sitting president.The Justice Department under Garland also investigated Biden over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">his mishandling of classified information</a>&nbsp;— no charges were filed — and named a special counsel to investigate Biden’s son Hunter, who was convicted of tax and gun crimes before being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-justice-department-david-weiss-3bf0a31e6889bfaaa965a6fe4325024c">pardoned by his father</a>&nbsp;in December.Republicans expressed overwhelming support for Bondi and her planned agenda, which she said includes protecting gun rights, free speech and the border and fighting violent crime and terrorism.By day’s end, her confirmation seemed assured in the Republican-majority Senate. Republicans suggested that pointed Democratic questions during the hearing about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-trump-patel-fisa-russia-2d215ded96ad8a08689b6f7f0b2d49ec">Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI director</a>, was a more pressing concern for Democrats than Bondi.“If confirmed, I will work to restore confidence and integrity to the Department of Justice — and each of its components,” Bondi said. “Under my watch, the partisan weaponization of the Department of Justice will end. America must have one tier of justice for all.”Even as Democrats expressed concern that Trump would politicize the Justice Department, Republican senators insisted that that's what had happened over the last four years and that Bondi's selection represented an opportunity to change direction.Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/chuck-grassley">Chuck Grassley</a>, the Republican committee chair, listed years of grievances against the Justice Department, includes the Trump-Russia investigation and more recently a Garland-era memo aimed at targeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/merrick-garland-school-boards-violence-daaff3f659981354b7a9a536db5cf2e2">threats from parents at school board meetings</a>.“Ms. Bondi, should you be confirmed,” Grassley said, “the actions you take to change the department’s course must be for accountability, so that the conduct I just described never happens again.”---------------WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pam-bondi-justice-department-trump-attorney-general-4b94c094cfcabf606e4883fe709ab55a">Pam Bondi</a>, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, will face sharp questioning from Democratic senators at a confirmation hearing Wednesday expected to center on concerns that the Republican president-elect will look to use the Justice Department's powers to seek retribution against his adversaries.Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-ut-state-wire-acquittals-politics-93c85dcfb0e6b2185391965e77ebea51">was part of Trump's legal team</a>&nbsp;during his first of two impeachment trials before the Senate, encounters a skeptical reception from Democrats concerned by her perceived loyalty to Trump. Republicans, by contrast, eagerly welcome her as a course correction to a Justice Department they believe has pursued an overly liberal agenda and unfairly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-aileen-cannon-d7be86dad89227f12a6f5aac3433b202">pursued Trump through investigations</a>&nbsp;and a special counsel appointment resulting in two indictments.“If confirmed, I will work to restore confidence and integrity to the Department of Justice – and each of its components,” Bondi will say in her opening statement, according to a copy of her prepared remarks. “Under my watch, the partisan weaponization of the Department of Justice will end. America must have one tier of justice for all.”She did not elaborate on what she meant by “one tier of justice.” The Justice Department under outgoing Attorney General Merrick Garland also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">investigated President Joe Biden over his mishandling of classified information</a>&nbsp;— no charges were filed — and named a special counsel to investigate Biden's son Hunter, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-justice-department-david-weiss-3bf0a31e6889bfaaa965a6fe4325024c">was charged with tax and gun crimes before being pardoned in December by his father</a>.Democrats including Sen. Richard Durbin are expected to seize on Bondi's yearslong presence in Trump's orbit and her public defense of him on cable news appearances, including one on Fox News Channel last year in which she said: “The Department of Justice, the prosecutors will be prosecuted — the bad ones. ... The investigators will be investigated.”Bondi has also said members of the so-called deep state were “hiding in the shadows” during Trump’s first term “but now they have a spotlight on them, and they can all be investigated.”Such comments have raised alarms that the department under Bondi's watch could pursue investigations at Trump's behest. Although longstanding norms dictate that presidents have no role in individual criminal investigations, Trump was known during his first term to call for specific inquiries into adversaries and berated his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for having recused from an investigation into Russian election interference that ultimately shadowed much of his tenure.Bondi, a corporate lobbyist who spent 18 years in the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office in Florida, was named to the attorney general role after Trump's first pick, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matt-gaetz">withdrew from consideration amid continued fallout</a>&nbsp;over a federal sex trafficking investigation that ended without charges.Bondi is likely to try to keep the focus of Wednesday's hearing on her own agenda for the department. In her opening statement, she pledged to protect the First Amendment rights of free speech and religion, as well as the Second Amendment right to bear arms, and to reform the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-prisons-closing-ap-investigation-abuse-decay-c02c96b6f6a3c5535cc3e3025d5d2585">beleaguered federal Bureau of Prisons</a>.“If confirmed as United States Attorney General, my overriding objective would be to return the Department of Justice to its core mission of keeping Americans safe and vigorously enforcing the law,” she will say. “That requires getting back to basics — prosecuting violent crime and gang activity, stopping child predators and drug traffickers, protecting our nation from terrorists and other foreign threats, and addressing the overwhelming crisis at the Border.”

🎥AG nominee says she won't rule out probes of Trump foes

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, multiple officials announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hezbollah-lebanon-anniversary-73916b17394f093f01ca5554cf26b528">the deadliest</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/scars-of-war-0000019256a2d640a5fef6ba634b0000">most destructive</a>&nbsp;fighting between the bitter enemies.

The deal, coming after weeks of painstaking negotiations in the Qatari capital, promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and would allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes. It also would flood badly needed humanitarian aid into a territory ravaged by 15 months of war.

Three officials from the U.S. and one from Hamas confirmed that a deal had been reached, while the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said final details were still being ironed out.

All three U.S. officials and the Hamas official requested anonymity to discuss the contours of the deal before the official announcement by mediators in Doha.

Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that it hoped “details will be finalized tonight.” Any agreement needs to be approved by Netanyahu’s Cabinet.

Once official, the deal is expected to deliver an initial six-week halt to fighting that is to be accompanied by the opening of negotiations on ending the war altogether.

Over six weeks, 33 of the nearly 100 hostages are to be reunited with their loved ones after months in in captivity with no contact with the outside world, though it’s unclear if all are alive.

It remained unclear exactly when and how many displaced Palestinians would be able to return to what remains of their homes and whether the agreement would lead to a complete end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza — key Hamas demands for releasing the remaining captives.

Many longer-term questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-23-2024-a5da6005cfa6734225af35ca460a75fb">postwar Gaza</a>&nbsp;remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction after a brutal conflict that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-iran-hezbollah-yemen-0373be2e21b5a832d71f5bf828f67959">destabilized the broader Middle East</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-campus-protests-966eb531279f8e4381883fc5d79d5466">sparked worldwide protests</a>.

Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which killed some 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. Israel responded with a fierce offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population and sparked a humanitarian crisis.

More than 100 hostages were freed from Gaza in a weeklong truce in November 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728311333069.png" alt="Keith Siegel among the Americans still being held in Gaza. He is 64 and a native of North Carolina-photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum." />
 <figcaption>Keith Siegel among the Americans still being held in Gaza. He is 64 and a native of North Carolina-photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, multiple officials announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hezbollah-lebanon-anniversary-73916b17394f093f01ca5554cf26b528">the deadliest</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/scars-of-war-0000019256a2d640a5fef6ba634b0000">most destructive</a>&nbsp;fighting between the bitter enemies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736967651306.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The deal, coming after weeks of painstaking negotiations in the Qatari capital, promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and would allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes. It also would flood badly needed humanitarian aid into a territory ravaged by 15 months of war.Three officials from the U.S. and one from Hamas confirmed that a deal had been reached, while the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said final details were still being ironed out.All three U.S. officials and the Hamas official requested anonymity to discuss the contours of the deal before the official announcement by mediators in Doha.Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that it hoped “details will be finalized tonight.” Any agreement needs to be approved by Netanyahu’s Cabinet.Once official, the deal is expected to deliver an initial six-week halt to fighting that is to be accompanied by the opening of negotiations on ending the war altogether.Over six weeks, 33 of the nearly 100 hostages are to be reunited with their loved ones after months in in captivity with no contact with the outside world, though it’s unclear if all are alive.It remained unclear exactly when and how many displaced Palestinians would be able to return to what remains of their homes and whether the agreement would lead to a complete end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza — key Hamas demands for releasing the remaining captives.Many longer-term questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-23-2024-a5da6005cfa6734225af35ca460a75fb">postwar Gaza</a>&nbsp;remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction after a brutal conflict that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-iran-hezbollah-yemen-0373be2e21b5a832d71f5bf828f67959">destabilized the broader Middle East</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-campus-protests-966eb531279f8e4381883fc5d79d5466">sparked worldwide protests</a>.Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which killed some 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. Israel responded with a fierce offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population and sparked a humanitarian crisis.More than 100 hostages were freed from Gaza in a weeklong truce in November 2023.The U.S., along with Egypt and Qatar, have brokered months of indirect talks between the bitter enemies that finally culminated in this latest deal. It comes after Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-lebanon-hezbollah-ceasefire-3ed296f8317ecaa89c4e3548c75c9602">agreed to a ceasefire</a>&nbsp;in November, after more than a year of conflict linked to the war in the Gaza.Israel responded with a brutal air and ground offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. They do not distinguish between civilians and militants but say women and children make up more than half of those killed.U.N. and international relief organizations estimate that some 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been displaced, often multiple times. They say tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed and hospitals are barely functioning. Experts have warned that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-gaza-north-hunger-437b401b0ade2d934f00f88d027d467c">famine may be underway in northern Gaza</a>, where Israel launched a major offensive in early October, displacing tens of thousands of residents.“The best day in my life and the life of the Gaza people,” Abed Radwan, a Palestinian father of three, said of the ceasefire deal. “Thank God. Thank God.”Radwan, who has been displaced from the town of Beit Lahiya for over a year and shelters in Gaza City, said he will try to return to his hometown, and “rebuild my house, and rebuild Beit Lahiya.”He spoke to AP over the phone. His voice has been overshadowed by celebrations. “People are crying here. They don’t believe it’s true.”In Israel, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Israel’s military headquarters in Tel Aviv, calling for a deal to be completed. Many held posters of hostages held by Hamas, others hoisted candles in the air.As the deal was announced, some people were unaware that it had gone through. Sharone Lifschitz, whose father Oded is being held in Gaza, told the AP by phone she was stunned and grateful but won’t believe it until she sees all the hostages come home.“I’m so desperate to see them if by some miracle my father has survived,” she said.U.S. President Joe Biden, who has provided crucial military aid to Israel but expressed exasperation over civilian deaths, announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-58169a607d4a7c4d7fc34f43160076b8">the outline of the three-phase ceasefire agreement</a>&nbsp;on May 31. The agreement eventually agreed to followed that framework.He said the first phase would last for six weeks and include a “full and complete ceasefire,” a withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza and the release of a number of hostages, including women, older adults and wounded people, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian assistance would surge, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza each day.The second and most difficult phase would include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza. The third phase calls for the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza, which faces decades of rebuilding from devastation caused by the war.Hamas had been demanding assurances for a permanent end to the war and complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel, meanwhile, has repeatedly said it would not halt the war until it destroys Hamas’ military and governing capabilities.The various players have conducted months of on-again, off-again negotiations. But with Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-talks-01-13-2025-395e030947f9964f3fbf5763b9564591">days in office numbered</a>&nbsp;and President-elect Donald Trump set to take over, both sides had been under heavy pressure to agree to a deal.Trump celebrated the soon-to-be-announced agreement in a posting on his Truth Social social media platform: “WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!”Hezbollah’s acceptance of a ceasefire in Lebanon after it had suffered heavy blows, and the overthrow of President Bashar Assad in Syria, were both major setbacks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-mideast-proxy-forces-syria-analysis-c853bf613a6d6af7f6aa99b2e60984f8">for Iran and its allies</a>&nbsp;across the region, including Hamas, which was left increasingly isolated.Israel has come under heavy international criticism, including from its closest ally, the United States, over the civilian toll. Israel says it has killed around 17,000 militants — though it has not provided evidence to support the claim. It also blames Hamas for the civilian casualties, accusing the group of using schools, hospitals and residential areas for military purposes.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-court-ceasefire-01d093d21a1eadaa31af5708cf1cbf38">The International Court of Justice</a>&nbsp;is investigating allegations brought by South Africa that Israel has committed genocide. The International Criminal Court, a separate body also based in The Hague,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/icc-israel-hamas-warrants-netanyahu-palestinian-arrest-73c854d072e0a1a41b19b2cb2cdd07fa">has issued arrest warrants</a>&nbsp;for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister and a Hamas commander for war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the war.Israel and the United States have condemned the actions taken by both courts.Netanyahu also faced great domestic pressure to bring home the hostages,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-hamas-war-israel-gaza-captivity-militants-612542191742082f330d55433c012a05">whose plight</a>&nbsp;has captured the nation’s attention. Their families have become a powerful lobbying group with wide public support backed by months of mass protests urging the government to reach a deal with Hamas.Israeli authorities have already concluded that more than a third of the roughly 100 remaining people held captive are dead, and there are fears that others are no longer alive. A series of videos released by Hamas showing surviving hostages in distress, combined with news that a growing number of abducted Israelis have died, put added pressure on the Israeli leader.Hamas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-conflict-endgame-1bfcc187d826596e78090ec6cbf6516c">a militant group that does not accept Israel’s existence</a>, has come under overwhelming pressure from Israeli military operations, including the invasion of Gaza’s largest cities and towns and the takeover of the border between Gaza and Egypt. Its top leaders,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yahya-sinwar-hamas-leader-killed-obituary-gaza-6965bea4270313c1f1501335c705ac9a">including Yahya Sinwar</a>, who was believed to have helped mastermind the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, have been killed.But its fighters have regrouped in some of the hardest-hit areas after the withdrawal of Israeli forces, raising the prospect of a prolonged insurgency if the war continues.Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas’s military and governing capabilities are destroyed. But it has never been clear what that would entail or if it’s even possible, given the group’s deep roots in Palestinian society, its presence in Lebanon and the occupied West Bank, and its exiled leadership.If the ceasefire takes hold, both sides face many difficult and unanswered questions.As the war winds down, Netanyahu will face growing calls for postwar investigations that could find him at least partially responsible for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">the security failures of Oct. 7</a>&nbsp;— the worst in Israel’s history. His far-right governing partners, who opposed a ceasefire deal, could also bring down the coalition and push the country into early elections.There is still no plan for who will govern Gaza after the war. Israel has said it will work with local Palestinians not affiliated with Hamas or the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. But it is unclear if such partners exist, and Hamas has threatened anyone who cooperates with Israeli forces.The United States has tried to advance sweeping postwar plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-authority-government-explainer-aefe041e045f2c60918b42f42185f41e">a reformed Palestinian Authority</a>&nbsp;to govern Gaza with Arab and international assistance. As part of those plans, the U.S. hope Saudi Arabia would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-us-israel-security-deal-hamas-war-gaza-strip-5b09666aeb6de0573c01e99cabb7946e">normalize relations with Israel</a>&nbsp;in return for U.S. security guarantees and aid in setting up a civilian nuclear program.But those plans depend on credible progress toward the creation of a Palestinian state, something Netanyahu and much of Israel’s political class oppose. Netanyahu has said Israel will maintain open-ended security control over Gaza as well as the occupied West Bank, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war that the Palestinians want for their future state.In the absence of a postwar arrangement with Palestinian support, Hamas is likely to remain a significant force in Gaza and could reconstitute its military capabilities if Israeli forces fully withdraw.JERUSALEM (AP) —Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says ceasefire deal with Hamas has still not been reached and that the final details were still being sorted out. That comes after multiple mediators had said Israel and Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-ceasefire-334ecc4420fe3b6fce9f7a27ca886b65">agreed to a ceasefire</a>&nbsp;in Gaza and the release dozens of hostages after more than 15 months of war.In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, large crowds of joyful Palestinians have taken to the streets, with people cheering and honking car horns.Any deal is expected to pause the fighting and bring hopes for winding down the most deadly and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/scars-of-war-0000019256a2d640a5fef6ba634b0000">destructive war</a>&nbsp;Israel and Hamas have ever fought, a conflict that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-iran-hezbollah-yemen-0373be2e21b5a832d71f5bf828f67959">destabilized the Middle East</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-campus-protests-966eb531279f8e4381883fc5d79d5466">sparked worldwide protests</a>.Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza began on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Oct. 7, 2023</a>, when militants stormed into southern Israel and killed about 1,200 people and abducted around 250. A third of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hostages-gaza-war-hamas-winter-42b21cff477227a7d65bbc30c0bb83fd">100 hostages still held in Gaza</a>&nbsp;are believed to be dead.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel Hamas-war</a>&nbsp;has killed more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-rights-amnesty-genocide-19aa8fb76f7271942e73d5d7a42434e0">46,000 Palestinians</a>&nbsp;in Gaza, according to health authorities there. The Health Ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians, but says women and children make up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-casualties-toll-65e18f3362674245356c539e4bc0b67a">more than half the fatalities</a>.--------DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, mediators announced Wednesday, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hezbollah-lebanon-anniversary-73916b17394f093f01ca5554cf26b528">the deadliest</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/scars-of-war-0000019256a2d640a5fef6ba634b0000">most destructive</a>&nbsp;fighting between the bitter enemies.<figure>
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 </figure>The deal, coming after weeks of painstaking negotiations in the Qatari capital, promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and would allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes. It also would flood badly needed humanitarian aid into a devastated territory.<figure>
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 </figure>Three officials from the U.S. and one from Hamas confirmed that a deal had been reached, while a senior Israeli official said details are still being ironed out.All three U.S. officials requested anonymity to discuss the contours of the deal before the official announcement by mediators in Doha.President Joe Biden was preparing to address the breakthrough agreement later Thursday, officials said.Any agreement still needs to be approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet, but is expected to go into effect in the coming days.The deal is expected to deliver an initial six-week halt to fighting that is to be accompanied by the opening of negotiations on ending the war altogether.Over six weeks, 33 of the nearly 100 hostages are to be reunited with their loved ones after months in in captivity with no contact with the outside world, though it’s unclear if all are alive.It remained unclear exactly when and how many displaced Palestinians would be able to return to what remains of their homes and whether the agreement would lead to a complete end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza — key Hamas demands for releasing the remaining captives.Many longer-term questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-23-2024-a5da6005cfa6734225af35ca460a75fb">postwar Gaza</a>&nbsp;remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.Still, the announcement offered the first sign of hope in months that Israel and Hamas may be winding down the most deadly and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/scars-of-war-0000019256a2d640a5fef6ba634b0000">destructive war</a>&nbsp;they’ve ever fought, a conflict that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-iran-hezbollah-yemen-0373be2e21b5a832d71f5bf828f67959">destabilized the broader Middle East</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-campus-protests-966eb531279f8e4381883fc5d79d5466">sparked worldwide protests</a>.Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which killed some 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. Israel responded with a fierce offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population and sparked a humanitarian crisis.More than 100 hostages were freed from Gaza in a weeklong truce in November 2023.<h2>___</h2>Federman reported from Jerusalem. Magdy reported from Cairo. Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.