Category: Law Enforcement

MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Recognized As Most Effective Freshman Lawmaker in the 118th Congress

Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

Congressman Lawler rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

Washington, D.C. – 3/26/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) was named to the the Top-10 of the Most Effective Lawmakers in the House of Representatives for the 118th Congress (2023-2025), according to the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL). Congressman Lawler ranked 6th among House Republicans, 8th overall, and 1st among freshman lawmakers in the 118th Congress.

Congressman Lawler’s effectiveness speaks to his bipartisan, common sense approach to legislating, working with Republicans and Democrats to get things done on behalf of the residents of the 17th Congressional District.

In the 118th Congress, Rep. Lawler introduced 58 bills, with 7 passing the House and 1 becoming law. Additionally, 5 of his bills were incorporated into larger legislative packages that were signed into law.

H.R. 9106, Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024 was signed into law as a standalone bill. Other bills that were incorporated into legislative packages that were signed into law include H.R. 3099, Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act, H.R. 3774, Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act, H.R. 5923, Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act, H.R. 7040, Undetectable Firearms Reauthorization Act, and H.R. H.R. 9437, Partners in Diplomacy Act.

Congressman Lawler’s legislative success far exceeds the average freshman in the 118th Congress. His effectiveness placed him in CEL’s “Exceeds Expectations” category, a distinction given to lawmakers who outperform their peers based on party status, seniority, and committee positions.

The CEL, a nonpartisan research center co-directed by scholars from the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University, released its Legislative Effectiveness Scores (LES) highlighting the most effective lawmakers. The scores are based on the Member’s ability to sponsor and advance meaningful legislation.

“From day one, my focus has been on delivering common sense solutions for the hardworking people of my district,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “Being recognized as one of the most effective lawmakers in my first term is a reflection of that commitment. Whether it’s securing funding for critical infrastructure, supporting our law enforcement, or advancing policies to lower costs and strengthen our economy, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I’m just getting started.”

“As the representative for New York’s 17th District, I’ve been laser-focused on addressing the needs of my constituents,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “This recognition highlights that you don’t need seniority or a chairmanship to make a real impact—you just need the drive to get things done and be willing to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

Lawler’s strong performance underscores his commitment to pragmatic governance and bipartisan problem-solving – qualities that have earned him praise not only in New York but also in Washington.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

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The full report can be found HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Burlison Welcomes Former U.S. Air Force Officer David Grusch as Special Advisor

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) is pleased to announce David Grusch, a decorated former U.S. Air Force officer and senior civilian intelligence official, as a Special Advisor. Grusch, recognized for his previous sworn testimony before House Oversight & Accountability Committee about the federal government’s Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) activities, will contribute his expertise to Rep. Burlison’s efforts to promote transparency regarding UAP and other matters on the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets.

“The American people deserve answers about UAPs,” said Rep. Burlison. “David Grusch has risked his career to expose critical information. His expertise will be vital as we work to uncover the truth and hold the government accountable.”

Grusch served 14 years in the Air Force, reaching the rank of Major, with a combat tour of duty in Afghanistan supporting counter-illicit finance, drug, and arms-trafficking operations with Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and ISAF. He later worked as a senior intelligence officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and from 2019-2021 officially represented the NRO on the UAP Task Force. In 2022 while at NGA, Mr. Grusch filed a federal whistleblower complaint with the Intelligence Community Inspector General (ICIG) which was found “credible and urgent” for reporting to the Congressional intelligence committees. In 2023, he testified before Congress, alleging that elements of the U.S. government had thwarted Congressional oversight, withheld information from proper Executive Branch officials and illegally concealed programs tied to the recovery and reverse engineering of craft of unknown, non-human origin.

“I’m both immensely humbled and deeply honored to join Congressman Burlison and his amazing team of professionals in pushing for government transparency,” said Grusch. “The public is rightfully demanding to know the truth and it is my true privilege for me to serve the people of this country once again. I will use all my expertise to support Rep. Burlison and help the US Congress restore full oversight while enabling the Legislative Branch’s ability to investigate and hold those accountable who have broken the law and lied not only to our Congress, but also to the Executive Office of the President, Director of National Intelligence, and Department of Justice.”

Rep. Burlison, a strong advocate for government transparency, underscores his commitment to government accountability and transparency on the UAP topic with this appointment.

VIDEO: NewsNation’s Blake Burman Discusses David Grusch Hire With Rep. Burlison

MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Ivey, Scanlon, and Neguse Reintroduce the Raise the Age Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Ivey – Maryland (4th District)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (D-CO) reintroduced the Raise the Age Act, which would increase the age from 18 to 21 to purchase a semiautomatic rifle, the same legal age to purchase a handgun.

“Gun violence continues to take the lives of too many across this country.” said Congressman Glenn Ivey. “The Raise the Age Act is a common-sense and crucial step to keep our kids safer and protect our communities. I want to thank Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse in partnering together on this effort and for the overwhelming support of our colleagues on this important piece of legislation.”

“Across our country, Americans are living in fear and grief because of senseless gun violence,” said Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. “They also know that enough is enough, and we need to act. This commonsense bill would keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them and prevent young people from hurting themselves or others. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Raise the Age Act – one of the many gun violence prevention solutions that have the power to save lives.”

“We strongly support Congressman Ivey’s reintroduction of the Raise the Age Act because too many lives have been lost to AR-15s in the hands of young shooters. The Sandy Hook, Parkland, Uvalde, Buffalo, and Apalachee shootings were all carried out by gunmen under the age of 21 who legally purchased or acquired AR-15-style rifles,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. “These weapons of war have no place in our schools, grocery stores, malls, or communities. If this law had been in place, lives could have been saved. Congress must act now to raise the minimum age and help prevent the next heart shattering tragedy.”

“Too often, we see 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds legally purchasing assault weapons and using them to commit devastating acts of violence.” said Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government & Political Affairs at GIFFORDS. “The Raise the Age Act is a commonsense solution that aligns with existing federal law on handgun purchases and would help keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those most at risk of misusing them. We already set age limits for drinking, voting, and renting a car because we recognize that certain responsibilities require maturity—firearm purchases should be no different. We applaud Congressman Ivey for his leadership in reintroducing this critical legislation and urge Congress to act now to save lives.”

“Time and time again, radicalized young men with access to semiautomatic firearms have carried out horrific acts of mass violence. In fact, two-thirds of the deadliest mass shootings from 2018 to 2022 were perpetrated by individuals under 21.” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady. “It is essential that we raise the minimum age to purchase semiautomatic rifles from 18 to 21 to prevent these devastating tragedies from occurring in the future. Brady thanks Representatives Glenn Ivey, Mary Gay Scanlon, and Joe Neguse for reintroducing the Raise the Age Act and renewing their commitment to common-sense gun violence prevention.”

Community Justice is proud to endorse the Raise the Age Act to help ensure that young people under the age of 21 are not able to purchase shotguns or semiautomatic rifles. This is a commonsense policy grounded in the data underscoring that people between the ages of 18 and 20 are responsible for a disproportionate amount of violence and should not have unrestricted access to particularly lethal weapons.” said Adzi Vokhiwa, Vice President of Policy atCommunity Justice. “We thank Congressman Ivey for his leadership on this important bill and urge Congress to pass it quickly to help protect our communities and save lives.”

“Representative Ivey’s bill to raise the age to purchase assault weapons to 21 is the definition of common sense — especially when research shows that 18- to 20-year-olds commit gun homicides at triple the rate of adults.” said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety, “Everytown is proud to support this bill, which would bring peace of mind to our teachers, students, law enforcement, and so many others.”

The Raise the Age Act is supported by 114 original cosponsors. It is endorsed by Brady, Community Justice, Everytown for Gun Safety, GIFFORDS, and Newtown Action Alliance.

A copy of the bill can be found here.

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MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Pettersen, Bonamici, and Senate Colleagues Lead Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced legislation alongside U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and John Fetterman (D-PA) that would provide tenants and owners of manufactured (mobile) homes with enhanced protections against predatory landowners in federally backed Manufactured Housing Communities (MHC).

“Growing up, my family experienced housing insecurity firsthand, as we struggled to find safe, affordable places to live,” said Pettersen.“Manufactured housing can be a critical part of the solution to our affordable housing crisis, but only if residents are protected. Too often, outside investors buy up these communities and displace families by hiking rents and cutting services. With the Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights, we’re fighting to ensure hardworking families have basic protections against unfair treatment, rising costs, and the threat of eviction.”

“Our country is experiencing a persistent housing shortage, and in some areas manufactured housing is the only affordable option,” said Bonamici. “People who own or rent manufactured homes should have the same tenant protections as any other homeowner or renter. The Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights will help end predatory practices in the manufactured housing industry and give residents more power to advocate for their rights and their communities.”

“Manufactured housing is often one of the most affordable options for families, but all too often residents face rent hikes and evictions due to predatory practices,” said Shaheen. “By ensuring mobile home tenants have the same legal protections as homeowners and other renters, the Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights is a critical part of our work to preserve affordable housing in the Granite State.”

“Struggling with rising rents, exploitative evictions, and predatory practices, mobile homeowners deserve strong, enforceable rights to protect them and their homes,” said Blumenthal. “The Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights Act equips residents of manufactured housing communities with protections and tools to combat unfair treatment threatening their homes and hard-earned savings. With this legislation, we bolster safeguards for mobile homeowners and assure security to tenants who own their homes but not the underlying land,”

“Having a safe place to call home should not be some luxury—it should be a basic right,” said Fetterman. “This bill protects families in manufactured housing communities from skyrocketing rents, surprise evictions, and shady tactics that put profits over people. It gives people a fair shot at stability and dignity. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill so more communities in Pennsylvania and across the country can rest easier, knowing their homes—and their rights—are secure.”

For the full text of the bill, click here.

Currently, more than 3 million Americans live in MHCs, which often represent one of the few naturally occurring sources of affordable housing. However, because residents typically own the home itself, but not the land it sits on, they often struggle with unexpected cost increases and face a heightened risk of evictions. Outside investors have often purchased MHCs and pushed residents out, raising rents as much as 70%. Because of the unusual ownership structure, manufactured housing residents can fall through the cracks, where residents often lack the protections of either homeowners or other renters.

The Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights would establish a set of minimum standards for tenants in MHCs that receive federal financing through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Housing Administration. These protections include:
- The right to a one-year renewable lease absent good cause for nonrenewal
- A 5-day grace period for late rent payments
- A minimum 60-day written notice of rent increases or new added charges like water or sewer of up to 5% of the prior rent, with longer notice for larger rent increases (an additional 30 days required for each 2.5% rent increase above 5%)
- Rights for the tenant to:
  - Sell the manufactured home without having to relocate it
  - Sublet the home or assign the lease to a buyer of the home provided the buyer meets the MHC’s rules and regulations
  - Post “for sale” signs on the home
  - Sell the manufactured home in place within 45 days after eviction to prevent the homeowner from losing their equity
  - Receive at least 60 days advance notice of the MHC’s planned sale or closure, giving tenants the opportunity to purchase the community in the event of a sale.
The bill also requires public disclosure of MHCs that receive federal backing to ensure residents are aware of their rights. FHFA would also be required to create a standard lease agreement which allows Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to finally begin purchasing manufactured home leases through their single-family mortgage programs, which could significantly lower interest rates.

This legislation is also cosponsored by Representatives John B. Larson (CT-01) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).

The legislation is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), National Housing Law Project, National Manufactured Home Owners Association, Housing Assistance Council, ROC USA, and New Hampshire Community Loan Fund.

MIL OSI USA News –
March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Leads Efforts to Raise Awareness of VA Home Loan Program

Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) introduced the bipartisan VA Home Loan Awareness Act to ensure Veterans and their families are aware of their VA benefit eligibility when applying for a home loan.

The legislation will incorporate an impactful disclosure on the Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) to direct applicants to consult their lender for more information about the VA Home Loan Program, which has benefits that can include zero down payments, no mortgage insurance, and often lower interest rates compared to conventional FHA loans.

The legislation was introduced alongside Rep. Al Green (D-TX). Original co-sponsors of the legislation include: Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC).

“We are forever grateful to our Veterans and their families for their sacrifices to our nation. Though we can never fully repay them, we can ensure they can access the benefits they deserve. Only a fraction of veterans are utilizing the significant advantages offered by the VA Home Loan Program. My bipartisan legislation ensures that our nation’s heroes can access the benefits they earned, achieve homeownership, and live the American dream they fought to protect.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

The legislation has garnered robust support from the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) and the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC).

“Too many veterans are unaware of the VA home loan benefit they’ve earned. This legislation adds visibility at the loan application stage. While using the benefit is their choice, awareness empowers them to ask the right questions and make informed decisions—ultimately increasing usage among those who qualify.” – Son Nguyen, President of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP)

“We thank Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz for her leadership in reintroducing the ‘VA Home Loan Awareness Act’ to address the housing challenges faced by military families. The affordable housing crisis continues to place financial strain on service members and veterans, and policy solutions like this are essential to ensuring they have access to stable and affordable housing. Defense credit unions remain committed to supporting military families through innovative mortgage products and financial counseling, but legislative action is critical to expanding the overall impact we can offer to these communities. We look forward to assisting congressional leadership in their efforts to strengthen VA home loan programs and improve housing affordability for those who serve our nation.” – Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President & CEO

Background:

The bipartisan VA Home Loan Awareness Act incorporates a key disclosure below the military service question on the Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA), the standard mortgage prequalification application. The disclosure emphasizes that Veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for a VA Home Loan and directs applicants to consult their lender for more information.

The VA Home Loan Program is a vital tool for military families to achieve homeownership. Despite the benefits offered by this program, only 13% of Veterans report utilizing their VA Home Loan benefit, citing a lack of awareness as the primary reason for not using it. The VA Home Loan Awareness Act will address this challenge.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Strickland, Moore Fight for Abortion Doulas in State Medicaid
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

Washington, D.C. – Today, during World Doula Week, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Representative Gwen Moore (WI-04) introduced the Abortion Data and Outreach to Unlock and Leverage Abortion Support Act, or the Abortion DOULAS Act. This bill would direct the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to conduct a study on the benefits of abortion doula care and provide recommendations to states on incorporating this care into state Medicaid programs.

“With women’s rights consistently under attack, it’s important that women have access to the physical and emotional support that they need,” said Strickland. “Abortion doulas provide uniquely valuable support to patients and ensure women have a voice in their reproductive care experience.”

“Abortion doulas provide comfort and support to women after receiving abortion care. Prior to Congress, I proudly served as an abortion counselor and helped women through an often-emotional process. Their work is especially important now in our post-Roe America. I am partnering with Rep. Strickland on legislation to support research on abortion doulas, so we can better understand their impact and as a result, better serve those seeking abortion care,” said Moore.

“Abortion doulas offer vital physical, social, and emotional support to those seeking abortion care in what continues to be a chaotic post-Dobbs landscape,” said Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “The barriers to abortion access are even steeper for those living in under-resourced communities that often lack sufficient economic investments and health care infrastructure, making the expertise and care that abortion doulas offer even more valuable. Especially important are those abortion doulas who provide culturally competent care rooted in a deep understanding of the communities they serve. We thank Representatives Strickland and Moore for their leadership on this critical bill to improve patient access to quality health care experiences.”

“While there has been a great deal of research into the benefits and incidence of doula care during the prenatal and postpartum period and during labor and delivery, there has been comparably less research into this topic for abortion doula care. Representative Strickland’s bill will help address this need by commissioning a comprehensive study on the benefits of abortion doula care and state coverage of abortion doula care, while also bringing to the topic the direct impact and experiences of abortion doulas and clients who have received abortion doula care. NHeLP has always been a supporter of doula care for all the ways in which a pregnancy can end, including doula care for abortion, and are proud to support this bill,” said Amy Chen, Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program.

Abortion doulas are trained, non-clinical professionals that provide emotional, physical, and informational support to patients before, during, and after seeking abortion care. Often times, abortion doulas act as patient advocates, help patients navigate the healthcare space, and possess culturally-relevant awareness that a medical professional may not consider.

This bill is supported by the following organizations:
- National Partnership for Women & Families
- National Health Law Program
- Surge Reproductive Justice
- Physicians for Reproductive Health
- National Network of Abortion Funds
You can read the full bill text here.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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MIL OSI USA News –
March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest made following altercation in Alma, Waitaki District

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have arrested a man following an altercation where a person was seriously injured on State Highway 1, Alma-Maheno Road, at Alma.

Police were called to a property on Oamaru-Alma Road about 1.10pm.

A person was located in a serious condition and transported to hospital.

Those involved are known to each other.

Police swept into action locating and arresting the 24-year-old man shortly after, taking him into custody.

He is due to appear in the Dunedin District Court tomorrow, Saturday 29 March, on charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: SH2, Maungatāwhiri

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are in attendance at a serious crash on State Highway 2 near Maungatāwhiri this evening.

Two vehicles are involved in the crash, which has occurred near the Maramarua Golf Club.

It was first reported to Police at 4.24pm.

Two people are in a critical condition, with a third person in a serious condition.

Those in critical condition are due to be airlifted to hospital.

State Highway 2 is currently closed in both directions.

Diversions are due to be put in place, but we advise motorists to expect delays and to take an alternative route if at all possible.

The Serious Crash Unit is being deployed to examine the scene.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Suspect arrested, charged in connection with Tesla arson attack in US

Source: China State Council Information Office

A Las Vegas resident has been arrested and charged in connection with a violent Tesla arson attack in the Nevada city earlier this month, authorities said on Thursday.

Paul Hyon Kim, 36, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of arson, said the U.S. Department of Justice in a statement.

Kim was arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers on Wednesday and remains in federal custody. The Las Vegas resident made his initial appearance on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas to face federal charges related to an arson at a Tesla collision business, according to the statement.

“Today’s federal charges demonstrate our strong partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement partners and the joint pursuit to end domestic terrorism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada in the statement.

According to allegations in the complaint, on March 18, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department patrol officers responded to an emergency call about a person setting vehicles on fire and hearing gunshots at a Tesla collision business. During the investigation, it was determined that Molotov cocktails and a .30 caliber AR-style firearm were used to damage and destroy five Tesla vehicles, and graffiti was sprayed to write “Resist” on the front of the building.

If convicted, Kim faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for the unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm charge, and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to a maximum of 20 years in prison for the arson charge, the statement added.

Kim’s attack at the Tesla service center in Las Vegas was the latest of its kind to target Tesla cars, dealerships and charging stations across the nation in protest of the company’s CEO Elon Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency.

“Has there ever been such a level of coordinated violence against a peaceful company?” Elon Musk wrote in a post on socia media X last week, adding that “I understand not wanting to buy a product, but this is extreme arson and destruction.”

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke in a show of support for Musk, describing violence against Tesla as domestic terrorism. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also described attacks on Tesla as “nothing short of domestic terrorism” and announced charges against three individuals responsible for the violent destruction of Tesla properties.

“Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars,” Bondi noted in a statement.

MIL OSI China News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Arrest in homicide investigation, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells:

This afternoon Police have arrested a person in relation to the homicide of Tyrone Munns in Christchurch on 9 March.

At around 2pm today, Police – including Armed Offenders Squad – arrested the 29-year-old man at a Christchurch address. He is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on Saturday 29 March, charged with murder.

I wish to acknowledge Tyrone’s family in this difficult time and hope that this arrest provides them with some degree of comfort as they grieve.

I also wish to acknowledge members of the community who have come forward with information since the incident, which has assisted with today’s arrest. We hope that this news will provide some reassurance to our communities of Police commitment to pursue violent offenders and hold them to account.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the outstanding work of Police staff involved in the investigation and today’s arrest, and in the ongoing work to bring this case before the courts.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Intensive training of local investigators paves the way for the arrival of a mobile court in Leer County

Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

In preparation for the scheduled arrival of a mobile court in Leer, 20 national police officers have been trained to improve their investigative skills. Photo by Jacob Ruai/UNMISS.

UNITY – Residents of Leer County are keenly looking forward to catching a rare glimpse of justice in action in their remote part of the country. With a mobile court scheduled to arrive at some point in May, their wait is almost over, but first local law enforcement personnel must be equipped with the necessary skills to set the judicial proceedings in motion.“We are preparing investigators in the county so that they know how to collect evidence and compile cases that the incoming court can work with,” said John Malieth, a senior state police investigator who facilitates parts of a just concluded, intensive ten-day training of 20 local police officers.“Without justice and accountability, we can’t expect to achieve the lasting peace that everyone wants,” he added.The training is an initiative by the state police, with its organization being supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the Multi-Partner Trust Fund and the Norwegian Embassy in Juba.“We want police officers to become good at handling the kind of cases that are common here, like sexual and gender-based violence and other conflict-related human rights violations. Their thorough investigations will lay the groundwork for the upcoming mobile court to hear and judge cases,” explains John Bhudha, a Justice Advisor serving with UNMISS. Trainees were pleased with the sessions they attended.”We have definitely improved and learnt new skills, and this knowledge will help us do a much better job,” said Kuong Baliu Deng, one of the course graduates who feels ready for the arrival of the long-awaited mobile court.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cantwell Take Action to Improve Local Overdose Tracking

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act to help communities identify and tackle drug abuse trends. The bipartisan bill would provide Department of Justice (DOJ) grants to states, cities, law enforcement units and tribes that operate overdose data collection programs, such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).
“The fight to end addiction and drug abuse in our communities requires a robust understanding of the problem at hand. By investing in local partners, we empower communities to more effectively track drug abuse trends and prevent future overdoses,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to support this cost-effective plan to expand vital data collection programs.”
“When responding to fentanyl overdoses, an extra minute can save a life,” Cantwell said. “Tracking fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses will help our first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better target and prevent OD spikes and surge resources to communities that need them the most.”
Additional cosponsors include Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
View bill text HERE.
Background:
ODMAP is a free, web-based platform that reports in near real-time suspected overdose events, as well as incidents where overdose reversal medications, like Naloxone, were administered. ODMAP helps to identify spikes and clusters of overdoses in communities, neighboring communities and nationwide. While ODMAP is a widely favored platform, the DOJ would retain discretion in determining which data collection program is best for each grant applicant.
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MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 7103(b)(1) of title 5 and 4103(b) of title 22, United States Code, to enhance the national security of the United States, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Determinations. (a) The agencies and agency subdivisions set forth in section 2 of this order are hereby determined to have as a primary function intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work. It is also hereby determined that Chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code, cannot be applied to these agencies and agency subdivisions in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations.
(b) The agency subdivisions set forth in section 3 of this order are hereby determined to have as a primary function intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work. It is also hereby determined that Subchapter X of Chapter 52 of title 22, United States Code, cannot be applied to these subdivisions in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations.
Sec. 2. Additional National Security Exclusions. Executive Order 12171 of November 19, 1979, as amended, is further amended by:
(a) In section 1-101, adding “and Section 1-4” after “Section 1-2” in both places that term appears.
(b) Adding after section 1-3 a new section 1-4 that reads:
“1-4. Additional Exclusions.
1-401. The Department of State.
1-402. The Department of Defense, except for any subdivisions excluded pursuant to section 4 of the Executive Order of March 27, 2025, entitled ‘Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs.’
1-403. The Department of the Treasury, except the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
1-404. The Department of Veterans Affairs.
1-405. The Department of Justice.
1-406. Agencies or subdivisions of the Department of Health and Human Services:
(a) Office of the Secretary.
(b) Food and Drug Administration.
(c) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(d) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
(e) Office of the General Counsel.
(f) Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families.
(g) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health.
1-407. Agencies or subdivisions of the Department of Homeland Security:
(a) Office of the Secretary.
(b) Office of the General Counsel.
(c) Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans.
(d) Management Directorate.
(e) Science and Technology Directorate.
(f) Office of Health Security.
(g) Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness.
(h) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(i) United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
(j) United States Coast Guard.
(k) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
(l) Federal Emergency Management Agency.
1-408. Agencies or subdivisions of the Department of the Interior:
(a) Office of the Secretary.
(b) Bureau of Land Management.
(c) Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
(d) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
1-409. The Department of Energy, except for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
1-410. The following agencies or subdivisions of the Department of Agriculture:
(a) Food Safety and Inspection Service.
(b) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
1-411. The International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
1-412. The Environmental Protection Agency.
1-413. The United States Agency for International Development.
1-414. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
1-415. The National Science Foundation.
1-416. The United States International Trade Commission.
1-417. The Federal Communications Commission.
1-418. The General Services Administration.
1-419. The following agencies or subdivisions of each Executive department listed in section 101 of title 5, United States Code, the Social Security Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management:
(a) Office of the Chief Information Officer.
(b) any other agency or subdivision that has information resources management duties as the agency or subdivision’s primary duty.
1-499. Notwithstanding the forgoing, nothing in this section shall exempt from the coverage of Chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code:
(a) the immediate, local employing offices of any agency police officers, security guards, or firefighters, provided that this exclusion does not apply to the Bureau of Prisons;
(b) subdivisions of the United States Marshals Service not listed in section 1-209 of this order; or
(c) any subdivisions of the Departments of Defense or Veterans Affairs for which the applicable Secretary has issued an order suspending the application of this section pursuant to section 4 of the Executive Order of March 27, 2025, entitled ‘Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs.’”
Sec. 3. Foreign Service Exclusions. Executive Order 12171, as amended, is further amended by:
(a) In the first paragraph:
(i)   adding “and Section 4103(b) of Title 22,” after “Title 5”; and
(ii) adding “and Subchapter X of Chapter 52 of Title 22” after “Relations Program.”.
(b) Adding after section 1-102 a new section 1-103 that reads:
“1-103. The Department subdivisions set forth in section 1-5 of this order are hereby determined to have as a primary function intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work. It is also hereby determined that Subchapter X of Chapter 52 of title 22, United States Code, cannot be applied to those subdivisions in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations. The subdivisions set forth in section 1-5 of this order are hereby excluded from coverage under Subchapter X of Chapter 52 of title 22, United States Code.”
(c) Adding after the new section 1-4 added by section 2(b) of this order a new section 1-5 that reads:
“1-5. Subdivisions of Departments Employing Foreign Service Officers.
1-501. Subdivisions of the Department of State:
(a) Each subdivision reporting directly to the Secretary of State.
(b) Each subdivision reporting to the Deputy Secretary of State.
(c) Each subdivision reporting to the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.
(d) Each subdivision reporting to the Under Secretary for Management.
(e) Each subdivision reporting to the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security.
(f) Each subdivision reporting to the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.
(g) Each subdivision reporting to the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment.
(h) Each subdivision reporting to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs.
(i) Each subdivision reporting to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy.
(j) Each United States embassy, consulate, diplomatic mission, or office providing consular services.
1-502. Subdivisions of the United States Agency for International Development:
(a) All Overseas Missions and Field Offices.
(b) Each subdivision reporting directly to the Administrator.
(c) Each subdivision reporting to the Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programming.
(d) Each subdivision reporting to the Deputy Administrator for Management and Resources.”.
Sec. 4. Delegation of Authority to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs. (a) Subject to the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs are delegated authority under 5 U.S.C. 7103(b)(1) to issue orders suspending the application of section 1-402 or 1-404 of Executive Order 12171, as amended, to any subdivisions of the departments they supervise, thereby bringing such subdivisions under the coverage of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.
(b) An order described in subsection (a) of this section shall only be effective if:
(i) the applicable Secretary certifies to the President that the provisions of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute can be applied to such subdivision in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations; and
(ii) such certification is submitted for publication in the Federal Register within 15 days of the date of this order.
Sec. 5. Delegation of Authority to the Secretary of Transportation. (a) The national security interests of the United States in ensuring the safety and integrity of the national transportation system require that the Secretary of Transportation have maximum flexibility to cultivate an efficient workforce at the Department of Transportation that is adaptive to new technologies and innovation. Where collective bargaining is incompatible with that mission, the Department of Transportation should not be forced to seek relief through grievances, arbitrations, or administrative proceedings.
(b) The Secretary of Transportation is therefore delegated authority under section 7103(b) of title 5, United States Code, to issue orders excluding any subdivision of the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration, from Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute coverage or suspending any provision of that law with respect to any Department of Transportation installation or activity located outside the 50 States and the District of Columbia. This authority may not be further delegated. When making the determination required by 5 U.S.C. 7103(b)(1) or 7103(b)(2), the Secretary of Transportation shall publish his determination in the Federal Register.
Sec. 6. Implementation. With respect to employees in agencies or subdivisions thereof that were previously part of a bargaining unit but have been excepted under this order, each applicable agency head shall, upon termination of the applicable collective bargaining agreement:
(a) reassign any such employees who performed non-agency business pursuant to section 7131 of title 5 or section 4116 of title 22, United States Code, to performing solely agency business; and
(b) terminate agency participation in any pending grievance proceedings under section 7121 of title 5, United States Code, exceptions to arbitral awards under section 7122 of title 5, United States Code, or unfair labor practice proceedings under section 7118 of title 5 or section 4116 of title 22, United States Code, that involve such employees.
Sec. 7. Additional Review. Within 30 days of the date of this order, the head of each agency with employees covered by Chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code, shall submit a report to the President that identifies any agency subdivisions not covered by Executive Order 12171, as amended:
(a) that have as a primary function intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work, applying the definition of “national security” set forth by the Federal Labor Relations Authority in Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Operations, and National Association of Government Employees Local R5-181, 4 FLRA 644 (1980); and
(b) for which the agency head believes the provisions of Chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code, cannot be applied to such subdivision in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations, and the reasons therefore.
Sec. 8. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
                               DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
    March 27, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing on Antisemitism on Campuses, Senator Murray Details How Trump and Musk Gutting Office for Civil Rights Worsens the Problem

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

Senator Murray: “If you want to fight antisemitism, you should support OCR. It is as straight forward as it gets. It’s like saying if you want to fight fires—you should support the fire department. Well, I hate to tell you all: Trump is axing the fire department. He has fired nearly half of OCR staff, and shuttered more than half of OCR offices. So, I don’t know how anyone can actually say they are serious about stopping antisemitism on campus without also saying that they are concerned by this movement to gut the agency on the frontline of stopping antisemitism.”

ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Executive Order Seeking to Abolish the Department of Education

*** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s Remarks and Questioning HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today—at a hearing on antisemitism on college campuses—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, underscored how President Trump and Elon Musk are gutting the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Education (ED) and seriously impeding ongoing investigations into antisemitism—and other critical investigations to ensure students’ rights are protected on campuses nationwide. OCR is the federal agency tasked with enforcing federal civil rights laws in schools and other recipients of ED funding—but he has fired nearly half its staff.

Senator Murray began by underscoring that every student should feel safe at school, and not live in fear of harassment—or government retaliation for exercising their first amendment rights: “Everyone in this country should be able to use their voice and exercise their first amendment rights—peacefully—without fear of government retaliation. And at the very same time, no one should ever fear for their safety on campus. No one should ever be forced to tolerate bigotry. That’s a simple principle, and I think it’s one that the vast majority of Americans agree with. In fact, here in Congress, we agree with it so much we have an Office at the Department of Education dedicated to upholding that principle—the Office for Civil Rights, that the Senator from Maine just referenced. And that is why I have fought for years to secure more resources and funding for OCR. It does important work to make sure every student is safe on campus, and it makes sure schools are living up to their obligations under our civil rights laws. When hatred and bigotry are on the march—from recent spikes in antisemitism, and islamophobia, or to the wave of anti-Asian hate during COVID. When student safety is at stake—whether that means addressing hate crimes and hostile environments or actually addressing sexual assault on college campuses. OCR is really our frontline.”

“So, if you want to fight antisemitism, you should support OCR. It is as straight forward as it gets! It’s like saying if you want to fight fires—you should support the fire department,” Senator Murray continued, noting that Trump and Musk are actually decimating the agency. “Well, I hate to tell you all: Trump is axing the fire department. He has fired nearly half of OCR staff, and shuttered more than half of OCR offices. So, I don’t know how anyone can actually say they are serious about stopping antisemitism on campus–without also saying that they are concerned by this movement to gut the agency on the frontline of stopping antisemitism. Because you can’t upend that entire office–as Trump wants to do–without upending the work. You can’t pause investigations—which Trump already did—without creating a huge backlog that means students will not get the justice that they deserve.”

“You can’t just cut an agency in half and pretend everything is fine. Closing these offices means throwing 6,000 cases into limbo, leaving students in 28 states without the critical tools to fight back. Firing those workers means doubling the case load for the remaining investigators—who are already stretched thin. I think it’s clear that if we are serious about fighting antisemitism, we need to get serious about fighting this administration’s decimation not only of OCR, but the entire Department.”

Senator Murray then asked Rabbi David Saperstein, Director Emeritus at Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, “Does drastically eliminating OCR’s capacity help protect students, including Jewish students?”

Rabbi Saperstein responded, “It harms it in so many ways, Senator. You already talked about how overloaded they were before any of these cuts. Each one of the investigators averaged from 46 cases that they had to deal with, now it’s 86 cases that they’re going to have to deal with, with the staff after the cuts were made. They shut 7 of the 12 regional offices. They’re talking about moving this kind of work, integrating it into the Justice Department. The Justice Department is not an administrative enforcement agency; it doesn’t look at it in a holistic kind of manner. This is really something extraordinary. ProPublica did a deep dive before the cuts happened and in the first few weeks, 20 new cases were opened in the beginning of this administration. In the beginning of the Biden administration in the same period of time, 110 cases. In the last year of the Biden administration 240 cases. Now it was down to 20, they’re grinding it to a halt, and it is the students of America, of all kinds, who are facing discriminations that are going to suffer.”

Murray concluded by asking the same question of Kenneth Stern, Director of The Bard Center for Study of Hate. Mr. Stern replied, “I had the experience of working with OCR. There were Jewish students outside of Binghamton, NY. There was a ‘kick a Jew day.’ The school district did nothing. I can tell you OCR worked magic—it helped the students. It helped the district do something that was educationally important. Also, there were other students that didn’t want to be part of the complaint because they were worried about the retribution to them. This gave an opportunity to go work with them behind the scenes to make sure their voices were heard too. I agree with Rabbi Saperstein, if this becomes a Department of Justice issue, I think back to that case, I don’t know that there would have been a complainant, I don’t know that the students would have come forward.”

A senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee, Senator Murray has championed students and families at every stage of her career—fighting to help ensure every child in America can get a high-quality public education. Among other things, Senator Murray negotiated the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), landmark legislation that she got signed into law, replacing the broken No Child Left Behind Act. As a longtime appropriator, she has successfully fought to boost funding to support students and invest in our nation’s K-12 schools, and she has secured significant increases to the Pell Grant so that it goes further for students pursuing a higher education. Senator Murray also successfully negotiated the FAFSA Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the financial aid application process, simplify the FAFSA form for students and parents, and significantly expand eligibility for federal aid.

Senator Murray spoke out on the Senate floor against Secretary Linda McMahon’s nomination and sounded the alarm over President Trump and Elon Musk’s plans to dismantle the Department of Education.

Earlier this month, Senator Murray led a letter demanding detailed answers from the Department of Education about the Trump administration’s mass firings and other detrimental actions, which risk major reductions in support for and oversight of federal investments in our nation’s K-12 schools and institutions of higher education and which threaten vital support for students with disabilities, access to Pell Grants and other financial aid, oversight of student loan servicers, scrutiny of for-profit colleges, and more. The letter follows an earlier letter Senator Murray sent alongside colleagues demanding answers about the chaotic, harmful actions taken by ED since January—which the Department has yet to respond to.

A fact sheet outlining how the Department of Education supports students in Washington state is HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, Hataitai

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Motorists are advised of a crash in Hataitai which has blocked the road.

It happened about 2:20pm on Wellington Road between Walmer Street and Moxham Ave, and involved more than one vehicle.

One car is currently on its roof, and as such, motorists are asked to take the diversion via Crawford Road, Rongotai Road, and Kilbirnie Crescent.

Any injuries are yet to be determined.

ENDS

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Reintroduces SHORT Act to Roll Back Biden-Era Anti Gun Rule

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today re-introduced the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act, legislation that removes the unconstitutional taxation, registration, and regulation of short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and any other weapons under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Using the NFA, the Biden Administration argued that people who own pistols with stabilizing braces are in possession of illegal short-barreled rifles. The ATF used that argument to facilitate a ban, forcing gun owners to violate their rule or participate in an unconstitutional registry titled “Amnesty Registration of Pistol Brace Weapons,” to keep their firearms. Eliminating unconstitutional and unnecessary restrictions, taxation, and registration placed on NFA firearms will ensure that the ATF does not enact any future version of this ban. Senator Marshall is once again partnering with U.S. Representative Andrew Clyde (R-Georgia-09) who has introduced an identical bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“‘Shall not be infringed’ is crystal clear – and the Biden-era abuses of the Constitutionally protected rights of gun owners across the country need to be undone,” said Senator Marshall. “The SHORT Act takes a step toward rolling back nonsensical regulations that the National Firearms Act has placed upon gun owners. I challenge my colleagues in both chambers to pass this legislation and join me in fully restoring and protecting our God-given Second Amendment rights.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration dangerously weaponized the draconian National Firearms Act to further infringe on Americans’ Second Amendment liberties,” said Congressman Clyde. “Yet the American people overwhelmingly rejected the Left’s unconstitutional tactics and backdoor gun control in November. It’s now time for Congress to use this mandate to protect Americans’ unalienable, constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Deregulating SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs is the most effective way to ensure American gun owners are not subjected to unlawful and unnecessary restrictions, taxation, and registration of firearms or pistol braces. I’m proud to partner with Senator Marshall in the fight to defeat this Biden-era rule and safeguard Americans’ Second Amendment freedoms.”
The legislation is supported by Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the National Association of Gun Rights (NAGR).
“The Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act will repeal elements of the archaic National Firearms Act, which the Biden ATF abused to justify their unconstitutional pistol brace ban– a policy change that affects millions of law-abiding gun owners and does nothing to curb rising crime,” said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs for GOA. “GOA is proud to support the SHORT Act, which will repeal archaic short barrel restrictions from the National Firearms Act of 1934 and prevent them from ever being weaponized against the American people ever again.”
“The SHORT Act is a long overdue step toward restoring the rights of Americans, freeing gun owners from the burdensome and outdated regulations of the National Firearms Act,” said Hunter King, Director of Political Affairs for NAGR. “By removing short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and similar firearms from egregious federal regulations, gun owners would be able to exercise their Second Amendment freedoms without oppressive government interference. This isn’t a measly reform; it’s a declaration of Second Amendment supremacy and will take a sledgehammer to government overreach. The National Association for Gun Rights is pleased to support this bill to reclaim our right to keep and bear arms.”
This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska).
“The Biden administration spent four long years undermining our Second Amendment rights and attacking law-abiding gun owners,” said Senator Lummis. “The SHORT Act provides a permanent solution to the unconstitutional and unworkable Pistol Brace Rule put forward by unelected ATF bureaucrats. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this legislation to protect the people of Wyoming’s right to keep and bear arms.”
“I’m a proud supporter of the 2nd Amendment and will always work to fight against the far-left’s attempts to infringe on the rights of law-abiding Americans,” said Senator Scott. “Our bill, the SHORT Act, supports the 2nd amendment and the actions of President Trump and ATF Acting Director Kash Patel to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners.”
“For too long, unelected bureaucrats have misplaced their priorities by overregulating the use of firearms that Americans are legally entitled to own,” said Senator Tuberville. “Every American has a right to bear arms to protect themselves and their families. I’m proud to join legislation that cuts red tape and protects law-abiding gun-owners.”
“Liberal anti-gun extremists have spent years waging an all-out assault on the Second Amendment, trying everything under the sun to unjustly restrict our right to bear arms,” said Senator Cramer. “I joined Senator Marshall in introducing the SHORT Act to defend our Second Amendment liberties by removing the oppressive taxation, registration, and regulation of short-barreled rifles and shotguns. It’s time to put a stop to federal overreach and defend the fundamental freedoms our Constitution guarantees.”
“Democrats’ attempts to undermine the Second Amendment are unconstitutional and must be stopped,” said Senator Risch. “The SHORT Act protects law-abiding Idaho gun owners from unlawful registry, taxation, and regulation of commonly owned firearms.”
“Those seeking to strip away Second Amendment rights have sought every creative way possible to advance their agenda through legislation, regulation and litigation,” said Senator Crapo. “Burdening law-abiding Americans with additional firearm restrictions is not the answer to safeguarding the public.”
“It is absolutely critical that we protect our 2nd Amendment, because West Virginia has one of the highest gun ownership percentages in the country,” said Senator Justice. “We need to put safeguards in place to protect gun owners from unclear regulations. It’s time we address the issue in a clear fashion once and for all – folks who rely on a pistol stabilizing brace shouldn’t be excluded from their 2nd amendment right because of bureaucratic jargon.”
“We continue to grapple with the misguided policies that the Biden administration left behind,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “By reclassifying everyday firearms as dangerous short-barreled rifles, Biden’s ATF has infringed upon Americans’ constitutional rights and imposed unnecessary taxes and regulations on law-abiding firearm owners. The SHORT Act is a crucial step in halting this government overreach and restoring our Second Amendment freedoms.”
“There is no reason for unelected D.C. bureaucrats to have the power to unilaterally undermine Americans’ Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Sheehy. “Montana is home to a proud firearms heritage, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on this commonsense legislation to roll back Biden-era federal overreach and ensure law-abiding gun owners can exercise their constitutional right to protect themselves and their families.”
“The Biden administration violated the Constitution and penalized law-abiding gun owners for owning pistols with stabilizing braces,” said Senator Ricketts. “No more. The SHORT Act will protect the constitutional rights of millions of law-abiding gun owners.”
Click HERE to read the full bill text.
Background

Senator Marshall previously introduced the SHORT Act in the 117th Congress and the 118th Congress.
In addition to removing the unconstitutional taxation, registration, and regulation of firearms, this legislation would also require the ATF to destroy all records relating to the registration, transfer, or manufacture of these NFA firearms, preventing the ATF from further harassing owners or confiscating these firearms.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott, Rep. Lawler Move to Tackle Antisemitism on College Campuses and Universities

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act, which would rescind federal funding from colleges and universities that encourage antisemitism or facilitate antisemitic events on campus. Congressman Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) led the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The intention of taxpayer dollars for universities is to educate students, not promote and foster hate. We’ve witnessed campuses across our nation turn into cesspools for anti-Jewish, anti-Israel activists,” said Senator Scott. “Let’s make one thing clear: federal funding is a privilege and not a right. Rooting out hate wherever it rears its ugly head will always be in fashion. I remain dedicated to defending the rights of Jewish students to attend class peacefully.”

“As Chair of the MENA Subcommittee and a strong supporter of Israel and the Jewish community, I’m committed to ensuring our universities take antisemitism seriously – holding offenders accountable and preventing incidents before they occur. That’s why I’m reintroducing the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act, which will stop universities from allowing antisemitism events on campus in the first place. I am proud to work alongside Senator Scott on this legislation as well as the Antisemitism Awareness Act. Antisemitism has no place on our campuses or in civilized society,” said Congressman Lawler.

Recently, the Department of Justice the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education (ED), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the cancellation of about $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University due to the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.

Senator Scott was joined in introducing this legislation by Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Abraham Hamadeh (R-Ill.), Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Tom Kean (R-N.J.), Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), and Burgess Owens (R-Utah).

Read the bill text in full here.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Devonport man charged after police seize drugs, homemade firearm

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Devonport man charged after police seize drugs, homemade firearm

Friday, 28 March 2025 – 12:06 pm.

A man has been charged with trafficking and firearms offences after police seized a significant quantity of methylamphetamine and a homemade pistol during a targeted search at Devonport yesterday morning.
Police executed a search warrant at a private residence on Thursday 27 March, locating and seizing the homemade firearm as well as 50 grams of methylamphetamine, ammunition, cash believed to be proceeds of crime, and quantities of other illicit substances.
A 56-year-old Devonport man was arrested and has since been charged with multiple offences including trafficking in a controlled substance, possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued, possess an unregistered firearm, possess an unsafe firearm, and further minor drug charges.
He will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms or illicit substances should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online a crimestopperstas.com.au

MIL OSI News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Youths to face court over Metro incidents

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Youths to face court over Metro incidents

Friday, 28 March 2025 – 12:07 pm.

Police are proceeding against three youths over incidents reported on Metro buses earlier this month.
A 14-year-old boy will face court over two matters, including allegedly stealing from a bus on 13 March, and assaulting a bus driver and stealing a quantity of cash in Glenorchy on 15 March.
Two 15-year-old boys will face court after allegedly damaging a bus in Gagebrook on 19 March, and stealing approximately $270 worth of property in a separate matter.
Inspector Jason Klug said CCTV enabled police to quickly identify all the alleged offenders.
“The safety of Metro employees and community members on public transport is a priority for Tasmania Police,” he said.
“We work in partnership with Metro and have dedicated officers who proactively patrol and detect offending on buses and around key transport areas.”
“The use of high quality CCTV on buses and in bus malls helps us to identify those engaging in illegal behaviours.”

MIL OSI News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Exempts Agencies with National Security Missions from Federal Collective Bargaining Requirements

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
PROTECTING OUR NATIONAL SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order using authority granted by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) to end collective bargaining with Federal unions in the following agencies with national security missions:
National Defense. Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and Coast Guard.
VA serves as the backstop healthcare provider for wounded troops in wartime.
NSF-funded research supports military and cybersecurity breakthroughs.

Border Security. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership components, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Executive Office of Immigration Review, and the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Foreign Relations. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, and U.S. International Trade Commission.
President Trump has demonstrated how trade policy is a national security tool.

Energy Security. Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Interior units that govern domestic energy production.
The same Congress that passed the CSRA declared that energy insecurity threatens national security.

Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention, and Response. Within HHS, the Secretary’s Office, Office of General Counsel, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, Food and Drug Administration, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. In the Department of Agriculture, the Office of General Counsel, Food Safety and Inspection Service, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
COVID-19 and the recent bird flu have demonstrated how foreign pandemics affect national security.
VA is also a backstop healthcare provider during national emergencies, and served this role during COVID-19.

Cybersecurity. The Office of the Chief Information Officer in each cabinet-level department, as well as DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the General Services Administration (GSA).
The FCC protects the reliability and security of America’s telecommunications networks.
GSA provides cybersecurity related services to agencies and ensures they do not use compromised telecommunications products.

Economic Defense. Department of Treasury.
The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) defines national security to include protecting America’s economic and productive strength. The Treasury Department collects the taxes that fund the government and ensures the stable operations of the financial system.

Public Safety. Most components of the Department of Justice as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Law Enforcement Unaffected. Police and firefighters will continue to collectively bargain.
ENSURING THAT AGENCIES OPERATE EFFECTIVELY: The CSRA enables hostile Federal unions to obstruct agency management. This is dangerous in agencies with national security responsibilities:
Agencies cannot modify policies in collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) until they expire.
The outgoing Biden Administration renegotiated many agencies’ CBAs to last through President Trump’s second term.

Agencies cannot make most contractually permissible changes until after finishing “midterm” union bargaining.
For example, the FLRA ruled that ICE could not modify cybersecurity policies without giving its union an opportunity to negotiate, and then completing midterm bargaining.

Unions used these powers to block the implementation of the VA Accountability Act; the Biden Administration had to offer reinstatement and backpay to over 4,000 unionized employees that the VA had removed for poor performance or misconduct.
SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN INTERESTS: President Trump is taking action to ensure that agencies vital to national security can execute their missions without delay and protect the American people. The President needs a responsive and accountable civil service to protect our national security.
Certain Federal unions have declared war on President Trump’s agenda.
The largest Federal union describes itself as “fighting back” against Trump. It is widely filing grievances to block Trump policies.
For example, VA’s unions have filed 70 national and local grievances over President Trump’s policies since the inauguration—an average of over one a day.

Protecting America’s national security is a core constitutional duty, and President Trump refuses to let union obstruction interfere with his efforts to protect Americans and our national interests.
President Trump supports constructive partnerships with unions who work with him; he will not tolerate mass obstruction that jeopardizes his ability to manage agencies with vital national security missions.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Rated Second-Most Effective U.S. Senator in 118th Congress
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla Rated Second-Most Effective U.S. Senator in 118th Congress
ICYMI: SacBee: How effective are California’s senators and representatives? New survey rates them

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was rated as the second-most effective U.S. Senator in the 118th Congress by a nonpartisan report from the Center for Effective Lawmaking.

“My top priority in the Senate is fighting on behalf of the people of California and delivering results for our state,” said Senator Padilla. “I will continue working to deliver solutions that advance California’s leadership in combating the climate crisis and improve our resiliency to natural disasters, and I will keep standing up for working families across the state.”

The Sacramento Bee recently highlighted the report, noting that Senator Padilla sponsored 92 bills last Congress and reporting that nine passed the Senate and two became law. It also discusses three more of his bills that became law through larger legislative vehicles. The article specifically features his bipartisan Fusion Energy Act, which will accelerate the development of commercial fusion energy, as well as his bipartisan Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience Act, which establishes a permanent Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience within the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support the short- and long-term economic recovery efforts of communities impacted by natural disasters.

Key Article Excerpts:

Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Doris Matsui ranked among the most effective members of the last Congress, a new survey found Tuesday.

The study rated Padilla the Senate’s second most effective Democrat last year.

Also becoming law was the Fusion Energy Act of 2024, which wound up in budget legislation. The act is designed to allow the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to have regulatory authority over commercial fusion energy systems for certain purposes.

“The fact that both of these sponsored bills were referred to committees where he sat presumably provided him with opportunities to ensure that these measures were incorporated into other bills that were likely to advance further in the legislative process,” the report said.

Full text of the article is available here.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appeal for information following aggravated robbery in Tauranga

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A person has been arrested and police are appealing for information to identify the remaining people involved in an aggravated robbery in Tauranga.

Around 5:20pm on Wednesday 26 March, Police responded to a dairy on Willow Street following reports that a group of people entered the store, some armed with weapons (not firearms), and stole vape products.

Subsequent enquiries have revealed the individuals then regrouped on The Strand a short time later.

One person has since been identified, and today Police executed a search warrant at a Tauranga residential address where that young person was taken into custody.

They are due to appear in the Tauranga Youth Court in due course.

We are committed to seeing the other people identified and held to account, as there is no place for violent offending in our community.

We need your help, and we are asking anyone with information to come forward.

If you witnessed the robbery or have any footage or information that may assist in our investigation, please contact us on 105 either online or over the phone referencing file number: 250326/3631.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Diopsys, Inc. Agrees To Pay Up To $14.25 Million To Resolve Alleged Federal False Claims Act And State Law Violations Relating To Vision Testing

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Newark, N.J. – Diopsys, Inc., a medical device company based in Middletown, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay up to $14.25 million to resolve allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act and various state laws by knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid in connection with certain vision testing services, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced today.

The settlement resolves allegations relating to Diopsys’ NOVA device, an electrophysiological device that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared for visual evoked potential (VEP) testing. The United States alleged that, during the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2021, Diopsys caused healthcare providers to submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for services in which the NOVA device was utilized for medically unnecessary uses, specifically electroretinography (ERG) vision testing, a substantially different vision test for which the NOVA device lacked FDA clearance. The government further contended that Diopsys made substantial changes to the NOVA device that it never submitted to FDA for clearance or approval despite knowing that such a submission was required.

“Today’s resolution reaffirms our commitment to protect the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Health care companies must not encourage doctors to submit claims for payment for medically unnecessary tests.”

U.S. Attorney John Giordano

Under the terms of the settlement, Diopsys will make guaranteed payments of $1,225,000 and contingent payments of up to $13,025,000. The settlement is based on Diopsys’ financial condition.

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dr. Atul Jain, a California ophthalmologist. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Approximately $1,120,000 of the guaranteed payment and up to approximately $11,900,000 of the contingent payments constitute the federal portion of the recovery. Dr. Jain will receive at least approximately $207,000 as his share of the federal recovery in this case.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Simunovich of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and Trial Attorney Daniel Meyler of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.

The case is captioned United States ex rel. Jain v. Diopsys, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 21-18151 (D.N.J.).

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

###

Counsel for Diopsys, Inc: Paul Fishman, Newark, NJ

Counsel for Relator Dr. Atul Jain: Justin Berger, Esq., San Mateo, CA

MIL Security OSI –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged over Lindisfarne incident

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man charged over Lindisfarne incident

Friday, 28 March 2025 – 11:05 am.

A man has been charged with multiple offences following an incident on the East Derwent Highway at Lindisfarne yesterday.
Police were called about 3.10pm Thursday 27 March after reports a driver was holding what appeared to be a small firearm out the window of a black BMW while travelling on the highway toward Geilston Bay.
The vehicle was intercepted by police a short time later on the Brooker Highway at Goodwood and the driver was taken into custody without incident.
Police located a plastic toy firearm within the vehicle.
The 31-year-old Clarendon Vale man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, and multiple traffic and drug-related offences and will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date.Police would like to thank members of the public for their vigilance in reporting the matter.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or the vehicle travelling dangerously over the Bowen Bridge yesterday afternoon should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

MIL OSI News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Father and son rescued from Pipe Clay Lagoon

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Father and son rescued from Pipe Clay Lagoon

Friday, 28 March 2025 – 10:55 am.

A father and son from Risdon Vale have been rescued while fishing in Pipe Clay Lagoon in southern Tasmania overnight.
About 11pm Thursday 27 March, the 43-year-old man and his 14-year-old son were flounder fishing in Pipe Clay Lagoon.
They called emergency services for assistance after becoming disoriented and entering deep water several hundred metres from land.
Senior Constable Callum Herbert from police search and rescue said the pair were located by uniform officers and at about 12.45am after support from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“They were pulled from the water by members from Marine and Rescue Services in a specialised shallow draught vessel.
“They were then taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where they were treated for hypothermia.
“The rescue of these two individuals is a timely reminder for any members of the public who undertake activities on the water.
“If the response had been delayed, the outcome in this case could have been disastrous.
“We urge you to be prepared, even in waters that seem calm or you are familiar with, always plan ahead by checking the weather forecast, ensuring you have appropriate safety equipment, including a working charged mobile phone.”

MIL OSI News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New bootcamp upskills Whitehall coders into AI specialists
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Press release

New bootcamp upskills Whitehall coders into AI specialists

AI Accelerator Programme will enable participants to work on projects across several government departments, including justice, health, and transport, to improve public services, drive efficiencies, and support the Government’s broader Plan for Change.
New programme to upskill droves of data scientists across the public sector into in-demand machine learning engineers, building tech across departments.

AI experts will build tech to make the justice system more efficient, enhance DVLA systems, strengthen services and drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Follows Prime Minister announcing plans to double digital workforce to tackle “flabby” state, in bid to grasp £45 billion in productivity savings offered by tech.

Data scientists will be upskilled into AI specialists by a new scheme starting today, as the government looks to use the technology to fix public services, save the taxpayer money and drive growth as part of its Plan for Change.

Across 12-weeks, the first run of the AI Accelerator Programme will train up 25 Machine Learning Engineers through hackathons, where the coders will help tackle live government challenges.

Technical experts from justice, health and transport authorities will join the programme before returning to their departments with new skills to build AI tools that can help reduce backlogs, save money, and stop officials and the public from wasting time on bulky processes.

Today’s news follows the Prime Minister announcing plans to double the number of digital experts in government departments, as the government seeks to transform public services and find £45 billion in productivity savings from AI and digital technology.

AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark said:

We have started to build generative AI chatbots to change how people interact with the state, AI helpers to put an end to the mindless hours we spend on hold waiting for someone to pick up the phone, and tools to help get the views of citizens on policy proposals much more quickly – but AI can help with so much more.

There is no reason people shouldn’t expect the same experience from public services, as they get from the most innovative businesses. By building AI skills across government, we’ll be able to deliver just that – all while finding efficiencies and transforming services to deliver our Plan for Change.

A Data Scientist from the UK Health Security Agency starting the AI Accelerator Programme today said:

I am very excited for the opportunity to develop and utilise skills in AI. There is so much potential to use AI to improve how we work in my agency and in healthcare more widely.

The programme will help me understand what we need to think about when building AI in the public sector, including how to manage data safely and be transparent in our work.

A Data Scientist from Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) who is also starting the programme today said:

I am very excited for the opportunity to take part in the AI Accelerator Programme. It will be fantastic to collaborate with other data scientists across the civil service to produce machine learning models that are streamlined, responsible, effective, and explainable.

After completing the programme, I’m looking forward to being able to deploy models into production as this will be a huge benefit to the organisation.

Participants from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Welsh Government, Scottish Government, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), DVLA, and more will join the programme, which will include a major component focused on the ethics of AI.

Here, learners will explore the frameworks needed to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly and ethically within public services. This includes tackling issues like transparency, accountability, and bias to ensure AI works fairly for everyone.

Notes to editors

The AI Accelerator Programme is being delivered with Decoded, a training company that specialises in building AI skills. Richard Peters, CEO of Decoded, added:

At Decoded, we are proud to partner with the government to launch the AI Accelerator Programme. This initiative will empower civil servants with the skills to effectively implement AI solutions, helping government departments unlock the power of data to improve services, decision-making, and security.

DSIT media enquiries

Email press@dsit.gov.uk

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

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Published 28 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Youth charged over West Launceston incident

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Youth charged over West Launceston incident

Friday, 28 March 2025 – 10:21 am.

A youth has been charged following an incident at West Launceston overnight where a woman received non-life-threatening injuries.
Police were called about 6.15pm after an off-duty police officer had apprehended the youth who had allegedly assaulted a woman with a stick.
The woman was taken to the Launceston General Hospital for treatment.
The youth – a 15 year old boy – was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with wounding.
He was detained to appear in the Youth Justice Division of the Launceston Magistrates Court later today.
Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppers.com.au

MIL OSI News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ocean County Man Sentenced To 151 Months In Prison For Drug And Weapons Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CAMDEN, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced on March 26, 2025 to 151 months in prison for illegally possessing cocaine for distribution and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

Masta Redding, 38, of Toms River, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On March 5, 2020, Redding possessed cocaine on his person and in his residence which he intended to distribute. Redding, a previously convicted felon, also possessed a Jimenez Arms pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition. Redding admitted that sometime after he was arrested he paid another individual for, and then provided to the government, an affidavit in which the other individual falsely claimed ownership of the cocaine and firearm found in Redding’s house.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Williams sentenced Redding to 3 years of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the weapon and ammunition he used during the commission of the offense.

U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr., and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, with the investigation leading to the convictions and sentencing with the investigation. U.S. Attorney Giordano also thanked officers of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Asbury Park Police Department for their work on this case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Belgiovine and Elisa T. Wiygul of the Criminal Division in Trenton and Camden, respectively.

###

Defense counsel: Jonathan Sobel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

MIL Security OSI –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Texas man charged federally with sexual abuse on aircraft flying from Chicago to Seattle

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Seattle – A 54-year-old Allen, Texas man who was flying from Chicago to Seattle was charged federally with abusive sexual contact for his repeated illegal touching of the victim sitting next to him, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Cherian Abraham and the victim were interviewed at SEA airport when the plane arrived on March 18, 2025. Abraham was arrested on Sunday March 23, 2025, and had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Monday, March 24, 2025.

According to the criminal complaint, Abraham was seated next to the 22-year-old victim on the flight. On three different occasions, the victim reported that he reached under her arm to touch her breast. The first time the victim thought perhaps it was inadvertent contact. The second time, some five minutes later, the victim looked pointedly at Abraham and he withdrew his hand. Apparently undeterred, the victim felt Abraham again poking her with his hand and she verbally confronted him. The victim got out of her seat, contacted the flight attendant, and was moved to a different seat.

When interviewed at SEA airport, Abraham denied touching the victim inappropriately.

An investigation by the responding FBI agent revealed that Abraham had twice before been alleged to have touched fellow passengers inappropriately. On April 24, 2024, a victim reported to the airline’s online customer service portal that Abraham had repeatedly touched her and attempted to put his hand between her thighs. The victim yelled at Abraham but was not able to get the attention of a flight attendant. On October 9, 2023, Minneapolis Airport Police interviewed Abraham after a victim reported that he had touched her leg with an open hand three times. The victim told him to stop and contacted the flight crew who put her in a different seat. When interviewed Abraham denied touching the victim. The victim did not want to pursue charges.

Abraham was released on bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 7, 2025.

Abusive sexual contact is punishable by up to two years in prison.

The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the FBI.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ajay Ravindran.

MIL Security OSI –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Apprehends 4th Austin Homicide Suspect Sought in Deadly Shooting

Source: US Marshals Service

Austin, TX – Members of the U.S. Marshals-led Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) Wednesday arrested a fourth man sought in connection to an April 24, 2024, Austin murder.

Darwin Samir Salinas-Martinez, aka “Condon,” 28, was a suspect wanted by the Austin Police Department for a homicide in the 1700 block of Rutland Drive, where a man was reported to have been shot.

Austin police arrived on scene and located the male victim who had sustained gunshot wounds. Officers attempted medical aid, but were unsuccessful, and the victim was ultimately pronounced deceased.

March 26, the Austin Police Department-Homicide Unit obtained a warrant for Salinas-Martinez in the City of Austin Municipal Court and requested immediate assistance from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in the Austin Division.

According to the affidavit filed by police, Salinas-Martinez is alleged to have coached, encouraged, and provided the murder weapon to the shooter.

The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force developed information that indicated Salinas-Martinez was residing at an apartment complex in the 4400 block of Airport Boulevard in Austin, where he was arrested following a brief barricade.

Salinas-Martinez was transferred to the Austin Police Department and booked into the Travis County Jail where he will await further judicial proceedings.

According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Salinas-Martinez, is an undocumented immigrant from Honduras with no legal status in the United States and was sought on a warrant of removal.

Other suspects arrested by the LSFTF in connection to the shooting include:

Jairo Enrique Velasquez Lopez, aka “Jairo Lopez,” 23, a Honduran national.
Julio Geovany Zelaya Perdomo, 21, aka “Pero,” a Honduran national.
Nixon Onthoniel Marquez-Martinez, 33, a Honduran national.

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Austin:

Austin Police Department-Tactical Intelligence Unit
Round Rock, and San Marcos Police Department
Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
Texas Attorney General’s Office
Texas Department of Criminal Justice OIG
Texas Department of Public Safety
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
U.S. DHS/Homeland Security Investigations

MIL Security OSI –

March 28, 2025