Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fatal traffic accident in Sau Mau Ping
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Sau Mau Ping today (May 18) in which a man died.Issued at HKT 16:13
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Category: Police
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MIL-OSI Russia: Dozens Injured After Ship Collides With New York Bridge
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW YORK, May 18 (Xinhua) — A Mexican Navy sailing vessel on a holiday visit to New York collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, injuring dozens of people on board, local media reported.
There were reportedly 277 people on board the Mexican navy ship Cuauhtemoc. A fire department spokesman said three of the victims were in critical condition and 17 others were seriously injured.
Video posted on social media shows the ship’s 147-foot masts were apparently too tall to pass safely under the bridge.
According to media reports, the ship was scheduled to return to New York in July 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Following the collision, the New York Police Department issued a warning on social media site X that people should avoid areas around the Brooklyn Bridge due to the ongoing investigation, heavy traffic, and emergency response work.
As a result, all lanes of traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge are currently closed in both directions. –0–
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Team effort to rescue teens
Source: New Zealand Police
Packing a personal locator beacon paid off for two teenagers when one was swept down a river north of Wellington today.
The two 15-year-olds were returning from an overnight hike to Kapakapanui Hut in the Tararua Forest Park when they got into trouble trying to cross the Ngatiawa River.
Constable Alex McCormack said the river was rising from heavy rain and the flow swept one of the boys off his feet and carried him downstream.
“His friend made the right choice not to go in after him. The boys thought it was crossable, but underestimated the power the water was packing.”
The teen that was in the water managed to get to safety, but on the opposite riverbank. He stayed put and activated the locator beacon while the other boy walked to the end of the track to wait for Police and family members.
“The Search and Rescue team were able to assist the second teen out and both of them were fine – just a little cold and wet. The fact they’re okay is a real relief given what the river was looking like.”
Constable McCormack says the rescue showed the value in packing a locator beacon and looking at the forecast – lessons anyone heading into the outdoors should learn from.
“Both these guys did lots of things right, but it shows how quickly the conditions can change. If you’re heading into the wilderness, pay attention to the forecast and weather warnings, and don’t risk crossing a flooded or fast-rising river – you’re better to wait it out.
“Despite all that, they packed a locator beacon and used it when they needed to. And importantly, the one with the beacon stayed put after activating it, so we were able to find them without any trouble.”
Constable McCormack said the rescue was a team effort involving Land Search and Rescue volunteers, the Rescue Coordination Centre, and local landowners who provided advice and allowed the rescue team access through their land.
“They all deserve thanks for the parts they played. There are a lot of people willing to drop everything to help a stranger and we couldn’t do it without them.”
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
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MIL-OSI Russia: One killed, five injured in California blast
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LOS ANGELES, May 17 (Xinhua) — At least one person was killed and five others were injured on Saturday in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in the resort city of Palm Springs, California, local authorities said.
According to law enforcement sources, the person believed to have carried out the explosion was killed at the scene. The identity of the deceased has not been released.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said the blast appeared to be a deliberate act of violence. The explosion caused extensive damage, affecting several buildings over several blocks.
In a post on social media platform X, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed that federal agents are assisting local authorities in the investigation.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area where the blast occurred while the investigation continues. –0–
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MIL-OSI Australia: Man extradited to Tasmania on alleged child sex abuse charges
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Man extradited to Tasmania on alleged child sex abuse charges
Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 3:27 pm.
Detectives from Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Artemis, have extradited an 84-year-old man from Queensland for alleged child sexual abuse offences.
The man will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court tomorrow morning (Monday 19 May), on charges of three counts of persistent sexual abuse of a child, and three counts of indecent assault.
The abuse is alleged to have occurred between 1963 and 1982 and involve multiple victim-survivors connected the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where the man held leadership positions. The man was also a Tasmanian police officer between 1974 and 1977. As the matter is now before the courts, no further comment can be made.
Taskforce Artemis is a specialist police team investigating child abuse allegations from the Commission of Inquiry. The Taskforce is working closely with government agencies to share information, support victim-survivors, and hold alleged perpetrators to account through an intelligence-led approach.
It is acknowledged that offences of this nature are deeply disturbing, however, Tasmania Police strongly encourages anyone with information about any form of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, to come forward and report it.
Reports can be made directly to police on 131 444, or by visiting a police station or Arch centre https://arch.tas.gov.au/. You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Crimestopperstas.com.au.
Anyone can report concerns or incidents involving police to the Tasmania Police Professional Standards online portal.
Any concerns or incidents involving government employees can be reported directly to the Integrity Commission or the Office of the Independent Regulator.
The Tasmanian Government’s Keeping Children Safe website is available at https://keepingchildresafe.tas.gov.au/Support for victim survivors, if required, is available through Arch or https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/ -
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH continues to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) continued to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas by conducting another enforcement operation, codenamed “Pipepurge”, in Tsim Sha Tsui last night (May 17) and issued a total of two fixed penalty notices (FPNs).
During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at one bar in Tsim Sha Tsui, and issued a total of two FPNs to persons illegally smoking waterpipes. TACO’s investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bar who are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for appropriate follow-up action.
Under the Ordinance, conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. Any person doing a smoking act in statutory no smoking areas is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.
In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.
“The DH will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement action against illegal waterpipe smoking. Last year (2024), TACO conducted 162 operations against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas. A total of 162 FPNs were issued against smoking offenders, while 89 summonses were issued to staff members and operators of the bars/restaurants for other related offences,” the Head of TACO, Dr Manny Lam said.
Dr Lam reminded the public that waterpipe is a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.
He cautioned against waterpipe smoking and the use of other smoking products. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For more information on the hazards of waterpipe smoking, please visit www.livetobaccofree.hk/pdfs/waterpipe_leaflet_new.pdf.
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MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Cambrai
Source: New South Wales – News
Police and emergency services are responding to a serious crash at Cambrai.
A collision occurred between a truck and two cars on Ridley Road about 1.15pm on Sunday 18 May.
Ridley Road is closed between Paynes Road and Schubert Road until further notice.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police make arrest over Masterton fires
Source: New Zealand Police
Wairarapa Police have made an arrest in relation to seven suspicious fires in Masterton earlier this year.
Six churches and a local business were damaged by fire on 22 February, acts Police believe were intentional.
This morning, Police executed a search warrant at a Masterton address, where a 44-year-old man was arrested without incident. Police have filed seven charges of arson against him and he is expected to appear in the Masterton District Court tomorrow (19 May).
Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom welcomed the arrest.
“I want to acknowledge the support we’ve had from the community during this investigation. The fires were unsettling and upsetting for many people, and I hope today’s arrest brings some comfort.
“Information from the public has played a pivotal role in this investigation and I want to thank everyone who has helped us, including the dedicated investigators who have spent months following leads and making enquiries.”
As the case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
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MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Sexual intercourse without consent – Katherine
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have arrested a 25-year-old man after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old female who was known to him near the Stuart Highway, Katherine East, yesterday.
The incident allegedly took place between 9pm on Friday 16 May and 2am on Saturday 17 May, near the walking path adjacent to the Stuart Highway between Maluka Road and the Katherine Police Station.
Yesterday, detectives from Katherine CIB with assistance from Katherine General Duties arrested the 25-year-old at an address in Katherine East without incident. He was later charged with:
- 2 x Sexual intercourse without consent
- 1 x Act of gross indecency without consent
- 1 x Deprivation of liberty
He was remanded to appear in Katherine Local Court on Monday 19 May 2025.
Investigators have identified several witnesses via CCTV that may be able to assist them with their enquiries and urge anyone with information, or who has dashcam footage in the area, to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500050958. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Five killed in helicopter collision in Finland
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TALLINN, May 18 (Xinhua) — Two civilian helicopters taking off from Tallinn on Saturday morning collided near Eura airfield in southwestern Finland, killing all five people on board, the Estonian Foreign Ministry confirmed.
Shortly after 12:30 (09:30 GMT), the Satakunta Province Rescue Service received a report from the road near Eura Airfield that two helicopters had collided in mid-air and crashed to the ground, the Estonian Broadcasting Corporation /ERR/ and the Finnish television channel Yle reported.
Police said there were five people on board the two four-seat Robinson R44 Raven light helicopters at the time of the collision: two in one helicopter and three in the other.
At a press conference on Saturday evening, Margus Sarglepp, head of the Estonian Foreign Ministry’s consular assistance department, said there were no survivors. Finnish police are working to identify the dead.
Several Estonian media outlets reported that Estonian businessmen Oleg Synajalg and Priit Jaagant were among the dead. The names of the other passengers have not yet been released. –0–
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Waipawa
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died after a single-vehicle crash in Waipawa early this morning.
Emergency services were called to Racecourse Road about 4.05am.
Sadly, one person has died.
The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and enquiries are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media
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MIL-OSI Security: Lansdowne Station — Ground and air search efforts in Pictou County as missing persons investigation continues
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Ground and air search efforts were conducted today (May 17) in Pictou County as the missing persons investigation into the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan continues.
More than 100 volunteer searchers from Colchester, Halifax, East Hants, Pictou County, and Strait Area ground search and rescue and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association focused on specific areas around Gairloch Rd. in an effort to locate Lilly and Jack and advance the RCMP investigation. The search was supported by Nova Scotia Public Safety Field Communications and EHS Emergency Preparedness Special Operations.
This search follows a large-scale air and ground search that began on May 2 and was scaled back on May 7 in favour of more specific searches.
On May 8 and 9, the RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team (URT) scoured bodies of water around Lansdowne Station; URT’s two-day operation did not uncover evidence.
The search will resume tomorrow (May 18). We continue to ask that the public avoid the search area to allow trained searchers to do their work.
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MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Devonport
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Devonport
Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 7:20 am.
Police are investigating a serious crash on the Bass Highway in Devonport last night.Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 8pm last night (17/5/25) after a 17 year old male youth was crossing the Bass Highway near the Homemaker Centre, Devonport.The youth was struck by a westbound Nissan X Trail travelling at approximately 110kph, in the right hand lane.The driver of the car stopped immediately to lend assistance and call for help.The youth was treated at the scene and taken by ambulance to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie with what are believed to be non life threatening injuries.The Bass Highway was closed for around three hours while police Crash Investigaton Serices, Forensic Services, and SES volunteers attended and worked through the scene.Initial investigations suggest the youth was part of a small group who had crossed the highway to buy food when he was struck.The driver of the car had his two children in his car with him at the time. They were all understandably shaken, but uninjured.Anyone with information including dash cam footage should contact Devonport Police on 131444.
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MIL-OSI Australia: Upgrades for Gungahlin residents
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Yerrabi Pond District Park has recently been upgraded
If you live in Gungahlin, you’ve likely spotted some construction and maintenance activity in your neighbourhood.
The ACT Government has been busy upgrading some of your favourite spots on the northside.
Here’s what’s been happening:
Yerrabi Pond District Park
A visit to Yerrabi Pond District Park always makes for a fun family day out.
Recent upgrades include:
- new unisex accessible toilets with baby change tables
- new barbecue facilities
- rubbish bins
- better lighting
- two new drinking fountains
- bicycle parking
- new garden beds and trees.
Further upgrades are underway and are expected to be completed by May 2025 (weather permitting).
Gungahlin Town Centre
It’s going to get easier to walk cycle and travel around Gungahlin.
Active travel designs for 13 new routes are in the works. Proposed improvements include:
- new and upgraded paths
- priority crossings
- intersection upgrades
- path widening and paving.
Cycle paths
Recent maintenance works means Canberrans can enjoy smoother rides on:
- Gungahlin Drive, Ngunnawal
- Gungahlin Drive to Lexcen Avenue, Nicholls
- Keeleway Avenue to Decima Circuit, Nicholls.
Franklin Dog Park
Franklin Dog Park opened in mid-January.
The fully enclosed area includes:
- weave poles
- hoop tunnels
- log balance beams
- a new car park with two accessible spaces and five bike rails.
Dog poo bag dispensers and bins are also available.
Gungahlin memorial hall and condolence lounge
Construction has begun to build a new non-denominational memorial hall and condolence lounge.
It will accommodate approximately 100 people.
It’s expected to be completed early 2026, weather permitting.
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MIL-OSI Security: Second arrest in connection with arson attacks
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A second man has been arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London.
The 26-year-old was arrested around 13:45hrs on Saturday, 17 May at London Luton Airport on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
The arrest was made by counter terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit. The man has been taken into police custody in London.
The arrest relates to three incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of 12 May.
All have previous connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation into the fires.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.
We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT
+ A 21-year-old man has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life and appeared in court.
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MIL-OSI Security: Four arrested in CT investigation released from custody
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Four men arrested as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation have been released from custody.
The men [A-D] were arrested on Saturday, 3 May at addresses in London, Swindon and Greater Manchester.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “We made these arrests due to concerns about a suspected plot to target a specific premises. Since those arrests, detectives have been working to assess all the evidence we’ve gathered and to question the men.
“They are now being released from custody but our investigation remains active and is ongoing.
“We are working very closely with the premises we identified as the suspected target of the alleged plot, and we continue to provide them with support. This has been, and continues to be, a highly complex investigation, and we will not hesitate to take further action if we believe there is any imminent threat to the public.
“I would like to thank the public for their support and understanding – particularly in the areas and communities across the UK who have felt the direct impact of our activity.
“I’d like to ask people to remain vigilant and contact us if anything doesn’t look or feel right. Information from the public is crucial to our work.”
Anyone who sees or hears something that doesn’t feel right can call police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321, or report it via www.gov.uk/ACT.
Five men were arrested on 3 May, as part of a pre-planned operation:
[A] a 29-year-old man was arrested in the Swindon area
[B] a 46-year-old man was arrested in west London
[C] a 29-year-old man was arrested in the Stockport area
[D] a 40-year-old man was arrested in the Rochdale area
[E] a 24-year-old man was arrested in the Manchester areaThe five men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006. Four of the men [A-D] were detained under TACT and after obtaining various warrants of further detention, all four were released from custody on 17 May.
The fifth man [E] was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). He was previously released on bail, with conditions, to a date in May.
As part of the investigation, officers continue to carry out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London, Swindon and High Wycombe areas.
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MIL-Evening Report: ‘Cracks are opening up’ in Western complicity over Gaza genocide, says Minto
Asia Pacific Report
About 2000 New Zealand protesters marched through the heart of Auckland city today chanting “no justice, no peace” and many other calls as they demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the Israeli atrocities in its brutal war on the besieged Palestinian enclave.
For more than 73 days, Israel has blocked all food, water, and medicine from entering Gaza, creating a man-made crisis with the Strip on the brink of a devastating famine.
Israel’s attacks killed more than 150 and wounded 450 in a day in a new barrage of attacks that aid workers described as “Gaza is bleeding before our eyes”.
in Auckland, several Palestinian and other speakers spoke of the anguish and distress of the global Gaza community in the face of Western indifference to the suffering in a rally before the march marking the 77th anniversary of the Nakba — the “Palestinian catastrophe”.
“There are cracks opening up all around the world that haven’t been there for 77 years,” said Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) co-chair John Minto in an inspired speech to the protesters.
“Right through the news media, journalists are up in arms against their editors and bosses all around the world.
“We’ve got politicians in Britain speaking out for the first time. Some conservative politician got standing up the other day saying, ‘I supported Israel right or wrong for 20 years, and I was wrong.’
‘The world is coming right’
“Yet a lot of the world has been wrong for 77 years, but the world is coming right. We are on the right side of history, give us a big round of applause.”Minto was highly critical of the public broadcasters, Television New Zealand and Radio New Zealand, saying they relied too heavily on a narrow range of Western sources whose credibility had been challenged and eroded over the past 19 months.
PSNA co-chair John Minto . . . .capturing an image of the march up Auckland’s Queen Street in protest over the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Image: APR He also condemned their “proximity” news value, blaming it for news editors’ lapse of judgment on news values because Israelis “spoke English”.
Minto told the crowd that that they should be monitoring Al Jazeera for a more balanced and nuanced coverage of the war on Palestine.
His comments echoed a similar theme of a speech at the Fickling Centre in Three Kings on Thursday night and protesters followed up by picketing the NZ Voyager Media Awards last night with a light show of killed Gazan journalists beamed on the hotel venue.
Protesters at the NZ Voyager Media Awards protesting last night against unbalanced media coverage of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Image: Achmat Eesau/PSNA About 230 Gazan journalists have been killed in the war so far, many of them allegedly targeted by the Israeli forces.
Minto said he could not remember a previous time when a New Zealand government had remained silent in the face of industrial-scale killing of civilians anywhere in the world.
“We have livestreamed genocide happening and we have our government refusing to condemn any of Israel’s war crimes,” he said.
NZ ‘refusing to condemn war crimes’
“Yet we’ve got everybody in the leadership of this government having condemned every act of Palestinian resistance yet refused to condemn the war crimes, refused to condemn the bombing of civilians, and refused to condemn the mass starvation of 2.3 million people.“What a bunch of depraved bastards run this country. Shame on all of them.”
Palestinian speaker Samer Almalalha . . . “Everything we were told about international law and human rights is bullshit.” A golden key symbolising the right of return for Palestinians is in the background. Image: APR Palestinian speaker Samer Almalalha spoke of the 1948 Nakba and the injustices against his people.
“Everything we were told about international law and human rights is bullshit. The only rights you have are the ones you take,” he said.
“So today we won’t stand here to plead, we are here to remind you of what happened to us. We are here to take what is ours. Today, and every day, we fight for a free Palestine.”
Nakba survivor Ghazi Dassouki . . . a harrowing story about a massacre village. Image: Bruce King
survivorand he told a harrowing story from his homeland. As a 14-year-old boy, he and his family were driven out of Palestine during the Nakba.
He described “waking up to to the smell of gunpowder” — his home was close to the Deir Yassin massacre on April 9, 1948, when Zionist militias attacked the village killing 107 people, including women and children.
‘Palestine will be free – and so will we’
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said: “What we stand for is truth, justice, peace and love.“Palestine will be free and, in turn, so will we.”
She said only six more MPs were needed to have the numbers to have the Greens’ Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill passed in Parliament.
Israel has blocked all food, water, and medicine from entering Gaza, creating a man-made crisis, with the integrated food security agency IPC warning that famine could be declared any time between now and September, reports Al Jazeera.
The head of the UN Children’s Fund, Catherine Russell, said the world should be shocked by the killing of 45 children in Israeli air strikes in just two days.
Instead, the slaughter of children in Gaza is “largely met with indifference”.
“More than 1 million children in Gaza are at risk of starvation. They are deprived of food, water and medicine,” Russell wrote in a post on social media.
“Nowhere is safe for children in Gaza,” she said.
“This horror must stop.”
“The coloniser lied” . . . a placard in today’s Palestine rally in Auckland. Image: APR Famine worst level of hunger
Famine is the worst level of hunger, where people face severe food shortages, widespread malnutrition, and high levels of death due to starvation.According to the UN’s criteria, famine is declared when:
- At least 20 percent (one-fifth) of households face extreme food shortages;
- More than 30 percent of children suffer from acute malnutrition; and
- At least two out of every 10,000 people or four out of every 10,000 children die each day from starvation or hunger-related causes.
Famine is not just about hunger; it is the worst humanitarian emergency, indicating a complete collapse of access to food, water and the systems necessary for survival.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), since Israel’s complete blockade began on March 2, at least 57 children have died from the effects of malnutrition.
“Stop Genocide in Gaza” . . . the start of the rally with PSNA co-chair Maher Nazzal on the right. Image: APR -
MIL-OSI Security: District Man Sentenced to 15 Year Prison Term For Two Shootings in Starburst Plaza
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WASHINGTON – Renard Levenberry, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a total of 180 months in prison for multiple convictions stemming from two different shootings at Starburst Plaza during the summer of 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Mr. Levenberry pleaded guilty February 24th in D.C. Superior Court to one count of aggravated assault while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in relation to a June 13, 2024, shooting, and to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in relation to an August 20, 2024, shooting.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 13, 2024, Levenberry was at Starburst Plaza—an often-crowded public plaza located at 1501 Maryland Avenue, NE. Levenberry robbed an individual during an attempted drug transaction. When the victim pursued Levenberry, the Defendant shot the victim in the leg before escaping.
On August 20, 2024, Levenberry was again in Starburst Plaza when an unknown individual entered the area on a moped. Upon seeing that person and without provocation, Levenberry pulled out a black semiautomatic pistol and began firing at the moped driver. The moped driver appeared to fire one shot back at Levenberry. One of the shots Levenberry fired struck a bystander who was waiting at a nearby bus stop.
Both shootings were captured on video and the government’s investigation was supported by DNA and ballistics evidence.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Helfand and Kraig Ahalt, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
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MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Plea Entered in Metropolitan Branch Trail Robbery Spree
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WASHINGTON – Jalique Wiseman, of the District, and Leon Kirksey, of Maryland, both 20, pleaded guilty today to charges stemming from a string of armed and unarmed robberies along the Metropolitan Branch Trail in October and November of 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Wiseman and Kirksey each pleaded guilty in Superior Court to three counts of armed robbery and three counts of robbery. Sentencing is scheduled for August 8, 2025, before Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.
According to the government’s evidence, between October 2, 2023 and November 23, 2023, Wiseman and Kirksey robbed multiple people on six separate instances on or near the Metropolitan Branch Trail, using either physical violence or at gunpoint, taking the victims cell phones and other property. Wiseman and Kirksey demanded the victims’ passcodes and used that information to access the victims’ financial accounts to transfer money to accounts that Wiseman and Kirksey controlled. Wiseman committed a number of the robberies while wearing a distinctive red, white, and blue Moncler jacket and distinctive Penny Hardaway shoes.
The plea agreement is the culmination of an investigation into a string of robberies along the Metropolitan Branch Trail in the fall of 2023.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kraig Ahalt.
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MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Three remanded in custody following court appearance
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A Counter Terrorism Policing investigation has resulted in three men being charged with offences under the National Security Act.
The three men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested and detained on Saturday, 3 May, under Section 27 of the National Security Act (NSA), 2023. Warrants of further detention were obtained meaning the three men could be detained until Saturday, 17 May.
The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and on Friday, 16 May, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against the three men:
Mostafa Sepahvand, 39 (22.9.85) of St John’s Wood, London
Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44 (22.9.80) of Kensal Rise, London
Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55 (23.9.69), of Ealing, LondonAll three were charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.
Sepahvand was also charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research, between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, intending to commit acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, contrary to Section 18(1)(a) of the National Security Act 2023.
Manesh and Noori have also been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance and reconnaissance, with the intention that acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, would be committed by others, contrary to section 18(1)(b) of the National Security Act 2023.
The foreign state to which the charges relate is Iran.
Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex and fast-moving investigation.
“Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock and we have worked closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point. We have been in contact with the individuals directly affected, and we continue to provide them with support.
“Now that these men have been charged I would urge people not to speculate about this case, so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”
The three men were remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May. They will next appear in custody at the Old Bailey on Friday, 6 June.
On Friday, 9 May, a fourth man, aged 31, was also arrested as part of the investigation and he was detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. A warrant of further detention was obtained, meaning he could be detained until Friday, 16 May. He was released without charge on Thursday, 15 May.
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MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder – Canada’s commitments at 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting
Source: Government of Canada News
Following the 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial (UNPKM) meeting in Berlin, Germany, Canada committed to providing more than $40 million in new projects and contributions to continue supporting UN peace operations and related peacebuilding efforts.
These commitments include a pledge to continue providing tactical airlift support to UN peace operations until 2027. Canada will also continue to support the protection of civilians (including women and children) and providing specialized training and to counter the threat of misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and hate speech in the context of UN peace operations. As a historic partner in supporting UN peace operations, Canada remains committed to advancing the meaningful participation of uniformed women in peace operations and to supporting critical UN capacity gaps.
Peacekeeping training, capacity building and partnerships
Canada’s pledging commitments include:
- more than $11.4 million to support training, capacity building and partnerships
- more than $3 million to support training and capacity-building efforts to help prepare more than 450 personnel from partner countries to deploy to UN peace support operations
- an expansion of tactical airlift capabilities and support to the UN through airlift capabilities on an opportunity basis (subject to aircraft availability)
- assistance to 2 peacekeeping training institutions in the Indo-Pacific region (Vietnam and Malaysia) to build their capacity to plan and deliver their own UN-certified Staff Officer and Civil-Military Cooperation courses
- delivery of 3 combat first-aid train-the-trainer courses to provide selected partners with an important prerequisite for deployment and to create a national cadre of instructors.
Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program will continue to provide member nations with a wide range of training courses that directly or indirectly strengthen their ability to participate in peace support operations and help improve the interoperability of their personnel in multinational peace support operations. Canada will increasingly share peacekeeping capacity-building activities with like-minded partners and, where appropriate, through the UN Light Coordination Mechanism, to increase opportunities for effective international collaboration and achieve greater impact.
Through the Canadian Police Arrangement, the RCMP will:
- augment training and capacity-building partnerships, including through the deployment of subject-matter experts to 3 peacekeeping regional training centres
- support pre-deployment training for individual women police officers from contributing nations to help them meet UN requirements and increase the number of women police officers in UN missions
- set up a community of practice consisting of previously deployed women to serve as a resource to support women peacekeepers around the world.
Enhancing Peace Operations Through Training and Capacity-Building Support to the UN
Project partner: UN Department of Peace Operations and UN Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance
Funding announced: $3.3 million
This funding will support multiple UN teams that focus on: strengthening child protection; countering improvised explosive devices and explosive ordnance capabilities; protecting civilians; preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (the SEA Programme of Action); leadership training (for section commanders and force chiefs of staff); preventing conflict-related sexual violence and peacekeeping intelligence; as well as new and emerging areas such as UN transitions and integrated planning and analysis.
Contributing to Addressing and Mitigating Misinformation and Disinformation in UN Peace Operations
Project partner: UN Department of Peace Operations and UN Department of Operational Support
Funding announced: $2.2 million
This funding will support several UN teams that focus on strategic communications and countering misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and hate speech in the context of peace operations, including training and technology tools.
Improving the Capacities of Uniformed Medical Personnel in Peace Operations Settings
Project partner: UN Institute for Training and Research
Funding announced: $2 million
This funding will support capacity building of uniformed men and women, medical and paramedical personnel deployed in peace operations through the delivery of basic field trauma training, including mental health components and advanced medical training or a train-the-trainers course.
Driving Excellence: Support to Peacekeeping Training Institutions
Project partner: UN Institute for Training and Research
Funding announced: $2 million
This funding will build the capacity of targeted peacekeeping training institutions in Senegal and Indonesia to successfully develop and deliver national and peacekeeping pre-deployment training to uniformed personnel.
Increasing Access to Peacekeeping Training Through E-Learning
Project partner: Peace Operations Training Institute
Funding announced: $1.5 million
This funding will provide complementary e-learning training to peacekeepers individually, at a regional/national peacekeeping training institution or in field missions.
Protection of Civilians in UN Peace Operations and Effects of Disinformation
Project partner: Henry L. Stimson Center
Funding announced: $242,285
This funding will support research on how the full spectrum of UN peace operations can better protect civilians and understand how misinformation and disinformation affect the ability of UN peace operations to protect civilians in the context of 5 UN peace operations: including Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, South Sudan and Sudan.
Supporting the Cyprus Peace Process II
Project partner: UN Development Programme
Funding announced: $136,000
This funding will provide support to the UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus to better develop and refine approaches to peacekeeping and peacebuilding in the country through evidence-based research data.
Supporting Military Gender Advisors and Gender Focal Points
Project partner: UNITAR
Funding announced: over $2 million
This funding will support UNITAR to train military gender advisers and gender focal points for UN peace support operations and to train trainers and deliver national-level gender-mainstreaming courses to selected UN troop-contributing countries.
Supporting the UN Integrated Training Service (ITS)
Project partner: UN ITS
Funding announced: over $800,000
This funding will support UN ITS to deliver 4 train-the-trainer courses for UN staff officers and 1 train-the-trainer course for UN military observer using the newly updated UN curriculums to bolster national training cadres.
UN Triangular Partnership Programme (TPP)
Project partner: UN TPP
Funding announced: $600,000
This funding will support the UN TPP to deliver a 9-week cross-pillar training course in Cambodia focusing on explosive hazard awareness and heavy equipment operation.
Women, Peace and Security
Canada will provide more than $26.5 million to support the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda, including the Elsie Initiative Fund, and training and capacity building. The RCMP commits to supporting women in peace operations by:
- providing subject-matter experts to support pre-deployment training for individual women police officers (pre-SAAT)
- meeting and exceeding the UN Secretary-General’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy targets with more than 30% women representation in international deployments
- Establishing a national mentoring/networking program involving previously deployed women
United Nations Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations
Project partner: United Nations Development Programme
Funding announced: $15 million
This project provides direct support to the Elsie Initiative Fund to: support barrier assessments; construct gender-sensitive accommodations; offer training and daycare facilities; provide financial premiums for gender-strong unit deployments; and develop gender policies, strategies and action plans, as well as training and capacity building.
Supporting Uniformed Women’s Participation in UN Peace Operations
Project partner: United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Funding announced: $3.4 million
This funding will support selected troop- and police-contributing countries in operationalizing the results of assessments of barriers to the meaningful participation of women in uniform in peace operations.
Supporting the UN to Increase Meaningful Participation of Women in Peace Operations
Project partner: UN Department of Peace Operations and UN Department of Operational Support
Funding announced: $3 million
This funding will support several UN teams that focus on accelerating the UN’s implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, strategic communications and women’s outreach courses in information communications technology, including Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), with the UN C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations.
Promoting Gender-Sensitive Strategies, Policies and Training for UN Peacekeeping
Project partners: UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UN Department of Peace Operations
Funding announced: $2.4 million
This funding will support the development and coordination of concrete strategic and policy changes, as well as targeted initiatives at all levels within UN headquarters and in field missions, to create an inclusive workplace culture and promote gender parity.
Amplifying the Elsie Initiative Through Data-informed Capacity Building
Project partner: Cornell University
Funding announced: $2.1 million
This additional funding will support global policy discussions, national security sector actors and research entities in targeted troop- and police-contributing countries. The aim is to increase country-level capacity and motivation to advance women’s meaningful participation in UN peacekeeping by using data-informed technical assistance in 6 countries and producing policy recommendations and papers.
Women, Peace and Security Mandate in the Indo-Pacific
Project partners: Kingston Leadership Team Inc. and UN Women in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Funding announced: $720,000
This funding will support several sub-projects that focus on: supporting UN peacekeeping through its Indo-Pacific Strategy; continued partnership with the Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre to deliver bilateral and multilateral Women, Peace and Security training, including train-the-trainer courses; and contribute toward a project delivered by UN Women and the UNDP in collaboration with Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence to advance Women, Peace and Security, including in peace support operations.
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MIL-OSI Security: Five arrested following violent disorder in Thamesmead
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Officers investigating a violent incident in Thamesmead on Saturday, 17 May have made five arrests.
Police were called at 04:19hrs to Nathan Way, SE28 following reports of multiple people injured at a music event.
Officers were supported by the London Ambulance Service and five people were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Three of the victims sustained injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
Two other victims are still undergoing medical assessment.
Those in hospital, aged 22, 24, 24, 31 and 32 have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
Detective Inspector Steven Andrews, who is leading the investigation, said:
“Officers responded quickly to provide medical assistance to the five injured people alongside the London Ambulance Service and ensure the safety of around 300 people, who were at this music event.
“The five men who have been injured have been arrested for violent disorder and we continue to work to establish any wider involvement.
“There will be a continued police presence on Nathan Way throughout today while we continue this investigation.
“We encourage anyone with any information to contact police to assist with enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference 1106/17MAY25.
To remain 100 per cent anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Arrest – Fatal crash – Palmerston
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Fugitive Taskforce has arrested a man who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal crash in Palmerston yesterday.
The 38-year-old was arrested without incident in Farrar earlier today.
He remains in custody and investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing.
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MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE #2 – Charges – Serious harm – Alice Springs
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A 22-year-old man has been charged in relation to a serious assault that occurred in Alice Springs on Thursday afternoon.
Detectives have now charged the man with one count of Acts Intended to Cause Serious Harm and he has been remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Monday 19 May 2025.
The 27-year-old victim has since been conveyed to Adelaide for further treatment.
Commander James Grey-Spence said, “Investigations indicate that this incident was confined to those directly involved and not part of any broader conflict.
“Police are working closely with Traditional Owners, Elders, community members, Land Councils, and other government agencies to enhance community safety and prevent further incidents.”
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MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Second man charged with assault at London venue
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A second man has been charged following an investigation by detectives in the Metropolitan Police Service.
Omolulu Akinlolu, 38 (1.1.87), a US national, will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.
The charge relates to an assault, which reportedly took place at a venue in Hanover Square in London, on Sunday, 19 February 2023.
A man has already appeared in court in connection with the same matter:
Chris Brown, 36 (05.05.89), also a US national , was charged on Thursday, 15 May with grievous bodily harm with intent.
He appeared in custody at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May. He was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 13 June.
The charge relates to an assault, which reportedly took place at a venue in Hanover Square in London, on Sunday, 19 February 2023.
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MIL-OSI Security: Three charged with National Security Act offences
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A Counter Terrorism Policing investigation has resulted in three men being charged with offences under the National Security Act.
The three men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested and detained on Saturday, 3 May, under Section 27 of the National Security Act (NSA), 2023. Warrants of further detention were obtained meaning the three men could be detained until Saturday, 17 May.
The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and on Friday, 16 May, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against the three men:
Mostafa Sepahvand, 39 (22.9.85) of St John’s Wood, London
Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44 (22.9.80) of Kensal Rise, London
Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55 (23.9.69), of Ealing, LondonAll three were charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.
Sepahvand was also charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research, between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, intending to commit acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, contrary to Section 18(1)(a) of the National Security Act 2023.
Manesh and Noori have also been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance and reconnaissance, with the intention that acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, would be committed by others, contrary to section 18(1)(b) of the National Security Act 2023.
The foreign state to which the charges relate is Iran.
Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex and fast-moving investigation.
“Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock and we have worked closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point. We have been in contact with the individuals directly affected, and we continue to provide them with support.
“Now that these men have been charged I would urge people not to speculate about this case, so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”
The three men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May.
On Friday, 9 May, a fourth man, aged 31, was also arrested as part of the investigation and he was detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. A warrant of further detention was obtained, meaning he could be detained until Friday, 16 May. He was released without charge on Thursday, 15 May.
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MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms
Saturday, 17 May 2025 – 2:49 pm.
Police are investigating an attempted arson at the Rosebery/Toorak Football Clubrooms in Rosebery overnight.Tasmania Fire Service and emergency services were called to the scene in Primrose St about 2.45am, after a neighbour heard a window being smashed.Quick action by the neighbour with a small fire extinguisher saw the fire extinguished prior to the brigades’ arrival.Damage to the building was minimal, with some scorching and a broken window.TFS investigations today determined the fire had been deliberately lit, and it is believed some object with an accelerant was thrown through the window.Police are seeking any information from the public, including any details around a small dark coloured hatchback that was seen leaving the area immediately after.Anyone with information should contact Police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au, quoting reference number 775130.
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MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Honors Police Week in the House
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Congressman John Rutherford (R-Fla.) to discuss the progress House Committees are making on reconciliation in order to pass President Trump’s agenda of energy independence, border security, lower taxes, reduced government spending, and protection for America’s most vulnerable. As the House celebrates Police Week with legislation on the floor, Leader Scalise also highlighted a brave Capitol Police Officer in his life, David Bailey, who took a bullet to save the lives of Members of Congress during the Congressional Baseball Game shooting in 2017.
Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks.
On the heroism of our law enforcement:“Well, I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating National Law Enforcement Week, bringing a number of bills to the floor to give better protections to our men and women in law enforcement, and just continue to remind those brave heroes that we have their back, like Sheriff Rutherford and so many others in law enforcement, they now serve in Congress. Pete Stauber, who was a cop on the beat, I room with. You know the kind of heroes that they are, and we hear about heroes a lot. “You sometimes hear stories about heroes in law enforcement. I get to walk with one of those heroes every day. I’m going to embarrass him, and he’s going to be upset with me, but he happens to be with me this morning. That’s David Bailey. You want to meet a real-life American hero. It’s that man right there. I wouldn’t be here today, and probably about a dozen other Members of Congress wouldn’t be here today, if not for his bravery, that I got to experience firsthand. I didn’t get to see it all, but I heard it all. Over 100 rounds of gunfire. When a gunman came out on a ball field and tried to kill all of us, and the only reason we’re alive today is because he put himself between us and the gunfire, risked his life, got hit during the shootout. The only reason we’re alive and [the gunman is] not is because of the bravery of David Bailey and Crystal Griner. “While we hear about heroes every now and then, when you actually get to see one and walk around with one, and he came back to work when he got out of the hospital for his treatment, he wanted to go back to work because he loves what he does. He cares about his training. It’s not talked about a lot because many men and women in law enforcement might never have to use their revolver. Hopefully, they don’t, and they don’t want to. But they go to training every day in case they have to, so they’re ready to risk their lives to protect us and our communities. And that’s what David did. The reason that we’re all here today, including him, is because he took his training so seriously. In the days where you could have just phoned it in. He said, ‘You know what? If I’m ever called on to be ready, I want to be prepared to do the job.’ We know there’s so many brave men and women just like David, but I got to see it and experience it. I’m here because of him, and I’m always going to pay tribute to the great heroism of what law enforcement represents. I hope we all remember that. It’s not just a talking point. It’s not just stories that we hear about. I got to experience it, and a number of my colleagues would tell you the exact same thing.” On House Committees’ progress on reconciliation:“We also, of course, are moving through the reconciliation bill and finishing it up this week. This incredibly important work, we’re doing what a lot of people said couldn’t be done. We’re doing it because families are relying on us to get this done. We’ve had many meetings with President Trump, including the last one with the Speaker and the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee [Jason] Smith, Chairman of Energy and Commerce Committee [Brett] Guthrie last week in the Oval Office to finalize some of the final pieces of this bill. A lot of work has gone into getting 11 committees ready to complete all of their work today. By the end of today, think about that: 11 committees.“When we did this in 2017, which is an important bill, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to get economic growth, to get our economy moving again, to create jobs, to put more money in the paychecks of workers. There were only two committees involved in that back in 2017. There’s 11 involved this time. Each one of them has hit their mark. And by the end of today, all of them will have exceeded the things that they were asked by us to do, and they will be delivering a great product for all Members of Congress to vote on.” On reconciliation benefitting lower and middle-income American families:“Now, we all know not all Members of Congress will vote for that bill. But everybody who casts a no vote is going to have some tough questions to answer back home. Why would you vote against tax relief for work and families? You can lie all day long, as the Whip pointed out, about the rich and the billionaires. The rich and the billionaires are always going to figure out how to get through whatever the tax code looks like. You know who can’t figure out every single component of it, especially if a tax goes up on you? It’s the lower and middle-income families of America who have been struggling. We were losing our middle class before 2017, when we finally lowered rates for those hardworking families. We saw the benefits primarily to lower and middle-income families.“They would be the ones hit the hardest if this bill were not to pass. Luckily, we’re going to come together and figure it out as we have every step of the way to get this done for the American people, because failure is not an option. We’re going to get our economy moving again. We will give President Trump the resources he needs to keep our border secure. Now that he has secured it, he needs additional tools for our border patrol agents. We’re going to make America energy independent again. It’s in this bill. We’re going to remove the threat of a debt crisis in this bill. So many other important things. We’re getting people back to work in this bill. It’s an important piece of legislation, but I want to commend all the committees, all 11 committees who have worked hours and hours tirelessly, get their work done, starting with the leadership of President Trump, making sure that every step of the way, when there were questions, when there were final decisions that had to be made, he was always one phone call away, and he’ll continue to be. This process isn’t over. We’re just getting close to maybe halftime. When we pass this bill next week through the House, it’ll go to the Senate. They’ll do their work. But we will get this bill to President Trump’s desk before the July Fourth deadline that the White House has asked for.”On the leadership of Speaker Johnson:“The reason that we’ve been able to hit all of these marks is because in every meeting, and I’ve been in all these meetings, the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, has been about as patient of a man as I’ve seen, listening to our Members. Believe me, you know this, we have Members that have a lot of different points of view, have a lot of different views on how the bill should be put together. They are not ashamed to express those views, but at the end of the day, we’ve all got to come together. He has brought our Members together on every tough issue. There are a lot of tough issues. Might be one remaining to solve, but we’ve gotten through every one of them because he’s had the patience of Job and continues to lead us in the right direction for those families who are counting on us.” -
MIL-OSI USA: Resolution Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Introduced by Pappas, Guest, and Letlow
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03), and Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) introduced the House Resolution to honor and memorialize fallen law enforcement officers. The resolution was introduced during National Police Week and recognizes the 345 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year, as well as their families.
“Police Week is an important way to thank our dedicated law enforcement officers and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Congressman Pappas. “Those who put on the uniform to protect and serve our communities, as well as their family members, deserve our gratitude and respect. I will always work to ensure our police departments have the resources they need and that our officers and their families have the support they have earned. I’m honored to once again help lead this legislation to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers.
“Police officers are the heroes of our communities, protecting us from crime and defending innocent citizens from those who seek to do harm,” said Congressman Guest. “I am honored to lead this legislation that expresses that the Members of the House of Representatives support our law enforcement officers, appreciate all they do for our communities, and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
“Our law enforcement community works tirelessly to keep us safe and protect our communities. Thank you to our heroic police officers for the sacrifices they make every day,” said Congresswoman Letlow.
President Kennedy signed Public Law 87-725 in 1962, which authorized the proclamation of Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 each year to honor law enforcement officers killed or injured in the line of duty. The legislation also authorized the recognition of the week in which it falls as National Police Week. Peace Officers Memorial Day 2025 honors 345 law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty and those whose stories were recovered in the past year. This resolution expresses unwavering support for law enforcement and recognizes the sacrifices of families who have lost loved ones.
This measure is supported by the National Association of Police Organizations and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
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MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers at Annual Memorial Ceremony in Concord
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)
Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), alongside U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) joined members of the law enforcement community to honor fallen officers at the annual New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Association Ceremony. The memorial honors New Hampshire law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Today, there are 55 names on the monument representing 34 New Hampshire law enforcement agencies.
“It was an honor to join members of New Hampshire’s law enforcement community at the Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial today,” said Congressman Pappas. “On this solemn occasion, we recognize the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of members of law enforcement and pay tribute to those tragically lost in the line of duty. I’m forever grateful for those who put on the uniform to protect our communities and for family members who serve and sacrifice alongside them.”
“I was honored to join the 33rd annual New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Association Ceremony this morning in Concord to pay tribute to those courageous officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our communities,” said Senator Shaheen. “As National Police Week comes to a close, the memorial is an important recognition of just how much our law enforcement officers do every day to provide safety and security for us all.”
“New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect their fellow Granite Staters and keep our communities safe,” Senator Hassan said. “The Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony is an important opportunity to come together to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to supporting their families, loved ones, and fellow officers.”
“We owe a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay to the fifty-five brave New Hampshire law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “It was an honor to be with people from across our state to commemorate their service and the sacrifices of their families and loved ones. Today and every day, I am grateful to New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to keeping us all safe.”