Source: New Zealand Police
Nayland Road has reopened following an earlier incident.
Cordons and lockdowns at nearby schools were lifted at around 3:20pm.
There is not believed to be any threat to the public following this incident.
A person has been spoken to, and no further Police action is required.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 14, 2025.
Young detainees often have poor mental health. The earlier they’re incarcerated, the worse it gets
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emaediong I. Akpanekpo, PhD Candidate, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Populist rhetoric targeting young offenders often leads to kneejerk punitive responses, such as stricter bail laws and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. This, in turn, has led to more young people being held in detention.
PNG police authorised to use lethal force with ‘domestic terrorist’ kidnappers as one hostage escapes
RNZ Pacific An escape of a 13-year-old girl from a hostage crisis on the border of Papua New Guinea’s Western and Hela provinces has boosted hopes for the rescue of her fellow captives. The group of 10 people was taken captive early on Monday morning at Adujmari. PNG Police Commissioner David Manning has called the
Political parties can recover after a devastating election loss. But the Liberals will need to think differently
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University Australia has just had its second landslide election in a row. In 2022, there was a landslide against the Liberals, but not to Labor, which fell over the line (as a majority
NZ celebrates Rotuman as part of Pacific Language Week series
By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist Aotearoa celebrates Rotuman language as part of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Pacific Language Week series this week. Rotuman is one of five UNESCO-listed endangered languages among the 12 officially celebrated in New Zealand. The others are Tokelaun, Niuean, Cook Islands Māori and Tuvaluan. This year’s theme is, ‘Åf’ạkia
In Indonesia, Albanese has a chance to reset a relationship held back by anxiety and misperceptions
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hangga Fathana, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has wasted little time taking his first overseas trip since Labor won a historic victory in Australia’s federal election. He’ll head to Indonesia today to meet the country’s new president, Prabowo
From GPS to weather forecasts: the hidden ways Australia relies on foreign satellites
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Steer, Chair, Australian Centre for Space Governance, Australian National University Japan Meteorological Agency via Wikimedia You have probably used space at least 20 times today. Satellites let you buy a coffee with your phone, book a rideshare, navigate your way to meet someone, and check the
Using a blue inhaler alone is not enough to manage your asthma
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Hughes, Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, University of Sydney New Africa/Shutterstock Inhalers have been key to asthma management since the 1950s. The most common, salbutamol, comes in a familiar blue-coloured inhaler (or “puffer”). This kind of “rescue inhaler” brings quick relief from asthma symptoms. You may know
The pay equity puzzle: can we compare effort, skill and risk between different industries?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gemma Piercy, Lecturer, Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Waikato Getty Images Last week’s move by the government to amend pay equity laws, using parliamentary urgency to rush the reforms through, caught opposition parties and New Zealanders off guard. Protests against the Equal Pay Amendment Bill
Sussan Ley makes history, but faces unprecedented levels of difficulty
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Kenny, Professor, Australian Studies Institute, Australian National University As if by visual metaphor, Sussan Ley’s task seemed both obvious and impossible in her first press conference as the new Liberal leader. Three years ago this month, Ley had done something uncannily similar to what Ted O’Brien
View from The Hill: Ley says Liberals must ‘meet the people where they are’, but how can a divided party do that?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Cynics point out that when a party turns to a woman leader, it is often handing her a hot mess. That’s certainly so with the federal Liberals, now choosing their first female leader in eight decades. For the Liberals, and
It’s a hard job being environment minister. Here’s an insider’s view of the key challenges facing Murray Watt
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Burnett, Honorary Associate Professor, ANU College of Law, Australian National University Australia’s new environment minister, Murray Watt, is reported to be a fixer. That’s good, because there’s a lot to fix. Being environment minister is a hard gig. It often requires difficult choices between environmental and
AWPA calls on Albanese to raise West Papuan human rights with Prabowo
Asia Pacific Report An Australian solidarity group for West Papuan self-determination has called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the human rights crisis in the Melanesian region with the Indonesian president this week. Albanese is visiting Indonesia for two days from tomorrow. AWPA has written a letter to Albanese making the appeal for
The US and China have reached a temporary truce in the trade wars, but more turbulence lies ahead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Jean Monnet Chair of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide Defying expectations, the United States and China have announced an important agreement to de-escalate bilateral trade tensions after talks in Geneva, Switzerland. The good, the bad
Physicists at the Large Hadron Collider turned lead into gold – by accident
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ulrik Egede, Professor of Physics, Monash University Sunny Young / Unsplash Medieval alchemists dreamed of transmuting lead into gold. Today, we know that lead and gold are different elements, and no amount of chemistry can turn one into the other. But our modern knowledge tells us the
New Caledonia riots one year on: ‘Like the country was at war’
SPECIAL REPORT: By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/bulletin editor Stuck in a state of disbelief for months, journalist Coralie Cochin was one of many media personnel who inadvertently put their lives on the line as New Caledonia burned. “It was very shocking. I don’t know the word in English, you can’t believe what you’re seeing,”
New Caledonia riots one year on: ‘Like the country was at war’
SPECIAL REPORT: By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/bulletin editor Stuck in a state of disbelief for months, journalist Coralie Cochin was one of many media personnel who inadvertently put their lives on the line as New Caledonia burned. “It was very shocking. I don’t know the word in English, you can’t believe what you’re seeing,”
From nuclear to nature laws, here’s where new Liberal leader Sussan Ley stands on 4 energy and environment flashpoints
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justine Bell-James, Professor, TC Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland Sussan Ley has been elected Liberal leader after defeating rival Angus Taylor in a party room vote on Tuesday. Now the leadership question is settled, the hard work of rebuilding the party can begin. In
The ‘extroverted’ north and ‘introverted’ south: how climate and culture influence Iranian architecture
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mahsa Khanpoor Siahdarka, PhD Candidate in Built Environment, RMIT University Shutterstock The architecture of northern Iran exhibits an extroverted quality. Buildings are designed to let in the sounds of rain, birds and rustling trees, as well as scents of nature. Architecture in this region is characterised by
ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 13, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 13, 2025.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
NT Police are calling for information in relation to the theft of a large amount of power tools and inventory stolen from a business in Winnellie on 11 May 2025.
Police received reports of two offenders allegedly damaging a fence and unlawfully entering a business premises between the hours of 3:30am and 5:30am on Sunday. It is alleged the offenders accessed a pallet of items and stole them from the premises.
Strike Force Trident responded to the incident and on Monday arrested a 38-year-old male for the offending.
Investigations remain ongoing to locate the outstanding offender and the items that were stolen.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident, particularly anyone with dashcam footage of suspicious activity along the Stuart Highway between the intersections of Hook Road and Lee Street around the time, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: New Zealand Police
Nayland Road is closed while Police respond to an incident in the area.
Cordons are in place at Songer Street and Whakatu Drive.
Some nearby schools have been placed into lockdown as a precaution.
There is not believed to be any threat to public safety at this time.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: US Marshals Service
Washington, DC – The U.S. Marshals Service awarded four purple heart commendations to the families of four officers who died in the line of duty in a formal ceremony yesterday.
The families of Deputy United States Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr., Task Force Officers Samuel Poloche and William Alden Elliott, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Officer Joshua Eyer were presented the posthumous awards during a ceremony at U.S. Marshals Service Headquarters in Arlington, Va. The four officers died in the line of duty on April 29, 2024, when a suspect opened fire on law enforcement officers serving an arrest warrant in Charlotte, N.C. Accompanying the families in attendance were Pamela Bondi, U.S. Attorney General; Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General; Mark Pittella, U.S. Marshals Service Director (Acting) and the Reverend Salvatore Criscuolo Monsignor of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Washington, D.C. Remarks were given by Attorney General Bondi and Director Pittella, along with music from the U.S. Marshals Service Pipes and Drums band and singer Lauryn Smith.
Attorney General Bondi said, “We acknowledge that no medal can ever fully express the eternal gratitude we have for you and your families. Thank you for your courage and strength; you are each a part of the Department of Justice; you will always be a part of our family and the U.S. Marshals’ family, and we will always be here to support you.”
“We carry forth the legacies of these men by remembering not only how they died but also how they lived; with courage, compassion and a profound sense of duty. Your legacies set a higher standard of service, courage and integrity,” said Director Pittella.
Imagery from the ceremony can be viewed here.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 14/05/2025
Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith announced this morning that the ACT Health Directorate is preparing the necessary paperwork to support The Salvation Army to continue delivery of the Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Facility for a further two years.
This announcement complements the Albanese Labor Government’s $10 million election commitment to ensure the number of respite beds in the ACT will not reduce.
Minister Stephen-Smith said the original decision to close the facility was not made lightly and the significant commitment from the Commonwealth Government has enabled new options to be considered in the delivery of respite care in the short and longer term.
Federal Labor has recognised the Commonwealth responsibility for aged care respite, and the ACT Government will continue working with the Commonwealth for the benefit of older Canberrans and their carers.
“It is important to note that while the Burrangiri service can continue in the short term, the Health Directorate’s advice remains that the facility would require a significant scope of work to be fit for purpose for the delivery of quality aged care respite services in the medium term,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“However, the ACT Government recognises the concerns raised by the community around the availability of respite and the value of the Burrangiri service to those who currently rely on it. A two-year extension allows us to work with the Commonwealth on more sustainable solutions for respite in the ACT and best use of the funding available.”
Minister Stephen-Smith said she has written to the re-appointed Commonwealth Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler MP, seeking to work together to deliver appropriate respite for older Canberrans and their carers.
“I was very pleased that Federal Labor committed $10 million for a new facility or to extend an existing facility to deliver aged care respite beds in the ACT,” she said.
“I’ve written to Minister Butler asking him to consider Commonwealth co-funding to support the Burrangiri extension, as well as to expedite delivery of the election commitment to ensure dedicated residential respite beds will be available as soon as possible.”
The ACT Government is also working with Carers ACT to explore options to identify land for a purpose-built respite centre and the Government has started this important work with Carers ACT.
– Statement ends –
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
RNZ Pacific
An escape of a 13-year-old girl from a hostage crisis on the border of Papua New Guinea’s Western and Hela provinces has boosted hopes for the rescue of her fellow captives.
The group of 10 people was taken captive early on Monday morning at Adujmari.
PNG Police Commissioner David Manning has called the perpetrators “domestic terrorists” and warned that officers were able to use lethal force if needed to secure the release of the hostages.
The girl Aiyo’s fellow captives are four adults — a teacher and his wife, and a health worker and his wife — along with another four school girls.
The Post-Courier reports that the kidnappers have demanded the government pay a ransom of K500,000 (NZ$207,000) for the safe release of the captives.
Aiyo has told police that the kidnappers had threatened to harm the group if no money was forthcoming.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Commander Steven Francis, said officers were working around the clock to secure their safe release.
Locals in the Adujmari district have so far raised more than K11,000 (NZ4500) to try and negotiate the safe release of the group.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
On 7 May 2025, an anonymous report was received via Crime Stoppers detailing a complaint that someone was allegedly distributing and in possession of child abuse material in an East Arnhem Region community.
Following initial investigations, the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch travelled to the remote community on Monday to execute a search warrant at the alleged offender’s residence. Throughout the search, investigators seized multiple storage devices and a mobile device which contained child abuse material.
The 31-year-old male was arrested and has since been charged with:
He was remanded to appear in Darwin local Court on Thursday 15 May 2025.
Major Crime Detective, Senior Sergeant Justene Dwyer said “I commend the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch investigators, local East Arnhem Region police members and Aboriginal Liaison Officers for their diligence and attention to detail to ensure this man is put before the courts.
“This behaviour is not accepted in our community and police will continue to go above and beyond to arrest anyone responsible for harming children in the NT community.”
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. You can also submit a report online at https://crimestoppers.com.au/.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Three of five alleged offenders have been arrested in relation to an aggravated robbery along Bagot Road yesterday.
About 3:30pm, police received reports of a male having his scooter stolen after being physically assaulted and threatened by five offenders allegedly carrying knives.
Dog Operations Unit, Strike Force Trident and Casuarina general duties members attended and arrested three males, aged 15, 17 and 18-year-old, nearby.
The 18 and 17-year-old have since been charged with Aggravated robbery and the 15-year-old has been charged with Breach bail.
Strike Force Trident has carriage of the investigation, and two suspects remain outstanding.
Police would like to thank the member of the public that reported the incident to police after passing in a vehicle.
Anyone who witnesses antisocial or criminal behaviour is urged to contact police on 131 444 or in an emergency dial Triple Zero.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Halifax Regional Detachment is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 56-year-old Robert James Fleet, who was last seen on May 13, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. in Watt Section.
Fleet is described as 6-foot-1, 229lbs, hazel eyes, and short curly/white hair. He is likely wearing blue jeans, a blue t-shirt, and a hoodie.
He is believed to be travelling in a 2018 Black GMC Sierra with Nova Scotia license plate FJG-669.
When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through respectfully.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Robert Fleet is asked to contact the Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020 or local police. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
Note to media: A photo of Robert Fleet is attached.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Trail bike riders intercepted during targeted operation in Launceston
Wednesday, 14 May 2025 – 10:31 am.
Police intercepted six trail bike riders during a targeted operation in Launceston on Saturday.
Members of Launceston Police and Road Policing Services conducted the operation in bushland across several northern suburbs of Launceston, targeting the unlawful use of recreational vehicles and trail bikes.
During the operation, police intercepted the six riders operating trail bikes who were in close proximity to residential houses.
Three riders will face proceedings for offences committed, including unlicensed driving and breaches of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2016.
Tasmania Police remind users of recreational vehicles and trail bikes that they cannot operate within 500 metres of another residence that is not their own, nor within 500 metres of another residence if they are on their own land.
Anyone wishing to report the unlawful use of recreational vehicles or trail bikes near their home is encouraged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Hooning incident at Bruny Island
Wednesday, 14 May 2025 – 10:37 am.
A Kingston man responsible for burnouts in the gravel car park of the Bruny Island hotel will be prosecuted for hooning offences and driving without a licence.Tasmania Police used CCTV footage to help identify the driver from the incident on Monday and say they are disappointed in the behaviour shown by the 30-year-old man, who was a visitor to the island.Senior Constable Ashley Hopwood said the man was leaving the Hotel Bruny, at Alonnah on Bruny Island, about 5pm and proceeded to do burnouts in his vehicle in the gravel carpark of the hotel.The incident was reported to local police by members of the community.A review of CCTV footage helped identify the vehicle and the owner.“This sort of driving behaviour is reckless, and it puts innocent people at risk,” Senior Constable Hopwood said.“Police are committed to keeping our roads as safe as possible and hoons should be warned that this type of behaviour can lead to loss of licence, vehicle confiscation, vehicle destruction and significant fines.”“Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving on our roads should contact police on 131 444, or Triple-Zero (000) in an emergency.”“If you can’t call at the time, but you have dash cam or other footage, you can upload it to our evidence portal at police.tas.gov.au/report.”This week, May 12 to 16, is National Road Safety Week.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
WASHINGTON — In honor of National Police Week, Speaker Johnson hosted a candlelight vigil in the U.S. Capitol today to pay tribute to fallen police officers and commemorate their service to our nation. Speaker Johnson was joined by families of fallen officers and members of the House Republican Conference.
“This year, the names of 345 fallen heroes will be etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. They join more than 24,000 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Speaker Johnson said. “These men and women are the first to run toward danger, to stand on the lines of justice, and to put themselves in harm’s way so the rest of us don’t have to. Most of us will never see the quiet heroism that defines this work. And though we owe these brave Americans an unpayable debt, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their service.”
Watch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here.
Read below for the transcript of Speaker Johnson’s remarks:
There’s a lot of things going on on Capitol Hill today, but we certainly want to pause and give honor where honor is due. It’s a biblical admonition, and one we take very seriously. We gather this week, as we do every year to honor our nation’s law enforcement officers and all those who have fallen.
I come from a first responder family and understand that sacrifice. My dad was a firefighter. When I was 12 years old, he was burned in the line of duty – 80% of his body – third degree burns and permanently disabled thereafter. And in that fire, his co-captain and his one of his dearest friends perished in the fire.
First responders take on a risk that most people can’t imagine, and we know it well. But when it comes to law enforcement, there truly are fewer callings that could be imaginable and demand more courage and carry more risk than the people who pledge to serve and protect and defend everyone else. It is a noble calling. It’s a calling by God, and one that is often thankless and always demanding.
People take for granted the risk that is taken on. And these men and women who are first to run towards danger, to stand on the lines of justice and to put themselves in harm’s way, they do that, so the rest of the public doesn’t have to.
Most people will never see the quiet heroism that defines that work as our communities go about their lives under the shelter of the protection of our brave men and women in uniform. And we can sometimes take for granted that they too will just return home each night, that they’ll go home safe and sound to their families. But on some fateful days that does not happen, and that day changes everything, of course. And that day is why we are here.
This year, the names of 345 fallen heroes will be etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. They join more than 24,000 officers who have made the same ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
And for each of you, there are some of the families here. There is a name on that memorial that stands out, a father, a mother, a sister, a brother, a friend, a son, a daughter. That’s who we remember today; not just what they did, but who they were. And no amount of words or wreaths can heal the hole in each family member’s heart that’s left behind.
But I do hope that these families find some comfort in knowing that millions of Americans grieve with them. We certainly do. And though we owe you an unpayable debt, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have our prayers, and you have our support, and we’ll have your back.
To Ashley and Kelly and to you and the families here today, we’re humbled by your courage. We thank you for being here to share your story. And I want to introduce one of the House’s own staunchest advocates for law enforcement. He is a congressman, but I still call him the sheriff, and that’s Mr. John Rutherford.
###
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during National Police Week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for a congressional resolution recognizing the invaluable contributions that Iowa police and law enforcement officers make to our communities.
“Our police and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and keep our families safe. They dedicate their careers to public safety and make incredible sacrifices to keep our families safe. We cannot thank them enough for their service,” said Rep. Feenstra. “While we can never adequately show our appreciation, I voted for a congressional resolution to express my unwavering support for our men and women in law enforcement and recognize the invaluable contributions that these heroes make to our communities. I will always back the blue and support our fellow Iowans who answered the call to serve.”
###
Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Date: 14 May 2025
Feral cats are widespread in New Zealand and have a major impact on our unique native wildlife (such as birds, lizards and bats), as well as spreading diseases like toxoplasmosis. Currently there are limited methods to control feral cats over the large areas where they roam.
As part of the Predator Free 2050 programme, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has been working in partnership with pest control solutions manufacturer, Orillion, to develop a meat sausage bait for application by aircraft for more widespread control of feral cats. DOC is running field trials to test the bait’s effectiveness.
In the first aerial trial last spring, DOC researchers sowed the baits by helicopter over 5000 ha in the St James Conservation Area in North Canterbury. Just one 18 gm sausage was used per hectare or rugby field-sized area.
The results of this field trial are looking promising, says DOC National Eradication Team Manager Stephen Horn.
“We monitored a sample of feral cats fitted with GPS-VHF collars and nine out of ten cats in the trial area quickly found the baits and were killed.
“We also used a grid of 50 cameras to monitor the presence of feral cats before and after the baiting. We detected cats 63 times before the operation and just once after.”
Monitoring through the St James trial also showed stoat and ferret activity declined to very low levels after the operation, most likely from eating baits.
A second trial at Macraes Flat in Otago, which was recently completed, has shown similar results with 100 per cent (11 out of 11) of monitored cats dying, Stephen says.
“It’s exciting – after several years of bait development these trials take us a step closer to being able to register the new bait for wider use.
“A new tool to target feral cats will be a game changer for protecting our vulnerable wildlife, which is found nowhere else in the world.”
The trials involved two applications of bait – the first without toxin to cue feral cats to the sausages and the second using sausages containing small amounts of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate). They build on earlier research showing the sausage baits are highly attractive to feral cats and not attractive to most native species such as kiwi or to deer.
DOC will carry out a further trial in forested habitat this year. The risk of baits to taonga species like tuna/eel and kea will also be assessed. The results of this work will inform DOC’s application to the Ministry for Primary Industries and Environmental Protection Authority to register the meat bait.
Once registered, DOC plans to use the bait to help remove feral cats from Auckland Island as part of an ambitious plan to eradicate all pests, including feral pigs and mice from this large subantarctic nature reserve. These pests threaten hundreds of native species and have decimated albatross and other seabird populations on the island.
DOC is also working on a second sausage bait using the registered toxin PAPP (para-aminopropiophenone) to directly control stoats. Initial hand-laid field trials show this bait is highly effective. Aerial trials will be carried out this year.
The sausage baits are part of broader work to research and develop new tools and techniques to help achieve New Zealand’s ambitious goal of becoming predator free by 2050.
Feral cats are found throughout New Zealand in a range of habitats from the coast to alpine areas. They are opportunistic and skilled hunters and prey on native birds, bats and lizards. They have a significant impact on some threatened species such as kea, kakī/black stilt and pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Detectives from the Major Crash Unit are currently investigating a fatal crash in Palmerston this morning.
Around 5:10am, police received reports that a Nissan X-trail carrying 3 people had collided with a Toyota Corolla carrying one person on Kirkland Road, Durack.
Emergency services attended the scene and a female occupant of the vehicle carrying 3 people was declared deceased.
Two occupants, one from each vehicle, had to be extracted by emergency services.
Both lanes of Kirkland Road, have been closed between Elrundie Avenue and Wishart Road. It is expected closures will remain in place until midmorning.
Investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing.
Detective Sergeant Richard Musgrave said “We are urging Territorians to take the Fatal Five seriously; Don’t drink and drive, don’t drive fatigued or distracted, don’t speed and always wear your seatbelt.
“Anyone with information or dash-cam footage is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P25131352.”
The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 12.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
May 12, 2025 – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
Two individuals were arrested in the Southern District of Georgia. To date, both have been charged federally.
Michael Alexander James, 44, of Waynesboro, GA and Martin Lindner, 52, of Augusta, GA were both charged in newly unsealed federal indictments with one count of Possession of Child Pornography, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
“Possessing child pornography perpetuates the victimization of child sexual abuse survivors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “As exemplified in Operation Restore Justice, we will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to protect our most vulnerable citizens.”
Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.
In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: New Zealand Police
Diversions are in place following a serious crash near the intersection of Hamurana Road and Tauranga Direct Road this morning.
The crash, involving a truck and car, was reported to Police at 9.15am.
One person is reported to have sustained critical injuries, and one person has serious injuries.
The road is partially blocked and motorists are asked to follow the directions of emergency services staff.
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)
Contact: Riley Pingree
(May 13, 2025) LEBANON BOROUGH, NJ – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) launched his second annual Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes initiative in conjunction with the start of National Police Week (May 11–17, 2025). This initiative recognizes exceptional law enforcement officers serving communities across New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
“Every day, the brave men and women of law enforcement put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families, neighborhoods, and communities,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr.“Here in New Jersey, we are fortunate to be served by officers who lead with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering sense of duty. I am honored to recognize many of these individuals through my annual Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes initiative. These officers are not only protectors of public safety—they are mentors, lifesavers, and community leaders. Thanks to these officers’ courage and commitment, the families in our district are safer and our towns stronger.”
Local officers were nominated by their department chiefs or supervisors and will be recognized by Congressman Kean throughout the year for their dedication and service.
Congressman Kean invited nominations from police departments throughout the district to spotlight outstanding individuals in law enforcement. Each Hometown Hero was selected by leadership within their department for going above and beyond in their duty to protect and serve.
National Police Week, observed each May, is a time to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Kean has cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation to support the law enforcement community. Most recently, Congressman Kean joined as an original cosponsor on the Establishing Accreditation Grants for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill would provide critical funding for small and mid-sized police departments to improve training, raise standards, and implement best practices through the accreditation process. The EAGLE Act is endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, and the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association.
To kick off the 2025 Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes initiative, Congressman Kean recognized Detective Andrew Chuisano from the Watchung Police Department. View the post HERE.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
BOSTON – A police officer with the Gloucester Police Department has been charged with receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Alexander Aiello, 34, of Gloucester, was charged with one count of receipt of child pornography. Aiello will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Aiello is a patrol officer employed with the Gloucester Police Department. It is alleged that Aiello was identified as a user with a registered account for a dark website, which provided a platform for users to download, view, advertise and distribute CSAM. Searches of Aiello’s person and residence on April 28, 2025, resulted in the seizure of the defendant’s cell phone and laptop as well as a USB thumb drive, which was found in Aiello’s nightstand in his bedroom.
It is alleged that a preliminary examination of the devices revealed that a TOR Browser – an application that provides anonymous web access and access to dark web hidden services – was installed and actively running on Aiello’s laptop. It is further alleged that the application had evidence of downloaded files consistent with recent use. Additionally, the preliminary examination allegedly located encrypted folders on the USB drive and laptop computer.
“As a law enforcement officer, Mr. Aiello was entrusted with safeguarding the community – and that includes protecting children from exploitation and abuse. Instead, he allegedly participated in one of the most reprehensible forms of exploitation,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “This case underscores our unwavering commitment to combating child exploitation in all its forms. Whether the offender is a private citizen or a public official, our mission remains the same: to protect children and pursue justice for victims.”
“As a police officer, Alexander Aiello was sworn to protect and serve, but today, the FBI charged him for receiving images of children being sexually abused,” said James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Those who seek out this despicable material are perpetuating the victimization of innocent children. That’s why the FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force diligently pursues these cases. Protecting kids from this physical and emotional trauma is our priority.”
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
U.S. Attorney Foley and FBI Acting SAC Crowley made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Gloucester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CORRECTION: The defendant is 34, not 24 as the original release stated. In addition there is a updated FBI quote.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced she has joined the bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act to expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Currently, these heroic men and women are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line of duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses.
“Nevada’s police officers, firefighters, and first responders put their health at risk to keep our communities safe, sometimes developing cancer from exposure to toxic chemicals during their service,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why it’s critical that these public safety officers and their families can access all the federal support they need. I’m proud to support this bill to do just that, and will keep pushing to make sure we take the best care of our first responders.”
Senator Rosen has fought to support Nevada’s first responders. Last year, she helped secure nearly $1 million in federal funding to provide mental health training and support to thousands of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Senator Rosen also announced that more than $6 million in funding they secured for Nevada law enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety projects is being delivered. Last Congress, Senator Rosen introduced bipartisan legislation to improve federal mental health support programs for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency response personnel.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with support from the FBI, Internal Revenue Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, Madison Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, conducted a worksite enforcement criminal investigation in Madison May 13. Eight illegal aliens were arrested during the operation.
The multiagency investigation took place at Manitou Equipment America and Global Polymer Industries, resulting in a total of eight arrests. At Manitou, three illegal aliens, two from Nicaragua and one from El Salvador, were arrested. At Global, five illegal aliens, three from Nicaragua and two from Guatemala, were arrested. All eight individuals are currently being held by ICE pending removal proceedings.
“Worksite enforcement remains a critical component of our mission to uphold the law and protect the integrity of the U.S. labor market. Employers who knowingly hire individuals without legal work authorization not only undermine our nation’s immigration laws but also exploit vulnerable populations,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt. “These enforcement actions make it clear: illegal hiring practices aren’t limited to major metropolitan areas – they are happening in small towns across rural America, and we will continue to hold violators accountable, wherever they operate.”
ICE officials emphasized the agency’s continued focus on identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.
Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.
For more information about ICE HSI St. Paul and its efforts to enhance public safety in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, follow on X at @HSISaintPaul.
Source: New Zealand Police
Motorists are advised of delays on State Highway 2, Aongatete after a truck broke down.
Reports came in to Police around 8:15am, of the incident in the northbound lane about 500m north of Wright Road.
There are no injuries but motorists are advised there is significant traffic build-up as a result, and are urged to delay travel if possible.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced a resolution recognizing law enforcement officers for their diligence in protecting and serving our communities and calling for increased health and safety measures for law enforcement professionals.
“As hostility toward police officers grows, threats to their safety increase. We must support those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” said Dr. Cassidy.
Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jim Justice (R-WV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Bernie Moreno (R-OH). Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in introducing the legislation. U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (MS-04-R) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“It’s an honor to join my colleagues in observing National Police Week. Our bipartisan resolution recognizes the valor, dignity, and dedication of our incredible law enforcement officers. Those who wear the uniform and stand with integrity to protect the liberties we cherish so deeply are owed a great debt of gratitude by our nation. I’m deeply thankful for their continued service to the state of Alabama and our entire country,” said Senator Britt.
“The courageous men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and our communities. In the face of outrageous attacks against these American heroes, we salute them, we thank them, and we pray for them,” said Senator Lee.
“Brave law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Hagerty. “As growing threats occur, it’s critical that they have the resources they need to stay protected. I’m pleased to join this resolution calling for increased health and safety resources for law enforcement officers and highlighting their outstanding and important work.”
“National Police Week is an opportunity to honor the men and women of law enforcement who uphold our laws, hold criminals accountable, resolve disputes, and protect the safety of our communities,” said Senator Sullivan. “There is something special, sacred even, about people who put their lives on the line for their fellow citizens in the course of a typical day at work. This week, we remember our fallen law enforcement heroes and their families, and we thank all of our public safety professionals for their selfless service on our behalf.”
“During National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women of our law enforcement who put their lives on the line for our communities. I am proud to back the blue each and every day. May God protect all who serve,” said Senator Mullin.
“As a former sheriff with four decades in law enforcement, I know firsthand what it means to put on the badge and serve your community,” said Representative Ezell. “This resolution is about showing our law enforcement professionals that Congress stands with them, not just in words, but through meaningful support. We honor their service, we mourn those we’ve lost, and we commit to making sure every officer has what they need to do their job safely and effectively.”
The bill is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, United States Deputy Sheriffs Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs’ Association, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, and Citizens Behind the Badge.
“We endorse this resolution’s call for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well being of our law enforcement professionals. Our officers deserve the full support of the communities and the nation they so faithfully serve. Let us honor their service not only with words but through concrete actions that empower them to continue their essential work. We would like to thank Senator Cassidy for being the author of this resolution and for his continued support of Law Enforcement,” said Fabian Blache, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director.
“Efforts like your resolution that bring greater awareness and appreciation to the sacrifices of our officers goes a long way in helping our sheriffs and police chiefs recruit and retain our forces. At the same time, it also builds a greater community understanding and appreciation which is critically needed for law enforcement work,”said Kevin Cobb, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director.
“Our organization has the honor of working with these quiet professionals across the nation. They serve with integrity and honor every day and more than ever need to know they are supported. We thank Senator Cassidy for his continued commitment to these everyday heroes who deserve this recognition,” said Mike Willis, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association National Training & Programs Director.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced James Kareen Day, 43, of Landover, Maryland, to 16 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a series of armed and attempted armed robberies of businesses located in Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentences with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Chief Gregory Der, Howard County Police Department (HCPD); Chief Marc Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD); and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
According to the guilty plea, between December 2022 and February 2023, Day committed three armed robberies and four attempted armed robberies of several businesses located within Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Day fled with money and other property of the businesses and victims. During some of the robberies, Day brandished a short-barrel shotgun while demanding cash and valuables.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, HCPD, MCPD, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dawn Williams and Timothy Hagan who are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found DAVID MARSHALL, also known as “Saint,” 40, of Bristol, with sex trafficking, obstruction of justice, and violation of a protective order offenses.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, between January and April 2022, Marshall compelled a victim into performing commercial sex for his financial benefit and repeatedly raped and beat her if she did not follow his orders. He also controlled the victim by other means, including getting her addicted to fentanyl and threatening to harm her family. In March 2022, the victim attempted to escape from Marshall and obtained an order of protection against him after he was arrested by Cromwell Police for threatening to kill her.
On April 27, 2022, Marshall was arrested by police in Freeport, Maine, after he severely beat the victim. While in jail, Marshall contacted the victim in violation of the protection order, and attempted to convince her not to cooperate with the police and to continue to prostitute herself to earn money to bail him out of jail. Marshall also contacted another person from jail in an attempt to remotely erase the evidence on his cell phone, but he was unable to do so because the FBI had already secured the phone.
On May 10, 2023, while he was detained in federal custody, Marshall again attempted to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of this matter by writing a letter to a family member with instructions to “harass” the victim to keep her from testifying.
Marshall forcibly sex trafficked at least one other woman between 2017 and 2022. With his second victim, Marshall similarly used beatings, rapes, and other means to coerce her into engaging in commercial sex acts for his financial benefit for almost two years.
The trial began on April 30, 2025. Yesterday, Marshall was convicted of two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; two counts of attempted obstruction of sex trafficking enforcement; and one count of interstate violation of a protection order, causing serious bodily injury to the victim. The jury found Marshall not guilty of one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Marshall faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Marshall has been detained since April 27, 2022.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Newington Police Department, Cromwell Police Department, Freeport (Maine) Police Department, and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull, Shan Patel, and Alexis Beyerlein.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine for its assistance in this case.
Source: Eurojust
Using the method of cyber trading, the group was able to make considerable profits and defraud victims of their substantial savings. The criminals created a fake online trading platform that promised large profits in a short period of time. After initially transferring modest sums of money to the platform, victims are then persuaded by fake charts that they will make large profits. Using psychological pressure, fake brokers call their victims to convince them to transfer higher amounts to the platform. The money transferred by the victims is never invested and instead goes directly to the criminal group. Authorities are aware of approximately 100 victims, but they believe more people have fallen victim to the OCG.
German authorities started investigating the fake platform after a married couple reported the scam to the police. The initial investigation focused on the holder of the bank account to which the couple had transferred their savings. The authorities soon uncovered an international criminal group behind the fake investment platform. On 6 September 2022, during the first action day in this investigation, authorities searched multiple locations in Belgium and Latvia, arrested two suspects and seized important evidence. This evidence was instrumental in identifying seven more members of the criminal group, including the managers of the call centres used to convince victims to invest more money.
The second action day took place on 13 May 2025. A total of eight searches took place simultaneously in Albania, Cyprus and Israel and executed six interrogations. During the searches, authorities seized evidence to continue the investigation such as electronic devices and documents as well as cash. A suspect in Cyprus was arrested with the intention of either surrendering or extraditing them to Germany. Investigations into the investment fraud will continue.
As victims were identified across the world and the group operated globally, international cooperation was essential. Eurojust ensured that judicial authorities worked together smoothly and efficiently from the start of the investigation in 2022. For the second phase of the investigation, Eurojust facilitated all judicial cooperation requests and coordinated the action day from its headquarters in The Hague. Europol provided operational support throughout the investigation, deploying mobile offices in Israel, Albania and the United Kingdom. A virtual command post was also set up by Europol to facilitate real-time coordination and intelligence sharing.
The following authorities carried out the operations:
This operation was carried out as part of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT).
EMPACT tackles the most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime affecting the European Union. EMPACT strengthens intelligence and strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners. EMPACT runs in four-year cycles focusing on common EU crime priorities. Fraud, economic and financial crimes are among the priorities for the 2022-2025 Policy Cycle.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Secretary-General/UN Peacekeeping
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Sudan
South Sudan
Libya
UN Women
Financial Contribution
SECRETARY-GENERAL/UN PEACEKEEPING
Earlier today, the Secretary-General spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting taking place in Berlin. He reasserted that in trouble spots around the world, our Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death, adding that they are a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, to achieve and to sustain peace.
Mr. Guterres spoke about the challenges that we are now facing, including having the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of this organization. On top of that, we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.
During his speech, and in honour of the 4,400 peacekeepers who have died in the line of duty since the start of UN Peacekeeping, Mr. Guterres asked the attendees of the meeting to join him in a moment of silence.
Also, in Berlin, the Secretary-General met separately with Germany’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs – Johann Wadephul – as well as the Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius. Among other topics, they discussed the importance of Germany’s role in peacekeeping. And I just to flag, as a sign of the importance of this meeting, we have more than 130 delegations in Berlin at this Peacekeeping conference.
On the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting, the Secretary-General also held bilateral meetings with Ministers and officials of other countries, including Italy, Finland and China.
He is ending the day with a visit to an exhibit on UN Peacekeeping in action which has been held at the German Ministry of Defense in Berlin. The event features display on mine action, women in peacekeeping, renewable energy and the United Nations Police.
Tomorrow, he will meet with Friedrich Merz, the Federal Chancellor of Germany, and he will also have a couple of press engagements.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that no aid or commercial supplies have entered Gaza now for more than 70 days. The ongoing, full-scale blockade of the Strip is taking a disastrous toll on the population.
Meanwhile, hospitals continue to come under attack. Today, in Khan Younis, Israeli forces hit the surgical department of Nasser Medical Complex, and several casualties were reported. The complex is one of only eight public hospitals that are still partially operating across Gaza.
Following the attack, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Gaza, Suzanna Tkalec – together with an OCHA team – visited the hospital, where she spoke with staff and a team of international doctors that are there. She said she was appalled by yet another attack on this hospital, which is the fourth since the beginning of this conflict.
Ms. Tkalec stressed that these attacks are unacceptable and must stop, adding that healthcare facilities and those serving them must always be protected.
UN humanitarian partners on the ground report that only five hospitals across the Gaza Strip are still providing maternity care. Midwives lack medical supplies, they lack equipment, with our partners reporting that some 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are suffering from malnutrition and need urgent support.
OCHA reports that the Israeli authorities continue to deny and impede attempts by humanitarians to carry out critical missions in Gaza. Today, out of 11 requests by the United Nations for coordinated humanitarian movements, five were denied outright, including one planned mission to retrieve fuel from Rafah to supply hospitals, ambulances and water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. The other six missions, which included the rotation of staff, were facilitated.
With both supplies and time running out, OCHA says that principled humanitarian assistance and other essential supplies must be allowed into Gaza to save lives – and humanitarians’ work to reach people across the Strip must be facilitated. Israel, as the occupying power, must abide by international humanitarian law and facilitate aid for people in need, wherever they are.
And at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon, the Security Council will hold an open meeting on Gaza. Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, will brief.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=13%20May%202025
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
AUSTIN, Texas – A federal grand jury in Austin returned an indictment today charging an Austin man, who was employed as a fifth grade teacher in the city, with two counts related to his alleged receipt and possession of child pornography.
According to an affidavit filed in the court documents, Carl David Innmon, 50, allegedly downloaded multiple batches of downloads via BitTorrent between Dec. 29, 2024 and Jan. 15, 2025. The alleged downloads contained a total of 126 files that depict an image of a child engaging in sexual conduct or sexual performance. The children in three of the downloaded files, the affidavit alleges, include an infant and two girls between the ages of four and seven.
Based on the investigation, a search warrant was conducted on Innmon’s residence, leading to the seizure of a smartphone, a laptop and a portable hard drive. A forensic analysis of these items cumulatively revealed 365,797 files of Child Sexual Abuse Material.
Innmon is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The affidavit also alleges that Innmon was in possession of artificial intelligence generated child pornography, and that his devices contained a large quantity of real images depicting students in a classroom. Some of those images were allegedly placed in an AI generator, de-clothing the students. With assistance from the Austin Independent School District and AISD Police, a Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agent was able to positively identify the students depicted in the images and their ages. The children were allegedly identified as students of Innmon’s.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI and TX DPS CID are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Sparks is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
DETROIT – A Farmington, Michigan man was sentenced this week to 15 years in prison for sexually exploiting multiple children, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Evan Mercer, 31, of Farmington, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg. Mercer pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children after he chatted with multiple minors online and recorded images of them nude and in sexually explicit positions. The youngest victim appears to have been just seven years old. Mercer contacted her in September 2023 and recorded a video of her exposing herself to a web camera. He solicited nude images from at least two other minors. Mercer’s crimes came to light after a witness came forward to law enforcement after discovering the videos Mercer had produced. Authorities located and Mercer’s electronic devices, finding the evidence of his crimes.
“This defendant solicited multiple children online and exploited their youth, naivete, and vulnerability to create sexual exploitative images of his victims. We are thankful to the brave witness who came forward to alert authorities of his crimes, and to the law enforcement who collected that evidence and ensured this offender was brought to justice,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said.
“Evan Mercer’s sentencing underscores the FBI’s steadfast commitment to seeking justice for victims of child exploitation and to protecting our most vulnerable population,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Mr. Mercer’s inexcusable actions against minors, as well as any other offenders, will not be tolerated. I commend the dedicated efforts of our Oakland County Resident Agency members, and our law enforcement partners at the Ferndale Police Department. I also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, whose contributions were vital in concluding this case. We remain fully committed to collaborating with our community and law enforcement allies to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who pose a threat to our children.”
“This case was investigated by special agents of the FBI Oakland County Resident Agency and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Princ, Nhan Ho, and Tara Hindelang.