Police use water cannon in response to anti-immigrant violence in Northern Ireland town
LONDON (AP) — Demonstrators pelted police with bricks, bottles and fireworks and set vehicles alight on Tuesday in a second night of anti-immigrant violence in the Northern Ireland town of Ballymena.
Police used water cannon and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse a crowd of several hundred people in the town 25 miles (40 km) north of Belfast.
Violence erupted Monday after a peaceful march to show support for the family of the victim of an alleged sexual assault on the weekend. Two 14-year-old boys have been charged.
The suspects have not been identified because of their age. They were supported in court by a Romanian interpreter.
Several houses were set on fire on the first night of disorder on Monday. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said 15 officers were injured.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said officers were 'actively working to identify those responsible for last night's racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice.'
He said the violence should be 'loudly condemned by all right thinking people.
'Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,' he said.
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Global News
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- Global News
Search ongoing for man accused of shooting 2 Minnesota lawmakers, spouses
A massive search stretched into its second day Sunday for a man who authorities say wore a mask and posed as a police officer while fatally shooting a Democratic state lawmaker in her suburban Minneapolis home, an act Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called 'a politically motivated assassination.' Authorities said the suspect also shot and wounded a second lawmaker and was trying to flee the area. Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday. Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were injured at their Champlin address, about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) away. Authorities identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, and the FBI issued a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. They shared a photo taken Saturday of Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat and asked the public to report sightings. Hundreds of law enforcement officers fanned out in the search for the suspect. Story continues below advertisement U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said Sunday that authorities believe the shooter hasn't gone far. 'We believe he's somewhere in the vicinity and that they are going to find him,' the Democrat said Sunday on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' 'But right now, everyone's on edge here, because we know that this man will kill at a second.' Authorities had not yet given any details on a possible motive. Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as Hoffman, records show, though it was not clear if or how well they knew each other. The attacks prompted warnings to other state elected officials and the cancellation of planned 'No Kings' demonstrations against President Donald Trump, though some went ahead anyway, including one that drew tens of thousands to the State Capitol in St. Paul. Authorities said the suspect had 'No Kings' flyers in his car and writings mentioning the names of the victims as well as other lawmakers and officials, though they could not say if he had any other specific targets. 3:37 Tim Waltz confirms Minnesota state lawmaker, husband dead, state senator and his wife wounded in 'political assassination' A Minnesota official told AP the suspect's writings also contained information targeting prominent lawmakers who have been outspoken in favor of abortion rights. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing. Story continues below advertisement Law enforcement agents recovered several AK-style firearms from the suspect's vehicle, and he was believed to still be armed with a pistol, a person familiar with the matter told AP. The person could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity. The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated amid deep political divisions. 'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' said Walz, a Democrat. He also ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Hortman's honor. 'Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!' President Donald Trump said in a statement. Exchange of gunfire Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Hoffmans' home shortly after 2 a.m., Champlin police said, and found the couple with multiple gunshot wounds. Story continues below advertisement After seeing who the victims were, police sent officers to proactively check on Hortman's home. There they encountered what appeared to be a police vehicle and a man dressed as an officer at the door, leaving the house. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'When officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired upon the officers who exchanged gunfire, and the suspect retreated back into the home' and escaped on foot, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said. Authorities believe the shooter was wearing a mask when carrying out the attacks, according to a law enforcement official. The FBI released photos of the suspect including an image that appears to show him wearing a mask that covered his face and head, a police uniform, and holding a flashlight. Multiple bullet holes could be seen in the front door of Hoffman's home. John and Yvette Hoffman each underwent surgery, according to Walz. Two Democrats targeted Hortman, 55, had been the top Democratic leader in the state House since 2017. She led Democrats in a three-week walkout at the beginning of this year's session in a power struggle with Republicans. Under a power sharing agreement, she turned the gavel over to Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth and assumed the title speaker emerita. Story continues below advertisement Hortman used her position as speaker in 2023 to champion expanded protections for abortion rights, including legislation to solidify Minnesota's status as a refuge for patients from restrictive states who travel to the state to seek abortions — and to protect providers who serve them. Walz called her a 'formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota.' Hortman and her husband had two adult children. View image in full screen This combo from photos provided by Minnesota Legislature shows from left, Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. (Minnesota Legislature via AP). The initial autopsy reports from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office gave their cause of death as 'multiple gunshot wounds.' The reports said Melissa Hortman died at the scene while her husband was pronounced dead at the hospital. Hoffman, 60, was first elected in 2012 and was chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, which oversees one of the biggest parts of the state budget. He and his wife have one daughter. Story continues below advertisement The suspect Boelter was appointed to the workforce development board in 2016 and then reappointed in 2019 to a four-year term that expired in 2023, state records show. Corporate records show Boelter's wife filed to create a company called Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC with the same Green Isle mailing address listed for the couple. Boelter's wife is listed as president and CEO and he is listed as director of security patrols on the company's website. View image in full screen This photo provided by the FBI on Saturday, June 14, 2025, shows Vance L. Boelter in June 2022. (FBI via AP). The website says the company provides armed security for property and events and features a photo of an SUV painted in a two-tone black and silver pattern similar to a police vehicle. Another photo shows a man in black tactical gear with a military-style helmet and a ballistic vest. Story continues below advertisement An online resume says Boelter is a security contractor who has worked in the Middle East and Africa, in addition to past managerial roles at companies in Minnesota. Around 6 a.m., Boelter texted friends to say he had 'made some choices,' the Minnesota Star Tribune reported. In the messages, read to reporters by David Carlson, Boelter did not specify what he had done but said: 'I'm going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn't gone this way. … I'm sorry for all the trouble this has caused.' Political violence Klobuchar condemned online threats and urged people Sunday to think twice before posting accusations or motives on the Internet. Speaking of Hortman on CNN, Klobuchar said: 'This is a person that did everything for the right reasons. Story continues below advertisement 'Regardless of political parties, look at her face before you send out your next post,' Klobuchar said. Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, called the attack 'evil' and said she was 'heartbroken beyond words' by the killings. The shootings are the latest in a series of attacks against lawmakers across parties. In April a suspect set fire to the home of Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, forcing him and his family to flee during the Jewish holiday of Passover. The suspect said he planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he found him, according to court documents. In July 2024, Trump was grazed on the ear by one of a hail of bullets that killed a Trump supporter. Two months later a man with a rifle was discovered near the president's Florida golf course and arrested. Other incidents include a 2022 hammer attack on the husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in their San Francisco home and a 2020 plot by anti-government extremists to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and start a civil war. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he asked Capitol Police to 'immediately increase security' for Klobuchar and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith. He also asked Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, to hold a briefing on member security. Story continues below advertisement Speaking Sunday on CNN's 'Inside Politics Sunday,' Smith said she personally felt safe and the thought of security details becoming the norm was unbearable. 'But I think we are at a tipping point right now when we see these kinds of personal threats. It gets worse, not better,' she said. 'I don't want to think that I need to have a personal security detail wherever I go.' Karnowski reported from Minneapolis, and Durkin Richer from Washington. Associated Press writers Giovanna Dell'Orto in Champlin, Minnesota; Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York; Michael Biesecker in Washington and Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed.
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2 hours ago
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Manhunt continues for suspected shooter of 2 Minnesota lawmakers
Published Jun 15, 2025 • 2 minute read This image provided by the FBI on Saturday, June 14, 2025, shows part of a poster with photos of Vance L. Boelter. Photo by FBI via AP / AP The manhunt for a shooter who killed a Democratic state lawmaker in Minnesota and wounded another went into a second day, as speculation about a motive focused on the suspect's stance on abortion. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Federal Bureau of Investigation offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Vance L. Boelter, 57. The four known victims include Melissa Hortman, the Democratic leader in the state House, and her husband, Mark, who were fatally shot at their house early Saturday. 'They are following every lead, asking for the public's help,' Amy Klobuchar, the senior US senator from Minnesota, said Sunday on ABC's This Week. John Hoffman, a Minnesota state senator, and his wife, Yvette, were wounded in a shooting also linked to the suspect. Klobuchar said they are recovering. This combo from photos provided by Minnesota Legislature shows from left, Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. Photo by Minnesota Legislature via AP / AP The suspect left a purported hit list in his car that included several Minnesota politicians and abortion providers in the state, according to a government background document seen by Bloomberg News. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That so-called manifesto indicates there 'clearly was some through-line with abortion' because of abortion rights groups and individuals reported to be on the list, Klobuchar said. She suggested that law enforcement's search for Boelker is extending beyond Minnesota to the broader Midwest. 'We believe he's somewhere in the vicinity and that they are going to find him,' she said on NBC's Meet the Press. 'But right now everyone on edge here because we know that this man will kill at a second.' Investigators are also looking into whether he may have had direct interactions with the two legislators, she said. The shootings, which coincided with nationwide protests against Donald Trump on Saturday and a military parade in Washington promoted by the president, prompted bipartisan condemnation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,' Trump said in a social post. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the eruption of violence an 'unspeakable tragedy.' The Minnesota carnage renewed a focus on political violence in the US that both political parties have deplored for years. Threats only against national lawmakers in Washington increased to 9,000 last year from 1,700 in 2016, Klobuchar said. 'This has gotten totally out of hand with threats against members of Congress,' she said on CNN's State of the Union. Boelter texted his roommates that he was 'going to be gone for a while' and 'may be dead shortly,' according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune , which interviewed one of the housemates. Sunshine Girls Golf Editorial Cartoons World Golf
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At least 8 dead in shooting near Israeli and US-supported aid sites in Gaza
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — At least eight Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded on Sunday in a shooting near Israeli- and U.S.-supported food distribution points in the Gaza Strip, according to health officials. Witnesses blamed the Israeli military, which did not immediately comment. Witnesses said Israeli forces opened fire around dawn toward crowds of desperate Palestinians heading to two aid sites in the southern city of Rafah.
