Latest news with #9mm
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Syracuse teen charged for attempted armed robbery in Clay
CLAY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office was called to the Heritage Park Townhouses off Wetzel Road after receiving a call for an attempted armed robbery on Sunday, June 1. Sheriff deputies said that when they arrived, they spoke to the victim, who reported that the suspect had attempted to rob him of his phone and vehicle at gunpoint. Police say that the suspect ran away after failing to steal the victim's property. Through a description of the suspect provided by the victim, the Sheriff's Office and the New York State Police were able to find the suspect, who has been identified as 18-year-old Gabron Polk of Syracuse, in the woods behind Wetzel Road Elementary School. Polk was arrested about 30 minutes after the police were originally called. Sheriff's Deputies reported finding a 9mm 'ghost gun' in Polk's possession at the time of his arrest. Polk was charged with the following offenses: Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (Class B Felony) – Forcible theft with a deadly weapon. Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C Felony) – Possession of a loaded firearm. Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree (Class C Felony) – Display of a weapon during a felony. Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony). Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) – Possession of a 'ghost gun.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Heartless schoolboy shot baby brother twice in head and gave chilling excuse
Mason Sisk brutally shot his dad, stepmum and three siblings in the head in a case that shocked the nation and was described as being 'draped in unmitigated evil' In the quiet backroads of Elkmont, Alabama - population just 500 - no one expected what would become one of the most chilling family massacres in recent American history. In 2019, Mason Sisk was a reserved 14-year-old, living with his father John, stepmother Mary, and three younger siblings - six-year-old Kane, four-year-old Rorrie, and baby Colson, just six months old. From the outside, the Sisk family looked content. John was a car dealership technician with a passion for motorbikes. Mary, a special education teacher known for her kindness and patience, had helped raise Mason since he was a toddler. After his biological mother died, Mary stepped in and treated him as her own - even describing herself online as a proud mum of four. But behind closed doors, signs of trouble were surfacing. Mason was causing concern - breaking into his school, reportedly torturing animals, and displaying worrying behavioural shifts. Even so, he often babysat his siblings and remained largely unnoticed by those around him. Then, on the night of September 2, 2019, everything changed. After a family trip to Florida, the Sisk household returned home and turned in early. Just before midnight, a call came into 911. It was Mason. He claimed there had been a shooting and said he'd been in the basement when he heard gunfire. Outside the house, he told police he'd seen a vehicle speeding away. But inside, officers found a gruesome scene: five members of the family shot in the head, apparently as they slept. John and Kane were taken to hospital but didn't survive. Mary, Rorrie, and Colson were pronounced dead at the scene. The infant had been cradled in his mother's arms. At first, Mason denied knowing anything. But detectives grew suspicious. He was the only survivor, showed little emotion, and his version of events didn't add up. After hours of questioning, he cracked - and admitted he'd done it. He'd used a 9mm handgun stolen during the family's Florida visit, then ditched the weapon by the roadside before calling for help. His motive? He said he was tired of the arguments at home. As investigators dug deeper, more disturbing details emerged. He had once allegedly spiked Mary's drink with peanut butter, knowing she was allergic. He was emotionless in custody. A probation officer noted he never spoke about his murdered family and showed no remorse. The murders sent shockwaves through Elkmont. The family were laid to rest in private services — baby Colson buried in Mary's arms. For her relatives, it was a loss beyond comprehension. Some had never even met the youngest child before he was taken from them. Because of his age at the time, Mason couldn't face the death penalty, but he was tried as an adult. His initial trial was thrown out when new evidence surfaced - messages recovered from Mary's phone. But in 2023, the retrial went ahead, painting a picture of a teenager with severe anger issues and a calculated plan. In court, the prosecution revealed Mason had sent chilling jailhouse messages to a girlfriend, bragging about the murders. 'I killed my family in under four seconds,' he wrote. 'All headshots.' He even claimed he wanted to become a contract killer. Prosecutors said he called the girl multiple times before phoning 911 the night of the killings. All five victims had been shot once - except Colson, who had been shot twice. In April, Mason was found guilty of capital murder. At his sentencing in September, the judge spared no words: the killings were 'pure evil.' With no evidence of mental illness, and no sign of remorse, he was handed life in prison without parole. Mary's brother gave a heartbreaking statement in court. 'We brought you into our lives, our home, our family,' he said. 'Mary loved you - and you repaid her with murder.' Mason showed no reaction. The defence insists they'll appeal, claiming his confession was coerced. But the facts remain stark: a family of five, destroyed by one of their own. And in the quiet Alabama town where neighbours once left doors unlocked, trust may never fully return.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What we know about the Jewish museum shooting that left two Israeli Embassy staffers dead
The Department of Justice is investigating the Washington, DC, shooting that killed two Israeli Embassy staffers as an act of terrorism and a hate crime, as details continue to emerge about the violent act, the victims, and the suspected shooter. The accused gunman, Elias Rodriguez, faces several federal murder charges, some of which carry the potential for the death penalty, after prosecutors say he shot a young couple as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum Wednesday night and yelled 'Free Palestine!' while being arrested. Rodriguez did not enter a plea when he made his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon and will remain in custody pending future court hearings as investigators dig into his background and work to construct a timeline of Rodriguez's time in DC leading up to the shooting. 'This is a complicated case involving a large amount of evidence and a large amount of witnesses' and an expansive crime scene, prosecutor Jeff Nestler told the judge. Here's what we know about the incident and where the investigation stands. Rodriguez, a 31-year-old from Chicago, has been charged by the Justice Department with using a firearm to commit murder – which carries the possibility of the death penalty – first degree murder, using a firearm during a violent crime, and two counts of murdering foreign officials. According to court documents, the 9mm handgun found at the scene of the shooting was purchased by Rodriguez in Illinois in March 2020. Investigators say he declared a firearm in his checked bag when flying from Chicago to Washington, DC, on Tuesday. Rodriguez appeared to have come to DC for a work conference, the head of the FBI's Washington field office told reporters Thursday. Rodriguez most recently worked as an administrative specialist with the American Osteopathic Information Association, according to a LinkedIn account with his name and photo. Steven J. Jensen, the assistant director in charge of the Washington field office, also said the agency is searching Rodriguez's internet activity and specifically looking into a so-called manifesto that is circulating online. 'We are also executing search warrants for his electronic devices, reviewing his social media accounts and all of his internet postings,' Jensen said. 'Regarding some internet postings, we are aware of some writings that are purported to have been authored by this subject, we're actively investigating to determine both the authorship and the attribution of these writings if they belong to this subject, or not.' Rodriguez told police he was inspired by a US airman who died last year after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, to draw attention to the war in Gaza, prosecutors said in court documents. The man, Rodriguez said, was a 'martyr.' A CNN review of interviews and writings linked to Rodriguez found that he has a history of political activism, including denouncing corporate power, US military actions and police abuses. Over the years, Rodriguez has allied publicly with several leftist groups in the Chicago area. A GoFundMe page – that was created in August 2017 and included his photo – sought donations so Rodriguez could attend the People's Congress of Resistance in DC, an anti-Trump protest event during President Donald Trump's first term. Appearing in court on Thursday, Rodriguez, in an all-white detention jumpsuit with a hood and wearing glasses and leg cuffs, watched the judge closely as each of his five charges were read to him. Officials have identified Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30, as the two Israeli Embassy staffers killed in Wednesday's shooting. The couple had met at the embassy, an Israeli official told CNN. Officials and friends have shared that Lischinsky had recently bought a ring to propose to Milgrim in Jerusalem. Milgrim, a 2021 graduate of the University of Kansas who earned her master's degree from American University in 2023, started working at the embassy shortly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. She helped coordinate a variety of groups' travels to Israel, including political, religious and others, like visitors studying climate change. Tech2Peace, an organization that provides entrepreneurial training to young Palestinians and Israelis alongside conflict dialogue, described Milgrim as a 'a devoted and active volunteer.' 'Sarah was a deeply curious person, always seeking to learn and connect. She brought people together with empathy and purpose, and her dedication to building a better future was evident in everything she did. Her voice and spirit will be profoundly missed,' Tech2Peace said in a statement Thursday. Meanwhile, Lischinsky, had been working at the embassy's political section for a little over two years and dreamed of being a diplomat, according to a former professor who described him to CNN as an 'outstanding student and a wonderful person.' Lischinsky grew up in Germany and moved to Israel before coming to Washington, where he met Milgrim. The Israeli official added to CNN that Lischinsky – who has a Christian mother and Jewish father – identifies as Jewish. A friend who attended college with Lischinsky remembered him as a 'respectful and kind person' who loved books and working in diplomacy, 'What made him stand out was not just his intelligence, but his generosity of spirit,' Jakub Klepek told CNN in a message. The American Jewish Committee was hosting a 'Young Diplomats Reception' at the Capital Jewish Museum Wednesday night. According to its Eventbrite page – which only made the location of the event available after purchasing a ticket – the event was intended to bring 'together Jewish young professionals (ages 22–45) and the diplomatic community.' According to court documents, Rodriguez told investigators that he had 'purchased a ticket to the event at the Museum approximately three hours prior to its commencement.' Following the event, Rodriguez allegedly 'walked past' Lischinsky and Milgrim before 'he turned to face their backs and brandished a firearm from the area of his waistband,' according to court documents citing surveillance footage. He then fired at the couple several times, according to court documents, and then went toward them after they had fallen to the ground, leaning over them 'with his arm extended, and firing several more times.' As Milgrim tried to crawl away, Rodriguez allegedly 'followed behind her and fired again.' Rodriguez then appeared to reload his firearm as she began to sit up, and, once he reloaded, he allegedly shot at her again, the documents detailed. Eyewitnesses told CNN that Rodriguez had waited for police to arrive before saying he carried out the attack 'for Gaza.' Once in custody, the gunman chanted: 'Free, free Palestine.' Police recovered 21 fired bullets from the scene, according to court documents. An Israeli official told CNN that two other Israeli Embassy staffers were with the victims when they were killed but were not injured in the shooting. In the early hours of Thursday, Trump expressed his condolences to the victims'families in a Truth Social post, saying 'These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.' Hours later, he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed his 'deep sorrow,' according to the prime minister's office. Netanyahu also spoke with the victims' families and told them 'that he shares in their deep sorrow, together with the entire Jewish People,' his office said. Other foreign leaders also issued statements condemning the attack. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the shooting in 'the strongest possible terms' and said that 'at this stage we must assume an anti-Semitic motive.' Qatar's Foreign Ministry called the shooting an act of 'violence and terrorism,' and described the incident as 'unacceptable and unjustifiable.' It also extended its condolences to the victims' families. Rodriguez will remain behind bars pending future court hearings. The next hearing is scheduled for June 18. Interim US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro said Thursday that'it is far too early to say' whether the Justice Department will pursue the death penalty against the suspect, although several of the charges carry the potential for a death sentence if convicted. She added that the murder charges filed are 'initial,' and said that 'we will add additional charges as the evidence warrants.' 'Because of one person's actions, two families are left to grieve for dreams that will never be realized,' Pirro said. Jensen, the FBI official, said the FBI is continuing to look into what happened from the moment Rodriguez landed in the nation's capital to the time of the shooting, and it has asked the public to send in tips. The Washington, DC, police department also announced Thursday that it is increasing the number of officers present at religious institutions across the city. Law enforcement in other cities have also announced they are doing the same, including the New York City Police Department and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office in Florida. Meanwhile, the Capital Jewish Museum said it is working to reopen the museum in the coming days. CNN's Evan Perez, Katelyn Polantz and Alex Marquardt contributed to this report.
CNN
23-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
What we know about the Jewish museum shooting that left two Israeli Embassy staffers dead
The Department of Justice is investigating the Washington, DC, shooting that killed two Israeli Embassy staffers as an act of terrorism and a hate crime, as details continue to emerge about the violent act, the victims, and the suspected shooter. The accused gunman, Elias Rodriguez, faces several federal murder charges, some of which carry the potential for the death penalty, after prosecutors say he shot a young couple as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum Wednesday night and yelled 'Free Palestine!' while being arrested. Rodriguez did not enter a plea when he made his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon and will remain in custody pending future court hearings as investigators dig into his background and work to construct a timeline of Rodriguez's time in DC leading up to the shooting. 'This is a complicated case involving a large amount of evidence and a large amount of witnesses' and an expansive crime scene, prosecutor Jeff Nestler told the judge. Here's what we know about the incident and where the investigation stands. Rodriguez, a 31-year-old from Chicago, has been charged by the Justice Department with using a firearm to commit murder – which carries the possibility of the death penalty – first degree murder, using a firearm during a violent crime, and two counts of murdering foreign officials. According to court documents, the 9mm handgun found at the scene of the shooting was purchased by Rodriguez in Illinois in March 2020. Investigators say he declared a firearm in his checked bag when flying from Chicago to Washington, DC, on Tuesday. Rodriguez appeared to have come to DC for a work conference, the head of the FBI's Washington field office told reporters Thursday. Rodriguez most recently worked as an administrative specialist with the American Osteopathic Information Association, according to a LinkedIn account with his name and photo. Steven J. Jensen, the assistant director in charge of the Washington field office, also said the agency is searching Rodriguez's internet activity and specifically looking into a so-called manifesto that is circulating online. 'We are also executing search warrants for his electronic devices, reviewing his social media accounts and all of his internet postings,' Jensen said. 'Regarding some internet postings, we are aware of some writings that are purported to have been authored by this subject, we're actively investigating to determine both the authorship and the attribution of these writings if they belong to this subject, or not.' Rodriguez told police he was inspired by a US airman who died last year after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, to draw attention to the war in Gaza, prosecutors said in court documents. The man, Rodriguez said, was a 'martyr.' A CNN review of interviews and writings linked to Rodriguez found that he has a history of political activism, including denouncing corporate power, US military actions and police abuses. Over the years, Rodriguez has allied publicly with several leftist groups in the Chicago area. A GoFundMe page – that was created in August 2017 and included his photo – sought donations so Rodriguez could attend the People's Congress of Resistance in DC, an anti-Trump protest event during President Donald Trump's first term. Appearing in court on Thursday, Rodriguez, in an all-white detention jumpsuit with a hood and wearing glasses and leg cuffs, watched the judge closely as each of his five charges were read to him. Officials have identified Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30, as the two Israeli Embassy staffers killed in Wednesday's shooting. The couple had met at the embassy, an Israeli official told CNN. Officials and friends have shared that Lischinsky had recently bought a ring to propose to Milgrim in Jerusalem. Milgrim, a 2021 graduate of the University of Kansas who earned her master's degree from American University in 2023, started working at the embassy shortly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. She helped coordinate a variety of groups' travels to Israel, including political, religious and others, like visitors studying climate change. Tech2Peace, an organization that provides entrepreneurial training to young Palestinians and Israelis alongside conflict dialogue, described Milgrim as a 'a devoted and active volunteer.' 'Sarah was a deeply curious person, always seeking to learn and connect. She brought people together with empathy and purpose, and her dedication to building a better future was evident in everything she did. Her voice and spirit will be profoundly missed,' Tech2Peace said in a statement Thursday. Meanwhile, Lischinsky, had been working at the embassy's political section for a little over two years and dreamed of being a diplomat, according to a former professor who described him to CNN as an 'outstanding student and a wonderful person.' Lischinsky grew up in Germany and moved to Israel before coming to Washington, where he met Milgrim. The Israeli official added to CNN that Lischinsky – who has a Christian mother and Jewish father – identifies as Jewish. A friend who attended college with Lischinsky remembered him as a 'respectful and kind person' who loved books and working in diplomacy, 'What made him stand out was not just his intelligence, but his generosity of spirit,' Jakub Klepek told CNN in a message. The American Jewish Committee was hosting a 'Young Diplomats Reception' at the Capital Jewish Museum Wednesday night. According to its Eventbrite page – which only made the location of the event available after purchasing a ticket – the event was intended to bring 'together Jewish young professionals (ages 22–45) and the diplomatic community.' According to court documents, Rodriguez told investigators that he had 'purchased a ticket to the event at the Museum approximately three hours prior to its commencement.' Following the event, Rodriguez allegedly 'walked past' Lischinsky and Milgrim before 'he turned to face their backs and brandished a firearm from the area of his waistband,' according to court documents citing surveillance footage. He then fired at the couple several times, according to court documents, and then went toward them after they had fallen to the ground, leaning over them 'with his arm extended, and firing several more times.' As Milgrim tried to crawl away, Rodriguez allegedly 'followed behind her and fired again.' Rodriguez then appeared to reload his firearm as she began to sit up, and, once he reloaded, he allegedly shot at her again, the documents detailed. Eyewitnesses told CNN that Rodriguez had waited for police to arrive before saying he carried out the attack 'for Gaza.' Once in custody, the gunman chanted: 'Free, free Palestine.' Police recovered 21 fired bullets from the scene, according to court documents. An Israeli official told CNN that two other Israeli Embassy staffers were with the victims when they were killed but were not injured in the shooting. In the early hours of Thursday, Trump expressed his condolences to the victims'families in a Truth Social post, saying 'These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.' Hours later, he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed his 'deep sorrow,' according to the prime minister's office. Netanyahu also spoke with the victims' families and told them 'that he shares in their deep sorrow, together with the entire Jewish People,' his office said. Other foreign leaders also issued statements condemning the attack. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the shooting in 'the strongest possible terms' and said that 'at this stage we must assume an anti-Semitic motive.' Qatar's Foreign Ministry called the shooting an act of 'violence and terrorism,' and described the incident as 'unacceptable and unjustifiable.' It also extended its condolences to the victims' families. Rodriguez will remain behind bars pending future court hearings. The next hearing is scheduled for June 18. Interim US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro said Thursday that'it is far too early to say' whether the Justice Department will pursue the death penalty against the suspect, although several of the charges carry the potential for a death sentence if convicted. She added that the murder charges filed are 'initial,' and said that 'we will add additional charges as the evidence warrants.' 'Because of one person's actions, two families are left to grieve for dreams that will never be realized,' Pirro said. Jensen, the FBI official, said the FBI is continuing to look into what happened from the moment Rodriguez landed in the nation's capital to the time of the shooting, and it has asked the public to send in tips. The Washington, DC, police department also announced Thursday that it is increasing the number of officers present at religious institutions across the city. Law enforcement in other cities have also announced they are doing the same, including the New York City Police Department and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office in Florida. Meanwhile, the Capital Jewish Museum said it is working to reopen the museum in the coming days.
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
'Free Palestine' shooter charged with murder of Israeli embassy staff in DC
Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot dead outside a Jewish museum in Washington DC on Wednesday evening, in what authorities are calling an act of terrorism and a hate crime. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, reportedly chanted 'Free, free Palestine' after being taken into custody at the scene, according to a report by the Associated Press. Suspect to be charged with first-degree murder Authorities said Rodriguez used a 9mm handgun legally purchased in Illinois in 2020, which he had transported to Washington in his checked luggage. Though Illinois is known for strict firearm regulations, the weapon was obtained legally. The suspect has been charged with first-degree murder, murder of foreign officials, and multiple firearms offences. More charges may follow, according to US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who confirmed the case is eligible for the death penalty. 'This is being investigated as a hate crime,' Pirro said at a press briefing on Thursday. 'It was an act of directed violence against the Jewish community.' Israeli shooting victims were young diplomats The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, a young couple on the brink of engagement, were among four individuals leaving the Capital Jewish Museum around 9.08 pm local time when the gunman opened fire, according to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith. The couple was attending the American Jewish Committee's annual Young Diplomats reception when the attack occurred. Rodriguez, who had been seen loitering outside the venue before the shooting, entered the museum immediately afterward. Witnesses said he appeared distressed, and some offered him water, unaware he was the perpetrator. Police later apprehended him inside the building. On his arrest, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly shouted 'Free Palestine', eyewitnesses Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher told reporters. ALSO READ | Israeli diplomat shooter had no prior record Rodriguez, who had no prior criminal record and was unknown to law enforcement, is believed to have acted alone. The FBI and local police are examining his digital footprint and have begun searching his residence in Chicago. Investigators are also reviewing online posts linked to the suspect, in which he reportedly accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, criticised US foreign policy, and expressed support for political violence. Attack on Israeli couple response to war in Gaza The killings have shocked both US and Israeli officials, who see the incident as part of a rising tide of antisemitic violence amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and abducted around 250 others. Since then, over 53,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Humanitarian groups warn of looming famine due to the continued blockade and restricted aid access. US calls attack 'an act of terrorism' Speaking after the attack, FBI official Steve Jenson condemned the shooting as 'an act of terror' and said federal authorities were working closely with local police. Officials have assured the public there is no ongoing threat. Video footage broadcast by Al Jazeera showed the alleged gunman, wearing a suit, being detained by security officers outside the museum. A neighbour in Chicago, John Wayne Fry told the BBC that Rodriguez had displayed a photo outside his flat of a Palestinian-American boy, six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, who was murdered in a hate crime in 2023. Authorities are investigating any possible connections. The US Attorney's Office will prosecute the case.
