Latest news with #ElPaso
Sky News
21 hours ago
- General
- Sky News
Colorado: Man charged with hate crime after petrol bomb and 'flamethrower' attack at rally for Israeli hostages
A man has been charged with a hate crime after people at a US rally in support of Israeli hostages were targeted with petrol bombs and a makeshift flamethrower. Four women and four men aged between 52 and 88 were injured and taken to hospitals after being targeted by a man shouting "Free Palestine", officers said. They said the injuries ranged from "very serious" to "more minor" and one of them was in a critical condition. The FBI said it was a targeted "act of terrorism" and named the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman from El Paso County, Colorado. Soliman has been charged with the federal crime of causing bodily injury because of actual or perceived race, colour, religion, or national origin. Two senior law enforcement officials told Sky News' US partner network NBC News that Soliman is an Egyptian national who seemingly acted alone. They said he has no previous significant contact with law enforcement. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, said Soliman was in the US "illegally". She posted on X: "He entered the country in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired on February 2023. He filed for asylum in September 2022." President Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the "horrific" attack in Boulder "will not be tolerated in the United States of America". He added the suspect "came in through Biden's ridiculous open border policy, which has hurt our country so badly. He must go out under 'Trump' policy. Acts of terrorism will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law". Eyewitnesses said the suspect threw Molotov cocktails, an improvised bomb made from a bottle filled with petrol and stuffed with a piece of cloth to use as a fuse, at people attending the demonstration. He also used a "makeshift flamethrower" during the attack, according to Mark Michalek, a special agent in charge of the FBI's Denver field office. Police chief Steve Redfearn said the attack happened at around 1.26pm on Sunday and that initial reports were that "people were being set on fire". "When we arrived we encountered multiple victims that were injured, with injuries consistent with burns," Mr Redfearn told the media. Boulder's police chief said the attack happened as a "group of pro- Israel people" were peacefully demonstrating. The walk is held regularly by a volunteer group called Run For Their Lives, which aims to raise awareness of the hostages who remain in Gaza. An initial review of Soliman's possible social media accounts has not answered questions about a motive or pointed to any particular ideology, two senior law enforcement officials said. Video from the scene showed a bare-chested man shouting and clutching two bottles after the attack. Other footage showed him being held down and arrested by police as people doused one of the victims with water. Nearby there appeared to be a large black burn mark on the ground. A large part of downtown Boulder was cordoned off as sniffer dogs and the bomb squad searched for potential devices. Lynn Segal, an eyewitness, said: "These shoots of fire, linear, about 20ft long, spears of fire, two of them at least, came across right into the group, about 15ft from me." The 72-year-old said two neighbours of hers, a husband and wife in their 80s, were at the demonstration. She added that the wife was one of the victims and appeared to be the most seriously injured. "They're both elders in their 80s, and you can't take something like this assault to your body as easily as someone younger," she said. A statement from Boulder's Jewish community said: "An incendiary device was thrown at walkers at the Run For Their Lives walk on Pearl Street as they were raising awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on Monday saying he, his wife and the nation of Israel were praying for the full recovery of the people wounded in the "vicious terror attack" in Colorado. "This attack was aimed against peaceful people who wished to express their solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas, simply because they were Jews," he said. US Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, a prominent Jewish Democrat, said it was an antisemitic attack. "This is horrifying, and this cannot continue. We must stand up to antisemitism," he said on X. The attack follows the arrest of a Chicago-born man in the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington DC two weeks ago. Tensions are simmering in the US over Israel's war in Gaza. There has been an increase in antisemitic hate crime, as well as moves by some supporters of Israel to brand pro-Palestinian protests as antisemitic. President Trump's administration has detained protesters without charge and pulled funding from elite universities that have permitted such demonstrations.
Entrepreneur
a day ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Social Equity in Action: The Real Impact of Work in the Cannabis Industry
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Michael Halow is more than a social equity advocate and multi-sector entrepreneur; he is an architect of structural repair. He achieves this quietly by dismantling systemic barriers beneath the surface. Halow's approach is like an engineer's: focused, patient, and deeply embedded in the back-end systems that move change forward. Halow has made a name for himself in the cannabis industry. He hopes to grow the industry by passing his knowledge to underrepresented individuals. From Conviction to Construction Halow is an influential leader in the cannabis industry, boasting over 15 years of comprehensive experience. He is also profoundly committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the sector. Although it is easy to highlight Halow's numerous accomplishments, his most fulfilling work comes through his philanthropic efforts. His community initiatives and educational endeavors, such as Tech My School, allow Halow to organize charitable events benefiting esteemed organizations like Toys for Tots, El Paso Children's Hospital, and Wounded Warriors. Halow also donates his time volunteering at Mostly Monkeys, a respected animal sanctuary. The Invisible Work Halow is adept at reverse-engineering policy red tape and financing candidates himself. He also creates step-by-step infrastructures, including application templates, legal prep systems, and lease networks that people cannot see but rely on. The heart of his company is creating pathways to success and empowerment within the cannabis industry, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities. Through social equity partnerships, Halow and his team transform lives by supporting those with cannabis convictions, guiding them through the application process, and allowing them to own and operate dispensaries across numerous states. This community vision builds thriving businesses and fosters real change and inclusivity in the industry. The Philosophy of Second Chances Halow's background in MMA and his studies in criminal justice shape how he approaches his businesses and life today. His past and contributory work have built his social equity philosophy by linking discipline, endurance, and empathy for redemption that resonates with the mentees he guides. Holding numerous cannabis licenses spanning multiple states, Halow serves as the esteemed Chief Executive Officer of Investing in the Future, where he orchestrates strategic initiatives aimed at propelling the industry forward. Halow incorporates his academic and growing background to help pave the way to success for others, which is the core of his business philosophy. His message and mentorship extend beyond local borders, with a hope to change other state laws and influence others on how to succeed as entrepreneurs, even if there are specific legal roadblocks. Future Blueprints Halow aims to transform the cannabis industry by designing a blueprint for others to adopt in new states or industries. He has a diverse background in the business, including an esteemed tenure as a Master Grower and invaluable contributions as a sought-after consultant. Today, Halow's focus is championing social equity within the cannabis landscape, offering valuable mentorship, resources, and support to empower underrepresented candidates through licensing. His steadfast dedication to cultivating a vibrant, inclusive business ecosystem underscores his unwavering commitment to driving positive change.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
El Paso police officer wounded, shooter killed in gunfight at Upper Valley home
An El Paso police officer was wounded and a man suspected in a domestic violence incident was killed in a gunfight at a home in the Upper Valley, authorities said. A female officer and another officer responded to a report of a family fight in progress about 3:15 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at a home in the 6400 block of Passo Via Street, El Paso Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Robert Gomez said. The address is in the area of Borderland Road and Westside Drive. Crime: El Paso police investigate fatal crash, Dyer Street shooting "As the officers approached the residence, a Hispanic male exited a residence and opened fire on the officers. Officers returned fire, and during the exchange of gunfire, an officer was struck," Gomez said. The shooter was fatally shot by police. The call of "shots fired" went out at 3:20 p.m., prompting a large response as backup officers rushed to the scene in the middle-class neighborhood. The shooter was believed to have been armed with a handgun, according to preliminary information, Gomez said. Other people were inside the home, including children, during the confrontation. The wounded officer, whose name has not been released, was shot and taken to University Medical Center of El Paso for treatment. She is currently in stable condition, Gomez said. More: El Paso 'road rage' suspect shot by police accused in East, West Side assaults spree The man shot by police died after he was taken to a hospital, Gomez said. The name of the man has not been released. As is standard practice, the officer-involved shooting is under investigation by the El Paso Police Department's Crimes Against Persons Unit, the Texas Rangers and Internal Affairs. Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@ and @BorundaDaniel on X. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso police officer wounded , shooter killed in Upper Valley
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
1-Year-Old Boy with ‘Droopy Eyes' Took a Hit from Aunt's Marijuana Vape Pen, Police Say
A Texas woman is facing a child endangerment charge after her 1-year-old nephew was allegedly exposed to marijuana Vianney Alyssa Acosta, 22, was arrested after deputies were called to a home in El Paso for a 'medical emergency involving a 1-year-old child who showed signs of narcotics exposure' Her nephew allegedly grabbed her THC vape pen off a nightstand and inhaled from it while in her bedroom, and he later tested positive for marijuana, authorities saidA Texas woman is facing a child endangerment charge after her 1-year-old nephew was allegedly exposed to marijuana while in her care. According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to a home in eastern El Paso for a "medical emergency involving a 1-year-old child who showed signs of narcotics exposure" on May 16. An arrest affidavit obtained by the El Paso Times and CBS 4 states that the toddler was having trouble breathing after smoking from a THC vape pen allegedly owned by Vianney Alyssa Acosta, 22. When deputies arrived at the scene, medics from the El Paso Fire Department were already treating the toddler, who was crying uncontrollably. The child "had droopy eyes and was trying to go to sleep," the affidavit states. Authorities stated that Acosta, the toddler's father and the toddler's grandmother were watching the boy while his mother was at work. The grandmother told investigators that the three adults were eating in the kitchen at around 2:45 p.m. when Acosta heard the toddler coughing in her bedroom and went to check on him, per the outlets. The affidavit adds that the toddler had a vape pen in his hands, and the grandmother told deputies that it belonged to Acosta. The child's father's statement differed slightly, as he told investigators that he was outside the home working on a car when deputies pulled up to the house. He said he "was not aware of the incident at the time," the affidavit adds. The grandmother later told him that the toddler had "hit a vape pen." Acosta then told deputies "right away ... that she had her THC vape somewhere in her room where she thought the victim couldn't reach it," the affidavit states, per the outlets. Deputies saw that the pen was kept on a nightstand that was about two feet tall, and the affidavit adds it "was out in the open with just miscellaneous items on top covering it." Acosta also told deputies that her nephew "has ways to get on the bed to reach out for things." Although the 22-year-old added to investigators that she did not see the toddler with the pen, she assumed he inhaled from it because "he was red; coughing and observed a little bit of smoke," per the affidavit. She also told the deputies she thought the vape pen was empty and not charged. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The child's father and deputies transported to a local hospital to get a urine sample, which later tested positive for THC, according to the affidavit. The Sheriff's Office also said that a case was also opened with Child Protective Services. Acosta was arrested and later charged with child endangerment and possession of a controlled substance on May 21, the sheriff's office said. She was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $6,000 bond, and the El Paso Times reported that she was released the same day after posting bail. In Texas, child endangerment carries a punishment of up to 2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and possession of a controlled substance (1 gram or less) also carries a punishment of up to 2 years in jail and another $10,000 fine. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
1-Year-Old Boy with ‘Droopy Eyes' Took a Hit from Aunt's Marijuana Vape Pen, Police Say
A Texas woman is facing a child endangerment charge after her 1-year-old nephew was allegedly exposed to marijuana Vianney Alyssa Acosta, 22, was arrested after deputies were called to a home in El Paso for a 'medical emergency involving a 1-year-old child who showed signs of narcotics exposure' Her nephew allegedly grabbed her THC vape pen off a nightstand and inhaled from it while in her bedroom, and he later tested positive for marijuana, authorities saidA Texas woman is facing a child endangerment charge after her 1-year-old nephew was allegedly exposed to marijuana while in her care. According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to a home in eastern El Paso for a "medical emergency involving a 1-year-old child who showed signs of narcotics exposure" on May 16. An arrest affidavit obtained by the El Paso Times and CBS 4 states that the toddler was having trouble breathing after smoking from a THC vape pen allegedly owned by Vianney Alyssa Acosta, 22. When deputies arrived at the scene, medics from the El Paso Fire Department were already treating the toddler, who was crying uncontrollably. The child "had droopy eyes and was trying to go to sleep," the affidavit states. Authorities stated that Acosta, the toddler's father and the toddler's grandmother were watching the boy while his mother was at work. The grandmother told investigators that the three adults were eating in the kitchen at around 2:45 p.m. when Acosta heard the toddler coughing in her bedroom and went to check on him, per the outlets. The affidavit adds that the toddler had a vape pen in his hands, and the grandmother told deputies that it belonged to Acosta. The child's father's statement differed slightly, as he told investigators that he was outside the home working on a car when deputies pulled up to the house. He said he "was not aware of the incident at the time," the affidavit adds. The grandmother later told him that the toddler had "hit a vape pen." Acosta then told deputies "right away ... that she had her THC vape somewhere in her room where she thought the victim couldn't reach it," the affidavit states, per the outlets. Deputies saw that the pen was kept on a nightstand that was about two feet tall, and the affidavit adds it "was out in the open with just miscellaneous items on top covering it." Acosta also told deputies that her nephew "has ways to get on the bed to reach out for things." Although the 22-year-old added to investigators that she did not see the toddler with the pen, she assumed he inhaled from it because "he was red; coughing and observed a little bit of smoke," per the affidavit. She also told the deputies she thought the vape pen was empty and not charged. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The child's father and deputies transported to a local hospital to get a urine sample, which later tested positive for THC, according to the affidavit. The Sheriff's Office also said that a case was also opened with Child Protective Services. Acosta was arrested and later charged with child endangerment and possession of a controlled substance on May 21, the sheriff's office said. She was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $6,000 bond, and the El Paso Times reported that she was released the same day after posting bail. In Texas, child endangerment carries a punishment of up to 2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and possession of a controlled substance (1 gram or less) also carries a punishment of up to 2 years in jail and another $10,000 fine. Read the original article on People
