Latest news with #NewYorkNationalGuard
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Stefanik calls Hochul ‘total hypocrite' over National Guard use
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who is weighing a possible run for New York governor next year, blasted incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) as a 'hypocrite' Monday after Hochul joined other Democratic governors in calling President Trump's National Guard deployment in California over the weekend 'an alarming abuse of power.' Stefanik compared Trump's actions to Hochul's decision to use the New York National Guard to secure state-run prisons after corrections officers went on strike earlier this year. 'She is a total hypocrite as she has the NY National Guard in prisons due to a crisis that SHE created,' Stefanik wrote on the social platform X on Monday. 'And now Hochul is once again siding with violent rioters and anti-ICE criminals instead of supporting our brave men and women in law enforcement.' Trump sent some 2,000 National Guardsmen into L.A. on Saturday to quash escalating protests as thousands of people hit the streets to oppose the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) objected to the deployment and has said his state will sue the Trump administration for going around him. '(Trump) flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard. The order he signed doesn't just apply to CA. It will allow him to go into ANY STATE and do the same thing. We're suing him,' Newsom posted on X on Monday. The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) released a joint statement from Hochul, 66, and leaders of other states on Sunday backing Newsom. 'It's important we respect the executive authority of our country's governors to manage their National Guards — and we stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation,' the governors wrote. Stefanik, 40, has acknowledged she's 'strongly considering' a run for New York governor in 2026, setting up a potentially blistering campaign battle between the devoted Trump acolyte and Hochul, who became governor in 2021 after the resignation of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D). New York hasn't elected a Republican governor in nearly two decades. Stefanik has offered small previews of what could be ahead in the state's upcoming gubernatorial race with steady attacks on Hochul, who has largely waved off her potential challengers. Stefanik was on track to become Trump's next ambassador to the United Nations, but the president pulled the nomination earlier this year to protect the GOP's razor-thin majority in the House. She joined New York Republicans at the state Capitol on Monday, where she again took aim at Hochul and continued to deride her as the country's 'worst governor.' 'Another year, another failed, radical, reckless agenda and legislative session in New York State passed by single Party Democrat rule led by the worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul,' Stefanik wrote alongside photos of her meetings in Albany. 'It is time for new leadership in New York State.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Stefanik calls Hochul ‘total hypocrite' over National Guard use
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who is weighing a possible run for New York governor next year, blasted incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) as a 'hypocrite' Monday after Hochul joined other Democratic governors in calling President Trump's National Guard deployment in California over the weekend 'an alarming abuse of power.' Stefanik compared Trump's actions to Hochul's decision to use the New York National Guard to secure state-run prisons after corrections officers went on strike earlier this year. 'She is a total hypocrite as she has the NY National Guard in prisons due to a crisis that SHE created,' Stefanik wrote on the social platform X on Monday. 'And now Hochul is once again siding with violent rioters and anti-ICE criminals instead of supporting our brave men and women in law enforcement.' Trump sent some 2,000 National Guardsmen into L.A. on Saturday to quash escalating protests as thousands of people hit the streets to oppose the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) objected to the deployment and has said his state will sue the Trump administration for going around him. '(Trump) flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard. The order he signed doesn't just apply to CA. It will allow him to go into ANY STATE and do the same thing. We're suing him,' Newsom posted on X on Monday. The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) released a joint statement from Hochul, 66, and leaders of other states on Sunday backing Newsom. 'It's important we respect the executive authority of our country's governors to manage their National Guards — and we stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation,' the governors wrote. Stefanik, 40, has acknowledged she's 'strongly considering' a run for New York governor in 2026, setting up a potentially blistering campaign battle between the devoted Trump acolyte and Hochul, who became governor in 2021 after the resignation of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D). New York hasn't elected a Republican governor in nearly two decades. Stefanik has offered small previews of what could be ahead in the state's upcoming gubernatorial race with steady attacks on Hochul, who has largely waved off her potential challengers. Stefanik was on track to become Trump's next ambassador to the United Nations, but the president pulled the nomination earlier this year to protect the GOP's razor-thin majority in the House. She joined New York Republicans at the state Capitol on Monday, where she again took aim at Hochul and continued to deride her as the country's 'worst governor.' 'Another year, another failed, radical, reckless agenda and legislative session in New York State passed by single Party Democrat rule led by the worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul,' Stefanik wrote alongside photos of her meetings in Albany. 'It is time for new leadership in New York State.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New York Naval Militia to conduct exercises on Niagara River, Lake Ontario
Thirty-five New York Naval Militia and New York Guard members will be conducting an emergency response exercise Thursday and Friday on the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario, alongside the Coast Guard and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The exercise named 'Empire Challenge,' will be centered on Coast Guard Station Niagara and Fort Niagara State Park. The joint training exercise scenario is built around supporting law enforcement authorities working to stop drug smuggling by boat from Canada to the U.S. The exercise participants will test their ability to communicate and respond to emergencies including a person in the water and a boat fire. The drill will involve testing a wide range of communication platforms. The New York Naval Militia will also be conducting drone operations during the training. Unmanned aerial systems, or drones, will be launched on reconnaissance missions. 'Exercise Empire Challenge, is primarily an emergency communications event,' said Capt. Don McKnight, the commander of the Naval Militia's Military Emergency Boat Service. 'The exercise allows us to test new capabilities and functions alongside our many law enforcement and first responder partners,' he added. The New York Naval Militia is a 3,200- member force of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard reservists who also volunteer to serve in the state force. The Naval Milita operates a fleet of 11 patrol boats in the Military Emergency Boat Service. The New York Guard is a small totally volunteer state defense force whose members augment the New York National Guard during emergencies. Both the New York Naval Milita and the New York Guard are components of the New York Military Forces alongside the New York Army and Air National Guard. The training scenario allows the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard to improve their ability to operate with the US Coast Guard, and state and local law enforcement agencies. The New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is also involved in the joint training. 'Each year, we have improved our ability to respond to various contingencies, to work out the kinks in our systems, and plan for future opportunities,' McKnight said. In addition, a delegation from the Swedish Navy will be observing the exercise. The New York National Guard has a State Partnership Program training and exchange relationship with the Swedish military. 'We are especially delighted this year with our budding relationship with the Swedish Navy through the State Partnership Program,' McKnight said, adding, 'The Swedish Navy's participation in this exercise on the Niagara Frontier will further solidify that relationship.' 'Exercise Empire Challenge demonstrates the benefit of New York being the only state in the nation with the ability to activate U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reservists to State Active Duty in support of the New York National Guard,' said Rear Admiral Michael Perry, the commander of the New York Naval Militia.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
10 New York soldiers receive Purple Heart for injuries in Tower 22 attack
Ten New York National Guard soldiers received Purple Hearts for injuries sustained in a 2024 Iranian-backed militia drone attack on a U.S. outpost known as Tower 22 in Jordan. On Jan. 28, 2024, a drone struck the housing unit at Tower 22 as soldiers slept. The attack killed three Army Reserve soldiers and injured dozens of other service members, including the 10 New York guardsmen. The Pentagon has released little details about the attack but the Purple Heart awards have given some insight into the soldiers assigned to the base and the size and scope of the attack. Some of the New York guardsmen suffered traumatic brain injuries and concussions, according to Eric Durr, a spokesperson for the New York National Guard. According to an Army press release on the award, 14 New York soldiers were stationed at Tower 22 to maintain communications equipment for the base. In all, the Jordan outpost was manned by 350 service members who were focused on reconnaissance and special forces operations as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. campaign against ISIS. Company commander for the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion Capt. Paul Kramarz said his soldiers were part of a 'hand-selected team' who 'would operate at the far reaches of our area of responsibility.' After the drone hit, NY National Guard platoon leader 1st Lt. Ian Gallagher said the housing unit looked 'crinkled like a soda can.' Soldiers who came out of the attack unscathed lined up to donate blood for airmen and soldiers who were badly injured. Army Maj. Gen. Joel 'JB' Vowell, former commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, told Task & Purpose that one of the major lessons learned from the attack was the need for one-way drone defenses for smaller U.S. and partner nation military installations. An Army report of the attack first reported by Business Insider found that the soldiers tasked with monitoring for potential drone attacks faced insufficient staffing, inadequate battle drills and confusion over leadership roles. They had also been focused on the recovery of a Scan Eagle drone and did not see the drone coming from the south. The report found the soldiers failed to pick up the drone because it was too far away, moved too slow or seemed like a bird or debris. The Pentagon originally said the attack injured nearly 40 service members but the Army report indicated that more than 100 were injured. The ten guardsmen joined another reserve soldier and three airmen among service members assigned to Tower 22 who received Purple Hearts after the attack. In October 2024, three airmen who were assigned to the 129th Rescue Wing received the Purple Heart for their injuries. The airmen had all lost consciousness after the drone hit. When they awoke, they began banging on the bedroom doors of fellow troops in case another attack was on the way. They ran to the bunker, extinguished fires that broke out, searched for fellow service members trapped in the rubble and helped to evacuate casualties. They were treated for their injuries and continued with their deployment until May 2024. The Air Force did not explicitly say what injuries the three airmen suffered but Defense Department officials have described the majority of injuries from the attack as traumatic brain injuries and concussions. Sgt. Aneska S. Holness was awarded the Purple Heart in December 2024 prior to leaving the military due to injuries from the attack. Holness, a wheeled vehicle mechanic for the Arizona National Guard, woke up buried under the rubble of her containerized housing unit and began pulling other soldiers out. She was medically evacuated to Germany and continued TBI treatment at Fort Bliss until her separation. In October 2024, Army Reserve chaplain Maj. Chase Wilhelm was awarded four military honors 'highlighting his service in Jordan.' Wilhelm received the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Four Chaplains' Medal. The New York National Guard soldiers received their awards May 10 at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, New York. The soldiers were originally scheduled to receive the awards in March, but were delayed by state mobilization orders, Durr said. In February, Gov. Kathy Kochul called in nearly 8,200 New York National Guard soldiers and airmen to fill in for correction officers at more than 40 prisons across the state who went on strike. The ceremony was also delayed, Durr said, by the logistics of getting all 10 guardsmen together in one place at one time. 'I am honored to have received the medal, but it's never an award we wanted to get,' Sgt. Ryan Kissoon told the Army in a release. 'It's a sad relief we made it home that day, and others didn't.' The soldiers who received the award were: Staff Sgt. David Barrientos, from Zebulon, North Carolina Sgt. Anthony Gist, from Floral Park Sgt. Ryan Kissoon, from Richmond Hill Sgt. Guillermo Renderos, from Yonkers Sgt. Jarvis Ho So, from Brooklyn Spc. Christian Tiburcio, from Manhattan Spc. Matthew Crespo, from Brooklyn Spc. Domingo Perez, from Brooklyn Spc. Junior Clarke, from Brooklyn Spc. Michael Branch, from Brooklyn The Purple Heart was originally created by George Washington in 1782 to honor military merit. In the 1930s, it was given to soldiers who served in World War I and then awarded to World War II troops who were wounded or killed during combat. These awards currently give retired or separated troops certain medical benefits at Veterans Administration hospitals, federal hiring preferences and access to the Forever GI Bill. Army to eliminate 2 Security Force Assistance Brigades, reassign experienced soldiers Why the Army's new XM7 rifle reignited a debate over volume of fire Air Force delay on separation and retirement orders isn't 'stop loss,' defense official says F-35's close call over Yemen raises questions about how it's used An Army unit's 'extreme use of profanity' was so bad, they made a rule about it
Jordan News
09-03-2025
- Climate
- Jordan News
Major Wildfires Erupt in New York - Jordan News
Major Wildfires Erupt in New York Wildfires broke out in Long Island, New York, last evening, with strong winds contributing to their rapid spread, according to the National Weather Service. اضافة اعلان The affected areas include the southeastern part of New York, northern New Jersey, southern Connecticut, Long Island, and all five boroughs of New York City. While there were no fatalities, some injuries have been reported. The Suffolk County Executive stated in a press conference that the county experienced four wildfires, three of which have been fully contained. However, the fourth fire in Westhampton remains ongoing, with containment reaching 50%. The largest of these fires spans two miles in length and over a mile in width. The National Weather Service issued a special warning, highlighting that the weather conditions in New York City and Long Island, including a combination of "low relative humidity reaching 30% and strong northwest winds blowing at 30 to 35 miles per hour," have contributed to the rapid spread of the fires. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in Suffolk County, Long Island, due to the wildfires. She also confirmed in a separate statement that she had provided the Suffolk County Executive with "all necessary resources and support." Additionally, she stated that the New York National Guard's helicopter crews have been tasked to assist firefighters on the ground, while state agencies have been responding to the wildfires. -(Petra)
