Latest news with #RobertMcDonald
Fox News
23-06-2025
- Fox News
American travelers should know escape routes at transit hubs after Iran strikes, security expert warns
After the U.S. airstrikes crippled Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday night, a travel security expert said it is imperative for Americans to have a plan to escape to safety in the event of an attack on a travel hub. Robert McDonald was a Secret Service agent for more than 20 years and is an expert in executive protection, intelligence and protective travel logistics. During that time, he coordinated security for U.S. and foreign dignitary visits. Now, he is a professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven. "There are those type of areas where people are coming and going. People are transient. Lots of people go there every day," he told Fox News Digital in reference to airports and bus and train stations. "Anything can happen at any time. Again, you've just got to be able to be cognizant of your surroundings, be situationally aware and be able to get yourself out of a situation if something was to happen." "We don't wish anything to happen, but you just got to be able to get yourself out of a particular zone relatively quick," he said. The same principle applies to any crowded place, both indoors and out, McDonald said. Being "situationally aware" includes being on the lookout for anything that seems out of place in day-to-day life. He clarified that "out of place" is different for everyone. "For example, if you go to a mall or Times Square and you see a backpack lying on the corner with nobody around it, or it hasn't moved in a while, you might want to report that," he said. "If there are particular cars in and around your neighborhood that are not normally there, it could be nothing," McDonald said. "It could be a visitor to your neighbor, but it could be something out of the ordinary that you would want to potentially report." With regard to reporting suspicious activity, McDonald assured Americans that law enforcement entities want to be tipped off to anything suspicious, even if it turns out there is no threat. "Authorities want to hear from you and want to be able to investigate things that are out of the ordinary," he said. "You may be the only person that's noticing that something is out of the ordinary, and we have a responsibility to pass that information forward to authorities. Let them come and decide that the issue is a non-issue, right." Since Saturday's bombings in Iran, a leading state sponsor of Islamic terrorism, major metropolitan areas including New York, Los Angeles, Washington and Miami have stepped up security protocols. Fox News contributor Paul Mauro, a former NYPD inspector who monitored terror cells, told Fox News Digital that police are upping patrols, particularly at relevant religious sites, and also monitoring for online chatter from potential terror threats. "[NYPD] will put out special attention patrol cars at locations that could track to the conflict in places that have an Israeli connection, and there's a couple of Shia mosques – Iran is Shia – and there are a couple of Shia mosques," Mauro told Fox News Digital. "You never know what's going to develop. So [they'll] liaise with those communities. They'll talk to them, they'll put special patrol, special attention patrol." "You're going to look very closely online," he said. "You're going to be monitoring a lot of the online stuff. NYPD has a very robust cyber counterterrorism program, and you're going to do that very heavily."
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Dark cloud' hangs over cruise industry as complaints of crimes rise in recent years — how to stay safe at sea
Complaints of crimes and missing person reports on cruises that dock at U.S. ports have surged in recent years, fueling what one security expert calls a 'dark cloud' over an industry eager to protect its reputation. Department of Transportation figures show 48 alleged incidents between Jan. 1 and March 30 of this year: 23 reports of rape, 10 of other forms of sexual assault, seven of physical assault and seven of theft greater than $10,000. One missing U.S. national was also reported. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) There were also 47 alleged incidents in each of the first and third quarters of 2024, 50 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 55 in the second quarter of 2023. 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry,' Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service agent and lecturer on criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Fox News in a story published May 15. Cruise lines 'want [passengers] to be comfortable spending their money.' A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association told Fox News that 'crime is extremely rare on cruise ships' thanks to strict security vetting and training that "make cruise[s] one of the safest holiday options.' A mixture of large groups of people, alcohol and the sense of freedom that comes with being on vacation can create an environment that's more prone to illicit activity, says McDonald. 'Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that's at a resort, whether it's on a cruise ship,' he said. Among recent reports: On March 21, two men in their 30s were arrested, accused of raping a 14-year-old boy in a sauna aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, reports the Miami Herald. Both men were charged with sexual battery of a minor, exposing themselves to a minor and molestation of a child aged 12 to 16. One man faced an additional charge of not informing another person in a sexual act of his HIV status. 'We take these allegations very seriously and immediately notified local law enforcement,' a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told the Herald. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it A month later, dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers were banned after video of a brawl at a Galveston, Texas, terminal emerged on social media showing people kicking and punching one another as they disembarked, according to Fox News. Carnival told the news outlet the matter was referred to law enforcement, and stressed that the company 'will not tolerate such behavior.' While reports of alleged crime on the high seas may be elevated, some experts insist cruises remain a safe way to travel. If you choose to cruise, you can be proactive and make sure you understand the laws that can help keep you safe. Jurisdiction on cruise ships is a constantly moving target that can change after a vessel moves away from shore. Within 12 nautical miles of the coast, the coastal nation's criminal code typically applies; beyond 12 miles, the ship falls under the law of the country whose flag it flies. Maritime laws may also apply. Before you sail, make sure you understand which laws and regulations will apply during your trip. Statistics for reports of alleged crimes of major cruise operators appear in quarterly Department of Transportation reports, and the CDC publishes sanitation scores for each ship. This can help you decide which cruise line and which ship you're comfortable sailing on. Cruise ships have internal emergency systems, including dedicated phone lines. Report suspicious behaviour immediately. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Dark cloud' hangs over cruise industry as complaints of crimes rise in recent years — how to stay safe at sea
Complaints of crimes and missing person reports on cruises that dock at U.S. ports have surged in recent years, fueling what one security expert calls a 'dark cloud' over an industry eager to protect its reputation. Department of Transportation figures show 48 alleged incidents between Jan. 1 and March 30 of this year: 23 reports of rape, 10 of other forms of sexual assault, seven of physical assault and seven of theft greater than $10,000. One missing U.S. national was also reported. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) There were also 47 alleged incidents in each of the first and third quarters of 2024, 50 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 55 in the second quarter of 2023. 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry,' Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service agent and lecturer on criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Fox News in a story published May 15. Cruise lines 'want [passengers] to be comfortable spending their money.' A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association told Fox News that 'crime is extremely rare on cruise ships' thanks to strict security vetting and training that "make cruise[s] one of the safest holiday options.' A mixture of large groups of people, alcohol and the sense of freedom that comes with being on vacation can create an environment that's more prone to illicit activity, says McDonald. 'Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that's at a resort, whether it's on a cruise ship,' he said. Among recent reports: On March 21, two men in their 30s were arrested, accused of raping a 14-year-old boy in a sauna aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, reports the Miami Herald. Both men were charged with sexual battery of a minor, exposing themselves to a minor and molestation of a child aged 12 to 16. One man faced an additional charge of not informing another person in a sexual act of his HIV status. 'We take these allegations very seriously and immediately notified local law enforcement,' a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told the Herald. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it A month later, dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers were banned after video of a brawl at a Galveston, Texas, terminal emerged on social media showing people kicking and punching one another as they disembarked, according to Fox News. Carnival told the news outlet the matter was referred to law enforcement, and stressed that the company 'will not tolerate such behavior.' While reports of alleged crime on the high seas may be elevated, some experts insist cruises remain a safe way to travel. If you choose to cruise, you can be proactive and make sure you understand the laws that can help keep you safe. Jurisdiction on cruise ships is a constantly moving target that can change after a vessel moves away from shore. Within 12 nautical miles of the coast, the coastal nation's criminal code typically applies; beyond 12 miles, the ship falls under the law of the country whose flag it flies. Maritime laws may also apply. Before you sail, make sure you understand which laws and regulations will apply during your trip. Statistics for reports of alleged crimes of major cruise operators appear in quarterly Department of Transportation reports, and the CDC publishes sanitation scores for each ship. This can help you decide which cruise line and which ship you're comfortable sailing on. Cruise ships have internal emergency systems, including dedicated phone lines. Report suspicious behaviour immediately. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
National Post
15-05-2025
- National Post
Reports of crimes aboard U.S. cruise ships reach 2-year high, data shows
Article content It appears now is not a good time to book a spot on a cruise departing from a U.S. port. Article content Article content According to data obtained by Fox News from the U.S. Department of Transportation, crime rates reached a two-year high on cruise ships after 48 alleged offences were reported in the first three months of 2025. Article content 'Sometimes, the cruise lines don't want to report this information on the front end depending upon, again, what type of crime it is, which brings unfortunate attention to them, just as it would when we have airplane situations or the delays in airplanes that we're having now,' Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, told Fox News. Article content Article content 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry, an industry that wants people to come to it and wants them to be comfortable spending their money.' Article content Of the alleged crimes reported this year, 24 were identified as rapes, 10 were sexual assaults and seven were criminal assaults. Article content According to McDonald, criminal acts are more likely among large groups of people who are confined to a small space for extended periods of time. Article content 'I think anytime we get large numbers of people together, whether it's at a Super Bowl game or at a World Series game or an NBA Finals or graduations or whatnot, whenever we get people together, whenever there's alcohol involved, whenever there are people being able to let loose a little bit from their normal personality, I think that exacerbates the ability for numbers to rise in that regard,' he said. Article content Article content A recent brawl among passengers who disembarked from a cruise ship near Houston paints a wary picture. Article content As vacationers were picking up their luggage last month at the Galveston Cruise Terminal following a seven-day, round-trip voyage of the Caribbean, fists began to fly. Article content Video shared to social media showed two men fighting as a large group of people swarm them and aggressively throw punches amid the chaos. Article content
Vancouver Sun
15-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Reports of crimes aboard U.S. cruise ships reach 2-year high, data shows
It appears now is not a good time to book a spot on a cruise departing from a U.S. port. According to data obtained by Fox News from the U.S. Department of Transportation, crime rates reached a two-year high on cruise ships after 48 alleged offences were reported in the first three months of 2025. 'Sometimes, the cruise lines don't want to report this information on the front end depending upon, again, what type of crime it is, which brings unfortunate attention to them, just as it would when we have airplane situations or the delays in airplanes that we're having now,' Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, told Fox News . 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry, an industry that wants people to come to it and wants them to be comfortable spending their money.' Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Of the alleged crimes reported this year, 24 were identified as rapes, 10 were sexual assaults and seven were criminal assaults. According to McDonald, criminal acts are more likely among large groups of people who are confined to a small space for extended periods of time. 'I think anytime we get large numbers of people together, whether it's at a Super Bowl game or at a World Series game or an NBA Finals or graduations or whatnot, whenever we get people together, whenever there's alcohol involved, whenever there are people being able to let loose a little bit from their normal personality, I think that exacerbates the ability for numbers to rise in that regard,' he said. A recent brawl among passengers who disembarked from a cruise ship near Houston paints a wary picture. As vacationers were picking up their luggage last month at the Galveston Cruise Terminal following a seven-day, round-trip voyage of the Caribbean, fists began to fly. Video shared to social media showed two men fighting as a large group of people swarm them and aggressively throw punches amid the chaos. A security guard runs toward the melee before two police officers arrive in an attempt to break up the brawl. The fight apparently stemmed from an incident on the ship's basketball court the day before. A Chicago man was charged after an elderly person was allegedly pushed in the baggage area following an argument.
