Latest news with #Schirard
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Yahoo
Feds on alert for Tesla 'Global Day of Action' after nationwide violence leads to arrests
As Americans flock to the streets to enjoy the spring weather this weekend, protesters across the world are set to participate in the pre-planned "Tesla Takedown's Global Day of Action" on Saturday. The protesters' goal, according to the organization's website, is to send a crystal clear message that they are against Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The group describes itself as a decentralized grassroots movement that will "protest Tesla for as long as Elon Musk continues to shred public services." Organizers plan to hold rallies at over 200 Tesla locations across the U.S. Fox News Digital spoke with Joshua Schirard, the director of Byrna Law Enforcement and a former Galveston, Texas police and SWAT captain, on how everyday Americans, as well as owners of the electric vehicles, can stay on high alert. "This weekend, when we have this Tesla Takedown day, have extra situational awareness and put in a little bit more effort into planning what you're going to do, some routes you're going to take this weekend," he said. The Loudest Silence: Top Democrats Remain Mum Amid Violent Attacks On Tesla The organization's website notes that the Tesla Takedown is a "peaceful protest movement." Read On The Fox News App "We oppose violence, vandalism and destruction of property," they wrote. "This protest is a lawful exercise of our First Amendment right to peaceful assembly." Despite the organization's casting the weekend protests as peaceful, past actions have placed the demonstrations in an illegal light. From Oregon to Massachusetts, Tesla cars and facilities have been vandalized in at least 10 locations this year. WATCH: EXCLUSIVE FOX NEWS INTERVIEW What began as protests against Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have escalated into violent incidents against the Trump ally's company, including shots fired at a building, destroyed dealership windows and charging stations set on fire. The rise in incidents has caused the FBI to launch a task force to crack down on Tesla crime, and the Justice Department to announce charges against arson suspects with Attorney General Pam Bondi labeling the attacks "domestic terrorism." Schirard said that there has "clearly" been communication on how to target Tesla dealerships and owners this weekend. "If I had a Tesla, I might park it for the weekend just to be safe," he said. "I wish we didn't have to say that, but unfortunately we do." Vandal Strikes Cybertruck, Tesla Owner Hits Back For Tesla owners, Schirard recommends purchasing a tarp and placing the electric vehicle on its "Sentry Mode," a feature that acts as a surveillance system. When in this mode, the vehicle's cameras and sensors are able to record activity around it. "Think of Sentry Mode as an intelligent vehicle security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby," according to the Tesla Model 3 owner's manual. Residents who are not Tesla owners can still participate in keeping public property safe – and prevent bad actors from violent activism. Disabled Tesla Owner Targeted In Vandalism, Says Anti-musk Protesters Are Just 'Hurting Families' "For the rest of the American citizens out there that maybe aren't Tesla drivers, while you're out and about this weekend, you need to stay extra vigilant to help each other out," Schirard said. "If you're passing a Tesla dealership, take a look and see if there's some active protest or some vandalism, some violence going on." The law enforcement expert shared the classic adage – see something, say something – rings true for violence against Tesla vehicles, dealerships and owners. "The police are already taxed and stretched thin enough as it is. The only way that we can successfully protect a community is with the help, the support and the contributions of those citizens," Schirard said. "So make sure if you see something, even though it might look minor, call 911." "Let them know what's going on. That way, police have an idea of how to divert resources properly to make sure that we can protect the citizens where we really need to," he said. Schirard said that he is confident that law enforcement authorities across the nation are discussing how to approach and combat Tesla violence. "Most police departments now are very intel-driven. We're constantly looking at what that future threat could be. And we have a lot of talk on social media, on mainstream media and from local sources about this Tesla Takedown," he said. "It's very likely that we're going to see some diverted resources in police departments just to make sure that some of those bigger Tesla dealerships are covered, and that more public and commercial spots have some extra coverage as well." Fox News Digital has reached out to Tesla for article source: Feds on alert for Tesla 'Global Day of Action' after nationwide violence leads to arrests
Fox News
29-03-2025
- Fox News
Feds on alert for Tesla 'Global Day of Action' after nationwide violence leads to arrests
As Americans flock to the streets to enjoy the spring weather this weekend, protesters across the world are set to participate in the pre-planned "Tesla Takedown's Global Day of Action" on Saturday. The protesters' goal, according to the organization's website, is to send a crystal clear message that they are against Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The group describes itself as a decentralized grassroots movement that will "protest Tesla for as long as Elon Musk continues to shred public services." Organizers plan to hold rallies at over 200 Tesla locations across the U.S. Fox News Digital spoke with Joshua Schirard, the director of Byrna Law Enforcement and a former Galveston, Texas police and SWAT captain, on how everyday Americans, as well as owners of the electric vehicles, can stay on high alert. "This weekend, when we have this Tesla Takedown day, have extra situational awareness and put in a little bit more effort into planning what you're going to do, some routes you're going to take this weekend," he said. The organization's website notes that the Tesla Takedown is a "peaceful protest movement." "We oppose violence, vandalism and destruction of property," they wrote. "This protest is a lawful exercise of our First Amendment right to peaceful assembly." Despite the organization's casting the weekend protests as peaceful, past actions have placed the demonstrations in an illegal light. From Oregon to Massachusetts, Tesla cars and facilities have been vandalized in at least 10 locations this year. WATCH: EXCLUSIVE FOX NEWS INTERVIEW What began as protests against Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have escalated into violent incidents against the Trump ally's company, including shots fired at a building, destroyed dealership windows and charging stations set on fire. The rise in incidents has caused the FBI to launch a task force to crack down on Tesla crime, and the Justice Department to announce charges against arson suspects with Attorney General Pam Bondi labeling the attacks "domestic terrorism." Schirard said that there has "clearly" been communication on how to target Tesla dealerships and owners this weekend. "If I had a Tesla, I might park it for the weekend just to be safe," he said. "I wish we didn't have to say that, but unfortunately we do." For Tesla owners, Schirard recommends purchasing a tarp and placing the electric vehicle on its "Sentry Mode," a feature that acts as a surveillance system. When in this mode, the vehicle's cameras and sensors are able to record activity around it. "Think of Sentry Mode as an intelligent vehicle security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby," according to the Tesla Model 3 owner's manual. Residents who are not Tesla owners can still participate in keeping public property safe – and prevent bad actors from violent activism. "For the rest of the American citizens out there that maybe aren't Tesla drivers, while you're out and about this weekend, you need to stay extra vigilant to help each other out," Schirard said. "If you're passing a Tesla dealership, take a look and see if there's some active protest or some vandalism, some violence going on." The law enforcement expert shared the classic adage – see something, say something – rings true for violence against Tesla vehicles, dealerships and owners. "The police are already taxed and stretched thin enough as it is. The only way that we can successfully protect a community is with the help, the support and the contributions of those citizens," Schirard said. "So make sure if you see something, even though it might look minor, call 911." "Let them know what's going on. That way, police have an idea of how to divert resources properly to make sure that we can protect the citizens where we really need to," he said. Schirard said that he is confident that law enforcement authorities across the nation are discussing how to approach and combat Tesla violence. "Most police departments now are very intel-driven. We're constantly looking at what that future threat could be. And we have a lot of talk on social media, on mainstream media and from local sources about this Tesla Takedown," he said. "It's very likely that we're going to see some diverted resources in police departments just to make sure that some of those bigger Tesla dealerships are covered, and that more public and commercial spots have some extra coverage as well." Fox News Digital has reached out to Tesla for comment.
CBS News
19-02-2025
- General
- CBS News
BWI airport passengers, aviation experts say flying is safe despite recent airplane crashes
After a turbulent start to 2025 in the skies, passengers at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport believe it is still safe to fly because of the strict federal regulations in place. On Monday, emergency crews responded to a Delta Air Lines plane crash at Toronto Pearson Airport that was arriving from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The aircraft ultimately landing upside down amid wintry conditions. Several passengers were taken to the hospital with injuries and each passenger was accounted for. Flights at BWI Marshall were not interrupted because of Monday's crash in Toronto. Meanwhile, Reizelie Barreto, who was flying to San Juan, P.R, said she flies several times per year and isn't planning on changing her habits, adding that there are similar dangers on the roads. "Be confident that the people that are flying have the knowledge and the expertise to do so. They're not rookies. Fear should not be holding us back," Barreto said. Cynthia Tinsley, who was visiting family in Annapolis and was flying back to Charleston, S.C., told WJZ she feels safe traveling by airplane. "There's a spate of them right now, but it's really been good up until this point, for quite a few years," Tinsley said. "I just am interested to find out what has happened on all of these different planes, and I'm interested to see what NTSB comes up with." More plane crashes in 2025 The plane crash in Toronto comes weeks after a midair collision between an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. All passengers and crew died in the crash. Two days later, a Leer medical jet crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood, killing all six passengers and one person who was on the ground. How safe is flying? Several major plane crashes are under investigation and hundreds of probationary employees are being let go from the Federal Aviation Administration. Commercial pilot Josh Schirard says at any given moment 5,000 planes are in the air and that thousands of flights takeoff and land safely each day. "It has been a very unusual time for aviation inside the U.S," Schirard said. "Yes, three incidents in the last 30 days is too many, and we need to take a look at how we can quell some of those fears and what we can do in the future to prevent those. It is still the safest mode of transportation." Aviation experts maintain that flying is safe in part because of the already strict FAA guidelines, but also because of the rigorous crew training, which played out on the runway in Toronto. All 80 passengers walked away from the crash with two passengers still hospitalized. "They go through exhaustive scenarios to, to protect passengers. I think that you can have the confidence when you step on a plane," said Sean Cudahy, aviation reporter with "The Points Guy." Schirard says the measures already in place are keeping passengers safe. He says the Delta flight was traveling 120 mph before landing and lost its wings and tails in Toronto. "The state of technology today, the engineering and then the professionalism, the training and the expertise of the crew to evacuate all of those people is second to none," Schirard said. Developing safety standards The Flight Safety Foundation works with airlines, manufacturers, regulators and air traffic controllers to develop safety standards. The foundation says it is concerned about the incidents this year, but the skies are safe. "We have a safe air transportation system in this country," said Hassan Shahidi, the CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation. "We have thousands of flights that take off and land every day without any issues. We have trained pilots and air traffic controllers who are doing their jobs very well, but we have seen these incidents and accidents that are very concerning." Schirard says a major helicopter route is currently shut down along the Potomac River, which he called necessary. He also says there could be additional maintenance guidelines after the Philadelphia plane crashed, in which he says the cause appears to be a mechanical issue. After initial reports indicate weather may have been a problem in Toronto, Schirard hopes additional information and data will be provided to pilots to assess the runways before landing. "A more scientific way to help us gauge how we are going to be able to stop that airplane and how well its going to do on the runway would really be helpful," Schirard said. Investigating the crashes As the NTSB and FAA investigate these crashes, including assisting with the investigation in Toronto, Shahidi says the conclusions will be critical. He adds that these are seemingly isolated incidents. "The question for the investigators and for regulators, is there anything systemic in this? There really isn't anything systemic that links these accidents together," Shahidi explained.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Everything we know about the Delta flight that crashed in Toronto
A Delta Airlines flight crashed and flipped onto its roof while attempting to land at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday afternoon, injuring several passengers. Officials said all 80 people on board the aircraft have been evacuated, and at least 18 have been taken to the hospital. Now, investigators are investigating how the crash could have happened. Here's everything we know about the crash: Delta Flight 4819 crashed while landing on a snow-covered runway in Toronto around 3:30 p.m. Eastern time on Monday after taking off from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The jet, a Bombardier CRJ-900, turned completely upside down on the runway. CNN obtained audio from air traffic control between the controller and the pilot of another nearby Medevac flight. 'LifeFlight 1, Medevac, just so you are aware, there are people outside walking around the aircraft there,' the controller said. 'Yeah, we've got it,' the Medevac pilot responded. 'The aircraft is upside down and burning.' All 80 people onboard - 76 passengers and four crew members - were evacuated from the aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration said shortly after the crash. Video footage showed passengers and crew clambering out of the upside-down plane's emergency exit as smoke bellowed from the aircraft. Eighteen passengers were transported to nearby hospitals, Delta confirmed on Monday evening. Two adults and one child were airlifted to hospitals, the service said. Meanwhile, medical transport company Ornge reports three people suffered critical injuries: a man in his 60s, a woman in her 40s and a child. Their identities have yet to be released. Joshua Schirard, a commercial airline pilot, told CNN that the flight attendants are to be commended for ensuring everyone on board was evacuated. 'The flight attendants, and how well trained they are, to be able to get everyone out,' Schirard told CNN. 'Everyone thinks that they're there to just serve drinks and snacks when that is absolutely not the case. I guarantee you that it was their efforts to get those people out and to act as first responders on the scene, to make sure that everyone survives.' The exact cause of the crash is unclear, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is set to lead the investigation. 'The NTSB is leading a team of U.S. investigators to assist the Transportation Safety Board of Canada with their investigation of today's accident of a Delta Air Lines Bombardier CRJ900 at Toronto Pearson International Airport,' the FAA said in a statement. 'Per international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization's Annex 13, any information about the investigation will be released by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.' However, experts say the weather — and especially the wind speeds — may have played a role. The region saw a snowstorm that brought more than eight inches of snow this weekend, while Monday brought a high temperature of just 20F and wind gusts up to 38mph, according to The New York Times. Bombardier CRJ-900s, the type of plane involved in the crash, are built to withstand crosswinds of 35 knots, Schirard told CNN. The crosswinds that hit the plane at a 45-degree angle were only around 23 or 24 knots, he said. Schirard said these winds, despite being within the plane's limit, may have still played a role when coupled with the snow and ice on the runway. '[The crosswind] is within those demonstrated components. And the pilots knew that coming in,' he told CNN. ' doesn't make it easy landing.' 'When they're coming in and they're trying to land in that crosswind, and then we couple that with the snow and the they hit a solid patch of compressed snow, ice on that runway, coupled with a strong dressing crosswind, it could absolutely load them off the side of the runway,' he continued. Mary Schiavo, former inspector general at the U.S. Department of Transportation, agreed that the winds may have played a role 'There is a decision point at which you have to land no matter what…and if that's where they were when they got these bad crosswinds, they had no choice,' she told CNN. The FAA issued a ground stop after the crash. Canadian transportation minister Anita Anand said she's 'closely following the serious incident.' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he's in touch with Anand to 'offer assistance and help with the investigation.' Meanwhile, Delta acknowledged the incident in a statement. 'Initial reports were that there are no fatalities. Several customers with injuries were transported to area hospitals. Our primary focus is taking care of those impacted,' the airline said. 'The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today's incident at Toronto-Pearson International Airport,' Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a separate statement. "I want to express my thanks to the many Delta and Endeavor team members and the first responders on site." Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is also monitoring the situation, he said on X. 'I'm in touch with Delta after a flight taking off from MSP crash landed in Toronto this afternoon,' Walz wrote. 'Grateful to the first responders and professionals on the scene.' Doug Ford, premier of Ontario, said he's 'relieved' there have been no reported casualties so far. 'Provincial officials are in contact with the airport and local authorities and will provide any help that's needed,' Ford said. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow made a similar statement: "I'm relieved to learn that all passengers and crew are accounted for after today's plane crash at Toronto Pearson. Thank you to the first responders, crew and airport staff for their quick actions and commitment to keeping everyone safe."
The Independent
17-02-2025
- General
- The Independent
Everything we know about the Delta flight that crashed in Toronto
A Delta Airlines flight crashed and flipped onto its roof while attempting to land at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday afternoon, injuring several passengers. Officials said all 80 people on board the aircraft have been evacuated, and at least 15 have been taken to the hospital. Now, investigators are investigating how the crash could have happened. Here's everything we know about the crash: Delta Flight 4819 crashed while landing on a snow-covered runway in Toronto around 3:30 p.m. Eastern time on Monday after taking off from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The jet, a Bombardier CRJ-900, turned completely upside down on the runway. CNN obtained audio from air traffic control between the controller and the pilot of another nearby Medevac flight. 'LifeFlight 1, Medevac, just so you are aware, there are people outside walking around the aircraft there,' the controller said. 'Yeah, we've got it,' the Medevac pilot responded. 'The aircraft is upside down and burning.' Who was injured? All 80 people onboard - 76 passengers and four crew members - were evacuated from the aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration said shortly after the crash. Video footage showed passengers and crew clambering out of the upside-down plane's emergency exit as smoke bellowed from the aircraft. Fifteen passengers were transported to nearby hospitals, Peel Regional Paramedic Services told ABC News. Two adults and one child were airlifted to hospitals, the service said. Meanwhile, medical transport company Ornge reports three people suffered critical injuries: a man in his 60s, a woman in her 40s and a child. Their identities have yet to be released. Joshua Schirard, a commercial airline pilot, told CNN that the flight attendants are to be commended for ensuring everyone on board was evacuated. 'The flight attendants, and how well trained they are, to be able to get everyone out,' Schirard told CNN. 'Everyone thinks that they're there to just serve drinks and snacks when that is absolutely not the case. I guarantee you that it was their efforts to get those people out and to act as first responders on the scene, to make sure that everyone survives.' How did this happen? The exact cause of the crash is unclear, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is set to lead the investigation. 'The NTSB is leading a team of U.S. investigators to assist the Transportation Safety Board of Canada with their investigation of today's accident of a Delta Air Lines Bombardier CRJ900 at Toronto Pearson International Airport,' the FAA said in a statement. 'Per international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization's Annex 13, any information about the investigation will be released by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.' However, experts say the weather — and especially the wind speeds — may have played a role. The region saw a snowstorm that brought more than eight inches of snow this weekend, while Monday brought a high temperature of just 20F and wind gusts up to 38mph, according to The New York Times. Bombardier CRJ-900s, the type of plane involved in the crash, are built to withstand crosswinds of 35 knots, Schirard told CNN. The crosswinds that hit the plane at a 45-degree angle were only around 23 or 24 knots, he said. Schirard said these winds, despite being within the plane's limit, may have still played a role when coupled with the snow and ice on the runway. '[The crosswind] is within those demonstrated components. And the pilots knew that coming in,' he told CNN. ' doesn't make it easy landing.' 'When they're coming in and they're trying to land in that crosswind, and then we couple that with the snow and the they hit a solid patch of compressed snow, ice on that runway, coupled with a strong dressing crosswind, it could absolutely load them off the side of the runway,' he continued. Mary Schiavo, former inspector general at the U.S. Department of Transportation, agreed that the winds may have played a role 'There is a decision point at which you have to land no matter what…and if that's where they were when they got these bad crosswinds, they had no choice,' she told CNN. What have officials said? The FAA issued a ground stop after the crash. Canadian transportation minister Anita Anand said she's 'closely following the serious incident.' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he's in touch with Anand to 'offer assistance and help with the investigation.' Meanwhile, Delta acknowledged the incident in a statement. 'Initial reports were that there are no fatalities. Several customers with injuries were transported to area hospitals. Our primary focus is taking care of those impacted,' the airline said. 'The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today's incident at Toronto-Pearson International Airport,' Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a separate statement. "I want to express my thanks to the many Delta and Endeavor team members and the first responders on site." Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is also monitoring the situation, he said on X. 'I'm in touch with Delta after a flight taking off from MSP crash landed in Toronto this afternoon,' Walz wrote. 'Grateful to the first responders and professionals on the scene.' Doug Ford, premier of Ontario, said he's 'relieved' there have been no reported casualties so far. 'Provincial officials are in contact with the airport and local authorities and will provide any help that's needed,' Ford said. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow made a similar statement: "I'm relieved to learn that all passengers and crew are accounted for after today's plane crash at Toronto Pearson. Thank you to the first responders, crew and airport staff for their quick actions and commitment to keeping everyone safe."
