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Trump escapes second assassination attempt

<p>Former president Donald Trump has escaped a second assassination attempt while playing golf at his private club in Florida. </p> <p>According to local authorities, a Secret Service agent was one hole ahead of Trump when he spotted a rifle barrel sticking out of the fence, which was later found to be an AK-47 with a scope, at the Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach on Sunday. </p> <p>The Secret Service opened fire on the suspect, who fled the scene only to later be pulled over on the highway and taken into custody. </p> <p>The FBI said Trump had been the subject of “an apparent assassination attempt” at his Florida golf club.</p> <p>Officials at a media briefing after the incident said a witness took a photo of the suspect's car as he fled the scene, helping authorities track him down. </p> <p>The Secret Service officer who was on the course and spotted the weapon was praised for doing a “fantastic job”.</p> <p>“What they do is they have an agent that jumps one hole ahead of time towards where the [former] president was at, and he was able to spot this rifle barrel sticking out of the fence and immediately engaged that individual, at which time the individual took off,” the Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said.</p> <p>“In the bushes where this guy was is an AK-47 style rifle with a scope, two backpacks – which were hung on the fence that had ceramic tile in them and a GoPro, which he was going to take pictures with.” </p> <p>Trump posted an update on his social media platform to assure his supporters he was unharmed in the attempted assassination. </p> <p>“There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” he wrote.</p> <p>“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me.”</p> <p>The attempted shooting comes just months after Trump was injured during another assassination attempt in July while speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

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“This is the guy”: Shocking new footage of Trump shooting released

<p>New footage has emerged from the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, as investigations continue into the shooting. </p> <p>Graphic new bodycam footage has shown local authorities speaking to a Secret Service agent after the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was gunned down at a Trump rally. </p> <p>The footage shows the moment authorities climbed onto the roof where Crooks was positioned, and captures the moment police identify the shooter as a suspicious person. </p> <p>One man, who appears to be a Secret Service agent, tells a Beaver County Emergency Services Unit (ESU) officer that Crooks’ body appeared to be the person who was previously reported to them for suspicious activity. </p> <p>“So this is the guy,” the agent says, as the Beaver County ESU officer replies, “This is him.”</p> <p>The ESU officer also says a police sniper took photos of Crooks, including of him on a bicycle, according to the footage.</p> <p>“That’s the sniper that sent the original picture and seen him come from the bike and set the book bag down and then lost sight of him,” the officer tells the apparent Secret Service agent.</p> <p>Crooks’ gunfire grazed Mr Trump’s ear and hit three rally-goers, killing 50-year-old volunteer firefighter and married father-of-two <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-victim-identified-at-trump-rally-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corey Comperatore</a>, before the gunman was quickly shot and killed by a Secret Service agent.</p> <p>Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley a Republican, called on the Secret Service to release more information to the public about the attempted assassination as the federal law enforcement agency faces fierce criticism over security failures at the rally. </p> <p>“Federal agencies, particularly the Secret Service, have failed to be transparent with the American people,” Mr Grassley said in a statement.</p> <p>“This assassination attempt is a matter of substantial public interest, and the public’s business ought to be public.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Beaver County ESU / Bethel Park School District</em></p>

Legal

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Elon Musk tops donations as millions raised for Trump shooting victims

<p>In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, a groundswell of support has emerged from celebrities, business leaders, Republican Party notables and countless regular Americans for those affected by the event that left Trump injured, one man dead, and two others in critical condition.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/president-trump-seeks-support-for-butler-pa-victims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe campaign</a>, initiated by Trump's top finance person, Meredith O'Rourke of Tallahassee, initially set a goal of $1 million. However, by Monday morning, donations had already far surpassed this target. As of Monday evening, the online fundraiser had amassed over $4.6 million from more than 60,000 donations.</p> <p>Prominent figures have made substantial contributions, with tech mogul Elon Musk donating $100,000 in two instalments late on Monday, while the Ultimate Fighting Championship and its president, Dana White, each contributed $50,000.</p> <p>Meredith O'Rourke, the organiser of the fundraiser, said that the collected funds would support the victims and their families, aiding in recovery and providing assistance to those in mourning. "This is about coming together as a community to help those who have suffered from this senseless act of violence," O'Rourke stated.</p> <p>Among the victims is volunteer fire chief <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-victim-identified-at-trump-rally-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corey Comperatore</a>, aged 50, who was praised by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a hero who shielded his wife and daughter during the shooting. Two other individuals remain in critical condition as they recover from their injuries.</p> <p>Here are some of the notable donors who have contributed to the "Butler PA Victims GoFundMe" campaign:</p> <p><strong>Elon Musk:</strong> $100,000. The Tesla CEO, X (formerly Twitter) owner, and SpaceX founder, now a Texas resident, has a significant presence in Florida due to regular launches from Cape Canaveral.</p> <p><strong>Kenneth C. Griffin:</strong> $100,000. The founder and CEO of multinational hedge fund Citadel LLC, Griffin, is a Daytona Beach native who maintains a home in Miami.</p> <p><strong>Governor Rick & Ann Scott:</strong> $50,000. Rick Scott, the former governor of Florida, has been serving as a U.S. senator from Florida since 2019.</p> <p><strong>Kid Rock:</strong> $50,000. Versatile musician and entertainer Kid Rock is renowned for blending rock, hip-hop, and country genres, delivering energetic performances and chart-topping hits over a career spanning more than two decades.</p> <p><em>Image: GoFundMe</em></p>

Money & Banking

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"Hero" victim identified at Trump rally shooting

<p>A former Pennsylvania volunteer fire chief has been named as the man who got caught in the crossfire of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a campaign rally. </p> <p>While Trump was delivering a speech to supporters in a small town in the state of Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was stationed on a rooftop near the event armed with a sniper. </p> <p>Crooks  fired multiple rounds on the former president and spectators, missing Trump, before he was ultimately killed by a Secret Service sniper.</p> <p>Caught up in the crossfire was 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, who died at the rally while trying to protect his daughter from the shooting. </p> <p>Comperatore's sister Dawn Comperatore Schafer took to Facebook to pay tribute to her brother and praise his heroism in his final moments. </p> <p>“The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most. He was a hero that shielded his daughters,” she wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>“His wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable,” she added.</p> <p>Comperatore’s wife, Helen, said her husband was as a “real-life superhero” who protected them. </p> <p>“Yesterday, what [was meant to] be such an exciting day for my husband, especially, turned into a nightmare for our family,” Helen wrote on Facebook. </p> <p>“What my precious girls had to witness is unforgivable,” she added. “He died the hero he always was.”</p> <p>Comperatore’s daughter, Allyson, echoed her statement, calling her father “the best dad a girl could ever ask for” as she mourned his sudden death. </p> <p>Allyson said that when the gunshots rang out, Comperatore quickly threw her and her mother to the ground to try to protect them after Trump was shot.</p> <p>“He truly loved us enough to take a real bullet for us,” Allyson wrote on Facebook. </p> <p>“And I want nothing more than to cry on him and tell him thank you.”</p> <p>Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also hailed Comperatore, who was an avid Trump supporter, as a local hero and has ordered flags to be flown half staff in his honour. </p> <p>“Corey died a hero,” Shapiro said. “Corey was the very best of us.”</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-allyson-after-tragic-loss??fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1AbXfAyX9lw5cZpb1v3op6jM42CFcYObgctlnjT0JokJZAkCMzXjREWkU_aem_e473Brl2b31I68lZxNcpIg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page to support Helen and Allyson has already raised more than $890,000. </p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe/Xinhua News Agency/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

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Police fatally shoot armed 16-year-old after Bunnings carpark stabbing

<p>A 16-year-old boy has been shot dead by police after he stabbed a man in the carpark of a Bunnings Warehouse on Saturday night. </p> <p>WA Police were called to the hardware store in south Perth, which was closed at the time of the incident, after they received a call from the teen saying he was going to commit acts of violence. </p> <p>A second emergency call was then made a short time later after the teenager stabbed a man in the carpark, in what appears to be a random attack. </p> <p>Police Commissioner Col Blanch said when they arrived on the scene, they found a 16-year-old armed with a large kitchen knife.</p> <p>Commissioner Blanch said the boy lunged at officers with the knife and was shot, and died a short time later in hospital.</p> <p>The man who was stabbed, who is in his 30s, is recovering in hospital and is believed to be in a serious but stable condition.</p> <p>The police commissioner and WA Premier Roger Cook held a press conference on Sunday morning and described the incident as "extremely confronting".</p> <p>They said the boy was "running around a car park, armed with a knife" when police arrived. </p> <p>"They [WA police] exited their vehicle and were confronted with a male alone with a large kitchen knife," Commissioner Blanch said.</p> <p>"Two officers drew their tasers and one of the officers drew his firearm. They challenged the male to put down the knife, which he did not."</p> <p>Mr Cook said there were indications the boy had been radicalised online, saying at the press conference, "I want to reassure the community at this stage it appears that he acted solely and alone."</p> <p>"Members of the WA Muslim community, who were concerned by his behaviour, contacted police prior to the incident and I thank them for their help."</p> <p>It was also said the boy's family was cooperating with police.</p> <p>Commissioner Blanch said the incident was not being labelled as a terrorist attack at this stage.</p> <p>"It certainly has the hallmarks of one [but] the reason why I would declare it as a terrorist act going forward — it's about timing," Commissioner Blanch said.</p> <p>"That's something that we can work towards as we find out more information from the motivations behind this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC / Shutterstock</em></p>

Legal

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Verdict delivered over fatal Rust shooting

<p>The armourer on the set of the film <em>Rust</em> has been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. </p> <p>Halyna Hutchins, who was 42 and a mother to a young son, died after being fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western movie in October 2021. </p> <p>Baldwin has repeatedly denied responsibility, insisting he did not pull the trigger.</p> <p>Now, armourer Hannah Gutierrez has been found guilty, with the jury hearing that Gutierrez, 26, had been ultimately responsible for the use of live rounds on set. </p> <p>Over a 10-day trial in New Mexico, the court heard how she had repeatedly failed to adhere to basic safety rules by leaving guns unattended on set, and allowing actors — including Baldwin — to wave the weapons around.</p> <p>“This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake and that one mistake was accidentally putting a live round into that gun,” prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the jury in her closing argument Wednesday.</p> <p>“This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.” </p> <p>The judge remanded her in custody ahead of her sentencing, which is not expected before next month, as she faces up to 18 months’ prison.</p> <p>Despite Baldwin long claiming his innocence over the shooting, ballistics experts have dismissed the claim, saying the gun could not have discharged any other way.</p> <p>His own involuntary manslaughter trial is expected in July.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Legal

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Heroic fan tackles deadly shooter at victory parade

<p>Three people have been taken into custody after a deadly shooting at a Super Bowl victory parade, where one person has died. </p> <p>At least 21 people have suffered injuries, nine of which being children, at the parade in Kansas City, following the Kansas Chiefs victory over the San Francisco 49ers.</p> <p>As one of the shooters opened fire in the crowd, one heroic football fan was captured on video tackling the gunman to the ground. </p> <p>The video also shows panicked crowds fleeing the sounds of the gunfire, as police ran towards the commotion.</p> <p>Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed in a second update to media that one person had died after 22 people had been shot.</p> <p>“We have three persons detained and under investigation,” she said.</p> <p>“We are working to determine if one of the three is the one that was in that video where fans assisted police.”</p> <p>She added that “right now we do not have a motive, but we are asking those who may potentially have any kind of information, a witness or video, to contact police”.</p> <p>At an earlier briefing, Ms Graves said she was “angry at what happened today”.</p> <p>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said, “The celebration was marred by a shooting. This is absolutely a tragedy.” </p> <p>Witness Kade Collins, who attending the parade with his dad, described the ordeal to local news station Fox 4 KC.</p> <p>“We heard 10 to 12 gunshots, but we thought they were fireworks, so we didn’t really panic at first or get too worked up. But then everyone started screaming and took off running,” Mr Collins said.</p> <p>Mr Collins said his dad saw police tackle a suspect after the crowd saw the gunman. </p> <p>“When we were walking out, there was someone pointing and saying, ‘He’s right there, he’s right there’, and police ran to the guy the crowd was pointing at and tackled him and put him in handcuffs,” he said. “Everyone took off running and screaming.”</p> <p>The Kansas City Chiefs said in a statement that all players, coaches, staff and their families were “safe and accounted for”, while sharing their condolences for those who were impacted by the shooting. </p> <p>“We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the team said.</p> <p>"Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City ... We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on-scene to assist.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-size: 18px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </p>

Caring

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Alec Baldwin facing new charges over fatal Rust shooting

<p dir="ltr">Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for a second time over the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie <em>Rust</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Hollywood legend has been indicted by a grand jury in New Mexico over the death of the 42-year-old cinematographer, who was hit with a live bullet that had been loaded into a prop gun for a scene. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The above named defendant did cause the death of Halyna Hutchins by an act committed with the total disregard of indifference for the safety of others,” the indictment obtained by <em><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/01/19/news/alec-baldwin-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-over-rust-shooting/">The Post</a> </em>read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Baldwin has long denied the charges, and has stood by his claim that he did not pull the trigger on the day of the accident. </p> <p dir="ltr">Baldwin had previously been charged with the same crime by the Santa Fe district attorney in January 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr">He pleaded not guilty at the time, but the case soon fell apart and the charges were dropped in April that year after it was determined that further forensic testing needed to be done on the weapon that fired the bullet.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the case being dismissed, the DA was clear that the door would be left open to refile the charges.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prosecutors have also charged <em>Rust</em> armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who oversaw the weapons on the movie set, with the same crime.</p> <p dir="ltr">She has also pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. </p> <p dir="ltr">If convicted, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-72916b43-7fff-6f42-edfa-da16ccff7698"></span></p>

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Kylie Minogue's most daring shoot in decades

<p>Our favourite Aussie pop sensation, Kylie Minogue, has decided to unleash her wild side and star in a daring new magazine shoot for <a href="https://www.theperfectmagazine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Perfect Magazine</a>. And by daring, we mean she's flashing her world-famous derrière right there on the cover!</p> <p>Talk about making an entrance. But that's not even the half of it; in a series of alternative covers, Kylie is giving us a glimpse of her many personas. From a long black wig tied up to a bunch of balloons, to a dark brunette look that screams Angelina Jolie, she's serving us more transformations than a chameleon at a fashion show.</p> <p>The first cover has us all reminiscing about her iconic "Spinning Around" music video days, with those legendary gold hotpants that made jaws drop and temperatures rise. Oh, the memories!</p> <p>This comes after Kylie's big news that she's taking over Las Vegas with her very own residency at the Venetian Resort's swanky new Voltaire Nightclub. But before she jets off to Vegas, there's a new album on the horizon. Get ready for "Tension," her 16th studio album, hitting the airwaves on September 22. She's already dropped a hit single from that album, "Padam Padam," and it's taking the world by storm. </p> <p>While Kylie's always had a devoted fanbase in Australia and the UK, she's decided it's time to conquer the US of A. She's been a bit of a hidden gem across the pond, but she's determined to shine bright like a disco ball and win over American hearts. Her 2001 album "Fever" was a massive success, but she's been flying under the radar lately.</p> <p>So, get ready, America – Kylie's bringing her Vegas extravaganza to selected weekends in November, December and January.</p> <p>In the end, whether she's flashing her famous derriere or conquering new territories, Kylie Minogue is proving she's still got the X-factor. We can't wait to see what she'll do next.</p> <p>Let's just hope she doesn't make her entrance with a bunch of balloons tied to her wig – that could be quite the showstopper!</p> <p><em>Images: Perfect Magazine</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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How a garden hose dispute between neighbours ended with a 30-year jail sentence

<p>An Aussie man has been sentenced to 30 years in jail after shooting two of his neighbours, in a months-long dispute that began over a disagreement over a garden hose. </p> <p>Rodney John Lee, a 74-year-old from Melbourne's south-east, was sentenced to 30 years behind bars in court on Monday, after showing little remorse for pulling out a shotgun and murdering Saumoto Gasio and Tibor Laszlo, who lived in the same unit block. </p> <p>The dispute between the neighbours began several months ago, with tensions escalating quickly in the lead up to the shooting, which occurred on January 13th 2022. </p> <p>Lee had accused one neighbour's grandson of being a drug dealer, and was angry others would turn off a hose he used to water a communal garden.</p> <p>On the day of the killings, Lee left the hose running and went inside his apartment, later screaming in anger when he realised that the water had been shut off.</p> <p>According to court documents, Lee yelled to his neighbours, "You turn the hose off again you bastards, I'll f***ing kill you."</p> <p>Later that night, Lee confronted residents in the garden when he got into an argument with Mr Gasio, who told him he would ignore demands about the hose because he was wasting water by leaving the hose running unattended.</p> <p>Lee then went back to his apartment and armed himself with his grandfather's shotgun, before he headed back to the group and from close range fired at Mr Gasio, who was sitting on a bench.</p> <p>Other residents of the building fled the scene looking for safety, while a badly injured Mr Gasio stumbled into a neighbour's unit. </p> <p>As neighbours tried to help Mr Gasio, Lee came through the door and fired the shotgun again, this time hitting Mr Laszlo.</p> <p>Both men died at the scene.</p> <p>Before handing down the sentencing, Justice James Elliott described the killer's actions as "senseless and brutally violent".</p> <p>"Nothing could justify the disproportionate, senseless and brutally violent way in which you responded," Justice Elliott said.</p> <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> <p>"You murdered two people in their places of residence, where they were entitled to feel safe, in the presence of other residents of the unit complex."</p> </div> <p>"Both victims were completely defenceless against you."</p> <p>Lee is likely to die in jail,  as h<span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">e will be aged 97 by the time he is eligible for parole in early 2046.</span></p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"You'll almost certainly be imprisoned for the remainder of your life," Justice Elliott said.</p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;"><em>Image credits: ABC News</em></p>

Legal

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“A parent’s worst nightmare”: Tammin Sursok reveals daughter’s lockdown for school shooting

<p>Former Home and Away star Tammin Sursok has revealed her daughter’s school in Nashville was placed on lockdown after a mass shooting took place at the school next door.</p> <p>Sursok, 39, who lives in Nashville with her husband Sean McEwan and their two children, took to Instagram to explain the “nightmare”.</p> <p>The 39-year-old shared that the shooting, which took place at The Covenant School, was just next-door to her nine-year-old daughter Phoenix’s school.</p> <p>“There’s been an active shooter, in Nashville, in one of the schools in Greenhills,” Sursok said in her video.</p> <p>“It’s right next to my daughter’s school. She’s in lockdown. She’s fine.</p> <p>“It’s really close to home, I know it’s close to home for a lot of you.</p> <p>“I know a lot of mothers are just completely hysterical and shaking right now.</p> <p>“I just can’t believe this keeps happening, and you always think that it’s not going to happen to you.”</p> <p>The shooter has been identified as a woman, 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who opened fire killing three children and three staff members. She was also a former student of the Covenant school.</p> <p>Hale was shot and killed by police at the scene.</p> <p>Sursok later posted a follow-up video saying she wasn’t sure what to do after hearing of her daughter’s lockdown.</p> <p>“Do we go to the school, do we wait until they tell us they’re out of lockdown?” she said.</p> <p>“It’s just really hard to even fathom that this happens so much.</p> <p>“I can’t even let my brain go there, because it’s just too hard to think of.”</p> <p>Sursok then wrote a lengthy message about the shooting and weighed in about gun control.</p> <p>The post saw an image of her and Phoenix, wearing tops that read “Love More”.</p> <p>“Our community in Nashville is in shock,” she wrote, adding a shooting trigger warning.</p> <p>“My thoughts and prayers are with the families going though this unimaginable tragedy.</p> <p>“Today I got a call that I never thought would happen but at the same time expected because I live in the USA.</p> <p>“My daughter’s school was on lockdown. There was an active shooter somewhere.”</p> <p>“A parent’s worst nightmare,” she wrote.</p> <p>“As you’ve now seen on the news, a school in Nashville has lost children and adults at the hands of a 28-year old-woman.</p> <p>“That school was next door, walking distance from my daughter’s school.</p> <p>“The argument when these horrific events happen is don’t get political, now is not the time, guns don’t kill people, people kill people.</p> <p>“I call BS.</p> <p>“... people with access to assault rifles cause mass destruction.</p> <p>“Why do we sell in the USA weapons of mass destruction to civilians?</p> <p>“Why do we sell weapons that can shoot hundreds of bullets in seconds?</p> <p>“Read that sentence again.</p> <p>“Hundreds of bullets in seconds.”</p> <p>The actress pointed out that in most American states, a person can buy an AR-15 - a semi-automatic rifle - once they turn 18.</p> <p>“The AR-15 (and military style weaponry) is not designed for hunting or ‘sport’,” she wrote.</p> <p>“It’s meant to kill people. Lots of people all at once.</p> <p>“How is this allowed? Please explain it to me.”</p> <p>She said she felt numb, angry, and “at a loss”.</p> <p>“Parties need to come together on both sides. I don’t care what side you are on,” she added.</p> <p>“We can come together to AGREE to uphold the freedom of America and its constitution AND keep our children safe.</p> <p>“We can do BOTH!</p> <p>“You know this doesn’t make sense. You know this isn’t normal.</p> <p>“You know children shouldn’t live in fear like this.”</p> <p>Sursok’s followers flooded the comments with support, with most agreeing gun control is a major issue in the US.</p> <p>“It only took one major incident for Australia to see what mattered most ... Lives not Guns,” one person wrote, referencing the Port Arthur massacre Tasmania saw in 1996.</p> <p>“Absolutely horrific,” another wrote.</p> <p>“When I am in the US I always think about that each person I am passing by could have a gun,” wrote a third.</p> <p>“Cannot imagine living with this thought every day.</p> <p>“You are right, the gun laws finally have to change. Sending lots of love.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Ed Sheeran shoots for the stars with daughter’s name reveal

<p dir="ltr">When Ed Sheeran and his wife Cherry Seaborn announced the birth of their second child in May 2022, they kept things simple. </p> <p dir="ltr">In a post to social media, Sheeran shared a picture of socks on a crochet blanket, with a caption reading “Want to let you all know we’ve had another beautiful baby girl. We are both so in love with her, and over the moon to be a family of 4”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple shared no ‘face reveal’ - opting to keep their children far removed from the public eye - and did not share their youngest daughter’s name with Sheeran’s 42.8m followers. </p> <p dir="ltr">But in a March interview with <em>Rolling Stone</em>, the 32-year-old singer-songwriter took everyone by surprise, opening up about his family life, and revealing the out-of-this-world moniker bestowed upon their youngest, Jupiter. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Me and Cherry were talking earlier about how it’s so lovely,” he told the publication, opening up about the little things in life that he and his family cherish the most. “We had an entire day. We did nothing but this. It’s so nice and wholesome having family on tour. </p> <p dir="ltr">“On the last tour, I’d party till 7 am, sleep till 4 pm, get up, and do the gig. But I was like, 26. It’s very different.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Jupiter’s birth, and establishing their new “lovely” life, were no easy feats for the couple. In February 2022 - a month that was already proving determined to knock Sheeran down - when Cherry was six months along in her pregnancy, she was diagnosed with a tumour. Surgery was required, but couldn’t be performed until she had given birth. </p> <p dir="ltr">As Sheeran wrote in a post outlining plans for his album <em>Subtract</em>, “Within the space of a month, my pregnant wife got told she had a tumour, with no route to treatment until after the birth. My best friend Jamal, a brother to me, died suddenly, and I found myself standing in court defending my integrity and career as a songwriter. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was spiralling through fear, depression and anxiety. I felt like I was drowning, head below the surface, looking up but not being able to break through for air.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s nothing you can do about it,” he confessed to <em>Rolling Stone</em>. “You feel so powerless.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Over the course of his interview, Sheeran toyed with a chain bracelet - one gifted to him by his wife, with their daughters’ name engraved. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It felt symbolic,” he said of the swap to the silver from the rubber bands that had previously adorned his wrist, “to take off those bracelets and put on one for my family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After the slew of tragedies to hit Sheeran in such a short span of time, it was Cherry who realised that he was in need of professional help, leading to the singer seeking out a therapist. </p> <p dir="ltr">“No one really talks about their feelings where I come from,” he said. “People think it’s weird getting a therapist in England … I think it’s very helpful to be able to speak with someone and just vent and not feel guilty about venting. Obviously, like, I’ve lived a very privileged life. So my friends would always look at me like, ‘Oh, it’s not that bad.’ ”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The help isn’t a button that is pressed, where you’re automatically okay,” he added. “It is something that will always be there and just has to be managed.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And as Sheeran himself <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/writing-songs-is-my-therapy-ed-sheeran-reveals-further-heartbreak">wrote in his <em>Subtract</em> post</a>, “Writing songs is my therapy. It helps me make sense of my feelings … in just over a week I replaced a decade’s worth of work with my deepest darkest thoughts.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Tragic update in Sydney father’s shooting death

<p>Family and friends of murdered father and chauffeur driver Taha Sabbagh have taken to social media over what they believe to be a devastating case of “mistaken identity”.</p> <p><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/help-me-sydney-dad-executed-in-front-of-son-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taha was shot multiple times</a> while sitting in his car outside of the Elite Fight Force Gym in Sydney’s southwest. His 12-year-old son was next to him, and witness to the murder. </p> <p>Police considered it to be an “isolated” incident, and stated that it had “all the hallmarks of an organised crime related murder … it was callous and brazen and [Taha’s killer] had little regard for human life.” </p> <p>Taha’s friends and family, however, aren’t interested in humouring that suggestion, refusing to accept that Taha was in fact the intended target. </p> <p>Still processing the tragic news, one friend took to social media to share that Taha was “a beautiful person” and that his life had been “taken mistakenly and undeservedly.” </p> <p>Others who’d known him were quick to respond to those who were considering connections to organised crime, and insisted that Taha was not the target, but instead a victim of “mistaken identity.” </p> <p>Taha was not known to be a significant figure in Sydney’s underworld, but police have said that he knew people who are “well-known” to them, and that some reportedly have “connections” to the gym where the murder occurred.  </p> <p>"Whether he was the intended target or not, we'll still keep an open mind,” Superintendent Doherty stated, “it hasn't been established.”</p> <p>Authorities had been led to believe that they had gotten on top of Sydney’s organised crime world after making a series of high-profile arrests, and Taha’s murder was the first they have been able to connect to the underworld since August 2022.  </p> <p>"The last shooting we've had that has an organised crime link was over six months ago,” Doherty said. “The number of shootings and murders have come down quite dramatically. The police have worked really hard in that area, with the assistance of the community."</p> <p>He went on to add that police officers were on the hunt for at least two people suspected of performing the shooting, after witnesses claimed they saw one man leap from a Mazda and shoot, before two fled in the same vehicle. </p> <p>What is believed to have been that Mazda was found burnt to a crisp in a nearby street, with police now asking for anyone with more information to come forward to help them in their investigation. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"Help me!": Sydney dad executed in front of son identified

<p>A father has been gunned down in front of his 12-year-old son in a suspected organised crime attack. </p> <p>Taha Sabbagh, a chauffeur who had often dealt with celebrities in his line of work, was in the car with his child when the horrific attack took place. The two were sitting inside of Taha’s Mercedes SUV outside of Elite Fight Force gym in Sydney’s southwestern auburn of Sefton at around 6:30 am when the shots were fired. </p> <p>Police responded to the reports of gunshots, and arrived to find a wounded Taha, who was treated by paramedics but ultimately passed away at the scene. The authorities have reported that the morning attack appeared to be targeted, and that Taha’s son made it out without physical injury. </p> <p>However, the young boy didn’t make it out entirely unscathed, having watched the entire scene unfold. Police made the confirmation, stating that 40-year-old Taha had been “shot with his 12-year-old son right next to him.”</p> <p>As one witness told <em>The Daily Telegraph</em>, “all I heard was a young guy screaming ‘help me, help me, my dad’s been shot’.”</p> <p>Another witness spoke to 2GB’s <em>Ben Fordham Live </em>about the incident, recalling his hope that it had just been a car backfiring, and that he “hesitated to go to the front of the workshop, obviously, and slowly looked out the window and saw people coming out.</p> <p>“Within minutes there was a load of ambulances, police everywhere, and then we saw a man on the ground, not in a good way ... It was frightening.”</p> <p>"It is horrendous a 12-year-old had to witness his father being shot dead in this manner," Superintendent Danny Doherty told reporters, commenting that what Taha’s son had seen was “very traumatising.” </p> <p>He also shared the police suspicion that Taha’s death “has all the hallmarks of an organised crime related murder … it was callous and brazen and [Taha’s killer] had little regard for human life.” </p> <p>“I know this happened in daylight in a suburban area of Sydney,” head of NSW’s Homicide Squad Detective Superintendent Doherty said, “and I think the community should be appalled that this happened in front of a 12-year-old. Quite rightly.</p> <p>“We’ve got a 40-year-old man who has been shot down in front of his son, and he is the victim.”</p> <p>Facebook’s Request Dua page shared the news of Taha’s death with its followers, paying tribute to the fallen man and remembering him as “a loving son, brother, father, husband, he was loved by many.</p> <p>“He will be missed greatly by all who knew him … Please remember our beloved and family and loved ones in your Dua. We ask Allah to give his family, wife and children comfort during this test.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram, 9News</em></p>

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Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter over fatal Rust shooting

<p>Charges are to be made over an on-set tragedy that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. </p> <p>Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez Reed will be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter over the tragic incident. </p> <p>In New Mexico, involuntary manslaughter carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison, as well as a fine. The case requires prosecutors prove that Hutchins died as a result of underlying negligence, and “includes the misdemeanour charge of negligent use of a firearm.” </p> <p>Confirmation came from Mary Carmack-Altwies, Sante Fe’s district attorney, who said that the charges against Baldwin and Reed would be filed by the end of January. </p> <p>“After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico,” said Carmack-Altqies, “I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the <em>Rust</em> film crew. On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.” </p> <p>Baldwin’s attorney, however, believes the decision to be “a terrible miscarriage of justice.”</p> <p>The news comes after a year of investigation into the incident, in which a revolver Alec was using during a rehearsal for the film <em>Rust </em>fired a live round and caused a fatal wound to Hutchins. The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also hit but survived his injuries. </p> <p>The investigation into Halyna’s death sought to learn how live rounds made it onto the set at all, and from there into a functioning firearm. </p> <p>In 2022, New Mexico's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau found that the film production company behind <em>Rust</em> was aware that firearm safety procedures were not being followed, and the hazards on set were being met with indifference. </p> <p>While Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed are to each face the charges of involuntary manslaughter, the film’s assistant director, David Halls, has signed a plea agreement for the negligent use of a deadly weapon. </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F1stJDA%2Fposts%2Fpfbid026SV45YMwTanEhpdL3BpczGn4PiRbKirEyokhGSph8j6PrnS8XRhViE4EPWmKsiYzl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="199" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>As special prosecutor Andrea Weeb stated, “if any one of these three people — Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez Reed or David Halls — had done their job, Halyna Hutchins would be alive today.”</p> <p>Baldwin has maintained that he was unaware of the live rounds, and that he was informed the weapon was ‘cold’ - a term used in the industry to mean the gun is ‘safe’. In 2021, the actor said in an interview that he did not pull the trigger, and that the gun fired when cocked.  </p> <p>Luke Nikas, Baldwin’s attorney, supported these claims, stating that “Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun … He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds.</p> <p>“We will fight these charges, and we will win.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p>

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More details revealed by father of Queensland cop killers

<p dir="ltr">The father of the two men who shot at two Queensland police officers has opened up about his son’s gun obsession and how they turned away from religion which eventually led to the horrific murder of the officers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were fatally shot at a property in Wieambilla, three hours outside of Brisbane as they carried out a missing persons call.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nathaniel and Gareth Train were identified as the two brothers who killed the officers, with their father Ron Train revealing how the pair turned to the dark side.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’d describe them as two boys who lost their way in life,” he told <em>A Current Affair</em>, refusing to say they are monsters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Train explained that he raised his sons with Christian beliefs but they turned away from religion before becoming estranged from their parents when they were in their 20s.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They went down this track, this dark track, which we have no understanding of.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He explained that the pair soon became obsessed with guns and that it was Gareth who showed more interest in the activity and was more controlling.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was very difficult to control, very overpowering.”</p> <p dir="ltr">But in a surprising turn of events, Mr Train believes that Nathaniel’s marriage to Stacey Train, the third shooter, was up in the air after Gareth married her.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I just think in the end that he took over that relationship that Nathaniel and Stacey had,” Mr Train continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nathaniel and Stacey’s two children however were also estranged from the family.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Train said he broke down in tears after hearing what his sons had done saying he couldn’t take responsibility for their actions or defend them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I cried out to God, because, you know, I’m a believer. I just could not understand,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Those decisions were made as adults. I can’t accept responsibility for something in an adult mind.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s no excuse for that. No excuses for their behaviour, and I don’t excuse my boys of their actions at all.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They’ll stand before God in this world. They can’t be brought to justice in the secular world, but they will before God.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow were at a property in the western Darling Downs, about three hours west of Brisbane when they were shot on December 12.</p> <p dir="ltr">One of the neighbours, Alan Dare, 58, was also shot and killed in the attack.</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow were joined by two other officers, Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, at the property.</p> <p dir="ltr">A six-hour siege ensued, with the officers opening fire about 4.45 pm which saw Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow killed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Kirk was also wounded while Constable Brough, who was only eight weeks into her new role, managed to escape and raise the alarm.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were finally joined by Special Operations police and helped them shoot dead three suspects, including brothers Nathaniel and Gareth Train, and Stacey Train, after a six hour siege.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

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Family of female cop killer speaks out

<p dir="ltr">The estranged family of Stacey Train have opened up about how their daughter made one decision that eventually saw her killed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stacey was killed along with her husband Gareth Train and his brother, also her ex-husband Nathaniel Train, on December 12 after police responded to a missing person's report.</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were also shot at the Wieambilla property, three hours outside of Brisbane.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now Stacey’s family members have spoken about how she was raised religious but eventually left the family as a teenager to join the independent church of Ronald A Train - her husband’s father’s church.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I wish she never did.This would never have happened,” the relative, who asked to remain anonymous, told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/15/wieambilla-shooting-stacey-train-had-limited-contact-with-family-after-entering-controlling-relationship-with-brother-in-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I knew Gareth was an arsehole when he took over his brother’s wife,” the family member continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was all downhill from there. Now she is dead because of them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The family member also said that Gareth “was a control freak” and that Stacey “could never say anything”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another family member said she saw Gareth drag Stacey up the stairs by her hair.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their comments come just days after Gareth and Nathanial’s dad Ron appeared on A Current Affair speaking about their gun obsession and leaving Christianity.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Train explained that he raised his sons with Christian beliefs but they turned away from religion before becoming estranged from their parents when they were in their 20s.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They went down this track, this dark track, which we have no understanding of.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Train said he broke down in tears after hearing what his sons had done, saying he couldn’t take responsibility for their actions or defend them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I cried out to God, because, you know, I’m a believer. I just could not understand,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Those decisions were made as adults. I can’t accept responsibility for something in an adult mind.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s no excuse for that. No excuses for their behaviour, and I don’t excuse my boys of their actions at all.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They’ll stand before God in this world. They can’t be brought to justice in the secular world, but they will before God.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable McCrow and Constable Arnold will be farewelled at a funeral service at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at 10 am on December 21.</p> <p dir="ltr">Details on how the public can offer their condolences will be available in the next few days.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Cop sent farewell texts to loved ones during shootout

<p dir="ltr">One of the police officers that survived the shootout which killed two of her colleagues has shared her final texts she sent to loved ones in the event she didn’t make it. </p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were fatally shot at a property in Wieambilla, three hours outside of Brisbane as they carried out a missing persons call.</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, were also at the property with Constable Kirk suffering a gunshot wound.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nathaniel and Gareth Train were identified as the two brothers who killed the officers, with Stacey Train identified as the third shooter.</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Brough thought these would be her final moments and that she would either be shot at or burned alive. So she sent farewell texts to her loved ones. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Constable Brough grabbed her phone to seek assistance for her colleagues," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament House. </p> <p dir="ltr">"And then, she texted her loved ones, what she imagined would be her final goodbyes.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Even then, surrounded by danger and death, her first thought was for her fellow officers."</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Albanese said it was a “miracle” that Constable Brough survived the terrifying ordeal. </p> <p dir="ltr">"[Constable Brough] did not know whether she was going to be shot, or she was going to burnt alive," Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers told the ABC on Tuesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">"'I do know she was sending messages to loved ones saying she almost thought it was her time. What was going through her mind, one cannot comprehend.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She was in contact with her other colleagues trying to assure them we could get support to go and assist their fallen colleagues at that point in time."</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable McCrow and Constable Arnold will be farewelled at a funeral service at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at 10am on December 21. </p> <p dir="ltr">Details on how the public can offer their condolences will be available in the next few days. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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"With Honour They Served": Outpouring of emotion after shooting victims identified

<p dir="ltr">The two police officers who were executed at a Queensland rural property have been identified.</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow were at a property in the western Darling Downs, about three hours west of Brisbane when they were shot on December 12.</p> <p dir="ltr">One of the neighbours, Alan Dare, 58, was also shot and killed in the attack which led to a manhunt for the alleged attackers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police services around the country offered their condolences to the families of Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow after their heroic actions.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is with a heavy heart we confirm the deaths of Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow,” Queensland Police wrote on Facebook.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Their lives were cut tragically short in the line of duty at Wieambilla yesterday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“With Honour They Served.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Police were at the rural property in response to a missing person, who was later identified as former school principal Nathaniel Train.</p> <p dir="ltr">There were grave concerns for Mr Train who disappeared from Dubbo in the NSW Central West in early December.</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow were joined by two other officers, Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, at the property.</p> <p dir="ltr">A six-hour siege ensued, with the officers opening fire about 4.45 pm which saw Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow killed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Constable Kirk was also wounded while Constable Brough, who was only eight weeks into her new role, managed to escape and raise the alarm.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were finally joined by Special Operations police and helped them shoot dead three suspects, including brothers Nathaniel and Gareth Train, and a third female, after a six hour siege.</p> <p dir="ltr">Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll was heartbroken at describing what had happened, following the death of her colleagues.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This has been incredibly distressing and tragic for everyone, particularly family, officers involved, colleagues, the organisation and the community,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As you would appreciate. It is an extremely emotional and challenging time for the Queensland Police Service. Losing one of our own has a profound impact on every single officer and their families. To lose two officers in one incident is absolutely devastating.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This event is the largest loss of police life we have suffered in a single incident in many years.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I want to pay tribute to the two other officers who attended....they bravely did what they could to save their colleagues in the most horrendous circumstances. Their bravery was beyond belief.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you also to the specialist police and other first stand-of-responders who were involved in the dangerous confrontation for many hours last night. Matthew and Rachel were highly respected and much loved members of the Queensland Police Service.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They were both committed and courageous young people who had a passion for policing and for serving their community.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Both are under 30 years of age. Both had wonderful careers and lives ahead of them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also offered his condolences to the fallen officers.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Terrible scenes in Wieambilla and a heartbreaking day for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” he wrote on Twitter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My condolences to all who are grieving tonight – Australia mourns with you.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Shooting of Imran Khan takes Pakistan into dangerous political waters

<p>The attempted assassination of Imran Khan on November 3 has ushered Pakistan into another stage of political instability, with increased likelihood of further political violence.</p> <p>Imran <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63496202" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has accused</a> Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Sanaullah Khan and Major General Faisal of masterminding the attack. He has demanded these three be removed from their positions immediately. Failure to act, he <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1588188079277232128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1588188079277232128%7Ctwgr%5Ed5b3fd04e3131208521e14afe9946af45900de42%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenews.com.pk%2Flatest%2F1006350-asad-umar-blames" target="_blank" rel="noopener">communicated through Asad Umer</a>, a senior member of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), would result in demonstrations across the whole country, and “things would not continue as they have been”.</p> <p>The PTI’s Asad Umer said that two days ago, he had contacted Imran regarding threats to his safety. But Imran had stated: “We are engaged in jihad and we only need to trust Allah at this stage.” Building on this equivalence of the so-called “long march” with “jihad”, the PTI issued a <a href="https://twitter.com/Asad_Umar/status/1588399510614839296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1588399510614839296%7Ctwgr%5E409bdb0bd9b63211810994ae51e1b298768da215%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenews.com.pk%2Flatest%2F1006554-live-updates-day-8-pti-long-march-imran-khan-firing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">call for demonstrations</a> to start after Friday prayers on November 4.</p> <p>The Pakistan government <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1006384-attack-on-imran-widely-condemned" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has responded</a> by condemning the assassination attempt. But <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1006384-attack-on-imran-widely-condemned" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minister Rana Sanaullah also told the PTI</a>: “It is [a] law of nature: those who ignite fire may also burn in it.” The national government has also demanded “the Punjab government constitute a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the attack”.</p> <p>Others have raised questions about the security extended to the former prime minister in the province of Punjab, where a PTI government is in power.</p> <p>Conspiracy theories about the shooting also abound, including claims on social media that the attack was <a href="https://twitter.com/younus_bhoon/status/1588399845307711488?s=20&amp;t=8c-lFy8oci8NGVAhcmNxxw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">orchestrated by PTI</a> to boost support for Imran. Only a few days ago, the former international cricketer turned politician had launched a second march within five months for haqiqi azadi (real freedom). Others accuse “external powers” of fomenting instability in the wake of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/2/xi-jinping-assures-pakistani-pm-of-china-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visit to China</a>, where he met President Xi Jinping and revived the momentum for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).</p> <p>Then there is the <a href="https://www.24newshd.tv/03-Nov-2022/attacker-says-was-angry-because-music-was-being-run-during-prayer-call" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported admission</a> by the alleged assassin that he was motivated by religious fervour, as Imran’s march would not cease playing music even during the calls to prayer. Reminiscent of the grounds on which Mumtaz Qadri <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35684452" target="_blank" rel="noopener">assassinated</a> the then governor of Punjab Salman Taseer, this explanation, with all its inconsistencies, locates the attempt outside the scope of political machinations.</p> <p>The reaction among Imran’s supporters has been swift. There have been demonstrations in all provinces of the country, with people <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFtMyPEJZYQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chanting the attack</a> had “crossed the red line” and they would lay their lives for Imran. This outpouring of support for Imran and anger towards the government has catapulted the country into increased instability, with the future now very uncertain.</p> <p>In the past, the instability might have been reined in by the Pakistan military, which has traditionally acted as custodian of law and order in the country. During the 75 years of Pakistan’s existence, the military has intervened directly or indirectly in politics when the country experienced instability. Even if its intervention was not approved of, politicians and society generally remained complacent and managed to work withing the framework outlined by the military.</p> <p>But in contemporary Pakistan, given the extent of political and social polarisation that has descended to a level not witnessed in the country’s history, the military may not be able to play this role. Already, Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed the <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/world/pakistan-army-chief-general-bajwa-to-retire-in-5-weeks-top-3-names-here-exclusive-6215221.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">military would remain neutral</a>.</p> <p>Even if instability persists and the military decided to intervene, the reaction of Imran’s supporters would be very different from how people reacted to previous military interventions. The assassination attempt on Imran has removed a lot of self-imposed censorship by people.</p> <p>While people demonstrated outside the office of the Corps Commander of Peshawar, others have been recorded chanting that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ga_22EwLXKg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the uniform is behind acts of terrorism and hooliganism</a>. In the past, such comments were only openly made by Pashtoon Tahhafuz Movement (movement for the protection of Pashtoons).</p> <p>But now, such comments also allude to the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-63372440" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent killing</a> in Kenya of Pakistani journalist Ashraf Sharif, who had been a vocal critic of the military’s involvement in politics. It has been claimed the killing was orchestrated with the direct involvement of the military — a claim that prompted the director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to give a press conference refuting these claims.</p> <p>Such expressions of anger and open opposition to the military leadership would suggest the military would avoid direct interference. One possible avenue could be of imposing <a href="https://www.geo.tv/latest/430050-explainer-what-is-governors-rule-and-is-punjab-moving-towards-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener">governor rule</a> in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but even that is unlikely to tamper the anger being felt by Imran’s supporters.</p> <p>Pakistan is fast moving into uncharted political terrain.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/shooting-of-imran-khan-takes-pakistan-into-dangerous-political-waters-193937" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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