Judge reinstates third-degree murder charge against former cop Derek Chauvin

Published

3 years ago

March 11, 2021

A judge on Thursday reinstated a third-degree murder charge against the former Minneapolis police officer accused of killing George Floyd last May.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Friday that Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill should reconsider the third-degree murder charge against Derek Chauvin, which was dismissed in October.

Cahill granted the request from prosecutors to reinstate the charge after Minnesota’s Supreme Court denied an appeal from Chauvin Wednesday.

Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Jury selection continued Thursday following debate over the new charge. Five jurors have been selected so far – four men and one woman.

The Hill has reported that legal experts think the additional murder charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, will increase the prosecution’s chances of getting a conviction.

It has not been reported if the new charge could impact the trial’s expected start date of March 29.

Follow Annaliese Levy on Twitter @AnnalieseLevy

ISIS-Inspired Teen’s Sinister Plot Foiled: Lone Wolf Threat Neutralized in Las Vegas

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2023

Alexander Carter

A horrifying report was unearthed that a 16-year-old aspiring terrorist had sinister plans to unleash “lone wolf operations in Las Vegas” in the name of ISIS, according to law enforcement sources.

Fox News reports the ominous announcement came via a social media post where the suspect vowed to embark on a campaign against what he deemed “the enemies of Allah.” The disturbing message included an ISIS flag and expressions in Arabic, underscoring the gravity of the threat.

Law enforcement swiftly swung into action after the Nov. 28 post, which was laden with a call for “Dua for victory” and a declaration of allegiance to the Islamic State. Within a matter of hours, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, in collaboration with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department counter-terrorism division, pinpointed the suspect’s identity and location.

A subsequent raid led to the teenager’s arrest on Friday. Disturbingly, agents uncovered not just his support for ISIS, evident through a handmade flag and propaganda, but also a cache of materials indicating a tangible terror plot.

Furthermore, the seized items included components for constructing improvised explosive devices, bomb-making instructions, and self-portraits of the suspect surrounded by ISIS paraphernalia.

Deputy Chief of Homeland Security and Special Operations Division, Dori Koren, emphasized that law enforcement believes this to be an isolated threat that was promptly neutralized. There are currently no indications of additional threats to the community.

The minor is facing charges of terroristic threats, attempting to further an act of terrorism, providing material support to a terrorist organization, and possession of explosive components — all of which are felony charges. The prosecution will be spearheaded by the Clark County District Attorney’s Office in Nevada.

This alarming incident underscores the ever-present challenge of combating radicalization, even among the youth, and the critical role law enforcement plays in thwarting potential acts of terror on U.S. soil.