A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when a shooter targeted a Mormon church, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The assailant, a 40-year-old man from a nearby town, was fatally shot by law enforcement following the attack. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the violence, which also involved the suspect setting the church on fire. President Donald Trump condemned the act on his Truth Social platform, labeling it as a “horrendous” attack on Christians in the United States. Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene depicted emergency services evacuating victims on stretchers and a massive plume of dark smoke rising from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Local Police Chief William Renye reported that the suspect drove his vehicle through the church’s front doors before opening fire with an assault rifle. The service was reportedly attended by hundreds of congregants. Authorities believe the gunman intentionally ignited the fire before being neutralized by responding officers. Ten individuals with gunshot wounds were hospitalized, one of whom succumbed to injuries. The fire has since been extinguished, but officials anticipate discovering additional victims once the scene is secured. A nearby resident recounted hearing screams and pleas for help. FBI agents have joined the investigation, with Chief Kash Patel denouncing the act as a “cowardly and criminal” attack on a place of worship. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she has been briefed on the incident.
分类： society
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Windscreen wiper charged after stealing over $200,000
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a recent development, 45-year-old Conroy Grant, alias ‘Snack,’ has been formally charged with simple larceny by detectives from the St Andrew South Police Division. The charges stem from a theft incident that unfolded on Waltham Park Road in Kingston 13. The Hunt’s Bay Police reported that the crime occurred at approximately 6:45 am on August 25. A woman had parked her vehicle outside a local business establishment, leaving a bag containing $230,000 inside. Upon her return, she discovered the money had vanished. Surveillance footage later identified Grant, a windscreen wiper residing on Delacree Lane in Kingston 11, as the individual who removed the cash from the bag. After a thorough investigation, Grant was apprehended by authorities. Police officials confirmed that he admitted to the crime and provided a caution statement in the presence of his legal counsel. Grant is set to face the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on October 14, where he will answer to the charges brought against him.
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St Catherine man charged after breaking into church
In a startling incident in St. Catherine South, Jamaica, a 39-year-old man has been charged with sacrilege following an alleged break-in at a local church. Robert Barnett, also known as “Mogo,” residing on North Edgewater Avenue in Portmore, was apprehended after he reportedly forced his way into a church on Cecile Avenue, Edgewater, on September 13. According to police reports, Barnett entered the premises around 11:30 pm by prying open a window. Once inside, he allegedly stole a bag containing $3,000 and a Samsung keyboard valued at $175,000. However, the church’s security system was activated, prompting a private security team to respond swiftly. Barnett was discovered inside the building, detained, and later handed over to law enforcement. After being interviewed in the presence of his attorney, Barnett was formally charged on September 27. His court appearance date remains pending.
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Kaana Pitch Football League Scores big for youth and community development
Once a derelict space in Poor Man’s Corner, St Thomas, overrun with garbage and unfulfilled potential, has been revitalized into a thriving community centerpiece. Kaana Pitch, a synthetic football turf developed by Roger Gordon and Anika Gordon of Jam Flooring and Outdoor Supplies, now hosts the annual Kaana Pitch Football League. This event attracts teams and spectators from St Thomas, Bull Bay, and Kingston, fostering unity and excitement. The 2023 league, concluding on September 21, saw 21 teams compete, with El Chapo clinching the $100,000 grand prize, TT Money securing second place with $50,000, and Red Hills taking third with $25,000. Beyond the thrill of competition, the league has become a catalyst for community bonding and youth development. Players like Andrew from Red Hills highlighted the joy and camaraderie the event brings, while El Chapo’s coach, Tommy Ricketts, emphasized its role in instilling discipline and positive behavior among young participants. The league’s grand finale also included a back-to-school initiative, providing students with essential supplies. Roger Gordon, one of the organizers, underscored the importance of engaging youth through sports, noting its impact in reducing street violence and fostering community spirit. Kaana Pitch has evolved into more than a football venue; it’s a weekend gathering spot for events, exercise, and social interaction. The Gordons’ vision to repurpose the abandoned lot into a recreational space has been a resounding success, with plans to expand facilities to include a pickleball court for seniors and a netball court. Supported by sponsors like Klesing Industrial Supplies Ltd and Romax Auto Parts, the league aims to grow further, with hopes of attracting more sponsors for future editions. Kaana Pitch stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives.
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Firearm and ammunition seized in St Catherine; three in custody
In a pre-dawn operation conducted by the St Catherine South Police in Portsmouth, Portmore, Jamaica, three individuals, including a woman, were apprehended on Saturday. The operation, which took place around 5:00 am, targeted a residence on Portsea Road. During the search, law enforcement officers uncovered a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol concealed in a towel, accompanied by a magazine loaded with sixteen 9mm rounds. Further investigation led to the discovery of an additional four 9mm rounds hidden within a chest of drawers in one of the bedrooms. The three occupants of the house were promptly taken into custody. Authorities have chosen to withhold their identities as the investigation continues. This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by Jamaican police to combat illegal firearms and enhance public safety in the region.
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Met Service extends Flash Flood Warning until Monday
The Jamaica Meteorological Service has prolonged its flash flood alert for vulnerable regions, including St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Hanover, until 8:00 am on Monday. Meanwhile, the warning has been lifted for other parishes with immediate effect. The adverse weather conditions are attributed to a trough generated by Tropical Depression Nine, currently situated near The Bahamas, which has triggered widespread instability across the island. Satellite imagery, radar data, and automated rainfall reports confirm that moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms have impacted southern parishes and Hanover from Saturday night into Sunday morning. The forecast predicts continued periods of intense showers and thunderstorms, particularly in southern regions, extending into Monday. This persistent rainfall has saturated the soil, heightening the risk of flooding and landslides. Fishermen operating near cays and banks are advised to exercise extreme caution due to deteriorating sea conditions caused by thunderstorms and strong winds. A flash flood warning indicates that flooding is either occurring or imminent. Authorities urge motorists and pedestrians to avoid flooded roadways and low-lying areas due to dangerous currents. Residents in flood-prone zones are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepare for swift relocation to higher ground. The Met Service will continue to monitor the situation closely.
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Alternative suspension programme seeks government support
The Supreme Counselling for Personal Development is advocating for increased government collaboration and financial support to fully implement its Alternative to School Suspension Programme. This innovative initiative aims to replace traditional suspensions with structured interventions and counselling, addressing the root causes of student misbehaviour rather than merely sending them home.
Sean Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, emphasised that the programme is fully prepared for launch but remains stalled due to a lack of funding. ‘Everything is in place except the funds to get going,’ Clarke stated during the Igniting Change Empowering Futures seminar at Sky Mall. ‘We have the infrastructure, the classroom, the facilitators, the coordinator—everything is ready.’
Clarke criticised the current practice of suspending students without meaningful intervention, arguing that it fails to address behavioural issues and often exacerbates them. ‘There’s no evidence that sending students home works,’ he said. ‘Instead, they return to school and repeat the same or worse behaviour.’
The programme offers a 10-day supervised engagement during the suspension period, followed by 10 weeks of counselling to help students reset their trajectory. Clarke highlighted the readiness of the team, which includes psychologists, coordinators, and follow-up services, but stressed the necessity of sustainable funding. ‘Psychologists and other professionals need to be paid,’ he said. ‘We also provide meals for students, which adds to the costs.’
Proposals have been submitted to the Ministries of Education and People Empowerment, but no funding decisions have been communicated yet. Clarke expressed optimism but urged urgency, stating, ‘While the grass is growing, the horse is starving.’
Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, Chief Education Officer, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting students facing emotional and behavioural challenges. She highlighted the expansion of the Student Support Services Unit, which now includes over 40 professionals, and its positive impact on students through programmes focused on self-esteem, emotion management, and conflict resolution.
Clarke, however, emphasised that addressing student behaviour requires a collective effort. ‘Government has its role, but churches, schools, and parents must also come together,’ he said. ‘This is everybody’s business.’
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Several people charged following multiple drug arrests
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged three individuals in separate operations this week. The arrests, which took place in various locations across the island, underscore the police administration’s unwavering commitment to combating the illicit drug trade.
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MENS urges affordability as NOW backs paternity testing
Fabian Sargeant, founder of the Men Empowerment Network Support (MENS), has voiced his support for Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna’s proposal to introduce mandatory paternity testing in child maintenance court cases. McKenna, speaking at a recent public forum, advocated for state-funded, compulsory DNA testing to ensure fairness and certainty for fathers involved in such legal disputes. Sargeant, while endorsing the idea, emphasized that mandatory testing should be limited to court cases rather than being applied universally. He clarified, “Mandatory testing should only apply to cases before the court, not as a blanket policy across the country.” However, Sargeant expressed concerns about full state funding, suggesting that paternity tests should be affordable for fathers. He stated, “The cost of testing should not be prohibitive. It should be reasonably affordable to men.” Additionally, Sargeant called for legal consequences in cases where paternity tests reveal a man is not the biological father, arguing for reimbursement or redress. “Men who have supported a child for years, only to discover they are not the father, should not bear the emotional and financial burden alone,” he said. He also highlighted the fear many men have of requesting DNA tests due to potential denial of access to their children. Melissa Savoury-Gittens, president of the National Organisation of Women (NOW), also supported mandatory testing in court cases but pointed out systemic flaws in the current child maintenance system. She criticized the practice of arresting men for non-payment, arguing that it does not address the root causes. “Instead of imprisoning men, we should investigate why they are not paying. Is it unemployment? If so, we should help them find jobs so they can support their children,” she said. Both Sargeant and Savoury-Gittens agreed that the focus should be on creating a fair and supportive system for all parties involved in child maintenance cases.
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Juwan Warner identified as victim shot dead in Glanvillia
The community of Portsmouth is reeling from yet another tragic loss as 24-year-old Juwan Neon Warner became the latest victim of gun violence. Warner, a resident of Georgetown, Glanvillia, was fatally shot on the porch of his home at approximately 9:15 pm last night. This incident marks the second shooting death in the Portsmouth area this month, following the killing of 33-year-old Dwight Maximea on September 14, 2025. The recent surge in gun-related fatalities has raised alarm among local authorities and residents alike. Police are actively investigating both cases, but no arrests have been made yet. The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for community intervention and stricter law enforcement measures to curb the growing trend of gun crimes on the island.