In Short:
– Peter Mandelson has been dismissed as Britain’s ambassador to the US due to connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
– Prime Minister Keir Starmer reversed his support after new details revealed the significance of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein.

Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, has been dismissed following revelations about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer requested Mandelson’s withdrawal after emails indicated that the nature of their relationship was more significant than previously understood.The decision comes after the release of a birthday book containing a letter from Mandelson, referring to Epstein as “my best pal.”

Although Starmer initially supported Mandelson, he reversed his stance amidst growing pressure from his party.

The foreign ministry stated that new details indicated a changed understanding of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein, which warranted his removal.

Deep Association

Mandelson reportedly suggested that Epstein’s first conviction should be challenged, which was viewed as troubling new information.

Expressing remorse, he acknowledged the painful impact of Epstein’s actions on victims and lamented his continued association with him, describing Epstein as a “charismatic criminal liar.”

In Short:
– Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University.
– A manhunt for the actual shooter is underway; two men have been questioned and released without charges.

Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University.

The incident occurred around 12:20 PM when Kirk was shot in the neck, leading to a chaotic scene as attendees fled. Kirk, a father of two, died shortly after being taken to a local hospital.Investigators believe the shooter fired from a building approximately 200 yards away.

During the aftermath, two men, one of whom claimed to have fired the shot, were taken into custody but later released without charges. A manhunt is ongoing for the actual shooter.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that those responsible will be held accountable, outlining the state’s commitment to justice.

President Donald Trump condemned the political climate surrounding Kirk’s death, blaming extreme rhetoric and violence.

In a statement, he remembered Kirk as a patriot who advocated for open debate. Following the incident, vigils were held nationwide, and classes at the university have been cancelled.

Ongoing Investigation

As investigations continue, American flags will fly at half-staff until Sunday in honour of Kirk.

“I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, told a news conference.

“And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.

The Utah Department of Public Safety said that its State Crime Lab was “working with multiple active crime scenes”.

“These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” a department statement said.

“The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard.”

Eyewitness account

Attendee Tiana Lao said the shooting came as a shock in what otherwise felt like an= normal event.

“We didn’t realise it was real at first and then everyone began rushing out, shouting to get down in panic and distress,” she told ABC News.

“People were excited. There were some opponents like there usually are at these events … but they were peaceful, so this was a total shock.”