A baby is among 74 people confirmed dead in the state of Kentucky, and more than 100 people are missing after at least 30 tornadoes ripped through six US states
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the media about tornado recovery, confirming at least 74 people are dead with 109 others unaccounted for.
Search and rescue efforts have been continuing across Western Kentucky.
Meanwhile emergency workers, including 300 members of the National Guard, have been scouring debris for survivors and distributing water and generators to residents.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has warned that weather events like this are the “new normal” as it prepares to bolster resilience as a result.
Today, @POTUS received a briefing from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall on the Federal response to the tornadoes and storms that impacted multiple states this weekend. pic.twitter.com/El77zzHW3B
The Salvation Army has established services to provide food, shelter and other emergency care to victims.
The Kentucky branch of Feeding America is providing bags of food. Donations to the organisation’s tornado relief fund offset the cost of the meals.
American Red Cross is pleading for people to donate blood as supplies run critically low. You can book an appointment online or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Mayfield Community Foundation has set up a GoFundMe to support local towns.
Local authorities are also encouraging any volunteers to come forward to offer support and relief wherever possible.
Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom.
He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.
In Short:
– Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested for allegedly murdering activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at a university event in Utah.
– Witnesses revealed Robinson’s negative views on Kirk and links to anti-fascist sentiments through his messages and actions.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested following the alleged murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, during a university event in Utah.
Authorities reported that Robinson shared details about the incident on Discord, discussing his actions after the shooting.
He reportedly inscribed internet culture references on the bullets used, including anti-fascist sentiments.
Witness testimonies indicate Robinson had expressed negative views about Kirk prior to the attack, which he described as “spreading hate.”
He arrived campus in a grey Dodge Challenger and opened fire, leading to Kirk’s immediate collapse. Following the incident, Robinson’s father and a minister turned him in to the police.
Political Context
Robinson’s messages, including references to anti-fascist imagery and memes, indicated a motive tied to Kirk’s political beliefs.
Governor Spencer Cox noted Robinson’s increasing political engagement and dissatisfaction with Kirk’s views in conversations with relatives. The investigation raised concerns over targeted violence linked to political ideology.
Wall Street traders are increasingly confident the Federal Reserve will cut rates next week.
Fresh inflation data has showed prices edging higher but growth slowing, and with jobs, markets, and political pressure all in focus, the Fed’s decision could be pivotal for the economy.
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.”