TOPEKA – A Kansas man has been charged through criminal complaint&nbsp;on allegations related to child sexual abuse materials, according to the United State's Attorney.

&nbsp;Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, according to court documents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749841694476.png" alt="Baker photo Butler Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Baker photo Butler Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Kansas man has been charged through criminal complaint&nbsp;on allegations related to child sexual abuse materials, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp;Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, according to court documents.

Kan. man accused of sending and receiving child porn

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750210174941.png" alt="Image White House" />
 <figcaption>Image White House</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/kqUAgta0En">pic.twitter.com/kqUAgta0En</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1935131324190203983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Presiden Trump on the North Lawn of the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a> looking for the perfect spot to put a 100ft tall American Flag pole—he will determine a second spot on the South Lawn as well, at his personal expense… <a href="https://t.co/2ckAR0tndf">pic.twitter.com/2ckAR0tndf</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1915075327778320503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

President Trump's new 'magnificent' flag poles going up at the White House

KANSAS CITY (AP)—From a legislator in downtown Minneapolis to a veteran Ohio congresswoman, many lawmakers included in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-vance-boelter-e9fc59e4307eb3461881f027ae626073">suspected Minnesota gunman's</a>&nbsp;writings and list of targets have vowed not to bow down.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-shootings-lawmakers-suspect-21b2165404bc66f77dd5e0e36efeb065">Vance Boelter</a>, 57, was charged with federal murder and stalking, along with state charges, following a nearly two-day search that culminated in his capture in the woods near his home.

He is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-vance-boelter-cf8f26332fe0e33eb892080c4f8afad7">suspected of shooting</a>&nbsp;and killing former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday. He is also accused of wounding Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

The dozens of politicians included in Boelter's writings were Democrats, according to acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson. Authorities said the writings contained the names of about 45 Minnesota state and federal elected officials but have not identified them publicly.

Members of Congress from at least five other Midwest states said law enforcement told them that their names were in Boelter's writings. They included U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois.

Authorities have not provided a motive for the shootings. Manny Atwal, Boelter's lead attorney, declined to comment, saying the office just got the case.

Here's how some lawmakers are reacting to the violence:

“Yesterday, my office was made aware that my name appeared in the evidence collected in the case regarding the suspect in Minnesota, who is accused of murdering a state lawmaker and her husband, as well as attempting to murder another lawmaker and his wife," Cleaver’s office said in a statement. “While I am relieved that the suspect has been apprehended, my office is coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure my family, my staff, and I remain safe and secure. However, I will not allow this kind of political violence to prevent me from continuing my work on behalf of the Missourians in the Fifth Congressional District.”

Agbaje spent the weekend with friends and family after learning that her name was on Boelter’s list and said she is still trying to make sense of the violence.

Since his arrest, the lawmaker, whose district includes portions of northern and downtown Minneapolis, has returned home. She said she now feels “more committed than ever” to her work as a legislator.

“We cannot allow people to divide us and then use violence to keep up those divisions,” she said.

A day after Dingell learned her name was included in Boelter's writing, she held a town hall Monday in a high school auditorium in Dexter.

“We cannot let terror terrorize us," she told the audience, who cheered.

Dingell, who represents the Ann Arbor area, said some people wanted her to cancel the event.

After the town hall, she reflected on her habit of going out in public without her staff because she always wants people to be able to talk with her. After the shooting, law enforcement officers have told her to be more careful.

“We can’t let elected officials be cut off," she said. "We can’t let elected officials become afraid.”

“Look, I’m going to keep fighting for the people that I represent. I’m going to keep being a voice for those that want me to make sure their voice is heard at the table," she added.

Rest, who represents New Hope in Hennepin County, said she was made aware that the suspect had been parked near her home early Saturday. She said in a statement Monday that the “quick action” of law enforcement officers saved her life.

While she was grateful for the suspect’s apprehension, she noted in the statement that she was grieving the loss of the Hortmans and praying for the Hoffmans’ recovery.

Scholten, who represents Grand Rapids, said she was postponing a Monday town hall after learning she was a potential target.

“Out of an abundance of caution and to not divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time, this is the responsible choice,” Scholten said in a statement.

Kaptur’s office said in a statement that her name was included in Boelter’s writing but that it will not get in the way of her work “to make life better for families across Northwest Ohio.”

“Uplifting those who she has the honor to serve has been her sole focus every single day she has served and nothing will deter her from doing so now,” the statement said.

Falconer, whose district includes a portion of the Twin Cities, said he woke up Saturday while on vacation with his wife and kids to a flurry of text messages about the shootings. The police chief then called to warn him about a list of targets.

Falconer said he later learned he wasn’t on the list, but his family decided to stay away until the suspect was in custody. The police chief increased patrols in his neighborhood and stationed a police car outside of his house, he said.

While the question of whether to stay in politics was top of mind for him this weekend, Falconer said, “They win if we quit.”

Falconer and his Democratic colleagues in the Minnesota House gathered at the Capitol on Monday to seek comfort in one another and share stories of Hortman, Falconer said. It was the first time they could meet since the shooting because they had been told by law enforcement to not leave their homes while the suspect remained at-large, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750067563866.png" alt="Boelter photo Hennepin Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Boelter photo Hennepin Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—From a legislator in downtown Minneapolis to a veteran Ohio congresswoman, many lawmakers included in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-vance-boelter-e9fc59e4307eb3461881f027ae626073">suspected Minnesota gunman's</a>&nbsp;writings and list of targets have vowed not to bow down.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-shootings-lawmakers-suspect-21b2165404bc66f77dd5e0e36efeb065">Vance Boelter</a>, 57, was charged with federal murder and stalking, along with state charges, following a nearly two-day search that culminated in his capture in the woods near his home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564430219299.png" alt="Rep. Emanuel Cleaver " />
 <figcaption>Rep. Emanuel Cleaver </figcaption>
 </figure>He is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-vance-boelter-cf8f26332fe0e33eb892080c4f8afad7">suspected of shooting</a>&nbsp;and killing former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday. He is also accused of wounding Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.The dozens of politicians included in Boelter's writings were Democrats, according to acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson. Authorities said the writings contained the names of about 45 Minnesota state and federal elected officials but have not identified them publicly.Members of Congress from at least five other Midwest states said law enforcement told them that their names were in Boelter's writings. They included U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois.Authorities have not provided a motive for the shootings. Manny Atwal, Boelter's lead attorney, declined to comment, saying the office just got the case.Here's how some lawmakers are reacting to the violence:<h2>US Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri</h2>“Yesterday, my office was made aware that my name appeared in the evidence collected in the case regarding the suspect in Minnesota, who is accused of murdering a state lawmaker and her husband, as well as attempting to murder another lawmaker and his wife," Cleaver’s office said in a statement. “While I am relieved that the suspect has been apprehended, my office is coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure my family, my staff, and I remain safe and secure. However, I will not allow this kind of political violence to prevent me from continuing my work on behalf of the Missourians in the Fifth Congressional District.”<h2>Minnesota state Rep. Esther Agbaje</h2>Agbaje spent the weekend with friends and family after learning that her name was on Boelter’s list and said she is still trying to make sense of the violence.Since his arrest, the lawmaker, whose district includes portions of northern and downtown Minneapolis, has returned home. She said she now feels “more committed than ever” to her work as a legislator.“We cannot allow people to divide us and then use violence to keep up those divisions,” she said.<h2>U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, Michigan</h2>A day after Dingell learned her name was included in Boelter's writing, she held a town hall Monday in a high school auditorium in Dexter.“We cannot let terror terrorize us," she told the audience, who cheered.Dingell, who represents the Ann Arbor area, said some people wanted her to cancel the event.After the town hall, she reflected on her habit of going out in public without her staff because she always wants people to be able to talk with her. After the shooting, law enforcement officers have told her to be more careful.“We can’t let elected officials be cut off," she said. "We can’t let elected officials become afraid.”“Look, I’m going to keep fighting for the people that I represent. I’m going to keep being a voice for those that want me to make sure their voice is heard at the table," she added.<h2>Minnesota state Sen. Ann Rest</h2>Rest, who represents New Hope in Hennepin County, said she was made aware that the suspect had been parked near her home early Saturday. She said in a statement Monday that the “quick action” of law enforcement officers saved her life.While she was grateful for the suspect’s apprehension, she noted in the statement that she was grieving the loss of the Hortmans and praying for the Hoffmans’ recovery.<h2>U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, Michigan</h2>Scholten, who represents Grand Rapids, said she was postponing a Monday town hall after learning she was a potential target.“Out of an abundance of caution and to not divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time, this is the responsible choice,” Scholten said in a statement.<h2>U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Ohio</h2>Kaptur’s office said in a statement that her name was included in Boelter’s writing but that it will not get in the way of her work “to make life better for families across Northwest Ohio.”“Uplifting those who she has the honor to serve has been her sole focus every single day she has served and nothing will deter her from doing so now,” the statement said.<h2>Minnesota state Rep. Alex Falconer</h2>Falconer, whose district includes a portion of the Twin Cities, said he woke up Saturday while on vacation with his wife and kids to a flurry of text messages about the shootings. The police chief then called to warn him about a list of targets.Falconer said he later learned he wasn’t on the list, but his family decided to stay away until the suspect was in custody. The police chief increased patrols in his neighborhood and stationed a police car outside of his house, he said.While the question of whether to stay in politics was top of mind for him this weekend, Falconer said, “They win if we quit.”Falconer and his Democratic colleagues in the Minnesota House gathered at the Capitol on Monday to seek comfort in one another and share stories of Hortman, Falconer said. It was the first time they could meet since the shooting because they had been told by law enforcement to not leave their homes while the suspect remained at-large, he said.___

KC area Congressman included on list linked to accused MN shooter

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in rural Shawnee County.

Just after 2a.m. June 15, , a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2004 Honda Odyssey near SW 6th Avenue and SW Clay Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation the deputy found illegal narcotics.

Misty L. Maspero, 36, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on requested charges: of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful acts; vehicle registration violations and&nbsp;Vehicle liability insurance. Maspero also had a felony warrant out of Nebraska for her arrest.

Latrice N. Johnson, 35, was arrested and booked on requested charges: of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body. Johnson also had Topeka bench warrants.&nbsp;

Frank E. Holloway III, 37, was arrested and booked on requested charges: of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and transporting an open container of liquor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750192912327.png" alt="Johnson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in rural Shawnee County.Just after 2a.m. June 15, , a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2004 Honda Odyssey near SW 6th Avenue and SW Clay Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation the deputy found illegal narcotics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750192892376.png" alt="Maspero photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Maspero photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Misty L. Maspero, 36, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on requested charges: of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful acts; vehicle registration violations and&nbsp;Vehicle liability insurance. Maspero also had a felony warrant out of Nebraska for her arrest.Latrice N. Johnson, 35, was arrested and booked on requested charges: of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body. Johnson also had Topeka bench warrants.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750192954525.png" alt="Holloway photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Holloway photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Frank E. Holloway III, 37, was arrested and booked on requested charges: of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and transporting an open container of liquor.

Sheriff: 2 Kansas women were selling drugs

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Alex Padilla on Tuesday encouraged Americans to peacefully protest against President Donald Trump’s administration and said it’s “it’s time to wake up” in his first extended remarks in the Senate since he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alex-padilla-noem-immigration-protest-california-f67d220a0254473c53c16aa96f554239">forcibly removed</a>&nbsp;from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles last week as he tried to speak up about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brad-lander-nyc-immigration-court-arrest-6ed341297efab31a08a14421674d8ed8">immigration raids</a>.

In emotional remarks on Tuesday, Padilla, a California Democrat, recounted the altercation, in which security forced him out of the room and onto the ground after he tried to ask Noem a question. Padilla said that even though he was accompanied by a National Guardsman and an FBI agent, “I was pushed and pulled, struggled to maintain my balance” and ended up flat on his chest on the floor.

“I was handcuffed and marched down a hallway repeatedly asking, ‘Why I am being detained?’” Padilla said as several of his colleagues from both major political parties sat in their chairs and listened. “Not once did they tell me why.”

He said he wondered in the moment if he was being arrested — he wasn’t — and, if he was, what the city and his family would think.

“What will a city already on edge from being militarized think when they see their U.S. senator being handcuffed for just trying to ask a question?” Padilla said.

In a statement afterward, the Department of Homeland Security said that Padilla “chose disrespectful political theater” and that the Secret Service “thought he was an attacker.” The statement claimed erroneously that Padilla did not identify himself — he did, as he was being pushed from the room.

“Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’ repeated commands,” the statement said, adding that officers acted appropriately.

Padilla said he attended the press conference amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-crackdown-us-protests-049a611d47d0fc7656731e4f4c714e93">the immigration raids that have led to protests</a>&nbsp;in California and around the country and as the Republican president sent military troops to his state. He said he spoke up after he heard Noem say that they wanted to “liberate” Los Angeles from Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, both Democrats.

“Let that fundamentally un-American mission statement sink in,” Padilla said.

Padilla and his angry Democratic colleagues have framed the episode as intimidation by the Trump administration, especially as it came days after Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lamonica-mciver-assault-charge-alina-habba-immigration-7b6a5b0fc8079a9efd0606ab68e3f02d">indicted on federal charges</a>&nbsp;alleging she assaulted and interfered with immigration officers outside a detention center in New Jersey while Newark’s Democratic mayor, Ras Baraka,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-protest-ice-newark-mayor-arrested-5a2b3fefd7da563c48d2f85831cf2194">was being arrested</a>&nbsp;after he tried to join a congressional oversight visit at the facility.

Padilla encouraged Americans to speak out.

“No one is coming to save us but us,” Padilla said. “And we know that the cameras are not in every corner of the country. But if this administration is this afraid of just one senator with a question, colleagues, imagine what the voices of tens of millions of Americans peacefully protesting can do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749757448306.png" alt="Senator Padilla as shown in the video provided by U.S. Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Senator Padilla as shown in the video provided by U.S. Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Alex Padilla on Tuesday encouraged Americans to peacefully protest against President Donald Trump’s administration and said it’s “it’s time to wake up” in his first extended remarks in the Senate since he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alex-padilla-noem-immigration-protest-california-f67d220a0254473c53c16aa96f554239">forcibly removed</a>&nbsp;from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles last week as he tried to speak up about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brad-lander-nyc-immigration-court-arrest-6ed341297efab31a08a14421674d8ed8">immigration raids</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenAlexPadilla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenAlexPadilla</a>: &quot;How many Americans in the year 2025 see a vindictive president on a tour of retribution unrestrained by the majority of this separate and co-equal branch of government and wonder if it&#39;s worth it to stand up or to speak out.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/RhCaix3Y3q">pic.twitter.com/RhCaix3Y3q</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1935022858654089493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In emotional remarks on Tuesday, Padilla, a California Democrat, recounted the altercation, in which security forced him out of the room and onto the ground after he tried to ask Noem a question. Padilla said that even though he was accompanied by a National Guardsman and an FBI agent, “I was pushed and pulled, struggled to maintain my balance” and ended up flat on his chest on the floor.“I was handcuffed and marched down a hallway repeatedly asking, ‘Why I am being detained?’” Padilla said as several of his colleagues from both major political parties sat in their chairs and listened. “Not once did they tell me why.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">During a news conference with DHS Secretary Noem, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) is removed from the room by force. <a href="https://t.co/vJryoWIVHi">pic.twitter.com/vJryoWIVHi</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1933244184581873693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He said he wondered in the moment if he was being arrested — he wasn’t — and, if he was, what the city and his family would think.“What will a city already on edge from being militarized think when they see their U.S. senator being handcuffed for just trying to ask a question?” Padilla said.In a statement afterward, the Department of Homeland Security said that Padilla “chose disrespectful political theater” and that the Secret Service “thought he was an attacker.” The statement claimed erroneously that Padilla did not identify himself — he did, as he was being pushed from the room.“Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’ repeated commands,” the statement said, adding that officers acted appropriately.Padilla said he attended the press conference amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-crackdown-us-protests-049a611d47d0fc7656731e4f4c714e93">the immigration raids that have led to protests</a>&nbsp;in California and around the country and as the Republican president sent military troops to his state. He said he spoke up after he heard Noem say that they wanted to “liberate” Los Angeles from Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, both Democrats.“Let that fundamentally un-American mission statement sink in,” Padilla said.Padilla and his angry Democratic colleagues have framed the episode as intimidation by the Trump administration, especially as it came days after Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lamonica-mciver-assault-charge-alina-habba-immigration-7b6a5b0fc8079a9efd0606ab68e3f02d">indicted on federal charges</a>&nbsp;alleging she assaulted and interfered with immigration officers outside a detention center in New Jersey while Newark’s Democratic mayor, Ras Baraka,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-protest-ice-newark-mayor-arrested-5a2b3fefd7da563c48d2f85831cf2194">was being arrested</a>&nbsp;after he tried to join a congressional oversight visit at the facility.Padilla encouraged Americans to speak out.“No one is coming to save us but us,” Padilla said. “And we know that the cameras are not in every corner of the country. But if this administration is this afraid of just one senator with a question, colleagues, imagine what the voices of tens of millions of Americans peacefully protesting can do.”&nbsp;

🎥Senator holds back tears, describes removal from DHS news conference

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Jessie Lawson made an appointment for Monday morning as soon as she heard about&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/13/kansas-appeals-court-ruling-restores-ability-to-change-gender-markers-on-drivers-licenses/">the Kansas Court of Appeals ruling Friday</a>&nbsp;that allows Kansans to change the gender markers on their licenses.

As a trans Kansan, Lawson said, she was thrilled about the court order.

“I’ve gone to great lengths to match my body to who I am, and to have this document show the wrong gender is insulting,” Lawson said. “It’s embarrassing.”

Lawson waited all morning in the parking lot of the Andover driver’s license office in hopes of getting an explanation from officials. Meanwhile, meetings in Topeka resulted in a decision to prohibit implementing the change.

Attorney General Kris Kobach instructed the Kansas Department of Revenue, which houses the division of motor vehicles, not to make gender marker changes while the matter is in litigation, said Zach Denney, a spokesperson for the department.

The Attorney General’s Office intends to appeal, and Denney said he expects it to be soon.

Danedri Herbert, a spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s Office, confirmed the stance.

“We can’t start instantly implementing those changes right now because we have some time to appeal the decision,” she said.

Parties typically have a 30-day window after a decision to appeal it. Procedurally, it is unclear whether the decision goes into effect immediately following a ruling or until the end of the 30-day appeals window.

Herbert, who is also chair of the Kansas Republican Party, said there has been no gray area in the Attorney General’s Office.

The 56-page decision from the appeals court panel Friday reversed an injunction from a Shawnee County District Court judge who ordered the state to stop allowing gender marker changes on driver’s licenses. The appeals court decision only applies to the injunction. The case itself, and its merits, were remanded to the district court to be decided by a new judge.

Kobach was quick to express in social media posts Friday his dissatisfaction with the decision and his appetite for an appeal.

In a statement, Kobach said the ruling contains “multiple factual errors” and a “deeply flawed” legal analysis. He expected the court “to be more careful,” he said.

“In addition, the Court improperly attempts to strip jurisdiction over the case away from the district court judge — which is highly unusual,” Kobach said. “We will be asking the Kansas Supreme Court to review this case in an expedited manner and overturn the Court of Appeals decision.”

The revenue department has allowed Kansans to change their gender markers since at least 2007, but a 2023 state law required vital statistics to recognize a person’s biological sex at birth, conflating the distinction between “sex” and “gender.” Kobach sued the revenue department after it continued to allow transgender residents to change their gender markers.

The constant uncertainty has been a maddening and distressing experience for Lawson. She called the legislation “bogus” and “hurtful.” Having her motives and identity questioned frequently is tiring, she said, especially when she just wants to be a regular citizen.

“It’s not just legislation. It’s not just bad laws being put into place,” Lawson said. “It’s humans’ lives.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723829601184.png" alt="&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, pictured here in June 2024, said he intends to appeal a recent court decision that allows Kansans to change the gender markers on their driver's licenses. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, pictured here in June 2024, said he intends to appeal a recent court decision that allows Kansans to change the gender markers on their driver's licenses. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Jessie Lawson made an appointment for Monday morning as soon as she heard about&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/13/kansas-appeals-court-ruling-restores-ability-to-change-gender-markers-on-drivers-licenses/">the Kansas Court of Appeals ruling Friday</a>&nbsp;that allows Kansans to change the gender markers on their licenses.As a trans Kansan, Lawson said, she was thrilled about the court order.Then, she was turned away.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750183676854.png" alt=" Jessie Lawson, a 43-year-old trans woman, was turned away from a driver’s license office on June 16, 2025, when she tried to change the gender marker on her license. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption> Jessie Lawson, a 43-year-old trans woman, was turned away from a driver’s license office on June 16, 2025, when she tried to change the gender marker on her license. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>“I’ve gone to great lengths to match my body to who I am, and to have this document show the wrong gender is insulting,” Lawson said. “It’s embarrassing.”Lawson waited all morning in the parking lot of the Andover driver’s license office in hopes of getting an explanation from officials. Meanwhile, meetings in Topeka resulted in a decision to prohibit implementing the change.Attorney General Kris Kobach instructed the Kansas Department of Revenue, which houses the division of motor vehicles, not to make gender marker changes while the matter is in litigation, said Zach Denney, a spokesperson for the department.The Attorney General’s Office intends to appeal, and Denney said he expects it to be soon.Danedri Herbert, a spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s Office, confirmed the stance.“We can’t start instantly implementing those changes right now because we have some time to appeal the decision,” she said.Parties typically have a 30-day window after a decision to appeal it. Procedurally, it is unclear whether the decision goes into effect immediately following a ruling or until the end of the 30-day appeals window.Herbert, who is also chair of the Kansas Republican Party, said there has been no gray area in the Attorney General’s Office.The 56-page decision from the appeals court panel Friday reversed an injunction from a Shawnee County District Court judge who ordered the state to stop allowing gender marker changes on driver’s licenses. The appeals court decision only applies to the injunction. The case itself, and its merits, were remanded to the district court to be decided by a new judge.Kobach was quick to express in social media posts Friday his dissatisfaction with the decision and his appetite for an appeal.In a statement, Kobach said the ruling contains “multiple factual errors” and a “deeply flawed” legal analysis. He expected the court “to be more careful,” he said.“In addition, the Court improperly attempts to strip jurisdiction over the case away from the district court judge — which is highly unusual,” Kobach said. “We will be asking the Kansas Supreme Court to review this case in an expedited manner and overturn the Court of Appeals decision.”The revenue department has allowed Kansans to change their gender markers since at least 2007, but a 2023 state law required vital statistics to recognize a person’s biological sex at birth, conflating the distinction between “sex” and “gender.” Kobach sued the revenue department after it continued to allow transgender residents to change their gender markers.The constant uncertainty has been a maddening and distressing experience for Lawson. She called the legislation “bogus” and “hurtful.” Having her motives and identity questioned frequently is tiring, she said, especially when she just wants to be a regular citizen.“It’s not just legislation. It’s not just bad laws being put into place,” Lawson said. “It’s humans’ lives.”

Kansas officials prevent gender marker changes on driver’s licenses during 30-day appeal window

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita and took a suspect into custody.

Just after 9:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting near the intersection of 22nd Street and Hillside Avenue in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.

First responders found 36-year-old Jesus Aguilera from Wichita suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:35 p.m., according to Ford.

Detectives identified a suspect, a 39-year-old Hispanic man from Wichita,&nbsp; identified as Rosendo Camacho-Garcia, according to Sedgwick County booking records and began searching for him.

On Sunday, officers received information that the Camacho-Garcia was at a residence in the 800 block of South Longfellow in Wichita. When police arrived, they discovered that Camacho-Garcia had barricaded himself inside the home.

The Wichita Police Department SWAT team was activated and engaged in negotiations in both English and Spanish for approximately seven hours. During the standoff, Camacho-Garcia fired multiple shots at SWAT officers.

Chemical munitions were eventually deployed, prompting Camacho-Garcia to exit the residence. He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during a K9 apprehension.

Camacho-Garcia is out of the hospital and faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750102870101.png" alt="Police near the scene of the standoff -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the standoff -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita and took a suspect into custody.Just after 9:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting near the intersection of 22nd Street and Hillside Avenue in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750155259250.png" alt="Camacho-Garcia photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Camacho-Garcia photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found 36-year-old Jesus Aguilera from Wichita suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:35 p.m., according to Ford.Detectives identified a suspect, a 39-year-old Hispanic man from Wichita,&nbsp; identified as Rosendo Camacho-Garcia, according to Sedgwick County booking records and began searching for him.On Sunday, officers received information that the Camacho-Garcia was at a residence in the 800 block of South Longfellow in Wichita. When police arrived, they discovered that Camacho-Garcia had barricaded himself inside the home.The Wichita Police Department SWAT team was activated and engaged in negotiations in both English and Spanish for approximately seven hours. During the standoff, Camacho-Garcia fired multiple shots at SWAT officers.Chemical munitions were eventually deployed, prompting Camacho-Garcia to exit the residence. He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during a K9 apprehension.Camacho-Garcia is out of the hospital and faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and homicide.

Father's Day standoff: K9 injured Kan. murder suspect during arrest

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks slumped on Tuesday under the weight of another jump for the price of oil. It was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-attack-oil-stock-market-fe6d0aed826aec5f041ed492f19ea12d">return to form</a>&nbsp;for financial markets after Wall Street’s worries about Israel’s fighting with Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-iran-oil-inflation-73ce222b5b803474c48ff0008f5a8626">had seemed to calm a bit on Monday</a>.

The S&amp;P 500 fell 0.8% following signals that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-missile-attacks-nuclear-news-tehran-trump-06-17-2025-3f08988b5e8fd375645967b6e22916f3">Israel-Iran conflict</a>&nbsp;may be worsening and that one of the U.S. economy’s main engines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-sales-tariffs-consumers-spending-economy-bf7ac18e10a8e27de5a7159d9a61397a">is weakening</a>. The swing sent Wall Street’s main measure of health nearly back to where it started the week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 297 points, or 0.7%, as of 3:15 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.8% lower.

Stocks sank under increasing pressure from crude oil prices, which climbed in their latest see-saw move. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude jumped 4.3% to $74.84. Brent crude, the international standard, added 4.4% to $76.45 per barrel.

Their gains accelerated after President Donald Trump raised the temperature on Israel’s fight with Iran by calling for “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” and saying that “We are not going to” kill Iran’s leader, “at least for now.”

Before that, Trump had left a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-g7-carney-canada-trade-iran-75c17fffe96c9031d8ebb22af923d86c">Group of Seven summit early</a>&nbsp;and warned that people in Iran’s capital should evacuate immediately. It took only about eight hours for Trump to go from suggesting a nuclear deal with Iran remained “achievable” to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-iran-attacks-updates#00000197-7afb-d57e-a5f7-7efb67bb0000">urging Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee</a>&nbsp;for their lives.

The fighting has the potential to drive up prices for crude oil and gasoline because Iran is a major producer of oil, and it sits on the narrow Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world’s crude passes. Past conflicts in the area have caused spikes in oil prices, though they’ve historically proven to be only temporary after showing that they did not disrupt the flow of oil.

Often, higher oil prices can help stocks of companies in the solar industry because they increase the incentive to switch to alternative energy sources. But solar stocks tumbled Tuesday because of the possibility that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/chairman-crapo-releases-finance-committee-reconciliation-text">Congress may phase out tax credits for solar</a>, wind and other energy sources that produce fewer emissions that change the Earth’s climate.

Enphase Energy dropped 24.3%, and First Solar fell 18.5%.

Treasury yields also fell in the bond market after a report said shoppers spent less last month at U.S. retailers than the month before and than economists expected. Solid such spending has been one of the linchpins keeping the economy out of a recession, but part of May’s drop may have simply been a return to more normal trends.

In April, some shoppers had rushed to buy automobiles to get ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">Trump’s tariffs</a>.

“Today’s data suggests consumers are downshifting, but they haven’t yet slammed the brakes,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

On the winning side of Wall Street was Jabil, which jumped 8.2% after reporting a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Mike Dastoor credited strength from accelerated demand related to artificial-intelligence technology, among other things.

Verve Therapeutics soared 81.3% after Eli Lilly said it would buy the company developing genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease in a $1 billion deal that could be worth up to $1.3 billion if certain conditions are met. Lilly’s stock slipped 1.7%.

All the action took place as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-trump-economy-federal-reserve-43fd4506f5303537bb0ef8c34fb18112">Federal Reserve began</a>&nbsp;a two-day meeting on interest rates. The nearly unanimous expectation among traders and economists is that the Fed will make no move.

The Fed has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-rate-inflation-tariff-7b96cf47c986602db51ce87055ca5f24">hesitant to lower interest rates</a>, and it’s been on hold this year after cutting at the end of last year, because it’s waiting to see how much Trump’s tariffs will hurt the economy and raise inflation.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-trump-tariffs-b0f098351a1f3f850a4c20b215556027">Inflation</a>&nbsp;has remained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/producer-prices-inflation-economy-trump-tariffs-0a25bf91e2dde5df0d8c131a2d95c816">relatively tame</a>&nbsp;recently, and it’s near the Fed’s target of 2%.

More important for financial markets on Wednesday will likely be the latest set of forecasts that Fed officials will publish for where they see the economy and interest rates heading in upcoming years.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.38% from 4.46% late Monday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for what the Fed will do with its overnight interest rate, fell to 3.94% from 3.97%.

In stock markets abroad, indexes fell across much of Europe after finishing mixed in Asia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584366201093.png" alt="File image" />
 <figcaption>File image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks slumped on Tuesday under the weight of another jump for the price of oil. It was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-attack-oil-stock-market-fe6d0aed826aec5f041ed492f19ea12d">return to form</a>&nbsp;for financial markets after Wall Street’s worries about Israel’s fighting with Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-iran-oil-inflation-73ce222b5b803474c48ff0008f5a8626">had seemed to calm a bit on Monday</a>.The S&amp;P 500 fell 0.8% following signals that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-missile-attacks-nuclear-news-tehran-trump-06-17-2025-3f08988b5e8fd375645967b6e22916f3">Israel-Iran conflict</a>&nbsp;may be worsening and that one of the U.S. economy’s main engines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-sales-tariffs-consumers-spending-economy-bf7ac18e10a8e27de5a7159d9a61397a">is weakening</a>. The swing sent Wall Street’s main measure of health nearly back to where it started the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 297 points, or 0.7%, as of 3:15 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.8% lower.Stocks sank under increasing pressure from crude oil prices, which climbed in their latest see-saw move. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude jumped 4.3% to $74.84. Brent crude, the international standard, added 4.4% to $76.45 per barrel.Their gains accelerated after President Donald Trump raised the temperature on Israel’s fight with Iran by calling for “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” and saying that “We are not going to” kill Iran’s leader, “at least for now.”Before that, Trump had left a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-g7-carney-canada-trade-iran-75c17fffe96c9031d8ebb22af923d86c">Group of Seven summit early</a>&nbsp;and warned that people in Iran’s capital should evacuate immediately. It took only about eight hours for Trump to go from suggesting a nuclear deal with Iran remained “achievable” to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-iran-attacks-updates#00000197-7afb-d57e-a5f7-7efb67bb0000">urging Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee</a>&nbsp;for their lives.The fighting has the potential to drive up prices for crude oil and gasoline because Iran is a major producer of oil, and it sits on the narrow Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world’s crude passes. Past conflicts in the area have caused spikes in oil prices, though they’ve historically proven to be only temporary after showing that they did not disrupt the flow of oil.Often, higher oil prices can help stocks of companies in the solar industry because they increase the incentive to switch to alternative energy sources. But solar stocks tumbled Tuesday because of the possibility that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/chairman-crapo-releases-finance-committee-reconciliation-text">Congress may phase out tax credits for solar</a>, wind and other energy sources that produce fewer emissions that change the Earth’s climate.Enphase Energy dropped 24.3%, and First Solar fell 18.5%.Treasury yields also fell in the bond market after a report said shoppers spent less last month at U.S. retailers than the month before and than economists expected. Solid such spending has been one of the linchpins keeping the economy out of a recession, but part of May’s drop may have simply been a return to more normal trends.In April, some shoppers had rushed to buy automobiles to get ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">Trump’s tariffs</a>.“Today’s data suggests consumers are downshifting, but they haven’t yet slammed the brakes,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth ManagementOn the winning side of Wall Street was Jabil, which jumped 8.2% after reporting a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Mike Dastoor credited strength from accelerated demand related to artificial-intelligence technology, among other things.Verve Therapeutics soared 81.3% after Eli Lilly said it would buy the company developing genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease in a $1 billion deal that could be worth up to $1.3 billion if certain conditions are met. Lilly’s stock slipped 1.7%.All the action took place as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-trump-economy-federal-reserve-43fd4506f5303537bb0ef8c34fb18112">Federal Reserve began</a>&nbsp;a two-day meeting on interest rates. The nearly unanimous expectation among traders and economists is that the Fed will make no move.The Fed has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-rate-inflation-tariff-7b96cf47c986602db51ce87055ca5f24">hesitant to lower interest rates</a>, and it’s been on hold this year after cutting at the end of last year, because it’s waiting to see how much Trump’s tariffs will hurt the economy and raise inflation.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-trump-tariffs-b0f098351a1f3f850a4c20b215556027">Inflation</a>&nbsp;has remained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/producer-prices-inflation-economy-trump-tariffs-0a25bf91e2dde5df0d8c131a2d95c816">relatively tame</a>&nbsp;recently, and it’s near the Fed’s target of 2%.More important for financial markets on Wednesday will likely be the latest set of forecasts that Fed officials will publish for where they see the economy and interest rates heading in upcoming years.In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.38% from 4.46% late Monday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for what the Fed will do with its overnight interest rate, fell to 3.94% from 3.97%.In stock markets abroad, indexes fell across much of Europe after finishing mixed in Asia.

Stocks slump big after oil prices jump as Israel-Iran conflict grows

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday ruled out calling Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shooting-dozens-targeted-d3d7866c09765fac088e6418e49ad811">the targeted shootings of two state lawmakers</a>, saying that to do so would “waste time.”

One lawmaker and her husband were killed, and the second legislator and his wife sustained serious injuries in the shootings early Saturday. A suspect surrendered to police on Sunday.

The Republican president spoke to reporters early Tuesday aboard Air Force One as he flew back to Washington after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-g7-carney-canada-trade-iran-75c17fffe96c9031d8ebb22af923d86c">abruptly leaving an international summit</a>&nbsp;in Canada because of rising tensions in the Middle East between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-missile-attacks-nuclear-news-tehran-trump-06-17-2025-3f08988b5e8fd375645967b6e22916f3">Israel and Iran</a>. Asked if he had called Walz yet, Trump said the Democratic governor is “slick” and “whacked out” and, “I’m not calling him.”

Presidents often reach out to other elected officials, including governors and mayors, at times of tragedy, such as after mass killings or natural disasters, to offer condolences and, if needed, federal assistance.

On the plane, Trump sounded uninterested in reaching out to Walz, who was the vice presidential running mate for 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump. During the campaign, Walz often branded Trump and other Republican politicians as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-walz-vp-weird-trump-gen-z-f9d718890c3ca907f42dba5934075382">“just weird.”</a>

“I don’t really call him. He’s slick — he appointed this guy to a position,” Trump said. “I think the governor of Minnesota is so whacked out. I’m not calling him. why would I call him?

“I could call him and say, ‘Hi, how you doing?’” Trump continued. “The guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a, he’s a mess. So, you know, I could be nice and call him but why waste time?”

Trump’s mention of “this guy” being appointed to a position appeared to be a reference to Vance Boelter, the suspect who surrendered to police after a nearly two-day manhunt in Minnesota.

Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-hortman-d5b1788f4ad91c00e5b5b1c24707f2ce">former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman</a>, records show. Hoffman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs. It was unclear if or how well Hoffman and Boelter knew each other.

Friends and former colleagues interviewed by The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-shootings-lawmakers-suspect-21b2165404bc66f77dd5e0e36efeb065">describe Boelter as a devout Christian</a>&nbsp;who attended an evangelical church and went to campaign rallies for Trump.

Authorities say Boelter also shot state Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, injuring them at their residence about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) away. Federal prosecutors charged Boelter with murder and stalking, which could result in a death sentence if convicted. His lead attorney has declined to comment.

On Monday, Walz posted a message of thanks on social media to Ontario Premier Doug Ford for his call expressing condolences to the Hortman family and the people of Minnesota.

“In times of tragedy, I’m heartened when people of different views and even different nations can rally together around our shared humanity,” Walz wrote.

In an interview Monday with Minnesota Public Radio, Walz said he wasn’t surprised by the lack of outreach from Trump, saying, “I think I understand where that’s at.”

Walz said he has spoken with Vice President JD Vance and was “grateful” for the call and had talked with former President Joe Biden, Harris and Ford.

“I’m always open to, you know, people expressing gratitude. Vice President Vance assured us, and he delivered, that the FBI would be there as partners with us to get it done,” Walz said. “That was what needed to be done.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday ruled out calling Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shooting-dozens-targeted-d3d7866c09765fac088e6418e49ad811">the targeted shootings of two state lawmakers</a>, saying that to do so would “waste time.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump says there is no need to waste time and call Tim Walz: “I don&#39;t wanna call him. The Governor of Minnesota is so whacked out. I could call him and say, &#39;Hi, how you doing?&#39; He&#39;s a mess. I could be nice and call him, but why waste time?” <a href="https://t.co/ZCWMfLxwlJ">pic.twitter.com/ZCWMfLxwlJ</a>&mdash; Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1934962836293259321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>One lawmaker and her husband were killed, and the second legislator and his wife sustained serious injuries in the shootings early Saturday. A suspect surrendered to police on Sunday.The Republican president spoke to reporters early Tuesday aboard Air Force One as he flew back to Washington after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-g7-carney-canada-trade-iran-75c17fffe96c9031d8ebb22af923d86c">abruptly leaving an international summit</a>&nbsp;in Canada because of rising tensions in the Middle East between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-missile-attacks-nuclear-news-tehran-trump-06-17-2025-3f08988b5e8fd375645967b6e22916f3">Israel and Iran</a>. Asked if he had called Walz yet, Trump said the Democratic governor is “slick” and “whacked out” and, “I’m not calling him.”Presidents often reach out to other elected officials, including governors and mayors, at times of tragedy, such as after mass killings or natural disasters, to offer condolences and, if needed, federal assistance.On the plane, Trump sounded uninterested in reaching out to Walz, who was the vice presidential running mate for 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump. During the campaign, Walz often branded Trump and other Republican politicians as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-walz-vp-weird-trump-gen-z-f9d718890c3ca907f42dba5934075382">“just weird.”</a>“I don’t really call him. He’s slick — he appointed this guy to a position,” Trump said. “I think the governor of Minnesota is so whacked out. I’m not calling him. why would I call him?“I could call him and say, ‘Hi, how you doing?’” Trump continued. “The guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a, he’s a mess. So, you know, I could be nice and call him but why waste time?”Trump’s mention of “this guy” being appointed to a position appeared to be a reference to Vance Boelter, the suspect who surrendered to police after a nearly two-day manhunt in Minnesota.Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-hortman-d5b1788f4ad91c00e5b5b1c24707f2ce">former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman</a>, records show. Hoffman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs. It was unclear if or how well Hoffman and Boelter knew each other.Friends and former colleagues interviewed by The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-shootings-lawmakers-suspect-21b2165404bc66f77dd5e0e36efeb065">describe Boelter as a devout Christian</a>&nbsp;who attended an evangelical church and went to campaign rallies for Trump.Authorities say Boelter also shot state Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, injuring them at their residence about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) away. Federal prosecutors charged Boelter with murder and stalking, which could result in a death sentence if convicted. His lead attorney has declined to comment.On Monday, Walz posted a message of thanks on social media to Ontario Premier Doug Ford for his call expressing condolences to the Hortman family and the people of Minnesota.“In times of tragedy, I’m heartened when people of different views and even different nations can rally together around our shared humanity,” Walz wrote.In an interview Monday with Minnesota Public Radio, Walz said he wasn’t surprised by the lack of outreach from Trump, saying, “I think I understand where that’s at.”Walz said he has spoken with Vice President JD Vance and was “grateful” for the call and had talked with former President Joe Biden, Harris and Ford.“I’m always open to, you know, people expressing gratitude. Vice President Vance assured us, and he delivered, that the FBI would be there as partners with us to get it done,” Walz said. “That was what needed to be done.”

🎥 Why Trump won’t call Minnesota Gov. Walz after lawmaker shootings 

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer involved shooting in Johnson County.

Around 5:05 a.m., officers responded to a report of gunfire near 67th and Lackman in the city of Shawnee, according to a media release.

 No one was injured in the original call. When officers arrived to investigate and attempted to take a suspect into custody, the suspect fired several shots. An officer returned fire. No one was hurt, and the suspect was taken into custody. 

As part of standard procedure, the Johnson County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigative Team is investigating. Police did release the name of the suspect

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer involved shooting in Johnson County.Around 5:05 a.m., officers responded to a report of gunfire near 67th and Lackman in the city of Shawnee, according to a media release. No one was injured in the original call. When officers arrived to investigate and attempted to take a suspect into custody, the suspect fired several shots. An officer returned fire. No one was hurt, and the suspect was taken into custody. As part of standard procedure, the Johnson County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigative Team is investigating. Police did release the name of the suspect

Suspect jailed after Kansas officer-involved shooting

BUTLER COUNTY—Friends of three who died in a head-on crash Wednesday have established an online fundraiser to assist the family.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-families-after-tragic-loss-of-three-loved-ones">Click here to visit </a>the fundraiser

The accident occurred just after 10p.m. Wednesday in Butler County.

According to Butler County Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff, investigators and a witness indicated a Chevrolet pick-up was eastbound on U.S. Highway 400 in rural Leon Kansas. The Chevrolet pickup crossed into oncoming traffic, and struck a westbound Toyota Tacoma driven by 46-year-old Eliot Eichbaucher of Wichita, head-on. 

The witness told deputies that the Chevrolet truck had been weaving back and forth on the highway just prior to the crash.

&nbsp;Eichbauer and both of his passengers, 19-year-old Arlo Eichbauer and 16-year-old Silas Eichbauer, both of Wichita were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to Cundiff.

Arlo Eichbauer is Eliot Eichbauer’s son and Silas Eichbauer is Eliot’s nephew, according to Cundiff.&nbsp; According to the fundraiser, they were returning from a trip to New Orleans, Florida and Tennessee.

The three occupants of the Chevrolet truck were all transported to a Wichita area hospital with severe injuries. This crash is still under investigation and alcohol is believed to be a factor.

&nbsp;Butler County Sheriff’s Deputies, Leon Fire, Butler County EMS and Augusta Fire responded to the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749817987755.png" alt="Photos GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photos GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Friends of three who died in a head-on crash Wednesday have established an online fundraiser to assist the family.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-families-after-tragic-loss-of-three-loved-ones">Click here to visit </a>the fundraiserThe accident occurred just after 10p.m. Wednesday in Butler County.According to Butler County Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff, investigators and a witness indicated a Chevrolet pick-up was eastbound on U.S. Highway 400 in rural Leon Kansas. The Chevrolet pickup crossed into oncoming traffic, and struck a westbound Toyota Tacoma driven by 46-year-old Eliot Eichbaucher of Wichita, head-on. The witness told deputies that the Chevrolet truck had been weaving back and forth on the highway just prior to the crash.&nbsp;Eichbauer and both of his passengers, 19-year-old Arlo Eichbauer and 16-year-old Silas Eichbauer, both of Wichita were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to Cundiff.Arlo Eichbauer is Eliot Eichbauer’s son and Silas Eichbauer is Eliot’s nephew, according to Cundiff.&nbsp; According to the fundraiser, they were returning from a trip to New Orleans, Florida and Tennessee.The three occupants of the Chevrolet truck were all transported to a Wichita area hospital with severe injuries. This crash is still under investigation and alcohol is believed to be a factor.&nbsp;Butler County Sheriff’s Deputies, Leon Fire, Butler County EMS and Augusta Fire responded to the scene.

Family: Victims in fatal Kan. crash were returning from vacation

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – a senior member of the Senate Commerce and Appropriations Committees – and Senator Jeanne Shaheen – a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees – are leading a bipartisan congressional delegation in France to participate in the Paris Air Show, which will is underway through June 22 and features aerospace and defense manufacturers from Kansas, New Hampshire and across the United States. 

Sens. Moran and Shaheen have led bipartisan congressional delegations to Europe for the Paris and Farnborough air shows since 2023 to highlight these capabilities.

“The United States is the leader in aircraft manufacturing with many of the planes and parts passing through the Air Capital of the World,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Last year, Kansas had its largest representation at the Farnborough Air Show, and I look forward to surpassing those numbers this year at the Paris Air Show where we will showcase the United States’ leadership in the aerospace and defense industries. I’m pleased to co-lead a congressional delegation with Senator Shaheen to the air show and defense forum to demonstrate American innovation and manufacturing excellence and engage with industry leaders from around the world. As China continues to exert its aggression on democratic countries and Russia prolongs its unjust war in Ukraine, the U.S. must partner with our allies to bolster our national security and promote economic partnerships.”

“The Paris Air Show is the world’s largest, and it marks an exciting opportunity for businesses across New Hampshire and New England to showcase their innovative capabilities on a global stage and connect with new markets,”&nbsp;said Sen. Shaheen.&nbsp;“New Hampshire is home to a robust defense and aerospace sector, and we take seriously our role in strengthening America’s national security and readiness. This know-how and our strong defense industrial base are particularly important right now as we confront rising threats from adversaries including China and Russia. Unfortunately, our manufacturers are experiencing severe disruptions as a result of this administration’s tariffs and our allies are questioning our commitment to mutual defense. That’s why it’s especially important for this bipartisan delegation to reaffirm that America remains a reliable, stable partner and that our capabilities remain unmatched – and that’s exactly what we intend to do.”

Joining Sens. Moran and Shaheen are U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.). A group of lawmakers from the House of Representatives will also join the senators as participants in the defense forum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750174883059.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – a senior member of the Senate Commerce and Appropriations Committees – and Senator Jeanne Shaheen – a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees – are leading a bipartisan congressional delegation in France to participate in the Paris Air Show, which will is underway through June 22 and features aerospace and defense manufacturers from Kansas, New Hampshire and across the United States. Sens. Moran and Shaheen have led bipartisan congressional delegations to Europe for the Paris and Farnborough air shows since 2023 to highlight these capabilities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🛩️ Loops, climbs, and chills. Today&#39;s flying displays delivered on every thrill ✨ See you tomorrow for another round of sky-high excitement at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAS25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAS25</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParisAirShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParisAirShow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyingDisplay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyingDisplay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AviationPassion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AviationPassion</a> <a href="https://t.co/izepwbYqN0">pic.twitter.com/izepwbYqN0</a>&mdash; Paris Air Show (@salondubourget) <a href="https://twitter.com/salondubourget/status/1934641261111042209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔊 Engines roar, wings slice through the sky. The flying demos are pure aviation adrenaline. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAS2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAS2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlightShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlightShow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParisAirShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParisAirShow</a> <a href="https://t.co/a49ml9jYh8">pic.twitter.com/a49ml9jYh8</a>&mdash; Paris Air Show (@salondubourget) <a href="https://twitter.com/salondubourget/status/1934572138310050256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The United States is the leader in aircraft manufacturing with many of the planes and parts passing through the Air Capital of the World,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Last year, Kansas had its largest representation at the Farnborough Air Show, and I look forward to surpassing those numbers this year at the Paris Air Show where we will showcase the United States’ leadership in the aerospace and defense industries. I’m pleased to co-lead a congressional delegation with Senator Shaheen to the air show and defense forum to demonstrate American innovation and manufacturing excellence and engage with industry leaders from around the world. As China continues to exert its aggression on democratic countries and Russia prolongs its unjust war in Ukraine, the U.S. must partner with our allies to bolster our national security and promote economic partnerships.”“The Paris Air Show is the world’s largest, and it marks an exciting opportunity for businesses across New Hampshire and New England to showcase their innovative capabilities on a global stage and connect with new markets,”&nbsp;said Sen. Shaheen.&nbsp;“New Hampshire is home to a robust defense and aerospace sector, and we take seriously our role in strengthening America’s national security and readiness. This know-how and our strong defense industrial base are particularly important right now as we confront rising threats from adversaries including China and Russia. Unfortunately, our manufacturers are experiencing severe disruptions as a result of this administration’s tariffs and our allies are questioning our commitment to mutual defense. That’s why it’s especially important for this bipartisan delegation to reaffirm that America remains a reliable, stable partner and that our capabilities remain unmatched – and that’s exactly what we intend to do.”Joining Sens. Moran and Shaheen are U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.). A group of lawmakers from the House of Representatives will also join the senators as participants in the defense forum.

Kansas U.S. Senator leading delegation to Paris Air Show

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/iwagener/">Izzy Wagener</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

Sophie and Colin Hortman, the children of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, issued a statement Monday calling on people to honor their parents’ legacy by doing “something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”

The Hortman children are grieving following the Saturday&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/14/minnesota-house-democratic-leader-dead-after-targeted-shooting-democratic-senator-also-shot/">killing</a>&nbsp;of their parents, in what has been called a political assassination. Rep. Melissa Hortman was a longtime Democratic-Farmer-Labor legislator beloved around the Capitol even as she scored major legislative victories.&nbsp;

“We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much,” the release said. “We want everyone to know that we are both safe and with loved ones. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, and we appreciate your respect for our family’s privacy as we grieve.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hortman children thanked law enforcement for their efforts, which led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/15/vance-boelter-accused-of-assassination-of-dfl-house-leader-melissa-hortman-apprehended/">arrest</a>&nbsp;of suspect Vance Boelter on Sunday night. Boelter also wounded Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, though they are on a path to recovery.&nbsp;

The Hortman children emphasized the legacy that their parents will leave behind.&nbsp;

“Our parents touched so many lives, and they leave behind an incredible legacy of dedication to their community that will live on in us, their friends, their colleagues and co-workers, and every single person who knew and loved them,” the release said.&nbsp;

The Hortmans asked that people do an act of kindness in the memory of their parents’ commitment to service, sharing a list of suggestions.

“The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”&nbsp;

They suggested planting a tree, telling a dad joke, and baking something to share — “bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa”.&nbsp;

“Pet a dog,” was on the list “A golden retriever is ideal but any will do.”&nbsp;

The Hortman family’s dog, a golden retriever named Gilbert, was euthanized after he was injured in the shooting. Hortman originally trained him as a service dog before he became a permanent member of the family.

Sophie and Colin Hortman ended the statement with a call to action.&nbsp;

“Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750172631971.jpeg" alt=" A growing memorial for Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband stands Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)" />
 <figcaption> A growing memorial for Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband stands Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/iwagener/">Izzy Wagener</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>Sophie and Colin Hortman, the children of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, issued a statement Monday calling on people to honor their parents’ legacy by doing “something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”The Hortman children are grieving following the Saturday&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/14/minnesota-house-democratic-leader-dead-after-targeted-shooting-democratic-senator-also-shot/">killing</a>&nbsp;of their parents, in what has been called a political assassination. Rep. Melissa Hortman was a longtime Democratic-Farmer-Labor legislator beloved around the Capitol even as she scored major legislative victories.&nbsp;“We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much,” the release said. “We want everyone to know that we are both safe and with loved ones. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, and we appreciate your respect for our family’s privacy as we grieve.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Hortman children thanked law enforcement for their efforts, which led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/15/vance-boelter-accused-of-assassination-of-dfl-house-leader-melissa-hortman-apprehended/">arrest</a>&nbsp;of suspect Vance Boelter on Sunday night. Boelter also wounded Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, though they are on a path to recovery.&nbsp;The Hortman children emphasized the legacy that their parents will leave behind.&nbsp;“Our parents touched so many lives, and they leave behind an incredible legacy of dedication to their community that will live on in us, their friends, their colleagues and co-workers, and every single person who knew and loved them,” the release said.&nbsp;The Hortmans asked that people do an act of kindness in the memory of their parents’ commitment to service, sharing a list of suggestions.“The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”&nbsp;They suggested planting a tree, telling a dad joke, and baking something to share — “bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa”.&nbsp;“Pet a dog,” was on the list “A golden retriever is ideal but any will do.”&nbsp;The Hortman family’s dog, a golden retriever named Gilbert, was euthanized after he was injured in the shooting. Hortman originally trained him as a service dog before he became a permanent member of the family.Sophie and Colin Hortman ended the statement with a call to action.&nbsp;“Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Children of Melissa and Mark Hortman release statement on their deaths

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspicious death at the scene of a house fire in Kansas City announced the case has been turned over to homicide detectives, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just after 8a.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to a reported house fire in the 1600 block of Elmwood in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews reported smoke showing from the single-story residence and initiated interior operations. During the search of the structure, fire crews discovered a victim and removed her from the home.

During the patient assessment it was determined that the victim was deceased due to injuries not related to the fire. The fire was brought under control and The Kansas City Police department along with Bomb and Arson detectives were ordered to the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KCPD crime scene investigators responded as well to process the scene for evidence.

&nbsp;Detectives continue to pursue all leads and encourage anyone with information to come forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750034093809.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspicious death at the scene of a house fire in Kansas City announced the case has been turned over to homicide detectives, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just after 8a.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to a reported house fire in the 1600 block of Elmwood in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750034453591.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Crews reported smoke showing from the single-story residence and initiated interior operations. During the search of the structure, fire crews discovered a victim and removed her from the home.During the patient assessment it was determined that the victim was deceased due to injuries not related to the fire. The fire was brought under control and The Kansas City Police department along with Bomb and Arson detectives were ordered to the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;KCPD crime scene investigators responded as well to process the scene for evidence.&nbsp;Detectives continue to pursue all leads and encourage anyone with information to come forward.

KCPD investigating woman's death at house fire as homicide

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate will gather behind closed doors Tuesday to hear from federal law enforcement officials about protection for lawmakers and the safety of their families, just days after a gunman said to be posing as a police officer targeted state lawmakers in Minnesota.

The briefing from U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms follows years of increased funding for both entities as threats and attempted assassinations against members of Congress have become part of the job.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, said Monday on the floor that the suspected shooter had a list of more than 70 public officials he wanted to target, including several members of the Senate.

“My highest priority right now is working with the Senate leadership on both sides, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police, to ensure everyone’s safety,” Schumer said. “This weekend I asked Capitol Police and the Sergeant at Arms to increase security for members, including Sen. (Alex) Padilla and the Minnesota senators.”

California Sen. Padilla moved to the forefront of the public debate about immigration and deportations last week when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-us-sen-alex-padilla-california-cuffed-shoved-out-noem-press-event" target="_blank">forcibly removed from a press conference</a>&nbsp;after trying to ask Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question while she was still speaking.

Schumer said the briefing would be an opportunity for USCP and the SAA to “convey what they’re doing for members to keep them safe.”

He urged senators to “come together” to oppose political violence in all forms, before criticizing Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee for social media posts. Lee made&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/1934262175582822629" target="_blank">two</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/1934268603676647646" target="_blank">posts</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/us/politics/mike-lee-minnesota-assassination-democrats.html" target="_blank">drew condemnation.</a>

“I was deeply disappointed and sickened to see a member of this chamber use the tragedy in Minnesota to take cheap political shots at the other side on social media and risk escalating a perilous moment,” Schumer said. “What the senior senator from Utah posted after the shooting was reckless and beneath the dignity of his office.

“For a senator to fan the flames of division with falsities while the killer was still on the loose is deeply irresponsible. He should take down his post immediately and apologize to the families of the victims.”

On&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMikeLee/status/1934348952197116157" target="_blank">another social media account</a>, Lee wrote, “These hateful attacks have no place in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America.”

Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Sunday during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/sen-rand-paul-says-it-s-not-the-u-s-s-job-to-be-involved-in-israel-iran-conflict-full-interview-241621061772" target="_blank">an interview</a>&nbsp;on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the attack on the two state lawmakers and their spouses was clearly motivated by politics.

Klobuchar said she has received additional security and that she was concerned about the possibility of more attacks against lawmakers.

“I have had threats before, as several of our colleagues have had,” Klobuchar said. “And I think one of the things is, we don’t talk about this stuff much because you don’t want to see copycats that copy exactly what they’ve done.”

The suspected gunman, who&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/15/vance-boelter-accused-of-assassination-of-dfl-house-leader-melissa-hortman-apprehended/" target="_blank">was arrested Sunday</a>&nbsp;following a manhunt, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/16/boelter-faces-state-and-federal-murder-charges-death-penalty-possible/" target="_blank">charged by both state and federal prosecutors</a>&nbsp;with murdering state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and attempting to kill state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.

The suspect&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/16/feds-boelter-stopped-at-two-other-lawmakers-homes/" target="_blank">went to the homes of at least two other state lawmakers and had a list</a>&nbsp;of Democratic lawmakers’ home addresses as well as abortion providers, according to police.

Lawmakers disclose they were on list of targets

The U.S. House won’t receive a security briefing this week since its members are out of session on a district work period, typically a time when lawmakers are back in their communities for town halls and other public events, though the shooting has led some members to change their schedules.

Michigan Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten announced Monday she would postpone her town hall in Muskegon, writing in a statement she didn’t want to “divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time.”

“Nothing matters more to me than the safety and well-being of the people I serve,” Scholten wrote. “After being made aware that my name was on a list connected to the recent tragic shooting in Minnesota, my office has made the difficult decision to postpone our planned town hall in Muskegon.”

Scholten added she hoped to “reschedule this event as soon as possible.”

Ohio Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman released a statement on Monday, announcing that USCP bolstered his security after his name was found among the suspected Minnesota shooter’s possessions.

“On Sunday morning, Capitol Police contacted my office to inform me that the FBI had found my name among the evidence collected during the search for a suspect in Minnesota — who is accused of murdering and seriously injuring lawmakers,” Landsman wrote. “Since the suspect was still at large at that time, we worked very closely with the Cincinnati Police Department to arrange for increased security for my family and me.”

Texas Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar wrote in a statement posted to social media that she was among the people the suspected Minnesota shooter had on his list.

“This was only a day after protestors were shot in Utah, an extremist drove a car into protests in Virginia, credible threats were made against state lawmakers in Austin and a man pointed a gun at protestors here in El Paso,” Escobar wrote.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Democratic Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, ranking member on the Committee on House Administration, wrote to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Monday, urging him to take action to ensure members’ safety.&nbsp;

“While we differ in many areas related to policy and our vision for America’s future, Member safety must be an area of common ground. Representatives from both sides of the aisle have endured assassination attempts that changed their lives and careers forever,” the two wrote. “Too many other patriotic public servants have left Congress because they no longer felt safe carrying out their duty as elected officials. We must act to protect each other and preserve this great American institution.”

Members of Congress and their families are no strangers to threats, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-capitol-police-chief-details-700-threats-against-members-congress-one-month" target="_blank">have steadily risen for years,</a>&nbsp;attacks and shootings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750124727119.png" alt="Photo U.S. Capitol Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Capitol Police</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate will gather behind closed doors Tuesday to hear from federal law enforcement officials about protection for lawmakers and the safety of their families, just days after a gunman said to be posing as a police officer targeted state lawmakers in Minnesota.The briefing from U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms follows years of increased funding for both entities as threats and attempted assassinations against members of Congress have become part of the job.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, said Monday on the floor that the suspected shooter had a list of more than 70 public officials he wanted to target, including several members of the Senate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750124701988.png" alt="Photo U.S. Capitol Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Capitol Police</figcaption>
 </figure>“My highest priority right now is working with the Senate leadership on both sides, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police, to ensure everyone’s safety,” Schumer said. “This weekend I asked Capitol Police and the Sergeant at Arms to increase security for members, including Sen. (Alex) Padilla and the Minnesota senators.”California Sen. Padilla moved to the forefront of the public debate about immigration and deportations last week when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-us-sen-alex-padilla-california-cuffed-shoved-out-noem-press-event" target="_blank">forcibly removed from a press conference</a>&nbsp;after trying to ask Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question while she was still speaking.Schumer said the briefing would be an opportunity for USCP and the SAA to “convey what they’re doing for members to keep them safe.”He urged senators to “come together” to oppose political violence in all forms, before criticizing Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee for social media posts. Lee made&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/1934262175582822629" target="_blank">two</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/1934268603676647646" target="_blank">posts</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/us/politics/mike-lee-minnesota-assassination-democrats.html" target="_blank">drew condemnation.</a>“I was deeply disappointed and sickened to see a member of this chamber use the tragedy in Minnesota to take cheap political shots at the other side on social media and risk escalating a perilous moment,” Schumer said. “What the senior senator from Utah posted after the shooting was reckless and beneath the dignity of his office.“For a senator to fan the flames of division with falsities while the killer was still on the loose is deeply irresponsible. He should take down his post immediately and apologize to the families of the victims.”On&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMikeLee/status/1934348952197116157" target="_blank">another social media account</a>, Lee wrote, “These hateful attacks have no place in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America.”<h2>Suspect faces state and federal charges</h2>Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Sunday during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/sen-rand-paul-says-it-s-not-the-u-s-s-job-to-be-involved-in-israel-iran-conflict-full-interview-241621061772" target="_blank">an interview</a>&nbsp;on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the attack on the two state lawmakers and their spouses was clearly motivated by politics.Klobuchar said she has received additional security and that she was concerned about the possibility of more attacks against lawmakers.“I have had threats before, as several of our colleagues have had,” Klobuchar said. “And I think one of the things is, we don’t talk about this stuff much because you don’t want to see copycats that copy exactly what they’ve done.”The suspected gunman, who&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/15/vance-boelter-accused-of-assassination-of-dfl-house-leader-melissa-hortman-apprehended/" target="_blank">was arrested Sunday</a>&nbsp;following a manhunt, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/16/boelter-faces-state-and-federal-murder-charges-death-penalty-possible/" target="_blank">charged by both state and federal prosecutors</a>&nbsp;with murdering state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and attempting to kill state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.The suspect&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/16/feds-boelter-stopped-at-two-other-lawmakers-homes/" target="_blank">went to the homes of at least two other state lawmakers and had a list</a>&nbsp;of Democratic lawmakers’ home addresses as well as abortion providers, according to police.<h2>Lawmakers disclose they were on list of targets</h2>The U.S. House won’t receive a security briefing this week since its members are out of session on a district work period, typically a time when lawmakers are back in their communities for town halls and other public events, though the shooting has led some members to change their schedules.Michigan Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten announced Monday she would postpone her town hall in Muskegon, writing in a statement she didn’t want to “divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time.”“Nothing matters more to me than the safety and well-being of the people I serve,” Scholten wrote. “After being made aware that my name was on a list connected to the recent tragic shooting in Minnesota, my office has made the difficult decision to postpone our planned town hall in Muskegon.”Scholten added she hoped to “reschedule this event as soon as possible.”Ohio Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman released a statement on Monday, announcing that USCP bolstered his security after his name was found among the suspected Minnesota shooter’s possessions.“On Sunday morning, Capitol Police contacted my office to inform me that the FBI had found my name among the evidence collected during the search for a suspect in Minnesota — who is accused of murdering and seriously injuring lawmakers,” Landsman wrote. “Since the suspect was still at large at that time, we worked very closely with the Cincinnati Police Department to arrange for increased security for my family and me.”Texas Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar wrote in a statement posted to social media that she was among the people the suspected Minnesota shooter had on his list.“This was only a day after protestors were shot in Utah, an extremist drove a car into protests in Virginia, credible threats were made against state lawmakers in Austin and a man pointed a gun at protestors here in El Paso,” Escobar wrote.House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Democratic Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, ranking member on the Committee on House Administration, wrote to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Monday, urging him to take action to ensure members’ safety.&nbsp;“While we differ in many areas related to policy and our vision for America’s future, Member safety must be an area of common ground. Representatives from both sides of the aisle have endured assassination attempts that changed their lives and careers forever,” the two wrote. “Too many other patriotic public servants have left Congress because they no longer felt safe carrying out their duty as elected officials. We must act to protect each other and preserve this great American institution.”<h2>Threats on the rise over the years</h2>Members of Congress and their families are no strangers to threats, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-capitol-police-chief-details-700-threats-against-members-congress-one-month" target="_blank">have steadily risen for years,</a>&nbsp;attacks and shootings.Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/man-who-attacked-speaker-pelosis-husband-wanted-break-her-kneecaps-doj-says" target="_blank">attacked in their family home</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco in October 2022 by a man wielding a hammer, who was searching for Pelosi, a California Democrat.House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La, was shot and severely wounded in 2017 when a gunman opened fire at GOP lawmakers practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Several others were injured during the shooting.Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords survived being shot in the head during a constituent meeting in a grocery store parking lot in 2011 when a gunman opened fire, killing six people and injuring a dozen others.Even President Donald Trump, who has extensive Secret Service protection,&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">was shot in the ear</a>&nbsp;last July while campaigning in Pennsylvania. The gunman in that incident killed local fireman Corey Comperatore and injured two others.The union representing U.S. Capitol Police&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-capitol-police-union-says-not-enough-done-improve-security-after-jan-6-attack" target="_blank">warned more than a year ago&nbsp;</a>that the federal law enforcement agency was struggling to keep up amid an increasingly hostile political environment and staffing shortages.“We’ve never seen a threat environment like this,” union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou wrote in a statement. “Given the profound divisions in this country and this year’s elections, people ask me if I’m concerned and I tell them I am worried — very worried.”Former USCP Chief Thomas Manger, who retired earlier this year, told lawmakers well before the union’s public statement that he was concerned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/more-7500-threats-against-members-congress-2022-just-22-prosecuted" target="_blank">how few threats against members of Congress were actually prosecuted&nbsp;</a>successfully.<h2>Few threats led to prosecution</h2>Klobuchar, who was chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee at the time of the hearing, said USCP referred 458 threat cases for prosecution during 2021, with 40 of those leading to a court case. That was out of 9,625 total threats.Just 22 of the 7,501 threats lobbed at members during 2022 led to prosecution, a USCP spokesperson confirmed to States Newsroom at the time.Threats against lawmakers have continued to increase ever since.USCP investigated 8,008 “concerning statements and direct threats against the Members of Congress, including their families and staff” in 2023 and 9,474 in 2024, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases/uscp-threat-assessment-cases-2024" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;from USCP.&nbsp;