LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — President Donald Trump says Elon Musk will be looking at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-domestic-news-domestic-news-d0e1efce41bb42ba9cdf1f34dc3f7e5c">Fort Knox</a>, the legendary depository in Kentucky for American gold reserves, to make sure the gold is still there.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says there is an audit every year and that “all the gold is present and accounted for.”

The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox has stored precious metal bullion reserves for the United States since 1937 and has become synonymous for secure and well protected. Along with protecting gold reserves, Fort Knox is currently also used as the Army's human resources command center, and it hosts the Army's largest annual training event each summer.

The Army post is about 35 miles south of Louisville and encompasses 109,000 acres in three Kentucky counties — Bullitt, Hardin, and Mead.

Camp Knox was established during World War I and became an artillery training center, according to the Army post's website. It was made a permanent installation in 1932 and has been known since then as Fort Knox. The first gold arrived at Fort Knox in 1937 with the 1st Cavalry Regiment called on to guard the shipment.

With the outbreak of World War II in Europe, the Army created the Armored Force at Fort Knox, and thousands of soldiers were ordered there and introduced to the tank. For nearly 80 years, the post was known as the “Home of Cavalry and Armor.”

In 2005, the Army decided to move the Armor Center and School to Fort Benning, Georgia, and the Human Resource Command Center of Excellence was established at Fort Knox. In 2013, ROTC Cadet Summer Training was consolidated at Fort Knox. The post hosts the Army's largest annual training event each summer.

According to the U.S. Mint, current gold holdings at the US Bullion Depository at Fort Knox are 147.3 million ounces. About half of the Treasury’s stored gold is kept at Fort Knox.

Has the gold ever been removed? The Mint says only very small quantities have been removed to test the purity of the gold during regularly scheduled audits. Except for these samples, no gold has been transferred to or from the depository for many years. The gold's book value is $42.22 per ounce.

The depository is very secure. The actual structure and content of the facility is known by only a few, and no one person knows all the procedures to open the vault.

What is known publicly is that the facility was built in 1936 using 16,000 cubic feet of granite, 4,200 cubic yards of concrete, 750 tons of reinforcing steel and 670 tons of structural steel. The facility is heavily guarded and has broken its strict policy of not allowing visitors only three times.

Has anyone been allowed to see the gold reserves?

In 1974, the US Mint opened the vaults to a group of journalists and a congressional delegation so they could see the gold reserves. The Treasury secretary allowed the visit after persistent rumors that the gold had been removed. Until then, the only person other than authorized personnel to access the vaults was President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Since then, the vaults have been opened one other time: In 2017, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin visited with Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and congressional representatives. Current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he would happily arrange an inspection for any senator who is interested in seeing the vaults.

The gold depository at Fort Knox has a reputation for being impenetrable, which has gained it a place in popular culture. As early as 1952, a Looney Tunes cartoon featured Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam digging for gold Fort Knox. Fort Knox has also been featured in the plot of movies such as the 1964 James Bond spy thriller “Goldfinger” and the 1981 comedy “Stripes,” which was partially filmed at the post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087191250.png" alt="President Trump on Air Force One: "We're going to go to Fort Knox, the fabled Fort Knox, to make sure the gold is there. If there gold isn't there, we're going to be very upset."" />
 <figcaption>President Trump on Air Force One: "We're going to go to Fort Knox, the fabled Fort Knox, to make sure the gold is there. If there gold isn't there, we're going to be very upset."</figcaption>
 </figure>LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — President Donald Trump says Elon Musk will be looking at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-domestic-news-domestic-news-d0e1efce41bb42ba9cdf1f34dc3f7e5c">Fort Knox</a>, the legendary depository in Kentucky for American gold reserves, to make sure the gold is still there.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump on Air Force One: &quot;We&#39;re going to go to Fort Knox, the fabled Fort Knox, to make sure the gold is there. If there gold isn&#39;t there, we&#39;re going to be very upset.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sujfQRLLDY">pic.twitter.com/sujfQRLLDY</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1892426998221279378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says there is an audit every year and that “all the gold is present and accounted for.”The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox has stored precious metal bullion reserves for the United States since 1937 and has become synonymous for secure and well protected. Along with protecting gold reserves, Fort Knox is currently also used as the Army's human resources command center, and it hosts the Army's largest annual training event each summer.<h2>Fort Knox history and location</h2>The Army post is about 35 miles south of Louisville and encompasses 109,000 acres in three Kentucky counties — Bullitt, Hardin, and Mead.Camp Knox was established during World War I and became an artillery training center, according to the Army post's website. It was made a permanent installation in 1932 and has been known since then as Fort Knox. The first gold arrived at Fort Knox in 1937 with the 1st Cavalry Regiment called on to guard the shipment.With the outbreak of World War II in Europe, the Army created the Armored Force at Fort Knox, and thousands of soldiers were ordered there and introduced to the tank. For nearly 80 years, the post was known as the “Home of Cavalry and Armor.”In 2005, the Army decided to move the Armor Center and School to Fort Benning, Georgia, and the Human Resource Command Center of Excellence was established at Fort Knox. In 2013, ROTC Cadet Summer Training was consolidated at Fort Knox. The post hosts the Army's largest annual training event each summer.<h2>How much gold is stored at Fort Knox</h2>According to the U.S. Mint, current gold holdings at the US Bullion Depository at Fort Knox are 147.3 million ounces. About half of the Treasury’s stored gold is kept at Fort Knox.Has the gold ever been removed? The Mint says only very small quantities have been removed to test the purity of the gold during regularly scheduled audits. Except for these samples, no gold has been transferred to or from the depository for many years. The gold's book value is $42.22 per ounce.<h2>Just how secure is Fort Knox</h2>The depository is very secure. The actual structure and content of the facility is known by only a few, and no one person knows all the procedures to open the vault.What is known publicly is that the facility was built in 1936 using 16,000 cubic feet of granite, 4,200 cubic yards of concrete, 750 tons of reinforcing steel and 670 tons of structural steel. The facility is heavily guarded and has broken its strict policy of not allowing visitors only three times.<h2>Has anyone been allowed to see the gold reserves?</h2>In 1974, the US Mint opened the vaults to a group of journalists and a congressional delegation so they could see the gold reserves. The Treasury secretary allowed the visit after persistent rumors that the gold had been removed. Until then, the only person other than authorized personnel to access the vaults was President Franklin D. Roosevelt.Since then, the vaults have been opened one other time: In 2017, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin visited with Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and congressional representatives. Current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he would happily arrange an inspection for any senator who is interested in seeing the vaults.<h2>Fort Knox in popular lexicon</h2>The gold depository at Fort Knox has a reputation for being impenetrable, which has gained it a place in popular culture. As early as 1952, a Looney Tunes cartoon featured Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam digging for gold Fort Knox. Fort Knox has also been featured in the plot of movies such as the 1964 James Bond spy thriller “Goldfinger” and the 1981 comedy “Stripes,” which was partially filmed at the post.

🎥Trump: We're going to check the Fort Knox gold depository

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/thenderson/">TIM HENDERSON</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

Many policies are symbolic, meant to reassure residents that the city isn’t taking part in immigration enforcement.

Even as the Trump administration criticizes state and local sanctuary policies as an impediment to its deportation aims, officials touting the policies are finding there isn’t much they can do to prevent immigration arrests.

Some states and counties are nonetheless defending their sanctuary policies as a way to slow arrests, especially for purely immigration-related offenses, and to assure residents that local leaders are not taking part in the Trump administration’s deportation plans.

Localities in Connecticut, Oregon and Washington joined a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2025/02/07/san-francisco-leads-lawsuit-protecting-sanctuary-jurisdictions-from-illegal-federal-overreach/" target="_blank">February lawsuit</a>&nbsp;led by the city and county of San Francisco and Santa Clara County in California against a Trump administration executive order calling for defunding cities with sanctuary policies, calling the order “illegal and authoritarian.” California is also&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/justice/2024/12/sanctuary-cities-san-diego-letter/" target="_blank">preparing to defend</a>&nbsp;its state policies limiting cooperation with immigration authorities, based on a 2017 law that withstood a court challenge under the first Trump administration.

The laws under scrutiny generally limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The policies either prevent local officials from holding prisoners for immigration arrests or, alternatively, from notifying immigration authorities what time prisoners will be released, so federal agents can arrest them on immigration charges that could lead to deportation. There are generally exceptions for some serious crimes.

Chicago, Philadelphia and Seattle — all high-profile sanctuary locations — are among the cities that have seen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/are-cities-ice-raids-are-taking-place-rcna189390" target="_blank">Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests</a>.

ICE can always find other ways to arrest a person, but it’s harder without local cooperation.

“You’re adding to the time and expense and resources ICE needs,” said Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst for the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank devoted to immigration policy.

She noted a 2018&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cato.org/blog/california-trust-act-reduced-deportations" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the CATO Institute, a libertarian think tank, suggesting that deportations fell in California after a 2013 law limited cooperation with ICE for minor and immigration crimes, though they later rose again.

“There is suggestive evidence that sanctuary policies reduce deportations but many reasons to also be skeptical of big effects,” the report concluded.

Most deportation arrests happen when ICE agents get fingerprint records from jails, whether run by city governments or independently elected sheriffs as they are in many counties, and identify people subject to court deportation orders. All jails regardless of sanctuary policy send the fingerprints for federal background checks during the booking process.

Still, federal officials complain that sanctuary policies can force them to arrest people on the street where it’s more dangerous and time-consuming than a transfer of custody inside a jail.

That happened recently in heavily Democratic Tompkins County in upstate New York, where the county and the city of Ithaca reaffirmed their sanctuary policies after criticism by the Trump administration.

A man who had been held in the county’s jail since 2023 was released on a judge’s order in late January, before ICE agents could arrive to arrest him for deportation. Several agencies, including state police, later arrested him in a parking lot in a show of force, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://cnycentral.com/news/local/federal-government-challenges-ithacas-sanctuary-city-policy-with-arrest" target="_blank">local press accounts</a>.

The 27-year-old man, a citizen of Mexico, had been identified for deportation in early January because he had returned to the United States after being deported seven times in 2016. He pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting a police officer and a jail guard and was sentenced to time served.

After the ICE arrest, acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove criticized the county, writing in a Jan. 30&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/violent-illegal-alien-arrested-after-release-local-jail-despite-federal-arrest-warrant" target="_blank">statement</a>: “We will use every tool at our disposal to prevent sanctuary city policies from impeding and obstructing lawful federal operations designed to make America safe again.”

Tompkins County Attorney Maury Josephson, in a statement to Stateline, called Bove’s statement “false and offensive.” Josephson wrote that the sheriff, Derek Osborne, had notified ICE about the prisoner’s release and that federal agents “had every opportunity to come to the jail to obtain the individual in question without any need for a pursuit or other incident.”

Many sanctuary policies are mostly symbolic, meant to assure residents that the city isn’t taking part in federal immigration enforcement. Many policies say city employees will not ask about immigration status when people seek services.

Some sanctuary policies can help indirectly fight deportations by providing legal help and advice for immigrants on how to respond to questions from federal agents, said Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock, a supervisory policy and practice counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

“There have been some steps forward in creating an immigration public defender system, but it’s not available at the federal level yet,” Ibañez Whitlock said. That can make it tricky when an immigration prisoner is moved to another state for detention, and they could lose their legal representation, she said.

Sanctuary policies also aim to improve public safety by assuring immigrants it’s safe for them to report and help investigate crimes. Often the policies forbid asking questions about immigration status for people seeking services.

“For us it’s simple. We are striving to create a culture of trust and security within our communities so that our residents know that they can come to the county when they are in need or when they can be of help,” said Tony LoPresti, county counsel for Santa Clara County, California, during a news conference announcing the San Francisco lawsuit this month.

“That includes feeling safe coming to local law enforcement to report crimes or to participate in investigations without fearing that they or their loved ones face deportation,” LoPresti added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740147958319.png" alt="U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest a man from Venezuela in Miami in February after a wire fraud conviction. As the Trump administration attacks local sanctuary policies, some states and local governments continue to do what little they can to protect some immigrants from deportation. (Courtesy of Miami ICE Enforcement &amp; Removal Operations office)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest a man from Venezuela in Miami in February after a wire fraud conviction. As the Trump administration attacks local sanctuary policies, some states and local governments continue to do what little they can to protect some immigrants from deportation. (Courtesy of Miami ICE Enforcement &amp; Removal Operations office)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/thenderson/">TIM HENDERSON</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a><h2>Many policies are symbolic, meant to reassure residents that the city isn’t taking part in immigration enforcement.</h2>Even as the Trump administration criticizes state and local sanctuary policies as an impediment to its deportation aims, officials touting the policies are finding there isn’t much they can do to prevent immigration arrests.Some states and counties are nonetheless defending their sanctuary policies as a way to slow arrests, especially for purely immigration-related offenses, and to assure residents that local leaders are not taking part in the Trump administration’s deportation plans.Localities in Connecticut, Oregon and Washington joined a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2025/02/07/san-francisco-leads-lawsuit-protecting-sanctuary-jurisdictions-from-illegal-federal-overreach/" target="_blank">February lawsuit</a>&nbsp;led by the city and county of San Francisco and Santa Clara County in California against a Trump administration executive order calling for defunding cities with sanctuary policies, calling the order “illegal and authoritarian.” California is also&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/justice/2024/12/sanctuary-cities-san-diego-letter/" target="_blank">preparing to defend</a>&nbsp;its state policies limiting cooperation with immigration authorities, based on a 2017 law that withstood a court challenge under the first Trump administration.The laws under scrutiny generally limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The policies either prevent local officials from holding prisoners for immigration arrests or, alternatively, from notifying immigration authorities what time prisoners will be released, so federal agents can arrest them on immigration charges that could lead to deportation. There are generally exceptions for some serious crimes.Chicago, Philadelphia and Seattle — all high-profile sanctuary locations — are among the cities that have seen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/are-cities-ice-raids-are-taking-place-rcna189390" target="_blank">Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests</a>.ICE can always find other ways to arrest a person, but it’s harder without local cooperation.“You’re adding to the time and expense and resources ICE needs,” said Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst for the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank devoted to immigration policy.She noted a 2018&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cato.org/blog/california-trust-act-reduced-deportations" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the CATO Institute, a libertarian think tank, suggesting that deportations fell in California after a 2013 law limited cooperation with ICE for minor and immigration crimes, though they later rose again.“There is suggestive evidence that sanctuary policies reduce deportations but many reasons to also be skeptical of big effects,” the report concluded.Most deportation arrests happen when ICE agents get fingerprint records from jails, whether run by city governments or independently elected sheriffs as they are in many counties, and identify people subject to court deportation orders. All jails regardless of sanctuary policy send the fingerprints for federal background checks during the booking process.Still, federal officials complain that sanctuary policies can force them to arrest people on the street where it’s more dangerous and time-consuming than a transfer of custody inside a jail.That happened recently in heavily Democratic Tompkins County in upstate New York, where the county and the city of Ithaca reaffirmed their sanctuary policies after criticism by the Trump administration.A man who had been held in the county’s jail since 2023 was released on a judge’s order in late January, before ICE agents could arrive to arrest him for deportation. Several agencies, including state police, later arrested him in a parking lot in a show of force, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://cnycentral.com/news/local/federal-government-challenges-ithacas-sanctuary-city-policy-with-arrest" target="_blank">local press accounts</a>.The 27-year-old man, a citizen of Mexico, had been identified for deportation in early January because he had returned to the United States after being deported seven times in 2016. He pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting a police officer and a jail guard and was sentenced to time served.After the ICE arrest, acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove criticized the county, writing in a Jan. 30&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/violent-illegal-alien-arrested-after-release-local-jail-despite-federal-arrest-warrant" target="_blank">statement</a>: “We will use every tool at our disposal to prevent sanctuary city policies from impeding and obstructing lawful federal operations designed to make America safe again.”Tompkins County Attorney Maury Josephson, in a statement to Stateline, called Bove’s statement “false and offensive.” Josephson wrote that the sheriff, Derek Osborne, had notified ICE about the prisoner’s release and that federal agents “had every opportunity to come to the jail to obtain the individual in question without any need for a pursuit or other incident.”Many sanctuary policies are mostly symbolic, meant to assure residents that the city isn’t taking part in federal immigration enforcement. Many policies say city employees will not ask about immigration status when people seek services.Some sanctuary policies can help indirectly fight deportations by providing legal help and advice for immigrants on how to respond to questions from federal agents, said Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock, a supervisory policy and practice counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.“There have been some steps forward in creating an immigration public defender system, but it’s not available at the federal level yet,” Ibañez Whitlock said. That can make it tricky when an immigration prisoner is moved to another state for detention, and they could lose their legal representation, she said.Sanctuary policies also aim to improve public safety by assuring immigrants it’s safe for them to report and help investigate crimes. Often the policies forbid asking questions about immigration status for people seeking services.“For us it’s simple. We are striving to create a culture of trust and security within our communities so that our residents know that they can come to the county when they are in need or when they can be of help,” said Tony LoPresti, county counsel for Santa Clara County, California, during a news conference announcing the San Francisco lawsuit this month.“That includes feeling safe coming to local law enforcement to report crimes or to participate in investigations without fearing that they or their loved ones face deportation,” LoPresti added.

Even sanctuary policies can’t stop ICE arrests

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

Just after 3p.m. Feb. 20, police responded to the area of the 3400 Block of SE Indiana Avenue in Topeka for the report of a stabbing.

First responders located two individuals with non-life threatening injuries. These individuals were transported by ambulance to a local area hospital.

A short time later, an individual believed to be involved in the incident was located in the area. This individual, later identified as 58-year-old Bruce A. Bryant of Topeka was taken into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives.&nbsp;

As a result of the investigation, Bryant was arrested and booked into theShawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740138279238.png" alt="Bryant photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Bryant photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.Just after 3p.m. Feb. 20, police responded to the area of the 3400 Block of SE Indiana Avenue in Topeka for the report of a stabbing.First responders located two individuals with non-life threatening injuries. These individuals were transported by ambulance to a local area hospital.A short time later, an individual believed to be involved in the incident was located in the area. This individual, later identified as 58-year-old Bruce A. Bryant of Topeka was taken into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives.&nbsp;As a result of the investigation, Bryant was arrested and booked into theShawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.

Kansas man jailed for knife attack that hospitalized 2 victims

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump abruptly fired Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday, sidelining a history-making fighter pilot and respected officer as part of a campaign led by his defense secretary to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-diversity-pentagon-list-602477b6e80641b53f4f9b640a14f4ce">rid the military of leaders who support diversity</a>&nbsp;and equity in the ranks.

The ouster of Brown, only the second Black general to serve as chairman, is sure to send shock waves through the Pentagon. His 16 months in the job had been consumed with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the expanded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">conflict in the Middle East</a>.

“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family,” Trump posted on social media.

Brown’s public support of Black Lives Matter after the police killing of George Floyd had made him fodder for the administration's wars against “wokeism” in the military. His ouster is the latest upheaval at the Pentagon, which plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-job-cuts-trump-doge-31e3ed62f5f35a5e5a4a07fd8708232f">cut 5,400 civilian probationary workers</a>&nbsp;starting next week and identify $50 billion in programs that could be cut next year to redirect those savings to fund Trump’s priorities.

Trump said he's nominating retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine to be the next chairman. Caine is a career F-16 pilot who served on active duty and in the National Guard, and was most recently the associate director for military affairs at the CIA, according to his military biography.

Caine’s military service includes combat roles in Iraq, special operations postings and positions inside some of the Pentagon’s most classified special access programs.

However, he has not had key assignments identified in law as prerequisites for the job, including serving as either the vice chairman, a combatant commander or a service chief. That requirement could be waived if the “president determines such action is necessary in the national interest.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a statement praising both Caine and Brown, announced the firings of two additional senior officers: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Jim Slife.

Franchetti becomes the second top female military officer to be fired by the Trump administration. Trump fired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-united-states-alejandro-mayorkas-us-coast-guard-government-and-politics-8b589577fa03f04f3ce096e2bbf98928">Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan</a>&nbsp;just a day after he was sworn in.

A surface warfare officer, Franchetti has commanded at all levels, heading U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Korea. She was the second woman ever to be promoted to four-star admiral, and she did multiple deployments, including as commander of a naval destroyer and two stints as aircraft carrier strike group commander.

Slife led Air Force Special Operations Command prior to becoming the service's vice chief of staff and had deployed to the Middle East and Afghanistan.

Trump has asserted his executive authority in a much stronger way in his second term, removing most officials from the Biden administration even though many of those positions are meant to carry over from one administration to the next.

The chairman role was established in 1949 as an adviser to the president and secretary of defense, as a way to filter all of the views of the service chiefs and more readily provide that information to the White House without the president having to reach out to each individual military branch, according to an Atlantic Council briefing written by retired Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro. The role has no actual command authority.

Trump acted despite support for Brown among key members of Congress and a seemingly friendly meeting with him in mid-December, when the two were seated next to each other for a time at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-army-navy-football-penny-hegseth-desantis-85da138b3ac130b211afc414bf43514a">Army-Navy football game</a>.

The firing follows days of speculation after a list of officers, including Brown, to be fired was circulated on Capitol Hill — but notably was not sent via any formal notification to either of the Republican chairmen of the House or Senate armed services committees.

Sen. Roger Wicker, GOP chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, didn't mention Caine's name in a statement Friday.

“I thank Chairman Brown for his decades of honorable service to our nation,” Wicker said. “I am confident Secretary Hegseth and President Trump will select a qualified and capable successor for the critical position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”

Congressional Democratic leaders called out the firings as a direct attempt to politicize the military.

“A professional, apolitical military that is subordinate to the civilian government and supportive of the Constitution rather than a political party is essential to the survival of our democracy," Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement late Friday. “For the sake of our troops and the well-being of every American, elected leaders — especially Senate Republicans — must defend that enduring principle against corrosive attempts to remake the military into a partisan force.”

Brown’s future was called into question during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-hearing-senate-defense-pentagon-trump-37d0961eb63d824cae8d4478cb12e412">confirmation hearing for Hegseth</a>&nbsp;last month. Asked if he would fire Brown, Hegseth responded, “Every single senior officer will be reviewed based on meritocracy, standards, lethality and commitment to lawful orders they will be given.”

Hegseth had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-background-defense-secretary-confirmation-hearing-e160e10c86385a8beff110d9190fb34e">previously taken aim at Brown</a>. “First of all, you gotta fire, you know, you gotta fire the chairman of Joint Chiefs,” he said flatly in a podcast in November. And in one of his books, he questioned whether Brown got the job because he was Black.

“Was it because of his skin color? Or his skill? We’ll never know, but always doubt — which on its face seems unfair to CQ. But since he has made the race card one of his biggest calling cards, it doesn’t really much matter,” Hegseth wrote.

As he walked into the Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-hegseth-priorities-border-budget-3227111b703be8a90ad93da289784932">on his first day as defense chief</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 27, Hegseth was asked directly if he planned to fire Brown.

“I’m standing with him right now,” said Hegseth, patting Brown on the back. “Look forward to working with him.”

Brown, who spent Friday visiting troops at the U.S.-Mexico border, drew attention to himself for speaking out about the death of George Floyd in 2020. While he knew it was risky, he said, discussions with his wife and sons about the killing convinced him he needed to say something.

As protests roiled the nation, Brown posted a video message to the Air Force titled, “Here’s What I’m Thinking About.” He described the pressures that came with being one of the few Black men in his unit. He recalled pushing himself “to perform error-free” as a pilot and officer his whole life, but still facing bias. He said he’d been questioned about his credentials, even when he wore the same flight suit and wings as every other pilot.

Brown’s path to the chairmanship was troubled — he was among the more than 260 senior military officers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-military-promotion-tuberville-alabama-8269bbc6a8a7bbb0eabbbba6f1a27787">whose nominations were stalled for months</a>&nbsp;by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. But when the Senate vote was finally taken in September 2023, Brown easily was confirmed by a vote of 89-8.

It had been 30 years since Colin Powell became the first Black chairman, serving from 1989 to 1993. But while African Americans made up 17.2% of the 1.3 million active-duty service members, only 9% of officers were Black, according to a 2021 Defense Department report.

Brown’s service as chairman made history in that this was the first time that both the defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, and the Joint Chiefs chairman were Black.

However, he has not had key assignments identified in law as prerequisites for the job, including serving as either the vice chairman, as a combatant commander or a service chief. That requirement could be waived if the “president determines such action is necessary in the national interest.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738070098080.png" alt="File photo-Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. joined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on his first day of work at the Pentagon.-courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo-Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. joined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on his first day of work at the Pentagon.-courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump abruptly fired Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday, sidelining a history-making fighter pilot and respected officer as part of a campaign led by his defense secretary to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-diversity-pentagon-list-602477b6e80641b53f4f9b640a14f4ce">rid the military of leaders who support diversity</a>&nbsp;and equity in the ranks.The ouster of Brown, only the second Black general to serve as chairman, is sure to send shock waves through the Pentagon. His 16 months in the job had been consumed with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the expanded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">conflict in the Middle East</a>.“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family,” Trump posted on social media.Brown’s public support of Black Lives Matter after the police killing of George Floyd had made him fodder for the administration's wars against “wokeism” in the military. His ouster is the latest upheaval at the Pentagon, which plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-job-cuts-trump-doge-31e3ed62f5f35a5e5a4a07fd8708232f">cut 5,400 civilian probationary workers</a>&nbsp;starting next week and identify $50 billion in programs that could be cut next year to redirect those savings to fund Trump’s priorities.Trump said he's nominating retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine to be the next chairman. Caine is a career F-16 pilot who served on active duty and in the National Guard, and was most recently the associate director for military affairs at the CIA, according to his military biography.Caine’s military service includes combat roles in Iraq, special operations postings and positions inside some of the Pentagon’s most classified special access programs.However, he has not had key assignments identified in law as prerequisites for the job, including serving as either the vice chairman, a combatant commander or a service chief. That requirement could be waived if the “president determines such action is necessary in the national interest.”<h2>More Pentagon firings</h2>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a statement praising both Caine and Brown, announced the firings of two additional senior officers: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Jim Slife.Franchetti becomes the second top female military officer to be fired by the Trump administration. Trump fired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-united-states-alejandro-mayorkas-us-coast-guard-government-and-politics-8b589577fa03f04f3ce096e2bbf98928">Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan</a>&nbsp;just a day after he was sworn in.A surface warfare officer, Franchetti has commanded at all levels, heading U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Korea. She was the second woman ever to be promoted to four-star admiral, and she did multiple deployments, including as commander of a naval destroyer and two stints as aircraft carrier strike group commander.Slife led Air Force Special Operations Command prior to becoming the service's vice chief of staff and had deployed to the Middle East and Afghanistan.Trump has asserted his executive authority in a much stronger way in his second term, removing most officials from the Biden administration even though many of those positions are meant to carry over from one administration to the next.The chairman role was established in 1949 as an adviser to the president and secretary of defense, as a way to filter all of the views of the service chiefs and more readily provide that information to the White House without the president having to reach out to each individual military branch, according to an Atlantic Council briefing written by retired Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro. The role has no actual command authority.Trump acted despite support for Brown among key members of Congress and a seemingly friendly meeting with him in mid-December, when the two were seated next to each other for a time at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-army-navy-football-penny-hegseth-desantis-85da138b3ac130b211afc414bf43514a">Army-Navy football game</a>.The firing follows days of speculation after a list of officers, including Brown, to be fired was circulated on Capitol Hill — but notably was not sent via any formal notification to either of the Republican chairmen of the House or Senate armed services committees.Sen. Roger Wicker, GOP chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, didn't mention Caine's name in a statement Friday.“I thank Chairman Brown for his decades of honorable service to our nation,” Wicker said. “I am confident Secretary Hegseth and President Trump will select a qualified and capable successor for the critical position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”Congressional Democratic leaders called out the firings as a direct attempt to politicize the military.“A professional, apolitical military that is subordinate to the civilian government and supportive of the Constitution rather than a political party is essential to the survival of our democracy," Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement late Friday. “For the sake of our troops and the well-being of every American, elected leaders — especially Senate Republicans — must defend that enduring principle against corrosive attempts to remake the military into a partisan force.”<h2>Brown risked discussing race</h2>Brown’s future was called into question during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-hearing-senate-defense-pentagon-trump-37d0961eb63d824cae8d4478cb12e412">confirmation hearing for Hegseth</a>&nbsp;last month. Asked if he would fire Brown, Hegseth responded, “Every single senior officer will be reviewed based on meritocracy, standards, lethality and commitment to lawful orders they will be given.”Hegseth had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-background-defense-secretary-confirmation-hearing-e160e10c86385a8beff110d9190fb34e">previously taken aim at Brown</a>. “First of all, you gotta fire, you know, you gotta fire the chairman of Joint Chiefs,” he said flatly in a podcast in November. And in one of his books, he questioned whether Brown got the job because he was Black.“Was it because of his skin color? Or his skill? We’ll never know, but always doubt — which on its face seems unfair to CQ. But since he has made the race card one of his biggest calling cards, it doesn’t really much matter,” Hegseth wrote.As he walked into the Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-hegseth-priorities-border-budget-3227111b703be8a90ad93da289784932">on his first day as defense chief</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 27, Hegseth was asked directly if he planned to fire Brown.“I’m standing with him right now,” said Hegseth, patting Brown on the back. “Look forward to working with him.”Brown, who spent Friday visiting troops at the U.S.-Mexico border, drew attention to himself for speaking out about the death of George Floyd in 2020. While he knew it was risky, he said, discussions with his wife and sons about the killing convinced him he needed to say something.As protests roiled the nation, Brown posted a video message to the Air Force titled, “Here’s What I’m Thinking About.” He described the pressures that came with being one of the few Black men in his unit. He recalled pushing himself “to perform error-free” as a pilot and officer his whole life, but still facing bias. He said he’d been questioned about his credentials, even when he wore the same flight suit and wings as every other pilot.Brown’s path to the chairmanship was troubled — he was among the more than 260 senior military officers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-military-promotion-tuberville-alabama-8269bbc6a8a7bbb0eabbbba6f1a27787">whose nominations were stalled for months</a>&nbsp;by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. But when the Senate vote was finally taken in September 2023, Brown easily was confirmed by a vote of 89-8.It had been 30 years since Colin Powell became the first Black chairman, serving from 1989 to 1993. But while African Americans made up 17.2% of the 1.3 million active-duty service members, only 9% of officers were Black, according to a 2021 Defense Department report.Brown’s service as chairman made history in that this was the first time that both the defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, and the Joint Chiefs chairman were Black.--------------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump abruptly fired Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday, sidelining a history-making fighter pilot and respected officer as part of a campaign led by his defense secretary to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-diversity-pentagon-list-602477b6e80641b53f4f9b640a14f4ce">rid the military of leaders who support diversity</a>&nbsp;and equity in the ranks.The ouster of Brown, only the second Black general to serve as chairman, is sure to send shock waves through the Pentagon. His 16 months in the job had been consumed with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the expanded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">conflict in the Middle East</a>.“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family,” Trump posted on social media.Brown’s public support of Black Lives Matter after the police killing of George Floyd had made him fodder for the administration's wars against “wokeism” in the military. His ouster is the latest upheaval at the Pentagon, which plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-job-cuts-trump-doge-31e3ed62f5f35a5e5a4a07fd8708232f">cut 5,400 civilian probationary workers</a>&nbsp;starting next week and identify $50 billion in programs that could be cut next year to redirect those savings to fund Trump’s priorities.Trump said he's nominating retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine to be the next chairman. Caine is a career F-16 pilot who served on active duty and in the National Guard, and was most recently the associate director for military affairs at the CIA, according to his military biography.Caine’s military service includes combat roles in Iraq, special operations postings and positions inside some of the Pentagon’s most classified special access programs.However, he has not had key assignments identified in law as prerequisites for the job, including serving as either the vice chairman, as a combatant commander or a service chief. That requirement could be waived if the “president determines such action is necessary in the national interest.”Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a statement praising both Caine and Brown, announced the firings of two additional senior officers: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Jim Slife.Franchetti becomes the second top female military officer to be fired by the Trump administration. Trump fired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-united-states-alejandro-mayorkas-us-coast-guard-government-and-politics-8b589577fa03f04f3ce096e2bbf98928">Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan</a>&nbsp;just a day after he was sworn in.A surface warfare officer, Franchetti has commanded at all levels, heading U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Korea. She was the second woman ever to be promoted to four-star admiral, and she did multiple deployments, including as commander of a naval destroyer and two stints as aircraft carrier strike group commander.Slife led Air Force Special Operations Command prior to becoming the service's vice chief of staff and had deployed to the Middle East and Afghanistan.Trump has asserted his executive authority in a much stronger way in his second term, removing most officials from the Biden administration even though many of those positions are meant to carry over from one administration to the next.The chairman role was established in 1949 as an adviser to the president and secretary of defense, as a way to filter all of the views of the service chiefs and more readily provide that information to the White House without the president having to reach out to each individual military branch, according to an Atlantic Council briefing written by retired Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro. The role has no actual command authority.Trump acted despite support for Brown among key members of Congress and a seemingly friendly meeting with him in mid-December, when the two were seated next to each other for a time at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-army-navy-football-penny-hegseth-desantis-85da138b3ac130b211afc414bf43514a">Army-Navy football game</a>.Sen. Roger Wicker, GOP chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, didn't mention Caine's name in a statement Friday.“I thank Chairman Brown for his decades of honorable service to our nation,” Wicker said. “I am confident Secretary Hegseth and President Trump will select a qualified and capable successor for the critical position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”Brown’s future was called into question during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-hearing-senate-defense-pentagon-trump-37d0961eb63d824cae8d4478cb12e412">confirmation hearing for Hegseth</a>&nbsp;last month. Asked if he would fire Brown, Hegseth responded, “Every single senior officer will be reviewed based on meritocracy, standards, lethality and commitment to lawful orders they will be given.”Hegseth had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-background-defense-secretary-confirmation-hearing-e160e10c86385a8beff110d9190fb34e">previously taken aim at Brown</a>. “First of all, you gotta fire, you know, you gotta fire the chairman of Joint Chiefs,” he said flatly in a podcast in November. And in one of his books, he questioned whether Brown got the job because he was Black.“Was it because of his skin color? Or his skill? We’ll never know, but always doubt — which on its face seems unfair to CQ. But since he has made the race card one of his biggest calling cards, it doesn’t really much matter,” Hegseth wrote.As he walked into the Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-hegseth-priorities-border-budget-3227111b703be8a90ad93da289784932">on his first day as defense chief</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 27, Hegseth was asked directly if he planned to fire Brown.“I’m standing with him right now,” said Hegseth, patting Brown on the back. “Look forward to working with him.”Brown, who spent Friday visiting troops at the U.S.-Mexico border, drew attention to himself for speaking out about the death of George Floyd in 2020. While he knew it was risky, he said, discussions with his wife and sons about the killing convinced him he needed to say something.As protests roiled the nation, Brown posted a video message to the Air Force titled, “Here’s What I’m Thinking About.” He described the pressures that came with being one of the few Black men in his unit. He recalled pushing himself “to perform error-free” as a pilot and officer his whole life, but still facing bias. He said he’d been questioned about his credentials, even when he wore the same flight suit and wings as every other pilot.Brown’s path to the chairmanship was troubled — he was among the more than 260 senior military officers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-military-promotion-tuberville-alabama-8269bbc6a8a7bbb0eabbbba6f1a27787">whose nominations were stalled for months</a>&nbsp;by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. But when the Senate vote was finally taken in September 2023, Brown easily was confirmed by a vote of 89-8.It had been 30 years since Colin Powell became the first Black chairman, serving from 1989 to 1993. But while African Americans made up 17.2% of the 1.3 million active-duty service members, only 9% of officers were Black, according to a 2021 Defense Department report.Brown’s service as chairman made history in that this was the first time that both the defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, and the Joint Chiefs chairman were Black.

Trump fires chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and two other military officers

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for the death of a man who body was found in the truck of a car in August.

Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Daitrez Birch to 272 months for killing&nbsp;Kyce Barnes, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Christmas Eve, Birch pleaded guilty to&nbsp;second-degree murder, aggravated battery and desecration of remains.

Just after 8a.m. August 21, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a vacant lot located in the 8200 block of West Irving Street in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Officers were directed to a white four door Mercedes and discovered a victim later identified as Barnes in the trunk of the vehicle wrapped in blood-stained bedding with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. His remains were transported to the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner's Office for further examination.

During the investigation, detectives identified the Deluxe Motel at 8401 W. Kellogg Drive as the original crime scene.&nbsp;

Barnes had a long history of crime. He spent time in the Kansas Department of Corrections for drug convictions in Cowley County. He was released from prison in 2020.&nbsp; On August 20, police booked Barnes into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges that included possession of stolen property and drug possession, according to jail booking records. He was released from the Sedgwick County jail just after 3p.m. August 21.

Police in Wichita also arrested him in 2022 on requested charges of theft, violation of a protection order, domestic battery and failure to appear.&nbsp;

Officers responded the morning of August 21 to the report of a suspicious vehicle in a vacant lot near Kellogg and Tyler. Police were then directed to a white four-door Mercedes.

According to police, Barnes&nbsp;was found wrapped in blood-stained bedding with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. Investigators later identified the&nbsp;Delux Inn at 8401 West Kellogg Drive as the crime scene.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kake.com/home/3rd-suspect-charged-in-case-of-wichita-man-found-dead-in-trunk-of-car/article_bef5449e-7688-11ef-b73b-4f86f2c2ec24.html" target="_blank">Two other people</a>, Taryn Bowman and Demetrius Hill, were charged with&nbsp;concealing, altering or destroying evidence. Hill's case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in April, court records show. Bowman pleaded guilty last week and was sentenced to a year of probation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724266152157.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for the death of a man who body was found in the truck of a car in August.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724854691982.png" alt="Birch-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Birch-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Daitrez Birch to 272 months for killing&nbsp;Kyce Barnes, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On Christmas Eve, Birch pleaded guilty to&nbsp;second-degree murder, aggravated battery and desecration of remains.Just after 8a.m. August 21, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a vacant lot located in the 8200 block of West Irving Street in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.Officers were directed to a white four door Mercedes and discovered a victim later identified as Barnes in the trunk of the vehicle wrapped in blood-stained bedding with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. His remains were transported to the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner's Office for further examination.During the investigation, detectives identified the Deluxe Motel at 8401 W. Kellogg Drive as the original crime scene.&nbsp;Barnes had a long history of crime. He spent time in the Kansas Department of Corrections for drug convictions in Cowley County. He was released from prison in 2020.&nbsp; On August 20, police booked Barnes into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges that included possession of stolen property and drug possession, according to jail booking records. He was released from the Sedgwick County jail just after 3p.m. August 21.Police in Wichita also arrested him in 2022 on requested charges of theft, violation of a protection order, domestic battery and failure to appear.&nbsp;Officers responded the morning of August 21 to the report of a suspicious vehicle in a vacant lot near Kellogg and Tyler. Police were then directed to a white four-door Mercedes.According to police, Barnes&nbsp;was found wrapped in blood-stained bedding with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. Investigators later identified the&nbsp;Delux Inn at 8401 West Kellogg Drive as the crime scene.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/home/3rd-suspect-charged-in-case-of-wichita-man-found-dead-in-trunk-of-car/article_bef5449e-7688-11ef-b73b-4f86f2c2ec24.html" target="_blank">Two other people</a>, Taryn Bowman and Demetrius Hill, were charged with&nbsp;concealing, altering or destroying evidence. Hill's case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in April, court records show. Bowman pleaded guilty last week and was sentenced to a year of probation.&nbsp;

Prison after Kansas man's body found in trunk of a Mercedes 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman charged with driving under the influence in a crash that killed a woman in 2024 is scheduled for another court appearance Friday.

Trisha Greer, 43, is scheduled an arraignment hearing Friday afternoon before Judge Sean Hatfield, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 11p.m. May 14, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.

Greet was booked into jail just after 1a.m. the following morning, according to online jail records. She&nbsp;is free on bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717510102482.png" alt="Greer-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Greer-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman charged with driving under the influence in a crash that killed a woman in 2024 is scheduled for another court appearance Friday.Trisha Greer, 43, is scheduled an arraignment hearing Friday afternoon before Judge Sean Hatfield, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 11p.m. May 14, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.Greet was booked into jail just after 1a.m. the following morning, according to online jail records. She&nbsp;is free on bond.

Woman charged in crash that killed Kan. teen is due back in court

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity and No Proof Of Insurance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime, Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K and Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740141728799.png" alt="Anguish, Brandon Alan" />
 <figcaption>Anguish, Brandon Alan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Anguish, Brandon AlanREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740141830397.png" alt="Brick ,Edmund Francis" />
 <figcaption>Brick ,Edmund Francis</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Brick, Edmund FrancisREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity and No Proof Of Insurance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740141884981.png" alt="Burke, Deonte Andrew" />
 <figcaption>Burke, Deonte Andrew</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Burke, Deonte AndrewREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740141927496.png" alt="Garrett, Michael Warren" />
 <figcaption>Garrett, Michael Warren</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Garrett, Michael WarrenREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime, Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K and Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740141979330.png" alt="League, Shawn Cedric" />
 <figcaption>League, Shawn Cedric</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;League, Shawn CedricREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740142036122.png" alt="Woodring, Juan Manual" />
 <figcaption>Woodring, Juan Manual</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Woodring, Juan ManualREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, Feb. 21

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 22-year-old man is in custody after police believe he shot another man Wednesday night while inside a car at Casey’s General Store, 1703 W. 6th Street in Lawrence, according to a statement from the Lawrence Police Department.

&nbsp;Seven people were in the car when the suspect was recklessly handling a gun and discharged it, striking the 23-year-old victim.

At least some members of the group then drove with the victim to the hospital and remained.  Others did not and hospital staff notified Lawrence Police about 11pm.

Police did not find the car at the hospital nor all seven people when they arrived. Police learned the car was likely headed to Eudora.  Eudora Police quickly found the car near 13th and Cherry Street with only the driver inside.

The investigation led officers to the suspect’s home in the 1100 block of W. 29th Terrace.  Officers monitored the home and were able to safely arrest the suspect about 2am. Investigators also recovered the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.

Police booked the suspect into Douglas County Correctional Facility and will forward the case to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 22-year-old man is in custody after police believe he shot another man Wednesday night while inside a car at Casey’s General Store, 1703 W. 6th Street in Lawrence, according to a statement from the Lawrence Police Department.&nbsp;Seven people were in the car when the suspect was recklessly handling a gun and discharged it, striking the 23-year-old victim.At least some members of the group then drove with the victim to the hospital and remained. Others did not and hospital staff notified Lawrence Police about 11pm.Police did not find the car at the hospital nor all seven people when they arrived. Police learned the car was likely headed to Eudora. Eudora Police quickly found the car near 13th and Cherry Street with only the driver inside.The investigation led officers to the suspect’s home in the 1100 block of W. 29th Terrace. Officers monitored the home and were able to safely arrest the suspect about 2am. Investigators also recovered the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.Police booked the suspect into Douglas County Correctional Facility and will forward the case to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Kan. man accused of recklessly handling gun while in a car

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday narrowly voted to confirm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-kash-patel-61610c5384536667eb112734465b0a19">Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;as director of the FBI, moving to place him atop the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency despite doubts from Democrats about his qualifications and concerns he will do Donald Trump's bidding and go after the Republican president's adversaries.

“I cannot imagine a worse choice," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., told colleagues before the 51-49 vote by the GOP-controlled Senate. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

 Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the lone Republican holdouts.

A Trump loyalist who has fiercely criticized the agency, Patel will inherit an FBI gripped by turmoil as the Justice Department over the past month has forced out a group of senior bureau officials and made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-justice-department-jan-6-ff003e46ea48c4e8be710d1ba2eb2d02">highly unusual demand for the names of thousands of agents</a>&nbsp;who participated in investigations related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Patel has spoken of his desire to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-trump-patel-fisa-russia-2d215ded96ad8a08689b6f7f0b2d49ec">implement major changes</a>&nbsp;at the FBI, including a reduced footprint at headquarters in Washington and a renewed emphasis on the bureau's traditional crime-fighting duties rather than the intelligence-gathering and national security work that has come to define its mandate over the past two decades. But he also echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/kash-patel-is-pushing-conspiracies-and-his-brand-hes-poised-to-help-lead-a-trump-administration/">Trump's desire for retribution</a>. Patel raised alarm among Democrats for saying before he was nominated that he would “come after” anti-Trump “conspirators” in the federal government and the media.

Republicans angry over what they see as law enforcement bias against conservatives during the Democratic Biden administration, as well as criminal investigations into Trump, have rallied behind Patel as the right person for the job.

“Mr. Patel wants to make the FBI accountable once again -– get back the reputation that the FBI has had historically for law enforcement,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said before Patel was confirmed. “He wants to hold the FBI accountable to Congress, to the president and, most importantly, to the people they serve — the American taxpayer.”

Democrats complained about Patel's lack of management experience compared with previous FBI directors and they highlighted incendiary past statements that they said called his judgment into question.

“I am absolutely sure of this one thing: this vote will haunt anyone who votes for him. They will rue the day they did it,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat.

He added: “To my Republican colleagues, think about what you will tell your constituents” and family “about why you became voted for this person who will so completely and utterly disgrace this office and do such grave damage to our nation’s justice system.”

About a half-dozen Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee gathered outside FBI headquarters earlier Thursday in a last-ditch plea to derail his confirmation.

“This is someone we cannot trust,” said Sen. Adam Schiff of California. “This is someone who lacks the character to do this job, someone who lacks the integrity to do this job. We know that, our Republican colleagues know that."

<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/kash-patels-podcast-persona-staunch-trump-defender-and-fierce-critic-of-the-fbi-he-could-soon-lead/">Patel's eyebrow-raising remarks</a>&nbsp;on hundreds of podcasts and in other interviews over the past four years include referring to law enforcement officials who investigated Trump as “criminal gangsters," saying some Jan. 6 rioters were “political prisoners” and proposing to shut down the FBI headquarters and turning it into a museum for the so-called deep state.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-patel-senate-f3465219e265df1598e15da3ad0e8a07">At his Senate hearing in January</a>, Patel said Democrats were taking some of his comments out of context or misunderstanding the broader point that he was trying to make. Patel has also denied the idea that a list in book he authored of government officials who he said were part of a “deep state” amounted to an “enemies list,” calling that a “total mischaracterization.”

FBI directors are given 10-year terms as a way to insulate them from political influence and keep them from becoming beholden to a particular president or administration. Patel was selected in November to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-wray-fbi-farewell-trump-patel-partisanship-afe159a6e112e68dd5319ceac905d517">Christopher Wray</a>, who was picked by Trump in 2017 and served for more than seven years but who repeatedly angered the president and was seen by him as insufficiently loyal. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wray-fbi-director-resign-trump-patel-ca7553c92819b5487ce12de252a5a543">resigned</a>&nbsp;before Trump took office.

Since Wray's resignation, the FBI has been led by interim leaders, who have clashed with the Justice Department over its demands for details about the agents who investigated the Capitol riot — a move seen as a possible prelude to broader firings. Patel denied having any knowledge of discussions about potential firings, but a letter from Durbin last week that cited information that he said had come from insiders suggested that Patel may have been covertly involved in that process.

Trump has said that he expects some of those agents will be fired.

Patel is a former federal defender and Justice Department counterterrorism prosecutor. He attracted Trump’s attention during the president's first term when, as a staffer on the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/af8b27485d7a42ad86b8bf7ad1d554bb">Patel helped write a memo with pointed criticism of the FBI’s investigation</a>&nbsp;into ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Patel later joined Trump’s administration, both as a counterterrorism official at the National Security Council and as chief of staff to the defense secretary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737910381416.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Patel during a December meeting -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Patel during a December meeting -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday narrowly voted to confirm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-kash-patel-61610c5384536667eb112734465b0a19">Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;as director of the FBI, moving to place him atop the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency despite doubts from Democrats about his qualifications and concerns he will do Donald Trump's bidding and go after the Republican president's adversaries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740068029916.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran met with Patel on Jan. 17-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran met with Patel on Jan. 17-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“I cannot imagine a worse choice," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., told colleagues before the 51-49 vote by the GOP-controlled Senate. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority. Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the lone Republican holdouts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740079258648.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, upper right) during the vote count Thursday afternoon-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, upper right) during the vote count Thursday afternoon-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>A Trump loyalist who has fiercely criticized the agency, Patel will inherit an FBI gripped by turmoil as the Justice Department over the past month has forced out a group of senior bureau officials and made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-justice-department-jan-6-ff003e46ea48c4e8be710d1ba2eb2d02">highly unusual demand for the names of thousands of agents</a>&nbsp;who participated in investigations related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740079232134.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (center) casting his vote for Patel-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (center) casting his vote for Patel-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">U.S. Senate CONFIRMS Kash Patel to be FBI Director, 51-49. <a href="https://t.co/xB2nrm8obk">pic.twitter.com/xB2nrm8obk</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1892657932623327599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Patel has spoken of his desire to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-trump-patel-fisa-russia-2d215ded96ad8a08689b6f7f0b2d49ec">implement major changes</a>&nbsp;at the FBI, including a reduced footprint at headquarters in Washington and a renewed emphasis on the bureau's traditional crime-fighting duties rather than the intelligence-gathering and national security work that has come to define its mandate over the past two decades. But he also echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/kash-patel-is-pushing-conspiracies-and-his-brand-hes-poised-to-help-lead-a-trump-administration/">Trump's desire for retribution</a>. Patel raised alarm among Democrats for saying before he was nominated that he would “come after” anti-Trump “conspirators” in the federal government and the media.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CONFIRMED 🇺🇸 Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/Kash_Patel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kash_Patel</a> on his confirmation as FBI Director. Kash is committed to transparency and fair application of justice — something Americans should expect from law enforcement agencies. We must end the weaponization of government and return the FBI…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1892657258481229855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans angry over what they see as law enforcement bias against conservatives during the Democratic Biden administration, as well as criminal investigations into Trump, have rallied behind Patel as the right person for the job.“Mr. Patel wants to make the FBI accountable once again -– get back the reputation that the FBI has had historically for law enforcement,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said before Patel was confirmed. “He wants to hold the FBI accountable to Congress, to the president and, most importantly, to the people they serve — the American taxpayer.”Democrats complained about Patel's lack of management experience compared with previous FBI directors and they highlighted incendiary past statements that they said called his judgment into question.“I am absolutely sure of this one thing: this vote will haunt anyone who votes for him. They will rue the day they did it,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat.He added: “To my Republican colleagues, think about what you will tell your constituents” and family “about why you became voted for this person who will so completely and utterly disgrace this office and do such grave damage to our nation’s justice system.”About a half-dozen Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee gathered outside FBI headquarters earlier Thursday in a last-ditch plea to derail his confirmation.“This is someone we cannot trust,” said Sen. Adam Schiff of California. “This is someone who lacks the character to do this job, someone who lacks the integrity to do this job. We know that, our Republican colleagues know that."<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/kash-patels-podcast-persona-staunch-trump-defender-and-fierce-critic-of-the-fbi-he-could-soon-lead/">Patel's eyebrow-raising remarks</a>&nbsp;on hundreds of podcasts and in other interviews over the past four years include referring to law enforcement officials who investigated Trump as “criminal gangsters," saying some Jan. 6 rioters were “political prisoners” and proposing to shut down the FBI headquarters and turning it into a museum for the so-called deep state.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-patel-senate-f3465219e265df1598e15da3ad0e8a07">At his Senate hearing in January</a>, Patel said Democrats were taking some of his comments out of context or misunderstanding the broader point that he was trying to make. Patel has also denied the idea that a list in book he authored of government officials who he said were part of a “deep state” amounted to an “enemies list,” calling that a “total mischaracterization.”FBI directors are given 10-year terms as a way to insulate them from political influence and keep them from becoming beholden to a particular president or administration. Patel was selected in November to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-wray-fbi-farewell-trump-patel-partisanship-afe159a6e112e68dd5319ceac905d517">Christopher Wray</a>, who was picked by Trump in 2017 and served for more than seven years but who repeatedly angered the president and was seen by him as insufficiently loyal. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wray-fbi-director-resign-trump-patel-ca7553c92819b5487ce12de252a5a543">resigned</a>&nbsp;before Trump took office.Since Wray's resignation, the FBI has been led by interim leaders, who have clashed with the Justice Department over its demands for details about the agents who investigated the Capitol riot — a move seen as a possible prelude to broader firings. Patel denied having any knowledge of discussions about potential firings, but a letter from Durbin last week that cited information that he said had come from insiders suggested that Patel may have been covertly involved in that process.Trump has said that he expects some of those agents will be fired.Patel is a former federal defender and Justice Department counterterrorism prosecutor. He attracted Trump’s attention during the president's first term when, as a staffer on the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/af8b27485d7a42ad86b8bf7ad1d554bb">Patel helped write a memo with pointed criticism of the FBI’s investigation</a>&nbsp;into ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign.Patel later joined Trump’s administration, both as a counterterrorism official at the National Security Council and as chief of staff to the defense secretary.

Moran, Marshall vote yes as Senate confirms Patel as FBI director

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity and Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving While Suspended

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740061783579.png" alt=" Jaimie-Felix, Miguel" />
 <figcaption> Jaimie-Felix, Miguel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Jaimie-Felix, MiguelREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity and Transporting an open container<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740061726730.png" alt="Gray, Brook Dalton" />
 <figcaption>Gray, Brook Dalton</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Gray, Brook DaltonREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Driving While Suspended<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740061861512.png" alt="Legette, Leonard Bryon" />
 <figcaption>Legette, Leonard Bryon</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Legette, Leonard BryonREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; &nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, Feb. 20

LABETTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a newborn baby from a hospital in Parsons.

Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to Labette Health following a report of an attempted kidnapping in progress, as reported by hospital security, according to a media release from Parsons Police.

Officers learned that hospital security had successfully intervened, preventing a suspect from leaving the hospital after trying to take a newborn baby who had not been discharged by medical staff. 

The suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Eric Matthews, was immediately detained as officers launched an investigation into the incident.

Officers reviewed video surveillance footage and interviewed multiple witnesses, confirming that Matthews had attempted to leave the Obstetrics Ward with a one-day-old infant without authorization. 

According to reports, a family member of the child confronted Matthews before he could exit the ward, stopping him from taking the baby. Hospital security then stepped in and held Matthews at the scene until law enforcement arrived.

The investigation revealed that Matthews was known to the family and has a reported history of drug use. Based on the evidence gathered, officers transported Matthews to the Parsons Police Department's lock-up facility, where he was booked on requested charges of Kidnapping and Child Endangerment.&nbsp;

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks commended both hospital staff and law enforcement for their swift and professional handling of the situation.

"We are incredibly fortunate that this incident was resolved peacefully and without harm to the child. The quick response from Labette Health security staff played a crucial role in ensuring the infant's safety. These situations can be unpredictable and volatile, but thanks to the diligence of those involved, this matter was contained before it could escalate further. We now allow the Labette County judicial system to proceed with the case and ensure justice is served."

The Parsons Police Department remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all residents, especially the most vulnerable members of the community. We strive to maintain partnership with all our medical professionals to continue this protection and safeguard the guardian mentality.

This continues to be an on-going investigation, and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspdks.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740015765703.png" alt="Matthews photo Labette County" />
 <figcaption>Matthews photo Labette County</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a newborn baby from a hospital in Parsons.Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, police responded to Labette Health following a report of an attempted kidnapping in progress, as reported by hospital security, according to a media release from Parsons Police.Officers learned that hospital security had successfully intervened, preventing a suspect from leaving the hospital after trying to take a newborn baby who had not been discharged by medical staff. The suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Eric Matthews, was immediately detained as officers launched an investigation into the incident.Officers reviewed video surveillance footage and interviewed multiple witnesses, confirming that Matthews had attempted to leave the Obstetrics Ward with a one-day-old infant without authorization. According to reports, a family member of the child confronted Matthews before he could exit the ward, stopping him from taking the baby. Hospital security then stepped in and held Matthews at the scene until law enforcement arrived.The investigation revealed that Matthews was known to the family and has a reported history of drug use. Based on the evidence gathered, officers transported Matthews to the Parsons Police Department's lock-up facility, where he was booked on requested charges of Kidnapping and Child Endangerment.&nbsp;Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks commended both hospital staff and law enforcement for their swift and professional handling of the situation."We are incredibly fortunate that this incident was resolved peacefully and without harm to the child. The quick response from Labette Health security staff played a crucial role in ensuring the infant's safety. These situations can be unpredictable and volatile, but thanks to the diligence of those involved, this matter was contained before it could escalate further. We now allow the Labette County judicial system to proceed with the case and ensure justice is served."The Parsons Police Department remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all residents, especially the most vulnerable members of the community. We strive to maintain partnership with all our medical professionals to continue this protection and safeguard the guardian mentality.This continues to be an on-going investigation, and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspdks.gov.

Police: Man attempted to kidnap newborn baby from Kan. hospital

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two Kansas men accused in a deadly gun fight made court appearances in the case Tuesday.

Sergio Clement Jr., 18 of Wichita, and Allen Griffin Jr., 22 of Wichita, are each charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Atorney's office.

Just before 6p.m.&nbsp; Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.

Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified males dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.

The 18-year-old identified as Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that he and Griffin were involved in the fatal shooting of Manuel Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.

&nbsp;Bond for Clement and for Griffin is one-million dollars. They are both due back in court March 3, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739445638977.png" alt="Clement was wounded in the gunfight." />
 <figcaption>Clement was wounded in the gunfight.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two Kansas men accused in a deadly gun fight made court appearances in the case Tuesday.Sergio Clement Jr., 18 of Wichita, and Allen Griffin Jr., 22 of Wichita, are each charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Atorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739446909301.png" alt="Griffin-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 6p.m.&nbsp; Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified males dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.The 18-year-old identified as Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that he and Griffin were involved in the fatal shooting of Manuel Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989718610.png" alt="Police are looking for a third suspect in the case. Prosecutors charged Johnson on Friday." />
 <figcaption>Police are looking for a third suspect in the case. Prosecutors charged Johnson on Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Bond for Clement and for Griffin is one-million dollars. They are both due back in court March 3, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

Man wounded in fatal Kan. gun fight charged with murder

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement investigating a fatal gun fight have two suspects in custody in connection with the crime and are asking the public for help to locate a third.

The Wichita Police Department is asking for information on the whereabouts of 20-year-old Jerry Johnson. On Friday, Johnson was charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office in reference to his involvement to a homicide that occurred on February 11.

Just before 6p.m. Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.

An 18-year-old identified as Sergio Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that Clement and 21-year-old Alan Griffin, Jr. were involved in the fatal shooting of Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or See Something Say Something at 316-519-2282.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement investigating a fatal gun fight have two suspects in custody in connection with the crime and are asking the public for help to locate a third.The Wichita Police Department is asking for information on the whereabouts of 20-year-old Jerry Johnson. On Friday, Johnson was charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office in reference to his involvement to a homicide that occurred on February 11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989718610.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 6p.m. Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified males dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.An 18-year-old identified as Sergio Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that Clement and 21-year-old Alan Griffin, Jr. were involved in the fatal shooting of Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or See Something Say Something at 316-519-2282.

Police ask for help to locate Kansas murder suspect

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Robbery and Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal littering; Public property, Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500 and Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740003509587.png" alt="Cardona Rodriguez, Hector" />
 <figcaption>Cardona Rodriguez, Hector</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Cardona Rodriguez, HectorREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Robbery and Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740003555082.png" alt="Carpenter, Sara Mae" />
 <figcaption>Carpenter, Sara Mae</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Carpenter, Sara MaeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal littering; Public property, Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500 and Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740003604850.png" alt="Howard, Justin Ian" />
 <figcaption>Howard, Justin Ian</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Howard, Justin IanREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740003640968.png" alt="Thompson, Jason Allen" />
 <figcaption>Thompson, Jason Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Thompson, Jason AllenREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation ViolationNo photo availableNAME:&nbsp;Arellano, Tomas ManuelREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Saline County Jail Bookings, Feb. 19

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspected drug dealer on new allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 9 p.m. February 16, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 2007 Chrysler Town &amp; Country minivan in the 700 block of NE Wabash Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.-

During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver had a suspended driver’s license and was wanted on a warrant out of the Kickapoo Tribal Reservation. A K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were also located.

Bertrand A. Wheaton, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for his warrant and requested charges of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Distribution or possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended and No vehicle liability insurance.&nbsp;

He has previous convictions for theft, making false writing, DUI and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739892529046.png" alt="Wheaton photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wheaton photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspected drug dealer on new allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 9 p.m. February 16, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 2007 Chrysler Town &amp; Country minivan in the 700 block of NE Wabash Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.-During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver had a suspended driver’s license and was wanted on a warrant out of the Kickapoo Tribal Reservation. A K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were also located.Bertrand A. Wheaton, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for his warrant and requested charges of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Distribution or possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended and No vehicle liability insurance.&nbsp;He has previous convictions for theft, making false writing, DUI and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Deputies arrest wanted Kansas felon for selling drugs

WASHINGTON (AP) — His group spent nearly $1 million on ads opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;pick to lead the nation's health agencies. He's delivering speeches urging the president to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-us-marc-fogel-prisoner-swap-98418693957b1fa0189ee8ac4e8b4f2d">stand with longstanding foreign allies</a>&nbsp;and lobbying members of Congress while aides write letters and opinion columns.

This weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Mike_Pence/status/1890887398461948057">he posted an article he penned more than a decade ago</a>&nbsp;on the limits of presidential power after&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114009179225169296">Trump claimed</a>&nbsp;that, “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-pence">Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;is emerging as one of the last Republicans in Washington willing to publicly criticize the new administration.

It's an especially jarring role for the former vice president, whose refusal to break with Trump defined their time together in office until the two had a falling out over Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-elections-voting-fraud-and-irregularities-2d39186996f69de245e59c966d4d140f">his efforts to remain in power</a>.

Pence and those who work with him at Advancing American Freedom, his political advocacy group, stress they are not looking to take on the “Never Trump" mantle. They intend to praise the administration when they agree with it, while raising concerns when they don't, advocating for longtime conservative principles that have fallen out of favor as Trump's “Make America Great Again” brand of populism has taken hold.

“We’re calling balls and strikes here,” Pence told The Associated Press.

Pence opposed Kennedy — who has since been confirmed as secretary of health and human services — due to Kennedy’s past comments voicing support for abortion rights. His group is now lobbying against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-labor-secretary-lori-chavez-deremer-decd9cff41794205bd06223f939f9e7b">Lori Chavez-DeRemer</a>, Trump's pick for labor secretary,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AmericanFreedom/status/1889826692493091262">accusing her of being pro-union</a>, and plans to spend the coming months pushing to increase military spending, shrink the deficit, and make permanent 2017 tax cuts, as well as trying to convince Trump to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-reciprocal-imports-tax-trade-economy-54c0a26687dc96157d96229068894720">stop slapping tariffs</a>&nbsp;on allies.

The AP recently sat down with Pence to discuss his efforts and his relationship with Trump — including a closely watched handshake at the funeral of President Jimmy Carter and his wife's lack of reaction as the 45th and 47th president took his seat.

Here is a transcript of that conversation, which has been lightly edited for space and clarity:

Q: What do you see as your role and the role of AAF over the next four years?

Pence: “To be an anchor to windward ... I came across that line I think in a Herman Melville book a long time ago.”

“The wind blows in the direction of more government. And I think it’s a role of conservatives to anchor the party so that when the wind blows, you put the anchor to windward so you stay grounded and hopefully do some small part to hold, you know, hold the ship of state on the principles that really minted my career in this movement.”

“A strong defense, to American leadership of the free world, limited government, fiscal responsibility, growth, the right to life, traditional values — those were the values that drew me to the Republican Party. And I still think that they are the timeless ideals of the party of Lincoln. And so I want to do my part, even as a former elected official, to use whatever remains of my bully pulpit to be a champion for those principles.”

Pence: “Well, for me, it’s always principles first. It’s not personal. I went to the inauguration last month and I was very moved in the outpouring of kind words and expressions of appreciation from former colleagues, including many members of the new administration who I encountered in hallways. And I saw Secretary of State (Marco) Rubio. I gave him a hug, told him how proud I was of him. We had praised him from here when he was selected. I must have seen about or interacted with about half the incoming Cabinet."

“We went to the Carter funeral. And the president and I had a very cordial exchange. You know, he was coming down the row in front of us at the National Cathedral and he said, ‘Hi, Mike.’ And I was standing up, extended my hand, and I said, ‘Congratulations, Mr. President.’ And I could see his countenance softened. And he said, ‘Thanks.’ And Melania reached out and I said, ‘Congratulations, Melania.’ And it was, you know, the people that know me know it’s not personal. I’ve long since forgiven the president for any differences that we had at the end of our administration. We still have those differences as the president still holds the view that, to my knowledge, that I had some authority that I did not have under the Constitution or laws of the country. But from my heart, I've prayed often for the president."

“And so, to answer your question, I think that the way we want to approach this is with integrity to principle. And I’m very encouraged. I think the Trump administration is off to a great start ... I’m very pleased about the president undoing Biden’s border policies and putting back into place the policies that we had negotiated and established that secured the border. But you know, with regard to the nomination of RFK ... for me, it would begin and end with the right to life ... I saw the nomination of an abortion rights supporter to be secretary of HHS to be a dramatic departure from 50 years of strong pro-life leadership at HHS under Republican administrations. So we thought it was important to speak out. And we got a lot of quiet encouragement about that."

“Well, we got a lot of quiet encouragement from people that, for whatever reason, didn't feel compelled to join us in that chorus. But I thought it was an important point for us to make. And, you know, we'll continue to be a champion."

Q: Why are Republicans so reluctant to speak out publicly?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736435328583.png" alt="As Trump went to his seat before the Jimmy Carter memorial service began, he shook hands with Mike Pence in a rare interaction with his former vice president. The two men had a falling out over Pence’s refusal to help Trump overturn his election defeat to Biden four years ago. -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>As Trump went to his seat before the Jimmy Carter memorial service began, he shook hands with Mike Pence in a rare interaction with his former vice president. The two men had a falling out over Pence’s refusal to help Trump overturn his election defeat to Biden four years ago. -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — His group spent nearly $1 million on ads opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;pick to lead the nation's health agencies. He's delivering speeches urging the president to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-us-marc-fogel-prisoner-swap-98418693957b1fa0189ee8ac4e8b4f2d">stand with longstanding foreign allies</a>&nbsp;and lobbying members of Congress while aides write letters and opinion columns.This weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Mike_Pence/status/1890887398461948057">he posted an article he penned more than a decade ago</a>&nbsp;on the limits of presidential power after&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114009179225169296">Trump claimed</a>&nbsp;that, “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.”<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-pence">Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;is emerging as one of the last Republicans in Washington willing to publicly criticize the new administration.It's an especially jarring role for the former vice president, whose refusal to break with Trump defined their time together in office until the two had a falling out over Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-elections-voting-fraud-and-irregularities-2d39186996f69de245e59c966d4d140f">his efforts to remain in power</a>.Pence and those who work with him at Advancing American Freedom, his political advocacy group, stress they are not looking to take on the “Never Trump" mantle. They intend to praise the administration when they agree with it, while raising concerns when they don't, advocating for longtime conservative principles that have fallen out of favor as Trump's “Make America Great Again” brand of populism has taken hold.“We’re calling balls and strikes here,” Pence told The Associated Press.Pence opposed Kennedy — who has since been confirmed as secretary of health and human services — due to Kennedy’s past comments voicing support for abortion rights. His group is now lobbying against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-labor-secretary-lori-chavez-deremer-decd9cff41794205bd06223f939f9e7b">Lori Chavez-DeRemer</a>, Trump's pick for labor secretary,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AmericanFreedom/status/1889826692493091262">accusing her of being pro-union</a>, and plans to spend the coming months pushing to increase military spending, shrink the deficit, and make permanent 2017 tax cuts, as well as trying to convince Trump to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-reciprocal-imports-tax-trade-economy-54c0a26687dc96157d96229068894720">stop slapping tariffs</a>&nbsp;on allies.The AP recently sat down with Pence to discuss his efforts and his relationship with Trump — including a closely watched handshake at the funeral of President Jimmy Carter and his wife's lack of reaction as the 45th and 47th president took his seat.Here is a transcript of that conversation, which has been lightly edited for space and clarity:<h2>Q: What do you see as your role and the role of AAF over the next four years?</h2>Pence: “To be an anchor to windward ... I came across that line I think in a Herman Melville book a long time ago.”“The wind blows in the direction of more government. And I think it’s a role of conservatives to anchor the party so that when the wind blows, you put the anchor to windward so you stay grounded and hopefully do some small part to hold, you know, hold the ship of state on the principles that really minted my career in this movement.”“A strong defense, to American leadership of the free world, limited government, fiscal responsibility, growth, the right to life, traditional values — those were the values that drew me to the Republican Party. And I still think that they are the timeless ideals of the party of Lincoln. And so I want to do my part, even as a former elected official, to use whatever remains of my bully pulpit to be a champion for those principles.”<h2>Q: How are you picking your battles?</h2>Pence: “Well, for me, it’s always principles first. It’s not personal. I went to the inauguration last month and I was very moved in the outpouring of kind words and expressions of appreciation from former colleagues, including many members of the new administration who I encountered in hallways. And I saw Secretary of State (Marco) Rubio. I gave him a hug, told him how proud I was of him. We had praised him from here when he was selected. I must have seen about or interacted with about half the incoming Cabinet."“We went to the Carter funeral. And the president and I had a very cordial exchange. You know, he was coming down the row in front of us at the National Cathedral and he said, ‘Hi, Mike.’ And I was standing up, extended my hand, and I said, ‘Congratulations, Mr. President.’ And I could see his countenance softened. And he said, ‘Thanks.’ And Melania reached out and I said, ‘Congratulations, Melania.’ And it was, you know, the people that know me know it’s not personal. I’ve long since forgiven the president for any differences that we had at the end of our administration. We still have those differences as the president still holds the view that, to my knowledge, that I had some authority that I did not have under the Constitution or laws of the country. But from my heart, I've prayed often for the president."“And so, to answer your question, I think that the way we want to approach this is with integrity to principle. And I’m very encouraged. I think the Trump administration is off to a great start ... I’m very pleased about the president undoing Biden’s border policies and putting back into place the policies that we had negotiated and established that secured the border. But you know, with regard to the nomination of RFK ... for me, it would begin and end with the right to life ... I saw the nomination of an abortion rights supporter to be secretary of HHS to be a dramatic departure from 50 years of strong pro-life leadership at HHS under Republican administrations. So we thought it was important to speak out. And we got a lot of quiet encouragement about that."<h2>Q: Quiet encouragement?</h2>“Well, we got a lot of quiet encouragement from people that, for whatever reason, didn't feel compelled to join us in that chorus. But I thought it was an important point for us to make. And, you know, we'll continue to be a champion."<h2>Q: Why are Republicans so reluctant to speak out publicly?</h2>Pence: “I never speculate on motives. You know, I’m not new to town. I’ve waged lonely battles before.”“But you know, you have to be willing to step out and lead. And my hope is that even in the wake of this fight that, you know, the Senate has worked its will, the president will get his choice at HHS. My hope is that when the next issue of life comes up, that people will have been encouraged, emboldened to know that they’re not alone.”<h2>Q: Is there support in the party for moving back in the direction that you'd like to see versus the populist, MAGA wing of the party that's ascendant?</h2>Pence: “Well now you hit it. Now you're on it. I don’t think — look, I think some of the prominent voices in the party have embraced a more populist thinking. I don’t believe the overwhelming majority of people that ever vote Republican think any differently than they thought during our administration when we hewed to a conservative agenda or the years before or since.""Let me give you one anecdote. So I'm at a town hall meeting when I’m running for president. And at the end of the town hall meeting — it was well-attended, it was in Iowa — a farmer walked up to me and he said, ‘It was a great town hall meeting. I agree with everything you say.’ You know, and I argued for — this was literally in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack. And I argued for strong American support for Israel, strong American leadership in the world, continued support for Ukraine in their fight and limited government and bringing about reforms to put our fiscal house in order and right to life.And this farmer says to me, he said, ‘I agree with absolutely everything you said.’ So I said, ‘Well, can I count on your vote?’ And he said, ‘No, I got to be for Trump this time.’ And he goes, ‘But I’ll see you in four years. You’re going to be a great president someday.’ I said, ‘Would you mind telling me, you know, why?’ And he said words I never forgot, which was in effect: He lamented Biden’s failed record. And I saw that he was drawn to the need for a rematch. And then he said, ‘Plus, if they can do that to a former president, they can do that to me.’ And the ‘lawfare’ stuff went into higher relief.“So I didn’t see in this last election a Republican Party that was embracing big government or a vision to pull back from America’s commitments on the world stage or marginalizing the right to life. I didn’t see that traveling all over the country and I still don’t see it. I think there were other factors that gave the former president a decided advantage in the election. He’d earned it. He’d won it. And then he won it in the fall. But I don’t think the party’s changed."<h2>Q: You mentioned the Carter funeral earlier. Tell me about your wife's reaction to the Trumps that day.</h2>(At the funeral, former second lady Karen Pence refused to acknowledge the then-president elect or shake Melania Trump’s hands — footage that ended up going viral online.)Pence: “My wife loves her husband. And I love my wife and I have great respect for her. And so — but I’ve been really moved at how many people around the country have thanked us both for that day."But again, you know, I want to emphasize, we’re eyes forward here. You know, I’d always thought the president was going to come around on the position he took on Jan. 6. If you read the end of my book, which I’d be flattered if you did, you’ll read we actually parted on very amicable terms, very good terms. But in the spring, when he returned to the rhetoric about how I could have done something that neither the Constitution nor the law would ever permit any vice president to do, then I just decided it was important to go our separate ways. But hope springs eternal. And we want to be a constructive force for the conservative agenda. I think that’s good for the administration. It’s good for the Congress. More importantly, it’s good for America.”