(New York, NY) – It was a busy weekend in the news with dueling Flag Day events and what authorities are calling a politically-motivated assassination. WABC has the top headlines you need to know heading into the week:
US Army Turns 250 and No Kings Day Rallies
In Washington DC, flags were flying as the US Army celebrated its 250th anniversary. President Donald Trump was in attendance, along with Vice President JD Vance. There was a re-enlistment ceremony followed by a special birthday address from President Trump, who turned 79. Trump touted the strength of the US military saying the first infantry of the American Revolution overcame impossible odds. The patriotic celebration was in stark contrast to the rest of the country where “No Kings Day” rallies were held in multiple cities. There were clashes with police at rallies in Los Angeles. One person opened fire at a rally in Utah, while two people drove cars into crowds of protesters.
Minnesota Lawmakers Shot
Two state lawmakers were shot in what police along with government officials have called a “targeted attack”. Former State House Speaker Melissa Hortman along with her husband were shot and killed at their own home. The suspect also shot at State Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their home. Authorities say 57-year old private security contractor, Vance Boelter, is the suspect wanted in both shootings. He posed as a police officer in what appears to be a latex mask to gain access to the homes. Police found him at the scene of the Hortman shooting where they recovered his SUV that resembles a cop car. Boelter got into a shootout with police and escaped on foot. A massive manhunt is ongoing.
Israeli Death Toll Climbs
World leaders are all keeping an eye on the tensions in the Middle East as Israel and Iran traded missile fire over the weekend. It began with a preemptive strike by Israel on Iran’s military and nuclear sites Thursday night. Iran returned with missiles breaking through Israel’s “iron dome” defense system. Israeli officials say 10 people were killed. Meanwhile Iranian authorities claim 78 people were killed by Israeli missiles. Oil prices have been seeing a steady rise since the start of the exchange.
Two of Four Escaped ICE Detainees Caught
At the Delaney Hall ICE Detention Center, four detainees made an escape on Thursday night after breaking down a wall and hopping a fence in the parking lot. The privately contracted site is also where several Democratic congress members and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka showed up to protest ICE operations. The Department of Homeland security is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Two of the four have been caught. Senator Andy Kim says that some other ICE detainees at Delaney Hall have been transferred to other detention centers.
Early Voting Begins in NYC
Early voting for the primaries started this weekend in New York. There are several competitive city council and borough president races, however most people have their attention focused on the mayor’s race. The Democratic primary is crowded with 9 candidates hoping to move into Gracie Mansion, but first they have to make it to the general election. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has been leading recent polls with Queen’s Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani closing the gap in second. Cuomo took some jabs at Mamdani over the weekend saying he lacks experience. Mamdani hosted a rally at Terminal 5 in Manhattan and was joined by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The winner of the primary will go on to face Republican candidate and founder of the Guardian Angels, Curtis Sliwa. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is also running for reelection as an Independent.
