International
Trump’s attacker used a drone to obtain aerial images of the rally enclosure
The man who tried to kill the former president and Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, Donald Trump, used a drone to obtain images of areas of the rally site before the event began last Saturday, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The Journal, which cites security officials informed of the matter, says that Trump’s attacker, Thomas Crooks, used the drone with a “scheduled flight route” over the area where the event was going to be held in Butler (Pennsylvania) hours earlier and that the route suggests that he blew up the aircraft more than once.
The information, which reflects the important security flaws in the organization of the political meeting, is added to other details of the attack that have been leaked with a eyer ear, while the FBI leads the main investigation into the two great unknowns of the attack: what motivated Crooks to shoot Trump and how he managed to do it.
After a meeting between members of the FBI and the Secret Service with congressmen last Wednesday, details have been known about the history of searches on the attacker’s devices, which included Trump and the president, Joe Biden, and the upcoming public interventions of the two, among other things.
According to CNN, investigators also found a photo on his phone of Ethan Crumbley, the minor perpetrator of a shooting at a school in Michigan in 2021, which left four students dead and seven injured, and data about his parents, convicted of involuntary homicide.
On the day of the attack, according to ABC, the Secret Service snipers saw Crooks on the roof of the building from which he fired 20 minutes before he did it, and the security forces had identified him as a person of interest an hour earlier and even observed that he used a rangefinder.
Crooks, 20, was killed by the snipers seconds after he shot Trump while he was talking on stage; the former president came out unharmed with barely one wound in his right ear, while one person from the public died and two others were seriously injured.
Next Monday, the director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, is scheduled to testify before a committee of the United States Congress.
International
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
Up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to an assessment released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.
The organization said the projections are based on available population data and damage assessments, and include up to two million people living in Caracas, the country’s capital.
The estimates highlight the potentially massive humanitarian impact of the disaster, the IOM warned.
Entire buildings collapsed in La Guaira, a coastal area north of Caracas, following the powerful twin earthquakes that reached magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday.
The national death toll has risen to 920, while rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath the rubble in coastal regions and other affected areas.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told AFP on Friday that more than 50,000 people were reported missing.
The IOM also revealed that it worked with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence laboratory on an initial satellite mapping analysis, which showed that 31.5% of buildings in the town of Catia La Mar had suffered damage.
Authorities and international rescue teams continue operations as Venezuela faces one of its largest humanitarian emergencies in recent years.
International
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country and highlighted the ongoing coordination between UN humanitarian teams and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Speaking during the UN’s daily press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
“The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Dujarric stated.
Venezuela was struck on Wednesday by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. According to official figures, the disaster has left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Dujarric noted that preliminary reports indicate significant damage across several states, including the capital, Caracas. Numerous casualties have been reported, while other individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or are still missing.
“Critical infrastructure has been damaged and essential services have been disrupted,” the spokesperson said.
The United Nations confirmed that its humanitarian team remains in close contact with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other relevant authorities as emergency operations continue.
To support relief efforts, the UN has established a coordination center in Caracas and is assisting local authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Guterres also welcomed the expressions of solidarity and offers of assistance from countries around the world that responded following news of the disaster, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian emergency.
International
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, said on Thursday that the “hemispheric community” stands ready to provide “full support” to Venezuela and its people following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country overnight, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Speaking at the conclusion of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin expressed solidarity not only with Venezuela but also with Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba, where the tremors were also felt.
“Above all, our thoughts are with these peoples,” he said during his remarks.
Ramdin noted that while many details about the disaster are still emerging, countries across the hemisphere are prepared to assist Venezuela as it responds to the crisis.
“Much remains unknown at this stage, but the hemispheric community will be ready to support the people of Venezuela during this very difficult time,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s commitment to helping those affected.
According to updated information released by the Venezuelan government, the powerful earthquakes have been followed by at least 30 aftershocks. Authorities have also reported extensive structural damage, including numerous building collapses in La Guaira, the area considered hardest hit by the disaster.
Rescue efforts are currently focused on La Guaira, where emergency teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
International4 days agoCristiano Ronaldo Makes History as First Player to Score in Six World Cups
-
Central America3 days agoEl Salvador and Chile Mark 150 Years of Relations With Expanded Bilateral Cooperation
-
International3 days agoUnited Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
-
International3 days agoWHO Expects Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship to End by July 2
-
International3 days agoOAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
-
International3 days agoBill Gates Says Jeffrey Epstein Made “Veiled” Threats Over Extramarital Affairs
-
International4 days agoU.S. Proposes Higher Citizenship Fees and Limits on Immigration Fee Waivers
-
Central America4 days agoCosta Rica Launches Largest Police Operation in History, Dismantles Major Drug Cartel
-
International10 hours agoUN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people