Uvalde Massacre Government Spending $15k on Counseling for Border Patrol Agents
-
Exclusive
- 207 shares
The Uvalde massacre has traumatized the entire community ... and now we've learned the U.S. government is stepping in to offer mental health services -- to some members of law enforcement.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection earmarked a little over $15,000 for a mental health specialist to counsel Border Patrol agents who were present during the shooting.
The agency hired trauma expert Carrie A. Elk -- who runs a practice out of Florida. She'll be providing "psychological health training in response to the Uvalde TX School Shooting for Government personnel"... this according to federal procurement docs obtained by TMZ.
The exact amount USCBP dropped to bring Dr. Elk in ... $15,450. This will cover 6 days of therapy.
We spoke to Dr. Elk ... who wouldn't comment on specifics, but did tell us that she's often contracted by Border Patrol and the military to provide counseling after events like Uvalde.
It's unclear if Elk is doing one-on-one sessions with folks at Border Patrol -- whose agents ended up being the ones to take out the shooter in the slow-moving raid -- but she does say she'll often teach techniques to agents about how to identify emotional triggers, how to process painful memories and how to cope with trauma they experience on the job.
As you know, the response by law enforcement -- including Border Patrol agents -- has created national outrage over the 77-minute delay before the shooter was killed. In the process, he slaughtered 19 children and 2 teachers, and wounded a number of other students.
related articles
Trina Niece Shot And Killed In Miami
-
Exclusive
- 5.3K shares
Trina's family is reeling after the devastating loss of her niece, who was shot and killed in Miami ... TMZ has learned.
Sources close to Trina confirmed with TMZ that her niece, who the rapper endearingly referred to as Baby Suga, was killed Tuesday night ... telling us she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Law enforcement sources say it appears the teen was visiting the area, they're still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting to determine if the attack was random or targeted.
Suga and 2 other women sustained gunshot wounds during the incident ... the condition of the other 2 is not currently known.
A rep for Trina tells TMZ, "We kindly ask that everyone please respect the privacy of Trina and her family at this devastating time."
Baby Suga, whose real name was Toni Chester, was only 17.
RIP
related articles
'90 Day Fiance' Barber Featured on Show ... On Most Wanted List for Murder
A barber featured on "90 Day Fiancé" is on the run from an alleged murder case … and he’s now one of the country’s most wanted men.
Michael Anthony Baltimore landed on the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted list last month for what authorities say was a killing he commissioned in Carlisle, PA — where he allegedly shot and killed his barbershop boss, Kendell Cook, and injured another man in the process.
The agency says Baltimore is wanted for assault, homicide and parole violation charges — noting he has an extensive criminal history and should be considered armed and dangerous.
There are 3 different rewards being offered by just as many agencies … $25k, $10k and $2,000, respectively.
As for what exactly might’ve led up to the alleged shooting, local reports suggest Baltimore had been beefing with Cook for years … which is interesting, because they were depicted as chummy on the show.
Each of them was featured in a handful of episodes during 2019’s "90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?" fourth season -- as side characters -- where their friendly banter was filmed in the shop.
The couples on for that season were Jay and Ashley, Nicole and Azan, Chantel and Pedro, Colt and Larissa and others. Talk about a plot twist.
related articles
AC Milan's Tiemoue Bakayoko Police Defend Holding Soccer Star At Gunpoint ... In Viral Video
-
Breaking News
- 35 shares
Police in Milan are adamant they did nothing wrong when holding soccer star Tiemoue Bakayoko at gunpoint ... saying while the situation ended up being a "misunderstanding," they were in the midst of searching for someone allegedly involved in a shooting.
"With reference to the video released today, related to a police check carried out against the Milan player Tiemoue Bakayoko, we underline that the check -- occurred during an operation whose context justified the adoption of the highest security measures," police said in a statement to CNN.
Shocking footage of Milan’s Bakayoko in Milan’s downtown held at gunpoint by police cause taken for someone else.
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 18, 2022 @tancredipalmeri
Check when one of cop goes telling to the colleague searching him that it’s not the suspect but a Milan player, and the cop saying “WHO?!?”
pic.twitter.com/B0PTYiXnc5
Police said the search "was carried out in a manner that was absolutely consistent with the situation of danger" for "self-protection purposes."
"It was a misunderstanding, but colleagues behaved correctly," police said.
The incident involving 27-year-old Bakayoko -- who joined Milan on a two-year loan last summer -- happened about two weeks ago, but went under the radar until video of the incident went viral on social media Monday.
On Monday, AC Milan said the search occurred following a shooting in the nearby area.
Police added once they established Bakayoko's identity and confirmed he had no role in the crime(s) allegedly committed, he was released without further incident.
"Once the person had been identified and established that he was not involved, the service was resumed without any kind of remark from the person concerned."
related articles
Florida QB Anthony Richardson Drops 'AR-15' Nickname ... After Mass Shootings
Don't call Anthony Richardson "AR-15" anymore ... the Florida Gators star quarterback says he's done with the nickname as mass shootings continue to persist in the U.S.
The QB, who wears #15 for the Gators' football team and had leaned into the gun-themed nickname for the past year or so, formally announced the dropping of the moniker in a lengthy statement on his Twitter page Sunday afternoon.
"It is important to me that my name and brand are no longer associated with the assault rifle that has been used in mass shootings," Richardson said, "which I do not condone in any way or form."
Richardson initially wore #2 when he arrived on the Gainseville campus in 2020, but switched to #15 in 2021. A short time later, he began selling shirts, jerseys and wristbands with the "AR-15" nickname on them as well as a scope logo.
But, Richardson said that will now cease ... adding that he and his representatives are currently in the process of building a new brand.
Richardson's decision comes just days after multiple people -- including children -- were killed by assault weapons in horrific mass shootings in Buffalo, Uvalde, and Highland Park.
related articles
Uvalde Mass Shooting 376 Cops Responded to the School ... Lawmakers Highlight 'Poor Decisions'
Texas lawmakers digging into the Uvalde disaster seem astounded 21 people were killed after so many cops -- nearly 400 -- responded to the shooting scene, and they're blaming “egregiously poor decision-making.”
The 80-page investigative report, released by a committee from the Texas House of Representatives Sunday, reveals a total of 376 officers responded in May to the tragedy at Robb Elementary School, yet it's “almost certain” at least 100 shots were fired inside before they entered.
According to the report, no one assumed command once arriving on the scene, despite there being hundreds of officers from all over the area.
A commander of a Border Patrol tactical team also waited for a bullet-proof shield to arrive for them, as well as a master key for the classrooms, further delaying the response inside.
Pete Arredondo, the now-former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief, tried locating keys as well, but no one checked to see if the doors were locked, according to the report.
The report says he also considered the shooter a “barricaded subject,” because he didn't have visual contact with the gunman.
One Uvalde officer said he heard about 911 calls coming from inside a classroom -- his understanding was that police on a certain side of the building were fully aware that victims were trapped inside, yet nothing was done.
The report puts the blame on law enforcement, saying "they failed to prioritize saving innocent lives over their own safety.”
Following the release of the report, Lt. Mariano Pargas -- Uvalde's acting police chief during the incident -- has been placed on administrative leave.
related articles
Vegas Strip Tourists Stampede Out of MGM Grand ... After False Reports of Gunfire
It's a sign of the times ... a glass door shattering was enough to turn the Vegas strip into full-blown panic.
The stampede in question… at first security was telling people to get out and saw them arrest someone (who looked like a drunk) pic.twitter.com/9PkE5lFOjP
— ToD 🇺🇦 (@YoanMerlo) July 17, 2022 @YoanMerlo
Tourists heard loud sounds Saturday night on the Strip, which they mistook for gunfire ... and it created a domino effect, sending hundreds of terrified folks running for their lives.
Turns out it was just a glass door shattering, but that was enough to send people scrambling. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said, "There is no evidence of gunfire in the area and the event is under investigation."
Reports of another possible shooting on the Las Vegas Strip...mass chaos and people running everywhere at MGM, Park MGM and New York New York.
— NetworkinVegas.com (@Networkinvegas) July 17, 2022 @Networkinvegas
Welcome to Vegas! pic.twitter.com/eawuKGamnr
People ran out of the MGM Grand and New York-New York. One person suffered minor injuries after falling during the stampede out.
One person was detained ... the one who broke the glass door. That individual was stopped on suspicion of destruction of property. Unclear if there were any arrests.
Our source at Metro saying there was more than just MGM incident. They’re still denying active shooters, but telling us they think this was a "premeditated prank" or attack to cause mass panic on Las Vegas Strip!
— NetworkinVegas.com (@Networkinvegas) July 17, 2022 @Networkinvegas
Possibly used fireworks to simulate gunfire at multiple casinos! pic.twitter.com/rDgVvn8kLJ
It's really a scary situation ... you see cops descending on the area with guns drawn as they try to figure out if there is indeed an active shooter.
Active shooter ParkMGM #parkmgm #shooter pic.twitter.com/rDpoyRlZqL
— derek su (@dcsu23) July 17, 2022 @dcsu23
The World Series of Poker was interrupted by the incident but the gamblers soon returned.
Mass shootings are all too familiar, but especially in Las Vegas, where 58 people were slaughtered in 2017 during a music festival -- it has the dark distinction of being the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
related articles
'The Office' Star Craig Robinson Pulls the Plug on Comedy Show ... After Gunman Opens Fire
"The Office" star Craig Robinson had to pull the plug on his comedy show moments before going on stage, after a gunman began shooting inside the comedy club.
Gunshots rang out at around 9 PM Saturday night at the Comedy Zone in North Carolina ... and Craig's fans beelined it out for safety.
The gunman flashed his gun as he entered the venue and, demanded that everyone leave, and according to cops, then fired at least one round. Thankfully no one was injured.
Robinson left the venue as well, and headed over to the Metro Credit Union Amphitheater where Big Time Rush was mid-concert. The Amphitheater is a stone's throw from the comedy club.
Craig says, "I’m safe. I’m cool. It was wild I was in the green room and they’re like ‘everybody get out!’ It was a moment for sure."
The gunman was taken into custody.
related articles
Bobby East Nascar Driver Stabbed to Death Suspect Shot by Cops
-
Exclusive Details
- 21.4K shares
11:05 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a SWAT team executed a search warrant at an Anaheim-area apartment Friday -- two days after East was stabbed -- where officers were informed Millsap may be holed up. During the raid, an officer-involved shooting occurred ... we're told Millsap was shot and killed on the scene as the police were trying to arrest him. The Orange County DA is investigating the shooting.
NASCAR driver Bobby East was fatally stabbed this week by a drifter during a bloody altercation at a California gas station, police and media reports say.
Tattoo-faced Trent William Millsap is being sought by police in connection with East's murder, which occurred at a 76 gas station around 6 PM Wednesday, according to Deadline.
East reportedly got into a war of words with Millsap while the racecar driver was pumping gas. It wasn't clear what sparked the argument, but Millsap allegedly plunged a sharp object into the chest of East.
Cops were called to the scene and reportedly performed life-saving measures on East until paramedics arrived. East was then rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Millsap, who had an outstanding parole warrant, is a drifter who frequents motels in the usually safe and crime-free Westminister area. He is considered armed and dangerous.
East was a three-time U.S. Auto Club champion who snagged the USAC Silver Crown Championships in 2012 and 2013.
Bobby was 37.
RIP
Originally Published -- 10:13 AM PT
related articles
NBA YoungBoy Not Guilty In Federal Gun Case
-
Exclusive Details
- 5.5K shares
1:07 PM PT -- A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles tells TMZ, "We believe the evidence presented in this case supported the charges brought by the grand jury. While we are disappointed with the verdict, we respect the jury’s decision."
11:28 AM PT -- YoungBoy's attorney, Andre Belanger, tells TMZ the rapper put his head down and started to cry when the verdict was read ... it's been a stressful and emotional situation for him. In walking out of the courtroom, Belanger tells us YB exclaimed, "I was never guilty of this."
NBA YoungBoy has just been found not guilty in his federal gun case.
The verdict, confirmed by both NBA's lawyer Andre Belanger and the U.S. Attorney's Office comes after a 3-day trial ... the jury found him not guilty of a charge of illegal firearms possession over a loaded handgun found in his car last year.
As we reported, LAPD and the feds attempted to pull over a vehicle the rapper was in last March on an outstanding federal warrant.
The guy apparently didn't give up easily -- a short pursuit went down, but once the car stopped, cops said the rapper bolted on foot. Police set up a perimeter and brought in a K-9 to help find YoungBoy. The gun in question was found in his vehicle.
He was released on a $500K bond from federal prison back in October, but the judge ordered him to sit in home confinement in Utah until his trial date.
fans are surrounding the whole court entrance during nba youngboy’s trial while he waits for the verdict in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/mv6GxQNlCO
— Frwontou (@frwontou) July 15, 2022 @frwontou
Support was shown for the rapper leading up to his sentencing -- a swarm of fans surrounded the court entrance in L.A. Friday as they awaited the verdict. Floyd Mayweather also showed up to court this week.
related articles
USC Hoops Recruit Aaliyah Gayles Surprise Visit To Team's Workout ... Months After Shooting
Awesome scene at USC's campus on Thursday ... injured Trojan hoops recruit Aaliyah Gayles made a surprise visit to one of her future team's workouts -- and their reaction to seeing her was priceless!
The heartwarming moment was caught on video, showing Gayles -- who was shot multiple times at a house party in April just months after committing to USC -- popping up on the Trojans women's basketball team.
You can see in the clip, the team was stoked for the visit ... with sophomore guard Bella Perkins jumping for joy before the rest of the team came together for a group hug.
Gayles' father, Dwight, tells TMZ Sports this was Aaliyah's first time with the team since she was shot at a North Las Vegas house party on April 16. As we reported, she was hit by bullets 10 times in both her arms and legs.
Dwight says Gayles -- the #8 ranked player of the 2022 class -- and her Trojan teammates hit up the Los Angeles Sparks game later Thursday ... and they had a blast.
"Aaliyah said the DJ was super cool," Dwight said. "They treated her like a superstar."
When it comes to her recovery, Dwight says Aaliyah is progressing well.
"Her recovery is epic," he said. "It's unreal! You'll see!"
Gayles has had plenty of ups recently on her road to recovery -- she graduated from Spring Valley High, took her first steps out of her wheelchair, and made her first basket earlier this month.
Keep going, Aaliyah!!!
related articles
NFL's Duane Brown Hit W/ Gun Charge Over LAX Arrest ... Facing Up To 1 Year In Jail
-
Exclusive
- 154 shares
Prosecutors have hit Duane Brown with a criminal charge stemming from his arrest at LAX last weekend ... and now, the NFL star could be facing up to 1 year behind bars if he's convicted.
We broke the story, the five-time Pro Bowler -- who most recently played for the Seattle Seahawks -- was busted at the airport in L.A. on July 9 after authorities said he tried to go through TSA with a gun in his luggage.
Now, TMZ Sports has learned Brown has been charged by Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, a longtime national leader on gun violence prevention.
According to court documents, Brown was hit with one count of carrying a concealed weapon, a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to 1 year in jail.
For his part, Brown -- through his attorney -- called the incident "an accident" in a statement to media members earlier this week.
"To err is human, and this clearly was an accident," Brown's attorney, Kennard McGuire, said. "As a law-abiding citizen, Duane will continue to exercise proper judgment and continue education on gun safety measures."
36-year-old Brown -- a former All-Pro -- is currently an NFL free agent.
related articles
Little League Baseball Gunshots Erupt At Game ... Teams Withdraw From Tournament
Horrifying moment on a Little League baseball diamond over the weekend ... gunshots rang out near the field, sending kids and coaches running for cover.
The terrifying scene happened on Sunday in North Carolina ... when South Durham's 8U Orange All-Star team and Wilmington's 8U Machine Pitch squad were playing at the Gillette Athletic Complex in Wilson, NC.
AGAIN: Children at a Little League baseball game in Wilson, North Carolina, had to run for cover from gunfire - some parents said they thought their children were targeted.
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) July 12, 2022 @shannonrwatts
Kids aren’t safe anywhere in America.
🎥 @WRAL #ncpol pic.twitter.com/bVSIhokkqs
Video shows three gunshots -- appearing to be VERY close to the action on the field -- went off, forcing the 7 and 8-year-old players, along with coaches, umps, parents and spectators to hit the ground and sprint away in a panic.
Thankfully, cops say no one was hurt in the incident ... though, according to WITN, a minivan's window that was parked near the field was struck by the gunfire.
Despite everyone making it out physically unscathed, the two teams have since pulled out of the tournament -- with South Durham officials saying it was best for the kids.
"It was a terrifying situation for all involved," the team said in a statement. "Video shows coaches bravely covering players with their bodies and crawling off baseball fields."
"No child or parent should ever experience anything like this."
The Wilson Police Department, meanwhile, said in a statement that it is investigating the shooting ... but added there's currently "no evidence that this situation was an active shooter incident."
"The Wilson Police Department, at this time, has no evidence that anyone at the location was intentionally targeted by gunfire."
related articles
Uvalde Shooting Video of Police Retreating From Gunman During School Massacre
-
Breaking News
- 13.4K shares
New video shows the horrific scene inside the Uvalde school where a gunman murdered 19 children and 2 teachers, and you see the police try and approach the shooter and then run for cover when the gunman shoots at them.
KVUE TV obtained the surveillance video ... 3 minutes after the shooter entered the school and began firing rounds into 2 classrooms, you see the police enter the hallway inside the school and approach the door outside the classroom where the shooter was firing rounds at the children.
The shooter then begins firing rounds outside the classroom, presumably at the cops. The police then flee the immediate area and retreat a distance away ... looking for cover in the hallway.
Two cops touch their head and neck area, as if to see if they were shot.
For the next 45 minutes, you see reinforcements arrive ... but they never try to breach the classroom. They eventually set up right outside the classroom but don't attempt to enter for another 30 minutes. That's when they enter a classroom and they see the shooter emerging from a closet and a Border Patrol cop shoots him dead.
As you know, parents of the murdered children are demanding answers from City officials ... like why the cops stalled the way they did? So far, those answers have not been forthcoming.
related articles
Wayde Sims LSU Star's Convicted Killer Found Dead In Prison
-
Breaking News
- 1.9K shares
The man convicted of killing LSU basketball star Wayde Sims in 2018 has been found dead in prison, officials announced on Monday ... just days after he received a life sentence for second-degree murder.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed to TMZ Sports that a medical team rendered aid to 23-year-old Dyteon Simpson after they found him unresponsive in prison at around 8 PM on Sunday.
The sheriff's office said Simpson was pronounced dead a short time later.
A police spokesperson tells us a preliminary toxicology report revealed Simpson appeared to have fentanyl in his system.
"The EBR Coroner will conduct an autopsy and determine final cause of death," the spokesperson added. "This investigation is ongoing as to the cause of death and possibility of contraband."
We reached out to Simpson's lawyer, Margaret Lagattuta, but she declined to comment on the incident.
As we previously reported, Sims -- who played forward for the Tigers' men's hoops team -- was shot in the head during an altercation at a Subway near the LSU campus on Sept. 28, 2018.
Simpson was arrested for killing Sims a day later ... and was ultimately charged with second-degree murder.
Earlier this year, a jury found him guilty of the charge ... and last week, he was sentenced to life in prison.
related articles
Duane Brown's Agent Arrest Was 'An Accident' ... 'To Err Is Human'
-
Breaking News
- 89 shares
NFL offensive lineman Duane Brown and his camp are finally breaking their silence on his arrest this weekend ... calling the incident "an accident."
We broke the story ... the 36-year-old, who most recently starred for the Seattle Seahawks, was busted at LAX on Saturday after he allegedly tried to go through TSA with a gun in his baggage.
On Monday, his agent, Kennard McGuire, addressed the arrest in a statement to NFL reporter Josina Anderson ... saying, "To err is human, and this clearly was an accident."
McGuire continued, "As a law-abiding citizen, Duane will continue to exercise proper judgment and continue education on gun safety measures."
Brown was ultimately booked on a charge of possession of a concealed firearm, and, according to records, he bonded out of jail late Saturday night. He's due in court for a hearing on the matter next month.
The left tackle -- who's made five Pro Bowls in his career -- is currently an NFL free agent.