The Tennessee state House of Representatives voted last week to expel two Democratic lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, for their involvement in protests on the chamber floor. The expulsion resolution was sponsored by Republican Representative Andrew Farmer, and passed despite criticism of his comments during the vote. A vote to expel a third Democrat, Gloria Johnson, fell short. The expulsion of Jones and Pearson has sparked debate over the role of activism in the legislature and its effect on the balance of power in the chamber.
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Early Sunday morning in Orlando, Florida, a domestic violence incident resulted in the death of three people, including a young child. The suspect came out of the house and fired shots at the officers, who returned fire, resulting in the suspect's death. Two officers were unharmed, but the three victims were fatally shot. The Orlando Police Department is currently investigating the incident.
Two police officers were fatally shot during a traffic stop in Cameron, Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (WDOJ). An exchange of gunfire occurred between the Chetek Police Department officer and a Cameron Police Department officer, and both were pronounced dead at the scene. The WDOJ is leading the investigation and is committed to providing the public with information while protecting the integrity of the investigation.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is seeking to pardon Sergeant Daniel Perry, who was convicted of murder in the 2020 fatal shooting of an armed protester during nationwide protests. Perry had claimed to police that the protester, a U.S. Air Force veteran, had pointed the weapon at him, inspiring him to shoot in self-defense. Abbott has asked the state Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend a pardon and to expedite his request, sparking debate over the use of lethal force in self-defense and the right to bear arms.
Three people were injured in a shooting at the Christiana Mall in Delaware on Saturday evening. Delaware State Police responded to the scene and evacuated the mall, which will remain closed for the night. Multiple law enforcement agencies and emergency responders are on the scene, and an investigation is underway, though the suspect is not in custody at this time.
A U.S. District Judge appointed by former President Donald Trump has suspended the FDA's approval of abortion pills, sparking outrage among Congressional Democrats. Chuck Schumer has urged Republicans to speak out against the ruling, while President Joe Biden has said his administration will file an appeal. Republicans in Congress have yet to respond to the ruling.
The Pentagon and US Department of Justice are investigating the leak of classified documents related to Ukraine's war effort and military strength. The documents, which were posted on social media, cover a range of topics from US support for Ukraine to information about key US allies. It is unclear at this time who is responsible for the leak or what the consequences may be.
On Friday, six people were injured in a shooting on a South Carolina beach during an unofficial "senior skip day" event attended by hundreds of high schoolers. Five of the injured were around the age of 18, and one was an adult woman in her mid-30s or early 40s. The Isle of Palms Police Department is currently investigating the incident and is urging people to be mindful of their safety and to be aware of their surroundings.