Local Breaking Police News
15 hours ago
Two arrested in targeted Malden home invasion and attack, police say
Two people believed to have targeted a Malden home, break into it and assault the person inside were arrested over the weekend.Yaritza Trinidad, 29, of Cambridge and Chawki Charbel Ibrahim, 24, were arrested on Saturday afternoon in connection with the reported home invasion, according to the Malden Police Department. The home invasion, when Trinidad and Ibrahim are believed to have broken into a house and assaulted a person inside, happened on April 1. Police officers had canvassed the scene as soon as they arrived, and found a loaded gun, the department said. Investigators were also able to get a description of both the car and the suspects involved in the incident, and security camera video footage of the suspects fleeing, the department said. The incident is believed to have been a targeted attack and the public is not in any danger, police said. Trinidad and Ibrahim face gun-related charges and those in connection with the break-in. Anyone with further information on the incident is asked to contact the Malden Police Department.
16 hours ago
Rain, snow and cold temps to kick off week in Mass. statewide
Rain, snow and cold temperatures will kick off the second week of April in Massachusetts, and some parts of the state could see up to an inch of snow. The wet and wintry precipitation is expected to last all of Monday across the Commonwealth, according to forecasters from the National Weather Service.Wet snow is predicted for the Berkshires and for the hills of Central Massachusetts on Monday morning, while rain will fall the eastern part of the state. The Berkshires and parts of the state near the New Hampshire border have the best chance for up to an inch of accumulation.Temperatures will hover at 32 degrees in Western Massachusetts and in the mid-30s for Central, forecasters said. It was 39 degrees in Boston on Monday morning. While that snow could mix with the rain throughout the day in lower and eastern portions of the Commonwealth, no accumulation is expected, forecasters said. The rain is expected to continue over the Cape and Islands into Monday night until it tapers off and a cold front comes through. This will bring unseasonably cold weather late Monday night and into Tuesday morning, with strong wind gusts that will drag temperatures down in to the upper teens and 20s with the wind chill by the end of the day. Sunshine is predicted to develop later in the day, but Tuesday morning could start off with brief rain and snow showers as temperatures hang in the 30s during the daytime, forecasters said.
16 hours ago
High-speed crash on Cape Cod flips vehicle, injures driver, police say
A high-speed crash Sunday caused a car to rollover, injuring the driver, the Provincetown Police Department said. The crash happened Sunday night on Route 6 at the town line. There was only one person in the car. The driver was taken to the hospital. Route 6 was temporarily closed while the vehicle was being removed. It has since reopened. Several witnesses told officers that the person had been speeding prior to the car rolling over. “We therefore want to remind everyone to slow down and be attentive while driving in Provincetown,” the police department wrote on Facebook. “Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
16 hours ago
WMass Boys Outdoor Track & Field players to watch for 2025 season
With the boys’ track and field season scheduled to begin, there are numerous exciting players to watch out for.Longmeadow will look to capture its third straight Division I Western Massachusetts title going into the season. Senior Ari Powers and Lucas Doben will be runners to look out for after strong outdoor seasons last year.
17 hours ago
Worcester shop sells winning $100,000 lottery ticket
Two lottery players in Massachusetts each won $100,000 on Sunday night. Both of the $100,000 prizes were from the daily “Mass Cash” drawing. The winning numbers for the April 6 drawing were 3, 11, 16, 26 and 27.One of the winning tickets that matched all five numbers was sold in Worcester at Park Avenue Gas & Market.The other winning ticket was sold in Brockton at Petro-Save.“Mass Cash” drawings are held daily at 9 p.m. and tickets to play cost $1. Players must choose five numbers between 1-35.Overall, at least 257 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Sunday, including three in Springfield, six in Worcester and 15 in Boston.The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600.So far, the largest lottery prize won in Massachusetts this year was worth $1 million a year for life.The prize was from the lottery’s “Lifetime Millions” scratch ticket game. The winner claimed their prize through a trust on July 10, and opted to receive a one-time payment of $15.4 million.
17 hours ago
April’s full moon is a micromoon called the Pink Moon — but don’t expect it to be pink
April’s full moon is coming up, but rather than the massive glowing orb typically seen during this point in the lunar cycle, the moon is likely going to look smaller.The moon is anticipated to reach its full moon phase on April 12, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Rather than being a supermoon, when the moon reaches its nearest point to Earth within its orbit, the moon should be at its furthest point, or apogee. When it reaches this point, it’s referred to as a micromoon, NASA stated. Also at this point, the moon is 252,088 miles away from Earth, according to the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London. On average, the moon is 238,855 miles away from Earth.Despite orbiting Earth, the moon is on an elliptical orbit with a far point (the apogee) and a close point, called the perigee by astronomers, according to NASA. Unlike the orange-red Blood Moons that change color due to total lunar eclipses, the moniker “Pink Moon” has nothing to do with the satellite’s color, the Almanac wrote. April’s full moon gets its name from the early springtime blooms of one particular wildflower from eastern North America called the creeping phlox or moss phlox. This moss also goes by the name “moss pink.”Like the unique names of many full moons, its origins are centered in Indigenous, European and colonial American histories and traditions, the Almanac reported. The Dakota nation call this particular moon “Moon When the Streams Are Again Navigable,” referring to the melting of the ice and the arrival of spring. The Anishnaabe people call it the Sucker Moon, when the harvest sucker fish return to streams or lake shallows to spawn.
17 hours ago
Dear Abby: I’m struggling to find direction as a college student
Dear Abby: I’m a 23-year-old college student struggling to find direction in life. I’ve been trying to find a part-time job and an internship, but I have had no success. This leaves me increasingly anxious, especially as my parents, who currently help me with tuition and rent, are getting older and can’t continue working much longer.Adding to my stress, my chosen field is considered unique in my culture, where people are often stereotyped into specific roles. This makes it harder for me to find opportunities or build connections. On top of that, I’m adjusting to a new culture that’s the opposite of what I’m used to. It’s my first time navigating such an environment, and I often feel left out or that I don’t fully understand certain things.I’m afraid to bring this up with my parents, as it’s common in my culture for parents to provide for their children. I feel like I’m falling behind. Feeling confused and misunderstood, my mind is at a crossroads, which adds to my anxiety. How can I start to find clarity and confidence in my situation?—A bit lost in ColoradoDear A bit lost: Many students find it difficult to adjust to college life. The fact that you come from another culture only adds to that. Try reaching out to the dean of your department or talking to an adviser in the student counseling services to find the help you’re looking for. If there are other students from your culture, they may also be able to help by explaining things to you. Do these things, and you may find out that you are not as lost as you fear you are.Dear Abby: When I was still working, I decided not to tell anyone about the second home we purchased in 2018 as a weekend getaway. I kept my mouth shut because I didn’t want my boss to think I was rich and perhaps not give me a raise.I recently retired and keep in touch with many former colleagues. I feel bad that I never told them and continue not to share with them where I go with my husband on weekends. Should I fess up? If I tell them now, do I tell them I didn’t trust that they wouldn’t share the news with my boss? Although I didn’t lie, I feel guilty for not sharing with them. What is your advice?—Nervous in New JerseyDear Nervous: How relevant would this information be to your former co-workers? You are entitled to a private life, and it isn’t necessary to reveal what financial assets you have to anyone beyond your accountant and your attorney. (And, of course, the IRS if they ask.) Stop flogging yourself over something that is nobody’s beeswax. If you allude to the fact that you and your husband spent the weekend away from your primary dwelling, who is to know it wasn’t purchased after your retirement?Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O.Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.COPYRIGHT 2024 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
17 hours ago
Arts Beat: Broadway musical comes to West Springfield
Hartford Stage has announced its 2025-26 season, which includes, in addition to the previously announced co-production of “Sweeney Todd,” a stage adaptation of the Hitchcock thriller, “Rope;” Arthur Miller’s “Death of A Salesman;” Sandy Rustin’s “The Cottage,” and Karen Zacarias’ “Native Gardens.” Plus “A Christmas Carol” returns for the holiday season. For details: hartfordstage.org. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra returns to Symphony Hall on April 19, with a program featuring a world premiere by Kenneth Fuchs, alongside Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at An Exhibition” (as arranged by Ravel), enhanced by Adrian Wyard’s visuals. JoAnn Falletta conducts the program, which also includes a work by Mendelssohn. Tim McAllister is guest saxophonist, and Nikki Chooi is guest violinist. For details: springfieldsymphony.org.
17 hours ago
Sisters continue mission to bring awareness to colorectal cancer
March was another successful month for the advocacy efforts of twins Kimberly Schoolcraft of Springfield and Karen Fogarty of Westfield. Between state proclamations and a trip to Washington, D.C., the two continued their mission of raising awareness for colorectal cancer.Colon cancer has impacted the family directly as a number of years ago, Schoolcraft lost her partner Andy to colon cancer. This sparked the twins’ advocacy mission and since then, through their volunteer work, they have made, and lost, numerous friends to the disease. Often due to the fact that the disease is unexpected for such young people to be diagnosed.
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April 2, 2025
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez Goes to State Supreme Court in Lunsford Case and Argues on Behalf of Perjury
In response to allegations that a juror hid their anti-police bias in order to get on a jury, New Mexico’s anti-police biased Attorney General has gone to the New Mexico Supreme Court to argue in support of citizens using deception by omission to get on a jury. In the case of former Las Cruces police officer Brad Lunsford, convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Presley Eze, post-trial revelations have surfaced, alleging that Juror #8, who served as the jury foreperson, deliberately concealed a pronounced anti-police bias during voir dire—the jury selection process. This juror’s undisclosed history purportedly includes participation in anti-police protests, membership in activist groups advocating against law enforcement, and public statements condemning police. A potential juror concealing such relevant information during jury selection process in the trial of a police officer, if proven, constitutes a blatant act of perjury, undermining the officer’s right to fairness and tainting the verdict rendered. In response to defense motions highlighting potential misconduct, A.G. Torrez has submitted a filing to the New Mexico Supreme Court contending that scrutinizing a juror’s political beliefs equates to harassment and violates First Amendment protections. He asserts that a defense’s reliance on a juror’s deceptive omissions during jury selection precludes them from challenging the juror’s impartiality post-conviction. This argument not only dismisses legitimate concerns of juror deception but also sets a perilous precedent wherein dishonesty during voir dire is championed by the state. Defending juror misconduct under the guise of protecting political expression conflates the absolute right to hold beliefs with the absolutely impermissible concealment of those beliefs to corrupt judicial proceedings. By suggesting that potential jurors may withhold or misrepresent critical information without consequence, A.G. Torrez effectively endorses a “right to perjury,” a concept antithetical to the very essence of justice. Voir dire serves as the mechanism by which biases are identified and addressed, ensuring that both the prosecution and defense can exercise informed judgment in juror selection. Voir dire relies on honesty and full disclosure. To permit deception by omission in this process is to invite partiality into the jury box, thereby jeopardizing the fairness of trials and the legitimacy of their outcomes. No doubt A.G. Torrez wants to protect his wrongful conviction of a police officer who defended his life and the life of another against an armed assailant, but the price A.G. Torrez is willing to pay is too high. Juror integrity is the bedrock upon which fair trials are built. A.G. Torrez’s arguments, if left unchallenged, threaten to dismantle this bedrock, replacing it with a system in which deception is permissible and outcomes are suspect. This trajectory must be halted by the New Mexico courts to ensure that the rights of all—defendants, victims, and the broader community—are safeguarded against the perversion of justice.
April 2, 2025
The National Police Association Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Use Christopher Schurr Case to Curb Abusive Litigation Against Law Enforcement
The National Police Association (NPA) has filed an amicus brief in Schurr v. Lyoya with the U.S. Supreme Court, supporting a case that aims to break the judicial paralysis strangling American law enforcement. At issue: whether former Grand Rapids, MI, Police Officer Christopher Schurr—now facing legal fire for a deadly use-of-force encounter with an armed resisting suspect—will finally receive the protection in civil court that the Constitution and common sense demand. “For too long, America’s police have been dragged through the mud by activist attorneys, agenda-driven courts, and politicians who tremble at the sound of a protest chant,” said Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.), spokeswoman for the NPA. “We are seeking a return to constitutional clarity, where officers are not at risk of being sued for doing the dangerous job society depends on them to do.” The NPA criticizes the 2009 Pearson v. Callahan decision for undermining the development of vital constitutional precedent, rendering qualified immunity a legal minefield. Under Pearson, courts are allowed to skip over whether an officer’s actions violated the Constitution—as if it doesn’t matter—the result: a game of legal limbo where the rules are never written. And who pays the price? The patrol officer answering a 911 call. The Schurr case, involving a violent struggle with a suspect who attempted to flee, fought the officer and took the officer’s Taser, is the perfect vehicle to confront the issue. If the Court fails to act, the NPA warns, the message to police across the country is chilling: hesitate and die—or act, and be destroyed in civil court. With violent crime still plaguing America’s cities and police recruitment at historic lows, now would be a good time for the Supreme Court to put an end to the judicial second-guessing of split-second decisions made in life-or-death situations. America cannot survive without peacekeepers. Peacekeepers cannot survive under a legal regime that punishes courage and worships chaos. The National Police Association is represented by Robert S. Lafferrandre and Jeffrey C. Hendrickson of Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green, L.L.P., in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The full brief is available on the Supreme Court docket under case number 24-886 and can be read here. About the National Police Association: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and law. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 27, 2025
The National Police Association Supports the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act: Defending Those Who Defend Our Borders
Indianapolis – March 27, 2025. The crisis at our southern border has created a range of perilous situations for American citizens, law enforcement officers, and migrants. One scenario involves traffickers who pack vehicles with illegal immigrants, then engage in high-speed chases to avoid capture. These encounters too often end tragically, claiming innocent casualties. One of these was Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who sustained injuries and subsequently died as a result of pursuing illegal migrants. The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (S. 512 / H.R. 35) is a federal bill that would provide severe punishments to those who intentionally flee from law enforcement when near the U.S. border. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) on the Senate side and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee. The companion bill, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), has already passed in the House of Representatives. The text for the Senate bill is here, and the text for the House bill is here. The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act creates a new federal offense for intentionally fleeing a federal, state, or local police officer by vehicle when located within 100 miles of the U.S. border. Penalties would increase depending on the level of injuries the victim sustains. Basic evasion would translate to a maximum of two years imprisonment and a possible fine. For evasions resulting in a serious injury to the victim, the penalty would increase to five to 20 years imprisonment. If it results in the victim’s death, the penalty would range from 10 years to life in prison. Additionally, non-citizens who commit this offense would qualify for deportation and be ineligible for admittance to the U.S., even if seeking future asylum. The U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security would also be required to submit a detailed annual report to congressional judiciary committees about these offenses. “Whether they work at the local or federal level, law enforcement officers place their lives at risk to prevent criminals who cross our border illegally from preying on innocent civilians. This level of sacrifice deserves support from the American people via legislative protections,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “This bill honors the sacrifice of Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who lost his life while in pursuit. It also sends a clear message to traffickers, smugglers, and other criminals that lawlessness and attacks on the men and women of law enforcement -even if those attacks are indirect- will not be tolerated. The NPA thanks Sen. Cruz and Rep. Ciscomani for crafting the Raul Gonzales Officer Safety Act, a bill that demonstrates respect for law enforcement and better protects American lives. We ask other members of Congress to work to ensure the bill’s passage. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 22, 2025
The National Police Association Supports a West Virginia State Bill to Create Harsher Penalties for Harming a Police Dog
Indianapolis – March 22, 2025. Police dogs are essential to law enforcement’s mission of maintaining order and keeping our communities safe. These four-legged heroes help locate missing people, track criminal suspects, detect drugs and explosives, and protect their human partners. Because these dogs work on the frontlines, they are subject to being assaulted and killed, just as human officers are. Thankfully, a growing number of states are recognizing that police K-9s need stronger protections, especially in an environment where officers are being targeted in greater numbers. One such state is West Virginia, where a bill (H.B. 2628) was recently introduced to increase the penalties for harming a police dog. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Delegate Clay Riley (72), and is currently in the State’s Justice Committee. The bill’s text can be found here. Under current West Virginia law, injuring a police dog is classified either as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the viciousness of the attack. The maximum possible punishment for these crimes is a sentence of three years imprisonment and a possible maximum fine of $5,000 dollars. What H.B. 2628 does is amend current West Virginia law to define an actively working police dog as a law enforcement officer. This would ensure that these animals receive the same legal protections as their human counterparts. Maliciously or intentionally assaulting a law enforcement in West Virginia is a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to fifteen years, which is three times the current maximum sentence for injuring a police dog. “Police canines are public servants who work tirelessly to keep our streets safe. They’re loved by their communities, and develop strong bonds with their human partners, who are deeply impacted when one of these dogs is injured,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association. “Police K-9s are deserving of respect and more robust legal protections. This West Virginia state bill would go a long way in accomplishing this,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA applauds Delegate Riley for introducing this important bill that would classify police dogs as law enforcement officers, thus ensuring more stringent penalties for injuring one. We ask all members of the West Virginia legislature to support this bill, and we encourage every state in the union to adopt similar legislation. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 21, 2025
The National Police Association #31 Toyota Spotlights Missing Person at the ARCA Pensacola 150
Indianapolis/ March 29, 2025/ — The National Police Association’s #31 Toyota, driven by full-time police officer and Rise Motorsports co-owner Rita Goulet, will feature a photograph of missing Pensacola teenager Caleb Nathaniel Cook during the ARCA Menards Pensacola 150 race at Five Flags Speedway. The event will be streamed live on FloRacing at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 22nd. In a collaborative effort to raise national awareness about Caleb’s disappearance, Goulet and the NPA will use the high-profile platform of motorsports to bring attention to the case. Caleb Nathaniel Cook, a 17-year-old from Pensacola, FL, has been missing since December 7, 2024. “The National Police Association is committed to supporting the search for missing children across the country,” said Rita Goulet. “By featuring Caleb’s image on our race car, we hope to reach a large audience and generate vital leads that could assist in finding him.” Goulet’s dual role as a police officer and race car driver allows her to uniquely connect public safety with the expansive reach of motorsports. In addition to raising awareness about Caleb’s case, Goulet and the NPA aim to promote their broader #SupportThePolice initiative during the race. Anyone with information regarding Caleb’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) at 1-850-436-9620 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 19, 2025
The National Police Association Statement Responding to Swatting Surge
INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2025 / — There has been an alarming rise in “swatting” incidents primarily targeting conservative media figures and social media influencers. The National Police Association denounces this weaponization of law enforcement against its own citizens and urges the media, political leadership, the public and American law enforcement to be aware of and speak out against this disturbing trend. The false reporting of a violent act in progress is a crime and should be rigorously investigated and prosecuted. “Swatting” is an act of violence against both law enforcement and those being targeted. It is designed to not only physically harm people, but to drive a wedge between police officers and the citizens they are trying to protect. The NPA encourages potential targets of this crime to contact their local law enforcement agency and do the following: Explain why you are a potential victim Advise them of any “swatting” threats you receive Provide them with your cell phone number(s) Stay in touch If you see the police surrounding your property, call 911 and advise the dispatcher of the situation. Follow all directions by law enforcement until the incident has been declared over. It is essential that the public understands the extraordinarily dangerous nature of this trend. We are grateful that FBI Director Kash Patel is publicly addressing this issue and we encourage all law enforcement leadership in the United States to work together to stop and prevent these heinous acts. – Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret), NPA spokesperson The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 19, 2025
The MN Department of Corrections Needs to Hear from You. Killer of Claremont Police Chief Up for Parole.
INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2025 /Press Release/ –The National Police Association is asking supporters of law enforcement to email the Minnesota Department of Corrections. A man convicted of murdering Claremont Police Chief Greg Lange in 1988 is scheduled for a parole hearing on April 11. Andrew Salinas, along with his brother Robert, attacked, shot, and killed Chief Lange, 39, while he was responding to a domestic disturbance. The brothers then disposed of his body in an alley. Salinas will face the parole board for the fifth time, having last appeared in 2023. Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose, a longtime advocate for fallen officers and their families through his Officer Down Memorial Podcast, has been a vocal supporter of the Lange family. “Andrew took Greg’s gun, placed it on his back—just about an inch away—and pulled the trigger, ensuring he wouldn’t survive,” Rose said. He emphasized the emotional toll these hearings take on families. “For these families, it’s brutal to go through this over and over again,” Rose stated. Sheriff Rose is urging the public to submit letters to the parole board advocating for the denial of Salinas’ release. He stressed that every letter is reviewed and considered by the board. “The board needs to understand how important it is to the public that he remains incarcerated,” he said. “We must take a stand against those who murder police officers. The Lange family was sentenced to life without a father, a husband, and a police chief. This community believes Andrew Salinas should serve no less than life in prison for his crime.” In a 2020 interview, Lange’s widow, Sue, spoke about her commitment to seeking justice. “One of the last things I promised him at the cemetery was that we would fight for justice,” she said. Letters opposing Salinas’ parole are due by March 21 and can be submitted via mail or email. Sample letters and additional details can be found on the Officer Down Memorial Podcast website. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 16, 2025
Talladega, AL Police Reserves Awarded Grant by the National Police Association
Pictured left to right: Officer Andre Golden, Interim Chief Ron McElrath, Administrative Assistant Anna Eliuk, City Manager Derrick Swanson, and Officer Jason Robinson. (Indianapolis, IN) March 16, 2025 – The National Police Association announced today it has awarded the Talladega, AL Police Department’s Reserve Program a $1000.00 grant. Police reserves perform many important functions, including preserving life, protecting property, and serving their community. Reserves uphold these responsibilities by assisting regularly appointed full-time police officers in their routine duties and supporting the efforts of other law enforcement and community organizations that share this conviction. “The National Police Association is proud to support the Talladega Police Department’s Reserve Officer Program with this donation. Reserve officers play a vital role in strengthening public safety, and we are committed to providing resources that help law enforcement agencies enhance their effectiveness in serving their communities. We appreciate the dedication of Talladega’s reserve officers and their commitment to protecting and serving.” – Spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 14, 2025
The National Police Association Backs the 287(g) Program Protection Act
Indianapolis – March 14, 2025. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rely on the assistance of local law enforcement agencies to help identify and remove illegal migrants suspected of violent acts. Given that ICE is overtaxed, these partnerships have become even more of a necessity. A new federal bill called the 287(g) Program Protection Act (H.R. 756) would strengthen these alliances and make them more readily available to police agencies across the country. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill’s text is here. The 287(g) program -named for Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)- is a product of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This voluntary program allows local law enforcement agencies to enter into working agreements with ICE and receive dedicated training. The program has unfortunately been underutilized. Just 135 of approximately 18,000 state and local law enforcement agencies currently participate in the program, and no new agreements have been generated since 2021. The 287(g) Program Protection Act would amend the INA to strengthen this crucial program, ensure that it’s working as intended, and make it widely available to law enforcement agencies across the country. This bill seeks to do the following: Require ICE to approve new agreements with state and local police agencies within 90 days of application. The agency would be required to notify Congress when it issues a denial. Prohibit the federal government from canceling current agreements with state and local police agencies unless a solid reason is provided. Agencies would be given an opportunity to challenge the decision. Mandate the Department of Homeland Security to publish annual reports describing the program’s progress. Design a plan to recruit police agencies for participation in the program. Provide funding to help local law enforcement agencies train officers and enforce the program. “Americans overwhelmingly support the removal of dangerous illegal migrants from our streets. It is an effort that requires collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “The 287(g) Program Protection Act would facilitate this endeavor by making improvements to this vital program and expanding its use,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA extends its gratitude to Rep. Cloud for introducing the 287(g) Program Protection Act. We have confidence that if this bill is passed, it would foster greater cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement agencies, which will ultimately aid in keeping our communities safe. We urge members of Congress to prioritize the welfare of the American people by supporting this bill. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For additional information visit NationalPolice.org ###
March 9, 2025
Did an Anti-Police Activist Lie to Get on the Officer Brad Lunsford Jury?
Per a new court filing, the trial of former Las Cruces police officer, Brad Lunsford, who was wrongfully charged for defending himself and his partner from an armed suspect, was poisoned by an anti-police activist who managed to get on the jury through perjury. The filing alleges that “Juror #8” concealed outrageous bias before and during the trial. Misconduct that would not only eliminate the fairness of the verdict but also violate the law. The filing states Juror #8 failed to disclose anti-police social media activity, anti-police protest participation, anti-police activist group membership, and past anti-police authorship all pointing to a clear and strong bias against police. The filing can be read here. In voir dire (the jury selection process), the potential jurors were asked if they had strong feelings about a case involving a white police officer and a Black suspect – essentially probing for attitudes on police use of force and racial issues. Juror #8 stayed silent, implying they had no such bias. Per the filing, however, it was later discovered that this juror had a documented history of anti-police sentiment, which they did not reveal. For example, defense investigators found that Juror #8 had participated in protests over police shootings and even appeared on a podcast discussing racial injustice and police violence, where the juror stated that American society “is founded on racism” and continues to be racist (a viewpoint suggesting a predisposition against a police defendant). Additionally, Juror #8’s social media activity showed they had retweeted calls to cancel TV programs like “COPS” and “Live PD,” which indicates a clear negative view of law enforcement. All of these activities should have been disclosed during voir dire, especially when the court asked about any potential bias or familiarity with the case – but Juror #8 said nothing. By remaining silent, Juror #8 lied by omission to the court. If a potential juror knows they have strong preconceived opinions that could favor one side, they must alert the court. Here, Juror #8’s purported bias was directly relevant: the case involved a police officer’s use of force on a person of color, exactly the kind of scenario about which the juror had strong feelings and opinions. By concealing this, Juror #8 unfairly got onto the jury and even became the foreperson (the juror who leads deliberations). When a juror conceals bias or gives false answers during voir dire, the law provides a remedy: the verdict can be thrown out and a new trial granted. The right to an impartial jury is fundamental. Both the United States Constitution and the New Mexico Constitution guarantee criminal defendants a trial by an impartial jury. And lying to get on a jury is a crime. Prosecuting a dishonest juror would serve two main purposes. First, it holds the individual accountable for violating the law and violating the defendant’s rights. As alleged, this juror’s actions forced a defendant to face conviction without a fair jury – a very serious harm. Second, prosecution would send a message that juror misconduct has consequences, helping deter future jurors from similar deceit. In New Mexico, a conviction for perjury can result in prison time, reflecting how severe the offense is considered. Under New Mexico law and precedent, the alleged misconduct demands a new trial for Brad Lunsford and a perjury trial for Juror #8.
March 6, 2025
The National Police Association Supports New York State Bill Criminalizing the Menacing of Law Enforcement Officers
Protesters Menacing a Police Officer The war on police transcends the shootings, stabbings, and other malicious assaults that have spiked in recent years. Law enforcement officers are also subjected to being menaced, harassed, and threatened simply because of the uniform they wear. In some states, like New York, these egregious acts -that include throwing water on a police officer- do not always count as crimes under penal law. It’s why the National Police Association (NPA) is heartened by a new bill (S. 615) introduced in the New York state legislature by Sen. Anthony Palumbo to address the attacks on officers that are too often overlooked. This bill, which is currently being deliberated on in committee, creates two new criminal offenses to penalize threats, assaults, and menacing of law enforcement officers. The bill’s text can be found here. This New York state bill creates the offense of first-degree menacing of an officer, classified as a C felony and punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It is defined by knowingly placing an officer in fear of physical danger by displaying a deadly weapon. A second-degree offense, classified as a D felony and punishable by up to seven years in prison, includes assaulting an officer by throwing or spraying water, urine, or other substances. The bill also modifies the terms related to appearance tickets by listing these new offenses as serious felonies. “Menacing, harassing, and threatening officers of the law is not just disrespectful and a source of demoralization for them. Police officers have no way of knowing whether a substance being thrown at them is toxic, or if the person making the threat plans to carry it out. These shameful acts distract officers from performing arrests and investigations, which places them, their colleagues, and civilians in danger,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “Sen. Palumbo’s bill addresses these often-unpunished offenses at a time when assaults on police officers continue unabated and are originating from a myriad of directions,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA commends Sen. Palumbo for recognizing that threatening and menacing creates a hazardous work environment for the men and women of law enforcement. We ask Sen. Palumbo’s colleagues to support this legislation. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
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