Monday, September 16, 2024 |
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Monday, September 16, 2024 |
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Good Monday afternoon. The suspect in Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump has been federally charged, a massive pipeline explosion has forced evacuations in Texas, and a tropical storm warning is in effect for the Carolinas. Here is what’s in our Nightly Rundown. |
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Suspect in apparent Trump assassination attempt charged, bodycam of arrest released |
The man suspected in the apparent second assassination attempt in just over two months on former President Donald Trump has been charged with two federal gun counts, as authorities release new video and details about the incident on Sunday. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was charged today with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, according to court documents. On Sunday, Routh hid in the bushes along the perimeter of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach with a semi-automatic rifle with a scope, according to investigators. Cell phone data indicates he was in the vicinity for about 12 hours, court records show. While Trump was golfing about 300 to 500 yards away, a Secret Service agent walking the perimeter saw what appeared to be a rifle in the bushes and opened fire in that direction, then a witness saw a man speeding away from the scene in an SUV, investigators said. Bodycam video released today by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shows the moment Routh was arrested by deputies. Routh can be seen lifting his shirt over the back of his head and wearing sunglasses as he’s taken into custody. |
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What we know about the suspect |
While the motive in Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt remains under investigation, a profile is starting to emerge of the suspect. More than 100 past criminal counts have been filed against Ryan Wesley Routh in North Carolina, according to court records. In 2002, records show he was convicted of possessing a machine gun. Routh has also spoken out about his efforts to recruit people for Ukraine’s war effort, and said he volunteered to fight for the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine but was rejected. In 2020, Routh posted on social media that he backed Trump in 2016 but was disappointed in his presidency, adding, “I will be glad when you gone.” [sic] |
Trump blames Democrats’ “rhetoric” for new apparent assassination attempt |
Donald Trump blamed this latest apparent assassination attempt on the “rhetoric” from Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. “He believed the rhetoric of Biden and Harris, and he acted on it,” the former president said of the suspect in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at." Both Harris and Biden expressed their relief that Trump was not injured, and condemned political violence after Sunday’s incident. “Thank God the president is OK,” Biden told reporters today. “One thing I want to make clear: the Service needs more help. I think Congress should respond to their needs.” Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, is facing backlash after posting and then deleting a comment questioning why “no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Kamala.” The White House called Musk’s comments “irresponsible.” |
Pipeline explosion forces evacuations in Houston area |
A massive pipeline explosion has forced evacuations and shelter-in-place orders outside Houston, according to authorities. An enormous pillar of fire and smoke could be seen from miles around as firefighters worked to get the flames under control. The cause of the explosion is unclear at this time, and there are no injuries reported as of this writing. |
New threats to schools in Springfield after baseless claims about Haitian immigrants |
Two elementary schools were evacuated today in Springfield, the Ohio city that has seen a rash of bomb threats in the wake of false rumors pushed by conservatives, including Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance, that Haitian immigrants have eaten the pets of residents there. These are the fifth and sixth buildings within the Springfield school district that have been targeted by threats in the last week, according to officials. The city has also canceled a festival that was scheduled for later this month. Springfield police said there have been no credible reports of immigrants harming pets in the community. Vance on Sunday stood by the debunked claims and said he was willing “to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention.” When pressed about his use of the word “create,” Vance replied, “I say that we’re creating a story, meaning we’re creating the American media focusing on it.” |
Tropical storm warning and “life-threatening” flash flooding in Carolinas |
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Much of the North Carolina and South Carolina coastlines are under a tropical storm warning, as a potential cyclone lashes the region, according to the National Hurricane Center. The system was about 60 miles south-southwest of Cape Fear, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, as of the latest update. The storm is already bringing “life-threatening” flash flooding and gusty winds across portions of southeastern North Carolina, according to the NHC. Several locations have already picked up double-digit rainfall totals from the latest system, including more than 15 inches in Carolina Beach, where roads were flooded at least 3 feet deep as of this morning, the National Weather Service said. |
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What else we're watching: |
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Law enforcement officials released new, enhanced images of a suspected victim of the Gilgo Beach killings who remains unidentified. |
The U.S. Coast Guard has released the first image of the Titan submersible on the ocean floor after its implosion, and revealed the final text messages from the crew en route to the wreckage of the Titanic. |
A federal appeals court is hearing TikTok’s challenge to a law passed in April that would force the social media app’s China-based parent company to sell the platform or face a U.S. ban. |
Jane’s Addiction has canceled the rest of its reunion tour after bandmates Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro got into a fight on stage. |
Tito Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson and a founding member of the Jackson 5, has died at 70, his family confirmed. |
“Shogun” and “Hacks” had a big night at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. Click here for a full list of winners. |
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Watch us this evening at 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC, or check your local NBC station listing. After the broadcast, access Nightly News video on NBCNightlyNews.com or the NBC News app. |
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