Reaction to deadly shooting of Minnesota lawmaker
Officers are posted in a staging area after what police said was a targeted shooting in the area around Edinburgh Golf Course in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, U.S. June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Ellen Schmidt TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
A police officer conducts a traffic stop after what police said was a targeted shooting in the area around Edinburgh Golf Course in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, U.S. June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Ellen Schmidt
Police are stationed outside Edinburgh Golf Course after what police said was a targeted shooting in the area in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, U.S. June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Ellen Schmidt
Officers work in a staging area after what police said was a targeted shooting in the area around Edinburgh Golf Course in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, U.S. June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Ellen Schmidt
Officers communicate in a staging area after what police said was a targeted shooting in the area around Edinburgh Golf Course in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, U.S. June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Ellen Schmidt
A gunman posing as a police officer killed a senior Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband on Saturday in an apparent "politically motivated assassination," and wounded a second lawmaker and his spouse.
MINNESOTA GOVERNOR TIM WALZ, A DEMOCRAT:
"An unspeakable tragedy has unfolded in Minnesota - my good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination."
U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP:
"I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!"
U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL PAM BONDI:
"I am closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers. The FBI is on the ground investigating this case alongside state and local partners. This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
MINNESOTA'S U.S. SENATOR AMY KLOBUCHAR, A DEMOCRAT:
"This is a stunning act of violence. I'm thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service."
DEMOCRATIC U.S. SENATE MINORITY LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER:
"The ghastly targeted shootings of Sen. Hoffman and Rep. Hortman are not just horrific—they're acts of political extremism and an assault on our democracy itself. This is where hate and violent rhetoric lead."
DEMOCRATIC U.S. HOUSE MINORITY LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES:
"The targeted shootings of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and State Rep. Melissa Hortman are deeply disturbing. Violence is never acceptable."
REPUBLICAN U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON:
"Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must unequivocally condemn it." REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
US B-2 bombers, bunker-busters and alternatives: How US strikes Iran's nuclear sites
The US B-2 costs about US$2.1 billion (S$2.7 billion) each, making it the most expensive military aircraft ever built. PHOTO: REUTERS US B-2 bombers, bunker-busters and alternatives: How US strikes Iran's nuclear sites WASHINGTON - The US Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bombers were involved in strikes on Iran's nuclear sites on June 21 . Three Iranian nuclear sites were struck in a 'very successful attack', President Donald Trump said on June 21 , adding that the crown jewel of Tehran's nuclear programme, Fordow, is gone. The B-2 is one of America's most advanced strategic weapons platforms, capable of entering sophisticated air defences and delivering precision strikes against hardened targets such as Iran's buried network of nuclear research facilities. B-2 spirit specifications: The US B-2 costs about US$2.1 billion (S$2.7 billion ) each, making it the most expensive military aircraft ever built. Made by Northrop Grumman, the bomber, with its cutting-edge stealth technology, began its production run in the late 1980s but was curbed by the fall of the Soviet Union. Only 21 were made after the Pentagon's planned acquisition programme was truncated. The bomber's range of over 11,112km without refueling enables global strike capabilities from continental US bases. With aerial refuelling, the B-2 can reach virtually any target worldwide, as demonstrated in missions from Missouri to Afghanistan and Libya and now Iran. Its payload capacity of more than 18,144 kg allows the aircraft to carry a diverse array of conventional and nuclear weapons. The bomber's internal weapons bays are specifically designed to maintain stealth characteristics while accommodating large ordnance loads which could include two GBU-57A/B MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator), a 13,607kg precision-guided 'bunker buster' bomb. Reports said six bunker buster bombs were used on Iran's Fordow research site. The B-2's two-pilot crew configuration reduces personnel requirements while maintaining operational effectiveness through advanced automation systems. The B-2's stealth technology incorporates radar-absorbing materials and angular design features that minimise detection by enemy air defence systems. Its radar cross-section is reportedly comparable to that of a small bird, making it nearly invisible to conventional radar. Massive ordnance penetrator (MOP): The 13,607kg MOP represents the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal, specifically engineered to defeat hardened underground bunkers. Its massive size requires the B-2 to carry only one or two MOPs per mission, but provides unmatched bunker-penetration capability. The weapon's 6.25m length and GPS-guided precision targeting system enable accurate strikes against specific underground facilities. Its penetration capability of over 61m through hardened concrete makes it effective against the world's most protected underground installations. Conventional payloads: Joint Direct Attack Munitions provide the B-2 with precision conventional strike capability against fixed targets. These GPS-guided weapons can be deployed in large numbers, with the bomber capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets with high accuracy. Joint Standoff Weapons extend the aircraft's engagement range while maintaining stealth characteristics during approach. These glide bombs allow the B-2 to strike targets from outside heavily defended airspace perimeters. Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles offer long-range precision strike capability with their own stealth features. The extended-range JASSM-ER variant provides strike options against targets over 805km away. Nuclear payload capabilities: The B-2 Spirit serves as a key component of America's nuclear triad, capable of delivering strategic nuclear weapons with stealth and precision. The aircraft can carry up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AsiaOne
2 hours ago
- AsiaOne
Trump says Iran's key nuclear sites 'obliterated' by airstrikes, World News
WASHINGTON — US forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites in a "very successful attack," President Donald Trump said on Saturday (June 21), adding that Tehran's nuclear programme had been obliterated. After days of deliberation and long before his self-imposed two-week deadline, Trump's decision to join Israel's military campaign against its major rival Iran represents a major escalation of the conflict. "The strikes were a spectacular military success," Trump said in a televised Oval Office address. "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." In a speech that lasted just over three minutes, Trump said Iran's future held "either peace or tragedy," and that there were many other targets that could be hit by the US military. "If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill." The US reached out to Iran diplomatically on Saturday to say the strikes are all the US plans and it does not aim for regime change, CBS News reported. Trump said US forces struck Iran's three principal nuclear sites: Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. He told Fox News six bunker-buster bombs were dropped on Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles were fired against other nuclear sites. US B-2 bombers were involved in the strikes, a US official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. "A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow," Trump posted. "Fordow is gone." "IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR," he added. [[nid:719350]] Reuters had reported earlier on Saturday the movement of the B-2 bombers, which can be equipped to carry massive bombs that experts say would be needed to strike Fordow, which is buried under a mountain south of Tehran. An Iranian official, cited by Tasnim news agency, confirmed that part of the Fordow site was attacked by "enemy airstrikes". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on his "bold decision" which he said will change history. "History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime, the world's most dangerous weapons," Netanyahu said. Diplomacy unsuccessful The strikes came as Israel and Iran have been engaged in more than a week of aerial combat that has resulted in deaths and injuries in both countries. Israel launched the attacks on Iran saying that it wanted to remove any chance of Tehran developing nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only. Diplomatic efforts by Western nations to stop the hostilities have been unsuccessful. In recent days, Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans have argued that Trump must receive permission from the US Congress before committing the US military to any combat against Iran. Republican Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker of Mississippi applauded the operation but cautioned that the US now faced "very serious choices ahead". Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, a Republican, said that despite the heavy US bombings over Iran, "This war is Israel's war, not our war." He added, "There will not be American boots on the ground in Iran." One Republican lawmaker, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, simply said, "This is not constitutional." Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia said the US public "is overwhelmingly opposed to the US waging war on Iran" and accused Trump of displaying "horrible judgement". Israel launched attacks on June 13, saying Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons, which it neither confirms nor denies. At least 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since Israel began its attacks, Iranian state-run Nour News said, citing the health ministry. In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed by Iranian missile attacks, according to local authorities, in the worst conflict between the longtime enemies. More than 450 Iranian missiles have been fired towards Israel, according to the Israeli prime minister's office. Israeli officials said 1,272 people have been injured since the beginning of the hostilities, with 14 in serious condition. ALSO READ: Trump says US forces bombed Iran nuclear sites; says 'Fordow is gone'
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Cambodians rush to stockpile Thai fuel and bottled water after Hun Sen's announcement
Hun Sen has challenged Thailand to send Cambodian workers back and criticised the Thai opposition's proposal to cut oil exports to Cambodia. PHOTO: REUTERS PHNOM PENH - Several Cambodian nationals continue to smuggle Thai products into Cambodia, including bottled water and energy drinks, following former Senate President Hun Sen's recent Facebook post. According to Khmer Times, Hun Sen has challenged Thailand to send Cambodian workers back and criticised the Thai opposition's proposal to cut oil exports to Cambodia, claiming it could lead to self-destruction. He also threatened to suspend the import of all canned goods from Thailand, including alcoholic beverages and energy drinks, as well as all types of canned fish and meat. A Cambodian national told Nation TV that Thai bottled water tastes better than the one available in Poipet, with many trying to smuggle water by hiding it, as Cambodian police only allow two packs to be imported per day. According to a Thai vendor, the reason for buying water from Thailand is because it is cleaner and cheaper. Bottled water in Poipet is more expensive, selling at 20 baht (S$0.78) per bottle due to the lack of local production facilities, the vendor explained. Regarding fuel, a Thai worker in Cambodia revealed that the country currently requires large amounts of fuel to generate electricity, both in government offices and hotels, which has driven up fuel prices. In Poipet, petrol stations are owned by Cambodians who purchase fuel from PTT in Thailand. Therefore, if Thailand halts fuel exports, it would significantly affect Cambodia, the worker said. Furthermore, after electricity was cut from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Poipet now experiences frequent power outages, damaging electrical appliances, and people in Poipet have resorted to using generators instead. Due to rising fuel prices, Cambodians are driving to Thailand to fill their tanks and transport fuel back in 200-litre drums daily. In Thailand, 95-octane petrol costs 41.54 baht per litre, while in Poipet, it is 50 baht. Diesel in Thailand costs 31.94 baht, compared to 40 baht in Cambodia. A source from the immigration office confirmed that if the border is closed, it would impact over 30,000 Cambodian workers who are employed at Rong Kluea Market in Sa Kaeo. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
