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Teacher injured in shooting at Oregon elementary school says she played dead after being shot

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A teacher who was critically injured in a deadly shooting at an elementary school in Oregon last week said she played dead after being shot in her classroom.

The mass shooting unfolded in a special needs classroom at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on Thursday, after police say the teenage gunman shot at a truck outside the building then fired on the locked doors to get inside. A teacher and three students were killed, and another teacher and student were injured, police said.

In a new statement released on her behalf Wednesday detailing her experience, the injured teacher said she ran to see what was going on, then "immediately" went back to her classroom when she saw the shooter.

"I turned to shut the door behind me, but the shooter was already there," Becky Drury, 54, said. "Before I could do anything more, he shot me at close range and I fell to the ground."

Drury said her left hand was "almost completely severed" and her right arm was "severely injured."

"I could not get up, defend myself, or protect anyone else," she said. "So, I did the only thing I could do, which was to pretend to be dead in the hope he would not shoot me again."

Drury said she wanted to share what she remembered from the tragic shooting to "make sure the events of that day and my actions in particular are reported accurately."

"I know there has been contradictory reporting about my actions that day, but the truth is I was shot before I had any chance to act," she said.

Drury did not specify what accounts she was referring to, though some outlets have reported that Drury had thrown herself on top of a student during the shooting.

"What happened in that classroom was unimaginable, and like so many in this community, my heart is broken for everyone affected by this tragedy," Drury said. "My thoughts are with those who were hurt, those we lost, their families, our school, and the Bend community. I am truly grateful for the kindness and support we have received as we face the difficult days ahead together."

Bend police said three boys, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a 25-year-old teacher died at the scene. The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old armed with a twelve-gauge shotgun, was fatally shot by the father of two Silver Rail students who followed the teen inside the school after seeing the shots fired at the truck, police said.

Another teacher threw her cellphone at the shooter after he entered the special needs classroom, police said. The teacher, who was not injured in the shooting, tackled him to the floor and tried to take the gun away from him, police said.

The shooting remains under investigation. In an update Wednesday, Bend police said they have served search warrants on the suspect's home and on his electronic devices and social media accounts.

Police said they have also confirmed that the firearm used in the shooting was legally purchased and are not releasing further details on the gun at this time.

Schools in the district reopened on Wednesday for the first time since the shooting. Dozens of officers were at each school to welcome students back, Bend police said.

"You'll likely see an increase in police presence in and around our schools over the coming days and weeks. That's because we want students and staff to feel as comfortable as they can during a difficult, emotional time," the Bend Police Department said.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Teen's alleged rape at frat near Univ. of Chicago follows prior incidents: Lawsuit

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An unnamed teenager who alleged she was sexually assaulted at a University of Chicago frat house has filed a lawsuit, alleging the fraternity did not do enough to prevent sexual assaults, despite several other reports dating back to 2009.

The teen has accused Alpha Delta Phi and its University of Chicago chapter of multiple counts of negligence, alleging "both ignored known sexual assault risks at the house and failed to put meaningful safeguards in place," attorneys for Jane Doe said in a statement Tuesday.

The teenager says she was unable to provide consent when she was sexually assaulted on Feb. 7, according to the lawsuit.

After the alleged sexual assault by a then-member of the frat, Jane Doe was found "struggling to speak and required assistance to walk" as she left the room, according to the suit.

The fraternity told ABC News it "suspended the member involved" after "learning of these allegations." ABC News has reached out to the University of Chicago for comment.

The fraternity member accused of sexual assault did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

The lawsuit comes days after another allegation of sexual assault was reported at another fraternity near the University of Chicago's campus.

 

History of incidents

 

The lawsuit alleged that Alpha National "undertook the responsibility of educating its members … on the prevention of sexual violence and preventing sexual violence among its members."

The lawsuit says there were two reports of alleged sexual assault in 2009 at Alpha Delta Phi Chicago’s fraternity house five days apart. In 2022, an anonymous social media post also alleged a sexual assault at the same fraternity house, according to the suit.

The lawsuit alleged that between 2009 and Feb. 7, 2026 — when Jane Doe was allegedly assaulted —Alpha National "received additional reports of sexual misconduct involving Alpha Chicago members or Alpha Chicago social events."

Despite these reports, "Alpha National did not impose an interim suspension on Defendant Alpha Chicago, did not restrict or condition Alpha Chicago’s social events, did not require that the residential floors of 5747 South University Avenue be secured during events, and did not require that sober monitors be stationed at access points to the residential floors," according to the lawsuit.

The suit alleged the fraternity made public commitments to sexual assault prevention; still, it failed to enforce its own policies at chapter events, attorneys for Jane Doe said in a statement.

 

The alleged assault

 

Jane Doe attended a party at the frat residence on the day of her alleged assault, according to the lawsuit.

A member of the fraternity offered Jane Doe a shot of "unidentified alcohol" and encouraged her to drink it, according to the lawsuit. Almost immediately after, Jane Doe began to feel unsteady and lightheaded, according to the lawsuit.

The frat member then directed her to follow him to a secluded room in the fraternity house, taking her up the stairs to a bedroom on the residential floor, according to the lawsuit.

Jane Doe allegedly told the frat member she was feeling "unsteady and lightheaded," which the suit alleges he "purposely ignored" before directing her to move toward the bed in the room, the suit says.

Jane Doe then "lost all physical and verbal ability to refuse" her attacker, according to the suit.

The alleged attacker then began to make "unwanted and nonconsensual sexual advances upon Jane Doe," the suit alleged.

The suit alleged that at this point, Jane Doe was "mentally and physically" unable to provide consent.

Following the alleged assault, the frat member "left Jane Doe alone and unconscious in the room where he assaulted her limp body in the fraternity house," according to the suit.

Jane Doe’s friend then learned that Jane Doe was "upstairs, unconscious in a bedroom," the suit alleged. Jane Doe’s friend found her unconscious and, as she left the room, struggling to speak and needing assistance to walk, according to the suit.

Jane Doe awoke the next morning to find blood stains in her underwear and she reported the assault to the Chicago Police Department, according to the lawsuit. The suit alleges the Chicago police investigation is ongoing.

Alpha Delta Phi National told ABC News it is aware of the allegations and is taking them "extremely seriously."

"The conduct described is deeply troubling and inconsistent with our values. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our members and communities and will cooperate with law enforcement as appropriate. Because this matter involves an active lawsuit we cannot provide further information on the specific circumstances at this time," the fraternity said in a statement.

Jane Doe is seeking damages for physical injuries, emotional distress and ongoing psychological harm, according to her attorneys.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Lindsay Clancy murder trial: Judge denies request to question holdout juror

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A Massachusetts judge on Wednesday denied a request from Lindsay Clancy’s attorneys to question the holdout juror who forced a mistrial in her triple-murder case. 

Clancy, who was charged with killing her three children, is still due to appear in court on Nov. 2 for the next hearing in the case, but Judge William Sullivan on Wednesday denied a request from defense lawyers to use the hearing to investigate the actions of the holdout juror. 

“This Court concludes that any further judicial inquiry is inappropriate, given the mandate that the court must not delve into a juror's subjective reasoning, thought process, view of the case, or relationship to the other jurors, and must not inquire into the jury's deliberative content, collective thought process, or any disagreement among the jury,” Sullivan wrote. 

After a seven-week trial this summer, Sullivan declared a mistrial after the jury -- split 11-1 in favor of finding her not guilty by reason of insanity -- failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

Clancy pleaded not guilty to three murder charges for the deaths of her 5-year-old daughter Cora, 3-year-old son Dawson and infant son Callan at the family's home in Duxbury, a Boston suburb, on Jan. 24, 2023.

The former nurse attempted suicide on the night of her children's deaths, leaving her paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

Throughout Clancy's trial, much of the testimony centered on whether or not she was suffering from postpartum psychosis -- considered a psychiatric emergency, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists -- when she allegedly strangled her children and attempted to take her own life, and whether she should be held criminally liable for the killings.  

Following the high-profile trial, defense lawyers had argued last month that the indictment should be dismissed because the judge failed to properly inquire about the holdout juror before declaring the mistrial.

To argue that motion, defense lawyers requested that the judge hold an evidentiary hearing to determine whether the holdout allegedly lied on the jury questionnaire, used his phone during deliberations or failed to follow the judge’s instructions during the deliberations. 

While Sullivan did not issue a ruling on those motions, he concluded that defense lawyers failed to prove they were entitled to the evidentiary hearing on the matter, writing that issues about the holdout juror that came to light after the mistrial was declared were irrelevant. 

“It appears that Clancy seeks an evidentiary hearing to determine whether Juror Doe lied on the jury questionnaire about prior involvement with the criminal justice system,” Judge Sullivan wrote. “However, potential evidence of good cause to dismiss a deliberating juror that came to light only after a mistrial was declared simply is not relevant to whether there was a manifest necessity for a mistrial.” 

Both prosecutors and defense lawyers declined to comment on the ruling.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


60 people treated after chemical release leads to evacuations in Toledo, Ohio

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At least 60 people were being treated for unspecified symptoms after an incident at Toledo, Ohio, business led to the release of a hazardous chemical, city officials said Wednesday.

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department said in a statement Wednesday evening that the people were treated with "symptoms potentially related to the chemical release."

A reduced evacuation order remained in place on Wednesday after the leak was first reported Tuesday night.

"The release has been confirmed as Glycidyl Methacrylate, which is classified as flammable and has a noticeable odor. It came from a 5,500-gallon tank because of an error that occurred when the material was being transferred," Bryant Somerville, a spokesperson for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, said in a statement.

Residents and motorists have been urged to avoid the area of Enterprise Blvd. and Progress Ave., according to city officials.

At a press conference Wednesday morning, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz initially referred to the incident leading to the chemical leak as an "explosion," however a city spokesperson later clarified there had not been an explosion.

Initially, the incident sparked an evacuation order for a 1-mile radius of the facility and a shelter-in-place for everyone within a 3-mile radius.

However, the shelter-in-place order was lifted Wednesday afternoon and the evacuation zone was reduced to a half-mile, according to an update from the city.

During the shelter-in-place, residents were instructed to remain indoors, close all windows and doors and turn off all ventilation systems that bring in outside air, according to the city.

Any residents outside the 3-mile radius who smell an odor are instructed to stay indoors, close windows and doors and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air, the city said.

The chemical released is glycidyl methacrylate, "an irritant that can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin," according to the city.

In the statement, the health department said: "For those experiencing minor symptoms such as mild eye, throat, or skin irritation, they rinse the impacted area and contact their healthcare provider for additional guidance. If anyone is experiencing serious symptoms of exposure, which may include breathing difficulties, nausea and/or vomiting, dizziness, or confusion, they should go to a nearby emergency room."

If you believe you are having a reaction to exposure, city officials urge you to contact a medical professional.

Emergency shelter locations were set up at the Meijer parking lot on Alexis Road and Shoreland Elementary School, according to the city.

MC Tank Transport released a statement confirming its equipment was involved in the incident. The company said the industrial chemical glycidyl methacrylate is used to make certain plastics, paints and coatings perform better.

"We understand the serious disruption this incident has caused to nearby residents and businesses, particularly those required to evacuate their homes. We are committed to assisting those affected," the company said in a statement.

Editor's note: This story has been updated.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Police searching for gunman in possible road-rage killing on George Washington Bridge

During the day steady traffic flows in both directions to Manhattan crossing over the Hudson River on the George Washington Bridge. (Getty Images stock photo)

An investigation is underway Wednesday to identify a suspect who fatally shot a motorist on the upper deck of New York's iconic George Washington Bridge, police said.

A 46-year-old man, an off-duty Con Edison worker, was driving a blue Volkswagen Golf in the westbound lanes of the world's busiest bridge on Tuesday night when gunfire erupted, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (PAPD).

Police are investigating the shooting as the possible result of a road-rage encounter after reviewing surveillance video showing the victim's car had been involved in a near-collision with another driver before the shooting.

"PAPD received reports of a one-vehicle crash on the westbound upper level of the George Washington Bridge," a PAPD spokesperson said. "Responding officers found the driver with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head."

The driver was taken to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in New Jersey, where he was pronounced dead.

Police identified the victim on Wednesday as Koran Irvin, an off-duty Con Edison worker from Rockland County, New York.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of a member of the Con Edison family in this senseless act of violence. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who knew and loved him," a Con Edison spokesperson said in a statement.

ABC New York station WABC reported the victim was an off-duty Con Edison worker from Rockland County, New York.

The shooter immediately fled the scene, police said. A description of the suspect's vehicle was not released.

As of Wednesday morning, no arrests had been announced.

No other injuries were reported.

The shooting unfolded just after 7 p.m., during rush-hour traffic.

According to investigators, the victim was driving on a ramp leading to the westbound upper level of the George Washington Bridge when his vehicle nearly collided with another driver, sparking a dispute.

As both vehicles continued toward New Jersey, an occupant of the other vehicle opened fire, hitting the victim, authorities said.

The shooting prompted police to close the westbound lanes of the upper deck of the nearly mile-long double-deck suspension bridge to investigate the shooting and collect evidence.

Police closed the westbound lanes of the upper deck for about six hours and reopened them around 1 a.m. ET Wednesday.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'High percentage' of DOJ's California noncitizen voters list born in US, preliminary LA County analysis shows

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The Justice Department's list of alleged noncitizens registered to vote in California includes a "high percentage" of individuals who say they were born in the U.S. and many more who have no voting history at all, according to an analysis of a relatively small sample conducted by officials in Los Angeles. 

In court papers filed Tuesday, two officials in the county registrar's office delivered the results of their "preliminary analysis" of 200 individuals from the DOJ's list of some 20,000 accused of being ineligible to vote.

Of those 200 individuals, officials said, nearly 40% "indicate that they were born in the United States, which is strong evidence of citizenship; and 71.2% of the records have no voting history."

More than 16 million votes were cast in California in 2024 and officials there say more than 23 million individuals are currently registered to vote in the state. 

During a press conference on Monday, Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter attracted some scrutiny when he acknowledged that the administration's list likely included errors, and that "there may be some names on there who it turns out ultimately are citizens.

"We're not perfect and that's why we've asked California to cooperate with us," McCotter said. "These are the ones where we're kind of the most confident that they are noncitizens."

In a statement to ABC News, DOJ spokesperson Kiersten Pels accused California of "willful blindness." 

"California cannot facilitate the violation of federal law," Pels said. "We notified California that noncitizens are likely registered to vote, and we asked the state to independently verify the citizenship of any ballots cast by people on a list that we provided. It refused to do so. Federal law doesn't permit this willful blindness." 

Monica Flores, an assistant registrar in the Los Angeles County Clerk's Office, wrote in her declaration on Tuesday that the Justice Department's proposed process for segregating ballots for these individuals "would risk disenfranchising voters who are validly registered." 

"The process the DOJ seeks to have the registrar undertake jeopardizes that core right for potentially thousands of voters, not to mention the finalization of election results, confidence in election results, and the ability to allow new elected officials to be instated in their positions," she continued. 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Fugitive with 'most wanted' tattooed on stomach added to 'Top 10 Most Wanted' list: FBI

Joseph Matos is seen in a photo released by the FBI. (FBI)

A man sought for the "senseless" murder of a National Guard member in Chicago has been added to the FBI's "Top 10 Most Wanted" list, federal officials announced on Tuesday.

The fugitive, Joseph "Troubles" Matos, has several distinctive tattoos -- including the words "most wanted" tattooed on his stomach -- officials said, while also updating that the reward for his capture has increased from $50,000 to up to $1 million.

Matos is wanted in the fatal shooting of Chrys Carvajal, a 19-year-old National Guardsman who is believed to have been randomly gunned down over the Fourth of July weekend in 2021, the FBI said.

The fugitive is believed to be a high-ranking member of Milwaukee Kings street gang operating on Chicago's north side, according to the FBI. He and an associate are accused of shooting Carvajal in the city's Belmont Cragin neighborhood while the victim walked to his car following a party on July 3, 2021, the FBI said. Carvajal had no gang ties, and investigators believe the attack was committed to "enhance the shooters' standing within the gang," the FBI said.

Matos, 44, is wanted for murder in aid of racketeering and murder through the use of a firearm in connection with Carvajal's death, the FBI said. An arrest warrant was issued for him and his associate, Gary Roberson, in May 2024. Roberson was taken into custody days later, though Matos was not located and remains at large, according to the FBI.

"You cannot hide from the FBI," FBI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Ryan Whalen said at a news conference on Tuesday while directly addressing Matos. "Whether you are close to home or in the furthest corner of the world, the FBI's reach has no limits. Justice will find you."

In addition to "unironically" having "MOST WANTED" tattooed on his stomach, Matos' other prominent tattoos include "M-Town Kings" on the right side of his neck, "1300" on the left side of his neck, "Heavensent, Hellbound" on his forearms, "Move in Silence" on his right hand and "Trust no one" on his left hand, Whalen said.

Matos has ties to Texas and California, though he is believed to be hiding in the greater Chicago area, the FBI said.

"To anyone who may be aiding in his not getting captured, you are committing a serious federal offense, and you will be held accountable to the public, including those in his close circle who may have additional information on his whereabouts," Whalen said.

Carvajal had just graduated from basic training and was back home in Chicago when he was fatally shot, according to the FBI.

"Chrys had no criminal history and no ties to any gang activity. He was gunned down simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time," Whalen said. "That night, the life of a young man destined to serve and protect our country was extinguished. He was a son, a brother, and a friend. His loss has left a hole in our community ever since."

Carvajal's sister, Jennifer Ramirez, remembered him as a "loving son, a brother, a loyal friend and a brave young man with a beautiful heart and a purpose in this world."

"We want people to remember Chrys not only for how we lost him, but for how he lived," she said during Tuesday's news conference. "We want his legacy to inspire young people to serve their communities, strengthen their faith, become leaders and always aspire for success."

Ramirez urged anyone with information in the case to come forward.

"No family should have to live through this kind of pain. No other innocent life should be taken by gun violence," she said. "Nothing will ever bring my brother back, but justice would mean that his life matters, that his story is heard, and that our family's fight for the truth and accountability has not been in vain."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Thieves steal nearly $1 million worth of Pokémon cards in SoCal FedEx truck break-in

In this photo illustration, collectible Pokémon trading cards are viewed in a store, January 23, 2026, in Pasadena, California. A surge in the value of the cards has triggered a string of robberies in Southern California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Nearly $1 million in rare trading cards, including highly valued Pokémon cards, were stolen from a FedEx truck parked near a Southern California business that authenticates and grades the collectible items, according to police.

The theft is the latest in a string of heists involving Pokémon cards, which have exponentially increased in value in recent years.  

The Santa Ana Police Department in Orange County said in a statement to ABC News on Tuesday that the heist occurred on Oct. 13 outside the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) office in Santa Ana.

The hundreds of stolen cards are estimated to be worth a total of $963,000, according to police.

"However, the exact value of the stolen items has not yet been determined," according to the Santa Ana police statement.

The cards belong to collectors from across the country who submitted them to the PSA to be authenticated and graded.

Two full pallets of collectible cards were stolen, and some cards on a third pallet were also swiped when thieves broke into a FedEx truck, according to police.

"The pallets contained various trading cards, including, but not limited to, sports cards and Pokémon cards," according to the police statement.

As of Tuesday, no arrests have been announced in the memorabilia rip-off. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

The theft was first reported by The Athletic, which cited police sources saying the the FedEx truck was broken into during the 60 to 90 minutes the driver was away from the parked vehicle.

"We are aware of a theft involving a third-party shipping vehicle carrying PSA-graded items. We are working closely with law enforcement and the carrier as the investigation continues," Collectors, the parent company of PSA, said in a statement to ABC News.

The company said it deactivated the certificates for the missing cards and has notified its "marketplace partners to be on the lookout for rare and serialized items."

"Our customer service team has contacted affected customers directly and is arranging compensation based on fair market value," the company said. "We understand the impact this has on collectors involved, many of whom see these cards as far more than a financial asset."

FedEx also released a statement to ABC News, saying, "The security of our customers' shipments is a top priority, and we are working with local law enforcement in their investigation. Further questions should be referred to local investigators."

One victimized collector, known by his online handle, Sky-B Cards, issued a YouTube video statement, saying the 104 cards he submitted to PSA for grading were among the stolen items. He said he paid more than $8,000 to have the cards graded by PSA and that his cards were insured for more than $150,000.

"These were 104 cards that I've accumulated over two years," Sky-B Cards said in the YouTube video. "There are many irreplaceable cards in here that I will never see again, and honestly that's what hurts the most, outside of being absolutely financially destroyed here."

The heist is the latest in a string of thefts in Southern California and elsewhere in the country of highly valued Pokémon cards, highlighting what appears to be an ever-growing demand for merchandise from the popular childhood card game.

In February, thieves broke into a collectibles shop in Anaheim, California, by cutting a hole through the wall from a neighboring shop they also broke into, stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of Pokémon cards.

Captured on video surveillance cameras, the three thieves were seen grabbing hundreds of trading cards and bolting from the shop in less than 10 minutes.

In April, thieves staged a smash-and-grab heist at Elite Sports Cards in Chicago, stealing $100,000 in Pokémon cards, the store owner told ABC Chicago station WLS.

In an interview in April, Jared Mast, president of Mast Wealth Management Group, which deals in alternative investments including collectibles like Pokémon cards, told ABC News the value of Pokémon cards has risen sharply in the past year.

"I would say, collectively, over the last 12 months, things have gone up anywhere from 200 to 300%," Mast said.

Mast explained that Pokémon card value has risen in three different waves over the last decade. First, in 2016, with the arrival of Pokémon Go, the popular mobile game based on the playing cards, and then again in 2019 and 2020, as a generation of celebrities like Logan Paul invested in the collectibles.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


US citizen injured during ICE detainment in Long Beach, California, officials say

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. (Getty Images stock photo/Douglas Rissing)

California officials are calling for an investigation after they say a man was injured while being detained by federal immigration agents, who were captured on video pinning him down against a curb as he yelled for help during the encounter in Long Beach over the weekend.

California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, whose district includes Long Beach, called the incident "incredibly disturbing" and said the man is a U.S. citizen.

In a formal complaint to the Department of Homeland Security, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said the man "reportedly was subjected to repeated Taser use, forcibly restrained, and sustained significant injuries" during Saturday's encounter.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement that ICE officers "followed their training and used the minimum amount of force" while conducting operations in Long Beach.

Long Beach police officers who responded to the scene Saturday saw a "large group disturbance" involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and located the man handcuffed and bleeding while being detained by ICE, the Long Beach Police Department said in a statement.

The mayor identified the man in a statement on Monday as Ricardo Gonzalez, referring to him as a "Long Beach resident, father, and former City employee."

In a video posted on social media by StopICE.net, Gonzalez can be heard yelling, "Help me!" while being pinned on the street against a curb. He repeatedly said his arm was broken and could be heard moaning in pain while being detained.

Officers brought him to a local fire station, where they removed his handcuffs, and then firefighters transported him to a local hospital for medical treatment, according to the police department.

It is unclear what specific injuries Gonzalez sustained. A family member told ABC News on Monday that they do not have any comment at this time.

In an online fundraiser, the family member said an unmarked vehicle carrying federal agents struck Gonzalez while he was riding his bicycle. In response to a news report on Gonzalez's injuries that cited the family's account, DHS denied that ICE hit an individual on a bike.

"An individual was arrested after he smashed the mirror of a government vehicle," DHS said in the statement Tuesday, adding that they are "investigating potential charges for the damage to a government vehicle." 

According to Richardson's complaint to DHS, Gonzalez contacted the Long Beach Police Department "seeking assistance during a confrontation with federal immigration agents."

Long Beach police said their officers responded after ICE personnel requested emergency assistance from local authorities "due to vehicle vandalism taking place and a subject in need of medical aid."

"LBPD officers were not involved in any immigration enforcement and LBPD personnel did not make any arrests," the police department said.

Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called for an investigation into the incident.

"There is no reporting that he was doing anything wrong, no public reporting," he said during a press conference on Monday. "Certainly, I have not received any information from our own police department that he was somehow causing some sort of criminal activity."

The Long Beach mayor said he submitted a formal complaint to DHS on Monday "demanding accountability for the actions of federal immigration agents in Long Beach."

"What happened to Ricardo is outrageous and unacceptable," Richardson said in a statement while calling for an independent investigation into the incident. "Long Beach will not stay silent when our neighbors are harmed. A federal badge is not a license to brutalize people or disregard their constitutional rights. If you are entrusted with enforcing the law, you must answer to it."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Former Cornell fraternity president dropped from Jane Doe lawsuit

A hand written sign is seen before a rally in support of a former Cornell University student known as Jane Doe at the Ithaca Commons, October 13, 2026 in Ithaca, New York. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

A former president of the Cornell University fraternity where a then-undergraduate student alleged she was gang raped in 2024 was dropped Tuesday from her civil lawsuit Tuesday after he was mistakenly identified as the chapter president at the time of the alleged attack.

"It is hereby stipulated by and between counsel for all parties that this matter is discontinued with prejudice as to Orazio Petito," a court filing said.  "Furthermore, the plaintiff holds Mr. Petito, his counsel, harmless from any liens that are known and/or unknown at this time."

Petito was never accused of taking part in the alleged assault but was named in the lawsuit as the president of Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity chapter.  He was not the fraternity president at the time the woman, known as Jane Doe, said she was assaulted in October 2024.

The then-undergraduate student made a complaint to campus police in November 2024, three weeks after the incident occurred, that she had been raped by a group of men at the Chi Phi fraternity house. She filed the civil suit against the men and the university alleging that she had been drugged and raped.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is conducting an investigation into the incident, and Cornell is also conducting an internal probe of its response to the allegations.

All seven fraternity brothers named in the civil lawsuit have denied wrongdoing and no criminal charges have been filed in the case.

"My client deserved to be released from this case," Petito's attorney, Eric Bernstein, told ABC News. "They had the wrong the guy and justice was served as far as Mr. Petito was concerned. We are all pleased with the outcome, and it was the right outcome."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Rep. Adam Smith joins list of lawmakers who received letter with 'suspicious substance'

Adam Smith for Congress

Washington State Democratic Congressman Adam Smith received a "suspicious letter containing a powdery substance" on Monday, according to a statement from the congressman's office, making the lawmaker the latest in a growing list of politicians who have received similar letters.

"Earlier today, my district office received a suspicious letter containing a powdery substance, like others sent to Congressional offices across the country," Smith said in a statement to ABC News. "My staff has been safely evacuated, and I thank the Kent Police Department and the Renton Fire Department for their quick action."

At Smith's office in Kent, Washington, hazmat units from both Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and Renton Regional Fire Authority, along with Puget Sound Fire's battalion chief, were dispatched at 2:45 p.m. local time, according to Puget Sound Fire Division Chief Pat Pawlak.

In recent days, several other lawmakers across the country have received suspicious letters, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic senators Chris Murphy, Kirsten Gillibrand and Lisa Blunt Rochester, according to previous ABC reporting.

ABC previously reported that preliminary information suggests there are over 100 letters circulating in the US mail system that apparently contain white powder, according to law enforcement sources.

It's unclear if this incident is connected to the other letters, but in a statement, the FBI told ABC News: "The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide, including Secretary of State offices and their related election offices."

"Some of the letters contained an unknown substance, and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident," the FBI said.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


5 North Carolina police officers resign amid probe into alleged racist texts

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA - March 8 2025 : Side view of a Patrol car used by the Charlotte - Mecklenburg Police department in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA (Onfokus/Getty Images)

Five police officers under investigation for allegedly sharing racist text messages have resigned from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) in North Carolina, a police spokesperson confirmed to ABC News on Monday.

A sixth officer allegedly involved in this matter resigned in August amid a separate probe, while a seventh officer remains suspended without pay pending a Civil Service Board review, the spokesperson said.

The resignation of the first three officers was announced on Thursday by CMPD Police Chief Estella Patterson during a press conference. Since then, two additional officers have resigned.

"The allegations against them are serious," Patterson said at Thursday's news conference. "They're deeply troubling. And frankly, I'm disappointed that we're even having to talk about this today."

The messages, which contained racial slurs, were found during an investigation into alleged Flock camera misuse by former CMPD officer Seth Elliot, according to ABC affiliate in Charlotte, WSCO. It is unclear if Elliot has entered a plea in the Flock camera case.

CMPD released the names of a total of seven officers being investigated in a press release on Monday and confirmed that Elliot, who resigned from CMPD in August, is the seventh officer allegedly involved in this matter.

Elliot's defense attorney, George V. Laughrun II, didn't immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

The five other officers, who were all suspected without pay on Oct. 9 before resigning, were identified as Mateo Juarez, Joseph Kelly, Alexander Larsen, Tredan Maronic and Matthew Osborn. The sixth, Jeremiah Todman, remains suspended without pay pending further investigation, police said.

It's unclear if the other five former officers have retained attorneys in this case. None of them immediately responded to ABC News' requests for comment, nor did Todman.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9, the union that represents CMPD officers, didn't immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

In a statement releasing the officer's names, CMPD highlighted "the importance of transparency and public access to information in maintaining public trust."

"The department remains committed to accountability and providing access to public records in accordance with the law, while respecting the integrity of any ongoing investigations and potential legal proceedings," it wrote.

Patterson said on Thursday that, after discovering the text messages, the department launched an investigation into the officers actions and has requested assistance from federal agencies to examine the "possibility of civil rights violations."

"We immediately conducted audits of their body worn footage, we reviewed their traffic stops, their traffic stop datas, we looked at their arrest records, and we looked to see if any of those officers had external complaints," she said. "As of this point, we have not found any evidence of this, but I have asked our federal partners to look at the possibility of civil rights violations."

Patterson also said that, if the investigation determines wrongdoing by the officers, her department will seek to revoke the North Carolina law enforcement certificates of the officers involved in this case so that they cannot be an officer anywhere in our state.

"And I hope that they will not be an officer anywhere in this country," she added.

ABC News' Sabina Ghebremedhin and Tesfaye Negussie contributed to this report.

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Mid-Atlantic coast bracing for October nor'easter

An October nor'easter aimed at the Mid-Atlantic coast is expected to bring strong winds and large breaking waves from North Carolina to New Jersey through the middle of this week. (ABC News)

A slow-moving October nor'easter aimed at the Mid-Atlantic seaboard is expected to produce days of high winds, life-threatening rip currents, beach erosion and coastal flooding from North Carolina up to New Jersey.

Coastal flood alerts are in effect from Monday through Tuesday in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina and Delaware.

The long-duration storm is expected to stretch into the middle of this week. The storm is expected to mainly be a wind and wave event, with the bulk of the rain remaining offshore.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding is likely, especially at high tides, in multiple cities including Atlantic City and Virginia Beach.

Wind advisories have also been issued for portions of coastal Virginia and North Carolina, including Virginia Beach and North Carolina's Northern Outer Banks, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. Sustained northeast winds in these areas are expected to be 25-35 mph, with gusts of up to 50 mph.

Large breaking waves of 9 to 12 feet are possible for parts of the Outer Banks and along the Delmarva Peninsula from Virginia to Delaware through late early Thursday.

Weather conditions are already deteriorating in the Outer Banks and other barrier islands off the North Carolina coast.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for Hatteras Island in North Carolina, creating heavy traffic on Highway 12, according to Dare County, North Carolina, Emergency Management.

"Visitors are not permitted to enter Hatteras Island at this time and will not be allowed to return until the storm system has passed and conditions along N.C. Highway 12 have improved to the point that the roadway is no longer threatened by ocean overwash," the Dare County Emergency Management said in a statement issued on Sunday.

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Mission to bring home 1st samples from a moon other than Earth’s set to launch Monday

Phobos and Deimos over the surface of Mars. Asteroids satellites of the red planet in space. Close-up of Mars with the Moons. (Nazarii Neshcherenskyi/Getty Images)

We've learned a lot about Mars since Mariner 4 took the first close-up photos of the red planet in 1965. Since that mission, orbiters, landers and rovers have explored the Martian surface, expanding our understanding of the planet.

But we know very little about Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos, including how they formed.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission could unlock some of the moons' mysteries and help scientists better understand Mars' history and our own planet. 

"MMX will be the first spacecraft ever to return to Earth from the Mars system," said Tom Statler, NASA's MMX program executive and scientist, during a pre-launch press conference. "The Phobos samples will be historic. The first samples from a moon other than Earth's moon," he added.

Scheduled to lift off as early as Monday, Oct. 19, at 3:41 p.m. EDT from the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center, MMX is a first-of-its-kind mission that will not only study the moons of Mars but bring samples back to Earth.

Led by JAXA in partnership with NASA, the European Space Agency, and the French and German space agencies, the orbiter will arrive at Mars in August 2027, then turn its attention to Phobos a month later. NASA says MMX won’t technically orbit the moon; instead, it will use a "quasi-satellite orbit," circling Mars in a path that keeps it near Phobos.

MMX is equipped with 13 scientific instruments, including NASA’s MEGANE instrument, which, the agency says, “will let MMX ‘see’ the elemental composition of the moon’s surface and help peg the likely origin of the moon.”

After studying Phobos from space, MMX will then attempt one or two landings on the Martian moon's surface. The spacecraft is expected to spend two to two and a half hours on the ground during each stop. While there, it will use a device called a Pneumatic Sampler to collect at least 10 grams of soil from Phobos. MMX will then deliver that material back to Earth in 2031, depositing it in Australia by using a capsule designed to survive re-entry into our planet's atmosphere.  

"It will help us better understand Phobos and the evolution of the Mars system. The mission's science and return samples will complement decades of Mars exploration and help inform future discoveries, and perhaps even in the further future, crewed missions to the red planet," said Lindsay Hays, NASA's acting director of the Planetary Science Division.

Scientists have long speculated on the origins of Mars' moons. They may have started as asteroids that Mars pulled into its orbit. Or they could be debris remnants flung into orbit after a giant object struck the Martian surface. The challenge is that there's compelling evidence for both possibilities. By studying the samples collected on Phobos, scientists believe they can finally solve that question.

"By going to the Martian moons, studying them up close and bringing samples back to Earth we'll be able to determine whether Phobos material is more consistent with an asteroid composition or with debris created by a collision involving Mars. That's the kind of question that we need to have instruments right there at the object and have the detailed laboratory analysis of the actual material to answer," explained Statler.

Why does it matter how Mars' moons came to be? Statler said that knowing where the moons came from can reveal how the solar system, and our own planet, took shape.

"For years, we've been asking questions like, 'Well, how did water get delivered to the Earth? Did the same processes deliver water to Mars, to Venus, to Mercury? Where did organic materials come from, and so on,'" said Statler. "Understanding where Phobos and Deimos came from goes to understanding what was going on at that time and where that stuff was coming from."

The spacecraft won't land on Mars because, unlike Phobos, the red planet has an atmosphere and significantly more gravity. This makes landings and liftoffs much more challenging and would require a different kind of vehicle. But that doesn't mean the mission won't return Martian samples to Earth because of Phobos's proximity to Mars.

"That proximity to Mars means that it is conceivable that meteor impacts on Mars, large ones, can blast material up off the surface of Mars and some of that can find its way to Phobos," said Statler. "The general consensus is there is a very good chance that there is a tiny fraction of Mars material mixed in with the regolith, the soil, on the surface of Phobos."

If even a trace of Mars is mixed into the Phobos soil, it would be an unexpected bonus: a mission aimed at Mars’ moons could end up delivering a piece of Mars itself. NASA will receive at least 15% of the returned samples for the scientific community to analyze. What they'll find remains to be seen, but it could raise new questions about Mars' history and the formation of our solar system.

"It's a piece of the puzzle that will enable us to ask smarter questions about how to explore and where to explore," Statler said.

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National Guard member injured in DC shooting, police say

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The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington said early on Monday it was investigating a late-night shooting that involved members of the National Guard, one of whom was injured.

Guard members had intervened in breaking up a fight at about 11 p.m. on Sunday night, the MPD said, adding that a person involved in that fight then allegedly began firing a weapon.

A Guard member was shot in the leg by the individual, according to D.C. police.

"National Guard immediately gave commands to that individual to put down the gun.," D.C. Interim Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll told reporters at the scene. "That individual then pointed the weapon towards National Guard members, who returned fire to the individual."

Three Guard members returned fire, with at least one of them hitting the individual in the abdomen, Carroll said.

Both the Guard member and a the person who allegedly fired at the members are being treated in local D.C. hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The suspect was placed under arrest, Carroll said.

The shooting occurred near the the 400 block of 8th Street SE, the force said in a statement.

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Air Force member killed rappelling from Alamodome's ceiling in Salute to Armed Forces ceremony

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An Air Force member has died from injuries he suffered on Saturday while rappelling from the ceiling of the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, as part of a college football pre-game ceremony honoring the Armed Forces and military veterans, authorities said.

The incident occurred just before kickoff between Navy and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

"Once the band started playing, there was a guy that fell down," witness Adrian Corey, one of more than 23,000 people who attended the game, told ABC San Antonio affiliate station KSAT.

The airman was identified as Sgt. Ian Patterson, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, a spokesperson for the Nellis Air Force Base, where the airman was stationed, said in a statement. Nellis Air Force Base is located in Nevada.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital after the fall.

Witnesses said the airman was one of three service members conducting a rappelling demonstration from the Alamodome's ceiling, a drop of about 170 feet.

Corey, who recorded the incident on his cellphone, said he and other spectators noticed something was wrong when the airman, whose name has not been released, "started coming down fast."

San Antonio Fire Department spokesman Joe Arrington told ABC News that firefighters responded to the Alamodome around 7 p.m. local time after getting a call about someone falling during a pre-game event. Arrington said the individual was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A spokesperson for the University of Texas at San Antonio said in a statement to ESPN that students who witnessed the incident are encouraged to contact the university's crisis hotline.

"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues," the UTSA spokesperson said. "We recognize that members of our campus community may be emotionally affected by this incident and are activating wellbeing services to support our faculty, staff and students."

ABC News' Chris Barry and Matthew Acosta contributed to this report.

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2 dead, 11 injured after woman in truck drives through soccer game in Wichita, Kansas: Police

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Two people, including a 6-year-old boy, were killed and 11 others injured after a truck drove through a youth soccer game in Wichita, Kansas, on Saturday afternoon, police said, in what officials called a "heartbreaking" incident that authorities are still investigating.

Among those injured were five children, ages 5 to 9, and five adults, ranging from a 28-year-old woman to a 68-year-old man, the Wichita Police Department said on Sunday. The injuries ranged from bruises to "extremely severe injuries."

A 61-year-old woman also experienced medical complications unrelated to traumatic injuries caused by the truck, bringing the total number of people sent to local hospitals to 11, police said.

First responders rushed to Stryker Soccer Complex after receiving multiple 911 calls around 3:25 p.m. CT, Capt. Aaron Moses of the Wichita Police Department told reporters at a press conference Saturday evening.

Police said the driver, who they identified only as a 34-year-old woman of Garden City, Kansas, stayed with the truck after the incident.

As of Sunday afternoon, no charges had been filed in the incident, according to police. The driver of the Chevrolet pickup truck involved in the incident was released from custody pending the results of toxicology testing and a mechanical examination of the vehicle.

"She has been cooperative to this point in the investigation," Moses said.

The two people killed in the incident were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. They were identified on Sunday by police as 6-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer, both of McPherson, Kansas.

These families "face an unimaginable loss ... what should have been a day of children playing soccer and families spending time together ended in tragedy," Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said in a statement.

Investigators interviewed more than 30 witnesses, including the two juveniles who were inside the pickup at the time of the crash, police said on Sunday.

Moses told reporters on Saturday that one of the driver's children was playing soccer at the complex on Saturday but was not on that field at the time the incident occurred.

When police arrived at the scene, the truck was located on the west end of the field, and bystanders were helping to render aid to the injured people on the field, Moses said.

Police stressed they are still investigating and asked the public for patience.

"We know what happened, but now we're working very hard to find out why it happened, and we're not there yet," Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan told reporters.

Police said they have interviewed over 30 witnesses at the scene and are asking anyone with pictures or video of the incident to share them with investigators.

Police also credited bystanders who the police chief said "sprang into action so quickly and gave life-saving assistance until the arrival of first responders." Sullivan added, "It was truly amazing, but I think it's indicative of the of the Wichita community."

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said "Tonight, Wichita grieves together."

"Today is a heartbreaking day for Wichita," Mayor Lily Wu told reporters. "Families came to Stryker Sports Complex to enjoy a Saturday afternoon watching their children play soccer. No one could have imagined the tragedy that would unfold."

The city of Wichita said in a Facebook post Saturday afternoon that all events at the sports complex have been canceled until further notice.

"We ask that you keep all individuals and families affected in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the city said in a statement.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement she was monitoring the situation and in touch with the mayor.

"My condolences go out to the families of the victims, the survivors, and all those impacted by this event," Kelly said in a statement.

In a statement, the Stryker Soccer Complex said it was praying for those affected.

"Our hearts are heavy as we process the tragic events at Stryker today," the statement said. "We are holding everyone impacted, the injured, their families, and all those who witnessed this heartbreaking event close in our thoughts and prayers."

ABC News' Chris Barry, Brianna Sanchez and Michael Pappano contributed to this report.

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Oregon school shooting: Father of 2 students identified as bystander who took down suspected gunman

Flowers rest on a sign in front of Silver Rail Elementary School on Oct. 15, 2026, in Bend, Oregon. (Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images)

The suspected gunman in an elementary school shooting in Bend, Oregon, was shot by a parent of two students who saw the teen entering the school, his family said on Friday.

Three children and a teacher were killed after a gunman opened fire in Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday, authorities said. Another student and teacher were injured critically, according to officials.

Police have not yet released any information about the bystander who stopped the suspect, but the hero was identified by family as Kaylub Giamanco.

Giamanco, who has two daughters who attend the school, was driving nearby when he heard the commotion and ran into the school, his family said. The family confirmed that Giamanco has a concealed carry permit.

His family said he is overwhelmed by this and regrets not being able to save more lives.

"Lifelong Bend resident Kaylub Giamanco has come forward as the man who shot and killed the suspect who entered the school. He is not seeking recognition, but instead wishes to express his gratitude to the first responders, school personnel, and community for the outpouring of love and support," the family said in a statement to ABC News.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek thanked the community member who she said "heroically intervened to stop further loss of life."

President Donald Trump on Friday praised him as "a great hero" while addressing reporters outside the White House.

"He took care of business, and thank God we had him. Otherwise it would have been much worse," the president said.

Giamanco's family described him as thoughtful and empathetic.

"Kaylub's family, including his two daughters who attend the school, respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time and will not be participating in interviews," the family said.

ABC News' Nicholas Kerr contributed to this report.

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ICE officer who allegedly struck man in Texas with vehicle placed on administrative leave, agency says

Law enforcement officials are at the scene after a man was struck by a vehicle driven by an ICE agent during chase, according to the Harris Courty Sheriff's Office, on Oct. 10, 2026, in Harris County, Texas. (KTRK)

The Immigrations Customs and Enforcement officer who allegedly struck a man with a vehicle during a pursuit outside Houston last weekend has been placed on administrative leave, the agency said.

The move is standard for all use-of-force incidents, according to an ICE spokesperson.

"This incident is under active internal investigation," the spokesperson said in a statement Friday.

On Saturday, Miguel Parra-Hernandez was hit by a car operated by an ICE agent during an arrest as the unidentified officer attempted to arrest him and another suspect, the agency said. Parra-Hernandez, who ICE alleged is undocumented, is currently in the hospital recovering from injuries to his legs, according to the Harris County District Attorney's office.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said Parra-Hernandez broke his leg in three places and has undergone two surgeries.

Parra-Hernandez has not been charged by any law enforcement agency as of Thursday, according to the DA's office.

ICE said in a statement that that one of its officers was pursuing Jose Mendoza-Cervantes, a Mexican national who they allege had a criminal record and a final order of removal by a judge, and observed him get in a vehicle with Parra-Hernandez Saturday morning.

The ICE officer attempted a car stop, and Mendoza-Cervantes and Parra-Hernandez fled their vehicle on foot, according to ICE and the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Surveillance video of the incident reviewed by ABC News appears to show the ICE vehicle moving in the direction of a man running and then striking him.

An ICE spokesperson alleged in a statement that Parra-Hernandez "ran in front of an ICE vehicle" when he was hit.

"Allegations that ICE struck Miguel Parra-Hernandez intentionally are RECKLESS and FALSE. The men and women of ICE are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct," the spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday.

Mendoza-Cervantes remains at large as of Friday, according to ICE.

Teare, the DA, is currently probing the situation and told ABC News Wednesday that his office could possibly pursue criminal charges against the ICE officer.

The DA's office said two people were allegedly detained by the ICE agent prior to the incident and in the back seat of the ICE officer's vehicle when Parra-Hernandez was hit.

Teare told ABC News Thursday that his office was able to interview one of those witnesses before they were deported and that he believes the ICE officer intentionally struck Parra-Hernandez. 

"Thankfully, we were able to meet with him in custody yesterday, but we were the only individuals to even speak to him," the DA told ABC News.

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Advocacy groups accuse Trump administration of fast-tracking migrant children's asylum cases

In this Oct. 15, 2025, file photo, a family walks past federal agents as they arrive for their court hearing in immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, FILE)

Immigrant advocacy groups representing migrant children have sued the Trump administration to stop what they call a "cruel and unlawful scheme" to fast-track migrant children's asylum cases.

In a complaint filed Thursday night, the groups allege that new government policies have transformed the asylum process for migrant children into a "deportation assembly line depriving them of their rights."

The lawsuit comes as immigration attorneys and advocates say unaccompanied migrant children are being rushed through the immigration system and that their deportations have been accelerated as part of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown.

"A system that moves faster and that is by design made so that children are unable to access lawyers and are railroaded into deportation orders is not justice. It's assembly line deportation of the most vulnerable among us," said Lindsay Toczylowski, co-founder of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, during a press call.

The groups said unaccompanied children are facing rushed hearings, difficulty finding lawyers, and accelerated removal orders, including in cases involving alleged human trafficking and threats of violence.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ABC News.

In the suit, the groups said that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed practices through a series of recent policy shifts that include reducing notice times for asylum interviews -- in some cases proving less than 24 hours' notice.

In the complaint, the groups also said that the Department of Justice has instructed immigration judges to complete all removal proceedings for detained unaccompanied children by Jan. 31, 2027. To meet the deadline, the groups allege that immigration judges are refusing to grant continuances of longer than three weeks.

"This push isn't coming from just one agency. It's a coordinated whole-of-government operation that abandons due process and child safety in service of faster removals," said Jason Boyd, vice president for federal policy at the advocacy group Kids in Need of Defense.

The suit comes two days after the Department of Homeland Security announced it was offering unaccompanied migrant children $3,000 to self-deport, a $500 increase over last year's incentive.

Earlier this month, the federal government quietly assembled a team of government attorneys to represent migrant children in court after the administration cut ties with a number of immigration advocacy groups that had previously provided those services.

Immigration advocacy groups have raised concerns about the initiative, arguing that the same government seeking to deport the minors should not be representing them in court.

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