PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 05: Jordan Chiles of Team USA looks on with her Bronze Medal from the Women’s Apparatus floor final on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 05, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Jordan Chiles filed an appeal of the decision that led to the US gymnast being stripped of an Olympic bronze medal, her attorneys announced Monday.
Chiles was stripped of her first individual Olympic medal after the Romanian gymnastics team challenged the decision to revise her final score in the floor exercise to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
CAS eventually upheld the challenge, meaning the US star’s bronze went to Romania’s Ana Brbosu.
Chiles has now opted to appeal CAS’ decision to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland – where CAS is based.
“From start to finish, the procedures leading to the CAS panel’s decision were fundamentally unfair, and it is no surprise that they resulted in an unjust decision,” Chiles’s attorneys said in a press release.
Her attorneys argue CAS violated Chiles’s “right to be heard” by “refusing to consider the video evidence that showed her inquiry was submitted on time,” and that Chiles was not properly informed that the President of the CAS panel had a potential conflict of interest.
“Jordan Chiles’ appeals present the international community with an easy legal question-will everyone stand by while an Olympic athlete who has done only the right thing is stripped of her medal because of fundamental unfairness in an ad-hoc arbitration process? The answer to that question should be no,” Maurice M. Suh, counsel for Chiles, said.
“Every part of the Olympics, including the arbitration process, should stand for fair play,” Suh added.
CAS told CNN that it cannot comment as it has not yet been notified of the appeal by the Swiss Federal Tribunal.
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) said they are determined to see Chiles receive the recognition she deserves.
“Due to the egregious errors and oversight by CAS in handling the case and overlooking clear evidence of Jordan’s rightful Bronze win, we are determined to ensure she receives the recognition she deserves. Our commitment to truth in this matter remains steadfast,” the USOPC told CNN Monday.
USA Gymnastics (USAG) told CNN it is not involved directly in the appeal at this stage but is supporting Chiles and her team.
“USAG is closely coordinating with Jordan and her legal team and will make supportive filings with the court in the continued pursuit of justice for Jordan,” the body said.
“Chiles believes in competing fairly and with integrity and holding these organizations to the standards and rules that were established to ensure fairness,” the gymnast’s attorneys added Monday.
Police preliminarily said that a motor vehicle crash may have caused the large pipeline fire that drove nearby residents out of their homes.
Harris County Judge Linda Hidalgo said once the fire is out, first responders will try to re-ignite the site to burn off any remaining product.
In an update on Tuesday morning, the Deer Park Office of Emergency Management said the fire is significantly smaller, but extended the expected burn-off timeline through later Tuesday.
Energy Transfer, the company that owns the pipeline, said air quality monitoring continues to show no impact to air quality.
Evacuees who were transported from the Walmart parking lot can now return to pick up their vehicles. Officials have asked all evacuees to travel southbound on East Boulevard to meet at the checkpoint. From there, you’ll be escorted to your vehicle and you can exit northbound from the parking lot.
SkyEye video showed the flames continuing to burn on Tuesday morning.
Officials said first responder crews worked all through the night, with the goal of isolating the fire and letting it burn itself out.
Authorities believe the driver of a white SUV drove through a fence on the west side of the nearby Walmart parking lot in the 9000 block of Spencer Highway, hitting the pipeline valve.
Witnesses told ABC13 that when the SUV hit the gas pipeline valve, it went airborne, then came the flames.
A couple looking for parking at a Deer Park Walmart witnessed a driver crashing into a pipeline valve, causing a vehicle to go airborne.
The resultant explosion started in Deer Park and then spread south under Spencer Highway to La Porte, as the highway separates Deer Park to the north and La Porte to the south.
Witnesses said they believe the woman driving the SUV was possibly experiencing some kind of medical emergency.
Further details about the driver and her condition have not been released.
Witness Hank Williams said he was at a nearby Discount Tire when he heard a loud boom.
“I stepped around the counter and I could see the vehicle and it was on fire,” Williams said. “He said when it went off, he saw that vehicle go about 8 or 10 feet in the air and then he saw it land.”
Officials said the area will have to cool down before residents can return to their homes. Around 50 homes near the fire had to be evacuated.
Energy Transfer identified the burning substance as liquid natural gas. In the wake of the event, the company set up a helpline for anyone displaced and/or impacted by the fire at 855-430-4491.
A Deer Park official told ABC13 that four people were injured from the event, including a firefighter for minor injuries. The four also includes two hospitalizations and two heat-related injuries.
Classes continued as usual on Tuesday morning in La Porte ISD after two elementary schools had to shelter in place on Monday.
The district asked parents who live in the evacuation zone to drive their kids to school on Tuesday, if possible. The district said its transportation department is working on other plans for kids who will need to ride the bus.
NEW YORK — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been charged with sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy, alleging he ran an “enterprise that he engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor or, kidnapping, arson and other crimes,” according to the indictment unsealed on Tuesday.
A federal grand jury in Manhattan returned an indictment against Combs, which set in motion his arrest, sources told ABC News.
Combs “knew this was coming,” the music mogul’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, told reporters Tuesday on his way into federal court. “We brought him to New York two weeks ago because, sure, we knew this day would come and it’s here.”
He said Combs has anticipated federal charges ever since the March raids on his homes in Florida and California.
Combs’ spirits are good, Agnifilo said, adding, “He’s dealing with this head on the way he has dealt with every challenge in his life.”
Agnifilo said in an earlier statement, “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.”
“He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal,” Agnifilo said. “To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
Combs has been under investigation for the better part of a year since his former, longtime girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, came forward with allegations in a civil lawsuit. At least 10 additional lawsuits followed. Combs has denied the allegations in all of them.
In March, when Combs’ Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by federal agents, a Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson said the raid was executed as part of an “ongoing investigation.”
Law enforcement sources told ABC News in March that federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations seized a number of electronic devices as part of the court-authorized searches of Combs’ two properties.
The searches, carried out in Los Angeles and Miami, were part of a federal sex trafficking investigation into the hip-hop and liquor mogul, the sources said.
HSI agents flooded Combs’ mansions and gathered evidence as part of an investigation led by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The last week of summer will feature more summer heat and humidity as a heat ridge builds.
We still have just enough moisture around for an isolated storm on Monday, mainly during the middle afternoon hours. Temperatures will get hot this afternoon with highs topping out in the low to middle 90s and heat indices exceeding 100.
Do you expect those summertime temperatures to continue?
Yep. A late summer heat ridge will keep us hot during the last week of summer. High temperatures should remain at or above 90 degrees for the next 10 days. Thankfully, we don’t foresee any 100-degree days, but the combination of heat and humidity could put the heat index into the triple digits. We also can’t rule out getting to heat advisory territory in the second half of the week.
How long will we have to wait for our first fall front?
At least 10 days…if not longer. There are hints that a “baby” fall front could roll in just after the start of astronomical fall on September 22, but we wouldn’t get too excited over those prospects just yet.
What are you tracking in the tropics?
Tropical Depression Gordon and Potential Storm 8 have developed in the Atlantic, but neither pose a threat to the Gulf. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for the latest on what’s happening in the tropics.
NEW YORK — Home Depot will pay nearly $2 million to settle a civil enforcement claim from California district attorneys that the home improvement company was engaging in false advertising and unfair competition.
The complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court said that when people at Home Depot brought an item to checkout, they would be charged more money than was written on the shelf tag or on the item itself. Such violations are called “scanner violations,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said in a press release Thursday.
While the company admitted no wrongdoing, it must pay $1.7 million in civil penalties, as well as $277,251 to cover investigation costs as well as to “support future enforcement of consumer protection laws.”
The judgment ruled that Home Depot must implement a price accuracy program.
“False advertising and unfair competition are serious offenses that undermine consumer trust and distort the marketplace,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement.
Home Depot has not responded to CNN’s request for comment. The Los Angeles DA’s office said the company was cooperative in the investigation.
The civil penalties are a drop in the bucket for the nation’s fifth-largest retailer. In March, Home Depot announced it is buying SRS Distribution – a huge building-projects supplier that counts professional roofers, landscapers and pool contractors as its primary customers – for $18.3 billion.
CNN’s Nathaniel Meyersohn contributed to this report
LA PORTE, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities have been responding since 10 a.m. Monday to a pipeline explosion near Spencer Highway and Summerton that started in Deer Park and spread to La Porte.
The explosion started in Deer Park and then spread south under Spencer Highway to La Porte, as the highway separates Deer Park to the north and La Porte to the south.
Officials with the City of La Porte said the fire department responded to the fire in the 8700 block of Spencer Highway at about 9:55 a.m. Multiple agencies are responding to the scene, including the Deer Park Office of Emergency Management, which is handling the west side of the fire, and La Porte, which is handling the east side.
Energy Transfer, the company that owns the pipeline, said liquid natural gas is burning, and it will be hours before the fire burns off.
Energy Transfer sent Eyewitness News the following statement:
“We experienced an incident this morning in La Porte, Texas, at a valve station along Spencer Highway for a 20″ natural gas liquids line that resulted in a fire. There are no reports of injuries at this time. The LaPorte Fire Department is on the scene and has evacuated all homes and businesses within a half mile of the incident site. The line has been isolated so that the residual product in the line can safely burn itself out. We have no timeline at this point on how long that process will take, but we are working closely with local authorities. We are aware of early reports indicating that an unknown passenger car entered our right-of-way and struck the value location. Air monitoring equipment is in the process of being set up in the area. We will continue to release details as they become available.”
Aerial views show firefighters spraying homes right behind the fire with water. The front of the houses appeared to have smoke and fire damage.
A Deer Park official told ABC13’s Daniela Hurtado that four people were injured from the event, including a firefighter for minor injuries. The four also includes two hospitalizations and two heat-related injuries.
The flames grew at one point, creating smaller grass fires that crews are working to keep under control. City officials said the impact zone is about 1/2 mile from the fire itself.
During a press conference, Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton said the fire is in a contained area, but local authorities have implemented evacuations and shelter-in-place orders for nearby areas, including HEB, Walmart, Heritage Elementary, College Park Elementary, James H. Baker, San Jacinto College.
Energy Transfer said in part of a public statement that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
In the wake of the event, the company set up a help one for anyone displaced and/or impacted by the fire at 855-430-4491.
At one point, CenterPoint’s outage mapshowed just about 7,000 customers without power in the Deer Park area.
The numbers are fluid.
The adjacent property is owned by Coastal Industrial Water Authority. However, the company’s executive director told Eyewitness News that “the fire is not associated with CWA.”
As for air monitoring, Harris County Precinct 2 shared that it plans to display live readings soon on its dashboard. When the measurements are taken, they will populate the map using the aforementioned link.
Keep in mind that the readings you will see are meant to be a comparison based on historical “base readings.” They are not a determination of how good or bad the air quality is, but rather a way to see spikes in the hourly readings, Harris County Pollution Control said.
At least two homes appeared to be burned near a massive pipeline fire in the La Porte/Deer Park area, SkyEye video shows.
According to Harris County Property Records, the fire is happening on or right near a CenterPoint-owned property.
“CenterPoint Energy is monitoring the incident on Spencer Highway in LaPorte, which is unrelated to the company’s natural gas operations or equipment. We are also cooperating with first responders. Putting safety first, the public should avoid this area until further notice from local emergency officials. When it is safe to do so, our electric crews will go into the area to assess the damage to our transmission and distribution power lines, poles and equipment and begin restoring service to impacted customers as safely and quickly as possible,” CenterPoint told ABC13 in a statement.
Road closures
Spencer Highway is closed in both eastbound and westbound directions.
East Boulevard is currently closed southbound toward Spencer Highway. The area surrounding Walmart and H-E-B is currently blocked off to traffic. You’re asked to avoid the area and reroute.
Hours after a pipeline fire broke out, the company that owns the infrastructure sent a statement saying it doesn’t know how long until the fire’s out.
Evacuations and shelter in place
An evacuation has been ordered between Spencer Highway and Fairmont Parkway, between Luella and Canada, in the Brookglen neighborhood of La Porte. The evacuations and shelter-in-place orders also apply to nearby areas, including HEB, Walmart, Heritage Elementary, College Park Elementary, James H. Baker, and San Jacinto College.
Avoid the area and follow law enforcement directions.
Authorities said about 50 homes have been evacuated, and about five homes are being watered down.
An evacuation and cooling center has opened at the East Harris County Activity Center, 7340 Spencer Highway, in Pasadena, for anyone affected by the fire.
A reunification center has also opened at the La Porte Recreation and Fitness Center on Broadway.
The San Jacinto College Central Campus in La Porte will remain closed for the rest of the day, the college said in an update at about 12:35 p.m. All classes and activities are canceled after the college was initially put under a shelter in place.
Central Campus is expected to resume normal classes and activities on Tuesday.
Students and staff at Heritage Elementary School and College Park Elementary School are also under a shelter in place in La Porte ISD.
La Porte ISD said students who live in affected neighborhoods where buses can’t access due to road closures have been contacted by the districts, and those parents need to arrange pick-up for their children.
“While our schools are continuing to operate normally, students from several of our campuses live in the area affected by the evacuation. Therefore, we are unable to transport those children home by bus. The district is in the process of contacting parents who will need to arrange for pickup of their students (at their home campus),” La Porte ISD said.
13 Investigates contacted the Railroad Commission of Texas, which released this statement:
“Railroad Commission of Texas pipeline safety inspectors are investigating the fire that occurred at an Energy Transfer natural gas liquid pipeline in La Porte Monday morning. Energy Transfer has shut down the portion of the pipeline that caught fire. RRC inspectors will work with state and local emergency responders at the scene. The fire occurred in a pipeline corridor, and the RRC is notifying other pipeline operators in the corridor of the incident and getting information on measures they are taking to ensure the safety of their systems.”
ABC13 has several crews at the scene, along with SkyEye, bringing you continuous live coverage in the video player above.
This list includes the nominees with the winners bolded below
Outstanding Comedy Series
“Abbott Elementary”
“The Bear”
“Curb Your Enthusiasm”
“Hacks”
“Only Murders in the Building”
“Palm Royale”
“Reservation Dogs”
“What We Do in the Shadows
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Matt Berry, “What We Do in the Shadows”
Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”
Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”
Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear“
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, “Reservation Dogs”
Jeremy Allen White accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for “The…Show moreAP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”
Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”
Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”
Maya Rudolph, “Loot”
Jean Smart, “Hacks”
Kristen Wiig, “Palm Royale”
Jean Smart accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for “Hacks”…Show moreAP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Lionel Boyce, “The Bear”
Paul W. Downs, “Hacks”
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”
Paul Rudd, “Only Murders in the Building”
Tyler James Williams, “Abbott Elementary”
Bowen Yang, “Saturday Night Live”
Ebon Moss-Bachrach poses in the press room with the award for outstanding supporting actor…Show moreAP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Carol Burnett, “Palm Royale”
Liza Colón-Zayas, “The Bear”
Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”
Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”
Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”
Meryl Streep, “Only Murders in the Building”
Liza Colon-Zayas accepts the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series f…Show moreAP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
“Abbott Elementary” — Randall Einhorn for “Party”
“The Bear” — Christopher Storer for “Fishes“
“The Bear” — Ramy Youssef for “Honeydew”
“The Gentlemen” — Guy Ritchie for “Refined Aggression”
“Hacks” — Lucia Aniello for “Bulletproof”
“The Ms. Pat Show,” — Mary Lou Belli for “I’m the Pappy”
Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
“Abbott Elementary” for “Career Day” — Quinta Brunson
“The Bear” for “Fishes” — Christopher Storer and Joanna Calo
“Girls5eva” for “Orlando” — Meredith Scardino and Sam Means
“Hacks” for “Bulletproof” — Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky
“The Other Two” for “Brooke Hosts A Night Of Undeniable Good” — Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider
“What We Do In The Shadows” for “Pride Parade” — Jake Bender and Zach Dunn
Outstanding Drama Series
“The Crown”
“Fallout”
“The Gilded Age”
“The Morning Show”
“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
“Shōgun”
“Slow Horses”
“3 Body Problem”
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Idris Elba, “Hijack”
Donald Glover, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
Walton Goggins, “Fallout”
Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
Hiroyuki Sanada, “Shōgun”
Dominic West, “The Crown”
Hiroyuki Sanada accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for “Shogu…Show moreAP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Jennifer Aniston, “The Morning Show”
Carrie Coon, “The Gilded Age”
Maya Erskine, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”
Anna Sawai, “Shōgun”
Imelda Staunton, “The Crown”
Reese Witherspoon, “The Morning Show”
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Tadanobu Asano, “Shōgun”
Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”
Mark Duplass, “The Morning Show”
Jon Hamm, “The Morning Show”
Takehiro Hira, “Shōgun”
Jonathan Pryce, “The Crown”
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Christine Baranski, “The Gilded Age”
Nicole Beharie, “The Morning Show”
Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown”
Greta Lee, “The Morning Show”
Lesley Manville, “The Crown”
Karen Pittman, “The Morning Show”
Holland Taylor, “The Morning Show”
Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
“The Crown” — Stephen Daldry for “Sleep, Dearie Sleep”
“The Morning Show” — Stephen Daldry for “The Overview Effect”
“Mr. and Mrs. Smith” — Hiro Murai for “First Date”
“Shōgun” — Frederick E.O. Toye for “Crimson Sky”
“Slow Horses” — Saul Metzstein for “Strange Games”
“Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” — Salli Richardson-Whitfield for “Beat L.A.”
Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series
“The Crown” for “Ritz” — Peter Morgan and Meriel Sheibani-Clare
“Fallout” for “The End” — Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” for “First Date” — Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover
“Shōgun” for “Anjin” — Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks
“Shōgun” for “Crimson Sky” — Rachel Kondo and Caillin Puente
“Slow Horses” for “Negotiating With Tigers” — Will Smith
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
“Baby Reindeer”
“Fargo”
“Lessons in Chemistry”
“Ripley”
“True Detective: Night Country”
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Matt Bomer, “Fellow Travelers”
Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer”
Jon Hamm, “Fargo”
Tom Hollander, “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”
Andrew Scott, “Ripley”
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Jodie Foster, “True Detective: Night Country”
Brie Larson, “Lessons in Chemistry”
Juno Temple, “Fargo
Sofia Vergara, “Griselda”
Naomi Watts, “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans”
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Jonathan Bailey, “Fellow Travelers”
Robert Downey Jr., “The Sympathizer”
Tom Goodman-Hill, “Baby Reindeer”
John Hawkes, “True Detective: Night Country”
Lamorne Morris, “Fargo”
Lewis Pullman, “Lessons in Chemistry”
Treat Williams, “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Dakota Fanning, “Ripley”
Lily Gladstone, “Under the Bridge”
Jessica Gunning, “Baby Reindeer”
Aja Naomi King, “Lessons in Chemistry”
Diane Lane, “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans”
Nava Mau, “Baby Reindeer”
Kali Reis, “True Detective: Night Country”
Jessica Gunning accepts the award for outstanding supporting actress in a limited or antho…Show moreAP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Outstanding Directing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
“Baby Reindeer” — Weronika Tofilska for “Episode 4”
“Fargo” — Noah Hawley for “The Tragedy of the Commons”
“Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” — Gus Van Sant for “Pilot”
“Lessons in Chemistry” — Millicent Shelton for “Poirot”
“Ripley” — Steven Zaillian
“True Detective: Night Country” — Issa López
Outstanding Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
“Baby Reindeer” — Richard Gadd
“Black Mirror” for “Joan Is Awful” — Charlie Brooker
“Fargo” for “The Tragedy Of The Commons” — Noah Hawley
“Fellow Travelers” for “You’re Wonderful” — Ron Nyswaner
“Ripley” — Steven Zaillian
“True Detective: Night Country” for “Part 6” — Issa López
Outstanding Reality Competition Program
“The Amazing Race”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race”
“Top Chef”
“The Traitors”
“The Voice”
Outstanding Talk Series
“The Daily Show”
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“Late Night with Seth Meyers”
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”
Outstanding Scripted Variety Series
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”
“Saturday Night Live”
Outstanding Writing For A Variety Special
“Alex Edelman: Just For Us” — Alex Edelman, Written by
“Jacqueline Novak: Get On Your Knees” — Jacqueline Novak, Written by
“John Early: Now More Than Ever” — John Early, Written by
“Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man And The Pool” — Mike Birbiglia, Written by
“The Oscars” — Jamie Abrahams, Written by; Rory Albanese, Written by; Amberia Allen, Written by; Tony Barbieri, Written by; Jonathan Bines, Written by; Joelle Boucai, Written byBryan Cook, Written by; Blaire Erskine, Written by; Devin Field, Written by; Gary Greenberg, Written by; Josh Halloway, Written by; Eric Immerman, Written by; Jesse Joyce, Written by; Jimmy Kimmel, Written by; Carol Leifer, Written by; Jon Macks, Written by; Mitch Marchand, Written by; Gregory Martin, Written by; Jesse McLaren, Written by; Molly McNearney, Written by; Keaton Patti, Written by; Danny Ricker, Written by; Louis Virtel, Written by; Troy Walker, Written by
TOMBALL, Texas (KTRK) — The mother of a 19-year-old former Tomball Memorial High School athlete is asking police and the public for help to identify the driver who killed him in a hit-and-run.
According to Houston Police, Yeriel Rodriguez Mercado was speeding down Highway 290 on Labor Day weekend when he struck a vehicle and was thrown from his bike.
As he tried to stand up, police say he was run over by a second car. The second car’s driver did not stop and has not been identified. Police believe the suspect was driving a white Jeep.
In Rodriguez Mercado’s obituary, his family wrote, “Yeriel was a remarkable soul with a heart as big as his personality. His impulsive nature often led to spontaneous adventures and acts of kindness, leaving lasting memories with all who knew him.”
They added that he had a “zest for life” and an “infectious smile.”
His mother, Isvia Mercado Cosme, described him as happy, talented, and smart. She said he loved sports and excelled at football and boxing.
“Justice is important,” she said. She added, “I’ve got faith. I know God is watching. I know nothing’s going to bring back my baby.”
ABC13 found that of the 26,880 hit-and-run cases handled by the Houston Police Department last year, only 310 were cleared
“That’s not an animal, that’s a person,” Cosme said. “We make mistakes in life, but we need to fix this.”
WASHINGTON — The FBI is investigating what it called an “attempted assassination” of former President Donald Trump after Secret Service agents fired at a man with an AK-47 rifle on or near Trump’s Palm Beach, Florida, golf course on Sunday.
Multiple law enforcement sources told ABC News that the man detained by Florida authorities in relation to the potential assassination attempt has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been detained by Florida authorities in relation to the potential a…Show more
Routh is believed to have ties to North Carolina and Hawaii, sources said.
Authorities are expected to file charges in the matter in the coming days, sources told ABC News.
On Sunday night, authorities were looking into whether Routh had grievances related to Ukraine and specifically frustrations with Trump’s position on this issue, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign earlier Sunday afternoon following the incident said the former president was “safe.”
The incident comes around two months after Trump was shot in the ear at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the gunman got as close as 300 to 500 yards away from the former president when he was spotted and agents fired four to six rounds at him before he dropped the gun and fled. It was not clear if the suspect was aiming his weapon at Trump.
U.S. Secret Service agents fired at the suspect after seeing his rifle through the fence line, multiple sources told ABC News.
Three shell casings were found on the scene, believed to be associated with the suspect’s AK-47. However, sources said investigators are still evaluating whether the suspect discharged his weapon at the location.
Investigators are also working to determine if the agent was looking in the suspect’s direction because shots were fired or if it was because he saw the barrel of the gun, according to sources.
Following the shots fired, sources said Trump was immediately rushed to a safe area on the grounds of the golf course.
After being shot at by Secret Service agents, officials said the suspect got into a vehicle and witnesses reported the license plate number, which was tracked by authorities. The suspect was stopped and taken into custody.
Bradshaw said along with an “AK-47-style rifle,” two backpacks were found at the scene with a GoPro camera and ceramic tiles inside.
The sheriff said the golf course was not surrounded by law enforcement because Trump is not the sitting president. “If he was, we would have had this entire golf course surrounded. But because he’s not, security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible. So, I would imagine that the next time he comes to the golf course, there’ll probably be a little bit more people around the perimeter.”
But Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he already had concerns about the Secret Service after the first assassination attempt against Trump and advocated moving the agency from under the Department of Homeland Security and back under the Treasury Department, “where it had more focus.”
A Republican who spoke with Trump shortly after the incident told ABC News that Trump said he was near the 5th hole of the Trump International golf course when he heard “popping sounds” in the vicinity. The source said Trump was in “good spirits.”
Sheriff Will Snyder of neighboring Martin County told ABC News that his units detained a man following the incident. Snyder said after the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department, the Secret Service and the FBI put out a “Be on the lookout for” alert, one of his officers saw the suspect vehicle northbound on Interstate 95 and other officers “forced it to a stop without incident.”
Snyder said the vehicle matched the description in the bulletin but “now we have to determine if this, in fact, was the right suspect.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis released a statement Sunday evening saying the state will conduct its own investigation into the assassination attempt against Trump.
“The people deserve the truth about the would be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee,” DeSantis wrote on X.
Trump was golfing with his longtime friend and donor Steve Witkoff at the time gunshots were heard, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.
Shortly after the incident, Trump sent a fundraising email saying that he was safe and well and that no one was hurt.
“But, there are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to stop us,” he wrote.
In a follow-up fundraising email Sunday evening, Trump wrote, “My resolve is only stronger after another attempt on my life.”
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the “security incident at the Trump International Golf Course,” the White House said in a statement Sunday.
“They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team,” the White House added.
Harris posted on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”
After being briefed on the incident, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement, “There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind.”
“The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Schumer added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was briefed on the situation, said he and his wife spent time with Trump at Mar-a-Lago Sunday after the incident.
“Kelly and I are departing Mar-a-Lago, where we just spent a few hours with President Trump and are thanking God for protecting him today-once again,” he wrote on X.
Two of Trump’s senior advisers, Susie Wiles and Chris Lacivita, told campaign staffers to stay “remain vigilant” following the apparent attempted assassination attempt.
“We ask that you remain vigilant in your daily comings and goings,” the note sent to staff on Sunday night read. “Be observant and maintain a constant level of situational awareness. We urge you to always follow direction from law enforcement, including USSS, local police, and office armed security guards.”
Full statement from President Joe Biden
I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe. I am relieved that the former President is unharmed. There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened. As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.
ABC News’ Lalee Ibassa, Soo Rin Kim and Kelsey Walsh contributed to this report.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A billionaire spacewalker returned to Earth with his crew on Sunday, ending a five-day trip that lifted them higher than anyone has traveled since NASA’s moonwalkers.
SpaceX’s capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida’s Dry Tortugas in the predawn darkness, carrying tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, two SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot.
They pulled off the first private spacewalk while orbiting nearly 460 miles above Earth, higher than the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope. Their spacecraft hit a peak altitude of 875 miles following Tuesday’s liftoff.
Isaacman became only the 264th person to perform a spacewalk since the former Soviet Union scored the first in 1965, and SpaceX’s Sarah Gillis the 265th. Until now, all spacewalks were done by professional astronauts.
“We are mission complete,” Isaacman radioed as the capsule bobbed in the water, awaiting the recovery team. Within an hour, all four were out of their spacecraft, pumping their fists with joy as they emerged onto the ship’s deck.
The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission crew completed the first-ever commercial spacewalk on Thursday.
It was the first time SpaceX aimed for a splashdown near the Dry Tortugas, a cluster of islands 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West. To celebrate the new location, SpaceX employees brought a big, green turtle balloon to Mission Control at company headquarters in Hawthorne, California. The company usually targets closer to the Florida coast, but two weeks of poor weather forecasts prompted SpaceX to look elsewhere.
During Thursday’s commercial spacewalk, the Dragon capsule’s hatch was open barely a half-hour. Isaacman emerged only up to his waist to briefly test SpaceX’s brand new spacesuit followed by Gillis, who was knee high as she flexed her arms and legs for several minutes. Gillis, a classically trained violinist, also held a performance in orbit earlier in the week.
The spacewalk lasted less than two hours, considerably shorter than those at the International Space Station. Most of that time was needed to depressurize the entire capsule and then restore the cabin air. Even SpaceX’s Anna Menon and Scott “Kidd” Poteet, who remained strapped in, wore spacesuits.
SpaceX considers the brief exercise a starting point to test spacesuit technology for future, longer missions to Mars.
This was Isaacman’s second chartered flight with SpaceX, with two more still ahead under his personally financed space exploration program named Polaris after the North Star. He paid an undisclosed sum for his first spaceflight in 2021, taking along contest winners and a pediatric cancer survivor while raising more than $250 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For the just completed so-called Polaris Dawn mission, the founder and CEO of the Shift4 credit card-processing company shared the cost with SpaceX. Isaacman won’t divulge how much he spent.
