An alleged gunman in Maine has been charged with purchasing an illegal silencer hours prior to a fatal shooting in Lewiston last October, leading to federal counts of illegal firearms possession. The suspect, 20-year-old Alexander Bancroft, is accused of buying the silencer from an undercover agent in a sting operation connected with the shooting, which left one dead and another wounded. He now faces additional charges relating to the silencer on top of a number of local charges.
A US politician has been arrested in Hong Kong for possession of a gun. The arrest and charges come as tension between Hong Kong and the US rises due to the US’s signing of a law in support of pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong. If convicted, the politician faces up to 10 years in prison. This case will be a significant test of how far US-Hong Kong relations have deteriorated.
Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva has been arrested and detained for over three weeks on false charges of drug possession after covering a political protest. Despite international criticism and calls for her immediate release, Russian officials continue to deny the charges, claiming she is being held in pre-trial detention over a violation of a separate administrative matter. Kurmasheva’s detention has raised concerns about free speech and press freedom in Russia.
A man who fired 70 shots in a suburban Chicago Subway restaurant leading to the injury of a 3-year-old girl has been found guilty of aggravated battery and possession of a weapon. Prosecutors have recommended a life sentence for his actions, as they feel his dangerously reckless use of the weapon warranted the most strict punishment. The boy’s defense team requested a lesser sentencing, citing his mental health issues, but the judge ultimately sided with the prosecution.
