Monday, February 23, 2026

Person Shot by Border Patrol is in Critical Condition.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A person was shot in an incident involving U.S. Border Patrol.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Border Patrol and an unidentified individual.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday morning in southern Pima County, Arizona.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The incident remains under active investigation by law enforcement agencies.” – Santa Rita Fire Department

🎯IMPACT: The wounded individual was transported in critical condition to a regional trauma center.

IN FULL

On Tuesday, an incident involving the U.S. Border Patrol led to a person being shot in southern Pima County, Arizona. As of the time of publication, the individual’s identity has not been disclosed.

The shooting occurred around 7:30 AM, according to a news release from the Santa Rita Fire District. Emergency services transported the individual, who was in critical condition. Details about the events leading up to the shooting are currently unclear, and there is no information on whether any law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.

Medical crews from the Santa Rita Fire District and American Medical Response provided initial care on-site. The patient was then transferred to a local medical helicopter for rapid transport to a regional trauma center.

Notably, the incident follows the fatal shooting of anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti by Border Patrol in Minnesota. Before that, anti-ICE activist Renee Good was also fatally shot while driving her SUV into a federal officer. Both shootings resulted in widespread and often violent demonstrations.

The Santa Rita Fire Department said the Arizona shooting “remains under active investigation by law enforcement agencies.”

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Dem AG Suggests People Can Shoot Masked ICE Agents Under Stand-Your-Ground Laws.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) suggested residents could open fire on masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a recent interview.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, ICE agents, and Arizona residents.

📍WHEN & WHERE: During a sit-down interview on Tuesday, in Arizona.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I mean, if somebody comes at me wearing a mask, by the way, I’m a gun owner, and I can’t tell whether they’re a police officer, what am I supposed to do?” – Kris Mayes

🎯IMPACT: The comments mark a continued escalation in violent rhetoric by Democrat politicians against federal law enforcement engaging in immigration operations.

IN FULL

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) has falsely suggested it could be legal for people to use deadly force against masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, under Arizona’s “Stand Your Ground” law, if they feel their life is in danger. During an interview on Tuesday, Mayes stated, “You have these masked federal officers… and we have a Stand Your Ground law that says that if you reasonably believe your life is in danger… you can defend yourself with lethal force.”

The Arizona Democrat previously stated, “I don’t believe ICE is a real law enforcement agency.” Her remarks continue a disturbing trend among Democrats who have employed increasingly violent rhetoric against federal immigration enforcement officers. Earlier this month, anti-ICE activist Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot in Minnesota after attempting to run over an ICE agent.

“I mean, if somebody comes at me wearing a mask, by the way, I’m a gun owner, and I can’t tell whether they’re a police officer, what am I supposed to do?” Mayes said, claiming she was “not suggesting people pull out their guns, but this is a ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ state.”

Despite Mayes’s false claim that ICE agents are not “real law enforcement,” it is a congressionally authorized federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and has the full powers of any other federal law enforcement agency.

In addition to her false claim regarding ICE’s law status, Mayes also bizarrely threatened to prosecute ICE agents for infractions under Arizona law, despite the constitutional principle of federal supremacy.

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Drag Queen Charged Over ‘Sexual Misconduct’ with 13-Year-Old Boy.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A drag queen was removed from the Phoenix Pride Festival lineup after being charged with sexual misconduct involving a 13-year-old boy.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Michael Browder, also known as Aubrey Ghalichi, and a 13-year-old boy.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The charges stem from an investigation that began in June, with Browder’s arrest occurring in September. The incident relates to events in Phoenix, Arizona.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The crime alleged is one that we find reprehensible and entirely contrary to what Phoenix Pride stands for.” – Phoenix Pride statement.

🎯IMPACT: Browder was removed from the event lineup, and Phoenix Pride emphasized their commitment to a safe environment while noting he has not been convicted.

IN FULL

Michael Browder, a Phoenix-based drag queen who goes by the stage name Aubrey Ghalichi, has been removed from the upcoming Phoenix Pride Festival after being charged with two counts of sexual misconduct involving a minor. According to court documents, the charges follow a months-long investigation that began in June.

Investigators allege that Browder and another man met a 13-year-old boy through an online dating app. Messages found on the boy’s laptop reportedly led authorities to Browder, who was identified as “a known Phoenix drag queen.” During questioning, Browder allegedly admitted to the encounter but claimed he believed the boy was 18 or 19. He also claimed that the lighting in the apartment was too dark for him to realize the boy’s age.

In response to the charges, Phoenix Pride issued a statement confirming Browder’s removal from the festival, which is scheduled for October 18 and 19. “The crime alleged is one that we find reprehensible and entirely contrary to what Phoenix Pride stands for,” the organization said.

Browder is currently being held on a $10,000 secured appearance bond. If released, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor, avoid any contact with minors, and abstain from alcohol, drugs, and possession of weapons.

His case comes amid a spate of reports involving drag queens facing criminal allegations. In Wisconsin, drag performer Dwight Evan Chisolm, known on stage as “Sno Wight,” was arrested in early 2024 on charges of child enticement and exposure. Chisolm, a registered sex offender, has previous convictions related to sexual offenses with minors.

Another case from 2023 involved Shane Murnan, an Oklahoma elementary school principal who also performed in drag under the name “Ms. Shantel Mandalay.” Murnan had faced child pornography charges in the early 2000s but was not convicted. Despite the controversy, he was later hired as a principal at John Glenn Elementary School.

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Feds Ramp Up Security for Charlie Kirk’s Memorial After Threat Reports.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Federal law enforcement agencies are monitoring threats ahead of the memorial service for assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in Arizona this weekend, citing concerns about potential attacks.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Federal law enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), local police, and high-profile attendees, including President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Sunday at 11 AM, State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Our teams are already on the ground in Phoenix and Glendale, working side-by-side with state, local, and federal partners,” said U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge William Mack.

🎯IMPACT: The event has been designated a Special Event Assessment Rating Level 1, with enhanced security measures and a massive turnout expected.

IN FULL

Federal and local law enforcement are on high alert ahead of Charlie Kirk’s memorial service this Sunday in Glendale, Arizona. The event is expected to draw a large crowd and several high-profile attendees, including President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. Notably, a law enforcement bulletin warns of potential threats from “violent extremists and unaffiliated lone offenders” who may view the funeral as a target due to its national attention.

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS), which has been designated as the Federal Coordinator for the event, has already deployed teams to Phoenix and Glendale. “Our teams are already on the ground in Phoenix and Glendale, working side-by-side with state, local, and federal partners,” said Special Agent in Charge William Mack.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has classified the funeral as a Special Event Assessment Rating Level 1, a designation reserved for events of the highest national importance.

The service will be held at State Farm Stadium, with doors opening at 8 AM and the ceremony scheduled to begin at 11 AM. President Donald J. Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to attend and deliver remarks, alongside Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.

Local police have warned against overnight camping in the stadium’s parking lot, and event organizers have implemented strict security protocols, including a no-bag policy. Attendees are advised to expect long wait times and are encouraged to wear red, white, or blue. In lieu of flowers, donations are being directed to Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization Kirk founded.

Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and media personality, was assassinated last week while speaking at Utah Valley University. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is facing capital murder charges and could face the death penalty. Prosecutors allege Robinson was radicalized by the left online and targeted Kirk for political reasons. In court filings, investigators cited text messages in which Robinson allegedly confessed to the killing, telling his transgender partner, Lance Twiggs, that he had “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred.”

Stephen K. Bannon has voiced doubts about the official narrative on Kirk’s assassination, calling the text message evidence “too much like a script—actually, like a bad script.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Trump, Vance to Attend Stadium Event Celebrating Charlie Kirk.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A memorial event honoring Charlie Kirk will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, featuring speeches by prominent political figures.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Speakers include President Donald J. Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Erika Kirk.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The event will occur on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with overflow seating at Desert Diamond Arena.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Charlie was a servant of the Lord, a devoted husband to Erika, a loving father to two beautiful children, and a leader of uncommon clarity and strength,” notes a tribute on fightforcharlie.com.

🎯IMPACT: The event aims to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy and inspire future generations to uphold faith, freedom, and patriotism.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to speak this Sunday at a memorial event for assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The gathering will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and is expected to draw massive crowds.

According to the event’s website, fightforcharlie.com, other confirmed speakers include Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., War Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller. More names are expected to be announced in the days leading up to the event.

State Farm Stadium has a permanent seating capacity of 63,400 and can expand to over 73,000 for major events. In anticipation of high turnout, overflow seating will be available at nearby Desert Diamond Arena. The event will also be streamed live on Kirk’s Rumble account.

Kirk was assassinated last week in Utah at the age of 31. He would have turned 32 next month. A tribute posted on the event’s website describes him as “a servant of the Lord, a devoted husband to Erika, a loving father to two beautiful children, and a leader of uncommon clarity and strength.” The dress code for attendees is “Sunday Best – Red, White, or Blue,” and seating will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

“He did not seek influence for its own sake. Instead, he poured his life into others, raising up a generation who would be bold in their faith, steadfast in their love of freedom, and unafraid to defend their country,” the tribute reads.

Vice President Vance and Stephen Miller have vowed to dismantle left-wing networks promoting political violence in the wake of Kirk’s assassination. “With God as my witness, we are going to use every resource we have at the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, and throughout this government to identify, disrupt, dismantle, and destroy these networks and make America safe again for the American people,” Miller said.

President Trump has suggested Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges should be considered against left-wing plutocrat George Soros, accusing his network of fueling political violence. “You talk about real agitation, riots on the street… that’s RICO,” Trump said.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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BREAKING: Bomb Squad Called to HQ of Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA Organization.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A bomb squad is investigating a suspicious bag left outside the headquarters of the late Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA) organization in Phoenix, Arizona.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Local law enforcement, TPUSA staff, and Newsmax reporter John Huddy.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Phoenix, Arizona, at the TPUSA headquarters. Date unspecified in the report.

💬KEY QUOTE: “So that is a bomb tech on scene right now, there was a bomb robot that was doing an initial inspection of the bag.” – John Huddy, reporting from the scene.

🎯IMPACT: The incident has heightened security concerns at TPUSA following the recent assassination of founder Charlie Kirk.

IN FULL

UPDATE: 13:10 EST — The suspicious bag left outside the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, is now confirmed to have been someone’s personal belongings. Mourners for the organization’s assassinated founder, Charlie Kirk, have been arriving at the TPUSA campus to leave floral tributes and say prayers on an ongoing basis, so the discovery of what could have been an explosive device caused a “tense moment” at the scene, according to on-the-ground reporter John Huddy.

Original report continues below:

A bomb robot and at least one bomb technician have been deployed to the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, to inspect a suspicious bag found outside the campus. The scene is cordoned off with police tape as the authorities investigate the situation. Newsmax reporter John Huddy shared a video from the scene,

TPUSA, a prominent conservative youth organization, was co-founded by Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at Utah Valley University last week, allegedly by Tyler Robinson, a left-leaning 22-year-old with a transgender partner.

The Phoenix incident raises security concerns ahead of a funeral service for Kirk, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals.

On Sunday, two men, including a Pakistani immigrant, were arrested after a bomb was found under a FOX 13 Salt Lake City news vehicle in Magna, Utah, less than 50 miles from the site of Kirk’s assassination.

This story is developing…

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Charlie Kirk’s Casket to Return Home Aboard Air Force Two After Kirk Family’s Meeting With VP Vance.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s casket will be transported from Utah to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two, following a meeting between the Kirk family and Vice President J.D. Vance.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: J.D. Vance, Erika Kirk, and Kirk’s children.

📍WHEN & WHERE: September 11, 2025, meeting in Salt Lake City.

🎯IMPACT: The gesture underscores the high esteem Kirk is held in by the Trump administration and the America First movement more broadly.

IN FULL

Following a meeting between Vice President J.D. Vance and Erika Kirk, the widow of assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, arrangements have been made for the transportation of Kirk’s casket from Utah to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two.

The meeting between Kirk’s bereaved family and Vance took place in Salt Lake City, with the Vice President extending his condolences and support. President Donald J. Trump, meanwhile, has announced that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, underscoring the esteem in which he is held by the administration and the broader America First movement.

Vice President Vance had earlier shared a lengthy tribute to Kirk, describing him as a “true friend” instrumental to the start of his political career and the formation of the second Trump administration, as well as a “great family man” and Christian.

Law enforcement has yet to detain Kirk’s assassin as of the time of publication, with images of a person of interest being shared on social media on Thursday. The suspected murder weapon has been recovered, however, with law enforcement sources saying ammunition engraved with antifa and transgender slogans was found along with it.

Image by Brad Dion.

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Trump Plans Standing Rapid Reaction Force to Combat Civil Unrest Nationwide.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration is considering the creation of a Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force to respond to protests or civil unrest in American cities.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, National Guard officials, and the Pentagon are involved in drafting the plan.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The proposal is being discussed as of late July to early August, with the Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force troops potentially stationed in Alabama and Arizona.

🎯IMPACT: The plan is expected to face legal and political challenges from Democratic state leaders.

IN FULL

The Trump administration is exploring the establishment of a Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force, which would involve 600 National Guard troops on standby to address civil unrest in American cities. According to internal Pentagon documents, these troops would be stationed at military bases in Alabama and Arizona, ready to deploy within an hour.

The plan, drafted by National Guard officials between late July and early August, would see troops split between the east and west of the Mississippi River. Previous deployments of National Guard troops, such as earlier this year in Los Angeles, California, to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel facing attacks from pro-illegal immigrant rioters, were criticized by Democratic state leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom (D). Newsom sued the Trump administration to cancel the deployment, but was soundly defeated in the Ninth Circuit.

The legal framework for rapid response deployments is rooted in Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code. Title 10 allows the President to direct troops without the need for state governor approval, while Title 32 places National Guard troops under state control but with federal funding. The proposed plan would see troops mobilized under Title 32 during civil unrest, bypassing the need for state-level consent.

The program could be implemented as early as fiscal year 2027, with funding coming from the Pentagon’s annual budget.

On Monday, President Trump announced that he is federalizing the D.C. police and deploying the National Guard to the nation’s capital to combat violent crime. Reports indicate that over 800 National Guard troops will arrive in the city over the coming days.

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Arizona Establishes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, Following President Trump’s Lead.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Arizona has established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve by enacting House Bill 2749.

👥 Who’s Involved: Governor Katie Hobbs (D), State Representative Jeff Weninger (R), Satoshi Action Fund, and cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase.

📍 Where & When: Arizona, with the bill signed into law on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Arizona just showed the country how to turn forgotten assets into a fortress against inflation,” said Dennis Porter, CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund.

⚠️ Impact: The law aims to transform unclaimed state assets into appreciating digital stores of value, positioning Arizona as a leader in digital asset management.

IN FULL:

Arizona has taken a significant step into the digital financial realm by establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, becoming the second state in the U.S. to do so. Governor Katie Hobbs (D) signed House Bill 2749 into law on May 8, 2025, officially launching the Arizona Bitcoin & Digital Assets Reserve. This innovative legislation redirects profits from unclaimed property into Bitcoin and other leading digital assets.

The bill, championed by State Representative Jeff Weninger (R), introduces a strategic approach to managing idle state assets. It includes provisions for using interest and staking rewards from abandoned property to fund acquisitions, while ensuring strong diversification rules to prevent Bitcoin from dominating the state’s investment portfolio. The law mandates U.S.-regulated custody for these assets and outlines clear steps for implementation, allowing the state to begin purchasing digital assets.

Dennis Porter, CEO and Co-Founder of the Satoshi Action Fund, a key advocate for the bill, praised the move. “Arizona just showed the country how to turn forgotten assets into a fortress against inflation,” Porter stated. He emphasized that the law converts dormant dollars into “digital gold” without impacting taxpayers.

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase also played a crucial role by providing expert testimony, which helped legislators understand the financial and technological implications of Bitcoin-based reserves. This support was pivotal in overcoming legislative hurdles and securing bipartisan backing for the bill.

The law aligns Arizona with New Hampshire in utilizing idle state assets as potentially appreciating stores of value, aiming to safeguard the treasury without raising taxes or dipping into the general fund. Representative Weninger highlighted the legislation’s importance, stating, “Digital assets aren’t the future—they’re the present.” He underscored the law’s role in ensuring Arizona doesn’t leave value on the table and positions the state to lead in digital currency management.

The National Pulse reported in March that President Donald J. Trump laid out key details of his plan to establish a national Bitcoin reserve, issuing an Executive Order creating a federal government reserve of Bitcoin with the goal of retaining an estimated 200,000—mainly sourced through cryptocurrency assets already seized by federal agencies in criminal proceedings.

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Arizona to Purge Up to 50K Noncitizens from Voter Rolls.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Arizona’s 15 counties have initiated a process to verify and remove noncitizens from their voter lists. Nearly 50,000 registrations without proof of U.S. citizenship are under review.

👥 Who’s Involved: America First Legal (AFL) led the initiative, filing a lawsuit on behalf of EZAZ.org and naturalized citizen Yvonne Cahill. The counties are collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for verification.

📍 Where & When: This process is occurring across all counties in Arizona, set into motion after a lawsuit was filed last year.

💬 Key Quote: James Rogers, AFL senior counsel, stated, “This settlement is a great result for all Arizonans.”

⚠️ Impact: The verification effort aims to secure election integrity by ensuring only citizens can vote in state and local elections. Confirmed citizens will be transferred to regular voter lists, while noncitizens will have their registrations canceled.

IN FULL:

Arizona election officials have started verifying the citizenship status of registered voters following a legal settlement stemming from a lawsuit filed late last year. The verification process includes reviewing the state’s “federal-only voters” list, which comprises approximately 50,000 registrants who have not provided proof of U.S. citizenship. State law mandates that voters on the list undergo verification in order to participate in state and local elections.

The voter roll purge resulted from a lawsuit filed by America First Legal (AFL) on behalf of EZAZ.org and Yvonne Cahill, a naturalized citizen and registered voter. AFL’s lawsuit argued that the counties failed to adhere to state legislation demanding monthly checks for noncitizens among voter rolls. As a result of the settlement, Arizona’s 15 counties are working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to validate the status of voters. County officials previously faced criticism for not utilizing available resources to check citizenship, which Arizona law requires.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 prevented states from enforcing voter registration requirements beyond the federal obligation to affirm citizenship, Arizona law continues to enforce proof of citizenship for voting in state and local elections. The state law also requires monthly verification by county recorders to ensure registrants on the so-called “federal-only” list, which includes nearly 50,000 individuals, hold U.S. citizenship.

“This will help County Recorders find and remove any aliens on their voter rolls,” says AFL’s James Rogers, adding: “It will also potentially enfranchise federal-only voters whose citizenship is confirmed, which would allow them to vote in state and local elections. AFL congratulates each of Arizona’s 15 county recorders for taking this bold and important step for election integrity in the state.”

Image by Wing-Chi Poon.

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