GET THE APP
Sunday, October 5, 2025

Tag: Assassination
September 11, 2025
News

EU Parliament Blocks Minute of Silence Honoring Charlie Kirk.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola rejected a request for a minute of silence for slain conservative political organizer Charlie Kirk.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk, Roberta Metsola, Sweden Democrats (SD) Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Charlie Weimers, Alternative for Germany (AfD) MEP René Aust, and other MEPs.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The proposal was made on Thursday, following Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have discussed this, and you know the President said no to a minute of silence,” said Vice President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley, of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD).

🎯IMPACT: The rejection sparked protests from conservative and populist MEPs.

IN FULL

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has blocked a request for a minute of silence honoring Charlie Kirk, the U.S. political organizer and founder of Turning Point USA slain at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Metsola gave the excuse that such tributes are typically announced at the opening of the European Parliament’s plenary sessions, but this had already occurred on Monday, days before Kirk’s assassination.

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Charlie Weimers, of the populist Sweden Democrats (SD) party, had proposed the minute of silence for Kirk, aiming to underscore the importance of free speech. The proposal was supported by conservative and populist political blocs in the parliament, including the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN).

“His murder reminds us of the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms, even in democratic societies,” commented ESN chairwoman René Aust, of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The left-liberal and establishment-right politicians in charge of the European Union’s mock legislature—which cannot actually put forward of repeal EU laws—remained obstinate, however, with Vice President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley, of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), telling MEPs who raised the issue: “We have discussed this, and you know the President said no to a minute of silence.”

Image: European Union 2017 – European Parliament.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
September 2, 2025
Crime
News

Judge Warns Routh That Marshals Will Take Him Out If He Makes ‘Any Sudden Movements’ in Court.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ukraine sympathizer Ryan Rotuh, accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald J. Trump in Florida last year, will represent himself in court—but the judge has warned him not to make “any sudden movements.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ryan Routh, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, and court-appointed attorneys.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Jury selection begins Monday in Fort Pierce, Florida, with the trial scheduled to start September 11.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If you make any sudden movements, marshals will take decisive and quick action to respond.” – U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon

🎯IMPACT: The trial will address charges including attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and firearm violations.

IN FULL

Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald J. Trump in Florida last year, will act as his own attorney at his trial. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon approved Routh’s request in July, with court-appointed lawyers remaining as standby counsel. During a hearing on Tuesday, the court provided Routh with instructions on courtroom conduct—with Judge Cannon warning him, “If you make any sudden movements, marshals will take decisive and quick action to respond.”

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Monday in Fort Pierce, Florida. Opening statements are set for September 11, with prosecutors expected to present their case immediately after. The trial is projected to last four weeks, though attorneys believe it could be shorter.

Prosecutors allege that nearly a year ago, Routh, then 58, pointed a rifle at Trump through shrubbery at his West Palm Beach country club while he golfed. A U.S. Secret Service agent stopped the alleged assassination attempt. Now 59, Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearm violations.

State authorities also accuse Routh of almost killing a six-year-old girl during his attempt to evade law enforcement, causing a multi-car crash that seriously injured her.

Based in Hawaii, Routh reportedly presented himself as a mercenary leader. Witnesses said he openly discussed violent plans and tried to recruit fighters for global conflicts, particularly Ukraine’s war with Russia. His prior criminal record includes weapons and stolen property offenses.

The trial will cover federal charges as well as state charges of attempted murder and terrorism.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 12, 2025
News
UK

Hitwoman Who Disguised Herself in Islamic Veil Convicted.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: An American woman has been convicted of attempting to kill a man in Birmingham, England, while disguised in an Islamic veil. Her gun jammed during an initial murder attempt, and she later fired into a family home.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Hitwoman Aimee Betro, Mohammed Aslam and Mohammed Nabil Nazir, who ordered the hit, and their intended victim, Sikander Ali.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Murder attempt in September 2019 in Birmingham, England, conviction in August 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This prosecution is a culmination of years of hard work doggedly pursuing Aimee Betro across countries and borders while she remained relentless in her bid to escape justice,” said Prosecutor Hannah Sidaway.

🎯IMPACT: Betro was convicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy to murder, and awaits sentencing. Nazir and Aslam have already been imprisoned.

IN FULL

Aimee Betro, a 45-year-old woman from the United States, has been convicted in the United Kingdom for her involvement in a murder conspiracy linked to a family feud in Birmingham, which hosts a large Muslim population. She was flown into the country by Mohammed Aslam and his son, Mohammed Nabil Nazir, who orchestrated the plot to murder Sikander Ali in retaliation for an earlier clash.

The attempted hit took place in September 2019. Betro, wearing a niqab to conceal her identity, attempted to assassinate Ali outside his home. However, the firearm malfunctioned, and she was unable to carry out the killing. Later that same day, she returned and opened fire on his family home, shooting three times into the house, but it was empty at the time.

After the failed attack, Betro fled the country. Authorities later extradited her from Armenia to face charges in England. Prosecutor Hannah Sidaway said her trial was “a culmination of years of hard work doggedly pursuing Aimee Betro across countries and borders while she remained relentless in her bid to escape justice.”

During her trial, prosecutors presented damning evidence linking Betro to the shooting, but she denied all charges, claiming her trip to England was solely to attend a birthday party and that she met Nazir on a dating app.

The jury found Betro guilty of conspiracy to murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and illegal importation of ammunition. Nazir and Aslam had previously been convicted for their involvement, receiving sentences of 32 years and 10 years, respectively. Betro faces a potential life sentence.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 6, 2025
Crime
Politics

Pennsylvania Man Charged for Alleged Death Threats Against President Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Pennsylvania man was charged federally for allegedly threatening to kill then-President-elect Donald J. Trump before his inauguration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jacob Buckley, a 22-year-old from Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Secret Service.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The threats were made on January 16, 2025, via TikTok, according to the Justice Department.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I’m going to kill Trump,” Buckley allegedly wrote on TikTok.

🎯IMPACT: If convicted, Buckley faces up to five years in prison, supervised release, fines, and a special assessment.

IN FULL

Jacob Buckley, a 22-year-old Pennsylvania man, has been charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for allegedly threatening to kill then-President-elect Donald J. Trump. The threats, made on TikTok under the username “Jacob_buckley,” included statements such as, “I’m going to kill Trump,” and, “Bro we going into a literal oligarchy in 4 days and im going to kill Trump,” according to prosecutors.

The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation, and Buckley has been “charged by criminal information for threatening Donald Trump as the President-elect,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Department of Justice (DOJ) noted that the maximum penalty upon conviction includes up to five years in prison, supervised release, fines, and a special assessment.

This case follows a similar incident involving a Rhode Island man, Carl Montague, who was charged in July for allegedly threatening Trump and members of his administration on Truth Social. Montague’s threats, posted on June 27, 2025, included violent language directed at Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The FBI later determined that Montague did not have access to weapons or the means to carry out his threats.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, two would-be assassins made attempts on President Trump’s life. Ryan Wesley Routh, who was discovered by the Secret Service hiding with an SKS-style rifle amidst shrubbery on the edge of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, is currently facing trial. A judge recently ruled that Routh will be allowed to represent himself in his defense.

Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
July 10, 2025
William Upton
Crime

Would-Be Trump Assassin Ryan Routh Fires Lawyer, Wants to Represent Himself.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ryan Wesley Routh, who attempted to assassinate President Donald J. Trump late last year, informed a federal court that he has fired his attorney and is requesting to represent himself.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ryan Routh, federal prosecutors, a U.S. federal court, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The court was informed of Routh’s decision on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

🎯IMPACT: It remains to be seen whether the court will deem Routh competent enough to represent himself. The 59-year-old faces serious consequences should he be found guilty, as attempting to assassinate a president can carry a sentence of life in prison or even the death penalty.

IN FULL

Would-be presidential assassin Ryan Wesley Routh announced in court on Thursday that he has fired his attorney and is requesting that he be allowed to represent himself. Routh is currently facing five federal charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty, stemming from a September 2024 attempt on President Donald J. Trump’s life. The federal trial is currently slated to begin on September 8, 2025, with Routh facing state charges as well.

Last year, Routh was discovered by the United States Secret Service (USSS) hiding with a SKS-style rifle amidst shrubbery on the edge of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. At the time, Trump was just several hundred yards away playing a round of golf. After spotting Routh positioned in cover with a rifle, a Secret Service agent performing an advance sweep, several holes ahead of Trump, fired four shots at the would-be assassin, causing him to flee the scene. Subsequently, Routh was pursued by law enforcement in a high-speed chase in which a six-year-old girl was nearly killed. He was apprehended some time later in Marin County, Florida, after causing a multi-car crash on a highway, which nearly resulted in the death of the young girl.

The 59-year-old Routh’s attempt to assassinate Trump appears to have been inspired by the former’s obsession with supporting Ukraine. The would-be assassin appears to have been deeply involved with efforts to send Afghanistan military veterans to Ukraine to assist in the country’s defense against Russia Additionally, federal prosecutors have produced a letter authored by Routh in which he pledges a six-figure cash bounty on President Trump, with the text also suggesting that he was likely inspired by the anti-Trump rhetoric pushed by the Democratic Party.

A separate November 2024 letter authored by Routh and sent to the media indicates that President Trump’s firm stance against Iran’s nuclear weapons program and sponsorship of terrorism was a secondary motivation for the assassination attempt. Notably, Iran has repeatedly threatened the life of Trump and other government officials in retaliation for a January 3, 2020, drone strike, which killed Iranian Quds Forces commander Qasem Soleimani.

It remains to be seen whether the court will deem Routh competent enough to represent himself. The 59-year-old faces serious consequences should he be found guilty of the federal charges. Attempting to assassinate a president can carry a sentence of life in prison or even the death penalty.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
Purchased by The National Pulse
July 10, 2025
News

Secret Service Suspends Six Agents Over Trump Shooting.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Six Secret Service agents were suspended without pay following critical security failures during an assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, six Secret Service agents, shooter Thomas Crooks, and Deputy Director Matt Quinn.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The assassination attempt occurred at a 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Secret Service is totally accountable for Butler,” said Deputy Director Matt Quinn, adding: “Butler was an operational failure and we are focused today on ensuring that it never happens again.”

🎯IMPACT: The suspensions are part of broader reforms, including deploying military-grade drones and new mobile command units, to prevent similar incidents.

IN FULL

The Secret Service suspended six agents without pay on Wednesday in response to critical security failures during last year’s assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at a 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The decision, confirmed by Deputy Director Matt Quinn in an interview with CBS News, comes nearly a year after a gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, opened fire as Trump spoke, striking the America First leader’s ear and seriously wounding two attendees, one of whom died.

Quinn described the suspensions, which range from 10 to 42 days, as part of a broader effort to address systemic issues. However, he defended the decision not to punish anybody in the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt, insisting, “We aren’t going to fire our way out of this.”

“We’re going to focus on the root cause and fix the deficiencies that put us in that situation,” he added.

Following their suspensions, each of the six agents will be reassigned to less critical roles. Quinn also noted that the agency has implemented significant reforms, including the deployment of military-grade drones and new mobile command units to ensure better coordination with local law enforcement.

The Butler incident, along with another foiled attempt weeks later in Florida, led to the resignation of then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, despite the fact she initially insisted she would stay in post. A December congressional report labeled the attack “tragic and preventable,” citing a catalogue of errors, including leadership and training deficiencies, as key factors.

“Secret Service is totally accountable for Butler,” Quinn admitted. “Butler was an operational failure.”

Image by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
June 23, 2025
News
War

Ukrainian Security Thwarts Alleged Zelensky Assassination Plot.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was the target of an assassination plot allegedly orchestrated by a Polish military pensioner recruited by the Soviet Union decades ago, according to Ukraine’s internal security agency.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The plot involved a Polish military pensioner, Russia’s influence, and Ukraine’s SBU security service, with assistance from Poland’s ABW security service.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The plan targeted Zelensky at Poland’s Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport, with the plot exposed by Ukrainian authorities.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A military pensioner, a Pole, who was recruited decades ago, firmly believed in the Soviet idea and harbored his intention through the years.” — Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, head of Ukraine’s SBU.

🎯IMPACT: The plot was foiled through a coordinated effort by Ukrainian and Polish security services, preventing Zelensky’s assassination.

IN FULL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was allegedly the target of an assassination plot, as revealed by Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, the head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). The alleged plan involved a Polish military pensioner who had been recruited by the Soviet Union decades ago.

During a closed briefing with Ukrainian media, Malyuk stated that Russia had activated the Polish man to execute the assassination at Poland‘s Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport. The plan reportedly involved the use of either a first-person-view drone or a sniper rifle, according to TSN.

“A military pensioner, a Pole, who was recruited decades ago, firmly believed in the Soviet idea and harbored his intention through the years. So, he—this ‘sleeper agent’—was activated,” Malyuk said. However, the plot was thwarted through a joint operation between Ukraine’s SBU and Poland’s internal security agency, the ABW. The Russian government and Poland’s ABW have yet to comment on the matter.

The alleged plot comes as Russia continues to slowly advance in Ukraine, recently launching several major missile strikes on the country’s capital, Kiev.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
Purchased by The National Pulse
June 17, 2025
Crime
News

Antifa Sharpshooter Charged Over Trump Assassination Threat.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A former Coast Guard officer and self-described Antifa member, Peter Stinson, was arrested for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Peter Stinson, President Trump, and investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) counter-terrorism task force.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Stinson was arrested on Monday, June 16, 2025, in Virginia following an FBI investigation.

💬KEY QUOTE: Stinson “self-identified as a member of Antifa”, investigators said.

🎯IMPACT: If convicted, Stinson could face up to five years in prison, adding to a series of recent threats against the president and other officials.

IN FULL

Peter Stinson, a former Coast Guard officer and self-identified Antifa member, has been arrested for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Donald J. Trump. According to a 19-page Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) affidavit, Stinson made multiple threats online involving firearms, knives, and poisoning.

Stinson, who served in the Coast Guard for 33 years until 2021, was trained as a sharpshooter and worked as an instructor at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He is also listed as a coordinator for the MayDay Movement, a group advocating for the impeachment and removal of President Trump as the 47th president. Investigators noted that Stinson posted graphic threats on social media and referenced “8647,” a phrase shared online by former FBI Director James Comey, which was interpreted as a threat against Trump.

The affidavit also highlighted Stinson’s online comments following the July 2024 attempted assassination of Trump by Thomas Matthew Crooks. Stinson allegedly described the failed attempt as “a missed opportunity.” He also wrote that he lacked the “necessary skills” for such an act, but later contradicted himself, implying he did have the ability.

Convictions for threatening a president can carry up to five years in prison, though some sentences have been lighter. Stinson’s case is the latest in a string of incidents involving threats against President Trump, including the foiled assassination attempt by Crooks and another attempt by pro-Ukraine activist Ryan Routh.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.

show less
show more
June 16, 2025
Crime

Walz-Linked Shooter Targeted 2 Other Homes. Here’s What We Know.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal officials believe that Vance Luther Boelter, who allegedly shot two Minnesota state representatives and their spouses, visited the homes of at least two other state lawmakers early Saturday morning intending to murder them.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Vance Luther Boelter, Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman, two other Minnesota lawmakers, state law enforcement, and Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The murders and attempted murders occurred early Saturday morning, June 14, with Boelter eventually captured by state law enforcement on Sunday, June 15.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This was a political assassination,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said on Monday.

🎯IMPACT: The revelation that Boelter visited the homes of additional targets suggests the assassin had far broader plans to kill state officials.

IN FULL
Federal officials revealed that alleged Minnesota assassin Vance Luther Boelter, accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses in their homes, visited the homes of two other state lawmakers on Saturday morning, but moved on as neither was present. Boelter allegedly shot and killed state Representative Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband, and critically wounded state Senator John Hoffman (D) and his wife Yvette.
In all four incidents, it is believed that Boelter approached the homes disguised as a police officer and claimed to be investigating some sort of crime when someone answered the door. The first home visited by Boelter was that of state Senator Hoffman, with both the lawmaker and his wife being critically wounded by the assassin. Next, Boelter drove to the home of another, unnamed, lawmaker, but discovered it empty.
However, in the second of the failed shooting attempts, an actual local law enforcement official now believes they encountered Boelter sitting outside the lawmaker’s residence in an SUV. The officer says they approached the vehicle and a man in a police uniform sitting inside, and assumed the individual was dispatched to provide a protective detail. However, when the officer tried to verbally address the individual, the man in the SUV continued staring straight ahead.
After the initial encounter, the law enforcement officer says they proceeded to check on the home, knocking on the front door and receiving no response. Upon confirming that the house was unoccupied, the officer realized the SUV and the man—now believed to be Boelter—had departed.
Subsequently, police would again encounter Boelter at the final home, belonging to Rep. Hortman. When police arrived, Boelter was standing at the front door of the lawmaker’s residence. Before law enforcement could respond, Boelter forced his way into the home and began opening fire, killing Hortman and her husband.
Boelter had previously been appointed to serve on a state workforce commission by Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) and by his predecessor, Gov. Mark Dayton (D-MN). On Monday, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson plainly stated: “This was a political assassination.”
show less
show more
June 16, 2025
News

Trump Brands Walz ‘Grossly Incompetent’ Amid Minnesota Shootings.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A political assassination in Minnesota left two people dead, including state Rep. Melissa Hortman (D), and two others injured, sparking condemnation from President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Victims include Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark; suspect Vance Luther Boelter has been captured. President Trump and Governor Tim Walz (D) have also been involved in the aftermath.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The shootings occurred early Saturday in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz addressed the incident on June 14, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The incident has heightened concerns over political violence, with federal law enforcement involved in the investigation.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump said on Sunday that he “may” call Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) following a political assassination that shocked the state. Trump, who condemned the violence, described Walz as a “terrible governor” and “grossly incompetent.” Speaking to ABC’s Rachel Scott, Trump stated, “Well, it’s a terrible thing. I think he’s a terrible governor. I think he’s a grossly incompetent person. But I may, I may call him, I may call other people, too.”

The state of Minnesota is grappling with the aftermath of two shootings that claimed the lives of state Representative Melissa Hortman (D), a former speaker of the state House, and her husband, Mark. The attack also left a state senator and his wife injured. Authorities report that the suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, disguised himself as a police officer. Boelter was taken into custody late Sunday night after a lengthy manhunt.

Governor Walz labeled the shootings an “act of targeted political violence.” A source close to Walz revealed that he and Vice President J.D. Vance have been in communication regarding the incident. The source added, “The Governor expressed appreciation for the ongoing coordination between federal law enforcement and Minnesota public safety officials.” However, another source noted that Trump had not yet contacted Walz.

Notably, Walz himself has been accused of turning up the political temperature regarding violent political rhetoric. The National Pulse reported in May that the Minnesota Democrat had compared U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Adolf Hitler’s Gestapo during a commencement speech.

The FBI and the Attorney General have launched an investigation, with the White House pledging to prosecute anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Police discovered a list in the suspect’s vehicle containing the names of dozens of Minnesota Democrats, raising concerns regarding the extent and scale of Boelter’s additional planned acts of terrorism.

This tragic event comes amid increasing worries over political violence in the U.S., following incidents such as the killing of Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, an arson attack at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home, and last summer’s two attempted assassinations of Trump. President Trump commented, “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place.”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

show less
show more