Crime
Schools Nationwide Shut Down Amid Surge of Threatening Emails About Potential Shootings
Schools across the nation have been forced to implement lockdowns in response to a wave of threatening emails received in recent days.
The content of these emails typically revolves around threats of school shootings, causing widespread fear and concern.
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these threats and working closely with school districts to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Local law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about a potential rise in copycat threats following recent tragic events.
Sam Wade, a school resource officer at Jessamine County High School, noted that such incidents often inspire individuals to make threats, whether motivated by a desire to avoid school or a malicious intent to disrupt the educational system.
The recent spate of school shootings has led to a heightened sense of anxiety and fear, making it easier for individuals to exploit these emotions for their own purposes.
Any threat made towards a school campus or its personnel is classified as a Class D felony under the charge of terroristic threatening in the second degree. This offense carries a potential sentence of 1-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Likins emphasized that any bomb threat, regardless of its intent, is considered a criminal act. Any threat directed towards a school, including students, staff, volunteers, or coaches, can result in severe legal consequences.
Even sharing such threats on social media platforms can lead to felony charges. Likins stressed the importance of understanding that words have power and can cause panic or alarm. Any threat made towards a school system, whether shared directly or through social media, can result in legal repercussions.
While many of these threats may ultimately prove to be hoaxes, each one is taken seriously and requires a thorough investigation.
The increased frequency of school shooting threats has placed a significant strain on law enforcement resources and disrupted the educational process for countless students.
The situation has raised important questions about online safety, mental health, and the need for stronger measures to prevent and address these threats.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subjectโs vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.