Crime
Donald Trump safe after shooting in West Palm Beach, Florida
The individual, described as a white male, was later arrested in Martin County.
The Secret Service is responding to a shooting that occurred near Donald Trump as he departed his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to law enforcement sources.
“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Trump spokesman Steven Cheung stated on Sunday afternoon.
Sources reported that two individuals exchanged gunfire outside of the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach.
The gunfire was not directed at Trump, as the shooters were targeting each other.
Trump was never in any immediate danger, and the incident took place in a high-crime area outside the club, according to the sources.
Trump was swiftly escorted to a secure location as soon as gunfire was reported nearby.
U.S. Secret Service statement:
“The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred shortly before 2 p.m. The former president is safe.”
This incident comes nearly two months after Thomas Matthew Crooks shot Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, wounding him in the ear.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.