Crime
Video shows moments 26-year-old Arthur Armstrong Jr shot and killed by DeSoto police
On December 13, 2024, at approximately 10:39 a.m., the DeSoto Police Department received a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 1000 block of Hunter’s Creek Drive.
Upon reestablishing contact, the caller, identified as 26-year-old Arthur Lee Armstrong, Jr., informed dispatchers that he was armed with “several” weapons and intended to harm police officers.
A second caller later confirmed that Armstrong was at the residence with multiple other occupants and armed with a knife.
DeSoto patrol officers promptly responded to the scene.
Upon their arrival, Armstrong confronted them in the front yard, wielding a knife in each hand.
Ignoring repeated commands to stop and drop his weapons, Armstrong advanced aggressively toward the officers.
As Armstrong continued closing the distance, one officer discharged a single round from a patrol rifle, striking Armstrong in the chest.
Officers quickly disarmed Armstrong and initiated life-saving measures on the scene. Armstrong was then transported to Central Methodist Hospital by DeSoto EMS, where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
The DeSoto Police Department requested that the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Additionally, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit dispatched an investigator to provide an independent review of the matter.
In accordance with department policy, the officer who discharged the weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave while these investigations are underway.
The DeSoto Police Department recognizes the significant impact this incident has on the community, as well as the individuals and families involved. A comprehensive investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event, and the department is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the process.
To provide further details, a press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the DeSoto Police Department headquarters. Community members and media are encouraged to attend for updates on the investigation.
Crime
Indiana Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Assassinate President Trump in TikTok Videos
A 23-year-old Indiana man has been arrested and charged with making threats against former President Donald Trump after allegedly posting multiple threatening videos on TikTok, federal authorities announced Thursday.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Douglas Thrams posted a series of videos between Monday—when Trump was inaugurated—and Wednesday, in which he allegedly threatened anti-government violence and called for the assassination of the former president.
In one of the videos cited in the complaint, Thrams reportedly stated, “Every U.S. government building needs to be bombed immediately.” He further escalated his rhetoric by saying, “He [Trump] needs to be assassinated, and this time, don’t… miss,” using explicit language.
Authorities noted that Thrams’ statements were particularly concerning in light of previous assassination attempts targeting Trump, including an incident last year at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president sustained a minor injury to his ear.
Additionally, an FBI affidavit revealed that in another video, Thrams was seen holding a rifle and tapping it, an action investigators interpreted as an implied threat.
Thrams was taken into custody on Thursday and has been charged with “interstate communications with a threat to injure,” a federal offense.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed any further potential threats. Thrams is expected to appear in federal court in the coming days.