Crime
63-year-old Terrence Kennedy killed in New Orleans Bourbon Street terror attack
A New Orleans family has confirmed the tragic loss of their loved one, Terrence “Terry” Kennedy, who was killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Kennedy, 63, was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, known for his generous spirit and kind nature.
His family described him as a man with an “extremely big heart” who touched the lives of everyone around him with his warmth and kindness.
Terry was the seventh of nine children born to Dolores and James Kennedy, growing up in a close-knit family that remains deeply connected.
His sister fondly recalled his love for sports, particularly his unwavering devotion to his favorite teams. Kennedy was a passionate supporter of the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs, but his loyalty always shone brightest for the Pittsburgh Steelers, his all-time favorite team.
Kennedyโs passing has left a profound void in the hearts of his family and the New Orleans community. Those who knew him remember his kind demeanor and enduring love for his city and its vibrant culture.
The Kennedy family continues to grieve this unimaginable loss while honoring the memory of a beloved brother, uncle, and friend.
Their thoughts are with all the victims and families affected by this senseless tragedy.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the need for solidarity and compassion during such difficult times.
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.