Crime
Alabama Mother Injured in New Orleans Terror Attack Claims Amazon Denied Leave Request
UPDATE: Amazon has reversed its decision and the woman will now be given time off with pay.
Alexis Scott-Windham, a 23-year-old mother from Mobile, Alabama, has expressed frustration after her request for a leave of absence from her job at an Amazon warehouse was reportedly denied.
This comes despite her serious injuries from the recent New Orleans terror attack, which claimed 14 lives and left several others wounded.
Scott-Windham sustained multiple fractures and still has a bullet lodged in her foot as a result of the attack.
The young mother, who is caring for her one-year-old daughter, shared with The Advocate that her injuries have left her unable to work, and she now fears she may need to find new employment to support her family.
The attack occurred on Bourbon Street in the early hours of the morning, where the main suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly drove a truck into a crowd. Jabbar, an American citizen, was found with an ISIS flag in his possession.
While investigators have indicated that there is no evidence suggesting he acted in coordination with others, the incident has been classified as a terrorist act.
In addition to Scott-Windham’s ordeal, her friend Brandon Whitsett, 22, was also injured in the attack. Whitsett remains hospitalized, suffering from extensive injuries to his leg, shoulder, back, and head.
The denial of Scott-Windham’s leave request has sparked outrage among her friends and supporters.
Many are calling for companies to provide greater understanding and flexibility for employees recovering from traumatic incidents, especially those involving injuries and emotional distress.
This tragic event underscores the challenges faced by victims of terrorist acts, not only in their recovery but also in maintaining stability in their personal and professional lives.
Crime
Ohio Shooting Leaves Suspect and 4-Year-Old Girl Dead, Officer Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OH – A tragic shooting incident in Calcutta on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a suspect and a 4-year-old girl, while a police officer remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
According to St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie, officers responded around 2 p.m. to reports of a suicidal male walking down the street with a firearm.
Upon locating the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, officers attempted to make contact.
“Almost immediately, the man pulled a weapon and opened fire on my officers,” McKenzie stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries later in the evening, authorities confirmed.
Como was also fatally wounded during the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene.
One St. Clair Township police officer Dakota Wetzel sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Chief McKenzie reported that the officer is currently in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and the family of the young girl whose life was tragically lost,” McKenzie said. “Right now, we are working diligently to gather all the facts and keep the community informed.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Counselors have been made available to support the officers involved.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the St. Clair Township Police Department.