Crime
Pima County Deputy Ramon Hernandez Under Investigation for Social Media Posts Appearing to Celebrate Charlie Kirk Killing
PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. — A Pima County sheriff’s deputy is under internal investigation after social-media posts that appeared to celebrate the killing of activist Charlie Kirk drew public outrage, officials and local media report.
The deputy, identified in social posts as Ramon Hernandez, is alleged to have shared a series of messages condemning Kirk’s views and describing the slaying as “karma.” In the posts, Hernandez reportedly wrote that Kirk “only promoted hate, racism” and suggested the country is “long overdue for a revolution.”
He also referenced graphic accounts of civilian harm abroad and criticized U.S. and international policies while urging readers to “stand on the right side of history, especially if you’re a cop.”
The posts — which include strong language and condemnatory rhetoric — prompted concern from community members and elected officials about whether an officer who appears to celebrate violence can be trusted to serve impartially.
Critics noted that law-enforcement personnel are held to high standards of conduct and impartiality, particularly when policing communities that include individuals with differing political beliefs.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it is aware of the social-media activity and has opened an internal review. Department spokespersons said the matter is being handled through standard internal-affairs procedures; no disciplinary determinations have been announced.
If substantiated, such conduct could lead to administrative discipline up to and including termination, depending on investigative findings and applicable policies.
Civil-rights advocates and local leaders called for a transparent review and clear communication from the sheriff’s office about the inquiry’s scope and outcome.
Law-enforcement oversight experts say investigations typically examine whether an officer’s speech violated department policies on professional conduct, impartiality, or use of social media, and whether it undermined public trust.
Hernandez has not publicly commented on the investigation.
The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the probe’s timeline or any interim actions taken while the review is ongoing.
Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information about the posts or related conduct to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s internal affairs unit.
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.