Crime
Shots fired near the University of Florida (UF) campus in Gainesville
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A tense police standoff is unfolding near the University of Florida campus after a gunman opened fire and barricaded himself inside an apartment complex on Monday.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, shots were fired from a unit at 102 Northwest 9th Terrace, a residential building located near the UF Human Resources facility but not on university property.
Authorities confirm that the incident began when law enforcement officers, including members of the Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and University of Florida Police Department, attempted to serve a felony warrant related to narcotics violations.
The suspect—identified only by the name “Samuel”—allegedly fired at officers upon their arrival and made threats referencing a mass shooting.
In response, a multi-agency SWAT team established a secure perimeter, prompting the evacuation of all residents from the building.
Officers have also shut down a section of University Avenue between 8th and 10th Streets in both directions.
As of the latest update, negotiations are ongoing, and law enforcement officials indicated there is a “high likelihood” of resistance from the suspect.
At one point, police were heard over loudspeakers warning the suspect that he had “one minute to come out with his hands up.”
Despite the threat level, no injuries have been reported at this time. Authorities emphasize that there is no immediate threat to the University of Florida campus, but are urging the public to avoid the area as the situation remains active.
This is a developing story.
Further updates will be provided as more details become available.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.