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-Windhamโs 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-Windhamโs 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
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii โ A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honoluluโs Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second womanโs injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusmanโs family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.