Feds Announce Dozens of Violent Crime and Illegal Weapons Charges
Federal and local law enforcement announced indictments Monday for 71 people accused of violent crime and illegal weapons possession in Birmingham and north Alabama. Some of those arrested also had drug charges.
The indictments and arrests are part of ramped up efforts to get illegal guns off the streets through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. That program pours extra money into crime fighting and helps law enforcement agencies collaborate to identify and arrest violent felons.
Over the past two months, authorities in north Alabama confiscated 140 weapons during arrests, including several handguns capable of firing rifle rounds. David Hyche, assistant special agent in charge with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, says bullets from those weapons can go through multiple protective vests.
“If my people learn of an individual who is purchasing multiple, rifle-round-firing handguns, and they are associated with a criminal group, we share that intelligence,” Hyche says. “We don’t want to hold on to a piece of intelligence that can save an officer’s life.”
Most of the 71 people indicted had multiple prior arrests, Hyche says.
It’s been a revolving door for some felons, but U.S. Attorney Jay Town says when federal charges stick, people are in prison longer because they serve about 85 percent of their sentences.
Interim Birmingham Police Chief Henry Irby says he’s pleased with what these indictments mean for city residents.
“They don’t deserve to have to hide in their bathtubs when gunfire is ringing out,” Irby says. “They do not deserve to see violence in their neighborhoods day after day.”
Town says this operation is not a one-time event, and there will be more indictments in the future focused on reducing violent crime.
Harvey Weinstein’s new trial is almost over. It could be a litmus test for #MeToo
Weinstein's sex crimes conviction in New York was overturned last year. In a new trial, three accusers have testified that Weinstein assaulted them. Closing arguments are underway.
COVID vaccine changes confuse and upset some parents and families
Federal health officials have changed the game for COVID vaccine access. Pregnant moms and others who rely on them to protect a high-risk family member are scared.
Dozens reported killed as Israel acknowledges troops opened fire near Gaza food point
For the third time in as many days, Palestinians in Gaza have been shot while trying to get food. Israel has acknowledged that its soldiers opened fire on people who were approaching them.
A surprising trick to making hard choices: Try thinking less
The tactic may seem counterintuitive, but it can help you make tough decisions faster and with more confidence, says decision coach Nell Wulfhart.
Run For Their Lives, the group targeted in the Colorado attack, is figuring out how to continue its mission
Sunday's attack in Boulder targeted a group called Run for Their Lives, which raises awareness about the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Now, they're figuring out how to move on.
Can bringing back manufacturing help the heartland catch up with ‘superstar’ cities?
In recent decades, America has seen economic opportunities concentrated in superstar cities. Manufacturing boosters hope reshoring factories could help change that. We look at the theory and evidence.