Trump calls Gala shooting suspect 'would-be assassin
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
US President Donald Trump described the suspect in a shooting incident at a Washington media gala as a "would-be assassin," stating the individual was heavily armed and breached security before being stopped. The incident occurred on Saturday night during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton. Gunfire near a security checkpoint caused panic and led to the evacuation of officials, journalists, and guests. Trump said the suspect "charged past a security checkpoint" with multiple weapons, and one law enforcement officer was shot but survived due to a bulletproof vest. Secret Service agents quickly apprehended the suspect, and the president, first lady, and other high-profile attendees were safely escorted from the venue. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes. Trump also expressed concerns about the venue’s security. The event has been canceled and is expected to be rescheduled, with investigations ongoing into the suspect's motive and the security breach. The shooting has intensified scrutiny over security at high-profile public events in the US.
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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo. This demand follows alleged defamatory statements made by Okonkwo during a television interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Monday, June 8. Obi's lawyers, led by Alex Ejesieme SAN, sent a letter dated June 9, 2026, accusing Okonkwo of making false and malicious allegations. These allegations, subsequently published by various media, included claims that Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East demanded a N10 million bribe from House of Representatives aspirants, that Obi compiled candidate lists from a hotel room, and that he was involved in criminal activities and collecting money from people abroad. Obi's legal team stated these remarks falsely portrayed him as engaging in bribery, extortion, fraud, and criminal conduct, describing the allegations as "false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact." They have given Okonkwo seven days to withdraw the statements, publish an "unequivocal and unreserved" apology with similar prominence, and pay the N5 billion for damages to Obi's reputation. Failure to comply will result in legal action, including claims for damages and injunctive reliefs. In response, Okonkwo dismissed the demand on his X handle, stating he had not yet read the letter and suggesting Obi was seeking campaign funds. He warned that any
Must ReadTwelve people were killed in a mass shooting at an informal settlement near Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday night. South African police reported that more than 10 armed individuals arrived in a vehicle, stormed the settlement, and opened fire on residents at multiple locations before fleeing. Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that eight adult males and three adult females were pronounced dead at the scene, with one additional person dying later in the hospital. The incident occurred in Cleveland, approximately six kilometers east of Johannesburg city center. The motive for the attack is currently unknown, and no arrests have been made. This event is the latest in a country that experiences a high rate of homicides daily, often linked to gang rivalry and competition among informal businesses.
Lionel Messi scored within minutes of his return from injury, helping Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Iceland in their final World Cup warm-up match in Auburn, Alabama. Messi, who started on the bench due to muscle fatigue, entered the game in the final quarter and scored his 117th international goal. Valentin Barco opened the scoring for Argentina, and Thiago Almada added a third goal after a pass from Messi. Argentina will begin their World Cup defense against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group J.