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Israeli Hostage Reveals Harrowing Experience of Abuse by Hamas Captor

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Israeli Hostage Reveals Harrowing Experience of Abuse by Hamas Captor

A former Israeli captive has revealed the harrowing ordeal of being repeatedly sexually assaulted by his Hamas captor, recounting that he was blindfolded and forcibly stripped at knifepoint.

Guy Gilboa Dalal was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and confined within a complex tunnel network under Gaza, enduring 739 days as a hostage.

In a compelling interview with Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog, Dalal shared the traumatic details of the sexual assaults he suffered, explaining that he felt compelled to comply and remain silent in order to stay alive.

His testimony follows a recent report by the UN Secretary-General on sexual violence in conflict, which indicated that the claims of sexual violence against Israeli hostages remain unverified at this time.

The 24-year-old described a specific incident where his captor isolated him in a room, blindfolded him, and coerced him to undress.

The terrorist then began making sexual remarks to Dalal, who described the incident saying: ‘He [captor] said, “You haven’t seen girls for a long time, right? You watch porn? You want to watch porn? You want us to make a porn movie together?”‘

The hostage tried to stop his captor by explaining that pornography is forbidden in Islam, but the guard ignored him and began inappropriately touching him. 

‘He came behind me and he started to touch my body, and to kiss my neck and my back,’ Dalal recounted, ‘I couldn’t do anything, I just wanted him to stop.’

In a powerful new interview with Israel's First Lady Michal Herzog, Dalal detailed the horrific sexual assaults he endured

In a powerful new interview with Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog, Dalal detailed the horrific sexual assaults he endured

Released Israeli hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal gestures to well wishers upon arriving at Beilinson Hospital in central Israel on October 13, 2025

Released Israeli hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal gestures to well wishers upon arriving at Beilinson Hospital in central Israel on October 13, 2025 

After about 20 minutes, the Hamas guard stopped, put a knife to Dalal’s neck and forced him to promise he wouldn’t tell anyone what had happened.

‘I swore that I wouldn’t tell anyone,’ Dalal said, ‘but that wasn’t enough for him. He took a gun and put it to my head, saying “If you tell anyone about this I will kill you”.’

In another instance, Dalal recounted how his captor turned a moment of basic hygiene into a violent and degrading attack and threatened to kill him.

After allowing Dalal to take a shower, the guard hauled him into a room naked and refused to let him put his clothes back on. 

‘He threw me on a couch and held my head towards the opposite direction from him. He came behind me and started rubbing his genitals on my anus.’

Dalal said his brain ‘disconnected’ throughout what happened for the next 20 minutes. ‘Every second was like an entire lifetime,’ he said.

‘I felt even more powerless than before,’ he said. ‘I couldn’t resist, and even if I wanted to, I was too weak.’

After the brutal sexual assault, the terrorist began to violently beat Dalal, throwing him to the ground.

‘When he had had enough, he said the same thing again. “If you ever tell anyone about this, I will kill you”.’

Before he let Dalal go, his captor forced the hostage to tell him that he loved him. Dalal had no choice but to oblige. 

Dalal and another hostage were also subjected to humiliation together. The Hamas captor took Dalal and fellow hostage Omer Wenkert into a room and ordered Wenkert to get on all fours and bark like a dog.

The captor then blindfolded Dalal, made him stand facing the wall, and left the pair there for a period of time. When he returned, he launched a brutal assault on both men.

According to the hostages, the terrorist claimed the beating was punishment for the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

Dalal was freed on October 13, 2025, over two years after he was taken to Gaza. 

While in Gaza, Dalal suffered from several infections, lost his hearing in one ear, and developed skin problems. After he was freed, his father disclosed that he was undergoing psychological care to help him process what happened to him.

Other hostages previously shared shocking stories of sexual assault, such as Nova security guard Rom Braslavski who was kidnapped by Hamas and subjected to brutal torture.

In a gut-wrenching televised interview, he said: ‘They stripped me of all my clothes – underwear, everything. They tied me up from my… while I was completely naked. I was torn apart, dying, with no food,’ he said.

‘I prayed to God, “Please, save me, get me out of this already.” And you just say to yourself, “What the f***?”‘

Rom Brasklavski broke down in tears as he revealed how he was sexually abused by Hamas militants. He became the first male victim to share his experience

Rom Brasklavski broke down in tears as he revealed how he was sexually abused by Hamas militants. He became the first male victim to share his experience

Speaking to Israel’s Channel 13, he added: ‘It was sexual violence – and its main purpose was to humiliate me. The goal was to crush my dignity. And that’s exactly what he did.’

‘And while I was there – every day, every beating – I’d say to myself, ‘I survived another day in hell. Tomorrow morning, I’ll wake up to another hell. And another. And another. It doesn’t end.’ He added: ‘I came back from meeting the devil’.

Several others have spoken about how they were held at gunpoint and beaten while being raped. Many were also threatened with forced marriages.

Aviva Siegal, 62, who was taken by Hamas, told the UN Committee Against Torture (UNCAT) in Geneva about how she witnessed a teenage girl being sexually assaulted.

She said: ‘I am witness to one of the girls who was with us, that the Hamas terrorist came to the bathroom, told her to get undressed, came into the shower with her, and forced her to do oral sex. And she had to smile after she did that too.

‘She is 16 years old, she’s never ever shown anybody her body, the Hamas terrorist just stood there and stared and smiled.’

Hamas has previously denied the accounts of the hostages, claiming in December last year that they were ‘unfounded lies and allegations.’

Apple’s Unavoidable Price Hike: What It Means for Your Wallet and Why It’s Happening Now

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Apple’s Unavoidable Price Hike: What It Means for Your Wallet and Why It’s Happening Now


Apple is preparing to increase prices across its product range in response to escalating costs for memory and storage components, according to CEO Tim Cook in a recent Wall Street Journal interview. Cook expressed that these price hikes are, regrettably, a necessity. “We’ve been striving to absorb these substantial cost increases ourselves, aiming to protect our customers from the full impact,” Cook explained. “However, the current situation is no longer sustainable.”

While Cook refrained from disclosing specific details concerning the timing, extent, or which products might see price adjustments, the Wall Street Journal offered some insights. They predicted that the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro could be priced at $1,299, marking a $200 increase over the iPhone 17 Pro.

The anticipated release is scheduled for September, with expectations high for the introduction of a new, sleeker, foldable iPhone model.

However, the Wall Street Journal estimated the price of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro to be $1,299. If true, it would be $200 more compared to the iPhone 17 Pro.

The launch is expected to come in September and include a new, thinner, foldable iPhone.

Apple’s last big drop in September 2025 priced the iPhone 17 Pro at $100 more than previous models, costing $1,099.

Why are prices rising?

Since last year, when Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon began announcing big increases in their capital spending budgets, the prices for memory and storage chips have quadrupled.

These chips, which have traditionally been key components of most computing devices, are now also required to run AI servers.

The surge in demand for AI tools has caused a shortage of memory and storage chips. As chip prices skyrocket, Apple is forced to charge substantially more to maintain profit margins, according to the WSJ.

“There’s less supply at a time when consumers want devices and the memory guys are passing along huge price increases,” Cook told the Wall Street Journal. “We definitely need memory pricing and supply to return to reasonable levels for consumer products. That’s the bottom line.”

Jeff Metcalf Shares Heartfelt Journey of Healing After Tragic Loss of Son Austin

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Jeff Metcalf Shares Heartfelt Journey of Healing After Tragic Loss of Son Austin

FRISCO, Texas — Jeff Metcalf, father of the late Austin Metcalf, has expressed unwavering support for the judge’s decision to prohibit cameras from the courtroom during the trial of Karmelo Anthony, who was charged with his son’s murder.

Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court previously emphasized the necessity of this decision, citing its importance in maintaining the fairness of the trial.

In an exclusive interview with News Media, Jeff Metcalf shared, “There were minors who had to testify. It’s incredibly challenging for them as they’ve already endured trauma. These experiences will stay with them, and they’re all undergoing counseling. Watching them take the stand, face tough questions, and relive their experiences was difficult enough.”

Captured in his Frisco, Texas home on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Jeff Metcalf spoke about the trial and the loss of his 17-year-old son, Austin, who was tragically killed by Karmelo Anthony at a high school track meet the previous year. (Photo by Matthew Symons for News Media)

In April 2025, Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed in the chest during a high school track event. Karmelo Anthony was found guilty of the crime and received a 35-year prison sentence.

Metcalf, who was under a gag order imposed by the judge throughout the trial, said he wants to speak face to face with the Anthony family. He said he has yet to hear from the parents of the man who killed his son.

“If they would have taken accountability and showed remorse, I truthfully believe, I don’t think he would have got that many years that he received,” he said of the Anthony family.

News Media has reached out to the Anthony family for comment.

Austin Metcalf standing and smiling

Austin Metcalf, 17, was stabbed to death at a Texas track meet. (Jeff Metcalf)

Anthony has since filed a notice of appeal to challenge his conviction.

Metcalf has had death threats sent to him and his family, he said. Frisco Police are investigating.

In a message to those threatening his family and the Anthony family, Metcalf said, “You’re soulless, you don’t have compassion or empathy and, I mean, what are you, a sociopath?”

Karmelo Anthony and his attorney in a courtroom sketch and Karmelo Anthony in custody of Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Karmelo Anthony appears with his attorney in a courtroom sketch during his murder trial. He is also shown in custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. (Pat Lopez/Texas Department of Criminal Justice)

He went on to say, “I wish both sides would quit. It’s not needed. Both these boys, especially mine, mine’s never coming back.”

As for Anthony and his family specifically, Metcalf said, “There’s consequences for actions, and he got the consequences. But there’s no need to dogpile on this other family just because he got convicted.”

While daily headlines are published about the verdict and trial, Metcalf’s home has become a shrine of all things Austin.

Jeff Metcalf and his son Austin Metcalf posing for a family photo on a hunting trip.

A family photo of Jeff Metcalf and his son, Austin Metcalf, from a hunting trip is displayed at their home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. (Matthew Symons for News Media)

News Media got an up-close look at a plethora of photos and mementos throughout Metcalf’s home. The feeling inside the house is quiet and somber.

An array of photos and memorabilia honoring Austin Metcalf at Jeff Metcalf's home in Frisco, Texas.

An array of photos and memorabilia honoring Austin Metcalf is displayed at Jeff Metcalf’s home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf, 17, was murdered at a high school track meet last year by Karmelo Anthony. (Matthew Symons for News Media)

Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, also appears in many of the photos.

An array of photos and memorabilia honoring Austin Metcalf at Jeff Metcalf's home in Frisco, Texas.

An array of photos and memorabilia honoring Austin Metcalf is displayed at Jeff Metcalf’s home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf, 17, was killed at a high school track meet last year by Karmelo Anthony. (Matthew Symons for News Media)

Metcalf said his twin boys were so close they chose to share a bedroom despite plenty of other rooms in his home. They were “attached at the hip,” he said.

Jeff Metcalf posing with photos of his son Austin Metcalf inside his home during an interview.

Jeff Metcalf is interviewed by News Media at his home in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Metcalf’s son, Austin Metcalf, was murdered at a high school track meet by Karmelo Anthony last year. (Matthew Symons for News Media)

Hunter is probably the strongest individual I’ve ever seen in my life. To carry what he has to carry, to do what he did from the death of his brother to this day has shown absolute strength that I don’t believe I myself even carry. I couldn’t be more proud of him,” he said.

Jeff Metcalf standing near photos and memorabilia at his home in Frisco, Texas.

Jeff Metcalf stands near photos and memorabilia honoring son Austin Metcalf at his home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf was murdered at a high school track meet last year. (Matthew Symons for News Media)

Austin was seen as the “big brother” even though the two are twins; Austin was born minutes earlier than Hunter.

Jeff Metcalf posing with photos of his son Austin Metcalf inside his home during an interview.

Jeff Metcalf is interviewed by News Media at his home in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Symons for News Media)

“Both of them would go back to the [Staley Middle School] and talk to the incoming freshmen about what football is and what it means to play at Memorial and what it’s going to take,” Metcalf said.

Jeff Metcalf standing with his sons Austin and Hunter Metcalf in a family photo at their home in Frisco, Texas

A family photo of Jeff Metcalf with his sons Austin and Hunter Metcalf is displayed at their home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf, 17, was murdered at a high school track meet last year. (Matthew Symons for News Media)

Hunter completed his senior year and recently graduated without his beloved brother by his side. He accepted his brother’s posthumous diploma, Metcalf said.

The twin boys would have celebrated their 19th birthday together this July.

Jeff Metcalf sitting inside his home during an interview.

Jeff Metcalf is interviewed by News Media at his home in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026.  (Matthew Symons for News Media)

In the fall, Hunter will begin his first year of college.

Speaking about Austin and Hunter, Metcalf said, “I couldn’t ask for a better son or sons.”

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Former Broadway Dancer Claims Panic Led to Fatal NYC Subway Incident

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Former Broadway Dancer Claims Panic Led to Fatal NYC Subway Incident

Former Broadway dancer Rhamell Burke, who gained notoriety for grinning after allegedly pushing a 76-year-old man to his death down a subway staircase, has provided a startling explanation to police, as revealed in new court documents on Wednesday. Burke claimed he “freaked out” and acted out of fear when he pushed the elderly man, describing the incident as a reaction to his fear.

Burke, 32, recounted to the authorities that he was simply walking when he overheard an argument about him, which allegedly caused him to panic. He bizarrely explained his actions by saying, “I was just walking, and I got scared because I heard an argument about me,” referring to the tragic event on May 7 that resulted in the death of Ross Falzone, a cherished New York City school teacher, at the 18th Street station in Chelsea.

In an additional attempt to rationalize his actions, Burke claimed that “muscle spasms” led to the fatal shove. He stated, “I was walking, walking, walking and I freaked out,” suggesting a lack of control over the situation.

On Wednesday, Burke appeared in court, where he maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty to the murder charges. Despite his infamous sinister grin during a previous court appearance, he faced the murder charges before Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Ann Thompson with a formal arraignment.

Burke, who infamously flashed a sinister grin at a prior court appearance, pleaded not guilty after being arragined Wednesday on murder charges before Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Ann Thompson.

Burke told police that he “just kept walking” after sending Falzone to his death on May 7, according to documents.

“That was it. I was just like, walking, pushed, and that was it,” the ex-dancer said.

Court papers also uncovered a mad tirade Burke went on after detectives asked how the fatal shove made him feel.

“I really don’t like doing things like this. Torment versus torture. It’s torment to be out every day,” Burke strangely said, “It’s torture not to know…. Torment is when you wake up and be like ‘I need to wake up every day, like I just need to wake up.’”

Cops checked Burke into the psych ward at Bellevue Hospital as an “emotionally disturbed person” the day of the alleged murder.

He was released roughly an hour later, leading to the fatal push later that same day.

Three Port Authority cops were injured in his arrest.

Burke had a promising career as a dancer, getting some Broadway gigs for a short period, according to a friend.

The friend told The Post that Burke, a repeat offender, had his downward spiral around the same time as the COVID pandemic shutdowns.

His victim, Ross Falzone, was remembered for his kindness and his love for live performances at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

“Ross was a dear, gentle man who enjoyed a career as a social worker for special needs children,” a friend of Falzone said.

Springfield Man Arrested in Major Drug Trafficking Bust While on Bond from 2022 Investigation: ACSO Cracks Down

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Springfield Man Arrested in Major Drug Trafficking Bust While on Bond from 2022 Investigation: ACSO Cracks Down

AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. – In a decisive move against drug trafficking, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended a man from Springfield following a search warrant execution. This operation was part of an ongoing investigation targeting narcotic activities in the area.

The search warrant was carried out at a residence located on the 2400 block of Windsor Road in Springfield, South Carolina. It led authorities to uncover a substantial haul of illegal drugs and related evidence. Investigators reported seizing around 2,700 grams of cocaine, about 9 pounds of marijuana, and approximately 65 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, they discovered 45 dosage units of Oxycodone, which is a Schedule II controlled substance, alongside a semi-automatic handgun and $8,000 in cash.

In conjunction with the drug bust, Aiken County Code Enforcement also became involved, seizing 11 pit bull dogs from the property. Following their investigation, Charles Edward Johnson, Jr. was charged with Ill-treatment to animals by Animal Control. He now faces multiple charges from investigators, including Trafficking in Cocaine (400 grams or more), Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – First Offense, and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.

Authorities revealed that at the time of his recent arrest, Johnson was already out on bond for previous trafficking charges. These charges were the result of another narcotics investigation conducted by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, which led to a drug-related search warrant being executed at the same residence on November 7th, 2022.

According to authorities, at the time of his arrest, Johnson was out on bond for previous trafficking charges stemming from a separate narcotics investigation conducted by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigation during an executed drug-related search warrant at the same residence on November 7th, 2022.

During the 2022 investigation, authorities say they seized approximately 500 grams of cocaine and approximately 3,100 grams of methamphetamine as a result, Johnson was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine (more than 400 grams), Trafficking in Methamphetamine (more than 400 grams), and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office states that this is an ongoing investigation, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.

Illinois Sees Job Growth with 6,000 New Positions While Unemployment Rate Holds Steady in May

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Illinois Sees Job Growth with 6,000 New Positions While Unemployment Rate Holds Steady in May


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that while Illinois’ unemployment rate held steady in May, the state experienced a rise in payroll jobs for the third consecutive month.

According to information released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) on Thursday, the unemployment rate was 5.1%, with an addition of 6,000 jobs. The number of unemployed individuals decreased by 0.3 percentage points from April, standing at 336,300. However, this figure reflects a 15.3% increase compared to the same time last year. Additionally, the labor force saw a slight decline of 0.2%.

Star-Studded Celebration: Knicks Heroes, Timothee Chalamet, and WAGs Shine at Victory Parade with Mamdani

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Star-Studded Celebration: Knicks Heroes, Timothee Chalamet, and WAGs Shine at Victory Parade with Mamdani

In a grand celebration that could only befit a city like New York, millions of ecstatic Knicks fans gathered in downtown Manhattan on Thursday morning to honor their team’s triumphant NBA championship win with a dazzling ticker-tape parade.

The streets were awash in the team’s signature orange and blue as the players made their way up Broadway towards City Hall. The electric atmosphere was palpable, as fans lined the route, eager to catch a glimpse of their sports heroes despite the earlier chaos that had resulted in some hospitalizations and arrests.

Die-hard Knicks supporters had camped out overnight, determined not to miss this historic moment. As Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and their teammates passed by, they were met with roaring cheers, embodying the exuberance of the city. The players, reveling in the victory, mingled with the crowd, sharing in the joy and energy of the celebration.

Adding to the jubilant scene, Karl-Anthony Towns took center stage, brandishing a sizable cigar and holding the NBA Eastern Conference Finals trophy aloft. Fans clamored for a chance to see him, their cheers echoing through the streets.

Before he joined the parade, Brunson, in a moment of pride, paused to speak with New York Governor Kathy Hochul. He then boarded his float, where he was later seen posing for photos with his wife, Ali, and their young daughter, Jordyn, as his family joined in the festivities, celebrating this monumental achievement alongside him.

‘In the words of Jalen, I have no words,’ said Sandra Brunson, the mother of the NBA Finals MVP and Knicks captain. ‘It was all worth it.’ 

Millions of jubilant New York Knicks fans celebrated their team's NBA championship victory

Millions of jubilant New York Knicks fans celebrated their team’s NBA championship victory

Karl-Anthony Towns smokes a huge cigar as the Knicks enjoyed their NBA title parade

Karl-Anthony Towns smokes a huge cigar as the Knicks enjoyed their NBA title parade

NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson poses with his wife Ali and their daughter Jordyn at the parade

NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson poses with his wife Ali and their daughter Jordyn at the parade

Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet greeted fans as he made his way to the start of the parade

Ben Stiller, who is making a documentary about the Knicks' success, shakes hands with fans

Ben Stiller, who is making a documentary about the Knicks’ success, shakes hands with fans

Fans went wild as their heroes passed on their floats with crowds stretching for miles

Fans went wild as their heroes passed on their floats with crowds stretching for miles

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani gestures to fans alongside Knicks star OG Anunoby

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani gestures to fans alongside Knicks star OG Anunoby

Mike Brown sang 'Who Let The Dogs Out' with fans

Mikal Bridges brought his dog, Sonny, along

Mike Brown sang ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’, while Mikal Bridges brought his dog, Sonny, along

Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson poses for a selfie with a fan before getting on his parade float

Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson poses for a selfie with a fan before getting on his parade float

Hollywood stars Timothee Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee were also in attendance after being almost ever-present during the playoff run. Fellow Knicks superfans Tracy Morgan and Chris Rock also boarded a float along Broadway.

‘I’ve never been to a parade – ever – and I’m glad it’s this one,’ Lee said. 

Knicks icon Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier was in the first car of the parade, leading the players up Broadway’s iconic ‘Canyon of Heroes’ in a stylish convertible wearing his championship rings. Frazier won the NBA title in 1970 and 1973 but never got the parade he deserved.

Head coach Mike Brown sang ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’ in a wild moment before they had even boarded the floats and the Knicks’ billionaire owner James Dolan fist pumped with the crowd.

Mikal Bridges brought his dog Sonny, an eight-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, along for the ride and carried a video camera with him to ensure he could soak up the remarkable day.

Anunoby, who scored the go-ahead basket in Game 4 on a tip-in with 1.2 seconds left, left his float to interact with fans, holding the NBA Cup in-season championship trophy in one hand and a bottle of Patron tequila in the other. 

Anunoby welcomed New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani onto his float during the early stages of the parade. Mamdani, a passionate Knicks fans, was also caught on camera dancing with Towns. 

The Knicks’ victory – after a 53-year drought – has electrified New Yorkers in recent weeks, and Mamdani predicted that the parade might be one of the biggest in the city’s history.

The NYPD announced that all the viewing pens along the route were full less than three hours before the procession started, packed by thousands of fans who flooded into the city last night and in the early hours.

Alicia Keys, the singer who collaborated with Jay-Z on the New York-loving 2009 hit ‘Empire State of Mind,’ performed at the special City Hall ceremony where Mamdani gave the Knicks roster the keys to the city.

Police deployed 10,000 officers to secure the event, which followed chaotic street celebrations and some violence during the Knicks’ run to victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

The Fire Department said at least nine people were taken to hospitals but didn´t immediately respond to a request for more details. 

‘We want people to enjoy this moment,’ Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a planning meeting Wednesday, ‘but public safety comes first.’

Some 650 sanitation workers have been assigned to clean up what could be tens of thousands of pounds of debris, if recent history is any guide.

Thousands of fans slept rough on the streets overnight to get the best viewing spots, while millions more have descended on the city to get a glimpse of their heroes.

Towns and Mamdani were pictured dancing together on a float as they went down Broadway

Towns and Mamdani were pictured dancing together on a float as they went down Broadway

Knicks icon Walt 'Clyde' Frazier, who won two NBA titles with the Knicks, was in the first car

Knicks icon Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier, who won two NBA titles with the Knicks, was in the first car

Millions of Knicks fans are in New York to celebrate their NBA champions in Thursday’s parade

Fans scrambled to get a quick glance of their heroes, using anything they could to get a view

Fans scrambled to get a quick glance of their heroes, using anything they could to get a view

There were chaotic scenes on the subway as the systems quickly became overwhelmed

There were chaotic scenes on the subway as the systems quickly became overwhelmed

Fans were forced to scale garbage trucks and street poles to try and get a glimpse of the team

Fans were forced to scale garbage trucks and street poles to try and get a glimpse of the team

People streamed into the area on crammed subways, looking to get as close as they could or find any elevated spot to catch a glimpse.

Several blocks from the parade route, fans stood shoulder to shoulder – sometimes on each other´s shoulders – or climbed traffic lights, sanitation trucks or Knicks-colored buckets they´d brought from home. Far away on the Brooklyn Bridge, people gathered just to hear the loudspeakers.

At one point before the parade, a small group of people were crushed against a barrier near Fulton Street, a key subway hub, pinned between a swelling crowd and a group of police officers shoving the barrier to keep fans penned in. 

‘I had to be here today,’ said Shareefa Wallace, 34, who got up at 3am to make her way from Long Island. She grew up in the city going to Knicks games, and she sported the souvenir jersey of one of the legends from that era, Patrick Ewing.

Nearby bars and delis filled with fans, some wishing they’d arrived at dawn. But many seemed at peace with the fact that they would only experience the parade from a distance.

‘We’re fine with the fray, we just want to be with the New York energy and the New York vibe,’ said Jean Strong, who came to the parade from Harlem with his nephew and sister. 

Arizona Prosecutors Dismiss Fake Elector Case, Plan to Pursue New Indictment for Justice

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Arizona Prosecutors Dismiss Fake Elector Case, Plan to Pursue New Indictment for Justice

PHOENIX (AP) — In a significant development, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has decided to drop a major criminal case that accused key figures from the Trump administration, including former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in Arizona. This announcement, made on Thursday, adds to a series of similar cases being dismissed across the country.

This marks the third instance where states have dismissed cases involving fake electors, yet Mayes, a Democrat, is determined to pursue justice. She plans to present the case once more to a grand jury, aiming for a new indictment. This strategic move is intended to circumvent a looming Friday deadline for initiating new grand jury proceedings, following a setback earlier this month when an appeal she filed was unsuccessful. The appeal was necessary after defense lawyers effectively argued that the original grand jury was not adequately informed about pertinent laws governing the certification of presidential elections.

Elsewhere, courts in Michigan and Georgia have also dismissed similar cases, and a special prosecutor abandoned a federal case in late 2024 that accused former President Trump of conspiring to reverse the 2020 election outcome. These legal battles concluded after Trump emerged victorious over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 elections. Nevertheless, ongoing legal challenges related to the fake elector scheme persist in Nevada and Wisconsin.

In Nevada, the charges were initially dismissed in 2024 when a judge determined that Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, was an inappropriate venue for the case. However, later that year, the case found new life when it was refiled in Carson City, the state capital.

The Nevada charges were dismissed in 2024 after a judge concluded Clark County, the state’s most populous county and home to Las Vegas, was the wrong venue for the case. Later that year, though, the case was refiled in Carson City, Nevada’s capital.

The Arizona case had been stalled for well over a year while Mayes pursued the appeal.

In Arizona, defense lawyers argued the law allowed for multiple slates of electors to be submitted to Congress in case the results were disputed. Federal law was amended in 2022 to specify that any given state could put forward only one slate of electors and that state governors are responsible for signing off.

Joe Biden won Arizona in 2020 by 10,457 votes.

The state attorney general has faced steep challenges in making her case.

It was filed nearly three and a half years after the 2020 election and levels complicated conspiracy charges against the 18 defendants. A dozen dismissal requests filed by defense attorneys have slowed progress in court.

The first judge on the case recused himself in late 2024 after an email surfaced in which he told fellow judges to speak out against attacks on Harris’ campaign for the presidency. The next judge ordered the case to be sent back to a grand jury.

Of the 18 Arizona defendants, two were former Trump aides, five were lawyers working for Trump and 11 were Republicans who submitted a document falsely claiming Trump won Arizona.

Three defendants have resolved their cases, including one who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.

The rest pleaded not guilty. Some said they signed the certificate in case Trump won court challenges and a new slate of electors was needed urgently before Congress’ Jan. 6 deadline to tally votes.

The case has factored into Arizona’s attorney general race, where both Republican challengers to Mayes have publicly said they will dismiss the charges if they were elected to the post.

How Luigi Mangione’s Emotional Disturbance Defense Could Transform His Legal Battle

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How Luigi Mangione’s Emotional Disturbance Defense Could Transform His Legal Battle

Luigi Mangione, a 28-year-old former student of prestigious Ivy League, is facing serious charges in the alleged assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His legal team has hinted at employing an “extreme emotional disturbance” defense during his upcoming trial in September. If this defense is successful, Mangione’s potential conviction could be reduced from murder to first-degree manslaughter.

In addition to the state charges, Mangione is also preparing for a federal trial scheduled for early next year.

Legal analyst Randolph Rice, based in Maryland, commented on the potential implications of this defense strategy. “While it’s still unclear how this might impact the federal case, there’s a possibility of pursuing a different defense there,” he explained. “However, by asserting extreme emotional distress in a state trial, Mangione might inadvertently provide federal prosecutors with significant admissions to utilize later.”

Should the jury find Mangione guilty but accept the defense’s argument, the charges could be downgraded to first-degree manslaughter under New York law. This shift would significantly lower the maximum sentence from life imprisonment to a maximum of 25 years.

Luigi Mangione made an appearance at a pre-trial hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court, New York City, on June 17, 2026. He stands accused of the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Bryan Thompson. (Photo credit: Barry Williams/New York Daily News)

“This is a very risky trial strategy for the defense,” said James Leonard, a high-profile criminal defense attorney based in New Jersey. “They are basically telling the jury that Mangione committed the murder, but here is why he did it and, because of this, you should nullify his guilt. If the jury accepts that, it would be an epic win for the defense team. If the jury rejects that, it will likely mean that Mangione will spend the rest of his life behind bars.”

The “extreme emotional disturbance” defense requires his lawyers to convince jurors of three things at trial under New York law:

First, Mangione must show whatever emotional distress he faced at the time of Thompson’s murder caused an intense “loss of self-control.”

Brian Thompson smiling in a blue button down shirt and blue zip-up jacket

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, is shown in an undated portrait provided by UnitedHealth. He was shot and killed on his way to an investor conference in New York City in what prosecutors described as a politically motivated assassination. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group via AP)

Second, he must have a “reasonable” explanation or excuse for having suffered this distress.

And third, he must have been under this distress at the time of the murder.

“This is high-risk, high-stakes litigation in an extremely high-profile case,” Leonard told News Media.

Narratively, the defense is expected to focus narrowly around the time of the shooting, while prosecutors will likely show jurors an expanded timeline, according to Rice.

“Prosecutors will argue that journals, planning, travel and an alleged ambush show calculation, not loss of control.” he said.

Alleged person of interest in Brian Thompson shooting shown in surveillance footage

A screenshot from surveillance footage released by the NYPD allegedly shows Luigi Mangione, who was charged in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4, 2024. (NYPD Crime Stoppers)

Mangione is accused of meticulously plotting Thompson’s assassination and traveling across the country to ambush him outside a business conference in New York City, where neither of them lived.

Mangione did not know Thompson and was not a UnitedHealthcare customer. According to prosecutors, however, he allegedly wrote journals about the plot months before the murder.

“Ultimately, this defense rises or falls on whether jurors believe Mangione was experiencing such intense emotional distress at the moment of the murder that he lost self-control, or whether this was simply a planned and deliberate killing,” Rice said.

His defense in the New York case is not related to the separate federal trial looming ahead, which could send him to prison for life without the possibility of parole if he is convicted there.

“The defense has to balance any benefit they gain in the state case against the possibility that they’re giving the federal government evidence on a silver platter,” Rice said.

Luigi Mangione escorted by NYPD officers into a van at Wall Street Heliport in New York City

Luigi Mangione is escorted by NYPD officers into a van at the Wall Street Heliport in New York City after being extradited from Pennsylvania for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 19, 2024. (Rashid Umar Abbasi/News Media)

His defense team has already won a series of legal victories in both cases. He could have faced life without parole in New York if they hadn’t convinced a judge to toss terrorism-related charges, and in his federal case, the judge agreed to take the potential death penalty off the table ahead of trial.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The state trial is scheduled to begin in September, with the federal trial to follow early next year.

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