Iran launches fifth missile barrage toward Israel, IDF confirms
Sirens are ringing again across parts of Israel late Saturday, as Iran launched a fifth barrage of missiles toward Israeli territory, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In an official statement, the IDF said: “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel.”
Israeli defensive systems are actively intercepting the incoming threats: “Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.”
The IDF also issued an urgent public advisory: “Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice. Leaving the protected space is only permitted following an explicit directive. Continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.”
In a post on X, IDF Spokesperson LTC Nadav Shoshani confirmed: “While the IDF is operating to intercept missiles launched from Iran, the IAF is currently striking military targets in Tehran.”
This marks the fifth wave of Iranian missile fire since hostilities escalated on Friday, following Israel’s targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military assets.
Israeli defense officials are urging continued caution as tensions remain high.
Following a birthday call from Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump said both leaders agreed the Israel‑Iran conflict “should end.”
“President Putin called this morning to very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday, but to more importantly, talk about Iran, a country he knows very well,” Trump posted on Truth Social Saturday.
“We talked at length. Much less time was spent talking about Russia/Ukraine, but that will be for next week. … He feels, as do I, this war in Israel‑Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end.”
Trump included that the two had discussed Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchanges: “He is doing the planned prisoner swaps – large numbers of prisoners are being exchanged, immediately, from both sides.”
Russian state media, citing Reuters, confirmed Putin condemned Israel’s strikes and called on Premier Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
The Kremlin statement said Putin “stressed the importance of a return to the process of talks and resolution of all issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme strictly through political and diplomatic means.”
The Reuters report also noted that Russia condemned Israeli operations as “unprovoked military strikes” and urged both sides to “exercise restraint in order to prevent a further escalation of tensions and the descent of the region into full‑scale war.”
Moscow and Tehran have deepened cooperation in recent years, signing a 20‑year strategic partnership pact in January.
Reuters notes that Russia “would remain in close contact with both Iran and Israel,” and offered to help facilitate nuclear diplomacy, including removing highly enriched uranium from Iran to convert it to civilian reactor fuel.
A senior Israeli intelligence official tells Fox News that 30 Iranian military officers were killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike that decimated Iran’s Air Force and Air Defense leadership.
The operation, described by Israeli sources as a “historic achievement,” was part of a broader response to Iran’s fourth wave of missile attacks on Israel.
Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, reporting from Tel Aviv, said the Iranian barrage sent millions of Israelis into bomb shelters overnight.
Despite most missiles being intercepted, one struck a neighborhood near Tel Aviv, killing three civilians and injuring more than 70.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched fresh airstrikes on more than 150 targets inside Iran, including 40 air defense sites.
The IDF now claims aerial superiority over Tehran.
“We paved the way to Tehran,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday. “Our pilots over the skies of Tehran will deal blows to the Ayatollah regime that they cannot even imagine.”
The Israeli intelligence official told Fox News the strike on Iran’s senior military leaders was made possible by a deception operation. Israeli forces reportedly manipulated movements on the ground to lure senior IRGC Air Force officials into a single location, which was then struck.
Yingst reports that Israel is preparing for continued conflict in the coming days, as Iran is believed to have around 2,000 ballistic missiles remaining.
“We have lots of surprises… more surprises coming up,” the Israeli official said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog publicly thanked President Donald Trump and the United States for their support, while warning that Iran’s nuclear ambitions represent a “clear and immediate threat” to Israel and global security.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, for his steadfast friendship and unwavering support for Israel,” Herzog said in a formal statement to the international community on Saturday.
“I also thank the countries and leaders who made clear their support of Israel’s right to defend itself.”
The address comes as Israeli strikes continue against Iranian nuclear and military targets, and ahead of Monday’s G7 summit in Canada.
Herzog called on global leaders to stand firm.“I once again call on them to unequivocally stand with Israel in this critical moment,” he said.
“For decades, the Iranian Ayatollah regime has worked relentlessly on a calculated plan with one primary goal: to destroy the State of Israel,” Herzog added.
“Their ultimate objective is clear: to annihilate Israel.”He described Iran’s nuclear efforts as a threat not just to Israel but to “the very fabric of peace and security in the Middle East and the world.”
Herzog closed with a message of determination: “We will continue to face challenges head-on, knowing that once again, good will triumph over evil, and light will prevail over darkness.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Saturday that four critical buildings at Iran’s Esfahan nuclear site were damaged in Israeli airstrikes on June 13.
The agency identified the affected buildings as including the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) and the Fuel Plate Fabrication Plant, both of which play central roles in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
The IAEA stated on social media that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported, and that the agency remains in close contact with Iranian authorities.
“Based on info available to @IAEAorg, 4 critical buildings at Esfahan nuclear site were damaged in yesterday’s attack, including the Uranium Conversion Facility and the Fuel Plate Fabrication Plant,” the agency said in a post on X.
A post from earlier Saturday morning reads: “Esfahan nuclear facilities were targeted several times on June 13. No increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of now.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Saturday that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) continues a sweeping campaign of airstrikes across Iran, with operations now entering their 40th hour.
In a briefing, IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israeli jets are striking deep into Iran’s military infrastructure, including Tehran, which he described as “the head of the octopus.”
“Tehran is no longer immune,” Defrin said. “Thanks to precise airstrikes and years of intelligence gathered by the IDF Intelligence Directorate, we have broken through to the heart of Iran.”
According to Defrin, more than 150 objectives have been targeted, with IAF aircraft now holding “aerial superiority over western Iran and Tehran.”
Targets struck include missile sites, strategic military facilities, and high-ranking members of Iran’s terror leadership. One key site destroyed was an underground complex in Khorramabad, which contained launch shafts and dozens of missiles stored in tunnels.
“These could have been launched at Israel last night,” Defrin noted. “Our preliminary planning and intelligence enabled us to thwart parts of Iran’s planned attack.”
The IDF also confirmed airstrikes on two critical nuclear sites: the Natanz enrichment plant and the Isfahan conversion facility.
In addition, nine senior Iranian nuclear scientists have been “neutralized,” according to Defrin.
Despite the IDF’s success in degrading Iran’s capabilities, Iran managed to launch missiles at Israel overnight. Three Israeli civilians were killed.
“We have excellent and advanced aerial defense systems, but they are not airtight,” Defrin said. “Your composure and resilience as citizens are commendable.”
Protective measures remain in effect across Israel. Schools will be closed Sunday.
Meanwhile, IDF forces continue combat operations on multiple fronts: in Gaza, the north, Judea and Samaria, and along the Lebanon and Syria borders.
Defrin also addressed the families of 53 hostages still held in Gaza: “They remain our supreme mission in this war. We do not forget this for a moment.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished President Donald Trump
and the American Army happy birthday on Saturday.The prime minister praised Trump as “an extraordinary leader” and “an extraordinary friend” to himself and the State of Israel.
“Happy Birthday to you, President Donald J. Trump. You’ve been an extraordinary leader: decisive, courageous, clear vision, clear action. You have done great things for Israel,” Netanyahu said in a video message. “And we appreciate what you’re doing now, helping protect Israeli lives against the criminal regime in Iran.”
Netanyahu then wished the American Army a happy birthday and said “We would not have a free world without you. Thank you on behalf of free peoples everywhere.”
He then addressed America and Israel’s common adversary: Iran.”
Right now, the Iranian regime is bombing our civilian neighborhoods while we are targeting the terrorists. Now, this is not new. They’ve tried to assassinate President Trump twice. They bombed American Embassies. They killed 241 Marines in Beirut. They killed and injured thousands of Americans with their IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan. They burn the American flag, they chant endlessly ‘death to America.’ Our enemy is your enemy,” Netanyahu said.
In addition to listing Iran’s acts against the U.S., Netanyahu explained what could have happened if Israel did not carry out its preemptive strike. According to the prime minister, Israel had information showing that Iran was planning on giving nuclear weapons to “their terrorist proxies.”
“That’s nuclear terrorism on steroids. That would threaten the entire world.”
Britain is moving additional assets to the Middle East following airstrikes between Israel and Iran, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Saturday.
“We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support in the region,” Starmer said, according to Reuters.
A spokesperson for Starmer told Reuters that crews began deployment preparations Friday morning.
Britain has already sent fighter jets in the Middle East to respond to threats in Iraq and Syria, the news agency reported, noting that the new assets will include refueling aircraft.
Since the start of Operation Rising Lion, Magen David Adom (MDA) — Israel’s national ambulance service — says it has treated 204 victims, including three fatalities. Additionally, there were two victims in serious condition, seven in moderate condition, 159 who were mildly injured and 33 who were suffering from anxiety.
Following the launch of Operation Rising Lion and the declaration of a special state of emergency, MDA raised its alert level to the maximum. MDA has mobilized its “35,000 staff and volunteers were mobilized to provide fast and effective medical care wherever needed.”
Iran on Friday said the U.S., as a “backer” of Israel, “shall be held fully accountable” for the series of strikes Jerusalem levied overnight against Tehran, its nuclear and military facilities, and top officials – deepening retaliatory concerns over U.S. bases near Iran.
The U.N. Mission to Iran sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council condemning the attacks that killed four military commanders, one Iranian official allegedly involved in the nuclear talks with the U.S., and two nuclear scientists, and said that Israel’s “conduct” in the region “poses a serious threat to international security.”
But earlier this week, just days ahead of a planned meeting between Washington and Tehran in Oman to discuss nuclear negotiations, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh threatened to hit U.S. bases in the Middle East, should Israel once again directly strike the Persian nation.
This is an excerpt from an article written by Fox News’ Caitlin McFall.
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke for 50 minutes Saturday about the conflict between Israel and Iran and the war in Ukraine, the Associated Press is reporting, citing Putin aide Yuri Ushakov.
“The dangerous escalation of the situation in the Middle East was naturally at the center of the exchange of opinions,” Ushakov told journalists following the conversation.
During the call, Putin briefed Trump on his recent talks with the leaders of Iran and Israel and reiterated Russia’s proposal to seek mutually acceptable solutions on the Iranian nuclear issue, the AP reported.
Neither leader ruled out a possible return to negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program, Ushakov also said.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The IDF announced on Saturday that the Israeli Air Force took out nine senior scientists and experts working on Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
“All of the eliminated scientists and experts served as significant knowledge centers in the Iranian nuclear project and possessed decades of accumulated experience in the development of nuclear weapons,” the IDF said in a statement.
According to the IDF, the nuclear scientists and experts killed in the strikes included:
Fereydoun Abbasi – expert in nuclear engineering
Mohammad Mahdi Tehranshi – physics expert
Akbar Motalebi Zadeh – expert in chemical engineering
Saeed Barji – materials engineering expert
Amir Hassan Fakhahi – physics expert
Abd al-Hamid Minoushehr – expert in reactor physics
Mansour Asgari – physics expert
Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari Daryani – expert in nuclear engineering
Ali Bakhouei Katirimi – expert in mechanics
“The individuals who were eliminated played a central part of the progress toward nuclear weapons. Their elimination represents a significant blow to the Iranian regime’s ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction,” the IDF wrote.
Israel’s airstrikes on Tehran, Iran, on Friday morning marked a dramatic escalation in the proxy war between the two regional rivals, reigniting one of the most consequential questions in international security: Just how close was Iran to building a nuclear weapon?
While Israeli experts have warned for years that Iran was enriching uranium at a level that put it “weeks away” from a nuclear weapon, in recent days, there has been a shift. According to Israeli intelligence sources, Iran was on the verge of assembling a crude nuclear device.
Beni Sabti, an Iran expert at the Institute of National Security Studies, told Fox News Digital the threat was urgent and specific: Tehran was pulling its materials together “in a secret place near Tehran to make a primitive warhead.”
Gregg Roman, executive director of the Middle East Forum, said that since the Trump administration reinitiated nuclear negotiations, Israel had been collecting fresh intelligence that raised alarm bells.
This is an excerpt from an article written by Fox News’ Morgan Phillips.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
promised that soon there would be Air Force pilots over Tehran. In his address to the people of Israel, he vowed that the country would “fight until victory” as they work to “foil a double threat from Iran,” referring to nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
“We have paved a way to Tehran. Very soon you’ll see the Air Force pilots over the sky of Tehran. We will hit every target, site of the Ayatollah’s regime. What they have felt so far is nothing in compared to what they will feel,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister also addressed the barrage of Iranian missiles that forced Israelis into bomb shelters and left three dead and nearly 70 wounded. He said that he was proud of his people and saddened by the loss of life.
Netanyahu also hinted at more to come, saying that Israel was “doing more things that I cannot elaborate on.”
“We will do whatever needed to remove this double threat over Israel,” Netanyahu said.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Saturday that his country will not hold talks with the U.S. tomorrow about its nuclear program, which were set to take place in Oman, a report said.
Araghchi told European Union foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas that Iran will not engage in the conversations for now, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a person briefed on a call between them.
“The Iran U.S. talks scheduled to be held in Muscat this Sunday will not now take place. But diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace,” Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi wrote on X.
The development comes after an Iranian official reportedly called the talks “meaningless” in the wake of Israel’s airstrikes.
“The other side [the U.S.] acted in a way that makes dialogue meaningless. You cannot claim to negotiate and at the same time divide work by allowing the Zionist regime [Israel] to target Iran’s territory,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei was quoted by state media as saying, according to Reuters.
The IDF announced on Saturday that it had “established aerial superiority from western Iran to Tehran” just two days into Operation Rising Lion.
Overnight, Iran retaliated against Israel and launched several missile barrages that killed three and wounded as many as 70 people.
Former U.S. men’s Olympics gold medalist and current transgender conservative influencer Caitlyn Jenner is trapped in Israel
after the nation initiated a strike on Iran Thursday night.
Jenner traveled to the country to attend the Pride Month parade in Tel Aviv scheduled for Friday.
Jenner shared several social media posts declaring allegiance with Israel and showing sites of the country and subsequent chaos.
On Friday evening, Jenner posted about being in bomb shelters in Tel Aviv as Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes against the city.
“We are back in the shelters in Tel Aviv. This looks like it is the third wave of attack from Iran,” Jenner wrote.
In a post on Instagram and X Friday morning, Jenner shared a photo from the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem with a caption that said, “Yesterday in Jerusalem. My heart is with Israel now and forever. Evil shall not prevail!” The post included Israeli and U.S. flag emoji.
This is an excerpt from an article written by Fox News’ Jackson Thompson.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told Fox News on Saturday that President Donald Trump is “dialed in” when it comes to monitoring the conflict between Israel
and Iran, adding that “this is not an autopen moment.”
“We had that, where the world saw our gaze distracted, or not paying attention at all,” Hegseth continued, referencing Trump’s investigation into the Biden administration over allegations that top officials used autopen signatures to cover up the former president’s cognitive decline.
Hegseth added that the U.S. is “robustly postured” to defend American assets in the Middle East from any future aggression from Iran. On Friday, Tehran launched retaliatory airstrikes against Tel Aviv and Israel, killing at least 3 people.
“The president has been leading the way on setting the tempo of how we look at the region and ultimately recognize a couple a days ago, Israel believed in its own self-defense, it needed to take action against nuclear capabilities and ballistic missiles and we saw the response from Iran,” Hegseth said. “The U.S. is postured to defend our people in the region. We have got significant assets in the region. We are robustly postured to ensure our people, our bases, our interests are safe and we are continuing to monitor.”
“We will keep Americans safe,” Hegseth also said. “You saw what Secretary [of State] Rubio said in his first statement, ultimately, it should be clear to Iran that they should not turn their gaze to the United States, that would be a bad idea.”
Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon said on Friday that prior to the strike on Iran, Jerusalem found that Tehran was planning a “surprise attack” that would have included a ground invasion.
“Israel uncovered clear evidence that the Iranian regime was planning a surprise attack in coordination with its proxies. They had planned to invade from all sides with thousands of terrorists and thousands of projectiles,” Danon told reporters.
“As you know, October 7 was a deeply painful and traumatic day for all of us, but the danger we confronted last night was of a different magnitude: a surprise attack with a nuclear strike, which Iran was preparing for, would’ve been terminal. Israel could not and would not wait for that moment to arrive,” he added.
The IDF has given more insight into the Iranian officials killed in Operation Rising Lion, which began with an unprecedented preemptive strike early Friday morning local time. So far, the IDF says it has managed to kill the head of Iran’s Intelligence Directorate and the commander of the IRGC’s Surface-To-Surface Missile Array.
Gholamreza Mehrabi, who served as the head of Iran’s Intelligence Directorate, allegedly “played a key role” in operational planning, combat preparations and intelligence evaluations, according to the IDF. Israel also noted that Marhabi was considered to be “Iran’s most senior intelligence officer.”
Mohammad Bagheri, commander of the IRGC’s Surface-To-Surface Missile Array, was also killed. The IDF said that he oversaw most of Iran’s long-range surface-to-surface missiles, which would have served as Iran’s “primary offensive tools” against Israel. Furthermore, the IDF said that Bagheri was part of the decision-making process behind Iran’s attacks on Israel in April and October 2024.
IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani accused Iran of trying to push a “fake victory narrative.” However, he said that it was “not going very well” for Teheran.
Shoshani’s post was in response to reports that Iran shot down Israeli fighter jets, a claim that Jerusalem denies.
On Saturday, the IDF released footage of the Israeli Air Force and Navy intercepting UAVs from Iran. The announcement comes after many Israelis spent the night running in and out of protected spaces due to
Iranian missile barrages.
The Associated Press is reporting that Iran’s state TV showed a fire following an Israeli strike on a former car manufacturing plant. Additionally, the Associated Press said that state-run IRNA news agency reported an Israeli strike in the southwestern province of Khuzestan.
Earlier on Saturday, Israel announced that it was carrying out more strikes on Iran following overnight missile barrages from Tehran.
A senior Israeli intelligence official exclusively told Fox News on Saturday that “We have more surprises coming up” for Iran following the initial wave of strikes during “Operation Rising Lion.”
The high-ranking source, speaking to Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst, said Israeli intelligence projected Iran would have an arsenal of 8,000 ballistic missiles over the next two years and that this was part of the reason a decision was made to launch the operation. Right now, Israel believes Iran has about 2,000 missiles.
“We cannot end this operation knowing that we will be in the same spot two years from now,” the official said. “Everything is going as planned. Actually, better than planned.”
The official added: “We have lots of surprises. Not just the ones we already did. We have more surprises coming up.”
Forty Iranian air defense systems were hit since the beginning of the operation, which is based on three goals — targeting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and removing the Iranian existential threat against Israel.
During the initial strike against a meeting of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) air force officials, Israeli intelligence assesses that 30 commanders were killed.
“It’s a historic achievement,” the official said.
Israel now expects more incoming Iranian missiles in the days ahead that will cause casualties and destruction.
The bulk of the conflict with Iran could largely be over in a matter of days.
“I think we can finish it in days… It’s a good thing that we have the U.S. by our side,” the official said.
The official also told Fox News that the U.S. is “fully coordinated” with Israel, yet declined to go into specifics.
“The way the U.S. is standing beside Israel is unprecedented,” he said. “We feel it.”
Fox News’ Trey Yingst contributed to this report.
Israel’s strikes
on Iran are as righteous as they are daring. As I write this, the Israeli Defense Forces are conducting precision operations that have already degraded Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and eliminated key figures in their military hierarchy.
These attacks aren’t just justified – they’re absolutely necessary.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has indicated that Israel is prepared for sustained operations lasting days or weeks. With intelligence suggesting the Islamic Republic is close to acquiring nuclear capabilities, waiting to act is not an option. Israel understands that their very survival is at stake, and is acting accordingly.
Their fight is America’s – and the free world’s – fight. President Donald Trump is absolutely right to make it clear to the Iranians that America isn’t playing their game anymore. The United States, our Gulf allies, and all countries that seek a free, peaceful, and prosperous future must unite in opposition to the Iranian regime and in support of Israel’s objectives.
This is an excerpt from an article by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Click here to read more.
Yisrael Aloni, 73, was reportedly identified as one of the three people killed in Irans missile barrage attack against Israel, according to the Times of Israel. The outlet also noted that he was killed during a barrage on the city of Rishon Lezion.
Fox News’ Alex Hogan reported early Saturday morning that three people were killed and as many as 70 were wounded in the Iranian attack.
The Israel Defense Forces released multiple new videos Saturday showing Iranian missile platforms and drones being destroyed by its forces.
“The Air Force continues to strike dozens of surface-to-surface missile platforms in Iran. This is how we accurately struck surface-to-surface missile platforms ready to launch,” IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee wrote on X.
In one video, missile platforms could be seen exploding into flames after being hit by Israeli airstrikes.
In another, a drone is seen flying through the air before it gets hit and starts spewing out dark smoke.
“We continue to hunt down threats and strike targets deep within the Iranian regime,” Adraee said.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sent a stark warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as tensions between their two nations continue to rise.
“The Iranian dictator is turning Iran’s citizens into hostages and creating a reality in which they — especially the residents of Tehran — will pay a heavy price for the criminal attacks against Israeli civilians. If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at Israel’s home front – Tehran will burn,” Katz said following a situation assessment with IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and top IDF officials.
Iran has reportedly confirmed that its Fordow nuclear site was damaged, according to Reuters, which cited the semi-official ISNA news agency.
“There has been limited damage to some areas at the Fordow enrichment site,” state atomic energy agency spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi said, according to Reuters. “We had already moved a significant part of the equipment and materials out, and there was no extensive damage and there are no contamination concerns.”
It is unclear whether this was a direct result of an Israeli strike, as an IDF official said on Saturday that Israel did not hit Fordow.
Elon Musk seemed to indicate that Starlink was made available to the people of Iran after reports of the country limiting internet access following Israeli airstrikes.
During a Friday appearance on “Hannity,” Mark Levin, the host of “Life, Liberty and Levin,”
called on Musk to “turn on Starlink” for the people of Iran. Levin then tweeted about the possibility of Musk turning on Starlink to which the Tesla founder replied, “the beams are on.”
Iranian Foreign Minister
Abbas Araghchi held a phone call last night with U.N. Secretary General António Guterres in which he told him that Israel’s airstrikes “constitute a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as an independent U.N. member state, and are a clear act of aggression.”
“The foreign minister reiterated Iran’s determination to defend itself in line with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter and urged the Security Council and the secretary general to fulfill their responsibilities under the Charter by strongly condemning this aggression and taking immediate and concrete measures to hold the Israeli regime accountable,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“The U.N. secretary general voiced regret over the Israeli aggression and condemned its attacks against Iran, particularly the strikes on nuclear facilities at a time when talks between Iran and the U.S. were ongoing. He underscored his commitment to using U.N. mechanisms to help de-escalate tensions and restore peace and stability in the region,” it added.
At least two people have been killed following four rounds of Iranian missile strikes into Israel.
An Israeli woman who was critically wounded by Iranian missiles died from her wounds she sustained in attacks late Friday in Tel Aviv, the Jerusalem Post reported, and another person was killed after a fourth wave of strikes decimated a residential area at dawn Saturday in central Israel.
In addition, several homes in Tel Aviv were reportedly damaged by Iranian ballistic missiles as first responders searched for survivors.
Iran launched missile strikes targeting various parts of Israel on Friday night and early Saturday morning.
Images posted online showed homes destroyed and others with partial damage.
Magen David Adom, Israel’s national EMS, said it was treating and evacuating 21 people after a rocket strike into a residential area in the country’s coastal plain.
Netanyahu sitting down with FOX’s Bret Baier as Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear sites
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will sit down with Fox News “Special Report” anchor Bret Baier for an exclusive interview amid his country’s military operation against Iran.
The live interview with Netanyahu will air Sunday during a special edition of “Special Report” at 12 p.m. ET. This marks Netanyahu’s first interview since Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear program and leadership that began this week.
Israel launched sweeping airstrikes on Iran on Friday, targeting the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities, military infrastructure and senior military and civilian leaders. Iran has since retaliated with a large-scale ballistic missile attack on Israeli cities, although many of the projectiles were thwarted.
Israel continued to expand its campaign on Saturday, striking at the capital of Tehran and Iran’s oil and gas program, and weakening Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.
LIVE UPDATES: ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT
Baier’s interview with Netanyahu comes as Israel and Iran’s long-running proxy conflict has exploded and ignited fears of broader regional violence. Israel is already grappling with the Gaza war against the terrorist group Hamas that has captured global attention since 2023.
According to the IDF, the operation has already killed nine senior scientists and experts working on Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
Netanyahu has described Operation Rising Lion as “one of the greatest military operations in history,” aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threat. Addressing the Iranian people, he said they had been oppressed for 50 years by the same Islamic regime that has long threatened to destroy the State of Israel.
“The objective of Israel’s operation is to thwart the Islamic regime’s nuclear and ballistic missile threat to us. As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom.”
HOW CLOSE WAS IRAN TO A NUCLEAR WEAPON BEFORE ISRAEL’S STRIKE ON TEHRAN?
“In the past 24 hours, we have taken out top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, the Islamic regime’s most significant enrichment facility and a large portion of its ballistic missile arsenal. More is on the way,” he added. “The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.”
President Donald Trump urged Iran in the aftermath of the strikes to come to the table and make a deal on its nuclear program.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
On Saturday, he posted on Truth Social that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken at length and agreed “this war in Israel-Iran should end,” while adding he urged Putin to end his war in Ukraine as well.
An encore of the “Special Report” exclusive interview will run at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Social media erupts over eye-popping amount CA shells out to illegals each year
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have lambasted President Trump for the financial cost of sending troops to quell anti-ICE riots in their jurisdiction, which came with a price tag dramatically less than the bill taxpayers foot to pay for illegal immigrants in the state.
“Just an absolutely shameful use of taxpayer dollars that could be used to actually HELP people,” Bass recently posted on X. “Despicable.”
“$134 million that should be going to LA’s fire recovery,” Newsom posted on X. “Shameful.”
Many on social media responded to the posts from Newsom and Bass and commented on how illegal immigrants cost taxpayers billions of dollars in California, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller.
GOP LAWMAKER DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY FOR LAPD’S DELAYED RESPONSE TIME HELPING ASSAULTED ICE OFFICERS
“Wait till you find out how many trillions we have to spend on illegal aliens,” Miller posted on X in response to Newsom.
“Now do the $9 billion you drained out of our state treasury to fund your free healthcare for illegals immigrants scheme,” campaign strategist Andrew Clark posted on X.
“How many billions have you spent on illegals Gavin? It’s well into the hundreds of billions,”Conservative activist and filmmaker Robby Starbuck posted on X. “THAT money should have gone to your citizens and fire recovery but you gave it to illegals.
Recent studies reviewed by Fox News Digital show that California spends at least tens of billions on illegal immigrants each year, far more than the $134 million cost of sending in federal troops to respond to rioting.
A Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) cost analysis, promoted by the House Budget Committee in a 2023 press release, found that “benefits and services provided to illegal aliens in California alone in 2022” amounted to more than $22 billion.
In a more recent cost analysis, FAIR calculated that services for illegal immigrants cost California taxpayers $31 billion per year.
A 2019 study from FAIR found that incarceration costs of illegal immigrants going through the court process and being housed in jail cost California over $2 billion per year.
Earlier this year, Newsom asked for an additional $2.8 billion loan to address a bloated deficit in the state’s Medicaid program, which has surpassed budget expectations largely due to coverage for illegal immigrants.
WATCH: DEM, MEDIA OUTLETS INSIST LA ANTI-ICE RIOTS ARE ‘PEACEFUL’ DESPITE VIOLENCE, INJURED COPS
Last year, California expanded Medi-Cal to cover all low-income adults ages 26 through 49, regardless of immigration status, making it the first state to do so. Roughly 1.6 million illegal immigrants are enrolled in the state’s healthcare program, according to state data, and 15 million California residents are enrolled.
In addition to the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on individuals illegally in the country, a recent study by Wallethub found that California ranks nearly last in the country when it comes to return on investment for taxpayers.
Wallethub examined state and local tax collections and then compared that with the quality of services received in education, health, safety, the economy, and infrastructure and pollution. The Golden State ranks 47th in taxpayer efficiency in the United States.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin fired back at California Democrats and pointed to the cost the rioters could inflict, already estimated in the millions as of Thursday, on the taxpayers in terms of property damage if not quickly quelled by federal troops.
“Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass are conveniently ignoring the high price of mass looting, rioters destroying LA’s family businesses, public property, and setting cars and other property on fire,” McLaughlin said.
“President Trump will not stand by while these lawless rioters loot and destroy a great American city. Newsom and Bass should be thanking President Trump for providing additional support to restore law and order and stop the destruction of LA.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Newsom Communications Director Izzy Gardon said there is an “irrefutable return on investment when Californians have access to education and healthcare.”
“There’s zero return for taxpayers when Trump blows $140 million of YOUR dollars to pull troops off the border and away from wildfire prep just so they can sit idle in L.A. while he cosplays as a dictator and chases Fox News headlines. This isn’t public safety — it’s a political stunt and a disgrace.”
Bass’s office directed Fox News Digital to a comment the mayor made on MSNBC.
“We are a city of immigrants,” Bass said. “We have entire industries that wouldn’t even be able to function without immigrant labor. So this is terrible to families, but it also is a very powerful blow to the local economy if this is going to continue.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Late Thursday, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Thursday directing President Donald Trump to return control of the National Guard to California.
The order, which takes effect at noon Friday, said the deployment of the Guard was illegal and both violated the Tenth Amendment and exceeded Trump’s statutory authority.
The Trump administration appealed that decision and hours later the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked the federal judge’s order.
The court said it would hold a hearing on the matter on June 17.
Anger erupts as Dem leaders blamed for leaving anti-ICE riots burning city
ENCINO, Calif. – As violent protests erupted in Los Angeles, Calif., L.A. County GOP Vice Chair and former L.A. County sheriff’s deputy Patrick Gipson issued a scathing rebuke of state and local leadership, accusing officials of negligence and political opportunism.
“These riots, they’re completely unnecessary,” Gipson told Fox News Digital. “We didn’t have to go to this length to see cars burning, businesses looted, livelihoods destroyed. It could’ve all been avoided.”
Gipson pointed the finger squarely at Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, blaming him for failing to deploy the National Guard in time to prevent chaos.
“Newsom is reactionary instead of pro-action,” he said. “If he had called in the National Guard earlier, we would’ve saved billions of dollars in insurance claims and protected our small businesses.”
CALIFORNIA CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR BLASTS NEWSOM WHILE WALKING THROUGH LA RIOT AFTERMATH
The protests, which began as demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), escalated into street violence and theft. The protests highlighted, for many conservatives, the consequences of the state’s left-leaning approach to progressive criminal justice reform and immigration.
“ICE is here to enforce federal law. And if we can’t enforce federal law in this state, what does that say about us?” he asked.
Gipson also alleged that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was unable to act independently, suggesting that she has been taking her queues from Newsom.
“I know Karen Bass did go in and said, ‘this is not the way to protest.’ They wanted peaceful protest, but that’s not what we had,” Gipson said. “She’s taking her instructions from Sacramento and Gavin Newsom. If she had better leadership from him, I think we would have been off a lot better that we are now.”
WATCH: Newsom says people will be prosecuted to fullest extent of law
Newsom attempted to cast blame on President Donald Trump for escalating the protests, claiming that they were peaceful demonstrations before the National Guard and his rhetoric accelerated the conflict.
“Gavin Newsom does not have a handle on California,” he said. “If he had said, ‘[President] Trump, can you come and help us prepare for this? I think he [Trump] would have helped.
“Newsom is obviously setting up for his race in 2028 and he is going to cast the blame on Trump, saying that Trump didn’t do his job.”
STEVE HILTON: HOW ONE-PARTY DEMOCRATIC RULE LED TO RIOTS, BURNING AMERICAN FLAGS AND ATTACKS ON POLICE IN LA
The consequences of what Gipson described as “soft-on-crime” policies are, in his view, compounding the unrest. He cited the state’s failure to properly fund Proposition 36, which was overwhelmingly passed in 2024 to curb back the radical policies of Proposition 47, as proof of Sacramento’s disregard for public safety.
“Gavin Newsom is not funding Prop 36. Store owners can’t even go after criminals. Patrons are scared to shop. People won’t even get on the freeway toward LA now,” Gipson said. “They’re afraid a brick’s going to come flying through their car window.”
Reflecting on his experience as a former sheriff’s deputy, Gipson said the state of law enforcement morale in L.A. is dire.
“Law enforcement has not been able to do their job,” he said. “Officers are afraid, literally afraid, to do their jobs because they don’t want to go to jail for following their training. There’s no backing from Newsom, none from Bass.”
“They’re handcuffed,” he added.
“For over 10 years, Gavin Newsom has not protected law enforcement in California. They’ve been defunded, defamed and demoralized. And now they wait. They hesitate. And when you hesitate in this line of work, people get hurt.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Gipson also faulted the bureaucratic chain of command for paralyzing law enforcement at critical moments.
“The sheriff answers to the Board of Supervisors. The LAPD chief answers to the mayor. And when they can’t arrest people right away, the violence just keeps going,” he said.
The solution, Gipson argued, is straightforward: consequences.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Newsom‘s office said that the Trump administration “didn’t even tap into the additional resources available to clean up their mess.”
“Let’s be clear: The National Guard wasn’t needed in Los Angeles. State and local law enforcement were responding, and federal agencies didn’t even tap into the additional resources available to clean up their mess. Calls for troops to handle a protest show a basic misunderstanding of how public safety works — which is rather shocking for someone who used to have a badge.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Bass’ office for comment.
Dodgers star displays Bible passage on hat during team’s Pride Night game
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is going viral on social media after appearing to wear a hat with a Bible passage written on the front during the organization’s Pride Night celebration.
Kershaw wore a Dodgers hat with a rainbow-colored team logo during Friday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.
Screenshots of the broadcast shared on social media showed that the message “Gen 9:12-16” was also written on the front, seemingly in reference to Genesis 9:12-16.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The passage referencing God’s covenant with Noah points to the rainbow as a sign of that promise.
The Dodgers did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Kershaw notably protested the organization’s decision in 2023 to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence before the team’s Pride Night game that season. The three-time Cy Young Award winner said his opposition was based solely on the group’s mockery of Christianity.
“I don’t agree with making fun of other people’s religions,” Kershaw said. “It has nothing to do with anything other than that. I just don’t think that, no matter what religion you are, you should make fun of somebody else’s religion. So, that’s something that I definitely don’t agree with.”
DODGERS’ CLAYTON KERSHAW TAKES ISSUE WITH CARDINALS’ PREGAME ANTICS BEFORE START
Kershaw said at the time that his issue was specifically with the group and that he had no intentions to boycott Pride Night.
“This has nothing to do with the LGBTQ community or Pride or anything like that,” Kershaw told the Los Angeles Times. “This is simply a group that was making fun of a religion that I don’t agree with.”
Friday marked the Dodgers’ 12th annual Pride Night event.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Not long after facing backlash in 2023, the Dodgers announced they would also be hosting Christian Faith and Family Day for the first time since 2019.
.
Yesterday, as protesters readied to descend on city squares across America for a mass demonstration branded #NoKings, California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis took to MSNBC, praising the movement as a righteous stand for democracy.
“People are very determined to get out there and be seen. This is the United States. We do not want a king,” she said.
ASRA NOMANI: THE $2.1 BILLION MACHINE BEHIND THE ‘SPONTANEOUS’ ANTI-TRUMP PROTESTS
What she didn’t say: The California Democratic Party is itself organizing today’s protests — from Orange County to Oakland — with the full institutional weight of the Democratic machine, and the Democratic National Committee is playing a critical role behind the scenes in protests across the country from California to Florida.
Already, I established in analysis for the Pearl Project, a nonprofit journalism initiative, that the protests are organized by 197 organizations aligned with the Democratic Party. This network harnesses a machine of about $2.1 billion in total annual revenues toward this cause. That effort alone represents a partisan political enterprise that I call the protest industrial complex.
Now, in a new analysis of 148 protest listings uploaded on Mobilize.us, a Democratic Party organizing platform, I have established that at least 70 Democratic National Committee affiliates are also organizing protests in at least 19 states and the District of Columbia. This is a clear indicator of the partisanship of these protests as an orchestrated, calculated expression of the opposition party, not a spontaneous grassroots outpouring.
Despite the rhetoric of populist uprising, it’s clear: #NoKings is the Democratic Party staging political theater in the streets of America.
As editor-in-chief of the Pearl Project, I have spent the last week building this database of the protest organizers and the findings expose the true architecture of today’s “day of defiance.” From Mobilize links and protest pages to organizing toolkits, we traced the digital and physical infrastructure behind the June 14 demonstrations.
I’ve added a tab with the Democratic Party events in a public spreadsheet that I invite readers to study.
Here’s what I found about the hand of the Democratic Party:
- At least 70 unique Democratic Party committees and clubs are organizing at least 140 protest events across the country in at least 19 states and the District of Columbia.
- Democratic Party clubs are also organizing protests in at least four countries overseas: Australia, Italy, Mexico and Norway, with groups like “Democrats Abroad Norway.”
It’s important to recognize: the Democrat Party isn’t just supporting these protests — they’re leading them, often under the radar.
Here’s just a glimpse of the geographic footprint of Democratic National Committee club and committee activity. It’s dense, but I share it so you can know we have the receipts:
- Arizona: Apache Junction: Pinal County Democratic Party; Flagstaff: Coconino County Democratic Party and Indivisible Northern AZ; Show Low: Navajo County Democratic Party; Window Rock: Apache County Democratic Party.
- California: Auburn: Auburn Area Democrats; Bakersfield: California Democratic Party; Big Bear Lake: Democratic Club of Big Bear Valley; Chico: Butte County Democratic Party Central Committee; Chino Hills: California Democratic Party; Dana Point: Democratic Party of Orange County, Democratic Women of South Orange County; East Bay: Alameda County Dems, Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club; Huntington Beach; Joshua Tree: Democrats of the Morongo Basin; Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach Democratic Club; Los Angeles County: Swing Left; Marysville: Yuba Dems; Newport Beach: Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club; Oakland: ; Rancho Cordova: America River Democrats Club; Redlands: Redlands Area Democratic Club; Riverside: Democrats of Greater Riverside; San Francisco: San Francisco Democratic Party; San Jose: California Democratic Party; San Rafael: California Democratic Party; Santa Clara: Santa Clara County Democratic Party; Seal Beach: Democratic Club of Seal Beach, Seal Beach Leisure World Democratic Club; Sebastopol; Sunnyvale: Sunnyvale Democratic Club; Tehachapi: California Democratic Party; Victorville:High Desert Progressive Democrats.
- District of Columbia: DC Ward 8 Democrats
- Florida: Casselberry: Seminole County Democratic Party; Englewood: Sarasota County Democratic Party; Fort Walton Beach: Okaloosa Democrats; Ft Lauderdale: Broward Democratic Party; Gainesville: Alachua County Democratic Party; Naples: Collier County DEC; Palm Beach Gardens: Palm Beach County Democratic Party; Pensacola: Escambia Democratic Party; Sarasota: Sarasota County Democratic Party; Tallahassee; Venice: Sarasota County Democratic Party.
- Georgia: Atlanta: DeKalb County Democrats; Brunswick: Democratic Party of Georgia; Dalton: Douglasville: Volunteer organized for Democratic Party of Georgia; Griffin; Hiawassee: Towns County Democrats; Hiram: Paulding Democrats; Rome: Democratic Party of Georgia
- Illinois: DeKalb: DeKalb County Democratic Party IL; Princeton: Bureau County Democratic Party.
- Indiana: Auburn: Indiana DeKalb County Democratic Party; Connersville: Indiana Fayette County Democratic Party; Nashville: Indiana 9th District Democratic Party; New Albany: Indiana Floyd County Democratic Party.
- Maryland: Easton: Talbot Democrats.
- Michigan: Lansing: Ingham County Democratic Party.
- Nebraska: Alliance, Columbus, Kearney, Scottsbluff: Nebraska Democratic Party:
- New Hampshire: Enfield: New Hampshire Democratic Party.
- New York: New York City: Manhattan Young Democrats.
- North Carolina: Asheboro: Randolph County Democratic Party; Edenton: North Carolina Democratic Party.
- Oklahoma: OKDems, Oklahoma Democratic Party, Federation of Oklahoma Latin Democrats.
- Ohio: Dayton: Green County Ohio Democratic Party; Warren: Trumbull County Democratic Party.
- South Carolina: Bluffton, Hilton Head Island: Beaufort County Democratic Party.
- South Dakota: Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Yankton: South Dakota Democratic Party.
- Tennessee: Knoxville: KnoxDems, Knox County Democratic Party.
- Texas: McKinney: Collin County Democratic Party; San Antonio: Comal County Democratic Party.
- Wisconsin: Platteville: WisDems.
What does this list tell us? This is a party infrastructure, not a protest movement. Let’s be honest: this isn’t about stopping a “king.” It’s about protecting a political party.
Across the country, Democratic Party chapters have flooded local organizing channels with official flyers, water bottles branded with county logos, talking points and coordinated slogans. In Santa Monica, Calif., the local Democratic Club is marching along the boardwalk.
In Flagstaff, Ariz., the Coconino County Democratic Party is rallying on the steps of city hall. In Naples, Florida, the Collier County Democratic Executive Committee is mobilizing volunteers with signage pre-approved by national political action committees.
DEMOCRATS FORGE STRANGE BEDFELLOWS AS PARTY FLOUNDERS IN TRUMP’S 2ND TERM
In Seminole County, Fla., the advertising is about political canvassing with these details for volunteers: “Signs will be provided to place next to the cooler that say ‘Free Water from SemDems.’ Consider bringing trash bags to tie to the handle of the cooler to collect used bottles. Email deb4elections@gmail.com if you can bring a cooler with water. Passing out SemDems cards. Stand at protest area entry points and make sure people receive a SemDem card so they can connect with us. Passing Out Protest Signs. Hand out signs for people to wave if they didn’t bring one. Help people make a sign using SemDems supplies. In this role, you will be too busy to participate in the protest at the street.”
In total, we tracked scores of unique combinations of state and club, proving that multiple organizations — including groups like Swing Left and Indivisible — are operating across several states with the Democratic Party, deploying scripts, signs, and staff.
Here is what you won’t hear on most of the media’s coverage:
- In Apache Junction, Ariz., the Pinal County Democratic Party is collaborating with local Indivisible chapters for a branded “No Kings” march, complete with printed materials calling Trump a “tyrant.”
- In Oakland, Calif., the East Bay Democratic Party and Indivisible East Bay are co-hosting a rally where participants are encouraged to “paint the town” with pre-approved chalk messages distributed at a booth.
- In Pensacola, Fla., the Escambia Democratic Party has arranged for voter registration drives under the #NoKings banner, blurring the line between civil protest and electoral campaigning.
These are not the spontaneous actions of private citizens. They are events sanctioned by the Democratic Party dressed up in the language of moral resistance.
These are not the spontaneous actions of private citizens. They are events sanctioned by the Democratic Party dressed up in the language of moral resistance.
These protests amount to a new chapter of political puppetry. One longtime Democratic volunteer, granted anonymity, described to us the internal pressure they felt to participate: “It feels less like a movement and more like a performance. We are told which graphics to share, what signs to print and even how to answer reporters. It is like the whole protest is a campaign rollout — but in protest clothes.”
This comment is telling. The Democratic Party is not showing up to these protests as supporters. They are stage managers. The very people warning us against authoritarianism are deploying authoritarian tactics to choreograph outrage. It’s political cynicism at its finest—activism from above, not below.
Why does this matter? In 2002, my friend and colleague Daniel Pearl was murdered by extremists in Pakistan. The ideology that led to his death — sectarianism, division, moral absolutism — has haunted me ever since. That same dogma is now playing out in American streets, cloaked in slogans like “No Kings” and “Save Democracy.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION
In my 2023 book, Woke Army, I warned of an unholy alliance between far-left radicals and ideological opportunists that undermines institutions from within. Today’s protests manifest this alliance and they are the logical next step: not organic resistance, but manufactured dissent designed to influence the next election cycles.
This isn’t about Donald Trump’s flaws or strengths. It’s about the weaponization of protest by those already in power.
Today’s protest is not a revolution. It’s a message that refuses the 2024 election results. The message is this: the Democratic Party is willing to use every tool available — PACs, nonprofits, public unions and even street protests — to control the narrative heading into the next elections.
Voters should be wary of any party that cries “democracy” while scripting the applause, supplying the signs and managing the stage.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Today, as you watch video clips of marchers chanting and waving signs, ask yourself: who paid for the microphone? Who printed the signs? And who benefits when the crowd disperses? The answer is clear with Trump’s birthday party for the Army: it’s an expression of the ruling Republican administration.
That’s the kind of transparency we need to have about the street protests. The protests aren’t grassroots. They are the political puppeteering of the Democratic Party.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM ASRA NOMANI
TSA agent arrested for allegedly attacking 79-year-old passenger in Florida
A Transportation Security Administration agent was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 79-year-old passenger at Fort Lauderdale’s airport, with police saying she was “forcefully pushing her,” a report said.
Janiyah Wilson-Robinson, 21, of Margate, was taken into custody Wednesday following the incident at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, according to WPLG.
The station, citing a Broward Sheriff’s Office arrest report, said Wilson-Robinson attacked the woman from Palm Beach Gardens by “forcefully pushing her,” causing her to fall to the ground and hit her forehead.
The passenger, who was at the airport that day traveling on a JetBlue flight, suffered “minor bruising,” deputies reportedly added.
TORONTO MAN PLEADS GUILTY AFTER WILD AIRPORT ASSAULT ON TSA AGENTS IN MIAMI WAS CAUGHT ON VIDEO
It wasn’t clear what led to the alleged confrontation.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond Saturday to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
The passenger received an ice pack and declined a trip to a local hospital, WPLG reported.
WOMAN SUES AMERICAN AIRLINES AFTER ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT ON PLANE, CITES PATTERN OF IN-FLIGHT ATTACKS
Wilson-Robinson was charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 or older and was released on a $1,000 bond.
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is aware of the recent arrest of one of our officers. TSA holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and we do not tolerate behavior that violates these standards or the public’s trust,” a TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“The individual has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in their investigation,” the spokesperson added.
Las Vegas hotels face lawsuits after travelers report severe bed bug injuries
Bedbug infestations at two locations in Las Vegas have sparked legal action after four travelers reported severe “injuries.”
Three lawsuits were filed in April against two resorts on the Las Vegas strip for incidents that occurred in the summer of 2024.
Treasure Island guest Teresa Bruce noticed bites on her body during her June 21 stay, according to the official complaint. She decided to switch rooms but wound up with more bites.
FLIGHT PASSENGER SPOTS COCKROACHES CRAWLING IN AIRPLANE CABIN: ‘NEVER AGAIN’
The guest was “harmed and offended” by the bites, according to the complaint, and “suffered injuries.”
Bruce alleged that the hotel confirmed both rooms had bedbugs after sending in a risk management team.
At the Luxor Hotel on June 8, Stephen and Courtney Gully noticed bites on their bodies that were “swelling and becoming aggravated, appearing red, swollen and becoming increasingly itchy,” according to their complaint.
Courtney Gully’s reaction was so severe, the complaint indicated, that her throat “felt like” it was closing, and she was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
INVASIVE INSECT POSES HEALTH THREATS IN 19 STATES, EXPERT WARNS
The Gullys were “forced to purge essentially all of their personal belongings” due to the “severity of the infestation,” according to the complaint.
About a month later, on July 16, Brianna McKenzie also stayed at the Luxor and made similar allegations in her own complaint.
The lawsuit complaint said she had been “massacred by bedbugs” and suffered “other personal injuries, emotional distress and damages.”
Attorney Brian Virag, founder and CEO of My Bed Bug Lawyer, is representing all plaintiffs in these cases and commented on the situation.
“We have filed these cases because our clients have been exposed to bedbugs, and they suffered injuries and damages,” the Los Angeles-based attorney told Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“We wanted to not only make sure to represent them, but also to bring awareness that bedbugs in Las Vegas hotels are a real problem.”
Virag said most of his clients have suffered from bites, scarring and itchiness, which have led to emergency room visits.
Housekeepers should be “adequately trained” in recognizing and eliminating bedbugs, said the attorney.
Clients have also claimed emotional damage from bedbug exposure, as Virag noted that the resulting trauma is “super significant.”
The attorney urged resort owners to prioritize guest safety by using housekeepers who are “very adequately trained” in recognizing and eliminating bedbugs.
“They need to maintain proper pest control procedures and protocols,” he said. “And they just have to make sure that when they turn over a guest room, it is free from bedbugs.”
He added, “You want to try to get to a bedbug infestation as early as possible, because bedbugs reproduce at a really high rate.”
For those who may have been exposed to bedbugs, Virag recommended documenting everything.
“Typically, guests don’t put two and two together right away if they have bites on their bodies,” he said.
“They’re not necessarily thinking that it could be bedbugs. Always make sure you check yourself before you put your head on the pillow.”
Treasure Island and Luxor have not yet responded to the complaints, but Virag shared his expectation for a response to be filed in the near future.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital reached out to both hotels requesting comment.
Olympic medalist accuses Simone Biles of bullying — and sticks up for Riley Gaines
Simone Biles’ early-June attack on OutKick’s Riley Gaines, for which she’s since apologized, apparently isn’t out of character for the decorated Olympic gymnast.
Late Friday, MyKayla Skinner, a silver medalist in the 2020 Games, detailed the bullying and belittling she received from Biles in an official statement to One America News (OAN). Skinner and Biles were teammates at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. When Biles was unable to compete because of a mental health issue, Skinner replaced her on the vault, placing second.
Now, Skinner’s speaking out about her former teammate:
“As an athlete who has dedicated years to a sport, I’ve always believed that true competition should elevate us – not diminish others. That’s why it’s deeply troubling to see @Simone_Biles publicly label a fellow female athlete a ‘sore loser’ – simply for expressing valid concerns about fairness in women’s sports,” Skinner said in her statement to OAN.
USA’s Mykayla Skinner poses with her silver medal during the podium ceremony of the vault event of the artistic gymnastics women’s vault final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on August 1, 2021. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP) (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)
Skinner then took time in her statement to acknowledge the bravery shown by Riley Gaines – host of – who continues to fight for fairness in women’s sports by using her platform to elevate women and call for action against biological males who are stealing records, wins, roster spots and playing time from females:
“I commend and appreciate @Riley_Gaines_for having the courage to speak up. Women like her are not only standing for fairness, but for the future of female athletics itself. She deserves support – not ridicule.”
After lauding Gaines’ continued efforts, Skinner, for the first time, publicly accused Biles of behind-the-scenes bullying which she no longer feels she needs to suppress.
“Throughout my own career, I endured being belittled, dismissed, and ostracized behind the scenes by Simone. The pressure to stay silent was immense,” Skinner stated. “I kept quiet out of respect – for the sport, for my teammates, and for the ideal of unity among athletes. But witnessing this kind of public shaming, especially from someone in a position of influence, makes that silence no longer acceptable.”
Skinner, 28, a two-time NCAA champion, then continued voicing her displeasure with not only the way Biles treated her as a teammate, but how the gymnast used her platform (Biles has nearly two million followers on X) to publicly shame those who stand up for fairness in women’s sports and seek to provide women – not biological males competing in women’s spaces – with opportunity.
“It’s one thing to disagree,” Skinner continued. “It’s another to use your platform to bully and demean. No one should be punished for standing up for fairness and biological reality. We should be lifting each other up – not tearing one another down for speaking hard truths.”
Her full statement can be found below:
Skinner is one of many who have publicly sided with Gaines after her unprovoked social media attack at the hands of Biles. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, actor Rob Schneider and plenty more have opted to side with the bullied rather than the bully.