Diddy learns his punishment in federal court as judge lays down sentence
Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to four years in prison on federal prostitution charges.
In addition to the 50-month sentence, Diddy will have five years of supervised release and pay a $500,000 fine.
Judge Arun Subramanian noted Diddy’s difficult upbringing and acknowledged his family devotion before considering “all of your history and with respect to freak offs and hotel nights” as he handed down the sentence.
“Court rejects that these were just intimate consensual experiences or a sex, drugs and rock-and-roll story,” Subramanian said. “You abused power and control over women you had relationships with.”
Subramanian added, “Why did it happen so long? Because you had power and resources. You were no John. You were more than that. Even if your currency was your own desire. On deterrence, requires a significant sentence.”
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When the judge imposed his sentence, Diddy had no reaction. He sat silently, looking forward, listening the entire time. His hands were folded in his lap. When the judge mentioned Cassie and Jane, Diddy looked down. At the end of sentencing, he quickly glanced between his attorneys, Shapiro and Steel.
Diddy’s family and supporters also did not react to the sentence. No one had visible facial expressions and the courtroom was completely silent.
Cassie Ventura’s lawyers, Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog of Wigdor LLP, said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.
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“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
They added, “We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
The 55-year-old rapper had almost no reaction throughout his sentencing hearing until his kids spoke. He was very emotional as they addressed the court and cried while an 11-minute clip, featuring home videos of his family, played.
After a brief break, Diddy addressed the court for the first time to apologize, and also thank the judge for giving him “a chance to speak” for himself.
“One of the hardest things has been to be quiet, not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions,” Diddy said. “I want to apologize again to Cassie Ventura for any harm I caused emotionally or physically. I don’t take that lightly.”
Diddy also apologized to Jane, who testified under a pseudonym during the trial. The rapper said, “I didn’t mean to hurt you. Sorry that I brought you into my mess.” Diddy also apologized to all victims of domestic violence.
The producer admitted his “actions were sick,” as he referenced substance abuse issues. “I was out of control. I needed help, but I didn’t get the help,” he said. “I can make no excuse because I knew better. My mama taught me better. My faith taught me better.”
“One of the hardest things has been to be quiet, not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions.”
He continued, “Because of my decisions I lost my freedom. I lost the opportunity to effectively raise my children and be there for my mother. I lost all my businesses I lost my career. I totally lost my reputation. I lost my self respect.
“I’ve been humbled and broken to my core. I hate myself right now. Stripped down to nothing. I really am truly sorry for it all no matter what they say. I want to apologize to my seven children.”
Quincy Brown, Diddy’s adopted son, told the court that his father was a “changed man” after the trial. “My father has learned a major lesson,” Brown said. “We’ve seen him evolve, something we haven’t seen in 15 years. He would never do anything to jeopardize his freedom.”
Justin Combs asked the judge to give his father a “second chance at life.”
“This is one of the hardest times of my life. My father is my superhero,” Justin told the judge. “God makes no mistakes. Going through his tough time. He’s drug free, he’s clear. He’s changed for the better.”
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Diddy’s daughters – D’Lila, Chance and Jessie – also gave statements to the court. The three focused on their two-year-old baby sister. D’Lila, while becoming emotional, emphasized they don’t want their sister to grow up fatherless like they had to grow up motherless.
“We are tired of being strong. We have already lost so much,” D’Lila told the judge. “Please your honor please, give our family the chance to heal together.”
WATCH: FORMER ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY DISCUSSES DIDDY SENTENCING
Diddy appeared in court Friday, months after his July 2 conviction on federal prostitution charges. The now gray-haired rapper walked into court wearing a white shirt with a cream sweater over it. Diddy hugged all of his lawyers before giving a lengthy handshake to his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo. The rapper then gestured to his family and put on his glasses.
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While speaking about the sentencing guidelines, which came out to be between five and seven years, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik emphasized other factors that should be considered. She claimed that throughout these proceedings, it had been made clear that Diddy does not consider the gravity of his crimes. “His respect for the law is just lip service,” she told the judge.
According to the prosecution, Diddy has already booked speaking engagements in Miami for next week.
Rob Shuter from the “Naughty But Nice” podcast told Fox News Digital that Diddy didn’t show remorse for his actions. “He is not sorry for what he did. He is sorry that the world finally saw it,” Shuter said. “And that’s the truth.”
The hearing began with the prosecution noting Diddy’s victim, “Mia,” had chosen not to give a victim impact statement despite being granted permission, partly due to a defense letter submitted to court. Judge Arun Subramanian noted the tone of the defense’s letter was inappropriate and should not be done again.
“His respect for the law is just lip service.”
The federal judge rejected Diddy’s bid to exclude acquitted conduct from consideration at sentencing – a decision that opens the door to Cassie Ventura’s allegations being factored into his sentence.
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When Judge Subramanian asked about “pimping” allegations, criminal defense attorney Jason Driscoll told the court he rejected the government’s attempt to pin the title on Diddy. “He is not,” Driscoll said.
Instead, Nicole Westmoreland emotionally highlighted positive ways Diddy impacted the community and inspired others to pursue their dreams. Diddy’s defense attorney began crying as she spoke about the ways Diddy personally changed her life. “Mr Combs is not larger than life, he’s just a human being, he’s just a man, and he’s made some mistakes,” she told the court.
Defense attorney Xavier Donaldson said he wants the record to be clear that Diddy was not a pimp. “Their sole intent, pimps, is to make money,” Donaldson emphasized in court. “Pimps are in the business of subjugating women,” he explained.
Diddy’s lawyer, Brian Steel, told the judge his client doesn’t want to be looked at like a celebrity, doesn’t want to be special or above anyone else. Diddy “wants to be a dad, a son, and a person who is crying out for help,” Steel told the judge.
Agnifilo argued that Diddy should not face further punishment because this all played out on a public stage. He noted this has been a devastating, destructive case for the rapper. Agnifilo claimed Diddy was treated in a “very stern” way.
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He asked Judge Subramanian to get to the root of the issue and suggested mental health treatment, a domestic violence program and a drug program. Agnifilo said he believes drugs are at the heart of this case.
Slavik gave a response on behalf of the prosecution, claiming that Diddy is a “master puppeteer of his image.” She pointed out that in the 11-minute video, Diddy claimed to be a changed man but had been doing drugs the entire time. Slavik told the court you can’t trust what Combs says, closing her remarks before sentencing.
The rapper could spend a maximum of 20 years behind bars, 10 years for each count he was convicted of. The prosecution recommended 135 months (just over 11 years) for his sentencing.
Diddy’s family arrived in court ahead of the sentencing. The rapper’s mom, Janice Combs, arrived first around 9:00am ET. His kids, Quincy, the twins Jesse and D’Lila, Christian and Justin, all arrived around 9:45am.
Dozens of people waited outside the courthouse waiting to hear the sentencing, Fox News Digital confirmed. One person was witnessed being detained by police.
Ahead of court Friday, Diddy’s legal team released a video that was played in court after his children spoke. The over 11-minute video featured clips of the rapper with his kids when they were young, as well as current videos where his children tell their dad they love him.
They praised their “inspiring” father for his unwavering support. The video also attempted to emphasize Diddy’s charitable contributions, which were mentioned by his defense during the hearing, throughout his life before his arrest in 2024.
WATCH: DIDDY AND FAMILY MAKE COURTROOM PLEA FOR FREEDOM AHEAD OF SENTENCING
A jury convicted Diddy on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution on July 2. The “I’ll Be Missing You” rapper was acquitted of his most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
The prosecution claimed Diddy deserves a “substantial” prison sentence because the rapper is “unrepentant” in the sentencing recommendation filed Tuesday.
“Incredibly, while the defendant conceded his acts of violence and abuse throughout trial, he now argues that his victims should shoulder the blame,” the filing read.
In the disgraced music mogul’s demand for prison release, Diddy’s lawyers claimed he has faced “inhumane” living conditions at MDC Brooklyn. His legal team proposed a 14-month sentence ahead of his Oct. 3 hearing for federal charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. The “I Need A Girl” rapper has already spent 13 months behind bars.
Diddy’s legal team claimed the musician had been “sufficiently punished” for his crimes.
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Diddy has been behind bars since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. He has requested bail and been denied multiple times.
According to his lawyers, Diddy has been subjected to “constant suicide watch” while behind bars. Other instances of the alleged “inhumane” conditions the rapper has been subjected to include limited access to clean water, food with maggots in it, no physical therapy, lack of physical exercise and no functioning washing machine or dryer.
Days before Diddy was set to appear in court for his sentencing, Judge Subramanian rejected the rapper’s last-ditch request for a new trial and demand for a full acquittal. The federal judge said the prosecution provided “overwhelming evidence” of Diddy’s guilt on the charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
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‘Absolutely shameful’: Illinois officials allegedly bar Noem from using public restroom
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said Friday she and her staff were denied entry to a government building in a Chicago suburb, where they attempted to stop for a “bathroom break” as federal agents clashed with protesters outside a nearby immigration facility.
In a post on X, Noem said her team was denied access to the Village of Broadview Municipal Building, located about 12 miles west of downtown Chicago, and blasted Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration for its treatment of federal agents.
“My team and I were just blocked from accessing the Village of Broadview Municipal Building in Illinois,” Noem said. “We were stopping for a quick bathroom break. This is a public building. The Village of Broadview receives at least $1 million in federal funding every year. This is how JB Pritzker and his cronies treat our law enforcement. Absolutely shameful.”
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A video of the encounter shows Noem approaching the building with her staff as one person asks through the door, “Can we use your restroom?”
Someone inside can be heard responding, “No you cannot!” before Noem calmly replies, “OK, all right, thank you,” and walks away.
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Village officials said Noem showed up unannounced Friday morning seeking a meeting with Mayor Katrina Thompson, who was out of the building at the time.
“Since DHS Secretary Kristi Noem appeared this morning, unannounced, at Broadview’s Village Hall asking for a meeting while Mayor Katrina Thompson was out of the building, the mayor returned her visit,” Village of Broadview spokesperson David Ormsby said in a statement.
“Mayor Thompson went to the ICE center, accompanied by the Broadview Police Chief Thomas, and officers, to ask for the illegal fence to be dismantled. The mayor was told by agents at the gate the secretary was unavailable to meet.”
However, DHS officials insisted the stop was not about a meeting at all.
“She didn’t ask for a meeting. She asked to use the restroom. This is insane,” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News.
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The bathroom dispute came as tensions flared outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility in Broadview, where more than a dozen people were arrested by federal agents during demonstrations. Fox News observed agents firing pepper balls, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds blocking federal operations.
Earlier Friday, Gov. Pritzker accused Noem of overseeing federal enforcement tactics that he said had violated rights and traumatized families in Illinois. He also said she should “no longer be able to step foot inside the State of Illinois without any form of public accountability.”
“Last time when the secretary was here, she snuck in during the early morning to film social media videos and fled before sunrise,” Pritzker’s office said. “It’s been nearly 45 days since Secretary Noem has held an official press conference, so it’s time she faces the public and takes questions from the press to be held accountable for the Trump administration’s gross misconduct.
“Illinois is not a photo opportunity or war zone, it’s a sovereign state where our people deserve rights, respect and answers.”
McLaughlin snapped back on behalf of DHS, accusing Pritzker of failing to protect Illinois residents from violent offenders.
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“Grow up and start protecting the people of your own state,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “Federal law enforcement has to be here because JB Pritzker refuses to do his job and has allowed violent illegal alien criminals to terrorize Illinois communities for years.”
The Village of Broadview did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Armed attacker who targeted Justice Kavanaugh receives light prison sentence
A federal judge sentenced Nicholas Roske, who now goes by Sophie, to eight years in prison on Friday for attempting to murder Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the weeks leading up to the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision.
The sentence is far lower than what the Department of Justice had sought. Prosecutors said Roske should face at least 30 years, while Roske’s defense team had asked for eight.
Judge Deborah Boardman said during the sentencing hearing that while Roske’s actions were “reprehensible,” the judge also considered a string of mitigating factors, including that Roske “spontaneously confessed to and cooperated with police.”
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“I believe Ms. Roske understands that what she did was terribly wrong. I find her remorse sincere,” Boardman said.
DOJ prosecutor Coreen Mao said the sentence “must send the very strong, very clear message that the ends never justify violent means.”
Kavanaugh also received a death threat in April from someone who invoked Roske’s name and referenced shooting the justice in the head, Mao said, stressing a need to deter such behavior. That revelation comes as judges say they have faced a rise in threats from people across the political spectrum in recent years.
During the hearing, Boardman referred to Roske as a transgender woman, and Roske’s attorneys told the court recently that while their client’s legal name is Nicholas, Roske goes by the name Sophie and uses female pronouns.
Boardman, a Biden appointee, said she factored into the sentence her concern about Trump’s executive order requiring transgender inmates to be detained in prisons that correspond to their sex at birth.
Roske pleaded guilty in April to one charge of attempting to murder a Supreme Court justice, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
On June 8, 2022, Roske flew from California to Virginia and took a taxi to Kavanaugh’s address, armed with a pistol, knife, lock picking set, duct tape, hammer, crowbar and tactical gear.
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In the weeks leading up to the incident, the defendant searched extensively online for information about several justices, mass shooters, ways to harm people and graphic images of people with knife wounds. One search read, “Does twisting or dragging a knife cause more damage.”
Roske’s internet history also signaled a desire to affect the outcome of the then-looming Dobbs decision, in which the Supreme Court was expected to overturn the federal right to abortion.
The assassination attempt came at a time when activists were protesting in front of conservative justices’ homes, leading the DOJ to deploy U.S. marshals to their houses to provide around-the-clock security.
Roske acknowledged noticing marshals at Kavanaugh’s house, which prosecutors said prompted Roske to change course and walk down the street before self-reporting to 911.
Roske’s “goal explicitly was both to alter the outcome of a pending Supreme Court case, a consequential case,” and “to change the composition of the court for decades to come,” Mao argued to the judge.
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Roske’s attorneys played part of the 911 call for the courtroom, in which Roske tells a dispatcher about having “suicidal and homicidal thoughts.” The lawyers emphasized that Roske has long been severely depressed and has been seeking treatment.
Appearing in a yellow jumpsuit in the courtroom, Roske apologized for terrorizing Kavanaugh and his family and for “contributing to the fear judges experience as a result of doing their jobs.”
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“I have been portrayed as a monster, and this tragic mistake I made will follow me for the rest of my life,” Roske said.
The judge also sentenced Roske to a lifetime of supervised release. The DOJ is able to appeal the sentence because it is well under the sentencing guidelines.
Hamas agrees to release Israeli hostages as part of Trump-backed Gaza proposal
Hamas on Friday announced it agreed to release all Israeli hostages, dead or alive, as part of President Donald Trump‘s Gaza peace proposal.
Leaders also indicated they were prepared to enter mediated negotiations to finalize the deal, according to a Hamas statement shared by Trump on Truth Social.
“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
Trump later released a video from the White House Oval Office, saying he is still awaiting final word, but believes he is “very close” to achieving a peace deal.
“I want to thank the countries that helped me put this together—Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and so many others. So many people fought so hard,” Trump said. “This is a big day. We’ll see how it all turns out. We have to get the final word down in concrete. Very importantly, I look forward to having the hostages come home to their parents … I just want to let you know that this is a very special day, maybe unprecedented. … Everybody was unified in wanting this war to end and seeing peace in the Middle East, and we’re very close to achieving that. Thank you all and everybody will be treated fairly.”
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The announcement came hours after Trump issued a public warning to the terrorist group, noting its leaders would be “hunted down, and killed” if the remaining Israeli hostages were not released by Sunday night.
Hamas said in the statement it held in-depth consultations within its leadership institutions, extensive consultations with Palestinian forces and factions, and consultations with mediators and friends to reach a “responsible position” regarding Trump’s plan.
Leaders said they appreciated the president’s efforts to end the war and agreed to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents.
The broader issues in Trump’s Gaza proposal, including the future of Gaza and Palestinian rights, will be addressed within a unified Palestinian national framework, with Hamas participating responsibly in the process, according to the statement.
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Trump last week unveiled a 20-point peace plan calling for an end to Israel’s military operations, the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip under a Palestinian governing body overseen by an international coalition led by the U.S.
Though Hamas agreed to return all 46 hostages, its statement did not address the disarmament.
Israel has not yet publicly commented on the announcement.
Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an X post the country welcomes Hamas’ announcement and supports an immediate ceasefire to “facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages and to achieve rapid results that stop the bloodshed of our Palestinian brothers in the Gaza Strip.”
Qatar announced it has started coordinating with its mediation partners in Egypt, in collaboration with the U.S., to advance discussions on a plan aimed at bringing an end to the war.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in on social media, thanking Trump for his commitment to peace.
“The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach! Hamas’ commitment must be followed up without delay,” Macron wrote in an X post. “We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace. France will play its full part in line with its efforts at the United Nations, alongside the United States, Israelis and Palestinians, and all of its international partners.”
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The conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel—firing rockets, breaching border defenses and storming communities more than a dozen miles from Gaza.
Militants killed about 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians, and abducted roughly 250 others.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is affiliated with Hamas, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the initial attack.
The White House did not immediately provide additional comment to Fox News Digital.
Johnson raises stakes on Schumer as government shutdown rolls into 2nd week
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is sending a pointed signal to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as the 2025 government shutdown is poised to enter a second week.
The leader of the House of Representatives canceled chamber activities for next week, effectively directing lawmakers to remain in their home districts until at least Oct. 14.
Johnson appears to be raising the stakes on Senate Democrats, who keep refusing the GOP’s plan to fund government agencies on a short-term basis in favor of making demands on healthcare that Republicans are calling unreasonable.
Originally, the House had been slated to return to a regular legislative schedule on Oct. 7. The full House was last in session on Sept. 19.
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Johnson warned earlier on Friday that the House may not return until Schumer and Democrats agreed with Republicans’ bill.
“We passed it, and it’s been rejected by the Senate,” the House speaker told reporters during a news conference. “So the House will come back into session and do its work as soon as Chuck Schumer allows us to reopen the government. That’s plain and simple.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told Fox News Digital during his own Friday news conference that he would summon his Democratic caucus back into D.C. next week whether Republicans were there or not.
Meanwhile, two sources told Fox News Digital earlier on Friday that it was one of several strategies that House GOP leaders were considering, but were waiting to see how the Senate’s Friday afternoon vote played out.
It was the fourth time Senate Democrats rejected the GOP’s funding plan, a mostly flat extension of fiscal year (FY) 2025 government funding levels. The measure, called a continuing resolution (CR), would also include $88 million in security funding for lawmakers, the White House and the judicial branch — which has bipartisan support.
But Democrats in the House and Senate were infuriated by being sidelined in federal funding talks.
They have been pushing for an extension of Obamacare subsidies enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those enhancements would expire by the end of 2025 without congressional action.
Democrats have also introduced a counter-proposal for a CR that would keep the government funded through Oct. 31 while reversing the GOP’s cuts to Medicaid made in their “One Big, Beautiful Bill.”
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The counter-proposal would have also restored federal funding to NPR and PBS that was cut by the Trump administration earlier this year.
Republicans have panned that plan as a non-starter full of partisan demands, while pointing out that Democrats have voted for a “clean” measure similar to the GOP proposal 13 times during former President Joe Biden’s time in office.
Canceling next week’s House votes also puts off the probability that lawmakers would have to vote on making the Department of Justice release even more files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
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Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., needed just one more person to sign onto a petition aimed at forcing a vote on the Epstein files — a signature they would have gotten if Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., was sworn in next week following her special election victory.
House GOP leaders have panned that petition as unserious and superfluous, having already directed the House Oversight Committee to investigate the DOJ’s handling of Epstein’s case.
Johnson told Fox News Digital earlier this week that he was concerned the bipartisan measure was written in a way that it would not protect sensitive information regarding Epstein’s victims.
When asked about Johnson’s move during his own Friday news conference, Schumer told reporters, “Johnson and the House Republicans care more about protecting the Epstein files than protecting the American people.”
Rising climbing star plunges to death from Yosemite’s El Capitan mid-livestream
Tragedy struck Yosemite National Park Wednesday when popular Alaskan climber Balin Miller, 23, fell to his death from the iconic El Capitan — an accident reportedly captured during a livestream.
“It is with a heavy heart I have to tell you my incredible son Balin Miller died during a climbing accident today,” Miller’s mother, Jeanine Girard-Moorman, said in a Facebook post. “My heart is (s)hattered in a million pieces.”
Girard-Moorman told Fox News Digital on Friday that the young alpinist gained international attention from just doing what he loved, but “would be disappointed to be thought of as an influencer.”
“He was talented beyond his years in the climbing world. He was an amazing athlete, smart, bold. He had a very unique and well loved sense of humor,” Girard-Moorman said. “He loved to climb and people followed him on Instagram. It was never about the money for him. He just had a passion to climb. Live free.”
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Miller’s older brother Dylan told The Associated Press that the climber was lead rope soloing — a way to climb alone while still protected by a rope — on a 2,400-foot route named Sea of Dreams. He apparently completed the climb but fell while hauling his gear and likely rappelled off the end of his rope, the AP reported.
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Tributes have poured in for Miller from shocked viewers who said they also witnessed the tragic fall during a TikTok stream.
“He made it to the summit but he had to retrieve his bags as they got stuck on a rock as he was hoisting them up. As he was trying to retrieve the bags he fell to his death all caught on the livestream,” Michelle Derrick posted on Facebook.
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The tragedy unfolded on the first day of the federal government shutdown, which left national parks “generally” open with limited operations, according to the National Park Service. The park service said in a statement to the AP that “park rangers and emergency personnel responded immediately.” The official cause of the fall is still under investigation.
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El Capitan, one of Yosemite’s most striking features, rises roughly 3,000 feet and is considered one of the most challenging walls in the world.
Miller had recently completed a solo ascent of Mount McKinley’s Slovak Direct in Alaska, a technically difficult route that took him 56 hours to complete, he posted on his Instagram in June.
Virginia AG candidate’s texts referenced shooting GOP leader, called kids ‘fascist’
Virginia Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones once remarked on shooting the Virginia House speaker in texts with another lawmaker, the latest example of charged political rhetoric some have called the politics of “rage.”
Texts obtained by Fox News Digital Friday showed an August 2022 conversation between Jones — then a recently departed delegate from Norfolk — and another lawmaker after the death of Del. Joe Johnson, D-Bristol, at age 90.
“Hence the glowing tributes from the Rs. Damn, that (message) was for Mark,” Jones texted Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chester.
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At the time, several House Republicans — including leadership — offered eulogizing words for Johnson, who had been known as an aisle-crossing, friendly moderate. One of those who had kind words for Johnson was then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah.
Jones told Coyner that Johnson “leaked everything to your [Republican] caucus. It’s why Gilbert gave him such a glowing tribute.”
“If those guys die before me, I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves,” he continued. “Send them out awash in something.”
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At that point, Coyner appeared to attempt to rein in the conversation, texting, “Jay Jones.”
But Jones continued, adding, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”
The future attorney general candidate was not yet finished condemning the House leader.
“Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time,” he wrote.
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Coyner tried again to end the conversation: “Jay. Please stop.”
“Lol. OK, OK,” he replied.
A source familiar with the situation told Fox News Digital that, around that point, Jones and Coyner had a telephone conversation, which was followed by Jones trying to lighten the mood.
“I genuinely was [asking questions]. I wasn’t attacking you. I was trying to understand your logic.”
Coyner disagreed, to which Jones replied, “Yes, I’ve told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy.”
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In another message to Coyner, Jones considered whether Gilbert and his wife Jennifer were “breeding little fascists.”
A spokesperson for Coyner’s campaign confirmed the veracity of the texts first reported by National Review, saying they were “disturbing and disqualifying for anyone who wants to seek public office.”
“Jay Jones wished violence on the children of a colleague and joked about shooting Todd Gilbert. It’s disgusting and unbecoming of any public official,” the spokesperson said.
Gilbert recently resigned from Richmond to accept President Donald Trump’s nomination as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. He has since left that post, according to reports.
Jones’ comments created a firestorm Friday evening, with another state lawmaker recently subjected to a death threat condemning Jones.
Del. Geary Higgins, R-Lovettsville, said Democrats continue to amp up violent rhetoric that has gotten people hurt.
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“They shot the president. They killed Charlie Kirk. They threatened to kill Kim Taylor. They said they’d kill me at my next rally, then my kids. Now we learn Jay Jones repeatedly said he wanted to kill Speaker Todd Gilbert. Is this what “letting your rage fuel you” looks like?” he said, referring to a widely-condemned remark by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger unrelated to Jones, specifically.
Spanberger condemned her fellow Democrat, saying in a statement that she spoke “frankly” with Jones after the texts surfaced about her “disgust” for what he had said.
“I will always condemn violent language in our politics,” Spanberger said.
A source familiar with the situation told Fox News Digital Jones initially had accidentally texted Coyner, who later made Gilbert aware of the Democrat’s invective.
When reached by Fox News Digital, Jones also did not deny the messages were his and blamed his opponent for allegedly planting stories and then criticized Republicans.
“Like all people, I’ve sent text messages that I regret, and I believe that violent rhetoric has no place in our politics,” Jones said.
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“Let’s be clear about what is happening in the attorney general race right now: Jason Miyares is dropping smears through Trump-controlled media organizations to assault my character and rescue his desperate campaign.
“This is a strategy that ensures Jason Miyares will continue to be accountable to Donald Trump, not the people of Virginia. This race is about whether Trump can control Virginia or Virginians control Virginia.”
A source familiar with Gilbert told Fox News Digital he has no comment on the matter.
Thousands of protestors prompt world-famous landmark to close its doors on tourists
The world-renowned Eiffel Tower in Paris shut its doors on locals and international tourists on Thursday amid a nationwide strike.
As crowds of protesters marched from Place d’Italie toward the Eiffel Tower, the tower’s management announced in a statement that the landmark was closed to visitors due to the strike, according to The Associated Press.
Thousands of workers, retirees and students took to the streets of more than 200 towns and cities across France on Thursday, protesting spending cuts and demanding higher taxes on France’s wealthy.
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A sign was posted outside the iconic landmark that said, “Due to a strike, the Eiffel Tower is closed. We apologize.”
Nearly 200,000 people are protesting across the country, including 24,000 in Paris, according to the French Interior Ministry.
“This is the first time that there are three days of strikes and protests in a month without a government or budget,” said Sophie Binet, head of the CGT, one of France’s largest and most influential trade unions, per AP.
“It shows the level of social anger.”
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The U.S. Embassy in France issued an alert to travelers visiting Paris Sept. 18.
“Avoid the areas of the demonstrations, exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests, [and] monitor schedules with local and national transportation providers,” the Embassy advised.
In 2024, the tower welcomed 6.3 million visitors, according to the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, which operates the tower.
About 16,500 tourists visit the tower daily, according to Guide to Paris.
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Last year, the tower was shut down between Feb. 19-24 due to a union employee strike.
Employees argued that Paris City Hall had underestimated the cost of the planned maintenance ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Reuters reported at the time.
In June, the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum located in Paris, also closed its doors to visitors due to an employee strike, Fox News Digital reported at the time.
Overtourism sparked by Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” may have in part prompted the strike, with 20,000 people per day crowding the famous painting.
The Eiffel Tower has not yet announced a reopening date.
Chili’s controversial menu shakeup leaves families scrambling for new options
Chili’s is axing some popular items from its kids and dessert menus while also rolling out a new offering aimed at keeping customers satisfied.
In late September, customers in the Reddit community r/Chilis expressed concern after a user leaked a photo that appeared to reveal the casual dining chain’s new menu.
Notable removals include the Kids Pepperoni Pizza and Kids Cheese Quesadillas, as well as the Mini Molten dessert.
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The changes drew mostly negative reactions from the community.
“No more kids’ quesadillas! That’s my daughter’s fav!” one Redditor lamented. “Can they bring back the chocolate shake lol I’m craving one.”
“Now that they are taking the quesadilla off, they have taken everything my son would eat off of the menu,” another customer said. “First the oranges, then the corn on the cob and now the quesadilla.”
Others were focused on the Mini Molten, which they described as an ideal dessert due to its small portion size.
“I’m not letting my kid have a full Molten, that’s way too much,” one user wrote. “The Mini Molten was perfect for the two of us to share.”
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“No more Mini Molten??? My daughter will be devastated,” another said. “She loved having her ‘own’ dessert.”
Others were perplexed as to why Chili’s would remove the kids’ quesadilla, considering that it’s a simple dish to make.
“It is literally two tortillas baked with cheese. They don’t even fry them.”
“Yeah I’m really confused on that,” one person wrote. “We have tortillas and we have cheese. Why would they discontinue it?”
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“It is literally two tortillas baked with cheese,” another chimed in. “They don’t even fry them.”
Fox News Digital confirmed the news with a Chili’s spokesperson, who said the changes were part of a streamlining process.
“As part of our ongoing simplification efforts, we are removing Mini Moltens in favor of full-sized portions, and will also be eliminating Kids Pepperoni Pizza and Kids Cheese Quesadillas,” the spokesperson said.
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“Kids Cheese Pizza will remain as an option on Chili’s kids menu.”
The chain will begin rolling out its new Southwestern Queso on Oct. 7, the spokesperson said.
The Southwestern Queso will replace Chili’s Skillet Beef and White Skillet Quesos. It is crafted using “American and cheddar cheeses with fire-roasted green chilies, onions and a hint of lime for bold, craveable flavor,” per the company.
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My Chili’s members can receive a free portion of the new queso from Oct. 7 to Oct. 21, limited to one per member.