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Virginia state senator appeals for dismissal of lawsuit alleging state residency qualification issues

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Virginia state senator appeals for dismissal of lawsuit alleging state residency qualification issues

A Virginia state senator asked a court Wednesday to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges her qualification to hold office over what her attorneys called “baseless” allegations that she did not meet the state’s residency requirements.

Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has served in the state Senate since 2020 and handily won reelection in a suburban Richmond district earlier this month. She said in a motion and accompanying affidavit that she moved earlier this year from the family home where her husband resides into an apartment in order to reside in the newly redrawn 15th District where she ran, satisfying the requirement that candidates live in their district.

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Contrary to the claims of the lawsuit, which alleged she had not “abandoned” her family home outside the district, Hashmi said the apartment she leased in February quickly became “the center of her personal and professional life.”

Virginia State Sen-elect, Ghazala Hashmi speaks to supporters at a Democratic victory party in Richmond, Va., on Nov. 5, 2019. Hashmi asked a court on Nov. 29, 2023, to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges her qualification to hold office over what her attorneys called “baseless” allegations that she did not meet the state’s residency requirements. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

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Hashmi moved furniture and personal effects into the apartment, began receiving personal packages there, and changed the addresses on her driver’s license, car registrations and voter registration to reflect the address, according to the motion and supporting documentation submitted as exhibits.

She established a home office at the apartment, ate dinners there two to three times a week and hosted “numerous meetings and events” there, including a fundraiser for a fellow candidate at the apartment community’s clubhouse, according to the court filing, which included a copy of an invitation.

Hashmi also submitted copies of maintenance requests for the apartment with Wednesday’s filing.

The lawsuit against Hashmi, the state Board of Elections and Chesterfield registrar was filed by four Chesterfield County residents who live near Hashmi’s family home, which was within the bounds of the district Hashmi first represented. Virginia adopted new legislative maps when the once-a-decade redistricting process ended in December 2021.

The plaintiffs wrote in their lawsuit that Hashmi regularly parked a car overnight at the family home and used the address when making political contributions. They argued Hashmi was not satisfying the residency requirements and was therefore ineligible to serve in the General Assembly, and they asked the court to enjoin the Board of Elections from certifying the election, a process that’s scheduled to take place Monday.

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In Wednesday’s filing, Hashmi wrote that she believed the petitioners had surveilled her whereabouts for part of October, when she said she was spending more time than usual at the family home as her husband dealt with medical issues that required her care.

“Since my husband’s health has improved, I have returned to spending nights at the apartment,” she wrote in the affidavit.

The political contributions were made with an account tied to the family home address, an account that’s since been updated, she said.

Controversies over Virginia’s residency requirements are not uncommon — others have bubbled up this cycle — though most do not result in legal challenges.

Reached by phone Wednesday evening, Paul Curley, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said his clients brought the case because they were frustrated with “corruption in politics.”

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He said he was still in the process of reviewing Wednesday’s filing. A hearing in the matter is scheduled for Friday morning.

Aaron Mukerjee, one of the attorneys representing Hashmi, said he expected the judge would quickly dismiss the case.

“We are also confident the State Board of Elections will uphold its legal obligation to certify the election for Senator Hashmi, who received over 60% of the vote in her district,” he said in a statement.

Hashmi, who ousted a Republican incumbent to win election in 2019, defeated Republican Hayden Fisher earlier this month.

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Apart from what Hashmi’s attorneys claim are the false factual allegations in the residents’ complaint, Wednesday’s motion also argued that it contains “fatal legal deficiencies.” Among them, according to Hashmi’s attorneys, is that the court where the petition was filed does not have jurisdiction to hear such a post-election challenge.

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Southeast

Apalachee High School student arrested for allegedly bringing gun to campus months after deadly mass shooting

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Apalachee High School student arrested for allegedly bringing gun to campus months after deadly mass shooting

The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office said a 14-year-old student was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly brought a gun to Apalachee High School, the same Georgia school where two students and two teachers were killed in a mass shooting in September.

At approximately 2:02 p.m., school resource officers arrested the student without incident.

“The student was cooperative and compliant when encountered by law enforcement officers, and there have been no reports of the student threatening anyone with the gun,” the sheriff’s office said.

The boy, who was not named due to his age, has since been transported to a youth detention center.

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Law enforcement responded to Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., Sept. 4, 2024, after a mass shooting. (Christian Monterrosa/AFP)

The boy was charged with theft, being a minor in possession of a gun and possessing a weapon on school grounds. 

Officials didn’t say what type of gun was seized or how the child acquired the gun.

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A memorial to the shooting victims at Apalachee High School entry

A memorial is placed at Apalachee High School to commemorate the school’s shooting victims Sept. 7, 2024, in Winder, Ga. (The Washington Post/Contributor)

In response to the incident, the Barrow County School System canceled Thursday’s classes at the high school and called for a meeting to discuss immediate safety enhancement options.

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“We understand this brings up many different feelings in each of us,” the school system said. “We will update you all following the board meeting tomorrow with any changes regarding school procedures.” 

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Colin Gray (L) and Colt Gray (R)

A Barrow County grand jury indicted 14-year-old Colt Gray and his father, Colin Gray.  (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson/Barrow County Sheriff’s Office)

On Sept. 4, 14-year-old student Colt Gray allegedly opened fire at Apalachee High School, killing two teachers and two students.

Teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, were killed.

Gray has since been indicted on 55 counts as an adult, including 25 counts of aggravated assault. He has pleaded not guilty and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole or life with the possibility of parole if convicted.

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His father, Colin Gray, who was arrested and charged with buying the semiautomatic AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting and giving it to Colt for Christmas, is facing 29 counts, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter. He has also pleaded not guilty. 

Georgia is one of 42 states in the U.S. that holds parents criminally responsible for their children.

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I know Pam Bondi personally and she will make an amazing attorney general 

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I know Pam Bondi personally and she will make an amazing attorney general 

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As someone deeply invested in the safety of our communities – as someone who’s lost a baby brother to senseless murder – I’m asking you to join me in full support of Pam Bondi as our next attorney general of the United States. 

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For the past four years, the U.S. Attorney General’s Office has been plagued by partisanship, inconsistent justice enforcement and prioritizing political agendas over public good. From selective prosecutions to eroding public trust, its failure to act independently has undermined the rule of law, creating a perception of bias and deepening divisions within the country. 

With Bondi at the helm, I have no doubt the Department of Justice will usher in a new period of genuine integrity and rise to meet our time’s challenges. Admittedly, one of the reasons I’m so enthusiastic about Bondi’s potential as our next attorney general is her work with the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety.   

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Bondi, who’s been on our advisory board since our launch, has been an active mentor and ally of mine. So, I’ve gotten a front-row seat to how she’ll handle the challenges America faces in combating violent crime and gang violence, addressing the opioid epidemic and safeguarding victims of human trafficking.  

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during a press conference outside President Trump’s hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 21, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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Our organization is focused on reducing violent crime through innovative strategies and evidence-based policies, and Bondi’s expertise and commitment to real solutions, and real justice, have made her an invaluable advisor in this effort.  

Bondi’s record speaks for itself. During her tenure as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019, she transformed the office into a powerhouse for consumer protection, crime prevention and justice reform. She took on powerful interests, negotiating billions of dollars for the economic damages suffered by the State of Florida due to the BP oil spill, including lost tax revenues. In addition, she negotiated settlements to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the opioid crisis and worked tirelessly to dismantle human trafficking networks. 

For example, Bondi’s leadership in holding pharmaceutical companies accountable was groundbreaking as she secured significant financial settlements that funded treatment and prevention programs, saving lives and giving hope to those struggling with addiction. Bondi also pushed for stronger laws to curb the spread of synthetic opioids, ensuring that Florida was at the forefront of the fight against this deadly scourge. Imagine what she could achieve on a national level with the resources of the Department of Justice at her disposal. 

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She’s been a relentless advocate for crime victims, championing measures like Marsy’s Law to ensure their voices are heard, and their rights are protected. And under her leadership, Florida became a national leader in anti-trafficking efforts, setting an example for other states to follow. Her experience tackling complex issues — from gang violence to synthetic drugs — aligns perfectly with our mission to address the root causes of crime and foster safer communities. 

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With Bondi at the helm, I have no doubt the Department of Justice will usher in a new period of genuine integrity and rise to meet our time’s challenges. Admittedly, one of the reasons I’m so enthusiastic about Bondi’s potential as our next attorney general is her work with the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety.   

What really sets Bondi apart may be her ability to now lead on a national stage. As a former president of the National Association of Attorneys General, she’s already demonstrated her skill in building coalitions and working across state lines to address pressing issues like cybercrime and drug trafficking. She has consistently defended state sovereignty while respecting the balance of power between state and federal governments. This collaborative approach to governance is exactly what we need in an attorney general. 

As someone who has worked closely with her through the Caldwell Institute, I can attest to her passion for justice and her relentless drive to make our communities safer. 

America stands at a crossroads. The challenges we face are immense, but they are not insurmountable. We need leaders who are not only qualified but who also possess the moral clarity and determination to guide us forward. The Honorable Pam Bondi is such a leader. 

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Join me in urging the Senate to confirm Bondi without delay. Our nation needs her leadership, experience and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice. We deserve, and clearly require, no less.  

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Neighborhood rocked by homeless camp triple murder as former police officer calls for government to intervene

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Neighborhood rocked by homeless camp triple murder as former police officer calls for government to intervene

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A triple homicide at a Louisiana homeless camp, allegedly spurred by a stolen bicycle, emphasizes the inherent dangers of these encampments – not just for their inhabitants, but for those in surrounding communities, an expert told Fox News Digital. 

On April 3, 44-year-old Mindy Ann Robert, 33-year-old Marcey Vincent and 53-year-old Warren Fairley were found dead, all shot multiple times, in a makeshift campsite, hidden from view by brush on a vacant lot in Jefferson Parish, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office said. 

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Crime in these camps is a growing concern across the country, which has seen an 18.1% increase in homelessness in 2024, according to a December report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Federal officials cited a rising number of asylum seekers, lack of affordable housing and natural disasters as reasons for the increase in homelessness.

“These homeless encampments pose a health threat and a safety threat to the general public,” Mark Powell, a former reserve police officer in San Diego who oversaw the city’s Monarch School for Homeless Youth while on the city’s school board, told Fox News Digital. “It’s the duty, it’s the obligation of our city leaders, our elected politicians, to do everything they can within the law to eradicate these camps and provide the people living in the camps with the dignity they deserve through some type of shelter program.”

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Noel Marine faces three counts of first-degree murder and one count of obstruction of justice. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office)

In the Louisiana case, Noel Marine, who was known to visit the victims at the campsite, was arrested and faces three counts of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice in their deaths. He is currently being held on $100,000 bail, according to court records.

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Investigators believe Vincent and Robert were homeless and lived at the campsite, while Fairley lived in a home nearby. Robert’s family assumed that she was living in the area because they recently saw her panhandling at a nearby street corner, NOLA.com reported.

“Periodically, other people would stay [at the campsite] and use narcotics,” Det. Ryan Vaught testified during a Nov. 19 hearing in Jefferson Parish Magistrate Court. 

A man who was dating one of the female victims allegedly dialed 911 around 9:40 a.m. when he found the three bodies.

People living in a homeless encampment

People living in a homeless encampment pick up belongings after Louisiana State Police gave instructions for them to move to a different pre-designated location as they perform a sweep in advance of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Marine, 55, became the prime suspect after his fingerprint was also found on a metal folding chair at the site. His fingerprints were in the national Combined DNA Index System due to previous convictions, including four counts of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and other drug charges.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty in April 2005, court records show. At the time of the shooting, he was wanted for missing court in a misdemeanor theft case after allegedly stealing from a Walmart in February of this year, according to court records.

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Marine allegedly claimed that he was staying at a friend’s house in Metairie at the time of the shooting, but his alibi was torn open after the friend told detectives that Marine was not there. 

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Mindy Ann Robert

Mindy Ann Robert, 44, was one of the victims of the triple homicide. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office)

Although a gunshot was heard in the area around 1 or 2 a.m., according to Vaught, no one saw the killings take place. However, Marine’s friend gave a statement to police after he allegedly confessed to the killings, Vaught testified. 

After he was brought in for a second round of questioning, Marine claimed that another man shot the three victims. He said that he was talking to the man who confronted him at the encampment after Marine stole his bicycle. The other man brandished a gun, and Marine walked into the campsite to retrieve the stolen property, according to Marine, who said he then heard gunfire. 

However, police have not named the man Marine accused, and no one else has been arrested in the homicides. 

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WASHINGTON STATE DEMOCRAT PUSHES TO GIVE HOMELESS SPECIAL CIVIL RIGHTS

Marcey Vincent

Marcey Vincent, 33, was shot on April 3 at the Old Jefferson homeless encampment where she lived. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office)

Powell said that the incident is the latest example of why the government has an obligation to regulate homeless encampments. 

“In this instance, three people were murdered. That’s not to say somebody jogging through the park or jogging near the homeless encampment could also become a victim just as easily as this,” Powell told Fox News Digital. 

“It’s the duty of the city. If they’re going to allow homeless camps like this, it’s their duty to make sure that they’re cleaned, that they’re regulated, that there’s some type of law enforcement presence that frequents that homeless camp on a regular basis,” Powell said. 

Warren Fairley

Warren Fairley, 53, worked at a nearby restaurant as a cook, his family told The Times-Picayune. He regularly visited the homeless encampment before he was shot there on April 3, police said. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office)

“Not once a month or when they get a call, but they have to have some type of security in there,” he continued. “[Otherwise] you’re going to end up with more of these incidences where there are rapes, murders, there’s assault, there are batteries, there’s a theft, there’s rampant drug dealing – this is what you’ll find in these homeless encampments.”

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“Many people don’t even want to jog through the park because they know there’s a homeless encampment in there, and they’re scared – the people who are committing the crimes are the ones who are controlling the property,” Powell said. “They’re not paying taxes, they’re not doing anything yet. [But] the people who do pay the taxes who do not commit crimes, they’re the ones who are impacted.” 

Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

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