In a horrifying turn of events, a mass shooting erupted during a Fourth of July block party in Detroit, leaving two dead and 18 injured.
Daily Mail reported that the tragic incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, saw a 22-year-old suspect taken into custody and receiving medical treatment.
The shooting happened at around 2:25 a.m. in the vicinity of Reno Street and Rossini Drive. This senseless act of violence turned the festive night, meant to celebrate Independence Day, into chaos and sorrow.
The casualties include a 20-year-old woman who was fatally shot in the head and a 21-year-old man who succumbed to a gunshot wound to the back. The families and community are left in shock and mourning over the loss of these young lives.
The injured, whose ages range from 17 to 28, were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Among them, a 17-year-old girl remains in critical condition, further highlighting the severity of the incident.
Witnesses described a scene of panic and confusion as attendees fled for safety. Police quickly responded to the chaotic scene and successfully apprehended the suspect.
The alleged shooter, a 22-year-old male, was also injured in the incident. According to police, he sustained a gunshot wound to the left leg. After receiving medical attention, the suspect is now in custody at the hospital. His motives for perpetrating such violence remain under investigation.
Residents of the area expressed their disbelief and grief over the incident. What began as a night of celebration ended in unparalleled tragedy. Local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as they continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
The Fourth of July celebration is typically a time for joy and coming together, making the violence all the more devastating for those affected.
The incident has prompted discussions about safety measures at public gatherings. Community leaders are calling for increased security to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This latest shooting adds to a growing list of gun-related incidents plaguing cities across the nation, raising questions about gun control and public safety.
As the investigation continues, the Detroit community stands in solidarity, mourning the lives lost and supporting those injured in the horrific shooting.
A mass shooting at a Fourth of July block party in Detroit left two dead and 18 injured. A 22-year-old suspect, who was taken into custody and treated for injuries, is under investigation. The community is in shock as what was meant to be a celebration turned into a tragedy.
The House Oversight Committee is questioning White House doctor Dr. Kevin O'Connor amid contrasting reports regarding President Joe Biden's cognitive evaluations.
According to Daily Mail, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer initiated an investigation following various statements about whether President Biden underwent cognitive testing.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden had not taken a test assessing his mental acuity. At the same time, Biden himself mentioned being deemed fine by his physician after a debate.
In a letter to Dr. O'Connor, Rep. Comer highlighted the discrepancies between the White House’s assertions and President Biden's own words. Comer expressed the committee’s intent to understand Dr. O'Connor’s current role at the White House in light of these inconsistencies. An anonymous White House official also indicated to The Washington Post that Dr. O'Connor never recommended the president for a cognitive assessment.
House Republicans are further probing Dr. O'Connor to determine if financial ties influenced his medical evaluations. Comer’s letter noted concerns about Dr. O'Connor's private engagements with the Biden family, suggesting these connections could impact his objectivity.
Rep. Comer emphasized, "The Oversight Committee is concerned your private business endeavors with the Biden family have influenced your medical assessments."
President Biden previously denied any long-term mental health issues during a post-debate television interview. In a conversation with George Stephanopoulos, he also dismissed the necessity of an independent medical review.
The committee’s focus expanded to include Dr. O'Connor’s association with Americore, a healthcare company where Biden’s brother, James Biden, held a principal role. Records disclosed that James Biden transferred $200,000 to President Biden on March 1, 2018, presenting it as repayment for a loan. This transaction has further fueled suspicions among House Republicans about possible conflicts of interest.
The committee's letter reported, "On March 1, 2018, the same day James Biden received the $200,000 wire transfer from Americore into his bank account, James Biden wrote a check to his brother, Joe Biden, for $200,000 for a 'loan repayment.'"
During a transcribed interview, James Biden admitted that Dr. O'Connor provided counsel regarding his business dealings with Americore. The committee aims to clarify if Dr. O'Connor will be able to conduct an independent review of the president’s capacity to serve.
Rep. Comer questioned Dr. O'Connor's ability to deliver unbiased medical opinions given his close connections to the Biden family. The investigation aims to assess whether Dr. O'Connor can impartially review President Biden's health without influence from personal or financial relationships.
"Given your connections with the Biden family, the Committee also seeks to understand if you are in a position to provide accurate and independent reviews of the President's fitness to serve," Comer wrote.
The House Oversight Committee investigates Dr. Kevin O'Connor for discrepancies regarding President Biden's cognitive testing and potential conflicts of interest. The investigation probes whether financial ties with the Biden family and Americore influenced O’Connor’s assessments, with emphasis on his ability to provide impartial medical evaluations.
According to Daily Mail, the administration's previous lack of focus on Harris's development creates substantial obstacles as Democrats search for an alternative to President Joe Biden after his poor debate.
Amid the uproar following President Biden's poor showing at the CNN debate on June 27, Democrats are scrambling to find a viable alternative to the 81-year-old leader. Several prominent figures in the party, including Representative James Clyburn and Senator Laphonza Butler, have suggested Harris should take on former President Donald Trump if Biden decides to step aside.
Former congressman Tim Ryan has echoed calls for immediate action, urging the administration to "rip the Bandaid off" and allow Harris to take a leading role. However, the administration's failure over the past four years to adequately promote Harris as a future leader has made this transition fraught with complex challenges.
In March 2020, during his campaign, Biden presented Harris, Cory Booker, and Gretchen Whitmer as the next generation of Democratic leaders. Biden described himself as a "transition candidate" and promised to pave the way for the future of the party. His endorsement of Harris at that time was strong, calling her a "fearless fighter for the little guy" and one of the nation's finest public servants.
Despite these initial promises, Biden's administration has done little to cultivate Harris’s image as a potential successor. Biden's team often met Questions regarding her readiness with hesitance or deflection, including a significant admission by former chief of staff Ron Klain that promoting a vice president is "always hard."
Jeff Zients, the current chief of staff, faced difficulty citing specific instances where Biden had relied on Harris's input. This has given critics like Tim Ryan further reason to argue that the administration’s lack of support has hindered Harris’s political prospects.
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro is among those pushing for Biden to fulfill his commitment to being a transitional figure. He has emphasized the importance of Biden stepping down to allow a "stronger Democrat candidate" to challenge Trump, warning that "time is running out."
Biden's allies have been quick to defend his intentions and leadership. Nonetheless, the president’s insistence on continuing his campaign, bolstered by support from First Lady Jill Biden, does little to quell the deepening fractures within the Democratic party.
The issues surrounding Harris’s preparation are manifold. Her first year in office saw significant staff turnover and the daunting task of addressing immigration concerns. Critics, including Tim Ryan, argue that the administration has failed to back her adequately on immigration, resulting in the Democratic party losing ground to Republicans on this issue.
Harris has notably gained traction among abortion rights activists, which spurred her favorability before the 2022 midterms. Since the June debate, she has been actively defending Biden and working to alleviate concerns among donors. According to a former adviser, Harris's efforts have intensified in light of Biden's performance, making her visible on "the front lines of the campaign."
However, at least ten Democrats, including Castro, have called for Biden to step down, expressing concerns that voter enthusiasm for Biden is waning. Professor Anthony Fowler suggested that Biden's team might doubt Harris's ability to secure a victory against Trump, which complicates the decision to promote her candidacy. He also observed that voter excitement to support Biden has diminished since he declared himself a one-term "bridge."
The Republican party is also preparing for the potential of a Harris-Trump showdown, with ads targeting Harris already in motion. Fowler emphasized that if there had been greater voter enthusiasm for Biden, the demand for new leadership might not have been as pronounced, even with Biden's earlier statements about transitioning power.
In conclusion, the Democratic party's internal turmoil is centered on Biden's debate performance and the subsequent push for Harris to take the lead. The administration's oversight in Harris’s grooming for leadership continues to haunt them. Prominent Democrats urge Biden to step down as Republicans prepare for a potential Harris-Trump contest. Biden's decision to stay in the race clings to his support from key figures within the party, highlighting persistent divisions within the Democrats.
Breitbart News reported that the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, tested positive for COVID-19.
Emhoff tested positive after experiencing mild symptoms. According to Liza Acevedo, his communications director, Emhoff is fully vaccinated and has received three booster shots. Despite this, he is currently asymptomatic.
This development comes shortly after Emhoff celebrated the Fourth of July at the White House alongside President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
In response to Emhoff's diagnosis, Vice President Kamala Harris underwent a COVID-19 test. She tested negative and remains symptom-free. Acevedo noted, “Out of an abundance of caution, yesterday, the Vice President was tested for COVID-19... She tested negative and remains asymptomatic.”
While the Vice President continues her duties, she is scheduled to appear today at a campaign event in Las Vegas, Nevada. Emhoff, meanwhile, is maintaining remote work and isolating at home to prevent any potential spread.
This is not the first time both Emhoff and Harris have encountered COVID-19. Emhoff previously tested positive in March 2022, while Harris contracted the virus in April 2022. Their repeated encounters with COVID-19 come amidst a continued effort by the White House to manage the pandemic and ensure the safety of government officials.
“We are continuing to follow all public health guidelines and protocols,” Acevedo emphasized as both the Vice President and the Second Gentleman navigated this latest development in the pandemic.
Despite the positive test, Emhoff's commitment to his duties remains steadfast. He continues to work remotely, ensuring that his responsibilities are met while prioritizing public health. His experience with COVID-19 reflects the broader narrative of managing personal health and public duty simultaneously.
Vice President Harris’s negative test result provides reassurance amid these uncertain times. Her continuation of public engagements, including the campaign event in Las Vegas, demonstrates a balance of caution and commitment to her role.
Emhoff’s previous experience with COVID-19 offers insight into navigating the virus’s impact on personal and professional life. Emhoff exemplifies the resilience and adaptability required in such challenging circumstances by following health guidelines.
The second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, has tested positive for COVID-19 but remains asymptomatic, continuing his duties remotely. Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative, remaining symptom-free and active. Emhoff's recent diagnosis follows his previous positive test in March 2022 and Vice President Harris's in April 2022.
The Vice President proceeds with her scheduled engagements, including a campaign event in Las Vegas, while Emhoff isolates and follows health protocols at home. The situation underscores the ongoing vigilance required in managing public health within the highest levels of government.
Breitbart News reported that a group of lawmakers is advocating for President Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee, with support shifting to Vice President Kamala Harris.
The call took place on Sunday afternoon and involved several notable Democrats, including Representative Jerry Nadler of New York, Representative Mark Takano of California, Representative Don Beyer of Virginia, and Representative Adam Smith of Washington.
During this call, the congressmen voiced their concerns regarding Biden's ability to effectively serve another term, suggesting that he should step aside for the benefit of the party.
Political analyst John Bresnahan, co-founder of Punchbowl News, reported the details of this conversation in a post on X, highlighting that the call's participants largely favored Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee. Bresnahan later clarified that an aide to Representative Don Beyer conveyed Beyer's continued support for President Biden but mentioned his openness to backing Harris if Biden decided to withdraw.
Jake Sherman, a founder of Punchbowl News, added further context by sharing comments attributed to Representative Beyer. Beyer was reportedly concerned about Biden's physical and cognitive fragility. He described his state as "very, very fragile" while acknowledging that Biden's handshake remained firm, even though he struggled to articulate cohesive thoughts during conversations.
Sherman’s account included Beyer's perspective on Harris's potential to win in the upcoming election, suggesting that her position as the incumbent would strengthen her candidacy. Beyer emphasized his willingness to support whatever the Democratic leadership deemed necessary for the party's success.
The urgency for Biden to reconsider his candidacy intensified after a contentious debate on June 27 between Biden and former President Donald Trump. This event seemingly amplified the concerns among Democrats, donors, and voters about Biden's capability to lead another term.
Adding to the growing list of critics, Representative Joe Morelle of New York has publicly urged Biden to step aside, expressing doubts about his ability to secure a victory. Bresnahan noted Morelle’s pessimism about Biden’s chances in light of the looming threat posed by a potential Trump candidacy.
Former Obama administration Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro also expressed skepticism, pointing out that Biden no longer demonstrated the same campaigning strength he exhibited in 2020 and warning that a rematch with Trump could result in defeat for the incumbent president.
Representatives Raul Grijalva of Arizona, Angie Craig of Minnesota, and Lloyd Doggett of Texas are among those calling for Biden to withdraw. Their concerns resonate with party segments and align with the growing sentiment that Biden may not be the ideal candidate to lead the party to another victory.
Additionally, Adam Frisch, a congressional candidate from Colorado’s 3rd District, has expressed similar views, further fueling the discourse around Biden’s candidacy. These calls for change underscore a broader debate within the party about its direction and leadership as it prepares for the upcoming election cycle.
This internal discussion within the Democratic Party presents a pivotal moment as Biden faces intensified scrutiny regarding his physical and cognitive readiness for a second term. The growing support for Vice President Harris illustrates an emerging consensus among certain Democratic lawmakers, supporters, and strategists who believe that fresh leadership could better position the party for success in the next election.
Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Jerry Nadler, Mark Takano, Don Beyer, and others have privately suggested that President Joe Biden step aside in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. This recommendation follows concerns about Biden's capacity to serve another term, which intensified after a recent presidential debate with former President Donald Trump.
The U.S. Navy has relieved Capt. Lenard C. Mitchell from his command of the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams’ Gold Crew.
This decision follows an investigation into the vessel’s grounding incident off the coast of West Africa in May 2024.
According to Task & Purpose, the incident occurred on May 9, 2024, near the port of Libreville, Gabon, where the ship experienced a "soft grounding." According to the Navy, the vessel was stuck for about four hours until it was freed by high tide. There were no reported injuries or major damages from this occurrence.
The investigation is still ongoing, but preliminary findings have led to the dismissal of Capt. Mitchell. "While the investigation is still open, sufficient findings of fact emerged during the investigation to warrant the relief of the commanding officer," stated a Navy press release.
This action reflects the Navy’s adherence to holding commanders accountable for mishaps under their watch. Capt. Mitchell, who began his tenure as commanding officer of the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams’ Gold Crew on November 20, 2022, has now been relieved of his duties.
Vice Adm. Thomas E. Ishee, the commander of the 6th Fleet, decided to relieve Mitchell. According to Lt. Cmdr. Jason Tross, a spokesperson for the 6th Fleet, the incident remains under investigation.
The Navy traditionally holds commanding officers to the highest standards, making them answerable for any mishaps occurring on their ships. This year alone, 13 commanding officers have been relieved of their duties, compared to 16 in 2023.
The Navy often employs the phrase "loss of confidence" to explain why an officer or senior enlisted leader is relieved. This is a standard procedure aimed at ensuring accountability and maintaining trust within the ranks.
Capt. Mitchell's career with the Navy began when he enlisted in 1990. He later received his commission through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at Southern University, Baton Rouge.
The investigation into the grounding incident is crucial in understanding the full extent of what happened and how it could have been prevented. The Navy emphasized in its news release that "the U.S. Navy holds commanding officers to the highest standard and takes action to hold them accountable when those standards are not met."
Mitchell's relief underscores the significant responsibilities entrusted to naval leaders, including the safety of their sailors and the operational readiness of their ships. Ensuring that commanders are capable of meeting these standards is a fundamental aspect of naval operations.
The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams, an expeditionary sea base ship, plays a critical role in supporting a variety of naval operations. The incident off the coast of Gabon is a reminder of the challenges faced during regular missions and the importance of command leadership.
Capt. Mitchell's relief from command of the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams’ Gold Crew follows an incident of soft grounding off the coast of West Africa. The vessel was temporarily stuck near Libreville, Gabon, and no injuries or significant damage was reported. The investigation continues, with the Navy emphasizing the standard of accountability expected from its commanding officers. This action by Vice Adm. Thomas E. Ishee highlights the critical responsibilities and expectations placed on naval leaders.
According to a recent poll conducted by the Daily Mail, Senator Tim Scott has emerged as the top choice for Donald Trump's vice president pick.
Scott leads the poll with 13% support among likely voters, while other contenders remain in the mix as speculation mounts ahead of the Republican Party convention next week.
In an unexpected twist, Senator Tim Scott, the only black Republican in the Senate, received 13% support in the Daily Mail survey of 1,000 likely voters. Close on his heels, foreign policy expert Senator Marco Rubio and former neurosurgeon Ben Carson each garnered 12% support.
Adding to the intrigue, Senator J.D. Vance and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum each received 4% support. Notably, the top three candidates remained consistent when the pool of voters was filtered to just Republicans.
Speculation regarding Trump's vice president selection intensified late last month when the former president hinted that his decision had been made and suggested that the chosen candidate would join him at the first presidential debate in Atlanta, Georgia. However, Trump's team has been tight-lipped since then, withholding further details.
During a recent appearance on Fox News, Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller suggested that the announcement could come at any moment. "It could happen anytime this week," Miller remarked.
The latest poll data also coincide with a J.L. Partners survey showing Trump expanding his lead over President Biden by two points, now standing six points ahead following the presidential debate. Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Miami on Tuesday, followed by another in Pennsylvania on Saturday, adding to the mounting anticipation.
Within Trump's inner circle, differing opinions abound regarding the ideal vice president candidate. Influential figures such as Steve Bannon advocated for Burgum, while Donald Trump Jr. and influencer Charlie Kirk rallied behind Vance. Meanwhile, Kellyanne Conway throws her support behind Rubio.
Trump campaign senior adviser Brian Hughes acknowledged the high stakes of the decision. "As President Trump has said himself, the top criteria in selecting a vice president is a strong leader who will make a great president for eight years after his next four-year term concludes," Hughes noted.
Furthermore, Hughes warned that any claims about knowing Trump's choice or timeline are unfounded. "But anyone telling you they know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying unless that person is named Donald J. Trump," he added.
The Republican Party convention, scheduled for next week, is expected to center heavily on Trump's vice president pick, with his team maintaining a calculated silence on the matter. The nation watches closely as Trump inches closer to making the pivotal decision, a choice that will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the upcoming election and the broader political landscape.
As excitement bubbles over Scott’s lead in the Daily Mail poll, one can only speculate how this potential selection might resonate with voters long-term. Will the sole black Republican in the Senate bring the diversification Trump's campaign seeks? Or will Trump's final nod go towards foreign policy acumen or conservative ideological alignment?
Tim Scott leads the Daily Mail poll for Trump's likely VP with 13% support, followed closely by Marco Rubio and Ben Carson with 12%. Speculation grows as the Republican Party convention approaches, with a final decision expected soon. The nation eagerly awaits Trump's VP pick, with every public appearance analyzed for hints. Upcoming rallies and the convention will be key in revealing the decision.
According to Breitbart News, French President Emmanuel Macron has refused the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.
Despite pressure from far-left factions following a surprising legislative victory for the New Popular Front, Macron aims to maintain political stability amidst significant challenges.
The rejection of Attal's resignation has stirred intense political discourse. Far-left groups have demanded that Macron either appoint a prime minister from their ranks or resign himself.
This follows legislative elections that saw an unexpected victory for the New Popular Front, a coalition of communists, environmentalists, and socialists led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
The elections were strategically held to prevent the National Rally party from gaining a parliamentary majority. Macron's strategy appears to have worked, as the National Rally's president, Jordan Bardella, was effectively sidelined from becoming the prime minister. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, the youngest and first openly gay prime minister in France, had offered his resignation Monday morning.
However, Macron reportedly persuaded Attal to remain in office. According to Le Figaro, Macron emphasized the critical need for Attal to "ensure the stability of the country." This decision underscores Macron's focus on political steadiness at a time of heightened tension and economic uncertainty.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the New Popular Front, has been vocal in his demands. He insists that Macron either appoint a prime minister from far-left ranks or step down. Mathilde Panot, spokeswoman for the New Popular Front, echoed Mélenchon's sentiments, asserting that he should be "absolutely not be disqualified" from consideration.
France's economic situation is another significant factor in this political equation. The country faces a daunting national debt of approximately 3 trillion euros, equivalent to about 110% of its GDP. The New Popular Front's intentions to reverse recent pension reforms add to the risk of exacerbating the debt crisis.
Outgoing economy minister Bruno Le Maire has issued dire warnings about the economic ramifications if the New Popular Front takes power. Le Maire cautioned about an "immediate risk" of a financial crisis and potential economic decline. This financial instability compounds the political volatility, creating an increasingly precarious landscape.
Le Maire further emphasized the ideological rift within the nation. He warned that without addressing this ideological divide, France could face a severe regime crisis. His concerns highlight the broader stakes at play in this ongoing political struggle.
The far-left's calls for representation in the highest levels of government are not unfounded. Mélenchon's leadership has revitalized the left, garnering significant support in the recent elections. Panot pointed out that Mélenchon has "reignited hope" within leftist circles, crediting him for the New Popular Front's existence and electoral success.
This newfound momentum has given the far-left a stronger voice in French politics. Their demands for representation are grounded in their substantial electoral gains and the legitimacy of their leaders. The political clamor for representation underscores the evolving dynamics within the French political sphere.
President Emmanuel Macron's decision to retain Prime Minister Gabriel Attal amid far-left pressure shows his commitment to political stability. The New Popular Front's unexpected legislative election victory challenges the status quo, while Macron's actions prevent the National Rally from gaining a parliamentary majority. France faces economic challenges, and political tensions reveal a deep ideological divide.
The return of in-person Republican and Democratic national conventions for the first time since 2016 provides the Secret Service with a daunting task.
As reported by the Washington Examiner, the Secret Service director confessed that the current political environment is different from that of 2020, but the agency is ready to manage security for the upcoming RNC and DNC conventions.
The 2024 conventions mark the first in-person gatherings for Republicans and Democrats since 2016. The Secret Service is making extensive preparations, taking into account the heightened political polarization and incidents of civil unrest since the last full-scale conventions.
The Republican National Convention (RNC) is set to begin in Milwaukee in a week, followed by the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago five weeks later. Previous conventions in 2020 were largely virtual, with limited in-person attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key events in the past few years have influenced current preparations. These include the summer 2020 civil unrest, the January 6 Capitol riot, and anti-Israel protests starting from October 7, 2023. These incidents have been factored into the comprehensive security strategies for the 2024 conventions.
Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service Director, emphasized the evolving political environment:
I think it plays into it. I think that the environment that we’re dealing with today is certainly different than it was four years ago. There’s nothing specific and nothing credible out there right now, but we are tracking all threat streams, and we certainly work with our partners at the FBI and other intelligence agencies that supply that information to us.
Protests are anticipated at both conventions. There are expectations of significant protests during the RNC in Milwaukee. Additionally, anti-Israel protesters have announced plans to gather in Chicago during the DNC.
The Secret Service is taking proactive measures to prevent any chaotic incidents reminiscent of the infamous 1968 DNC in Chicago. These preparations are intricately aligned with the modern political climate, ensuring safety and security.
Cheatle remained optimistic about the upcoming events. She stated she is “absolutely confident” that both conventions will proceed without major disturbances or incidents.
The acceptance speeches will be a significant highlight of the conventions. Former President Donald Trump is expected to accept the GOP nomination on July 18. A few weeks later, President Joe Biden will likely accept the Democratic nomination on August 22.
Biden's potential nomination has sparked some concerns within the Democratic Party. Some Democrats are anxious due to his recent poor debate performance, which has led to discussions about his viability as the nominee.
Beyond the nominee's concerns, these conventions signal a resumed sense of normalcy in the political process. They serve as a critical platform for both parties to unite, strategize, and present their plans to the American public amidst a politically charged atmosphere.
As the RNC and DNC approach, all eyes will be on the thoroughness of the Secret Service’s preparations. With the heightened political tension and historical context, the aim is to carry out these significant events securely and smoothly. The in-person conventions stand as a testament to resilience in the face of political division. They also represent an opportunity for public engagement and democratic participation that previous years' restrictions had stifled.
According to The Independent, neonatal nurse Lucy Letby was sentenced to a whole-life order for the attempted murder of a premature baby girl at Countess of Chester Hospital.
This latest conviction adds to Letby’s existing life terms for multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. The incident took place in February 2016 when Letby, 34, dislodged the breathing tube of a newborn, referred to as Child K, who had been born at just 25 weeks, weighing 692 grams.
Child K tragically passed away three days later after being moved to a specialist unit. This heinous act was discovered by Dr. Ravi Jayaram, a Consultant pediatrician, who reportedly "caught" Letby “virtually red-handed.”
At Manchester Crown Court on Friday, Mr. Justice Goss delivered sentencing remarks highlighting Letby’s methodical and emotionless cruelty. He emphasized that Letby has shown no regret for her actions.
Justice Goss stated, "It was another shocking act of calculated, callous cruelty,” underscoring the severity of her actions over the years. Despite her sentencing, Letby continued to proclaim her innocence, maintaining this stance as she was led out of the courtroom.
This retrial for the attempted murder charge was necessitated after the initial jury could not reach a verdict. The second jury took three and a half hours to convict Letby of the crime.
During the trial, Prosecutor Nick Johnson KC read the judge's remarks detailing Letby’s actions and their lethal consequences. Letby had initially been charged with Child K's murder, but this charge was dropped in June 2022. The Court heard how Dr. Jayaram intervened in the early hours, resuscitating Child K around 3:45 am after discovering her deteriorating state.
Lucy Letby is currently serving 14 whole-life terms for the killings of seven infants and the attempted killings of seven more, making her one of Britain's most notorious serial killers.
Cheshire Constabulary continues its extensive review of the care provided to approximately 4,000 babies admitted to the hospital's neonatal unit during Letby’s employment. In addition, a corporate manslaughter investigation is being conducted at the hospital, and a public inquiry into Letby’s criminal activities is expected to commence on September 10 at Liverpool Town Hall.
Nichola Wyn Williams, the senior crown prosecutor, described the complexity and harrowing nature of the case, asserting that Letby used her expertise as a nurse to become a killer.
Williams commented, “This has been an incredibly difficult, complex and disturbing case. A trained nurse tasked with looking after the most vulnerable babies used her craft and her skills to become a killer.” Justice Goss and Prosecutor Johnson both underscored Letby’s utter lack of remorse and her cold denial of guilt throughout the trial.
With her Court of Appeal bid to challenge her previous convictions rejected in May, Letby’s fate is now sealed as she faces the remainder of her life behind bars. The continuation of inquiries and investigations into the broader implications of her actions signals an ongoing pursuit of justice and assurance of safety protocols in neonatal care.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Lucy Letby for yet another horrific crime involving the attempted murder of a premature baby adds to her list of life sentences for similar acts of cruelty. This case remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present in medical care for infants and the ongoing necessity for vigilant oversight and thorough investigative practices.