Category: News

A newly-installed pedestrian bridge in Miami collapsed near Florida International University on Thursday afternoon, where several people died instantly and others were injured, Highway Patrol officials told local NBC News affiliate WTVJ.

According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department officials, eight cars were trapped under the bridge. Eight people who were also injured in the accident have been transferred to the hospital, with ‘a lot of serious injuries,’ Miami-Dade police officials said.

The Police immediately called doctors and nurses on the scene:

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Police calling doctors and nurses to the scene. @MiamiHerald pic.twitter.com/lgvkNTdQSJ

— Monique O. Madan (@MoniqueOMadan) March 15, 2018

CBS Miami reports, that the bridge, located on 109th Avenue, just went up on Saturday, weighed 950 tons. The pedestrian bridge was supposed to be finished in early 2019.

The bridge provided pedestrians a pathway from FIU’s main campus to an off-campus area where thousands of students live, Miami Herald reports.

A few footages emerged from the scene on social media:

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THE FIU BRIDGE COLLAPSED OH MY GOD pic.twitter.com/JO7jfx5AoN

— Gabriela Collazo (@GabrielaRose12) March 15, 2018

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BREAKING: A portion of a new pedestrian bridge has collapsed in Miami, "mass causalities" reported. NBC-affiliate WTVJ:

– Bridge is located near Florida International University
– Bridge was not yet open
– Several cars believed to be trapped beneath the bridge pic.twitter.com/ZgvBiqyG6R

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) March 15, 2018

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Emergency crews respond to collapsed pedestrian bridge at Florida International University in Miami, FL. Several people were killed, officials say. https://t.co/3kekuhxuF7 pic.twitter.com/hYupV1ctDK

— ABC News (@ABC) March 15, 2018

Just a few days before the newly-installed pedestrian bridge collapsed, FIU reportedly published footage of its construction. ‘First-of-its-kind pedestrian bridge ‘swings’ into place. FIU is about building bridges and student safety’:

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First-of-its-kind pedestrian bridge “swings” into place. “FIU is about building bridges and student safety. This project accomplishes our mission beautifully,” -President Mark B. Rosenberg. https://t.co/x8gPM9A4DG #worldsahead pic.twitter.com/mPEMeh2zmw

— FIU (@FIU) March 10, 2018

The construction was built using Accelerated Bridge Construction methods, which reduce ‘potential risks to workers, commuters, and pedestrians and minimizes traffic interruptions,’ the FIU press release told.

‘FIU is about building bridges and student safety. This project accomplishes our mission beautifully. We are filled with pride and satisfaction at seeing this engineering feat come to life and connect our campus to the surrounding community where thousands of our students live.’ FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg said in the release.

Florida International University released a statement, in which they are saying:

‘We are shocked and saddened by the tragic events unfolding at the FIU-Sweetwater pedestrian bridge. At this time we are still involved in rescue efforts and gathering information. We are working closely with authorities and first responders on the scene.’

The Munilla Corporation, which designed and built the pedestrian bridge, released a statement saying that they would investigate what happened:

https://twitter.com/WeAreMCM/status/974362954828255232

May joyful memories of those lost bring comfort to those they have left behind. May the injured make full recoveries. Thankfully this bridge was not yet open for use as there would, most likely, be significantly more injured and dead.

A tour helicopter crushed into the East River in New York City on Sunday night, as reported by local authorities and news agencies. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter crushed down in the river near Roosevelt Island at 7 p.m.

Here is a YouTube video of the red tour helicopter splashing down in the river and go belly-up as its rotors hack at the water.

Only two Eurocopter AS350’s are registered with the FAA in the area and both of them belong to the New Jersey parent company of tour operator Fly Liberty Charters, FAA records show. Fly Liberty was not available for comment at the moment.

Police reports say that at least two persons were killed and one was rescued from the water. Witnesses said that the pilot climbed out of the sinking helicopter and screamed for help.

‘There was about a minute where we didn’t see anyone come out, then after a minute we saw a man come out holding onto a raft screaming, ‘Help! help! Ah!’ and then inaudible screams… It was horrifying.’ said witness Brianna Jesme according to The New York Post.

Sources say that the pilot had called in a emergency to the La-Guardia Airport air-traffic control tower before crashing into the water.

Witness Mary Lee, age 66, told The New York Post that she saw the helicopter go down from her apartment window and said that she ‘immediately thought someone was in there and not going to live… it’s cold water, it was sinking really fast.’

‘By the time we got out here, we couldn’t see it. It was under water.’ she added.

The Federal Aviation Administration stated that ‘The helicopter reportedly is inverted in the water. Local authorities will confirm the number of people on board, their names and conditions’.

https://twitter.com/jpaljasma/status/972983258517573632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2018%2F03%2F11%2Fus%2Fnew-york-city-helicopter-accident%2Findex.html

The probable cause of the incident will be determined by The National Transportation Safety Board after the search and rescue operation.

Right after the last school shooting in Florida happened, some of the companies decided to raise the age restriction for buying firearms of any kind.

And it is an awesome move by them. Step by step we can all contribute to greater security for our fellow citizens, young people, and adults.

Kroger, Walmart, and Dick’s are the first companies who already announced that they will not allow the sale of rifles to customers who are under 21 year, despite the fact that federal law allows it to 18,19, and 20-year-olds.

A lawsuit has been filed against Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods by the 20-year-old Tyler Watson for refusing to sell him a rifle, due to their new policy.

Willamette Week reports that the lawsuit against Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods seeks for them to ‘stop unlawfully discriminating against 18, 19, and 20-year-old customers at all Oregon locations’ and is looking for exemplary damages because of the ‘willful nature of the discrimination.’

According to NBC News, the riffle which Tyler Watson was attempting to buy chambered the .22 caliber round, is one of the smallest calibers that are available on the market currently.

Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove was very clear over their new policy, saying that they stand behind their decision and will defend it.

‘We stand behind our decision and plan to defend it. While we haven’t seen the complaint, we will respond as appropriate with the court.’ – Hargrove said.

In their announcement, in addition to the conditions for a higher age, Walmart also will remove some items from their website ‘resembling assault-style rifles, including nonlethal airsoft guns and toys.’

We completely agree with Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods new rules, because they are sovereign corporations and have the right to set their own rules.

After the last mass shooting that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, these new policies by those companies should be cherished and respected if we really want to reduce the number of innocent victims of mass shootings in our country.

We hope that these new policies by Walmart and Dick’s will be also followed by the other companies that sell firearms and similar items.

Real drama happened in Oswego, Illinois after a pregnant woman and her husband were attacked on the street by a man with a knife.

The drama started when the pregnant woman who lives in the building of the apartment complex ordered pizza and went outside to meet the delivery guy. She was intercepted by a man with the knife who started to tackle with her, even tho she told him that she was nine months pregnant. The attacker stabbed her husband and nicked her leg with the knife.

Dave Thomas, 41, a National Rifle Association instructor was looking out the door and saw blood in the hallway in-front of his apartment, after which he went to his bedroom and took his AR-15.

‘I teach people how to defend themselves, and it was just a reaction to grab the AR-15,’ Thomas stated, according to the Aurora Beacon-News. ‘He was a half a breath away from getting his head blown off and he knew that. That’s why he put the knife down.’

After the drama finished, Kendall County Sheriff’s deputies arrived and arrested the man suspected of stabbing his neighbor. A woman who was with the suspected attacker, was also arrested.

The pregnant woman’s husband was immediately transferred to the hospital where he was treated and released, after the doctors made sure that his life was out of danger, according to the sheriff’s office.

‘He told me he was gonna kill my baby — while his hand was covered in my husband’s blood,’ the unidentified woman said.

The attacker Jacob Currey, and his companion Alyssa Wright were both charged with aggravated battery and mob action — both felonies.

Dave Thomas, 41, the NRA instructor who intervened to stop the attack, got the credit by Kendall County Sheriff Detective Bryan Harl for preventing the situation from getting even worse.

‘He did in the moment what he thought was going to de-escalate this situation and stop any further violence or loss of life and for that he is to be praised,’ – Detective Bryan Harl said, according to the Aurora Beacon-News.

National Rifle Association instructor Dave Thomas has a valid firearm owner’s ID card and a concealed carry permit, according to the sheriff’s office.

Do you think that the AR-15 changed the outcome of this incident? Let us know in the comment section below!

Dana Loesch, the current spokeswoman for the NRA was confronted with the anti-gun activists from Stoneman Douglas High School, which happened at the CNN’s town hall on Wednesday.

During the conversation with student Emma Gonzalez, Loesch pointed to the failure of states to submit convictions to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System as a reason people with mental illness and dangerous people are able to get guns and other deadly weapons in their hands.

“This individual was nuts. And I, nor the millions of people that I represent as a part of this organization that I’m here speaking for, none of us support people who are crazy, who are a danger to themselves, who are a danger to others getting their hands on a firearm,” NRA’s Dana Loesch said. “And we have been for over 20 years and I have been screaming about this which is why I’m here. Because I have kids and I’m not just fighting for my kids, I’m fighting for all of you. Do you know that it is not federally required for states to actually report people who are prohibited possessors, crazy people, people who are murderers?”

The student Emma Gonzalez carefully listened to Dana Loesch’s point, but most of the crowd started to make noise, after what Gonzalez asked them to be quiet.

“How was he able to pass a background check? He was able to pass a background check because we have a system that’s flawed. The Sutherland Springs murderer was able to pass a background check because the Air Force did not report that record,” Dana Loesch added.

Here is a video of the interview, be sure to watch it:

Emma Gonzalez interrupted Dana Loesch and asked he to repeat the question.

“I think I’m going to interrupt you real quick and remind you that the question is actually, do you believe it should be harder to obtain these semiautomatic weapons and modifications to make them fully automatic, such as bump stocks?” Emma Gonzalez asked NRA’s, Dana Loesch.

Dana Loesch emphasized the position of the NRA, which is allowing the federal law enforcement organization(ATF) to reconsider a ban on bump stocks. Spread this everywhere if you agree with Dana Loesch.

One of the worlds most famous evangelists, Rev. Billy Graham died Wednesday at the age of 99. Graham was an international media darling and America’s pastor. He was a preacher to many presidents and the voice of confort in many times of national greef.

Just a few hours before Billy Graham passed away, his Facebook page posted a powerful mesageabout wandering away from God.

‘If you went for a walk in the woods, but then decided to wander off the path, and found yourself surrounded by a thicket of thorns and poison ivy, who would you blame? Would you blame the person who built the path? No, of course not. Instead you’d blame yourself if you were honest, because you alone were responsible for wandering from the path. In a far deeper way, this is what happens when we decide to leave God out of our lives. For a time, it may seem like wandering away from Him doesn’t make any difference; it may even seem easier and freer. But eventually it catches up with us—just as wandering off that path and into the thicket caught up with you.’ —Billy Graham #BG100

Christian evangelist Graham was one of the most influential preachers of the 20th century. He was well known for his direct delivery of the message of Christ and the Christian gospel.

Billy Graham ones spoke of his own death and said ‘I am not going to Heaven because I have preached to great crowds or read the Bible many times. I’m going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: ‘Lord, remember me.’

President Trump posted a tweet Wednesday to express his condolences. ‘There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.’

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The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018

Susan Harding, an anthropologist at the University of California-Santa Cruz also had a few things to say about Rev. Graham ‘He was so real, he made Christianity come true,‘ she said. ‘He was homespun, historical and newsworthy all at once. He could span the times from Christ to today, from the globe to you, all in one sentence.’

Graham’s reputation was untouched by financial or sex scandals. His last crusade was in New York City on June 2005, where he drew 242,000 people to Flushing Meadows. 8,786 of them made a new commitment to Christ and thousands more renewed or rejoiced in their faith.

Heaven is rejoicing today! RIP Billy Graham!

Peter Wang, Junior ROTC (JROTC) cadet was shot and killed while trying to save other students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This brave young boy gave his life saving his school mates and people are voicing their complete support for him to be buried with full military honors.

The 15 year old Peter was a proud member of the school’s JROTC program and dreamed of attending West Point so he can be of “service to our country.”

During the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, he held the door open so other students could safely escape. Unfortunately, he couldn’t escape with the other students and died after being shot multiple times, reported The Sun-Senitel.

‘He is so brave. He is the person who is genuinely kind to everyone. He doesn’t care about popularity,’ Lin Chen his 24-year-old cousin told the Sun-Sentinel.‘He always liked to cheer people up. He is like the big brother everyone wished they had.’

Fox News made a report on this case saying that unfortunately ROTC does not provide basic military training and therefore isn’t considered to be “in the military.” But this did not stop more than 30,000 to believe Wang’s bravery earned full military honors and have taken their request to the United States government.

‘His selfless and heroic actions have led to the survival of dozens in the area,’ said a petition on White House.gov. ‘Wang died a hero and deserves to be treated as such and deserves a full honors military burial.’

In order for the White House to consider and respond to this request, the petition for Peter Wang’s funeral requires 100,000 signatures in 30 days.

‘A military funeral would really help the family,’ Jesse Pan, a family friend told the New York Daily News. ‘They are devastated’ he added.

Jesse Pan also added that Wang’s parents are Chinese immigrants and moved to Parkland specifically so their son could join the JROTC program. Peter wanted to be a role model for his younger brothers.

‘I want people to know that he died a hero’ Aiden Ortiz, one of Peter Wang’s close friends told ABC News 10.

If military option is not available, than he could receive the Presidential medal of freedom post mortem. This medal is given to civilians that have done much less than this brave young boy. Spread this everywhere if you agree and let’s send our prayers for this young soul! Amen.

39 CALLS were directed to the gunman’s home since 2010! The Government has failed seriously here!

The local Florida media revealed that the law enforcement called the gunman Nikolas Cruz over 30 times in the last several years. This is quite a lot! Can we ask someone, why no action was taken when, there were, obviously, warning signs that were pretty much significant!

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PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — Florida sheriff says his office received about 20 calls regarding school gunman over the past few years.

— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) February 16, 2018

Since 2010, Broward County Sheriff’s deputies, at least 39 times since 2018, were called to the gunman’s home. The sheriff’s office said that it received approximately 20 calls about Cruz over the past years! It is not very clear though if some of the 20 calls they received overlapped with the 39 times when the Cruz’s home was visited by the sheriff’s disputes or if they were separate incidents.

There was a five month period, starting in September 2017, when the FBI failed multiple times after they received tips about the gunman a couple of times. And again, nothing was done!

The FBI admitted that they received a serious tip last month and failed to follow protocol and that they could prevent 17 people from dying! The Florida Governor Rick called for FBI Director Christopher Wray to resign from his position because of this incident due to the fact that this failure of FBI was significantly bad!

Nikolas Cruz walked into the high school with an AR-15 rifle and fired faculty members and students while he was walking through the school hallways.

After the massacre, Cruz attempted to escape blending in with the students fleeing the school. After that he walked in a Walmart, bought a drink at a Subway and went to a nearby McDonald’s.

About an hour after the massacre, Cruz was captured in a nearby neighborhood. He was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder, and according to court documents, he confessed the shooting.