Breaking News Live Updates, June 19: At least 13 people were killed in an attack on an airport in Niger's capital, Niamey. The assault left 11 soldiers and 2 civilians dead. Meanwhile, a US military strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed three people, continuing the Trump administration's campaign against alleged traffickers. President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three veterans for heroism in Vietnam and Afghanistan. In other news, Luigi Mangione's lawyers reversed course and said they will not pursue a psychiatric defence. A federal judge ordered ICE to release a Wisconsin mosque leader, citing a substantial free speech claim.
Attack on Niger's Capital Airport
An attack at the airport in Niger's capital left 11 soldiers and 2 civilians dead, according to reports. The incident marks a significant escalation in violence in the region. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
US Strike on Drug Boat
The US military attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Thursday, killing three people. This strike brings the number of people killed in US military attacks on boats to at least 211 since the administration began targeting alleged “narcoterrorists” in early September.
Trump Awards Medal of Honor
US President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three veterans on Thursday, recognizing acts of heroism during military operations in Vietnam and Afghanistan. The recipients were James Capers Jr., Nicholas Dockery, and posthumously John W. Ripley, who died in 2008. “These are great men, great people,” Trump said during the ceremony.
Luigi Mangione Drops Psychiatric Defence
Lawyers for Luigi Mangione told a court that he will not pursue a psychiatric defence, a day after informing the judge that such a defence would be considered. The reversal came as a surprise in the ongoing case.
Judge Orders Release of Mosque Leader
A federal judge on Thursday ordered immigration authorities to release Salah Sarsour from detention, finding that he had raised a “substantial” claim that he was being targeted for advocating Palestinian rights. Sarsour, a Palestinian-born lawful permanent resident of the US, was detained by ICE agents on March 30. The government argued he poses a foreign policy threat, but his lawyers contended he was targeted for speaking out against Israel.
