US Attorney General Todd Blanche has launched a new Justice Department programme allowing some people with felony convictions to seek restoration of their federal right to own firearms, opening a new and potentially contentious chapter in the Trump administration's Second Amendment agenda.The DOJ said the initiative will allow people who lost their federal firearm rights because of qualifying criminal convictions to apply for restoration. The department expects as many as 330,000 applications under the new process.<h2>Not a second-class right</h2>Blanche defended the move by arguing that constitutional rights should not be permanently taken away without considering whether an individual currently poses a threat."The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and the federal government should not permanently deprive Americans of a constitutional right without regard to whether they pose a danger to public safety," Blanche said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/someday-your-children-will-white-house-attacks-cnn-reporter-after-question-about-trump-aide-natalie-harp-1787018113542">'Someday, your children will...': White House attacks CNN reporter after question about Trump aide Natalie Harp</a><h2>Who can apply?</h2>The programme is aimed at people who are federally prohibited from possessing firearms because of their criminal records. The DOJ says certain categories will remain excluded, including undocumented immigrants, registered sex offenders, and people convicted of violent crimes.Notably, the programme does not automatically return gun rights. Applications will be reviewed individually, with public safety taken into account.<h2>The public safety question</h2>The move comes against a complicated backdrop. Research published in the BMJ Group's Injury Prevention has found that prohibited people do sometimes continue to possess firearms despite legal bans.A study using California data found that, as of February 2015, nearly 19,000 prohibited people possessed almost 50,000 firearms, 92per cent of them handguns. Researchers used those figures to estimate that around 100,000 prohibited firearm owners nationally may have possessed guns. The estimate is not a count of all convicted felons who own guns, but an extrapolation based on California data.Another Injury Prevention study found that among firearm offenders in 13 states, people already prohibited from owning guns were far less likely to have obtained their weapons from licensed dealers. Only 3.9 per cent obtained their firearm from a licensed dealer, compared with 19.9 per cent among offenders who were not prohibited.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/within-30-days-trump-top-envoy-jared-kushner-gives-timeline-for-hamas-disarmament-in-gaza-1787014649346">'Within 30 days': Trump top envoy Jared Kushner gives timeline for Hamas disarmament in Gaza</a><h2>Gun deaths remain a major US issue</h2>The debate is unfolding as firearm deaths remain a major public health concern in the United States. According to the CDC, 44,447 people died from firearm injuries in 2024. Of those, 27,593 were firearm suicides, and 15,364 were firearm homicides.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has opened a new path for some people with felony convictions to seek restoration of their federal gun rights. But who qualifies, who remains excluded and how will the Justice Department decide whether an applicant is a public safety risk?

US Attorney General Todd Blanche has launched a new Justice Department programme allowing some people with felony convictions to seek restoration of their federal right to own firearms, opening a new and potentially contentious chapter in the Trump administration's Second Amendment agenda. The DOJ said the initiative will allow people who lost their federal firearm rights because of qualifying criminal convictions to apply for restoration. The department expects as many as 330,000 applications under the new process. Not a second-class right Blanche defended the move by arguing that constitutional rights should not be permanently taken away without considering whether an individual currently poses a threat. "The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and the federal government should not permanently deprive Americans of a constitutional right without regard to whether they pose a danger to public safety," Blanche said. Also read | 'Someday, your children will...': White House attacks CNN reporter after question about Trump aide Natalie Harp Who can apply? The programme is aimed at people who are federally prohibited from possessing firearms because of their criminal records. The DOJ says certain categories will remain excluded, including undocumented immigrants, registered sex offenders, and people convicted of violent crimes. Notably, the programme does not automatically return gun rights. Applications will be reviewed individually, with public safety taken into account. The public safety question The move comes against a complicated backdrop. Research published in the BMJ Group's Injury Prevention has found that prohibited people do sometimes continue to possess firearms despite legal bans. A study using California data found that, as of February 2015, nearly 19,000 prohibited people possessed almost 50,000 firearms, 92per cent of them handguns. Researchers used those figures to estimate that around 100,000 prohibited firearm owners nationally may have possessed guns. The estimate is not a count of all convicted felons who own guns, but an extrapolation based on California data. Another Injury Prevention study found that among firearm offenders in 13 states, people already prohibited from owning guns were far less likely to have obtained their weapons from licensed dealers. Only 3.9 per cent obtained their firearm from a licensed dealer, compared with 19.9 per cent among offenders who were not prohibited. Also read | 'Within 30 days': Trump top envoy Jared Kushner gives timeline for Hamas disarmament in Gaza Gun deaths remain a major US issue The debate is unfolding as firearm deaths remain a major public health concern in the United States. According to the CDC, 44,447 people died from firearm injuries in 2024. Of those, 27,593 were firearm suicides, and 15,364 were firearm homicides.

The Trump administration has opened a new path for some people with felony convictions to seek restoration of their federal gun rights. But who qualifies, who remains excluded and how will the Justice Department decide whether an applicant is a public safety risk?

‘Second Amendment not a second-class right’: Trump DOJ moves to restore gun rights for convicted felons

At least six people were killed in a series of shootings that unfolded across eastern Mississippi in the United States, authorities said on Saturday (10 Jan). The Law enforcement agencies took a suspect into custody, ensuring that there was no threat to the community.&nbsp;Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scoot on Facebook said that multiple innocent lives were lost due to violence in the town of West Point, near the Alabama border.&nbsp;A suspect has been taken into custody, and there is no threat to the community, the Sheriff wrote.&nbsp;“I ask that you lift our victims and their families in your prayers. Law Enforcement is busy investigating and will release an update as soon as possible,” he said.&nbsp;The Sheriff's office did not provide any additional details on the incident or victims as of early Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;(This is a developing story; further details are awaited)&nbsp;

Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scoot said a suspect has been taken into custody, and there is no threat to the community.

At least six people were killed in a series of shootings that unfolded across eastern Mississippi in the United States, authorities said on Saturday (10 Jan). The Law enforcement agencies took a suspect into custody, ensuring that there was no threat to the community. Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scoot on Facebook said that multiple innocent lives were lost due to violence in the town of West Point, near the Alabama border. A suspect has been taken into custody, and there is no threat to the community, the Sheriff wrote. “I ask that you lift our victims and their families in your prayers. Law Enforcement is busy investigating and will release an update as soon as possible,” he said. The Sheriff's office did not provide any additional details on the incident or victims as of early Sunday. (This is a developing story; further details are awaited)

Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scoot said a suspect has been taken into custody, and there is no threat to the community.

Six killed in shooting spree in eastern Mississippi; suspect detained

A shooting outside a church building in the United States' Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday (Jan 7) has left two people dead and several others injured. Local media reports suggest that the gunfire erupted in the parking lot of a meetinghouse belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon Church.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-ice-shooting-woman-shot-in-face-by-ice-agent-identified-as-renee-nicole-good-all-we-know-about-her-1767834405663">Minneapolis ICE shooting: Woman 'shot in face' by ICE agent identified as Renee Nicole Good. All we know about her</a><h2>What happened?</h2>According to a Reuters report, a funeral was taking place inside the building when the shooting ensued. Speaking to the publication, &nbsp;Glen Mills, a spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, "There was a funeral taking place at the church. Out in the parking lot, there was some sort of altercation took and that's when shots were fired."Confirming reports of a shooting, the Salt Lake City Police Department on X said that officers were present on scene of a shooting at 660 N. Redwood Road. They revealed that two people were killed in the shooting incident and at least six were injured, with at least 3 in critical condition.&nbsp; Authorities said no suspect was in custody as of Wednesday evening. “The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads and are working to locate those involved,” said the police department, urging the public to call in with any information they may have. Police have launched an extensive manhunt for the suspects involved. Meanwhile, the FBI has stepped in, offering help to local police. As the investigation continues, Redwood Road has been “closed in both directions from 500 N to 700 N”. Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/minneapolis-on-edge-ice-agent-shot-renee-nicole-good-in-the-face-just-blocks-from-where-george-floyd-was-killed-by-police-1767837077854">Minneapolis on edge: ICE agent shot Renee Good 'in the face,' just blocks from where police killed George Floyd</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-dnt="true" align="center">We are on scene of a shooting at 660 N. Redwood Road. 2 people were killed and at least 6 more have been injured with at least 3 of those in critical condition. The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads and are working to locate those… <a href="https://t.co/SleDVievfv">pic.twitter.com/SleDVievfv</a>&mdash; Salt Lake City Police Department (@slcpd) <a href="https://twitter.com/slcpd/status/2009123648540725416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Gunfire erupted outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City during a funeral, killing two people and wounding others.

A shooting outside a church building in the United States' Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday (Jan 7) has left two people dead and several others injured. Local media reports suggest that the gunfire erupted in the parking lot of a meetinghouse belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon Church. Also read | Minneapolis ICE shooting: Woman 'shot in face' by ICE agent identified as Renee Nicole Good. All we know about her What happened? According to a Reuters report, a funeral was taking place inside the building when the shooting ensued. Speaking to the publication, Glen Mills, a spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, "There was a funeral taking place at the church. Out in the parking lot, there was some sort of altercation took and that's when shots were fired." Confirming reports of a shooting, the Salt Lake City Police Department on X said that officers were present on scene of a shooting at 660 N. Redwood Road. They revealed that two people were killed in the shooting incident and at least six were injured, with at least 3 in critical condition. Authorities said no suspect was in custody as of Wednesday evening. “The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads and are working to locate those involved,” said the police department, urging the public to call in with any information they may have. Police have launched an extensive manhunt for the suspects involved. Meanwhile, the FBI has stepped in, offering help to local police. As the investigation continues, Redwood Road has been “closed in both directions from 500 N to 700 N”. Also read | Minneapolis on edge: ICE agent shot Renee Good 'in the face,' just blocks from where police killed George Floyd

Gunfire erupted outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City during a funeral, killing two people and wounding others.

Two killed in shooting outside Mormon church in Salt Lake City, suspect at large

Idaho authorities on Sunday night (Jun 29) found a "deceased male" near a "firearm" on Canfield Mountain. The discovery comes after at least two firefighters were killed in what was an apparent ambush as they responded to a wildfire in the northwestern US state of Idaho. During an early morning press conference on Monday (Jun 30), the Kootenai Sheriff's Office said that based on the preliminary assessment, they believe there was only one shooter. They also said that the assailant's body had to be moved to another location because the wildfire was still blazing on the mountain. The identity of the suspect is yet to be released.Watch | Idaho ambush: Two firefighters killed while responding to brush fire, manhunt underway for gunman<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/idaho-ambush-two-firefighters-killed-while-responding-to-brush-fire-manhunt-underway-for-gunman-1751252409940/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/idaho-ambush-two-firefighters-killed-while-responding-to-brush-fire-manhunt-underway-for-gunman-1751252409940/embed</a><h2>Kootenai County Sheriff's Department's latest statement on the Idaho shooting</h2>"This evening, members of the SWAT team located a deceased male on Canfield Mountain," said a statement from Idaho's Kootenai County sheriff's department, adding that "a firearm was found nearby."A statement confirmed that the shelter-in-place order, implemented amid a stand-off involving authorities and an unspecified number of gunmen, "is being lifted". However, the release added that “Residents in the area are advised to be prepared and ready should further action need to be taken”.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GuqKW9DXEAAACjr?format=jpg&amp;name=large" alt="Image"></figure><h2>What happened in Idaho?</h2>On Sunday, firefighters responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain were ambushed by unknown assailants. Authorities confirmed that emergency crews had reached the scene of the fire around 1:30 pm local time. About 30 minutes later, gunshots were reported. The attack, as per the sheriff, was carried out with high-powered rifles.Idaho Governor Brad Little called the act "a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters". He added that "multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more".&nbsp;

 In a statement, the Kootenai Sheriff's Office said that additional information will be released at a news conference scheduled for 12:30 am ET.

Idaho authorities on Sunday night (Jun 29) found a "deceased male" near a "firearm" on Canfield Mountain. The discovery comes after at least two firefighters were killed in what was an apparent ambush as they responded to a wildfire in the northwestern US state of Idaho. During an early morning press conference on Monday (Jun 30), the Kootenai Sheriff's Office said that based on the preliminary assessment, they believe there was only one shooter. They also said that the assailant's body had to be moved to another location because the wildfire was still blazing on the mountain. The identity of the suspect is yet to be released. Watch | Idaho ambush: Two firefighters killed while responding to brush fire, manhunt underway for gunman https://www.wionews.com/videos/idaho-ambush-two-firefighters-killed-while-responding-to-brush-fire-manhunt-underway-for-gunman-1751252409940/embed Kootenai County Sheriff's Department's latest statement on the Idaho shooting "This evening, members of the SWAT team located a deceased male on Canfield Mountain," said a statement from Idaho's Kootenai County sheriff's department, adding that "a firearm was found nearby." A statement confirmed that the shelter-in-place order, implemented amid a stand-off involving authorities and an unspecified number of gunmen, "is being lifted". However, the release added that “Residents in the area are advised to be prepared and ready should further action need to be taken”. What happened in Idaho? On Sunday, firefighters responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain were ambushed by unknown assailants. Authorities confirmed that emergency crews had reached the scene of the fire around 1:30 pm local time. About 30 minutes later, gunshots were reported. The attack, as per the sheriff, was carried out with high-powered rifles. Idaho Governor Brad Little called the act "a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters". He added that "multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more".

&nbsp;In a statement, the Kootenai Sheriff's Office said that additional information will be released at a news conference scheduled for 12:30 am ET.

Idaho firefighters ambush LIVE updates: 'No threat to the community,' says sheriff's office after shooter found dead on Canfield Mountain

New Mexico, United States
In New Mexico, a 16-year-old boy has been detained in what is believed to be a shocking and tragic case of "family annihilation."
Identified as Diego Leyva, the teenager in an intoxicated state is believed to have shot and killed four members of his family, including his younger brother aged 14.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
According to a Facebook post by the New Mexico police, the teen was arrested in New Mexico's Belén, a small city in Valencia county. 
Before dawn on Saturday (Dec 14), the Valencia County Sheriff's Office received a 911 emergency call from the minor "who told the dispatcher he had killed his family".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-greenlights-11-million-plan-to-double-golan-heights-population-amid-regional-tensions-784232">Israel greenlights $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population amid regional tensions</a>
When deputies arrived at the location, the 16-year-old boy "walked out of the residence with his hands in the air," in an "extremely intoxicated" condition.
Police have identified the victims as Diego Leyva's parents, 42-year-old Leonardo Leyva, 35-year-old Adriana Bencomo, and his two siblings, 16-year-old Adrian Leyva and 14-year-old Alexander Leyva. All were found "deceased from suspected gunshot wounds. A handgun was located on the kitchen table," added the state police.
One of the victims is believed to have been a middle school student and another a local volunteer firefighter.
Valencia County Fire Department Chief Matt Propp, in a statement, said, "We have every reason to believe that one of the victims is a volunteer firefighter." 
The suspect teen has been charged on the suspicion of four counts of first-degree murder. Diego was taken to the hospital for detoxification after his arrest. The murder motive is yet to be released.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-han-duck-soo-south-koreas-acting-president-that-replaced-yoon-784330">Who is Han Duck-soo, South Korea's acting President that replaced Yoon?</a>
<h2>America's gun epidemic</h2>
According to the Gun Violence Archive till Dec 15, 2024, across America, there have been at least 486 mass shootings. Furthermore, Saturday's shooting is the 29th mass murder this year—an incident with four or more murder victims. 
The Guardian reports that while local communities typically treat such cases as isolated tragedies, a 2023 Indianapolis Star investigation found that such tragedies across the US occurred on average once every five days.
(With inputs from agencies)

Identified as Diego Leyva, the teenager in an intoxicated state is believed to have shot and killed four members of his family, including his younger brother aged 14



New Mexico, United States In New Mexico, a 16-year-old boy has been detained in what is believed to be a shocking and tragic case of "family annihilation." Identified as Diego Leyva, the teenager in an intoxicated state is believed to have shot and killed four members of his family, including his younger brother aged 14. What happened? According to a Facebook post by the New Mexico police, the teen was arrested in New Mexico's Belén, a small city in Valencia county. Before dawn on Saturday (Dec 14), the Valencia County Sheriff's Office received a 911 emergency call from the minor "who told the dispatcher he had killed his family". Also read | Israel greenlights $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population amid regional tensions When deputies arrived at the location, the 16-year-old boy "walked out of the residence with his hands in the air," in an "extremely intoxicated" condition. Police have identified the victims as Diego Leyva's parents, 42-year-old Leonardo Leyva, 35-year-old Adriana Bencomo, and his two siblings, 16-year-old Adrian Leyva and 14-year-old Alexander Leyva. All were found "deceased from suspected gunshot wounds. A handgun was located on the kitchen table," added the state police. One of the victims is believed to have been a middle school student and another a local volunteer firefighter. Valencia County Fire Department Chief Matt Propp, in a statement, said, "We have every reason to believe that one of the victims is a volunteer firefighter." The suspect teen has been charged on the suspicion of four counts of first-degree murder. Diego was taken to the hospital for detoxification after his arrest. The murder motive is yet to be released. Also read | Who is Han Duck-soo, South Korea's acting President that replaced Yoon? America's gun epidemic According to the Gun Violence Archive till Dec 15, 2024, across America, there have been at least 486 mass shootings. Furthermore, Saturday's shooting is the 29th mass murder this year—an incident with four or more murder victims. The Guardian reports that while local communities typically treat such cases as isolated tragedies, a 2023 Indianapolis Star investigation found that such tragedies across the US occurred on average once every five days. (With inputs from agencies)

'Family annihilation': 16-year-old in New Mexico allegedly kills four, turns himself in

In New Mexico, a 16-year-old boy has been detained in what is believed to be a shocking and tragic case of "family annihilation."

Identified as Diego Leyva, the teenager in an intoxicated state is believed to have shot and killed four members of his family, including his younger brother aged 14.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

According to a Facebook post by the New Mexico police, the teen was arrested in New Mexico's Belén, a small city in Valencia county.&nbsp;

Before dawn on Saturday (Dec 14), the Valencia County Sheriff's Office received a 911 emergency call from the minor "who told the dispatcher he had killed his family".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-greenlights-11-million-plan-to-double-golan-heights-population-amid-regional-tensions-784232">Israel greenlights $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population amid regional tensions</a>

When deputies arrived at the location, the 16-year-old boy "walked out of the residence with his hands in the air," in an "extremely intoxicated" condition.

Police have identified the victims as Diego Leyva's parents, 42-year-old Leonardo Leyva, 35-year-old Adriana Bencomo, and his two siblings, 16-year-old Adrian Leyva and 14-year-old Alexander Leyva. All were found "deceased from suspected gunshot wounds. A handgun was located on the kitchen table," added the state police.

One of the victims is believed to have been a middle school student and another a local volunteer firefighter.

Valencia County Fire Department Chief Matt Propp, in a statement, said, "We have every reason to believe that one of the victims is a volunteer firefighter."&nbsp;

The suspect teen has been charged on the suspicion of four counts of first-degree murder. Diego was taken to the hospital for detoxification after his arrest. The murder motive is yet to be released.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-han-duck-soo-south-koreas-acting-president-that-replaced-yoon-784330">Who is Han Duck-soo, South Korea's acting President that replaced Yoon?</a>

<h2>America's gun epidemic</h2>

According to the Gun Violence Archive till Dec 15, 2024, across America, there have been at least 486 mass shootings. Furthermore, Saturday's shooting is the 29th mass murder this year—an incident with four or more murder victims.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Guardian reports that while local communities typically treat such cases as isolated tragedies, a 2023 Indianapolis Star investigation found that such tragedies across the US occurred on average once every five days.

(With inputs from agencies)

In New Mexico, a 16-year-old boy has been detained in what is believed to be a shocking and tragic case of "family annihilation." Identified as Diego Leyva, the teenager in an intoxicated state is believed to have shot and killed four members of his family, including his younger brother aged 14.

In New Mexico, a 16-year-old boy has been detained in what is believed to be a shocking and tragic case of "family annihilation." Identified as Diego Leyva, the teenager in an intoxicated state is believed to have shot and killed four members of his family, including his younger brother aged 14. What happened? According to a Facebook post by the New Mexico police, the teen was arrested in New Mexico's Belén, a small city in Valencia county. Before dawn on Saturday (Dec 14), the Valencia County Sheriff's Office received a 911 emergency call from the minor "who told the dispatcher he had killed his family". Also read | Israel greenlights $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population amid regional tensions When deputies arrived at the location, the 16-year-old boy "walked out of the residence with his hands in the air," in an "extremely intoxicated" condition. Police have identified the victims as Diego Leyva's parents, 42-year-old Leonardo Leyva, 35-year-old Adriana Bencomo, and his two siblings, 16-year-old Adrian Leyva and 14-year-old Alexander Leyva. All were found "deceased from suspected gunshot wounds. A handgun was located on the kitchen table," added the state police. One of the victims is believed to have been a middle school student and another a local volunteer firefighter. Valencia County Fire Department Chief Matt Propp, in a statement, said, "We have every reason to believe that one of the victims is a volunteer firefighter." The suspect teen has been charged on the suspicion of four counts of first-degree murder. Diego was taken to the hospital for detoxification after his arrest. The murder motive is yet to be released. Also read | Who is Han Duck-soo, South Korea's acting President that replaced Yoon? America's gun epidemic According to the Gun Violence Archive till Dec 15, 2024, across America, there have been at least 486 mass shootings. Furthermore, Saturday's shooting is the 29th mass murder this year—an incident with four or more murder victims. The Guardian reports that while local communities typically treat such cases as isolated tragedies, a 2023 Indianapolis Star investigation found that such tragedies across the US occurred on average once every five days. (With inputs from agencies)

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‘Second Amendment not a second-class right’: Trump DOJ moves to restore gun rights for convicted felons

Six killed in shooting spree in eastern Mississippi; suspect detained

Two killed in shooting outside Salt Lake City's Mormon church, suspect at large

Idaho firefighter ambush: 'No threat to the community,' says sheriff's office

'Family annihilation': 16-year-old in New Mexico allegedly kills four, turns himself in

'Family annihilation': 16-year-old in New Mexico allegedly kills four, turns himself in