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Ottawa, Canada
Justin Trudeau, the embattled Canadian Prime Minister on Tuesday (Dec 17) tried to downplay the most serious challenge to his leadership yet — the resignation of his deputy PM as a 'family' spat.
As per Bloomberg, speaking at the Liberal Party's end-of-the-year, Trudeau chalked up the exit of his long-time trusted Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland as "fights around the holidays".
This comes as, in the last few days, over a dozen members of Trudeau's caucus have publicly said that he cannot carry on as the party leader. 
Also read | <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjoyuSH4LCKAxVtS2wGHZYQNlwQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-next-canada-deputy-pm-freeland-resigns-in-rare-public-dissent-over-trump-tariff-threat-784530" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Trudeau next? Ontario Liberal MP calls for change in leadership after Canada Deputy PM's resignation</a>
<h2>What did Trudeau say?</h2>
"Like most families, sometimes we have fights around the holidays," Trudeau told the Liberal Party's 153 lawmakers and their staffers in Ottawa.
"But of course, like most families, we find our way through it. You know, I love this country, I deeply love this party, I love you guys, and love is what families are all about," he added in a glancing reference to Freeland's resignation.
This comes after Freeland resigned while slamming Trudeau's "costly political gimmicks" in a scathing letter.
<h2>Freeland's resignation</h2>
Freeland, on Monday (Dec 16), announced that she is resigning from Trudeau's cabinet. Freeland said that on Friday, the Canadian PM told her that he was removing her as the nation's finance minister and assigning her a different role and that she felt she had no option but to resign.
Media reports suggest that Trudeau was planning to replace her Brookfield Asset Management Chair, Mark Carney. Following her resignation, Trudeau named Dominic LeBlanc as the finance minister.
Also read | <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjItsKO4LCKAxXid2wGHT7hBY0QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-deputy-pm-chrystia-freeland-resigns-from-cabinet-over-clashes-with-trudeau-on-trumps-tariff-threats-784436" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Canada's Deputy PM Freeland resigns over disagreements with Trudeau, says country facing grave challenge</a>
<h2>Why Freeland's resignation is Trudeau's biggest challenge yet?</h2>
Freeland by far is the highest-ranking Liberal to publicly criticise Trudeau. However, she's far from being the only Liberal MP to slam him. Especially after Freeland's resignation, the number of Liberal Party MPs calling for his resignation has increased.
As per a CBC News tally, after Freeland's resignation, over 10 members of Trudeau's caucus have called for him to step down. The MPs as per the report are Wayne Long, René Arseneault, Francis Drouin, Helena Jaczek, Ken McDonald, Ken Hardie, Sean Casey, Chad Collins, Anthony Housefather, Patrick Weiler, Serge Cormier, Yvan Baker and Alexandra Mendès.
(With inputs from agencies)

Speaking at the liberal Party's end-of-the-year, Trudeau chalked up the exit of his long-time trusted Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland as "fights around the holidays"



Ottawa, Canada Justin Trudeau, the embattled Canadian Prime Minister on Tuesday (Dec 17) tried to downplay the most serious challenge to his leadership yet — the resignation of his deputy PM as a 'family' spat. As per Bloomberg, speaking at the Liberal Party's end-of-the-year, Trudeau chalked up the exit of his long-time trusted Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland as "fights around the holidays". This comes as, in the last few days, over a dozen members of Trudeau's caucus have publicly said that he cannot carry on as the party leader. Also read | Trudeau next? Ontario Liberal MP calls for change in leadership after Canada Deputy PM's resignation What did Trudeau say? "Like most families, sometimes we have fights around the holidays," Trudeau told the Liberal Party's 153 lawmakers and their staffers in Ottawa. "But of course, like most families, we find our way through it. You know, I love this country, I deeply love this party, I love you guys, and love is what families are all about," he added in a glancing reference to Freeland's resignation. This comes after Freeland resigned while slamming Trudeau's "costly political gimmicks" in a scathing letter. Freeland's resignation Freeland, on Monday (Dec 16), announced that she is resigning from Trudeau's cabinet. Freeland said that on Friday, the Canadian PM told her that he was removing her as the nation's finance minister and assigning her a different role and that she felt she had no option but to resign. Media reports suggest that Trudeau was planning to replace her Brookfield Asset Management Chair, Mark Carney. Following her resignation, Trudeau named Dominic LeBlanc as the finance minister. Also read | Canada's Deputy PM Freeland resigns over disagreements with Trudeau, says country facing grave challenge Why Freeland's resignation is Trudeau's biggest challenge yet? Freeland by far is the highest-ranking Liberal to publicly criticise Trudeau. However, she's far from being the only Liberal MP to slam him. Especially after Freeland's resignation, the number of Liberal Party MPs calling for his resignation has increased. As per a CBC News tally, after Freeland's resignation, over 10 members of Trudeau's caucus have called for him to step down. The MPs as per the report are Wayne Long, René Arseneault, Francis Drouin, Helena Jaczek, Ken McDonald, Ken Hardie, Sean Casey, Chad Collins, Anthony Housefather, Patrick Weiler, Serge Cormier, Yvan Baker and Alexandra Mendès. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada PM Justin Trudeau tries to downplay Freeland's resignation, challenge to leadership as 'family' spat

Tom Cruise has been awarded the US Navy's highest civilian honor for his contributions to promoting the Navy and military aviation, particularly through his role in the "Top Gun" film franchise.



Tom Cruise Honoured With US Navy's Highest Civilian Award

Port Vila, Vanuatu 
Rescue teams dug for survivors trapped in crumpled buildings in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu on Wednesday after a powerful earthquake killed at least nine people, burying some in rubble and landslides.
People called out from beneath the remains of a flattened three-storey shop in the capital Port Vila, where scores of rescuers worked through the night to find them, resident Michael Thompson told AFP by satellite phone. 
"We got three people out that were trapped. Unfortunately, one of them did not make it," he said.
About 80 people including police, medics, trained rescuers and volunteers used excavators, jackhammers, grinders and concrete saws, "just everything we can get our hands on".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vanuatu-earthquake-embassies-of-us-uk-are-among-damaged-buildings-784720">Vanuatu earthquake: Embassies of US, UK among damaged buildings</a>
When rescuers on the site went quiet, they could hear three people within signalling they were alive on Wednesday, Thompson said.
"There's tonnes and tonnes of rubble on top of them. And two rather significant concrete beams that have pancaked down," he said. "Obviously they are lucky to be in a bit of a void."
AFP photos showed rescuers using heavy machinery to claw away rubble from the squashed concrete remains of a building, dust clouding the air.
The 7.3-magnitude quake struck off Vanuatu's main island at 12:47 pm local time (0147 GMT) on Tuesday.
<h2>State of emergency </h2>
It flattened large buildings, cracked walls, shattered windows and set off landslides in the low-lying archipelago of 320,000 people, which lies in the quake-prone Pacific Rim of Fire.
A string of aftershocks has since shaken the Pacific island nation.
Vanuatu declared a seven-day state of emergency "due to the severe impacts", along with a curfew from 6 pm-6 am.
Australia and New Zealand flew in medical and search-and-rescue personnel on military transport aircraft -- including a 64-person Australian team with two search dogs.
Nine people have been confirmed dead by Port Vila's hospital and that number is likely to rise, said an update by Vanuatu's disaster management office. 
The office had earlier said at least 14 people were killed. A government spokesperson was unable to immediately explain the change.
Two of the dead were Chinese citizens, the country's ambassador to Vanuatu told Chinese television.
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The quake caused "major structural damage" in more than 10 buildings, including the main hospital, while also hitting three bridges and power lines, the disaster office's report said.
<h2>Water reserves destroyed </h2>
Two major water reserves supplying Port Vila had been "totally destroyed".
Mobile communications were "functional with intermittent disruptions", it said.
Port Vila's main wharf was closed "due to a major landslide".
The airport was "not operational" but could handle incoming humanitarian aid, the report said.
French engineers set up satellite communications at the airport and declared the runway operational, said the French ambassador Jean-Baptiste Jeangene Vilmer.
The ground floor of a four-storey concrete block in Port Vila -- used by the US, French, British, Australian and New Zealand diplomatic missions -- collapsed, AFP photos showed. 
US, French and Australian staff members who were inside are safe, the three countries have said.
Thompson, who runs a zipline adventure business in Vanuatu, said he had seen at least three bodies in the city.
'We could hear screams', he drove near the airport past a toppled four-storey block shortly after the quake. Its ground floor had collapsed under the upper storeys.
"When we slowed down with the windows down, we could hear screams coming from inside," he said. 
The quake crushed four large buildings in Port Vila and triggered landslides including one that covered a bus, Thompson said.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has estimated 116,000 people could be affected by the worst impacts of the quake.
"People are still hanging out in parks and some areas because they are afraid to go back home for fear of the aftershocks and more earthquakes," said Rebecca Olul, a local official with the UN children's charity UNICEF.
Concerns were mounting over access to fresh water and the challenge now would be ensuring people are safe while finding those who are missing, she told AFP.
Vanuatu is ranked as one of the countries most susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, storm damage, flooding and tsunamis, according to the annual World Risk Report.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The quake caused "major structural damage" in more than 10 buildings, including the main hospital, while also hitting three bridges and power lines.



Port Vila, Vanuatu Rescue teams dug for survivors trapped in crumpled buildings in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu on Wednesday after a powerful earthquake killed at least nine people, burying some in rubble and landslides. People called out from beneath the remains of a flattened three-storey shop in the capital Port Vila, where scores of rescuers worked through the night to find them, resident Michael Thompson told AFP by satellite phone. "We got three people out that were trapped. Unfortunately, one of them did not make it," he said. About 80 people including police, medics, trained rescuers and volunteers used excavators, jackhammers, grinders and concrete saws, "just everything we can get our hands on". Also read | Vanuatu earthquake: Embassies of US, UK among damaged buildings When rescuers on the site went quiet, they could hear three people within signalling they were alive on Wednesday, Thompson said. "There's tonnes and tonnes of rubble on top of them. And two rather significant concrete beams that have pancaked down," he said. "Obviously they are lucky to be in a bit of a void." AFP photos showed rescuers using heavy machinery to claw away rubble from the squashed concrete remains of a building, dust clouding the air. The 7.3-magnitude quake struck off Vanuatu's main island at 12:47 pm local time (0147 GMT) on Tuesday. State of emergency It flattened large buildings, cracked walls, shattered windows and set off landslides in the low-lying archipelago of 320,000 people, which lies in the quake-prone Pacific Rim of Fire. A string of aftershocks has since shaken the Pacific island nation. Vanuatu declared a seven-day state of emergency "due to the severe impacts", along with a curfew from 6 pm-6 am. Australia and New Zealand flew in medical and search-and-rescue personnel on military transport aircraft -- including a 64-person Australian team with two search dogs. Nine people have been confirmed dead by Port Vila's hospital and that number is likely to rise, said an update by Vanuatu's disaster management office. The office had earlier said at least 14 people were killed. A government spokesperson was unable to immediately explain the change. Two of the dead were Chinese citizens, the country's ambassador to Vanuatu told Chinese television. Also read | Sara Sharif murder: 'Sadist' father and stepmother imprisoned for life for brutally killing her The quake caused "major structural damage" in more than 10 buildings, including the main hospital, while also hitting three bridges and power lines, the disaster office's report said. Water reserves destroyed Two major water reserves supplying Port Vila had been "totally destroyed". Mobile communications were "functional with intermittent disruptions", it said. Port Vila's main wharf was closed "due to a major landslide". The airport was "not operational" but could handle incoming humanitarian aid, the report said. French engineers set up satellite communications at the airport and declared the runway operational, said the French ambassador Jean-Baptiste Jeangene Vilmer. The ground floor of a four-storey concrete block in Port Vila -- used by the US, French, British, Australian and New Zealand diplomatic missions -- collapsed, AFP photos showed. US, French and Australian staff members who were inside are safe, the three countries have said. Thompson, who runs a zipline adventure business in Vanuatu, said he had seen at least three bodies in the city. 'We could hear screams', he drove near the airport past a toppled four-storey block shortly after the quake. Its ground floor had collapsed under the upper storeys. "When we slowed down with the windows down, we could hear screams coming from inside," he said. The quake crushed four large buildings in Port Vila and triggered landslides including one that covered a bus, Thompson said. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has estimated 116,000 people could be affected by the worst impacts of the quake. "People are still hanging out in parks and some areas because they are afraid to go back home for fear of the aftershocks and more earthquakes," said Rebecca Olul, a local official with the UN children's charity UNICEF. Concerns were mounting over access to fresh water and the challenge now would be ensuring people are safe while finding those who are missing, she told AFP. Vanuatu is ranked as one of the countries most susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, storm damage, flooding and tsunamis, according to the annual World Risk Report. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rescue efforts intensify as Vanuatu battles aftermath of deadly earthquake

Manipur, India
US billionaire and SpaceX boss Elon Musk has reacted to media reports in India which said the Indian Army and other security forces had seized Starlink satellite internet service equipment from militant groups in the country’s north-eastern region.
It was reported that police and security personnel had carried out a joint operation against militants in the hill and valley regions of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi districts.
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Acting on specific intelligence, troops of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssamRifles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssamRifles</a> formations under <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpearCorps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpearCorps</a> carried out joint search operations in the hill and valley regions in the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East and Kagpokpi in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manipur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manipur</a>, in close coordination with… <a href="https://t.co/kxy7ec5YAE">pic.twitter.com/kxy7ec5YAE</a>
— SpearCorps.IndianArmy (@Spearcorps) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spearcorps/status/1868653384221225085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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During the operation, the security forces recovered 29 weapons, including snipers, automatic rifles, pistols, grenades, country-made mortars, and other war-related items.
But what made this operation a national headline was the recovery of Starlink devices from the group.
It raised concerns about whether militants were using such equipment and posing a grave threat to India’s national security.
Responding to these reports and concerns, Musk, who owns the company that offers Starlink services, said “This is false.”
He cited the unavailability of satellite beams over India.
“This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India,” the SpaceX boss wrote on X.
He was responding to a post by an X user who had asked Musk to step in to thwart the alleged abuse of Starlink services by terrorists.
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This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1869033627335672237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwiX2tqAyLCKAxWEr1YBHdxBH58QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-launches-iris2-space-programme-to-challenge-elon-musks-starlink-784488" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-launches-iris2-space-programme-to-challenge-elon-musks-starlink-784488&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX2tqAyLCKAxWEr1YBHdxBH58QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">EU launches Iris2 space programme to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink</a>
It must be noted that Starlink services are currently unavailable in India due to a lack of government approval.
Earlier, social media users slammed SpaceX and Musk over alleged misuse of Starlink by rouge elements.
“Starlink is also at fault. Their service is location-based, and they must ensure that locations where they do not have a license remain inaccessible,” one user wrote on X.
“People who trust US, don't know what to term them. How to strengthen relation with a nation who has repeatedly backstabbed us,” wrote a second.
Watch: Elon Musk's Starlink A Threat To India's National Security: Reports
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A third user questioned Musk’s clarification and wrote, “This statement is incomplete "Beams are turned off over India" without clarifying whether beams are switched on over Myanmar and in Border areas upto how much distance on either side of the border connectivity might work.”
(With inputs from agencies)

Responding to these reports and concerns, Musk, who owns the company that offers Starlink services, said “This is false.” He cited the unavailability of satellite beams over India



Manipur, India US billionaire and SpaceX boss Elon Musk has reacted to media reports in India which said the Indian Army and other security forces had seized Starlink satellite internet service equipment from militant groups in the country’s north-eastern region. It was reported that police and security personnel had carried out a joint operation against militants in the hill and valley regions of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi districts. Acting on specific intelligence, troops of #IndianArmy and #AssamRifles formations under #SpearCorps carried out joint search operations in the hill and valley regions in the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East and Kagpokpi in #Manipur, in close coordination with… pic.twitter.com/kxy7ec5YAE — SpearCorps.IndianArmy (@Spearcorps) December 16, 2024 × During the operation, the security forces recovered 29 weapons, including snipers, automatic rifles, pistols, grenades, country-made mortars, and other war-related items. But what made this operation a national headline was the recovery of Starlink devices from the group. It raised concerns about whether militants were using such equipment and posing a grave threat to India’s national security. Responding to these reports and concerns, Musk, who owns the company that offers Starlink services, said “This is false.” He cited the unavailability of satellite beams over India. “This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India,” the SpaceX boss wrote on X. He was responding to a post by an X user who had asked Musk to step in to thwart the alleged abuse of Starlink services by terrorists. This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 17, 2024 × Also read: EU launches Iris2 space programme to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink It must be noted that Starlink services are currently unavailable in India due to a lack of government approval. Earlier, social media users slammed SpaceX and Musk over alleged misuse of Starlink by rouge elements. “Starlink is also at fault. Their service is location-based, and they must ensure that locations where they do not have a license remain inaccessible,” one user wrote on X. “People who trust US, don't know what to term them. How to strengthen relation with a nation who has repeatedly backstabbed us,” wrote a second. Watch: Elon Musk's Starlink A Threat To India's National Security: Reports × A third user questioned Musk’s clarification and wrote, “This statement is incomplete "Beams are turned off over India" without clarifying whether beams are switched on over Myanmar and in Border areas upto how much distance on either side of the border connectivity might work.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘This is false,’ Elon Musk slams reports of Starlink internet service abuse by militants in India

Florida, US
After playing a central role in Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections 2024, tech billionaire Elon Musk has his eyes set on the next big target: Taking centre stage in UK politics. The Trump ally reportedly held meeting with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage Monday (Dec 16) at Florida’s Mar-a-Lago residence. The meeting lasted for over one hour, in the presence of Reform UK’s new treasurer Nick Candy.
Watch: Elon Musk Unveils Ambitious Vision For Austin Texas, Wants To Turn HQ Into A Texas City
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“We learned a great deal about the Trump ground game and will have ongoing discussions on other areas,” read a joint statement issued by Farage and Candy. “We only have one more chance left to save the west and we can do great things together,” it added.
<h2>Did Farage and Musk discuss donations?</h2>
Earlier this year, it was reported in media that Musk was preparing to donate over $100 million to Farage’s party. However, those reports were later rubbished by the Tesla boss himself.
Now, the meeting between Farage, Candy, and Musk comes as the Reform UK treasurer vows to double down on fundraising operations. Farage is hoping to capitalise on increasing support in the UK and turbo-charge his political startup into a major player in UK political arena. Local elections in the UK are due in May and Farage is hoping to win significant seats and at least one mayoralty.
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Musk showed interest in Reform UK party earlier this month. When Farage posted on X that his party was seeking to build a “winning team to change British politics forever”, Musk responded, “When is the first electoral opportunity?”
It was not clear whether Musk and Farage discussed donations in Monday meeting.
It comes as former UK minister Peter Mandelson earlier urged the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer to use Musk to build closer ties with the incoming Trump administration.
(With inputs from agencies)

Earlier this year, it was reported in media that Musk was preparing to donate over $100 million to Farage’s party. However, those reports were later rubbished by the Tesla boss himself.



Florida, US After playing a central role in Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections 2024, tech billionaire Elon Musk has his eyes set on the next big target: Taking centre stage in UK politics. The Trump ally reportedly held meeting with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage Monday (Dec 16) at Florida’s Mar-a-Lago residence. The meeting lasted for over one hour, in the presence of Reform UK’s new treasurer Nick Candy. Watch: Elon Musk Unveils Ambitious Vision For Austin Texas, Wants To Turn HQ Into A Texas City × “We learned a great deal about the Trump ground game and will have ongoing discussions on other areas,” read a joint statement issued by Farage and Candy. “We only have one more chance left to save the west and we can do great things together,” it added. Did Farage and Musk discuss donations? Earlier this year, it was reported in media that Musk was preparing to donate over $100 million to Farage’s party. However, those reports were later rubbished by the Tesla boss himself. Now, the meeting between Farage, Candy, and Musk comes as the Reform UK treasurer vows to double down on fundraising operations. Farage is hoping to capitalise on increasing support in the UK and turbo-charge his political startup into a major player in UK political arena. Local elections in the UK are due in May and Farage is hoping to win significant seats and at least one mayoralty. Also read: EU launches Iris2 space programme to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink Musk showed interest in Reform UK party earlier this month. When Farage posted on X that his party was seeking to build a “winning team to change British politics forever”, Musk responded, “When is the first electoral opportunity?” It was not clear whether Musk and Farage discussed donations in Monday meeting. It comes as former UK minister Peter Mandelson earlier urged the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer to use Musk to build closer ties with the incoming Trump administration. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigel Farage courts Musk as Reform UK party eyes central role in country’s politics

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: 



- Netanyahu visits Mount Hermon, vows to protect Israel's security 

- Former hostages urge Israel to secure release of captives in Gaza

- US denies roll in Kirillov killing 

- Trump threatens India with reciprocal tariff

Netanyahu Visits Mount Hermon, Vows to Protect Israel's Security | WION Speed News

York Minster hosts the annual Scandinavian Sankta Lucia service. This event offers a unique way to embrace the Christmas spirit in northern England. Watch for more details!

UK: York Minister Hosts Annual Skandinavian Sancta Lucia Service

Russian Counsul General for South India Valerii Khodzhaev speaks with WION's Principal Correspondent Sidharth MP on India-Russia bilateral trade ties.

Valerii Khodzhaev Speaks on India-Russia Trade Ties

A San Francisco jury has found tech executive Nima Momeni guilty of murdering Bob Lee, the founder of Cash App, in April 2023. The verdict came late Tuesday (Dec 17), marking a dramatic conclusion to a high-profile case that shocked the tech world.

A San Francisco jury has found tech executive Nima Momeni guilty of murdering Bob Lee, the founder of Cash App, in April 2023. The verdict came late Tuesday (Dec 17), marking a dramatic conclusion to a high-profile case that shocked the tech world. Momeni, the owner of a tech firm in Emeryville, California, was accused of stabbing Lee three times with a kitchen knife after driving him to a secluded area. Prosecutors argued the attack was premeditated, while Momeni’s defence claimed he acted in self-defence during a scuffle. Cash App founder murder: The night of the incident On 4 April 2023, Lee, a former executive at cryptocurrency firm MobileCoin, was killed in the early hours near San Francisco’s Rincon Hill neighbourhood. Surveillance footage showed Lee and Momeni leaving Lee’s hotel at 2 am local time, getting into Momeni’s BMW Z4, and driving to a dark, isolated area. According to court documents, the two men exited the car, and Momeni "moved toward" Lee before the BMW sped away from the scene. Prosecutors said Momeni fatally stabbed Lee, leaving him to die on the street. The case drew attention due to Lee’s prominence in the tech community and the shocking nature of the crime. The alleged motive Prosecutors alleged that the murder stemmed from a confrontation over the alleged sexual assault of Momeni's sister by someone acquainted with Lee. Momeni's defence attorney, Paula Canny, contended that the stabbing resulted from a mix of self-defence and accidental harm. "There was no premeditation," Canny said during a court hearing in May 2023. Momeni’s account of events Last month, Momeni testified that Lee had become enraged after a joke escalated tensions between the two. Momeni recounted teasing Lee about preferring to spend his last night in town with family rather than heading to a strip club. "He attacked me in anger," Momeni claimed, adding that the scuffle led to Lee’s fatal injuries, though Momeni insisted he did not realise the extent of the harm caused. Momeni now faces a potential life sentence, with formal sentencing expected in early 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

US tech executive Nima Momeni convicted of killing cash app founder Bob Lee

San Francisco
<meta charset="utf-8"/>A San Francisco jury has found tech executive Nima Momeni guilty of murdering Bob Lee, the founder of Cash App, in April 2023. The verdict came late Tuesday (Dec 17), marking a dramatic conclusion to a high-profile case that shocked the tech world.
Momeni, the owner of a tech firm in Emeryville, California, was accused of stabbing Lee three times with a kitchen knife after driving him to a secluded area. Prosecutors argued the attack was premeditated, while Momeni’s defence claimed he acted in self-defence during a scuffle.
<h2 dir="ltr">Cash App founder murder: The night of the incident</h2>
On 4 April 2023, Lee, a former executive at cryptocurrency firm MobileCoin, was killed in the early hours near San Francisco’s Rincon Hill neighbourhood.
Surveillance footage showed Lee and Momeni leaving Lee’s hotel at 2 am local time, getting into Momeni’s BMW Z4, and driving to a dark, isolated area.
According to court documents, the two men exited the car, and Momeni "moved toward" Lee before the BMW sped away from the scene.
Prosecutors said Momeni fatally stabbed Lee, leaving him to die on the street. The case drew attention due to Lee’s prominence in the tech community and the shocking nature of the crime.
<h2 dir="ltr">The alleged motive</h2>
Prosecutors alleged that the murder stemmed from a confrontation over the alleged sexual assault of Momeni's sister by someone acquainted with Lee.
Momeni's defence attorney, Paula Canny, contended that the stabbing resulted from a mix of self-defence and accidental harm.
"There was no premeditation," Canny said during a court hearing in May 2023.
<h2 dir="ltr">Momeni’s account of events</h2>
Last month, Momeni testified that Lee had become enraged after a joke escalated tensions between the two.
Momeni recounted teasing Lee about preferring to spend his last night in town with family rather than heading to a strip club.
"He attacked me in anger," Momeni claimed, adding that the scuffle led to Lee’s fatal injuries, though Momeni insisted he did not realise the extent of the harm caused.
Momeni now faces a potential life sentence, with formal sentencing expected in early 2025.
(With inputs from agencies)

Security cameras captured Lee and Momeni leaving Lee's hotel, getting into Momeni's BMW Z4, and driving to a quiet, dark location.



San Francisco A San Francisco jury has found tech executive Nima Momeni guilty of murdering Bob Lee, the founder of Cash App, in April 2023. The verdict came late Tuesday (Dec 17), marking a dramatic conclusion to a high-profile case that shocked the tech world. Momeni, the owner of a tech firm in Emeryville, California, was accused of stabbing Lee three times with a kitchen knife after driving him to a secluded area. Prosecutors argued the attack was premeditated, while Momeni’s defence claimed he acted in self-defence during a scuffle. Cash App founder murder: The night of the incident On 4 April 2023, Lee, a former executive at cryptocurrency firm MobileCoin, was killed in the early hours near San Francisco’s Rincon Hill neighbourhood. Surveillance footage showed Lee and Momeni leaving Lee’s hotel at 2 am local time, getting into Momeni’s BMW Z4, and driving to a dark, isolated area. According to court documents, the two men exited the car, and Momeni "moved toward" Lee before the BMW sped away from the scene. Prosecutors said Momeni fatally stabbed Lee, leaving him to die on the street. The case drew attention due to Lee’s prominence in the tech community and the shocking nature of the crime. The alleged motive Prosecutors alleged that the murder stemmed from a confrontation over the alleged sexual assault of Momeni's sister by someone acquainted with Lee. Momeni's defence attorney, Paula Canny, contended that the stabbing resulted from a mix of self-defence and accidental harm. "There was no premeditation," Canny said during a court hearing in May 2023. Momeni’s account of events Last month, Momeni testified that Lee had become enraged after a joke escalated tensions between the two. Momeni recounted teasing Lee about preferring to spend his last night in town with family rather than heading to a strip club. "He attacked me in anger," Momeni claimed, adding that the scuffle led to Lee’s fatal injuries, though Momeni insisted he did not realise the extent of the harm caused. Momeni now faces a potential life sentence, with formal sentencing expected in early 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

Keir Starmer's approval ratings as the new UK Prime Minister have sparked debate, with some polls suggesting he may be one of the least popular leaders to take office in recent history.

UK: Keir Starmer Faces Growing Criticism as Polls Suggest He Could Be The Most Unpopular New PM

Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism."&nbsp;

President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent. He said he would respond with similar measures and take a tough stance on trade with India, China and Brazil.

Meanwhile, some sad news for Indian cinema: Laapata Ladies failed to make the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature. Despite high hopes, the Academy revealed 15 contenders, but India’s official entry didn’t make the cut, leaving fans with broken hearts.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alleged-unitedhealthcare-ceo-killer-luigi-mangione-charged-with-murder-terrorism-for-brian-thompson-murder-784812">Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism for Brian Thompson's murder</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/18/471759-new-wion-2024-12-18t061757542.jpg?imwidth=400" />

US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione, with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism." &nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-tax-us-we-tax-them-trump-issues-fresh-threat-to-india-over-high-tariff-784819">‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariff’</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/26/467973-trump-16.png?imwidth=400" />

US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach regarding India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising towering tariffs on imports from America, as high as 100 per cent on some products. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort Monday (Dec 16), Trump told reporters, "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congressman-claims-unidentified-aircraft-in-new-jersey-new-york-are-chinese-spy-drones-784814">US congressman claims unidentified aircraft in New Jersey, New York are Chinese 'spy drones'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/18/471760-new-wion-2024-12-18t065304682.jpg?imwidth=400" />

US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Michael McCaul on Tuesday (Dec 17) alleged that the unidentified drones recently spotted over New Jersey and New York are "spy drones" from China. McCaul's claim comes after the Biden administration downplayed the sightings as largely commercial in nature.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-laapataa-ladies-out-of-oscars-race-netizens-upset-with-film-federation-of-india-784834">Laapataa Ladies out of Oscars race; netizens upset with Film Federation of India</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/23/456289-horizons-2024-09-23t144943951.jpg?imwidth=400" />

&nbsp;Sad news for Indian fans as&nbsp;Laapata Ladies&nbsp;failed to make it to the shortlisted names. In the category for Best International Feature, a total of 15 names was announced and India’s official entry failed to make the cut.

Watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accused Of Mass Killings and Crime Against Humanity

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-sheikh-hasina-accused-of-mass-killings-and-crime-against-humanity-784840/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism." President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent.

Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism." President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent. He said he would respond with similar measures and take a tough stance on trade with India, China and Brazil. Meanwhile, some sad news for Indian cinema: Laapata Ladies failed to make the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature. Despite high hopes, the Academy revealed 15 contenders, but India’s official entry didn’t make the cut, leaving fans with broken hearts. Click on the headlines to read more: Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism for Brian Thompson's murder US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione, with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism." ‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariff’ US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach regarding India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising towering tariffs on imports from America, as high as 100 per cent on some products. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort Monday (Dec 16), Trump told reporters, "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount." US congressman claims unidentified aircraft in New Jersey, New York are Chinese 'spy drones' US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Michael McCaul on Tuesday (Dec 17) alleged that the unidentified drones recently spotted over New Jersey and New York are "spy drones" from China. McCaul's claim comes after the Biden administration downplayed the sightings as largely commercial in nature. Laapataa Ladies out of Oscars race; netizens upset with Film Federation of India Sad news for Indian fans as Laapata Ladies failed to make it to the shortlisted names. In the category for Best International Feature, a total of 15 names was announced and India’s official entry failed to make the cut. Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accused Of Mass Killings and Crime Against Humanity

Morning news brief: Luigi Mangione charged in murder of US CEO; Trump slams India's import tariffs, and more

New Delhi, India 
Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism." 
President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent. He said he would respond with similar measures and take a tough stance on trade with India, China and Brazil.
Meanwhile, some sad news for Indian cinema: Laapata Ladies failed to make the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature. Despite high hopes, the Academy revealed 15 contenders, but India’s official entry didn’t make the cut, leaving fans with broken hearts.
Click on the headlines to read more:
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alleged-unitedhealthcare-ceo-killer-luigi-mangione-charged-with-murder-terrorism-for-brian-thompson-murder-784812">Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism for Brian Thompson's murder</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/471759-new-wion-2024-12-18t061757542.jpg"/>
US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione, with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism."  

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-tax-us-we-tax-them-trump-issues-fresh-threat-to-india-over-high-tariff-784819">‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariff’</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/11/26/467973-trump-16.png"/>
US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach regarding India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising towering tariffs on imports from America, as high as 100 per cent on some products. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort Monday (Dec 16), Trump told reporters, "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount." 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congressman-claims-unidentified-aircraft-in-new-jersey-new-york-are-chinese-spy-drones-784814">US congressman claims unidentified aircraft in New Jersey, New York are Chinese 'spy drones'</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/471760-new-wion-2024-12-18t065304682.jpg"/>
US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Michael McCaul on Tuesday (Dec 17) alleged that the unidentified drones recently spotted over New Jersey and New York are "spy drones" from China. McCaul's claim comes after the Biden administration downplayed the sightings as largely commercial in nature.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-laapataa-ladies-out-of-oscars-race-netizens-upset-with-film-federation-of-india-784834">Laapataa Ladies out of Oscars race; netizens upset with Film Federation of India</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/09/23/456289-horizons-2024-09-23t144943951.jpg"/>
 Sad news for Indian fans as Laapata Ladies failed to make it to the shortlisted names. In the category for Best International Feature, a total of 15 names was announced and India’s official entry failed to make the cut.
Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accused Of Mass Killings and Crime Against Humanity
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/1802_wion_hasina_8am-1734494717-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1802_wion_hasina_8am.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=67&tags=Bangladesh,Sheikh Hasina,Move,money,Yunus" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Good morning! Start your day with WIONs daily news brief.



New Delhi, India Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism." President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent. He said he would respond with similar measures and take a tough stance on trade with India, China and Brazil. Meanwhile, some sad news for Indian cinema: Laapata Ladies failed to make the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature. Despite high hopes, the Academy revealed 15 contenders, but India’s official entry didn’t make the cut, leaving fans with broken hearts. Click on the headlines to read more: Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism for Brian Thompson's murder US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione, with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism." ‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariff’ US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach regarding India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising towering tariffs on imports from America, as high as 100 per cent on some products. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort Monday (Dec 16), Trump told reporters, "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount." US congressman claims unidentified aircraft in New Jersey, New York are Chinese 'spy drones' US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Michael McCaul on Tuesday (Dec 17) alleged that the unidentified drones recently spotted over New Jersey and New York are "spy drones" from China. McCaul's claim comes after the Biden administration downplayed the sightings as largely commercial in nature. Laapataa Ladies out of Oscars race; netizens upset with Film Federation of India Sad news for Indian fans as Laapata Ladies failed to make it to the shortlisted names. In the category for Best International Feature, a total of 15 names was announced and India’s official entry failed to make the cut. Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accused Of Mass Killings and Crime Against Humanity

Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and its pollster, Ann Selzer, claiming election interference following the publication of a poll he believes is biased against him.

Donald Trump Sues Des Moines Register and Selzer, Alleging ‘Election Interference’

Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and its pollster, Ann Selzer, claiming election interference following the publication of a poll he believes is biased against him.



US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach on what he termed India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising tariffs on imports from America as high as 100 per cent on some products.

"If they tax us, we tax them the same amount," Trump told reporters&nbsp;at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday (Dec 16).

Trump’s remarks herald a confrontational stance towards India, alongside countries like Brazil, Mexico and China that he has criticised for high tariffs since being elected president on November 5.

"The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us - India, we don't have to talk about our own - if India charges us 100 per cent, do we charge them nothing for the same? You know, they send in a bicycle, and we send them a bicycle. They charge us 100 and 200," he said.

"India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing," he added, saying he would bring fairness to the US trade regime.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwid-JnxqrCKAxWgqFYBHaQrCOUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-jaishankar-hails-quads-rise-during-trump-presidency-says-alliance-is-most-expansive-yet-782101" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-jaishankar-hails-quads-rise-during-trump-presidency-says-alliance-is-most-expansive-yet-782101&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid-JnxqrCKAxWgqFYBHaQrCOUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">India’s Jaishankar hails Quad’s rise during Trump presidency, says alliance is `most expansive` yet</a>

His comments were supported by the incoming commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, saying “reciprocity” would be central to the US trade policy going forward.

The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden said Tuesday (Dec 17) that it was leaving the US-India partnership "in a very strong place" and vowed to maintain a bipartisan support in the US Congress during the Trump administration 2.0 as well.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwid-JnxqrCKAxWgqFYBHaQrCOUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-techie-dies-by-suicide-leaves-behind-24-page-death-note-alleging-harassment-by-wife-782971" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-techie-dies-by-suicide-leaves-behind-24-page-death-note-alleging-harassment-by-wife-782971&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid-JnxqrCKAxWgqFYBHaQrCOUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Bengaluru techie dies by suicide, tags Musk and Trump in last post, accuses wife of harassment</a>

"We continue to be very ambitious about the US-India relationship. We've had very high-level engagement over the course of the last several months with the QUAD summit in Delaware, and we are anticipating a high-level engagement in the last few weeks of the Biden administration," said Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State.

Watch:&nbsp;Bengaluru techie dies by suicide, tags Musk and Trump in last post, accuses wife of harassment

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Trump has also vowed to take on Mexico, Canada and China unless they address concerns regarding the flow of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, and the movement of migrants across the US borders.

This stance may strain the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) agreement, according to observers.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach on what he termed India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising tariffs on imports from America as high as 100 per cent on some products.

US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach on what he termed India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising tariffs on imports from America as high as 100 per cent on some products. "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday (Dec 16). Trump’s remarks herald a confrontational stance towards India, alongside countries like Brazil, Mexico and China that he has criticised for high tariffs since being elected president on November 5. "The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us - India, we don't have to talk about our own - if India charges us 100 per cent, do we charge them nothing for the same? You know, they send in a bicycle, and we send them a bicycle. They charge us 100 and 200," he said. "India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing," he added, saying he would bring fairness to the US trade regime. Also read: India’s Jaishankar hails Quad’s rise during Trump presidency, says alliance is `most expansive` yet His comments were supported by the incoming commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, saying “reciprocity” would be central to the US trade policy going forward. The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden said Tuesday (Dec 17) that it was leaving the US-India partnership "in a very strong place" and vowed to maintain a bipartisan support in the US Congress during the Trump administration 2.0 as well. Also read: Bengaluru techie dies by suicide, tags Musk and Trump in last post, accuses wife of harassment "We continue to be very ambitious about the US-India relationship. We've had very high-level engagement over the course of the last several months with the QUAD summit in Delaware, and we are anticipating a high-level engagement in the last few weeks of the Biden administration," said Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State. Watch: Bengaluru techie dies by suicide, tags Musk and Trump in last post, accuses wife of harassment × Trump has also vowed to take on Mexico, Canada and China unless they address concerns regarding the flow of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, and the movement of migrants across the US borders. This stance may strain the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) agreement, according to observers. (With inputs from agencies)

‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariffs’

Florida, US
US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach on what he termed India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising tariffs on imports from America as high as 100 per cent on some products.
"If they tax us, we tax them the same amount," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday (Dec 16).
Trump’s remarks herald a confrontational stance towards India, alongside countries like Brazil, Mexico and China that he has criticised for high tariffs since being elected president on November 5.
"The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us - India, we don't have to talk about our own - if India charges us 100 per cent, do we charge them nothing for the same? You know, they send in a bicycle, and we send them a bicycle. They charge us 100 and 200," he said.
"India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing," he added, saying he would bring fairness to the US trade regime.
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwid-JnxqrCKAxWgqFYBHaQrCOUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-jaishankar-hails-quads-rise-during-trump-presidency-says-alliance-is-most-expansive-yet-782101" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-jaishankar-hails-quads-rise-during-trump-presidency-says-alliance-is-most-expansive-yet-782101&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid-JnxqrCKAxWgqFYBHaQrCOUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">India’s Jaishankar hails Quad’s rise during Trump presidency, says alliance is `most expansive` yet</a>
His comments were supported by the incoming commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, saying “reciprocity” would be central to the US trade policy going forward.
The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden said Tuesday (Dec 17) that it was leaving the US-India partnership "in a very strong place" and vowed to maintain a bipartisan support in the US Congress during the Trump administration 2.0 as well.
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwid-JnxqrCKAxWgqFYBHaQrCOUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-techie-dies-by-suicide-leaves-behind-24-page-death-note-alleging-harassment-by-wife-782971" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-techie-dies-by-suicide-leaves-behind-24-page-death-note-alleging-harassment-by-wife-782971&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid-JnxqrCKAxWgqFYBHaQrCOUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Bengaluru techie dies by suicide, tags Musk and Trump in last post, accuses wife of harassment</a>
"We continue to be very ambitious about the US-India relationship. We've had very high-level engagement over the course of the last several months with the QUAD summit in Delaware, and we are anticipating a high-level engagement in the last few weeks of the Biden administration," said Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State.
Watch: Bengaluru techie dies by suicide, tags Musk and Trump in last post, accuses wife of harassment
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Trump has also vowed to take on Mexico, Canada and China unless they address concerns regarding the flow of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, and the movement of migrants across the US borders.
This stance may strain the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) agreement, according to observers.
(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump’s remarks herald a confrontational stance towards India, alongside countries like Brazil, Mexico and China that he has criticised for high tariffs since being elected on November 5



Florida, US US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach on what he termed India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising tariffs on imports from America as high as 100 per cent on some products. "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday (Dec 16). Trump’s remarks herald a confrontational stance towards India, alongside countries like Brazil, Mexico and China that he has criticised for high tariffs since being elected president on November 5. "The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us - India, we don't have to talk about our own - if India charges us 100 per cent, do we charge them nothing for the same? You know, they send in a bicycle, and we send them a bicycle. They charge us 100 and 200," he said. "India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing," he added, saying he would bring fairness to the US trade regime. Also read: India’s Jaishankar hails Quad’s rise during Trump presidency, says alliance is `most expansive` yet His comments were supported by the incoming commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, saying “reciprocity” would be central to the US trade policy going forward. The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden said Tuesday (Dec 17) that it was leaving the US-India partnership "in a very strong place" and vowed to maintain a bipartisan support in the US Congress during the Trump administration 2.0 as well. Also read: Bengaluru techie dies by suicide, tags Musk and Trump in last post, accuses wife of harassment "We continue to be very ambitious about the US-India relationship. We've had very high-level engagement over the course of the last several months with the QUAD summit in Delaware, and we are anticipating a high-level engagement in the last few weeks of the Biden administration," said Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State. Watch: Bengaluru techie dies by suicide, tags Musk and Trump in last post, accuses wife of harassment × Trump has also vowed to take on Mexico, Canada and China unless they address concerns regarding the flow of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, and the movement of migrants across the US borders. This stance may strain the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) agreement, according to observers. (With inputs from agencies)

The Riyadh Summit 2024 offered glimpses into the future of how investments could enable sustainable growth. In this special coverage from Riyadh, WION's business editor Rahul Karunakar spoke to Kostas Fragogiannis, deputy foreign minister for economic diplomacy, Greece. Listen in to this insightful chat…

‘’Inclusive Development Is A Major Challenge’: WION's Exclusive With Deputy FM Of Greece

Nigeria's anti-graft agency said it had arrested 792 suspects in a raid on a building believed to be a hub for fraudsters who lured victims with offers of romance, then pressed them to hand over cash for phony cryptocurrency investments.

The suspects, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, were detained on December&nbsp;10 at the seven-storey Big Leaf Building in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren said.

The luxury building housed a call centre mostly targeting victims from the Americas and Europe, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyber-slavery-thousands-of-indians-are-trapped-and-tens-of-thousands-have-gone-missing-in-south-asia-763178">Also read:&nbsp;Cyber slavery: Thousands of Indians are trapped and tens of thousands have gone missing in Southeast Asia</a>

Staff there would make contact with people through social media and messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram, then seduce them online or offer them apparently lucrative investment opportunities, Uwujaren told reporters.

Once victims were hooked, they were pressured to transfer money for fake cryptocurrency schemes and other non-existent projects.

"Nigerian accomplices were recruited by the foreign kingpins to prospect for victims online through phishing, targeting mostly Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, and several others from European countries," Uwujaren said.

Watch |&nbsp;‘Cyber Crime Is The New Geopolitical Weapon:’ Ex-Foreign Affairs Secretary Shyam Saran

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"Once the Nigerians are able to win the confidence of would-be victims, the foreigners would take over the actual task of defrauding the victims," he said.

Uwujaren said the Commission was collaborating with international partners and would look into potential links to organised crime. Its agents seized computers, phones, and vehicles in the raid, he added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Nigeria's anti-graft agency said it had arrested 792 suspects in a raid on a building believed to be a hub for fraudsters who lured victims with offers of romance, then pressed them to hand over cash for phony cryptocurrency investments.

Nigeria's anti-graft agency said it had arrested 792 suspects in a raid on a building believed to be a hub for fraudsters who lured victims with offers of romance, then pressed them to hand over cash for phony cryptocurrency investments. The suspects, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, were detained on December 10 at the seven-storey Big Leaf Building in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren said. The luxury building housed a call centre mostly targeting victims from the Americas and Europe, he added. Also read: Cyber slavery: Thousands of Indians are trapped and tens of thousands have gone missing in Southeast Asia Staff there would make contact with people through social media and messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram, then seduce them online or offer them apparently lucrative investment opportunities, Uwujaren told reporters. Once victims were hooked, they were pressured to transfer money for fake cryptocurrency schemes and other non-existent projects. "Nigerian accomplices were recruited by the foreign kingpins to prospect for victims online through phishing, targeting mostly Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, and several others from European countries," Uwujaren said. Watch | ‘Cyber Crime Is The New Geopolitical Weapon:’ Ex-Foreign Affairs Secretary Shyam Saran × "Once the Nigerians are able to win the confidence of would-be victims, the foreigners would take over the actual task of defrauding the victims," he said. Uwujaren said the Commission was collaborating with international partners and would look into potential links to organised crime. Its agents seized computers, phones, and vehicles in the raid, he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Almost 800 arrested in Nigeria over crypto-romance scam

Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales accused his successor on Tuesday of launching a "brutal judicial war" against him after prosecutors issued an arrest warrant over his alleged relationship with a minor while in office.

Morales, one of Latin America's longest-serving leaders, has been locked in a months-long standoff with the state over accusations he fathered a child in 2016 with a 15-year-old girl.

On Monday, public prosecutor Sandra Gutierrez confirmed that she had issued an arrest warrant for the country's 2006-2019 leader on charges of "human trafficking involving a minor."

She called for him to be placed in preventive custody for six months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-court-ruling-bars-ex-leader-morales-from-presidency-774796">Also read:&nbsp;Bolivia court ruling bars ex-leader Morales from presidency</a>

Morales has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, claiming they are part of a plot by incumbent President Luis Arce—a former ally turned rival—to prevent him from staging a political comeback.

Writing on X, the 65-year-old Morales, a left-wing nationalist, accused Arce of being behind the case against him, which he alleged was aimed at currying favor with the United States.

"I denounce to the world that I am the victim of a brutal judicial war (lawfare) carried out by the government of Luis Arce, who promised to hand me over to the US as a trophy of war," he wrote.

Morales's lawyer, Nelson Cox, told AFP on Tuesday that his client was in hiding in his central political stronghold of Cochabamba and would not surrender to the police.

<h2>'Climbing the political ladder'&nbsp;</h2>

A former coca farmer who grew up in grinding poverty, Morales made history as Bolivia's first Indigenous leader but lost support after trying to cling to power for a third term.

In October, prosecutors said they were investigating him for statutory rape—sex with a minor—as well as human trafficking and smuggling, but have since focused on trafficking.

They believe the girl was placed by her parents in the youth guard of Morales's political movement when he was president "with the sole purpose of climbing the political ladder and obtaining benefits... in exchange for their underage daughter."

The girl's father has been in preventive custody since October.

Morales's lawyers claim he was already investigated over the same allegations in 2020 but that the case was dismissed for lack of evidence.

Watch |&nbsp;Bolivians Struggle As Fuel &amp; Food Prices Skyrocket

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Gutierrez said the warrant against Morales was issued on October 16 but that it had been "impossible" to execute it because of resistance from his supporters.

Between mid-October and early November, Morales's mostly Indigenous supporters barricaded highways leading to Cochabamba to prevent his threatened arrest.

The blockade, which caused widespread shortages of food and fuel, lasted for 23 days.

<h2>Eyeing third term&nbsp;</h2>

Dozens of security force members were injured in clashes with the protesters.

At one point Morales accused Arce of trying to have him assassinated, with a video showing a pickup truck in which he had travelled riddled with bullet holes and his driver bleeding from the head.

The government said police shot at his vehicle after coming under fire from his convoy at a police checkpoint.

Morales's refusal to give up power in 2019 after two terms led to a tumultuous exit that cast a shadow over nearly 14 years of economic progress and poverty reduction.

Forced to resign after elections tainted by fraud, he slipped away into exile in Argentina, returning home a year later.

Despite being barred by Bolivia's courts from seeking a third term, he is seeking the nomination of the left-wing MAS party in the August 2025 presidential elections.

In September, he led a march of thousands of Bolivians on the capital, La Paz, to protest Arce's policies.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales accused his successor on Tuesday of launching a "brutal judicial war" against him after prosecutors issued an arrest warrant over his alleged relationship with a minor while in office.

Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales accused his successor on Tuesday of launching a "brutal judicial war" against him after prosecutors issued an arrest warrant over his alleged relationship with a minor while in office. Morales, one of Latin America's longest-serving leaders, has been locked in a months-long standoff with the state over accusations he fathered a child in 2016 with a 15-year-old girl. On Monday, public prosecutor Sandra Gutierrez confirmed that she had issued an arrest warrant for the country's 2006-2019 leader on charges of "human trafficking involving a minor." She called for him to be placed in preventive custody for six months. Also read: Bolivia court ruling bars ex-leader Morales from presidency Morales has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, claiming they are part of a plot by incumbent President Luis Arce—a former ally turned rival—to prevent him from staging a political comeback. Writing on X, the 65-year-old Morales, a left-wing nationalist, accused Arce of being behind the case against him, which he alleged was aimed at currying favor with the United States. "I denounce to the world that I am the victim of a brutal judicial war (lawfare) carried out by the government of Luis Arce, who promised to hand me over to the US as a trophy of war," he wrote. Morales's lawyer, Nelson Cox, told AFP on Tuesday that his client was in hiding in his central political stronghold of Cochabamba and would not surrender to the police. 'Climbing the political ladder' A former coca farmer who grew up in grinding poverty, Morales made history as Bolivia's first Indigenous leader but lost support after trying to cling to power for a third term. In October, prosecutors said they were investigating him for statutory rape—sex with a minor—as well as human trafficking and smuggling, but have since focused on trafficking. They believe the girl was placed by her parents in the youth guard of Morales's political movement when he was president "with the sole purpose of climbing the political ladder and obtaining benefits... in exchange for their underage daughter." The girl's father has been in preventive custody since October. Morales's lawyers claim he was already investigated over the same allegations in 2020 but that the case was dismissed for lack of evidence. Watch | Bolivians Struggle As Fuel & Food Prices Skyrocket × Gutierrez said the warrant against Morales was issued on October 16 but that it had been "impossible" to execute it because of resistance from his supporters. Between mid-October and early November, Morales's mostly Indigenous supporters barricaded highways leading to Cochabamba to prevent his threatened arrest. The blockade, which caused widespread shortages of food and fuel, lasted for 23 days. Eyeing third term Dozens of security force members were injured in clashes with the protesters. At one point Morales accused Arce of trying to have him assassinated, with a video showing a pickup truck in which he had travelled riddled with bullet holes and his driver bleeding from the head. The government said police shot at his vehicle after coming under fire from his convoy at a police checkpoint. Morales's refusal to give up power in 2019 after two terms led to a tumultuous exit that cast a shadow over nearly 14 years of economic progress and poverty reduction. Forced to resign after elections tainted by fraud, he slipped away into exile in Argentina, returning home a year later. Despite being barred by Bolivia's courts from seeking a third term, he is seeking the nomination of the left-wing MAS party in the August 2025 presidential elections. In September, he led a march of thousands of Bolivians on the capital, La Paz, to protest Arce's policies. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bolivian ex-prez slams 'brutal judicial war' after arrest warrant issued against him in sexual abuse case

Luigi Mangione, 26,&nbsp;has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism."

He&nbsp;was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania on December 9 in connection with the murder of the UnitedHealth CEO.

Mangione was working on his laptop at a local McDonald's restaurant when one of the bystanders spotted him and matched his resemblance with the gunman.

He was found wearing a mask and a beanie at the fast food restaurant and possessed a fake New Jersey ID and a gun similar to the one used to kill Thompson and a silencer.

When the police officers asked if he had been to New York recently, he "became quiet and started to shake," according to the criminal complaint.

“As the commissioner stated earlier, a man was taken into custody today in Altoona, Pennsylvania, this morning. He has been identified as Luigi Nicholas Mangione. He's a male, 26-years-old. He was born and raised in Maryland. We know he have, he has ties to San Francisco, California. And his last known address was Honolulu, Hawaii. He has no prior arrest history in New York. Members of the NYPD Detective Bureau are currently travelling to Pennsylvania with members of the Manhattan District Attorney's office to interview this subject,” New York Police Department, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

<h2>Who is Luigi Mangione?</h2>

Originally from Maryland, Mangione attended the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania and was living in Hawaii before the incident.

As per his LinkedIn profile, he is working with TrueCar, a California-based online auto marketplace, as a data engineer.

As per the news agency AFP, the company spokesperson said that Mangione "has not been an employee of our company since 2023."

The 26-year-old hails from Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore and belongs to a wealthy Italian-American family.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspect-in-unitedhealth-ceo-killing-arrested-782799">Key suspect arrested in killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson</a>

<h2>'Normal guy'</h2>

Mangione graduated&nbsp;in the year 2016. In one of his previous interviews with a local newspaper he appreciated his teachers for instilling in him a passion for learning beyond grades.

One of his classmates at the Gilman School told AFP that Mangione &nbsp;struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid."

"There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception,"&nbsp;said the classmate and asked his&nbsp;name not be used.

"Seemed to just be smiling, and kind of seemed like he was a smart kid. Ended up being valedictorian, which confirmed that," the former student said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Luigi Mangione, 26, has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism." He was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania on December 9 in connection with the murder of the UnitedHealth CEO.

Luigi Mangione, 26, has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism." He was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania on December 9 in connection with the murder of the UnitedHealth CEO. Mangione was working on his laptop at a local McDonald's restaurant when one of the bystanders spotted him and matched his resemblance with the gunman. He was found wearing a mask and a beanie at the fast food restaurant and possessed a fake New Jersey ID and a gun similar to the one used to kill Thompson and a silencer. When the police officers asked if he had been to New York recently, he "became quiet and started to shake," according to the criminal complaint. “As the commissioner stated earlier, a man was taken into custody today in Altoona, Pennsylvania, this morning. He has been identified as Luigi Nicholas Mangione. He's a male, 26-years-old. He was born and raised in Maryland. We know he have, he has ties to San Francisco, California. And his last known address was Honolulu, Hawaii. He has no prior arrest history in New York. Members of the NYPD Detective Bureau are currently travelling to Pennsylvania with members of the Manhattan District Attorney's office to interview this subject,” New York Police Department, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Who is Luigi Mangione? Originally from Maryland, Mangione attended the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania and was living in Hawaii before the incident. As per his LinkedIn profile, he is working with TrueCar, a California-based online auto marketplace, as a data engineer. As per the news agency AFP, the company spokesperson said that Mangione "has not been an employee of our company since 2023." The 26-year-old hails from Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore and belongs to a wealthy Italian-American family. Also read: Key suspect arrested in killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson 'Normal guy' Mangione graduated in the year 2016. In one of his previous interviews with a local newspaper he appreciated his teachers for instilling in him a passion for learning beyond grades. One of his classmates at the Gilman School told AFP that Mangione struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," said the classmate and asked his name not be used. "Seemed to just be smiling, and kind of seemed like he was a smart kid. Ended up being valedictorian, which confirmed that," the former student said. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Luigi Mangione? Key suspect charged for murder, terrorism in killing of UnitedHealth CEO

US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder and "an act of terrorism." &nbsp;

Thompson was gunned down on a Manhattan street on December 4 in a case that triggered widespread outrage and a nationwide manhunt. Authorities apprehended 26-year-old Mangione last week at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania, where he remains in custody while contesting extradition to New York. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi7iMq7irCKAxWZTmwGHWf8HekQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/luigi-mangione-a-murder-suspect-too-hot-to-be-guilty-for-gen-zs-784649" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Luigi Mangione: A murder suspect 'too hot to be guilty' for Gen Z</a>

<h2>Charges and allegations against the 'CEO killer'</h2>

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that Mangione faces one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, "including one count of murder in the second degree as an act of terrorism"—and several weapons charges related to his use of a 3D-printed firearm. &nbsp;

Bragg explained the terrorism charge, stating, "In its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror and we've seen that reaction,"&nbsp;adding that it "was not an ordinary killing."&nbsp;

The maximum penalty for the charges is life imprisonment without parole.

Watch |&nbsp;Luigi Mangione: Who Is The Man Accused Of Killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO?

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According to prosecutors, Mangione used a 3D-printed nine-millimetre "ghost gun" equipped with a suppressor to shoot the UnitedHealthcare CEO.

"We allege he... took out a nine-millimetre 3D-printed ghost gun equipped with a 3D-printed suppressor and shot (Thompson) once in the back and once in the leg," said the Manhattan District Attorney.

Bragg highlighted the growing concern over untraceable ghost guns, noting that "last year, over 80 ghost guns and ghost gun parts were recovered in Manhattan alone."

"Evolving technology will only make this problem worse," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi7iMq7irCKAxWZTmwGHWf8HekQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-luigi-mangione-key-suspect-arrested-in-killing-of-unitedhealth-ceo-782840" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Who is Luigi Mangione? Key suspect arrested in killing of UnitedHealth CEO</a>

<h2>Targeted attack with a motive</h2>

Authorities allege that Mangione travelled to New York on November 24 with the explicit intent to kill Thompson. On December 4, he allegedly waited "for nearly an hour" outside Thompson's hotel before committing the crime. &nbsp;

Police say that a "life-altering" back injury could be the potential motive behind the murder, though there is no evidence that Mangione was ever a client of UnitedHealthcare.

A handwritten three-page manifesto criticising the US healthcare system was found in his possession at the time of his arrest. &nbsp;

"This was a frightening, well planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation," noted Bragg.

US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder and "an act of terrorism.

US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder and "an act of terrorism." Thompson was gunned down on a Manhattan street on December 4 in a case that triggered widespread outrage and a nationwide manhunt. Authorities apprehended 26-year-old Mangione last week at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania, where he remains in custody while contesting extradition to New York. Also read | Luigi Mangione: A murder suspect 'too hot to be guilty' for Gen Z Charges and allegations against the 'CEO killer' Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that Mangione faces one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, "including one count of murder in the second degree as an act of terrorism"—and several weapons charges related to his use of a 3D-printed firearm. Bragg explained the terrorism charge, stating, "In its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror and we've seen that reaction," adding that it "was not an ordinary killing." The maximum penalty for the charges is life imprisonment without parole. Watch | Luigi Mangione: Who Is The Man Accused Of Killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO? According to prosecutors, Mangione used a 3D-printed nine-millimetre "ghost gun" equipped with a suppressor to shoot the UnitedHealthcare CEO. "We allege he... took out a nine-millimetre 3D-printed ghost gun equipped with a 3D-printed suppressor and shot (Thompson) once in the back and once in the leg," said the Manhattan District Attorney. Bragg highlighted the growing concern over untraceable ghost guns, noting that "last year, over 80 ghost guns and ghost gun parts were recovered in Manhattan alone." "Evolving technology will only make this problem worse," he said. Also read | Who is Luigi Mangione? Key suspect arrested in killing of UnitedHealth CEO Targeted attack with a motive Authorities allege that Mangione travelled to New York on November 24 with the explicit intent to kill Thompson. On December 4, he allegedly waited "for nearly an hour" outside Thompson's hotel before committing the crime. Police say that a "life-altering" back injury could be the potential motive behind the murder, though there is no evidence that Mangione was ever a client of UnitedHealthcare. A handwritten three-page manifesto criticising the US healthcare system was found in his possession at the time of his arrest. "This was a frightening, well planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation," noted Bragg.

Luigi Mangione, suspect in Brian Thompson's shooting, charged with CEO's murder, terrorism

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