Global Pulse

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  • What we know about shooting of National Guards in Washington DC

    What we know about shooting of National Guards in Washington DC

    In a brazen daylight assault, two National Guard members were critically wounded in a targeted shooting just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon. The attack occurred at approximately 2:00 PM EST near Farragut Square at the intersection of 17th and I Streets, a bustling downtown Washington DC area frequented by office workers during lunch hours.

    Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll characterized the incident as an ambush, stating the suspect emerged from around a corner and immediately opened fire at close range. The victims, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe from the West Virginia National Guard, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remain in critical condition following surgery.

    The alleged perpetrator, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was apprehended at the scene after being shot four times during his capture. Law enforcement officials confirmed he is not cooperating with authorities. Investigation reveals Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program established during the Biden administration following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan.

    According to official statements, Lakanwal had previously worked with U.S. forces and intelligence agencies in Afghanistan. He had been granted asylum earlier this year after applying in 2024. The suspect resided in Washington state with his wife and five children.

    President Donald Trump, who was at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida during the incident, condemned the attack as ‘an act of terror’ and ‘a crime against humanity.’ In response, the president announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital and suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans. Trump further called for a comprehensive re-examination of all Afghan immigrants who entered the country during the Biden administration.

    U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Lakanwal will face three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a potential 15-year sentence, plus firearm charges related to crimes of violence. The current National Guard presence in Washington DC numbers nearly 2,200 troops, who serve in a limited capacity as they lack law enforcement authority.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the tragedy of the situation, noting that Beckstrom had volunteered for holiday duty so others could be with their families. Both soldiers now fight for their lives as their families maintain vigil at hospital rooms.

  • Death toll in Hong Kong building fire rises to 55: fire department

    Death toll in Hong Kong building fire rises to 55: fire department

    A devastating fire that engulfed a residential complex in Hong Kong has claimed the lives of 55 people, with the death toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. The Fire Services Department (FSD) confirmed the grim update during a press briefing on Thursday, revealing that 72 individuals, including eight firefighters, sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals. Over 200 residents remain unaccounted for, heightening fears of further casualties. The blaze, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon, ravaged Wang Fuk Court, a residential area comprising eight buildings undergoing major renovations. The structures were shrouded in green mesh and scaffolding, which authorities suspect contributed to the rapid spread of flames due to flammable materials. Three men overseeing the renovation project have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The FSD deployed 304 fire engines and rescue vehicles, utilizing drones to monitor heat levels and prevent rekindling. While flames have been extinguished in four buildings, three others remain partially ablaze. The incident has sparked widespread grief and calls for accountability, with President Xi Jinping extending condolences and urging all-out efforts to minimize losses.

  • Nearly 300 missing in massive Hong Kong fire: Families look for relatives as blaze continues

    Nearly 300 missing in massive Hong Kong fire: Families look for relatives as blaze continues

    A devastating fire that engulfed a Hong Kong apartment complex has claimed at least 44 lives and left nearly 300 people unaccounted for, as desperate families search for their missing loved ones. The blaze, which began on Wednesday afternoon, continues to rage, drawing grim comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy in London, where 72 people perished due to flammable cladding and systemic failures. Survivors and families are grappling with the aftermath, with many left homeless and uncertain about the fate of their relatives. An online app has been set up to track missing persons, with detailed reports submitted through a linked Google document. Descriptions range from ‘Mother-in-law in her 70s, missing’ to ’27th floor, room 1: He is dead,’ though Reuters has not independently verified these entries. The Grenfell United survivors’ group expressed solidarity with those affected, stating, ‘Our hearts go out to all those affected by the horrific fire in Hong Kong. You are not alone.’ Residents like 66-year-old Harry Cheung, who has lived in the complex for over 40 years, described the chaos as the fire erupted nearby, leaving him unsure of where he would sleep that night. Others, like a woman surnamed Ng, are frantically searching for missing family members, while long-time residents like 70-year-old Chu remain unable to contact friends in neighboring blocks. The tragedy has left the community in shock, with many questioning how such a disaster could occur.

  • Firefighters search for hundreds still missing in devastating Hong Kong tower blocks fire

    Firefighters search for hundreds still missing in devastating Hong Kong tower blocks fire

    A catastrophic fire has ravaged through multiple residential high-rises in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, resulting in at least 65 fatalities and leaving hundreds unaccounted for in the city’s deadliest blaze in over seven decades. The tragedy struck Wang Fuk Court, a subsidized housing complex housing approximately 4,600 residents, with nearly 40% being elderly citizens.

    The inferno, which ignited at 14:51 local time on Wednesday, rapidly engulfed seven of the complex’s eight tower blocks, propelled by flammable construction materials including mesh coverings, plastic sheets, and polystyrene installed during ongoing renovations. Hong Kong authorities have arrested three construction company executives on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence, while police investigations suggest these external materials significantly accelerated the fire’s spread.

    Firefighting efforts faced extreme challenges due to intense heat, collapsing scaffolding, and hazardous debris. The blaze reached level five severity—Hong Kong’s highest emergency classification—before being brought under control. Tragically, 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho lost his life during rescue operations, with ten additional firefighters sustaining injuries. Thus far, 55 individuals have been successfully rescued.

    Public outrage has mounted across Hong Kong as residents reveal critical safety oversights, including disabled fire alarms and construction workers improperly using fire escapes. Historical complaints regarding renovation safety standards and material compliance have resurfaced, prompting the Independent Commission Against Corruption to initiate criminal investigations into the renovation works.

    Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has pledged comprehensive inspections of all major housing renovations, with particular focus on scaffolding safety and building materials. The government is considering replacing traditional bamboo scaffolding with metal frameworks. Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed official condolences and emphasized maximizing rescue efforts while minimizing casualties.

    The Wang Fuk Court complex, constructed in 1983, represents one of Hong Kong’s many aging high-density residential structures facing maintenance challenges. This tragedy has sparked urgent discussions about construction safety protocols and regulatory enforcement in one of the world’s most vertically populated cities.

  • Miss Universe president under probe in Mexico for drugs, arms trafficking

    Miss Universe president under probe in Mexico for drugs, arms trafficking

    Mexican authorities have launched a significant criminal investigation targeting Raul Rocha, President of the Miss Universe Organization, for alleged involvement in serious organized crime activities including narcotics trafficking, illegal arms distribution, and fuel theft operations. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Wednesday that thirteen arrest warrants have been issued as part of the comprehensive probe, though officials refrained from publicly identifying all targeted individuals.

    The investigation, reportedly initiated in 2024, centers on Rocha who holds fifty percent ownership of the prestigious international beauty pageant organization through his corporate entity Legacy Holding Group USA. Mexican media outlets have independently confirmed that Rocha is among those subject to arrest warrants, referred to in official communications as ‘Raul R’ in accordance with standard Mexican legal protocol.

    This development emerges amidst existing controversy surrounding the recently concluded Miss Universe competition in Thailand, where Mexican winner Fatima Bosch previously led contestant protests against pageant leadership. Bosch alleged inappropriate conduct by pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil, who denied the accusations. The Mexican winner subsequently received presidential endorsement from Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, who praised her as an exemplar of female empowerment.

    Neither Rocha nor the Miss Universe Organization responded immediately to requests for commentary regarding the investigation. The Attorney General’s Office indicated that further details regarding the status of the investigation and individuals involved would be disclosed through appropriate official channels as the case progresses.

  • Track UK’s latest migration numbers – including asylum, visas and small boats

    Track UK’s latest migration numbers – including asylum, visas and small boats

    The United Kingdom’s net migration has declined to levels approaching those observed before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to official statistics released by government authorities on Thursday. This key demographic metric, calculated as the difference between immigrant arrivals and emigrant departures, signals a notable shift in the nation’s migration patterns following years of elevated numbers.

    The Office for National Statistics (ONS), utilizing internationally recognized methodology that defines long-term migrants as those relocating for at least one year, provides these benchmark figures. The data reveals intricate patterns across multiple migration channels including work visas, study permits, family reunification programs, and humanitarian pathways.

    Concurrent statistics from the Home Office detail several critical aspects of UK migration management. Small boat crossings across the English Channel continue to represent a significant challenge, with daily updated figures tracking these dangerous journeys. The government reports that entering the UK without proper authorization constitutes an immigration offense, though asylum seekers typically avoid prosecution if they promptly declare their intention to seek protection upon arrival.

    The asylum system itself faces substantial pressures, with a considerable backlog of individuals awaiting initial decisions on their applications. These figures encompass both principal applicants and their dependents. Accommodation challenges persist, with the Home Office reporting thousands of asylum seekers housed in contingency hotel accommodations alongside other forms of temporary housing.

    Legal migration channels demonstrate substantial activity across multiple categories. Work visas encompass diverse programs including seasonal workers, health and care staff, domestic personnel, and youth mobility arrangements. Study visas include both long-term sponsored students and short-term educational visitors. Family visas facilitate reunification with spouses, partners, children, and parents already residing in the UK.

    The humanitarian category incorporates specialized programs such as the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and British National Overseas route, alongside family permits for EU and European Economic Area nationals.

    When contextualized within broader European migration patterns through UNHCR and Eurostat data, the UK’s experience reflects both unique national circumstances and shared regional challenges. The comparative analysis excludes smaller nations with populations under one million and focuses on countries that include asylum seekers in their official immigration statistics.

    The government emphasizes that all published figures undergo potential retrospective revision between publications, and different metrics follow varying update schedules—from daily small boat arrivals to quarterly asylum statistics and biannual ONS migration updates.

  • Bookstore inside 326-meter sinkhole becomes viral landmark

    Bookstore inside 326-meter sinkhole becomes viral landmark

    A unique cliffside bookstore nestled within a 326-meter-deep sinkhole in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has captured global attention for its breathtaking setting and innovative approach to the reading experience. Located in the Mianhua Tiankeng Scenic Area, the bookstore opened its doors in May and has since become a must-visit landmark. At night, the space transforms into a luminous ‘knowledge canyon,’ with over 10,000 books arranged along the cliff walls, illuminated by strategically placed lights. Reaching this literary haven requires visitors to navigate more than 1,000 plank-road steps, adding an element of adventure to the journey. The bookstore’s dramatic location and immersive atmosphere have made it a viral sensation, redefining how people engage with literature and nature.

  • Hong Kong fire: 3 arrested from ‘grossly negligent’ construction firm for manslaughter

    Hong Kong fire: 3 arrested from ‘grossly negligent’ construction firm for manslaughter

    A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong has claimed at least 44 lives, with nearly 300 people still unaccounted for. The blaze, which began on Wednesday afternoon, continues to rage, with firefighters struggling to reach residents trapped on upper floors due to intense heat and thick smoke. Hong Kong police have arrested three individuals from a construction firm—two directors and an engineering consultant—on suspicion of manslaughter, citing gross negligence in the use of unsafe materials. The buildings were covered with protective mesh sheets and plastic that may not meet fire safety standards, and windows on one unaffected building were sealed with foam material. The construction company, responsible for year-long maintenance work, has not yet commented on the allegations. The densely populated complex in Tai Po district houses over 4,600 residents in 2,000 apartments, highlighting Hong Kong’s ongoing affordable housing crisis. Authorities have partially controlled the fire in four of the seven blocks, but flames persist in three blocks. The death toll marks the highest in Hong Kong since a 1948 warehouse fire that killed 176 people. Hong Kong leader John Lee emphasized the priorities of extinguishing the fire, rescuing trapped residents, supporting the injured, and conducting a thorough investigation.

  • 6.3-magnitude earthquake jolts waters off Indonesia’s Aceh, no tsunami warning issued

    6.3-magnitude earthquake jolts waters off Indonesia’s Aceh, no tsunami warning issued

    A 6.3-magnitude earthquake shook the waters off Indonesia’s Aceh province on Thursday morning, according to the country’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). The seismic event occurred at 11:56 am local time, with its epicenter located 62 kilometers northwest of Sinabang town on the east coast of Simeulue Island. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers. BMKG confirmed that the earthquake posed no risk of triggering a tsunami. A shakemap released by the agency indicated light to moderate tremors in parts of Simeulue Island and surrounding areas. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ is highly susceptible to seismic activity due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates.

  • Rescuers launch search after avalanche on Austrian glacier buries skiers and snowboarders

    Rescuers launch search after avalanche on Austrian glacier buries skiers and snowboarders

    A significant avalanche incident unfolded on the Stubai Glacier in Austria’s Tyrol region on Thursday morning, resulting in multiple winter sports enthusiasts being buried under snow. Austrian emergency services launched an extensive rescue mission involving approximately 250 personnel, specialized avalanche rescue dogs, and helicopter teams.

    According to the Austria Press Agency (APA), nine individuals were successfully extracted alive from the snow masses. Three of the rescued skiers sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention and were subsequently airlifted to nearby hospitals. The severity of their injuries remained unspecified as medical evaluations continued.

    The avalanche originated in the notoriously hazardous Daunscharte pass area, located beyond the boundaries of secured ski runs. The snowslide’s impact extended to lower sections of designated pistes, necessitating immediate closure of affected slopes for safety reasons.

    As midday approached, search and rescue operations persisted with undiminished intensity. Authorities maintained uncertainty regarding whether additional victims might remain trapped beneath the snow accumulation. The emergency response coordinated multiple agencies in a race against time and challenging alpine conditions.

    The incident highlights the persistent dangers of backcountry skiing in unsecured glacial areas, particularly during early season conditions when snow stability remains unpredictable. Austrian alpine safety organizations reiterated warnings about venturing beyond marked ski areas without professional guidance and proper safety equipment.