National

Attorneys for former Minneapolis police officers J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao filed Wednesday their intent to appeal the federal prison sentences handed down for their roles in the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, the Star Tribune reports.

Why it matters: Kueng and Thao were sentenced to three and 3 1/2 years in prison, respectively, after they were convicted of violating Floyd's civil rights by not intervening as Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes.

Throughout the murder, Kueng held Floyd's back as Chauvin was kneeling on his neck. Thao kept bystanders away while Thomas Lane, another Minneapolis police officer at the time, restrained Floyd's legs.

Lane was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for violating Floyd's civil rights.

What to watch: Both Kueng and Thao are expected to stand trial in Hennepin County starting Oct. 24 for state charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Ex-officers to appeal prison sentences for violating George Floyd's civil rights

J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao were sentenced to three and 3 1/2 years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the killing.

Photo of three masked men and a masked woman in the back walking down a hallway

Former Minneapolis police officers Tou Thao, left, and J. Alexander Kueng, right, arrive with attorney Thomas Plunkett at the U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minn., on Jan. 11. Photo: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

George Floyd

Attorneys for former Minneapolis police officers J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao filed Wednesday their intent to appeal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the federal prison sentences" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/27/george-floyd-cops-kueng-thao-sentencing" data-vars-content-id="0aba6bc1-6559-4ad0-b8ac-8dd63f1b6f1a" data-vars-headline="Ex-officers to appeal prison sentences for violating George Floyd&#x27;s civil rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/27/george-floyd-cops-kueng-thao-sentencing" target="_self">the federal prison sentences</a> handed down for their roles in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the killing of George Floyd" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2020/07/08/george-floyd-arrest-transcript" data-vars-content-id="0aba6bc1-6559-4ad0-b8ac-8dd63f1b6f1a" data-vars-headline="Ex-officers to appeal prison sentences for violating George Floyd&#x27;s civil rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2020/07/08/george-floyd-arrest-transcript" target="_self">the killing of George Floyd</a> in May 2020, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Star Tribune reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/kueng-thao-to-appeal-federal-sentences-for-violating-george-floyds-civil-rights/600197307/" data-vars-content-id="0aba6bc1-6559-4ad0-b8ac-8dd63f1b6f1a" data-vars-headline="Ex-officers to appeal prison sentences for violating George Floyd&#x27;s civil rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/kueng-thao-to-appeal-federal-sentences-for-violating-george-floyds-civil-rights/600197307/" target="_blank">Star Tribune reports</a>.Why it matters: Kueng and Thao were sentenced to three and 3 1/2 years in prison, respectively, after they were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="convicted of violating Floyd&#x27;s civil rights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/24/george-floyd-officers-civil-rights-trial-verdict" data-vars-content-id="0aba6bc1-6559-4ad0-b8ac-8dd63f1b6f1a" data-vars-headline="Ex-officers to appeal prison sentences for violating George Floyd&#x27;s civil rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/24/george-floyd-officers-civil-rights-trial-verdict" target="_self">convicted of violating Floyd&#x27;s civil rights</a> by not intervening as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd&#x27;s neck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/06/25/derek-chauvin-sentenced-george-floyd-murder" data-vars-content-id="0aba6bc1-6559-4ad0-b8ac-8dd63f1b6f1a" data-vars-headline="Ex-officers to appeal prison sentences for violating George Floyd&#x27;s civil rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/06/25/derek-chauvin-sentenced-george-floyd-murder" target="_self">Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd&#x27;s neck</a> for more than nine minutes.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

Arizona has begun stacking shipping containers to close a 1,000-foot gap in the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Yuma after Gov. Doug Ducey (R) issued an executive order Friday directing the state to immediately fill remaining gaps.

Why it matters: Ducey says the Biden administration has repeatedly ignored the crisis caused by the surge in border crossings and that Arizona can no longer wait for federal action. The move, which comes as the Biden administration rolls back the Remain in Mexico policy, was not authorized by the federal government even though the wall stands on federal land, AP reports. 

Details: The state is double-stacking 60 shipping containers, welding them shut and adding four feet of razor wire to reinforce the physical barrier, according to a press release from Ducey's office.

It is expected to stand at 22 feet and weigh around 8,800 pounds.

The border wall was built under the Trump administration, but the federal government largely halted construction after President Biden took the office — though the administration has moved in recent months to fill in wall gaps in Texas citing safety and flood control.

In the coming weeks, Arizona plans to fill three gaps in the wall, a total of 3,000 feet, per AP. 

What they're saying: "Arizona has had enough. We can’t wait any longer," Ducey said in a statement that pointed to the presence of cartels and drug smuggling. "The Biden administration’s lack of urgency on border security is a dereliction of duty."

"Our border communities are being used as the entryway to the United States, overwhelming law enforcement, hospitals, nonprofits and residents. It’s our responsibility to protect our citizens and law enforcement from this unprecedented crisis."

"The Yuma community does not have the infrastructure to handle thousands of people crossing the border in need of food, shelter and medical services," Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls said in a statement. 

"Washington must send a clear message that this is not the way to immigrate to our country."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The big picture: The Biden administration actually authorized the completion of the U.S.-Mexico wall in the southern Arizona region in July, AP notes. State officials say federal officials haven't moved fast enough, however.

In recent months, Arizona has joined Texas in sending migrants to D.C. by bus as a political statement.

Arizona filling gaps in U.S.-Mexico border wall without federal permission

"Arizona has had enough. We can’t wait any longer," the state's Republican governor said.

Photo of vans parked beside a gap in the border wall

A Border Patrol agent drives a van between a gap along the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico in Yuma, Arizona on June 1, 2022. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Arizona

Immigration

Arizona has begun stacking shipping containers to close a 1,000-foot gap <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the U.S.-Mexico border wall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/29/trump-southern-border-wall-injuries-deaths" data-vars-content-id="5ad3f7bc-7443-4c6a-b1e7-4073e3d87553" data-vars-headline="Arizona filling gaps in U.S.-Mexico border wall without federal permission" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/29/trump-southern-border-wall-injuries-deaths" target="_self">in the U.S.-Mexico border wall</a> near Yuma after Gov. Doug Ducey (R) issued an executive order Friday directing the state to immediately fill remaining gaps.Why it matters: Ducey says the Biden administration has repeatedly ignored the crisis caused by the surge in border crossings and that Arizona can no longer wait for federal action. The move, which comes as the Biden administration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rolls back the Remain in Mexico policy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/09/biden-remain-mexico-border-policy-court-order-end" data-vars-content-id="5ad3f7bc-7443-4c6a-b1e7-4073e3d87553" data-vars-headline="Arizona filling gaps in U.S.-Mexico border wall without federal permission" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/09/biden-remain-mexico-border-policy-court-order-end" target="_self">rolls back the Remain in Mexico policy</a>, was not authorized by the federal government even though the wall stands on federal land, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP reports" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-immigration-doug-ducey-yuma-climate-and-environment-d34bc49971be70cc91453e7ada7b571b?taid=62f6bbf3a3b3e50001882856&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter" data-vars-content-id="5ad3f7bc-7443-4c6a-b1e7-4073e3d87553" data-vars-headline="Arizona filling gaps in U.S.-Mexico border wall without federal permission" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-immigration-doug-ducey-yuma-climate-and-environment-d34bc49971be70cc91453e7ada7b571b?taid=62f6bbf3a3b3e50001882856&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter" target="_blank">AP reports</a>.

The armed man who attempted to break into the FBI building in Cincinnati has been identified as Ricky Shiffer, the Ohio Department of Safety said Friday.

Why it matters: Shiffer, who was shot and killed after a standoff with police, was allegedly at the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection, the Associated Press reports. He was not charged with any crimes related to Jan. 6.

The 42-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio, is suspected to have had ties to extremist groups, including the Proud Boys, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The FBI did not immediately return Axios' request for comment.

Details: Shiffer appeared to have posted messages on Truth Social, former President Trump's media platform for conservatives, about attempts to gain access to the FBI building, according to screenshots of the account @RickyWShifferJr.

"Well, I thought I had a way through bullet proof glass, and I didn't.  If you don't hear from me, it is true I tried attacking the F.B.I., and it'll mean either I was taken off the internet, the F.B.I. got me, or they sent the regular cops while," the account posted shortly after the break-in attempt on Thursday.

The user also called for people to prepare themselves for "combat" in the days after the FBI searched Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence for classified materials.

"We must not tolerate this one," said one post. Another urged people to kill the FBI "on sight, and be ready to take down other active enemies of the people and those who try to prevent you from doing it."

Catch up quick: Ohio state troopers pursued the suspect after he took off in a vehicle, the state's Department of Safety (DPS) said in a statement Thursday.

"While behind the vehicle, a suspected gunshot was fired from inside the suspect's vehicle."

The suspect then left the vehicle and "gunfire was exchanged" with law enforcement, DPS said.

Go deeper ... FBI chief expresses alarm at rise in politically driven violence in U.S.

What we know about the FBI Ohio office attack suspect

It appears he posted messages on Trump's Truth Social before the FBI office breach.

Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

DOJ investigating Southern Baptist Convention over handling of sex abuse

Survivors were "met, time and time again, with resistance, stonewalling, and even outright hostility," a report found.

Photo of a sign that says "End Abuse Now #MeToo" embedded in grass with people standing around

Protesters outside the Southern Baptist Convention on June 12, 2018, in Dallas. Photo: Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The Justice Department is investigating the Southern Baptist Convention for its handling of sex abuse cases after an independent review found <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="evidence of a cover-up among leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/23/southern-baptists-sexual-abuse-report" data-vars-content-id="906e4d31-3aed-42d3-8e6b-3e05090d38f0" data-vars-headline="DOJ investigating Southern Baptist Convention over handling of sex abuse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/23/southern-baptists-sexual-abuse-report" target="_self">evidence of a cover-up among leaders</a>.Driving the news: The federal probe comes amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversies about systemic problems" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/13/southern-baptists-convention-scandals" data-vars-content-id="906e4d31-3aed-42d3-8e6b-3e05090d38f0" data-vars-headline="DOJ investigating Southern Baptist Convention over handling of sex abuse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/13/southern-baptists-convention-scandals" target="_self">controversies about systemic problems</a> of clergy sexual abuse, racism and the mistreatment of women. Survivors were &quot;met, time and time again, with resistance, stonewalling, and even outright hostility,&quot; the SBC-commissioned review found.

A Dallas grand jury has indicted a 37-year-old man for committing aggravated assault after he allegedly shot three Asian women in a Dallas Koreatown hair salon in what police have labeled a hate crime.

Driving the news: Jeremy Smith intentionally targeted the women "because of his bias or prejudice against Asian Americans," according to the Dallas County district attorney’s office.

Details: On May 11 at 2:20pm, Smith allegedly fired 13 shots from a .22-caliber rifle into the salon, injuring three women and posing as a threat to four others.

He is charged with seven counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Each carries a hate crime enhancement and is punishable by five years to life in prison.

Dallas Police chief Eddie García previously said Smith's "delusions" about Asians began after he was involved in a car crash with an Asian man two years ago.

Smith is detained at the Dallas County jail on a $700,000 bond.

Worth noting: Police continue to investigate two other drive-by shootings that targeted Asian-run businesses.

The big picture: Major U.S. cities set records in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2021. Asian Americans are adjusting to a new long-term reality as the number of violent attacks and hate incidents continues to climb.

Americans continue to wrongly blame people of Asian descent for the coronavirus — 21% of U.S. adults now say Asian Americans are at least partly responsible for COVID, up from 11% in 2021, per a May poll.

Stop AAPI Hate's latest report found that self-reported anti-AAPI hate incidents were most likely to occur in public spaces and businesses.

The Korean women shot at Dallas hair salon speak out

Asians in America reach new level of duality

Dallas

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Dallas. Written by Michael Mooney and Tasha Tsiperas.

Axios Dallas

Axios Dallas Thought Bubble

Dallas Alerts

Dallas Koreatown salon shooting suspect indicted for anti-Asian hate crime

Jeremy Smith intentionally targeted three Asian women "because of his bias or prejudice against Asian Americans."

Photo of two protesters, one holds a sign that says "Asian&Proud" and the other holds a sign that says "No excuse for racism"

A Stop Asian Hate rally in downtown Houston on March 20, 2021. Photo: Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images

Asian Americans

A Dallas grand jury has indicted a 37-year-old man for committing aggravated assault after he allegedly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shot three Asian women" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2022/05/16/dallas-shooting-korean-hair-salon-hate-crime" data-vars-content-id="dbd88e4a-8612-4f18-83d7-0c8287905ff4" data-vars-headline="Dallas Koreatown salon shooting suspect indicted for anti-Asian hate crime" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2022/05/16/dallas-shooting-korean-hair-salon-hate-crime" target="_self">shot three Asian women</a> in a Dallas Koreatown hair salon in what police have labeled a hate crime.Driving the news: Jeremy Smith intentionally targeted the women &quot;because of his bias or prejudice against Asian Americans,&quot; according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dallas County district attorney’s office" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/Dallas_DA/status/1557090546446917633?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" data-vars-content-id="dbd88e4a-8612-4f18-83d7-0c8287905ff4" data-vars-headline="Dallas Koreatown salon shooting suspect indicted for anti-Asian hate crime" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/Dallas_DA/status/1557090546446917633?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" target="_blank">Dallas County district attorney’s office</a>.

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Stories

Arizona filling gaps in U.S.-Mexico border wall without federal permission

DOJ investigating Southern Baptist Convention over handling of sex abuse

What we know about the FBI Ohio office attack suspect

Dallas Koreatown salon shooting suspect indicted for anti-Asian hate crime

Ex-officers to appeal prison sentences for violating George Floyd's civil rights