Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyA judge rules that Tyler Robinson will face trial for the murder of Charlie Kirk
PROVO, UTAH — A Utah judge, who heard arguments on Tuesday regarding whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with aggravated murder charges against the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, a charge that could make him eligible for the death penalty, determined that the case will go to trial. The hours-long hearing in state court followed prosecutors spending five days in July presenting what they described as 'overwhelming' evidence that Tyler Robinson shot the conservative activist while he was speaking at an outdoor event on a university campus. The 23-year-old defendant surrendered to authorities a day after the shooting that occurred last September at Utah Valley University. He has not yet entered a plea, and his attorneys have not presented alternative theories regarding Kirk's death, focusing instead on preventing the case from advancing to trial and attempting to have the death penalty dismissed. Strong security surrounded the courthouse as Kirk's parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, entered arm in arm before the hearing at the Fourth District Court in Provo. Erika Kirk was seated next to them. Some local members of Turning Point USA, Kirk's organization, arrived with signs supporting Erika Kirk, but security instructed them that they could not have them inside the courthouse property. District Judge Tony Graf had the option to send the case to trial on a lesser charge of murder, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison, according to Steve Burton, director of the Utah Defense Attorney Association. Graf could also dismiss the charges against Robinson, in which case prosecutors could refile them. A key factor in presenting an aggravated murder charge is determining whether the shooter consciously created a risk of death to others while committing the murder. 'Tyler James Robinson shot and killed Charlie Kirk because he disagreed with him, and he did so by firing a high-powered rifle into a crowd of over 3,000 people, which created a significant risk of death that anyone would have recognized,' said Ryan McBride, a prosecutor from the Utah County Attorney's Office, in court. The defense argues that others were not in danger. A 'mountain of evidence' shows that Robinson was the shooter, including DNA, messages with his partner, and posts that Robinson made on the communication platform Discord, McBride stated. One of Robinson's attorneys, Staci Visser, argued that the state was trying to 'force' the case into Utah's aggravated murder statute. She stated that prior case law requires prosecutors to demonstrate that there was a high probability — and not just a possibility — that others could have died. Kirk was sitting on an elevated stage and was not immediately near other people when he was shot from a rooftop over 400 feet away, she noted. 'There is a shot. There is a bullet. There is a victim,' Visser said. 'There is no evidence that any action was taken against other people.' As expected and announced by Tania Mashburn, a spokesperson for the state courts, the judge announced his decision from the bench. Robinson also faces potential aggravating factors in sentencing if prosecutors can prove that he attacked Kirk because of his political beliefs. Prosecutors allege a political motive. Before his death, Kirk and the organization he co-founded, Turning Point USA, mobilized young conservative voters to help President Donald Trump win a second term. Prosecutors have argued that a recorded bullet found in the weapon allegedly used in the murder shows that Kirk was targeted based on the defendant's perception of his political views. The inscription 'Hey Facist! CATCH!' is an 'explicit political reference,' they argued in court documents. A handwritten note that prosecutors say Robinson left for his partner partially read: 'I had the chance to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.' They also allege that Robinson texted about Kirk: 'I was already fed up with his hate. There are hatreds that cannot be resolved through negotiation.' Robinson's attorneys have argued that prosecutors do not have sufficiently strong evidence to demonstrate a political motive. In July, investigators presented DNA analysis that they said linked Robinson to the weapon believed to have been used in the murder — a bolt-action rifle with a fired cartridge — and to a tool he allegedly used to etch the bullet casings. Lance Twiggs, identified as Robinson's partner, told investigators in a recorded interview that Robinson remarked the day after Kirk's death that he 'wished he hadn't done it.' Later that same day — just an hour before surrendering — Robinson posted 'that was me yesterday at UVU' in an online chat room, according to investigators. Defense attorneys questioned the reliability of the DNA evidence and unsuccessfully attempted to prevent the public disclosure of the interview with Twiggs, warning that prosecutors would present it as a confession. Twiggs stated during the interview that he had never heard Robinson speak about Kirk before the shooting.
Public SafetyTxDOT Strengthens Vigilance Against Impaired Drivers During Labor Day
As Labor Day weekend approaches, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is intensifying its campaign against driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In 2025, 26 fatalities occurred during this weekend, with 57% linked to substance use. To prevent further tragedies, TxDOT is funding law enforcement agencies statewide to increase operations aimed at identifying and arresting impaired drivers. The heightened enforcement period runs from August 14 to September 7, coinciding with a national campaign by the NHTSA. TxDOT emphasizes planning safe transportation options before consuming substances that impair driving abilities.
Public SafetyDriver Seriously Injured After Leaving Road and Colliding with RV in Donna
A driver was seriously injured after veering off the road and crashing into a fence and an RV in Donna, Texas. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Monday, August 31, when police responded to an OnStar report of a possible accident near the 100 block of West Expressway 83. Upon arrival, officers found a 2014 red Ford Fusion that had struck a fence and an unoccupied recreational vehicle at RV Station, located at 214 W. Expressway 83. The driver, the sole occupant, was taken to South Texas Health System in McAllen for treatment. The police are investigating the cause of the accident.
Public SafetyMore than 210 firearms from Texas seized for criminal groups in Mexico
Mexican authorities arrested three individuals in Nuevo León for transporting 210 firearms from Texas intended for criminal groups in Mexico. The seizure, which included 195 long guns and 15 handguns, took place on the Nuevo Laredo-Monterrey highway near Sabinas Hidalgo, about 100 kilometers north of Monterrey. The operation involved agents from the Federal Criminal Investigation Agency and military personnel. This confiscation adds to over 30,000 firearms seized during President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal arms trafficking from the U.S., which is seen as a significant source of firepower for organized crime in Mexico.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Courthouse to Remain Closed Tuesday, Sept. 1st as Damage Assessment Continues
The Hidalgo County Courthouse will remain closed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following a vehicle crash that damaged the front entrance on Sunday night. County officials are currently assessing the extent of the damage with the help of fire marshals, safety personnel, and engineers to ensure the building's safety for employees and the public. Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez emphasized the importance of safety and stated that the courthouse will not reopen until assessments are complete. Those scheduled to visit the courthouse should await further instructions from county offices or courts. The Edinburg Police Department is investigating the incident.
Public SafetyOut-of-State Dealer Gets 10-Year Federal Sentence After Interstate Drug Bust
A 52-year-old man from Michigan, Jose Taurus Burks, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to distribute 14 kilograms of cocaine. Burks pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, and U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton imposed the sentence, which includes five years of supervised release after prison. The case stemmed from an incident on May 9, 2023, when Burks was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Sarita, Texas. Authorities found the cocaine hidden in a suitcase. His accomplice, Walter Lee Houze, was also sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Public SafetyAt least 11 injured after explosive attack on police station in Zacatecas state
At least 11 people were injured, two of them critically, following a car explosion in the municipality of Ojocaliente, Zacatecas, in north-central Mexico, the State Attorney General's Office reported on Monday. In a radio interview with Grupo Fórmula, Attorney General Cristian Paul Camacho explained that on Sunday night, there was an armed attack against the Ojocaliente police station, allegedly carried out by a criminal group that 'unfortunately... used explosives.' 'We have a total of 11 injured, including police officers, and so far there are no fatalities. The situation was addressed yesterday and controlled by various security agencies,' he stated. In this regard, the Mexican government's Security Cabinet indicated in a social media message that 'following the attack with an explosive device against the Municipal Police Command of Ojocaliente, Zacatecas,' the institutions that make up the Cabinet 'are collaborating with state authorities in the investigations to clarify the events, identify, and apprehend those responsible.' Additionally, municipal, state, and federal authorities are reinforcing security operations in the area to protect the population. The attack with explosives was described by media in Zacatecas as a car bomb explosion, and according to reports supported by the attorney general himself, the attack may have been carried out by hitmen from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Public SafetyLeader of the Los Reyes Cartel Reportedly Killed in Armed Clash in Michoacán
The governor of the western Mexican state of Michoacán, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, confirmed on Monday a federal forces operation that led to an armed confrontation in the municipality of Los Reyes, where the leader of the Los Reyes Cartel was allegedly killed. "We confirm that there is an operation, there is a significant deployment in the area, both from the National Defense Secretariat and our Civil Guard, National Guard, and this operation took place in Los Reyes," Ramírez Bedolla stated during a press conference. The governor's confirmation came after local media reported on an operation carried out early Monday morning, in which Mexican federal forces allegedly killed Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, also known as "El Wicho" or "El R5," the presumed leader of the Los Reyes Cartel. The governor also confirmed that an armed confrontation occurred during the deployment but refrained from providing a casualty count or specifying the identities of those involved. "Information is yet to be confirmed; it is an operation where there was a confrontation, and we are awaiting the official report that will be provided by the State Attorney General's Office, whose agents are already on the scene," he added.
Public SafetyPolice Shoot Woman Who Allegedly Attacked Several People in Times Square
NEW YORK — A woman who attacked several people with a knife in Times Square was shot by police and is in critical condition, authorities reported. The woman, described by police as having mental health issues, was wielding a knife in the busy tourist area on Monday afternoon. She allegedly used it to stab multiple individuals near West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue. Responding officers shot the woman, who was injured and taken to the hospital in critical condition. The health status of the stabbing victims is unknown. The NYPD advised avoiding the area of West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue and to expect traffic delays in the surrounding area. The investigation is ongoing. This is a developing story.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Courthouse to Remain Closed on Tuesday Following Severe Crash
The Hidalgo County Courthouse will remain closed on Tuesday, September 1, following a serious accident where a BMW crashed into the main entrance on Sunday night. The driver, the only occupant, is in critical condition at a hospital. Edinburg police are investigating the incident, suspecting alcohol may have been a factor. County officials are assessing the damage with security personnel, fire marshals, and engineering professionals to determine if the building is safe for employees and visitors. Judge Richard F. Cortez emphasized that safety is the priority and that the courthouse will not reopen until evaluations are complete.
Public SafetyDPS Personnel Honored During August Public Safety Commission Meeting
During the August Public Safety Commission meeting in Austin, several Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel were honored for their bravery and service. PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach and other officials presented awards, including two Purple Hearts, multiple Lifesaving Awards, a Director’s Citation, a Director’s Award, and a Unit Citation. Notable recipients included Special Agent Bradley Bush, who received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in a crash, and Trooper Dakota Hughes, also awarded a Purple Heart after being shot while responding to a suspect. The awards recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by DPS personnel in life-threatening situations.
Public SafetyFentanyl Kingpin Pleads Guilty to International Trafficking Charges
Hernan Geovani Ojeda Elenes, a 48-year-old Mexican national from Culiacan, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl intended for import into the United States. Over several years, he collaborated with his father and others to operate a drug trafficking organization linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, importing precursor chemicals from China to produce fentanyl in Mexico. Ojeda Elenes faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, with sentencing yet to be scheduled. The case is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks.
Public SafetySuspected drunk driver crashes into courthouse, building closed
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - A suspected drunk driver is being blamed for a crash that forced officials to shutdown the Hidalgo County Courthouse on Monday. Officials say at 11:35 Sunday night, Edinburg police and fire fighters responded to a crash at the courthouse located at 100 N. Closner Blvd. According to a news release, officials
Public SafetyDisaster Recovery Training Strengthens Preparedness
The City of McAllen recently hosted a two-day course on disaster recovery, organized by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and FEMA, at the Emergency Operations Center. Held on August 26-27, the MGT-482 training aimed to enhance the knowledge of city staff and first responders regarding disaster recovery and available resources. Participants learned about managing recovery funding, documenting disaster impacts, and coordinating with various partners. City Manager Isaac J. Tawil emphasized that this training is crucial for effectively responding to and recovering from disasters, ensuring essential services and infrastructure are restored for the community.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Courthouse Closed Monday, 8/31 Following Vehicle Crash
The Hidalgo County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, August 31, due to a vehicle crashing into its front entrance, resulting in significant damage. County officials are currently assessing the structural integrity of the building and determining when it can safely reopen to employees and the public. Court operations, including hearings and jury proceedings, are being coordinated with judicial leadership to address the impact of the closure. Individuals scheduled to report to the courthouse on Monday are advised not to come. The Edinburg Police Department is investigating the incident, and updates on courthouse operations will be provided as they become available.
Public SafetySmuggler pleads guilty in Starr County marijuana case
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who smuggled nearly 500 pounds of marijuana through Starr County pleaded guilty on Wednesday. The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested David Garcia, 27, of Zapata after a high-speed chase in May. When his silver SUV finally stopped, troopers discovered that Garcia had been hauling nearly 500 pounds of
Public SafetyEnchiladas Spark Cousins' Fight That Ended in Murder
A seemingly trivial argument over the spiciness of green chili enchiladas escalated into a fight and, minutes later, a fatal shooting, police said. Albuquerque police in New Mexico reported that they arrested and charged 22-year-old Ervin Gutierrez with the shooting death of 25-year-old Nathaniel Cavazos, which occurred on the night of Friday, August 28, at an apartment complex in the northeast part of the city. According to police and court documents, Gutierrez had traveled from Roswell to prepare dinner with his cousins Cavazos and Kamyl Serrano. The men were consuming alcohol while cooking when the argument began. Investigators stated that Gutierrez started provoking Cavazos by saying the chili in his enchiladas was too spicy. What began as a discussion about food quickly escalated into a physical confrontation.
Public SafetyCrash Causes Severe Damage and Forces Closure of Hidalgo County Courthouse
The Hidalgo County Courthouse in Edinburg will remain closed on Monday, August 31, following a serious accident where a vehicle crashed into its main entrance, causing significant structural damage. The incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. on Sunday when a BMW traveling south on Closner Boulevard failed to stop and collided with the building. Emergency crews extracted the driver, the sole occupant, who was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. Authorities suspect alcohol may have contributed to the crash. The courthouse's closure affects judicial operations, including scheduled hearings and jury procedures, as officials assess the damage.
Public SafetyCameron County DA seeks help locating wanted defendants
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz is asking the community's help by providing information that could assist law enforcement with unsolved cases and locate wanted fugitive defendants. In a release, Saenz asks community members to provide information that may help bring justice to victims and their families. The Cameron County