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The FBI has made public two images of a person they are seeking in connection with the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk.

The blurry pictures reveal someone dressed in dark clothing, including a long-sleeve black shirt, pants, a hat, and sunglasses.

In a statement accompanying the photos, the FBI requested assistance from the community. “We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” the Salt Lake City field office posted on X.

Later in the day, the FBI announced it is putting up to $100,000 on the table for information that can help lead to the capture and identification of the killer.

The announcement came not long after officials revealed that significant evidence had been collected from the crime scene at Utah Valley University, including the firearm used in the killing and clear surveillance footage.

According to FBI agent Robert Bohls, a “high powered, bolt-action rifle” was discovered in a wooded location the shooter ran toward after carrying out the attack on Kirk.

Bohls, who heads the FBI’s Salt Lake City office, also reported that investigators retrieved “a footwear impression, a palm print and forearm imprints for analysis.”

He added, “We’re not sure how far he has gone yet.”

Utah’s Commissioner of Public Safety, Beau Mason, confirmed, “We do have good video footage of this individual.”

However, Mason explained that “we are not going to release that at this time,” unless the suspect cannot otherwise be identified.

Although police declined to share detailed characteristics of the suspect, Mason noted the man “blended in well with the college” and “appears to be of college age.”

Mason further described how the gunman showed up on campus just before noon, positioned himself on a rooftop overlooking the area where Kirk was speaking, and after firing the fatal shot, moved across the building, leapt down, and escaped into a nearby neighborhood.

That same morning, law enforcement clarified that two individuals initially taken into custody were no longer considered linked to the shooting.

“There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said Wednesday night.

“There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter,” the agency added.

The fatal bullet was fired from roughly 200 yards away, striking Kirk in the neck as he addressed the crowd from a tent on campus, according to Utah Valley University.

President Donald Trump was the one to deliver news of Kirk’s passing, honoring him as a “truly Great American Patriot.”

{Matzav.com}

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez’s wife was sentenced Thursday to 4½ years in prison for selling the powerful New Jersey politician’s influence in exchange for bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car. U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein sentenced Nadine Menendez, 58, after she was convicted in April of colluding from 2018 to 2023 with her husband, the former Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in a variety of corrupt schemes, some involving assisting the Egyptian government. In addition to her time behind bars, Stein sentenced her to three years of supervised release. He said he granted leniency in part because of the trial she endured, her difficult childhood in Lebanon, her abusive romantic partners, her health conditions and her age. Stein said a prison term was important for general deterrence purposes. “People have to understand there are consequences,” he said. Prosecutors had asked that she serve at least seven years in prison, while the Probation Department recommended an eight-year prison term. Menendez’s lawyer, Sarah Krissoff, asked that she serve only a year behind bars, citing her difficult recovery from breast cancer, which was diagnosed just prior to a trial last year in which she was to be tried along with her husband. She ended up being tried separately. Bob Menendez, 71, is serving an 11-year sentence after his conviction last year on charges of taking bribes, extortion, and acting as an agent of the Egyptian government. Prior to the announcement of her sentence, a sobbing Nadine Menendez addressed the court, blaming her husband in part, saying she was duped by his power and stature and that she felt compelled to do whatever he wanted, such as calling or meeting with certain people. “I would never have imagined someone of his ranking putting me in this position,” she said, though she acknowledged that in retrospect, she was a grown woman and should have known better. Wiping away tears, Nadine Menendez described her husband as a manipulative liar. “I put my life in his hands and he strung my like a puppet,” she told the judge. “The blindfold is off. I now know he’s not my savior. He’s not the man I thought he was.” Prior to the hearing, Bob Menendez submitted a letter to the judge saying he regretted that he didn’t fully preview what his lawyer said about his wife during his trial and in closing arguments. “To suggest that Nadine was money hungry or in financial need, and therefore would solicit others for help, is simply wrong,” he wrote. Prosecutors say Nadine Menendez played a large and crucial role in her husband’s crimes, serving as an intermediary between the senator and three New Jersey businessmen who literally lined his coat pockets with tens of thousands of dollars in cash in return for favors he could deliver with his political clout. During a 2022 FBI raid on the couple’s New Jersey home, investigators found $480,000 in cash, gold bars worth an estimated $150,000 and a luxury convertible in the garage. Prosecutors said that, among his other corrupt acts, the senator met with Egyptian intelligence officials and speeded that country’s access to U.S. military aid as part of a complex effort to help his bribe-paying associates, one of whom had business dealings with the Egyptian government. […]

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During his remarks at the 9/11 memorial, President Donald Trump revealed that Charlie Kirk will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“Let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt,” Trump said in his speech before turning his focus to the anniversary of 9/11. “Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.”

The president extended words of comfort to Kirk’s family. “Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children: Fantastic people they are. We miss him greatly.”

Trump emphasized that Kirk’s message would continue to influence generations despite his tragic death. “Yet, I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”

He concluded by announcing the forthcoming award. “I’m pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The date of the ceremony will be announced, and I can only guarantee you one thing. That we will have a very big crowd. Very, very big. Thank you.”

{Matzav.com}

The 43-year-old was seen learning from a sefer at the bus stop before terrorists opened fire, leaving behind a widow and four young children. PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of the family Among the six victims of this week’s terror attack at Ramot Junction was Rabbi Yosef David, Hy”d, a 43-year-old father of four. When terrorists opened fire, he was killed instantly. In his final moments, Rabbi David was seen standing at the bus stop with a sefer in his hands, making use of those few minutes to learn. He had just left his work supervising davening at a local Talmud Torah and was on his way to kollel. “He was always smiling,” one family member said. Relatives describe a man who rose early every day, devoted every spare moment to Limud Torah, and never stopped smiling despite years of financial hardship. Send a condolence gift to the family here>> Now his widow and four children, the oldest only ten years old, the youngest barely a year, are left reeling from the sudden loss. They said goodbye to him in the morning and buried him that evening. In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders have launched an emergency fund to help the family through the coming months. Their expenses — rent, food, schooling, and daily life — will only grow, and Mrs. David cannot carry this burden alone. Readers can support the family by donating $180 here. Donations will directly help this widow and her four children stay afloat in the months ahead. SUPPORT THE GRIEVING DAVID FAMILY HERE

Harvard University says it has started receiving notices that many federal grants halted by the Trump administration will be reinstated after a federal judge ruled that the cuts were illegal. It’s an early signal that federal research funding could begin flowing to Harvard after months of deadlock with the White House, but it’s yet to be seen if money will arrive. The government has said it will appeal the judge’s decision. Reinstatement notices have started arriving from several federal agencies, but so far no payments have been received, Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said late Wednesday. “Harvard is monitoring funding receipts closely,” Newton said. A federal judge in Boston last week ordered the government to reverse more than $2.6 billion in cuts, saying they were unconstitutional and “used antisemitism as a smokescreen” for an ideological attack. The Trump administration started cutting federal research grants from Harvard in April after the Ivy League school rebuffed a list of wide-ranging demands from the government in a federal investigation into campus antisemitism. Harvard challenged the cuts in court, calling them illegal government retaliation. Harvard has been President Donald Trump’s top target in his campaign to reshape higher education, which has resulted in settlements with Columbia and Brown universities to end federal investigations and restore federal money cut by the Trump administration. Trump has said he wants Harvard to pay no less than $500 million as part any deal to restore funding. He reiterated the demand at an August Cabinet meeting. “They’ve been very bad,” Trump told Education Secretary Linda McMahon. “Don’t negotiate.” Even as Harvard’s lawsuit played out, both sides had been negotiating the framework of an agreement that could end the prolonged conflict. So far, such a deal has been elusive. The government has opened numerous investigations against Harvard and attempted an array of sanctions, including moves to block the school from enrolling international students. A federal judge blocked the move in June after Harvard sued. (AP)

The Israeli Hamodia newspaper launched a sharp attack this morning following the split within the chareidi factions during Wednesday’s Knesset vote on the “defense funding package.”

The divide was evident within Agudas Yisroel: party chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf cast his ballot against the budget, while MKs Meir Porush and Yisroel Eichler chose to abstain — a move that allowed the bill to pass by a narrow margin.

The vote took place in a special recess session after Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu applied heavy pressure on coalition partners, focusing in particular on United Torah Judaism. Within Degel HaTorah, all MKs abstained in line with the directive of their leadership, Rav Dov Landau and Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, who ruled that a security budget could not be toppled because of pikuach nefesh considerations.

Behind the scenes, MK Moshe Gafni was in direct contact with the Prime Minister’s Office while simultaneously consulting with the gedolim, who instructed him to abstain “demonstratively.”

Agudas Yisroel, however, showed a more divided front. Goldknopf had publicly declared in advance that he would vote against, but Porush and Eichler, after consultations with their rabbonim, opted instead to abstain. The result was a serious internal rift within the party.

Hamodia’s report accused Netanyahu of exploiting these divisions: “Netanyahu succeeded in splitting the chareidi representation, and the budget law passed — despite his failure to honor the written and signed commitment to secure the status of Torah learners.”

The newspaper went further, asserting that the Prime Minister “achieved his goal without advancing the legislation that would safeguard the position of yeshiva students.”

In addition, Hamodia announced that, as a result of the Knesset vote, the nationwide prayer rallies planned in protest of the draft law were being postponed. “It is impossible on the one hand to abstain or support the government’s budget, and on the other hand hold demonstrations against that same government,” the paper wrote.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Military police overnight Wednesday raided the homes of talmidim of Charedi Hesder yeshivos in an attempt to arrest them for desertion, the L’Chatchila channel reported on Thursday. According to the report, these are talmidim registered in the official hesder track, but their status has not yet been regulated in the IDF, and therefore they are classified as “deserters.” Some of the talmidim they attempted to arrest are sons of reservists, and in one incident, the police broke into a home in the middle of the night, terrifying young children whose father is serving in Gaza. The son was not even at home at the time of the raid but was in yeshiva. According to Channel 12 News, the raids took place in Petach Tikvah. These are talmidim who are registered in a formal Hesder program, but according to sources knowledgeable of the issue, their status has not yet been regulated in the IDF, and they have been classified as deserters. According to L’chatchila, the issue is that according to previous military regulations, “deserters” cannot join a hesder program. The regulations have changed, and Chareidim who are interested are now allowed to join a Hesder program. Sources familiar with the details point a finger at the new head of the Manpower Planning Division, accusing her of dragging her feet and not advancing the regulation of the students’ status.  L,’Chatchila stated on Thursday afternoon, “Following the attempt to arrest bochurim from the Chareidi hesder yeshivaos last night, urgent gatherings are being held by Roshei Yeshivos and administrators. The purpose: to discuss measures in response to the IDF and the implications of this move for the future.” “We feel that the army is restricting our steps in every area,” one of the Roshei Yeshivos said. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Dear Matzav Inbox,

While learning today’s Daf Yomi, I was struck once again by how timeless Chazal’s words are. In Maseches Horiyos (10a), Rav Yehoshua turns to Rabban Gamliel with a sharp reminder: “You have two talmidim — Rav Elazar Chisma and Rav Yochanan ben Gudgeda. They are capable of analyzing the most intricate details of tekufos and gematrios — yet they have no bread to eat, no clothing to wear.” Their brilliance was unmatched, yet their pockets were empty.

Rabban Gamliel, recognizing the truth of this, immediately elevated them, appointing them to positions that gave them honor and support.

I believe that the Gemara is teaching us far more than a historic anecdote about two great Amoraim. It’s reminding us of a fundamental principle: mezona lo bizchusa talya milsa, ela b’mazala talya milsa — sustenance does not come because of one’s merit, but because of one’s mazel.

This is such a vital perspective for our generation. How often do we — consciously or subconsciously — equate a person’s financial situation with their worth, their intelligence, or their diligence? Someone with wealth is assumed to be successful, clever, or even blessed with special favor. Someone struggling to make ends meet is, unfairly, thought of as less capable, less deserving, or simply not trying hard enough. But Chazal tell us: that is not how the Ribbono Shel Olam runs the world.

Parnassah is not a barometer of chochmah. It is not a measuring stick of madreigah. The same Gemara that records Rav Elazar Chisma’s brilliance also records his poverty. The Torah world is filled with people of immense talent and burning dedication who carry the crushing burden of financial hardship. And it is filled with people of modest learning who live with great material wealth. Neither extreme is an indicator of merit or lack thereof.

This should humble us. It should also soften us. When we meet someone struggling with parnassah, let us not cast silent judgments about their “choices” or their “worthiness.” When we meet someone with great wealth, let us not assume their spiritual standing is higher or lower because of it. Mezona lo bizchusa talya milsa — parnassah is in Hashem’s hands, determined by His will, His mazel, His cheshbon.

And perhaps most of all, it should remind us to treat every Yid with respect and dignity, whether they walk in with an expensive suit or worn-out shoes. Rav Yehoshua’s call echoes across the generations: see the greatness in others, even if their pockets are empty.

Y. D. K.

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{Matzav.com}

A former Israeli prime minster has warned Israel will attack any country that harbours anyone it sees as responsible for the death of Israelis. Naftali Bennett told Yalda Hakim there would “no safe haven”, adding: “You cannot kill Jews and think you can get away with it.”

WATCH:

Dear Matzav Inbox,

There are moments in life when words fail to capture the depth of gratitude one feels. I recently experienced such a feeling, and I feel compelled to share it, not because my story is unique, but because it is yet another testament to the boundless chesed of Klal Yisroel.

Several weeks ago, my family and I faced a crisis that shook us to our core. My teenage son was suddenly rushed to the hospital with a medical emergency. It was late at night, my husband was out of town, and I found myself overwhelmed, sitting alone in the emergency room with fear gripping my heart.

And then Klal Yisroel stepped in.

It began with one simple phone call to a neighbor, just to let someone know what was happening. Within minutes, a cascade of kindness poured forth. A woman I barely knew showed up at my house to stay with my younger children so I could focus on my son. A father from our block drove across town in the middle of the night to bring me food and drinks in the ER, saying quietly, “You won’t have the strength to care for him if you don’t take care of yourself.”

By the next morning, word had spread. Hot meals appeared at my doorstep, every one packaged with love. Friends coordinated rides for my children to and from school. Someone slipped an envelope under my door to help cover hospital parking and expenses. Others texted me daily, not just with offers, but with concrete suggestions—“I’ll pick up your laundry today,” or “I’m taking your kids for Shabbos so you can rest.” Each offer was specific, thoughtful, and practical.

Perhaps the most moving moment came on Shabbos, when my son was still in the hospital. I was torn between staying with him and being home with the rest of my family. Without me asking, a rotation of people volunteered to sit by his side over Shabbos. They sang zemiros, learned with him, and simply made sure he didn’t feel alone. When I walked into the hospital room on Motzei Shabbos and saw my son smiling for the first time in days, surrounded by young men who had given up their own comfort, I couldn’t hold back my tears.

This, I realized, is the heartbeat of Klal Yisroel. In times of joy and in times of hardship, no Jew is ever truly alone. We are bound together not just by shared faith, but by shared responsibility.

I write this letter not only to say thank you to the malachim who carried us through those difficult days, but also to remind myself and others: every act of chesed, no matter how small it may seem, creates ripples far greater than we can imagine. The meals, the rides, the visits….they were not just gestures. They were lifelines.

May we always merit to be on the giving end of such chesed, and may we never forget that in lifting up another Yid, we elevate ourselves and all of Klal Yisroel.

Der greste zach in der gantzeh velt iz tzu ton a tovah far a Yid.

With endless gratitude,
A Grateful Mother

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{Matzav.com}

A scathing new report reveals that fare and toll evasion cost the MTA around $1 billion in 2024, far exceeding the already shocking figures the transit authority had admitted to, the NY Post reports.

According to the Citizens Budget Commission, the chronically underfunded MTA is poised to lose another $900 million in 2025 due to subway turnstile jumpers, bus riders refusing to pay, and drivers skirting tolls.

“We still need to ensure that all riders pay their fair share and frankly improving fare evasion improve the public’s confidence in the MTA and the system,” said CBC President Andrew Rein.

At the same time, officials at the MTA have chosen to pile new costs onto paying customers. This year they implemented a $9 congestion toll to drive into Manhattan below 60th Street and are weighing a fare hike to $3 for subways and buses.

Flashy attempts to stem evasion — such as spiked barriers, high-tech fare gates, keeping emergency exits locked, hiring security guards, and even commissioning a $1 million study on the psychology of freeloaders — have done little to curb the problem.

The watchdog group argues that cutting down on fare evasion is crucial to narrowing the agency’s persistent $800 million annual operating deficit.

Yet the analysis cautions that the MTA’s own bookkeeping may underplay the size of the problem.

CBC researchers note that the authority’s published numbers consistently come in lower than their independent estimates.

“The MTA’s estimate, often reported as $700 to $800 million, is lower because it assumes a larger share of individuals who evade the fare would not have paid anyway than CBC’s,” according to the study.

The report explains that the MTA excludes from its tallies certain riders it assumes wouldn’t pay regardless — such as children, students with OMNY passes, or others entitled to free rides.

Broken down by mode of transit, the CBC found in 2024 the MTA lost $568 million on buses, $350 million on subways, no less than $46 million on commuter rail, and about $51 million from unpaid tolls.

All told, the $918 million loss was more than three times the $305 million the agency lost in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted ridership.

“Every minute during 2024, 330 subway fares and 710 bus fares were evaded,” the analysis states, stressing that the MTA and police could never realistically stop every instance.

There was one encouraging sign: heightened enforcement in late 2024 coincided with a steady decline in lost revenue, even as more riders returned to the system.

Still, Rein warned that the progress shouldn’t mask the staggering scale of the problem.

“From one perspective it’s good to see that reduction, from the other perspective we’re still seeing $900 million in losses, which is equivalent to three rounds of fare increases. And frankly these numbers are three times what they were before the pandemic,” he said.

The CBC urged the agency to move faster on installing next-generation faregates, expand proof-of-payment systems on buses, coordinate with the city on policing strategies, and broaden participation in the Fair Fares Program for low-income riders.

“Fare evasion is not victimless,” Rein said. “When people evade fares it really puts more of the burden on everybody else, everyone else who is paying the fare, the toll.”

{Matzav.com}

A moment of silence was observed at Ground Zero to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Seen in the crowd is former Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Kathy Hochul.

Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani made his first public appearance since suffering a fractured vertebra in a serious car accident, arriving at the 9/11 memorial ceremony in Manhattan in a wheelchair and wearing a body brace.

POTUS: To every family member that still feels a void every day of your lives, the First Lady and I unite with you in sorrow. And today, as one nation, we renew our sacred vow that we will NEVER FORGET September 11th, 2001.

BREAKING: President Trump is posthumously awarding Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Jobless claims jumped to 263,000 last week, the highest since 2021, pointing to a weakening labor market. At the same time, inflation accelerated to 2.9% in August, leaving the Fed under pressure to cut rates despite prices remaining above its 2% target.

FBI: “We have recovered what we believe is the weapon that was used in yesterday’s shooting, it is a high-powered, bolt action rifle. That rifle was recovered in a wooded area…”

BREAKING: Charlie Kirk’s assassin appears to be of “college age.”

BREAKING: The FBI says it has tracked the Charlie Kirk shooter’s movements and obtained video footage, expressing confidence in identifying him. After the attack, the suspect jumped off the building and fled into a nearby neighborhood.