The Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in finding a missing man. Authorities say 32 year old Bobby Joe Isaac Hipsher was last seen in March.
He’s six-feet-five-inches tall and 191 pounds with brown eyes and hair, which could be dyed blonde. Hipsher also reportedly has a birth mark on his left hand. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Hipsher, you are asked to call 423-621-9089 or the HCSO at 423-586-3781.
Rural Metro Fire is investigating a three alarm fire in North Knox County.
Crews were called to a structure fire Saturday morning in the 9300 block of Pedigo Road and found a “huge structure fully engulfed in flames on one end.”
Officials say there were multiple challenges while battling the blaze, including intense heat and humidity and the closest hydrant being 900 feet from the home.
All residents of the home were safely outside when crews arrived on the scene, and no firefighters were injured.
The family is being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Tennessee football releases the newest “The Volunteer State” Smokey Grey Series uniforms for the 2024 season.
According to UT, the 2024 edition of the Smokey Grey uniforms pays homage to the university’s namesake: The Volunteer State.
Former President Trump survived an assassination attempt at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Gunshots rang out as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee addressed his supporters, striking Trump and three others. One spectator was killed, and two were critically injured. The FBI identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a local resident.
The man authorities say attempted to assassinate former President Trump had explosives inside his car found parked near the Pennsylvania rally, according to a new report.
Law enforcement discovered the car, which was driven by Thomas Matthew Crooks, parked near the Trump rally in Butler, Pa., The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people briefed on the investigation.
The Journal said authorities dispatched bomb technicians after police received multiple reports of suspicious packages around near where the shooter was located.
Crooks reportedly shot Trump from a rooftop perch some 130 yards away during a rally in the small town, striking the upper part of Trump’s right ear while the former president was speaking to rallygoers ahead of next week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
One attendee was killed, and two others were injured during the incident, the FBI said , and Crooks was shot dead. The victims have not been identified yet.
Thomas Matthew Crooks graduates from high school in 2022. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)
Thomas Matthew Crooks , the shooter who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania, has been pictured for the first time.
Crooks, a 20-year-old man from western Pennsylvania, reportedly shot Trump from a rooftop perch some 130 yards away during a rally in Butler, striking the upper part of Trump’s right ear while the former president was speaking to rallygoers ahead of next week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The New York Post obtained photographs of Crooks from his high school yearbook and 2022 graduation ceremony.
U.S. Secret Service agents returned fire upon Crooks and killed him, but not before he got off several rounds directed at Trump. Three members of the crowd were struck, one killed and two others critically injured.
Photographs taken from the scene of the shooting on Saturday show armed U.S. Secret Service agents standing over Crooks’ body after the assassination attempt.
Former first lady Melania Trump released a statement after the attempted assassination of her husband, former President Trump, at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
“I am thinking of you, now, my fellow Americans,” Trump wrote. “We have always been a unique union. America, the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered, but our courage and common sense must ascend and bring us back together as one.”
“When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change. I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband.”
Melania Trump offered her “sincerest sympathy” to the other victims, including the family of the person who died after being shot.
“A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion – his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration. The core facets of my husband’s life – his human side – were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times.”
“Let us not forget that differing opinions, policy, and political games are inferior to love.”
Split-second turn could have saved Trump’s life, expert says
A split-second decision could have saved former President Trump’s life during the shocking assassination attempt at his outdoor campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, according to Israeli Special Operations veteran Aaron Cohen.
Hours after the incident, Cohen told Fox News’ Trace Gallagher that, if the former president had not turned his head when the shot was fired, he would not have survived.
“God must have been watching down on the president,” he said.
“Snipers are typically trained to shoot into the cerebral cortex of the cerebellum at the top of the brain stem. It incapacitates you, it keeps your hands from moving… It’s about the distance of the shot. One hundred-thirty yards. That’s a putt. Anyone can put a two, two, three, optic on a target from that distance and hit it. It’s not a difficult shot to make…”
He continued, “It’s very clear to me that had the president’s head been straight, and if that round had gone into the ear, it would have been lights out. The fact that he just happened to be turned this way with that shot coming in is what saved his life.”
Story courtesy of Fox News
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WVLT) – The shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee, law enforcement officials say.
Trump’s campaign said in a statement that the former president was “fine” after the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. A local prosecutor said the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
The Secret Service said in a statement that “the former President is safe.”
Two officials spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation. They said the shooter was not an attendee at the rally and was killed by U.S. Secret Service agents.
Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said in a phone interview that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee was killed.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers during his last rally before the Republican National Convention opens Monday when the apparent shots began.
As Trump was talking, a popping sound was heard. Trump said, “Oh,” and put his right hand up to his right ear as people in the stands behind him appeared to be shocked. Two more pops could be quickly heard and he crouched down.
Someone could be heard saying near the microphone at Trump’s lectern, “Get down, get down, get down, get down!” as agents tackled the former president. They piled atop him to shield him with their bodies, as is their training protocol, as other agents took up positions on stage to search for the threat.
Screams were heard in the crowd of several thousand people. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage. He could be heard on the video saying at least twice, “Let me get my shoes, let me get my shoes,” with another voice heard saying, “I’ve got you sir.”
Trump got to his feet moments later and could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his face. There appeared to be blood on his face.
The crowd cheered as he got back up and pumped his fist. His motorcade left the venue moments later. His condition was not immediately known.
Police began vacating the fairgrounds shortly after Trump left the stage in what local officers described as a crime scene.
President Joe Biden released a statement and addressed the nation following the apparent assassination attempt at Trump’s rally in Pennslayvnia.
“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, he said. “I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well.”
In the statement, Biden said he’s praying for him and his family, as well as everyone at the rally.
In the hours after the shooting, Trump took to Truth Social Saturday night and released the following statement:
I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!Former President Donald Trump via Truth Social
Lawmakers representing Tennessee took to social media after the incident, praying for Trump and thanking the quick response from the Secret Service.
I am horrified by the violence at a rally for President Trump and I’m thankful he appears to be ok.
As a survivor of gun violence, I feel for all those who attended and am so sorry for the loss of innocent life.
Violence is never the answer to political differences.
Story, in part, courtesy of WVLT
Former President Donald Trump and Republican Nominee hopeful appears to have been the target of an assassination attempt as he spoke during a rally in Pennsylvania today (Saturday). The former president’s ear was covered in blood from what he says was a gunshot. He was quickly pulled away by Secret Service agents and his campaign says he is “fine.”
A local prosecutor says the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead. The Secret Service says two spectators were critically injured.
Posting on his Truth Social media site about two and a half hours after the shooting, Trump says a bullet “pierced the upper part of my right ear.”
“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he said in the post. “Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”
The attack, by a shooter who law enforcement officials say was then killed by the Secret Service, was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. It comes amid a deeply polarized political atmosphere, just four months from the presidential elections and days before Trump is to be officially named the Republican nominee at his party’s convention.
As was communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action. President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.- Donald J. Trump for President 2024 Senior Advisors Susie Wiles & Chris LaCivita & Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley and Co-Chairman Lara Trump
“The FBI has assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the FBI said in a statement on Saturday night, obtained by Fox News Digital.
“Special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, to include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians. We will continue to support this investigation with the full resources of the FBI, alongside our partners at the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement,” it said.
“Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to call our tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland released a statement on Saturday night condemning the shooting at former President Trump’s Pennsylvania rally.
The Biden official said he was actively looking into the situation.
“I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s rally, and have briefed the President. The FBI, ATF, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the Department’s National Security Division are currently working with the Secret Service as well as state and local law enforcement partners on the ground in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Garland said.
“My heart is with the former President, those injured, and the family of the spectator killed in this horrific attack.”
He finished, “We will not tolerate violence of any kind, and violence like this is an attack on our democracy. The Justice Department will bring every available resource to bear to this investigation.”
A witness at Trump’s rally, Brandon Christie, shared his firsthand experience of the shooting on ‘Hannity’ Saturday.
“We’re all just there, you know, looking up at the screen that he has up. And I heard a loud pop and I thought it was like the speaker cracking and we heard another one.”
“And then people start screaming. And so we all just hit the ground. And I started looking around as what was going on, and I saw one of the Secret Service guys, he was firing back. There was probably 6 or 7 shots total, maybe. And then I woke up in the bleachers and people were just screaming and crying, and there’s just blood everywhere.”
“There’s just there’s blood all over his family members. There was a guy up there trying to administer CPR. It just. It all happened so quick. Like, still trying to process everything, and we’re just all down on the ground, and people down on the ground are crying. We don’t know what to do. People are just screaming and crying.”
“And then all of a sudden, people will start standing up and we start walking out and we locked on top of the building. And there are Secret Service up there. They’re standing around what we now know was the shooter. At that time, we really didn’t know where it was coming from.”
“Now no one really started running, we just all kind of hit the ground and people were yelling for paramedics and police to come. And there was probably 6 or 7 state troopers that just all of a sudden showed up out of nowhere, and they pulled him off the bleachers. And he was dead at that time.”
Story courtesy of Fox News
Bean Station, TN (WOKI) New details now emerging following the arrest of a Morristown man Wednesday, accused of murdering two men in the Bean Station community.
According to investigators, 34-year-old Aaron White killed 49-year-old Jon Atkins and 32-year-old Deven McDaniel, whose bodies were discovered along Rocky Springs Road in Bean Station on May 25.
Charging documents reveal that investigators found a bank receipt with White’s account number on it near where the dismembered bodies of the two men were found. A phone White was known to use also pinged a tower less than a mile away from the scene.
The affidavit also states that White had access to a home where more evidence of the killings was found.
White is being held on a $5 million bond with a court date set for August 15.
Alcoa, TN (WOKI) The Alcoa Police Department is asking for help finding the driver responsible for a hit and run Wednesday night on East Hunt Road.
APD officials say a car hit a cyclist from behind around 9:30 Wednesday evening on East Hunt Road at Alcoa Trail.
Police say the driver then fled the scene.
Anyone with information about the crash is being asked to call Officer Gornto with the Alcoa Police Department at 865-518-1665.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Longtime football coach Monte Kiffin has died.
During his six decade career, Kiffin coached with eight NFL teams and seven universities, including the University of Tennessee. In 2009, he was an assistant coach for the Vols under his son Lane Kiffin.
Monte helped Nebraska win back-to-back national titles in 1970 and 1971. He also lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win in 2002.
According to his family, Kiffin passed away peacefully Thursday at his home in Oxford, Mississippi; he was 84.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway following a deadly crash Thursday afternoon on I-40.
Knoxville Police Department officials say the crash happened around 4:15 p.m. on I-40 West in the Cedar Springs area near Pellissippi Parkway.
KPD says the driver of a white SUV slowed down due to traffic and was rear-ended by a black pickup truck. Two other vehicles were struck after the initial collision, according to officials.
The driver of the SUV, an adult man, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries.
No other injuries were reported.
