Morning Briefing: Sept. 16, 2024

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Monday with, including former US President Donald Trump being declared “safe” following an apparent assassination attempt in Florida, Elon Musk doubling down on his “fascist” comment about the Australian government, and Trump's wife speaking out against an FBI privacy threat to Americans.

TOP STORIES

• Trump safe after ‘assassination attempt’ in Florida; suspect arrested
  

Former US President and Republican nominee Donald Trump is “safe” after an apparent assassination attempt against him in Florida.

"President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time," his communications director, Steven Cheung, said in a statement.

The statement came right after reports that gunshots were heard outside Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) saying it is investigating the incident as a possible assassination attempt on Trump.

• Elon Musk double downs on 'fascist' comments about Australian government

US business mogul Elon Musk doubled down on branding the Australian government "fascists,” hitting back at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over a planned misinformation and disinformation crackdown.

The latest verbal assault came after Albanese, responding to a post by Musk, said social media companies have a social responsibility, echoing similar comments by leaders in many countries.

Musk, who owns Tesla and the social media platform X, responded to a post on Thursday about Australia's measures with the word "fascists.”

• Trump's wife speaks out against FBI privacy threat to Americans

Former first lady Melania Trump accused the US government of violating her privacy in the FBI's 2022 raid on her home at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, claiming the incident was emblematic of broader threats to American freedoms.

In a new video promoting her forthcoming book, the former model highlighted the US Constitution’s prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizures.

In a video on X, Trump said: "The FBI raided my home in Florida and searched through my personal belongings. This is not just my story – it serves as a warning to all Americans. A reminder that our freedom and rights must be respected."

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Israeli forces raided several towns in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian media said.
• Nigeria confirmed that 274 jail inmates at the Medium Correctional Centre in the northeast city of Maiduguri escaped by taking advantage of a collapsed wall caused by heavy flooding.
• Jordan's King Abdullah II appointed Jaafar Hassan as the country’s new prime minister, the royal court said.
• An Israeli police officer was injured in an alleged stabbing attack at the Damascus Gate of East Jerusalem’s Old City, Israeli media said.
• A drone fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon penetrated more than 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) into Israel’s airspace without being intercepted, according to Israeli media.
• Nine Palestinians were killed and several others injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting areas in the Gaza Strip, including a school housing displaced people in Beit Hanoun.
• The Russian Defense Ministry said that two Tu-95MS strategic bombers of the Aerospace Forces carried out a training flight over the neutral waters of the Chukchi Sea.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “exact a heavy price” on the Houthi group in Yemen after a rocket attack that injured nine people in Tel Aviv.
• At least six people were killed and another two are missing after tropical storm Bebinca hit the Philippines, authorities said.
• At least three people were killed and several others injured in Israeli airstrikes in the central Gaza Strip, the Civil Defense Service said.
• Hezbollah announced that it had launched three military operations targeting Israeli sites and gatherings in Malkia, Metula and the Raviv military barracks along the Lebanese border.
• Nine Israelis were injured with minor wounds as they rushed to shelters following the launch of a surface-to-surface missile from Yemen towards central Israel.
• Ten people died in a house collapse in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said.
• Venezuela announced the arrest of six foreign nationals for allegedly plotting to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro.

SPORTS

• Arsenal survive with 1-0 win in Premier League London derby against Tottenham

Arsenal survived with a 1-0 win in the English Premier League London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes' goal with a header in the 64th minute brought victory to the Gunners at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arsenal goalie David Raya's vital saves helped his team defend the victory in the London derby.