by Matthew Holloway | Sep 10, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist leader and co-founder of Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, was silenced by an assassin’s bullet at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday.
As Kirk took questions in his well-known debate format, seated beneath a tent as part of The American Comeback Tour, a single loud shot rang out across the open air.
Kirk was addressing a question on the recent string of mass shootings involving transgender Americans in what would be his last public exchange.
“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk was asked.
“Too many,” Kirk replied.
The individual answered that there were five.
“Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” Kirk was then asked.
He responded, “Counting or not counting gang violence?”
Within a fraction of a second, Kirk was shot and seen reacting immediately as it struck the left side of his neck. He bled profusely and slumped to the ground.
Kirk was rapidly airlifted from the scene to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead a little over two hours later.
A person of interest was arrested shortly after the shooting at the university but was later released. However, at 3:31 p.m. MDT, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of a second subject, who was also subsequently released after questioning. The assassin is still at large as of this report.
Turning Point USA is based in Arizona and has been a major force in state and local politics as well as on the national scale since Kirk moved the organization’s headquarters from Chicago to Phoenix in 2018.
Arizona officials from both sides of the aisle issued statements following the assassination of Kirk. Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro stated, “God bless American hero Charlie Kirk and his family. His horrific assassination today is a devastating tragedy that strikes at the heart of our nation. Charlie was a fearless voice who inspired millions with his faith, his devotion to freedom, and his conviction to defend America’s founding principles.”
Montenegro added, “This was political terrorism. Violence aimed at silencing any voices must be confronted and dealt with justly and without hesitation. Charlie is now with his Heavenly Father, but his legacy will endure in the movement he built, the young people he awakened, and the truth he spoke without apology.”
Congressman Andy Biggs issued a statement on X, saying, “Erika and Charlie’s young children are in my family’s prayers as I know the Lord will cover them in love. Cindy and I ask everyone to continue praying and sending strength to the Kirk family. We have tragically lost a tremendous leader and a friend. But his most important role was as a loving husband, father, and devout Christian who shared his faith unapologetically. Charlie Kirk was an inspiration to an entire generation and will be remembered as someone who changed the course of our country.”
In a post to X, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen responded to Kirk’s assassination, saying, “I am absolutely shocked, sickened, and outraged to hear about the passing of Charlie Kirk. Today was a dark day where evil was on full display. He was singular, indispensable, and irreplaceable. America will not be the same without him.”
The top-ranking Democrats in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, condemned “the violent attack” and “the horrific act of violence against Charlie Kirk,” respectively.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) wrote in a statement:
“Charlie Kirk was a force to be reckoned with. He was a Happy Warrior for the conservative cause.
He was martyred doing what he did best – talking to young people and sharing ideas. That is what is supposed to happen on our college campuses, and throughout our country: sharing diverse opinions and entertaining others’ points of view in the pursuit of a brighter future.
We will not let a lone gunman snuff out the bright fire Charlie lit in the hearts of young patriots who share the America First agenda and make up the Make America Great Again Movement, nor will we stop our efforts to bridge the political divide through conversation.
We will carry on what he started and build on his lasting legacy of inspiring the next generation of American leaders.
I urge everyone to join me in praying for the soul of this faithful patriot, his beautiful family, and our country.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 10, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Reps. Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) joined President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. They attended the inaugural gathering of the new “Rose Garden Club” on the recently revamped Rose Garden patio.
At the exclusive event, Biggs and Hamadeh were joined by other key leaders in Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, as well as Vice President Vance and cabinet officials like Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
As reported by USA Today, President Trump introduced the newly constructed patio, formerly a grass lawn, as the “Rose Garden Club.” It will welcome Congressional leaders as well as “people that can bring peace and success to our country.”
Speaking at the posh dinner Trump told the gathered Congressional leaders:
“I’ll tell you what we did to the grass. It was not usable. The reason we would have a press conference, women in particular were sinking deep into the mud. And at some point, it’s time to change. We picked a great stone. I may have a great speaker system, I hope. I hope everybody hears us perfectly. But a lot of people are wondering why you’re here tonight. And I’ll tell you simply why you’re here. Because…you are the ones that have been my friends, and you know what I’m talking about. And you’re smart and even brilliant people. But you would tell people… ‘ I don’t speak to the President much because I always vote with the President.’ Mike Johnson who’s going to go down as one of the great Speakers of our time or any other time. Mike, thank you very much. I said, ‘Mike, I want to do something. I want to reward the people that have confidence in their President, and you, and vote for us. And that includes some of the senators that are here.’”
Initially, the President planned to welcome a group of high-level business figures the previous evening, but the weather intervened. “They didn’t want to have rain on top of their beautiful heads,” Trump said. The group reportedly included Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI.
He explained, “You know, you’re the first ones in this great place. We’ll call it ‘The Rose Garden Club. And it’s a club for senators, for congresspeople, and for people in Washington, and frankly, people that can bring peace and success to our country. And you’re invited as congressmen. We have mostly congressmen and senators tonight. Again, you know why you’re first? Because it rained last night. I had the high-tech guys…and they didn’t want to have rain on top of their beautiful heads.
“We had the highest IQ last night in the history of the world, and we took them inside because of two reasons. Number one, I wanted you to be number one. And you were. They could’ve endured a little rain, but I wanted you to be number one. And I would match IQ tonight here with what we had last night, meaning IQ of common sense and survival. I think you have a higher IQ in certain ways, let me tell you. But we had a great group last night, and they’re investing tens of billions, they’re investing trillions of dollars. Some of the companies are investing literally trillions of dollars in this great country of ours.”
In early August, Trump told reporters the Rose Garden was “always wet and damp.” He added, “When we had a press conference, you’d sink into the mud. If it rained it would take three, four, five days to dry out and we couldn’t use it really for the intended purpose.”
In a post to X, Congressman Hamadeh thanked President Trump writing, “Honored to be at the first Rose Garden Club dinner — beautiful event, thank you Mr. President. Keep Making America Great Again!”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 9, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The citizens of Gilbert are bracing for a third water rate increase since 2024 on top of the 2025 sales tax increase that resulted in legal action against the town in January 2025. The new rate increase, following a 95% increase in the town’s utility wastewater rate, could see the town’s water rate jump up another 25%.
Gilbert Water Manager Rebecca Hamill revealed in a Town Council study session last week that the rate hike could be necessary based on Gilbert’s biannual utility rate analysis and adjustments, according to the Gilbert Sun News.
As previously reported by AZ Free News, there were no utility rate increases from 2019 to 2021, until a 29.6 percent jump in 2022, followed by a 48 percent increase in 2024 and a 25 percent increase in 2025, resulting in a staggering hike of 102.4 percent over 2021 rates.
“Arizona and Gilbert are facing uncertainty in water resources and providing a secure water supply is a top priority for our department,” Hamill told the council. “One of the main impacts on the budget is these increasing water resources costs, and we have seen since 2020 a 73% increase in the per acre-foot cost of CAP (Central Arizona Project) water, and we continue to see an increase in the percentage of the water resources as a component of the overall water budget,” she added.
Hamill explained that the Town of Gilbert’s water portfolio includes 40 percent of its potable water coming from the Salt and Verde Rivers, with 41 percent coming from the Colorado River via the CAP, 15 percent coming from the reclaimed recharge system water, and just four percent coming from groundwater. She described the town’s water sources as “diverse,” despite 81 percent of it being dependent on surface water and 41 percent subject to fluctuations in Colorado River water allocation.
As noted by the Gilbert Sun News, the town is in the early stages of reconstructing the North Water Treatment Plant to supply 70 percent of the town’s needs or approximately 60 million gallons per day, but it is only nearing the halfway point of its completion in October and is not expected to come online until 2028, according to the most current project update. This leaves the Town of Gilbert effectively at the mercy of a myriad of factors beyond the town’s control for at least the next two and a half years, with the town forced to defer $151 million in future water system improvements.
“The bill is typically made up of rates and fees for four lines of service, including water, sewer, solid waste, recycling and environmental compliance,” Hamill told the outlet. “We refer to each of these four lines of service as enterprise funds, which means that each fund operates as a self-sustaining business entity within the town. Revenue collected for each service is only used to fund that service.”
The increase is part and parcel to the cash/bond gradual approach the Town approved in February 2024.
“This is where we are now – we are working with our rate consultant to determine that 25% is the proper number for the fund,” Hamill told the council. “This option provided the (water) fund with sufficient revenue for critical capital projects, ongoing $5 million capacity in the operating fund, and an ongoing $66 million capacity in the repair and replacement fund starting in FY29.”
As a result of the delays in the Water Treatment Plant reconstruction, caused in part by an increase in the cost of chemical and electrical components, coupled with its dependence on sources susceptible to environmental and political factors, the Town government is turning to the public and conservation efforts in an attempt to stem the rising costs of the water system. Mayor Scott Anderson explained, “We have to remember it costs, and it’s going to cost more over time, to purchase the water, to transport the water, to treat the water, and to distribute the water. It’s going to cost more all the time – we can’t lose sight of that,” he emphasized. “Conservation is the key.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 8, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Chandler City Council has placed an amendment to the city charter on the November ballot, which, if enacted, would directly benefit at least one member of the Council: Councilmember Matt Orlando. The proposed amendment would roll back term limits, allowing Orlando to run for Mayor in 2026 and opening the door to future campaigns from Councilmembers OD Harris and Christine Ellis as well.
The proposal, Prop. 410, would amend the current term limit provision in the Chandler city charter, affecting the offices of council members and mayor.
Under the existing provision, current Mayor Kevin Hartke opted to abandon his plans to run for city council in 2026 after an examination of the provision led to a lawsuit that could have unseated him. The term limits could also bar Councilmembers Matt Orlando, OD Harris, and Christine Ellis from running for Mayor in 2026.
As reported by the Arizona Republic, the push to amend the city’s term limits comes from the uncertainty of the existing city charter language, which presently limits the mayor and council to one term in each role or a total of two consecutive terms. Mayor Hartke has served in office for a total of 16 years, leading to a legal challenge to his 2022 election. Before Hartke’s term, two prior mayors, Boyd Dunn and Jay Tibshraeny, also served 16 years consecutively as councilmembers and mayor.
Dunn told the outlet, “This has been the language essentially that, or at least a concept, that the city has worked with for over 40 years. There’s been no controversy, no questions, and really, a clear operation over decades.”
The existing provision of the city charter states:
“Limitation of terms. No person shall be eligible to be elected to the office of councilmember for more than two (2) consecutive terms, or to the office of mayor for more than two (2) consecutive terms or to more than a consecutive combination of same. A person elected to two (2) consecutive terms as a councilmember or two (2) consecutive terms as mayor or a combination of same as above set forth shall not be eligible to hold either office again until four (4) years have elapsed.”
According to the City of Chandler’s website, the proposed amendment to the charter in Prop. 410 would update Article II, Section 2.01 in the following ways:
- “No person shall be eligible to be elected to the office of councilmember for more than two (2) consecutive terms. A person who is elected to two (2) consecutive terms as a councilmember shall not be eligible to hold the office of councilmember again until four (4) years have elapsed since the end of the last term served as a councilmember, except as provided in subsection 2.06(c).
- No person shall be eligible to be elected to the office of mayor for more than two (2) consecutive terms. A person who is elected to two (2) consecutive terms as mayor shall not be eligible to hold the office of mayor again until four (4) years have elapsed since the end of the last term served as mayor, except as provided in subsection 2.06(c).
- No person shall be eligible to be elected to the office of councilmember or mayor after serving sixteen (16) consecutive years of combined service in those offices until four (4) years have elapsed since the end of the last term served, except as provided in subsection 2.06(c).
- No person who has served two (2) four-year terms as councilmember followed by a break in service of two years or less and two (2) four-year terms as mayor shall be eligible to hold the office of mayor or councilmember until at least four (4) years have elapsed since the end of the last term served, except as provided in subsection 2.06(c).
- Councilmembers who resign for any reason other than to run for mayor as required under State Law and this Charter and mayors who resign shall not be eligible for re-election or appointment until the second succeeding city election following the date of tender of their written resignation except as provided in subsection 2.06 (c).
- Elected or appointed terms of less than four (4) years as councilmember or mayor shall not be counted in the above time limitations.”
As reported by Axios Phoenix, Orlando’s campaign appears to hinge on the outcome of the special election. If the new language is approved, a potential challenge to his candidacy would be eliminated. Under the existing Charter provision, he will undoubtedly be exposed to legal action.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 8, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
An Arizona congressman is warning constituents about the Chinese Communist Party’s close ties with Mexican drug cartels.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, shared an article on X about the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) discovery of Chinese networks laundering billions of dollars for Mexican drug cartels through American financial institutions.
In his post, Hamadeh explained, “The Treasury’s FinCEN discovered that Chinese networks have been using our country to launder billions of dollars for the Mexican cartels. This is only part of a continued & concerted effort from a hostile CCP regime to undermine America’s public safety.”
According to The Center Square, in a report from FinCEN, the Treasury Department analyzed 137,153 Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) reports totaling approximately $312 billion in suspicious activity from 2020 to 2024 that “sheds light on how [Chinese money laundering networks (CMLN),] launder illicit proceeds from criminal activities, including drug trafficking, and how CMLNs launder money on a global scale.”
The report revealed several alarming findings regarding CMLNs, describing a complex web of dirty money connecting ubiquitous real estate transactions throughout the United States to human trafficking over the Mexican border, and even assisted living facilities in New York.
“Ultimately, Chinese citizens’ demand for large quantities of U.S. dollars and the cartels’ need to launder their illicit U.S. dollar proceeds has resulted in a mutualistic relationship wherein the cartels sell off their illicitly obtained U.S. dollars to CMLNs who, in turn, sell the U.S. dollars to Chinese citizens seeking to evade China’s currency control laws,” the report explained.
According to the report, “The PRC maintains strict currency controls, also known as capital flight restrictions, which limit the amount of money Chinese citizens can transfer abroad each year to 50,000 USD for investment and financial purposes.”
To bypass these restrictions, many Chinese nationals turn to this underground banking system or ‘CUBS.’ Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John Hurley told The Center Square, “Money laundering networks linked to individual passport holders from the People’s Republic of China enable cartels to poison Americans with fentanyl, conduct human trafficking, and wreak havoc among communities across our great nation.”
The report found, “Many Chinese citizens have turned to alternative methods, like the Chinese underground banking system (CUBS), to bypass these restrictions. The CUBS consists of various individuals and businesses from different industries who collaborate through ‘mirror transfers’ to move money across borders, as part of informal value transfer system schemes. The CUBS, in turn, depend on CMLNs to secure foreign currency.”
FinCEN summarized that in just the past five years, it has recorded a significant increase in the money laundering schemes at play between CMLNs and Mexican Drug Cartels, with the agents “gain(ing) prominence among global money laundering groups due to their reliability, low fees, organizational structure, worldwide presence, and access to the U.S. financial system.” It also shared that that this massive financial windfall for bad actors in China are directly to tied to operations that “launder illicit proceeds from otherwise unrelated criminal networks involved in a range of illicit activities, including fraud schemes; human trafficking and smuggling; marijuana grow house operations; and tax evasion, by facilitating the exchange of cash proceeds.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
