by Matthew Holloway | Sep 13, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, announced this week it has asked the City of Sedona to “review and revise” the Sedona Police Department’s warning shot policy. The group says the policy could have officers committing felonies.
The organization requested the review and revision of the SPD policy, according to a letter released by Judicial Watch Southwest Projects Coordinator Mark Spencer, a 25-year veteran, former Phoenix police officer, and former President of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association.
In the letter, Spencer cited potential conflicts with A.R.S. §13-3107, known as Shannon’s Law, as well as standards set by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST).
Judicial Watch reported in its statement that the organization’s intervention began with a public records request (PRR) to Sedona City Manager Annette Spickard regarding the SPD’s warning shot policy on July 28th. But according to the group, the request for records was not fully complied with:
“Judicial Watch sought various SPD documents, including training records, policy manuals, and communications related to the use of warning shots. However, many of the requested documents were not provided or available.
The responsive documents included 26 emails, which revealed a timeline of events and issues related to the warning shot policy. Notably, on April 18, 2023, an email indicated that a revised policy manual for SPD was under consideration, which included and allowed warning shots. Subsequent emails showed ongoing evaluations and suggestions for policy revisions, with some recommendations to exclude warning shots.”
According to Shannon’s Law, “A person who with criminal negligence discharges a firearm within or into the limits of any municipality is guilty of a class 6 felony.”
Judicial Watch cautioned that the use of a warning shot under current SPD policy could constitute a criminally negligent discharge under Shannon’s Law, making the officer following the policy guilty of a class 6 felony.
In the text of the letter, Spencer noted that among the 26 responsive emails received by Judicial Watch, “An email indicated that a revised policy manual for SPD was under consideration. “Warning shots” were acknowledged, included, and allowed in the policy. Within this email, it was also stated, “Officers are taught during their academy training about reasonable force, deadly force, warning shots (emphasis added), when and how to use non-deadly weapons, and when and how to use deadly force and firearms.”
Conversely, in a later email from Sedona’s outside legal counsel, Eric Edwards, policy revisions were submitted for the SPD officer’s manual addressing the use of “Warning Shots.” Edwards reiterated in the formal police policy that “Officers are taught during their academy training about… Warning Shots.” He then makes the following change in policy by suggesting, “Officers will not…Generally, fire warning shots.”
Spencer concluded, “Judicial Watch expressed concerns that the current policy may conflict with A.R.S. §13-3107, also known as Shannon’s Law, which could classify the use of warning shots as a class 6 felony. Additionally, they questioned the accuracy and consistency of the policy with AZPOST (State law enforcement certification agency) and other law enforcement standards. Judicial Watch has requested the City Council and City Manager to consider revising the SPD policy to eliminate the use of warning shots. They have indicated their intention to make a formal complaint to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) and the Arizona Attorney General’s office if the policy is not revised.”
As of this report, the City of Sedona has made no official statement regarding the Judicial Watch request.
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 Jonathan Eberle | Sep 13, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Governor’s Office has opened the application process to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, inviting eligible residents with an interest in wildlife and conservation to apply.
The five-member commission is responsible for setting policy, rules, and regulations governing the state’s wildlife management, fisheries, and related outdoor recreation activities, including watercraft and off-highway vehicle operations. In addition to establishing regulations, commissioners provide guidance to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
By law, the commission is structured to reflect both geographical and political diversity. The vacancy must be filled by a resident from one of the following counties: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Yuma, or Yavapai. Applicants are required to state their political party affiliation and must not have switched party registration within the last two years.
Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30. Interested candidates can apply through the state’s Boards and Commissions website and are asked to provide their residential address, party affiliation, resume, and any additional supporting materials or letters of recommendation.
The Game and Fish Appointment Recommendation Commission will review submissions in October and conduct in-person interviews before forwarding recommendations to the Governor’s Office.
For questions about the review process, applicants may contact Madeline Gaffney with the Arizona Game and Fish Department at mgaffney@azgfd.gov. Additional inquiries can be directed to the Governor’s Office of Executive Appointments at bc@az.gov.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 12, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
In the wake of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination, comments from Arizona Democrats and some media figures struck a sour note Thursday. Their remarks drew swift and widespread condemnation across social media.
Most prominently, an initial comment from Governor Katie Hobbs calling for “lowering the temperature of our politics” has generated outrage, seen by many as a critique of Kirk.
Hobbs wrote in a statement, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I am saddened for Charlie’s family, friends, and Arizonans as they mourn his loss, and I am saddened for our country as our politics have descended into horrific violence. This tragedy is not about who Charlie Kirk supported politically. It is about the devastating loss of a father, a neighbor, and an Arizonan who called this state home, and whose life was cut short by senseless violence.”
Hobbs’ statement took a turn, however, with her adding, “We must stand together in rejecting violence, lowering the temperature of our politics, and recommitting ourselves to the values of civility, respect, and community that American democracy requires.”
The comments from Arizonans in general and groups like the Arizona Free Enterprise Club (AZFEC) were immediate and scathing.
“Katie Hobbs uses Charlie Kirk’s assassination to lecture conservatives that they need to ‘lower the temperature.’ Everything Charlie did was civil, engaging political opponents in open dialogue with ideas and arguments. Sorry Katie, we won’t back down,” AZFEC posted on X.
Garrett Lewis, Host of The Afternoon Addiction on 550 KFYI, replied, “All Charlie did was have civilized discussions and he showed respect to everyone, including those that disagreed with him. You evil freak.”
Pro-life commentator ‘Sanctity of Life’ responded with a harsh critique writing, “What should concern you and others who are prominent in the Democrat party is to change the tone of the party rhetoric that incites violence. Until that happens no one will take you Democrats seriously. We’re sick of being demonized and threatened for disagreeing with you!”
Gerald Bourguet, the now-former Lead Suns writer for PHNX Sports and co-host of the Phoenix Suns Podcast, was severely criticized after posting a lengthy thread blasting Kirk just hours after his death. The post resulted in PHNX Sports making “the decision to part ways,” early Thursday morning.
In a post to X announcing the decision, PHNX Sports wrote, “The opinions expressed by our employees do not represent the views of PHNX or ALLCITY Network. We take matters involving violence very seriously and are committed to ensuring that ALLCITY remains a safe place for our employees and community alike. We have addressed this matter with the individual and made the decision to part ways.”
The decision was praised by Tyler Bowyer of Turning Point USA, who wrote, “As a subscriber to @PHNX_Sports, thank you @Espo for making the right decision. Won’t forget that.”
As of this report, no public reaction has been issued by the Phoenix Suns.
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 12, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
In just the first week of September, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought criminal charges related to illegal immigration against 218 defendants.
Among these cases, 107 aliens faced charges for illegally entering the United States, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). 100 aliens were charged for re-entering unlawfully, along with eleven suspects charged for “smuggling illegal aliens into and within” the state as part of ‘Operation Take Back America’.
As reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO), the September cases were either referred or supported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
In the previous week, the last of August, 233 individuals were charged, showing a slight dip in apprehensions week-over-week. Still, the DOJ has maintained an overall consistent pace, with 107 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the U.S., and 108 aliens charged for illegally entering.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted a few notable cases, including one involving a Mexican national, Jose Uriel Meraz-Aguilar, 20, who U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested along with three other people. Aguilar was reportedly “wearing camouflage and carpet shoes,” and “attempted to travel north through the desert toward Interstate 8, but became separated,” a common scenario for human smugglers. Two of his companions were rescued and received medical care for dehydration and heat exhaustion.
According to the USAO, “Agents learned that Meraz-Aguilar was being paid to serve as a foot guide for the Salazares Cartel, and that he had left the individuals behind in the desert on cartel instructions.”
In a similar case, Edwuin Lucino Hernandez-Cordero, also a Mexican national, was charged with Conspiracy to Transport an Illegal Alien. The USAO’s report stated, “Hernandez-Cordero had previously been pulled over in July 2025 while transporting five illegal aliens. Subsequent investigation linked Hernandez-Cordero to stash houses in Glendale and Phoenix run by a human smuggling organization. Hernandez-Cordero and his associates were identified as drivers and caretakers involved in transporting illegal aliens throughout the United States for profit.”
The DOJ identified these cases as part of Operation Take Back America.
In aggregate, the DOJ publicly reported weekly data under ‘Operation Take Back America’ shows that for the past 27 weeks since the operation’s announcement, about 20,000 individuals have faced charges ranging from immigration violations, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses, to conspiring with narco-terrorist cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
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 Jonathan Eberle | Sep 12, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Robert “Bob” Corbin, a longtime Arizona public official who served as state Attorney General and played a pivotal role in some of the state’s most high-profile legal cases, has died. He was 96.
Corbin’s career in public service spanned decades, beginning as Maricopa County Attorney and later as a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. In 1979, he was elected Arizona’s Attorney General, a position he held through the 1980s.
Known for his commitment to integrity in government, Corbin gained recognition for prosecuting public officials accused of corruption and for pursuing justice in the 1976 car-bomb killing of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles — a case that shocked the state and the nation. His work in that era helped shape Arizona’s reputation for taking on organized crime and political misconduct.
Maricopa County Chairman Thomas Galvin expressed condolences, saying Corbin “was a man of integrity and a selfless public servant” whose leadership left a lasting mark on the state. “He played a central role in landmark judicial cases, went after officials who violated the public trust, and prosecuted those responsible for the murder of journalist Don Bolles,” Galvin said in a statement. “As both an attorney and elected official, I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of someone so influential and principled.”
Beyond his courtroom and public service record, Corbin was respected across party lines for his measured approach to law enforcement and governance. He also served as president of the National Rifle Association in the early 1990s, a role that reflected his deep involvement in public policy beyond Arizona.
Corbin is survived by his wife, former state senator Lori Klein Corbin, along with family, friends, and colleagues who remember him as a man deeply devoted to both his work and the people of Arizona.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 11, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Border Patrol is stepping up enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border with new “prosecution enhancements,” according to Jason E. Schneider, Acting Chief Patrol Agent for the Rio Grande Valley. The policy applies harsher federal charges to both illegal aliens crossing the border and smugglers.
In a post to X, Chief Schneider announced that the “RGV Border Patrol is now using tougher federal charges against illegal crossings & smuggling, including: 18 USC 2339 – Aiding Terrorists, 8 USC 1326 – Illegal Reentry, 8 USC 1324 – Alien Smuggling, 8 USC 1325 – Illegal Entry.”
In an infographic, the post from Schneider announced, “The Border is Closed.”
Under 18 U.S.C. § 2339A and 18 U.S.C. § 2339B, U.S. law says, “Whoever provides material support or resources or conceals or disguises the nature, location, source, or ownership of material support or resources, knowing or intending that they are to be used in preparation for, or in carrying out” a terrorist attack will face punishments ranging from fines to 15 years in prison, or if the death of any person should be connected to their action, a life sentence.
In a follow-up comment, Schneider wrote, “Cross illegally & you will face serious consequences. Honor First!”
Schneider was named acting chief patrol agent following the removal of former RGV Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez. In a statement released to Valley Central in early August, U.S. CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott explained, “CBP does not comment on specific disciplinary actions,” however, he alluded to “misconduct—on or off duty—by a few,” and “refusing to accept misconduct of even a few, regardless of rank.”
He stated in full:
“We will continue to adhere to our core values: Integrity is our cornerstone. We are guided by the highest ethical and moral principles. Our actions must bring honor to ourselves and our agency. Misconduct—on or off duty—by a few distracts from the honorable service of the many. CBP leadership under the Trump Administration are extremely proud to support the agents that honorably protect America every day by refusing to accept misconduct of even a few, regardless of rank.”
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.
