Congressman Hamadeh Secures $7 Million For Arizona Law Enforcement And Veterans

Congressman Hamadeh Secures $7 Million For Arizona Law Enforcement And Veterans

by | Jan 21, 2026 | News

By Ethan Faverino |

Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) has secured a much needed victory for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, as the U.S. House of Representatives approved more than $7 million in federal funding for critical local projects.

The allocation supports enhanced public safety for first responders and vital legal assistance for veterans, fulfilling the congressman’s commitment to prioritize these community needs.

The funding will benefit several key initiatives across cities in the district, including Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise, Glendale, and Arizona State University (ASU).

Funding Breakdown:

  • City of Peoria: $2.85 million for Police Helicopter

These funds will enable the purchase of a police helicopter for the City of Peoria’s Public Safety Aviation Unit. The aircraft will provide rapid air support, strengthen public safety infrastructure, and meet growing demands across the West Valley.

  • City of Phoenix: $1.9 million for Law Enforcement Simulator Training Equipment

The allocation supports the purchase of a helicopter training simulator for the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit, expanding training capabilities for flight crews and improving mission readiness in support of community safety.

  • City of Surprise: $999,000 for Police Cruisers

The Surprise Police Department will use these funds to acquire 15 new, fully equipped police vehicles, strengthening its ability to prevent crime, enhance community safety, and support day-to-day operations.

  • City of Glendale: $1 million for Police Radio Equipment Upgrades

Glendale Police Department officers will receive modern radio technology to replace aging equipment nearing the end of its life. The upgrades will improve field communications, incorporate officer safety features such as location tracking, and reduce malfunction risks.

  • ASU West Campus: $500,000 for Veterans Legal Services Hub

ASU’s Veterans Legal Services Hub will expand free legal assistance to veterans, addressing service-connected criminal charges, discharge upgrades, disability claims, and other legal issues for veterans throughout Arizona.

Local leaders praised the congressman’s advocacy in securing these resources:

“I am grateful that the City of Phoenix is poised to receive these federal funds to modernize how we train our police officers. By equipping the Phoenix Police Department with state-of-the-art training technology, we will improve decision making, reduce operational costs, and strengthen public safety. Investing in advanced simulation technology helps our officers train safely, effectively, and with the highest level of preparedness for situations they may encounter on the job. I urge the Senate to pass this critical funding.”- Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego

“Thank you, Congressman Hamadeh, for your efforts to support local law enforcement here in Glendale. The federal appropriation toward new police radios for the Glendale PD will enhance local capabilities and help make our neighborhoods safer.” – Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers

“The passage of this earmark is a win for public safety in Surprise. With this funding, we can modernize our police fleet and better support the officers who protect our community. I thank Congressman Abe Hamadeh for his partnership and support.” – Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor

“Congressman Hamadeh’s support for Peoria’s Aviation Unit demonstrates a real commitment to our city and the safety of our residents. Securing federal support for local priorities like this makes a tangible difference in our police and fire response capabilities. We’re grateful for Congressman Hamadeh’s continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of Peoria in Washington.” – Peoria Mayor Jason Beck

“On behalf of Arizona State University’s more than 24,000 veterans and military-connected learners, I sincerely thank Rep. Abe Hamadeh for his leadership and support of those who have served our nation. This Veterans Legal Services Hub at ASU’s West Valley campus will remove critical legal barriers, helping veterans and their families resolve issues related to service, housing, and justice so they can focus on successful transitions to civilian life.” – Pat Tillman Veterans Center Executive Director Shawn Banzhaf

Congressman Hamadeh, as a veteran himself, emphasized the importance of supporting those who serve our country and giving them the justice and support they deserve.

“I’m proud to have secured more than $7 million in federal funding for critical projects that will strengthen our local law enforcement agencies, allowing for increased training of our law enforcement professionals and giving them the equipment they need to proudly serve our residents,” stated Hamadeh.

Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.

ASU Stabbing Raises Questions About Censorship And A Possible Cover Up

ASU Stabbing Raises Questions About Censorship And A Possible Cover Up

by | Oct 2, 2024 | Education, News

By Matthew Holloway |

The brutal stabbing of 19-year-old Mara Daffron by fellow ASU Student Kaci Lenise-Charlie Sloan on September 19th raised questions about censorship and even possibly a coverup after the story languished for eight days before being reported on by the establishment media. According to ASU professor Dr. Owen Anderson, writing on his Substack, “Last week there was a stabbing at ASU West. Have you seen any news about it?” He observed, “It is very hard to find. It took the Dean of the campus 5 days to send out an email about it. Why the cover up? I have some knowledge of what happened and I can take an educated guess.” He promised readers, “I’m going to stay on this for you.”

By the time Anderson had written, the first mentions of the story (notably by AZFamily) were less than a day old and the story had very little traction. In the initial breaking story, AZ Family reported that Sloan had carried out a premeditated attack against Daffron, having decided the night before to go through with it believing that hurting someone would make her problems “go away.” She told police during an interview that she chose between Daffron and another student she identified as “a veteran,” deciding on the young woman because she was “an easier target.”

By September 27th the story was international, and the heroic intervention of another student, Navy Veteran Matthew McCormick, who fought off Sloan and prevented further injury to Daffron, came to light. As reported by the Daily Mail, McCormick told reporters, “As she was going for a third attack, I was able to grab her wrists and apprehend her before further damage could be done.”

“I just did what needed to be done and I think everybody has the capacity to be able to do that,” McCormick told 12News.

He added, “It was a great job by everybody that was in that room; by the EMTs, the paramedics and police. Everybody responded really, really well. 9-1-1 calls were pretty instantaneous and everybody seemed pretty locked in and knew what to do.”

Sloan was arrested and ASU Police recovered the 12-inch blade she repeatedly stabbed Daffron with.

Daffron, recovering at Banner Thunderbird Hospital in Phoenix, told AZ Family, “I’m just scared because I don’t know why the f**k she would stab me.”

Sloan’s ultimate motive remains unclear. Court documents uncovered by 12News revealed that Sloan, “admitted she came to class to hurt somebody and was planning the attack since the night prior,” the documents say. “This planning included placing the knife used in the attack in her backpack to bring to school. The defendant told detectives she knew the victim’s first name but did not know anything else about her. She knew the victim from a prior class and shared a class with her this semester.”

Dr. Anderson noted in an update, “There is national and international coverage now of the stabbing at ASU. I’m still looking for news from ASU itself.” He also offered to begin instruction in jiu jitsu on campus to help students defend themselves in future attacks.

In another post, he theorized that anti-white hatred could be responsible for the attack:

“Any time there is violence and attempted murder on a university campus we expect to see it covered in the news. It is an important way for parents and students to know if a university is a safe place to attend.

But what if universities aren’t safe places to attend? What if students are taught by their humanities professors to hate each other? ASU has required employee training that teaches about the problem of ‘whiteness.’ Why is ASU requiring employees to learn that?”

An ASU spokesperson told Fox News in a statement, “ASU Police continue to investigate a Sept. 19 on-campus stabbing of a student. Kaci Sloan was immediately detained and arrested on suspicion of first-degree attempted murder; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; interfering with an educational institution; and disorderly conduct. She is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond. ASU and the entire ASU West Valley community are deeply saddened by what happened. ASU West Valley is a close-knit campus of students, faculty and staff. Counseling support is available to all.”

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.