Trump, Kamala Harris engage in heated presidential debate
Washington, D.C.: In a highly anticipated face-off, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris engaged in a fiery debate on September 10, 2024, ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. The debate, held in Philadelphia and moderated by ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis, began with a handshake but quickly descended into heated exchanges on key issues like abortion, immigration, and the economy.
Trump, the Republican nominee, and former president, attacked Harris for her association with the Biden administration, stating that she offered no new leadership. He criticised her stance on healthcare, claiming she had "no plan" for improving the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Harris, in turn, accused Trump of lacking any clear policy direction on healthcare, asserting that she would strengthen the ACA and focus on protecting citizens' access to affordable care.
The debate saw Trump repeating claims about the U.S. economy under his presidency, while Harris presented herself as a leader of a new generation, distancing herself from both Trump and Biden. Trump also leveled accusations against Harris, claiming she "hates Israel," without providing evidence. Harris defended her positions and rebutted Trump’s claims, particularly around issues of foreign policy, trade with China, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The topic of abortion further fueled tensions, with Trump celebrating the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, stating that the issue should be left to individual states. Harris, however, pledged to restore federal protections for abortion rights.
The debate, set against the backdrop of a closely contested election, saw both candidates seeking to win over undecided voters. Trump, who faces multiple criminal charges, dismissed them as "politically driven," while Harris attacked his record, particularly on issues related to law enforcement and criminal justice.
As the debate concluded, it remained unclear which candidate gained the upper hand. The U.S. presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 5, 2024.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
