Apple's big annual event on Tuesday delivered a polished and tightly produced showcase. The company's CEO Tim Cook led the presentation with sweeping visuals, confident pacing and a clear message: Apple is still betting big on premium innovation. But the real headline wasn't so much the tech; it was the prices.Earlier this year, President Donald Trump granted Apple a tariff break. Still, the company raised prices across its iPhone lineup. The new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which Apple positioned as a reinvention of last year's iPhone 16 Plus, jumps to $999. The iPhone 17 Pro begins at $1,099, while the Pro Max tops out at $1,199. The entry-level iPhone 17 starts at $799.Apple positioned the price hikes as a reflection of breakthrough innovation. The company spotlighted the iPhone Air's sleek redesign, the powerful A19 chip and major camera upgrades. Yet the takeaway was clear: tariff relief didn't lead to consumer savings. Instead, Apple leaned into its premium identity, signaling that cutting-edge tech now comes with a steeper price tag.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join myCYBERGUY.COM newsletter.GOOGLE PIXEL 10 EVENT BRINGS NEW PHONES, SMARTWATCH, EARBUDS AND AIApple calls the iPhone 17 Air a game-changer. At just 5.6mm thin and weighing around 165 grams, it stands as the slimmest iPhone the company has ever made. The design uses recycled aluminum, glass and titanium to reduce weight while staying durable. Engineers reinforced the frame and applied new drop-test algorithms to make sure it holds up in daily use.The Air debuts silicon anode battery technology, which allows Apple to shrink the device without cutting power. During the presentation, Apple promised "all-day battery life," but never gave an exact hour count. That vague description raised questions. Moments later, Apple introduced a new low-profile MagSafe battery accessory. When paired with the iPhone 17 Air, Apple says the combo delivers up to 40 hours of video playback. The timing of that announcement made it clear that battery life could still be a concern.Apple also pushed the Air forward with a new ultra-wide 48MP fusion camera system, which uses advanced image processing to improve detail and low-light performance. The display gained a ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and animations feel smoother. Outdoor use should also improve thanks to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. On the durability side, the Air features Ceramic Shield 2 coating, which Apple claims resists scratches and accidental drops better than before.The iPhone 17 Airstarts at $999 with 256GB of storage. That price is $100 higher than last year's thinnest model, marking another step up in Apple's pricing strategy.The iPhone 17 Pro introduces a striking unibody design that relies on laser-welded vapor chamber cooling to keep performance steady even under heavy use. Apple gave the back a ceramic shield finish, while the front now features its upgraded seven-layer coating. That change reduces glare both indoors and outdoors, making the display easier on the eyes in all conditions.At the core of the Pro sits the new A19 Bionic chip built on 3nm architecture. Apple paired it with a 16-core Neural Engine and an updated display engine to push speed and efficiency even further. The company claims this is the most power-efficient iPhone yet and promises the longest battery life ever offered in a Pro model.Apple also turned its attention to the camera system. The Pro camera lineup includes a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide, with ProRes support for high-quality video recording. It even offers Genlock syncing, which professionals can use to line up multiple cameras in studio and live production setups.To complement the new design, Apple introduced TechWoven cases that feel more like premium accessories than traditional covers. Some versions include optional cross-body straps, a nod to the growing trend of blending technology with fashion.Apple also revealed three new finishes for the Pro models: deep blue, cosmic orange and silver, adding a fresh look to the lineup.The iPhone 17 Pro comes with 256GB of base storage andstarts at $1,099, keeping its place as Apple's most balanced high-end option between the Air and the Max.WWDC 2025: IOS 26, LIQUID GLASS DESIGN AND APPLES AI SHORTFALLApple positioned the iPhone 17 Pro Max as the ultimate model in the lineup. It shares the same unibody design, ceramic shield finish and seven-layer front coating as the Pro, but it stretches everything to a larger scale. The Pro Max delivers the biggest display Apple has ever put on an iPhone, paired with enhanced brightness that makes it more usable outdoors and in direct sunlight.Inside, it runs on the same A19 Bionic chip with the 16-core Neural Engine, so performance and efficiency mirror the Pro. What sets the Max apart is its endurance. Apple claims it offers the best battery life of any iPhone to date, making it the go-to choice for people who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day.The Pro Max also carries the full Pro camera system, including the 48MP main sensor and advanced video features like ProRes and Genlock. With its extra size, it appeals most to creators, gamers and anyone who wants the biggest screen possible in an iPhone.Like the Pro, the Max is available in deep blue, cosmic orange and silver finishes.Pricingstarts at $1,199 with 256GB of storage, marking the highest entry point yet for an iPhone and reinforcing Apple's steady climb in premium pricing.The standard iPhone 17 rounds out the lineup and now serves as Apple's new baseline model. It starts at $799 with 256GB of storage.The iPhone 17 inherits many of the Pro's features. It comes in five colors and has a thinner profile that feels more refined in hand. The display includes the upgraded coating to cut glare, and the front camera has a square AI-driven sensor with Center Stage for better video calls.The main camera system also makes a leap forward. The iPhone 17 now carries a 48MP main sensor, supported by Apple's fusion technology to improve clarity and low-light results. Combined with the updated display engine and improved durability from Ceramic Shield 2, the iPhone 17 delivers a more polished experience than previous entry models.Apple didn't stop with iPhones. The company used its event to refresh its wearables and audio lineup, bringing new features to AirPods and multiple Apple Watch models. Each product builds on familiar designs while adding functions aimed at health, fitness and convenience.Apple unveiled the third-generation AirPods Pro, priced at $249, and available starting Sept. 19. The design keeps the iconic stem but introduces foam-infused ear tips that come in five sizes. Apple said it studied 100,000 ear shapes to make them fit more securely.The new AirPods Pro 3 extend listening time, offering up to eight hours on a single charge, compared with six hours in the previous generation. With the charging case, total listening time stretches to 10 hours with hearing-AI features enabled.One of the standout additions is heart rate sensing, which turns the AirPods into another health-tracking accessory in Apple's ecosystem. The earbuds also use AI-driven hearing enhancements to improve clarity in noisy environments. Apple said the AirPods Pro 3 now deliver up to four times stronger active noise cancellation (ANC) than the originals, making them far more effective in crowded or loud spaces.For workouts, users can also track over 50 activity types with the Fitness app on iPhone while wearing them. Perhaps most notably, Apple added live translation. When two people wear AirPods Pro 3 paired with iPhones, conversations can be translated in real time, breaking language barriers in a way that once seemed impossible.The Apple Watch Series 11 continues Apple's push into health technology. It runs on watchOS 26 and introduces monitoring for possible hypertension and sleep apnea, with alerts designed to prompt users to seek medical care. Apple noted that FDA clearance is still pending for hypertension notifications, but the company clearly sees the watch as a serious medical tool.The watch also includes Sleep Score, which breaks down sleep stages such as core, deep and awake to give users a clearer picture of rest quality. Battery life reaches up to 24 hours, and the watch remains efficient even with 5G connectivity.Apple built the Series 11 with 100% recycled aluminum and titanium cases, expanding its sustainability pledge. Color options bring a refreshed look, while pricingstarts around $399, depending on configuration.APPLE WINS BLOOD OXYGEN BATTLE FOR WATCH OWNERSApple also refreshed its budget-friendly model, the Apple Watch SE 3. At$249, it remains the lowest-priced entry into the lineup. The SE 3 uses the new S10 chip, giving it faster performance and support for Apple's expanding gesture controls.It also delivers sleep apnea notifications, a feature previously limited to more expensive models. Charging is now up to two times faster, ensuring the watch is ready to go with less downtime. Apple added more health and convenience tools, including wrist temperature sensing for deeper insights in the Vitals app, retrospective ovulation estimates and an Always-On display. It also supports double-tap and wrist flick gestures, plus on-device Siri. Available in two colors, the SE 3 carries forward Apple's strategy of making core health features more accessible.At the top end, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 3, starting at $799 and shipping September 19. This model pushes the limits of durability and outdoor performance. The Ultra 3 features the largest and brightest display ever put on an Apple Watch, making it easier to read data during workouts or in direct sunlight.It includes a redesigned radio and antenna system capable of connecting with satellites orbiting 800 miles above Earth. That means users can send messages or use Find My features even without cell service, making it a true companion for extreme adventures.The Ultra 3 packs a larger battery that runs up to 42 hours on a single charge. With Low Power Mode enabled, Apple says the battery can extend to as much as 72 hours, making it the longest-lasting Apple Watch to date. It also introduces new Workout Buddy tools for training and enhanced hypertension notifications, further pushing Apple's reputation in health tech. Available in black or natural titanium, the Ultra 3 blends rugged design with cutting-edge features.Apple used the event to highlight a series of accessories that show how the company expects people to use its new iPhones. The most talked about was thelow-profile MagSafe battery pack, created to address the iPhone 17 Air's biggest weakness: vague "all-day" battery claims. When attached, the Air can stretch to 40 hours of video playback, turning what could have been a limitation into a selling point for Apple's ecosystem.To complement the Air's slim profile, Apple also revealed anew translucent case and alightweight bumper. The translucent case keeps the 5.6mm design visible while still protecting it, while the bumper adds shock resistance around the edges without adding bulk. Both aim to reassure buyers who worry that the thinnest iPhone yet might be more fragile.For the Pro and Pro Max models, Apple introducedTechWoven cases made from a durable fabric blend. What stood out was the addition of anoptional cross-body strap, giving users a hands-free way to carry their phones. Apple leaned into the idea of the iPhone as not just a device but also a lifestyle accessory that blends technology with personal style.Together, the MagSafe battery, translucent Air case, protective bumper and fashion-forward TechWoven cases with cross-body straps showed Apple's strategy clearly. Accessories are no longer secondary; they are central to how Apple expects customers to protect, power and personalize their iPhones.Apple's iPhone 17 lineup pushes innovation forward with a blend of sleek design and powerful features. The iPhone 17 Air impresses with its ultra-thin profile and new battery technology. Meanwhile, the Pro and Pro Max models deliver unmatched performance and durability for demanding users. Additionally, Apple enhances its ecosystem with upgraded AirPods and Apple Watch models that emphasize health and convenience. Overall, Apple continues to balance style, functionality, and user experience, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead.Which Apple device are you most excited to buy and why?

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles offered no comment on President Donald Trumps call to enforce the death penalty against Decarlos Brown Jr., the suspect accused of an unprovoked fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light-rail line."The animal who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a Quick (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded the death penalty. There can be no other option!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social after Browns capture.Lyles office provided Fox News Digital a lengthy statement from the mayor highlighting the importance of proper transit safety, among other concerns, but declined to comment directly on Trumps demand."The city has always partnered well with the Federal Transit Authority, including earlier this year for CATS (the transit system) triennial review which was successfully completed," Lyles said."We respect the FTAs role and will take this opportunity to work with them to review how we provide safe service to our community.""We are ready and willing to work with state and federal partners to make our community better and safer."Lyles, a Democrat, said she will continue to look for bipartisan solutions to pressing problems like transit safety as mayor of North Carolinas largest city.She added that CATS made several changes since the attack, including increased security on the Blue Line which runs from UNC-Charlotte in the north to Pineville, near the South Carolina state line in the south. Zarutska was killed on the Blue Line."CATS will also deploy new security teams, including bike patrols and urban terrain vehicles in the coming weeks. Nearly 30 additional security personnel will also be added," Lyles said.After Brown allegedly killed Ukrainian refugee Zarutska, he later complained to his sister that he "hurt [his] hand" stabbing her before asking rhetorically why anyone would "stab somebody for no reason."Brown also said it was the "material used in [his] body" that committed the crime and that the "material" should be investigated because "you know thats not me."His sister later added that the woman who was killed was from Ukraine or Russia and cited what she called their "war going on against the United States."North Carolina still has the death penalty on the books, but has been under a de facto moratorium since its last execution in 2006 amid legal fights over alleged biases and pharmaceuticals used in lethal injections.Fox News Digitals Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.

On the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks, Fox News correspondent Eric Shawn reported live on Fox & Friends from Lower Manhattan, where survivors, families, first responders and public officials gathered to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost.During the segment, Shawn revealed he himself suffers from 9/11-related cancer."I have two different diagnoses under the World Trade Center Program," he revealed, referencing the federal program that provides monitoring and treatment for survivors, responders and others directly affected in New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.TUNNEL TO TOWERS COMMEMORATES 9/11 WITH MORTGAGES FOR HEROES, NATIONAL STEEL JOURNEY"It is hard to believe that it has been nearly a quarter of a century since that day, when radical Islamic terrorism attacked the very heart of our city and our country," Shawn said."It is a philosophy that basically hates our principles, our freedoms, what our nation stands for. That has not diminished and today, again, we all gather here to remember what was lost."The tragedy extends far beyond that day, he emphasized."While 2,977 people were murdered here that day, the number who have died from 9/11-related illnesses has increased from the toxic dust that was released," Shawn said.According to CDC data, 48,000 people have now reported 9/11-related cancers, with nearly 10,000 diagnoses in just the past year.ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, US EXPERIENCES THE WORST TERRORIST ATTACK IN AMERICAN HISTORYMore than 3,700 first responders have died since 9/11, including 2,300 who had cancer. The Fire Department of the City of New York has been hit especially hard, with 409 of its members lost to post-9/11 illnesses.For Shawn, the statistics are deeply personal, as he suffers from both respiratory issues and cancer directly related to the attacks. But, he says, he is one of the lucky ones."I think of all those who were killed that day and those who continue to suffer because of that philosophy that is not diminished. We have to condemn it. We have to despise it. You will never forget."The health impact reaches far beyond first responders, Shawn said."If you were below Canal Street, basically, you were exposed to the dust. I was here reporting on it. Thats what happened with me. I mean, Im very, very lucky. I think of all those who are suffering much greater Ive lost a few friends from this, of course."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERShawn's own diagnosis came decades later, in the form of a bronchitis-related respiratory issue and then a cancer diagnosis just this year."Back then, I remember thinking, maybe in 20, 30 years later Ill get something. Well, here it is, 24 years."MORE IN HEALTH NEWSShawn emphasized the importance of coming together as a nation: "Were all in this together. I mean, we are. We are all in it together."

The Secret Service has its hands full combating an unprecedented level of political threats, an issue underscored in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.While the Secret Service is initiating a series of changes to bolster its security practices following two assassination attempts on President Donald Trump last year, the agency is now operating at an extremely heightened state amid an unprecedented level of threats, according to experts."The Secret Service now has to play at a level of enhanced security that they've never dreamed of before. I think [Secret Service Director Sean Curran] is doing a good job in leading that effort," Tim Miller, who served as a Secret Service agent during Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clintons administrations, told Fox News Digital on Thursday. "But here's the bad news for the Secret Service: They don't have time. This threat is now. Can you imagine they already shot our president once. Can you imagine if they're able to kill him?"SEVERE SECRET SERVICE SNIPER SHORTAGE LEAVES US LEADERS VULNERABLE, WATCHDOG WARNSKirk, 31, died after he was shot in the neck during his "American Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The assassination comes a year after two attempts to take the presidents life.Twenty-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on Trump from a rooftop during a campaign rally in July 2024, and one of the eight bullets shot grazed Trump's ear. The gunman also shot and killed Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old firefighter, father and husband attending the rally, and injured two others.Ryan Routh was apprehended and charged with attempting to assassinate Trump at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September 2024. Routh was charged with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, among other things, and his trial kicked off on Thursday.COULD BUTLER HAPPEN AGAIN? FORMER SECRET SERVICE AGENTS WEIGH IN ON POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN 2025Both assassination attempts against Trump are under investigation.Bill Gage, who served as a Secret Service special agent during Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obamas administrations, said that even though the agency didnt provide security during the Kirk event, it would conduct a review of the assassination like it does for others all over the world. As a result, the agency would perhaps consider enhancing smaller security details for members of Trumps family, like the presidents son Barron, in response to Kirks death, Gage said."I think they will probably be taking another look at probably beefing up those smaller details that sometimes might only have two, maybe three agents on it, OK?" Gage told Fox News Digital on Thursday. "And so once again, it's going to increase that pressure where the agency's already stretched thin."Miller, who now heads up Lionheart International Services Group, which provides security support and training, said Kirks assassination was not a "one-off" incident, and that the agency should adopt a similar mindset to the Department of War to train service members."The Secret Service should be the biggest, baddest, meanest people on the planet," Miller said. "They ought to have the experience and a skill to where, when it goes bad, there's none better."CRITICAL SECURITY LAPSES BY SECRET SERVICE EXPOSED IN NEW REPORT ON TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTMiller has previously described the attack in Butler to Fox News Digital as a "wake-up call" for the Secret Service, and noted that the incident served as the impetus for reform within the agency.A bipartisan House task force that investigated the attack found that the attempted assassination was "preventable," and concluded multiple mistakes were not isolated incidents.Former Secret Service acting Director Ronald Rowe told lawmakers in December 2024 that immediate changes to the agency following Butler, Pennsylvania, included expanding the use of drones for surveillance purposes, and also incorporating greater counter-drone technology to mitigate kinetic attacks.The agency also overhauled its radio communications networks and interoperability of those networks with Secret Service personnel and state and local law enforcement officers, Rowe said.Although Miller said the Secret Service is working hard to implement changes, he said he worries it might not be fast enough to keep up with threats the president faces. Additionally, he said that in light of Kirks assassination and the attempts against Trump last year, there is additional pressure on the agency to sharpen its skills."After yesterday, I am sure every Secret Service agent recognizes that every day that they go to work could be the day," Miller said.The Secret Service extended its condolences to the Kirk family, but declined to comment on any specific changes to Trumps security detail."President Trump receives the highest levels of U.S. Secret Service protection and the agency adjusts our protective posture as needed to mitigate evolving threats," a Secret Service spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Thursday. "Out of concern for operational security, we cannot discuss the means and methods used for our protective operations."

New York Liberty star Natasha Cloud made an emotional plea for gun legislation in America after the assassination of conservative activistCharlie Kirk, who was killed Wednesday during a speaking event on the campus of Utah Valley University.Cloud took to social media in the aftermath of Kirks killing to call for tougher gun laws."I AM TIIIRRREEEED," theWNBA star wrote in a post on X. "We need legislation surrounding our firearms. NO FAMILY deserves to lose a loved one when these are CONTROLLABLES. Your 2nd amendment was written for guns that took powder. Not military grade weapons. Were the leading country in gun related deaths."CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMCloud mentioned ashooting at a high school in the Denver suburbs on Wednesday that left three teenagers hospitalized in critical condition, including the suspected shooter.In separate posts on Thursday,Cloud suggested that outrage surrounding Kirks death should be echoed for the victims of school shootings."Continuing to send families prayers instead of voting for legislation to ACTUALLY protect those families and yours is reckless," she wrote in another post Thursday. "Gun violence doesnt discriminate. Doesnt matter what dumba-- party youre a part of. How much money you have. Etc."TIM TEBOW WARNS 'EVIL IS REAL' FOLLOWING CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATIONKirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was struck by a single bullet around 12:20 p.m. local time while speaking at an event on the UVU campus in Orem. He was 31.Law enforcement and investigators continued their manhunt for the suspect, who remained at large Thursday.Officials revealed they had recovered a weapon and have "good footage" of the gunman, whom they described as being "college age."President Donald Trump also announced Thursday that Kirk, a married father of two, would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom."Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people," the president said. "Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children fantastic people they are. We miss him greatly."Fox News Digitals Greg Norman and Sophie Compton contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Aspiration Partners Inc., the company that reportedly entered a $28 million legal agreement with Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard for a "no-show job," was running out of money in December 2022, yet still paid Leonard.The San Francisco-based environmental company laid off employees, including some executives, as it ran out of money. Sports reporter Pablo Torre said Clippers minority owner Dennis J. Wong made nearly a $2 million investment into Aspiration while the company struggled in a recent episode of his podcast.Aspiration then paid Leonard $1.75 million of Wongs investment, fulfilling the required amount that was agreed upon in his endorsement contract with the company while the company was laying off employees.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe NBA announced last week that it is investigating Leonards $28 million endorsement contract to determine if it circumvented the leagues salary cap rules.Aspiration filed for bankruptcy this year. It listed several creditors at that time, among them the Clippers, who were owed about $30 million, and a company called KL2 Aspire LLC, which was owed $7 million.Leonard is listed as the manager of that company in California filings. His initials are KL, and 2 is his jersey number.LEBRON JAMES SILENT AS NEW CHINA CONTROVERSY SWIRLS AROUND HIMClippers owner Steve Ballmer made a $50 million investment in Aspiration, and the company and the team announced a $300 million partnership in September 2021. That was about a month after Leonard signed a four-year, $176 million extension with the Clippers.Ballmer vehemently denied any wrongdoing and welcomed the leagues investigation."We did things by the book," Ballmer told ESPN last week.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke after a board of governors meeting in New York one that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer attended and said the league will wait to see the report from the outside firm it has hired to run its investigation before taking next steps."Were constantly learning in the league office, and, again, Im reserving judgment because I dont know the facts here," Silver said. "I dont know what Kawhi was paid. I dont know what he did or didnt do. Well leave all that for the investigation."Fox News Digital reached out to the Clippers and Leonard for a comment on the latest report but did not immediately get a response.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

"I want to be remembered for courage and for my faith the most important thing in my life is my faith," Charlie Kirk said on a podcast last year.The Turning Point USA founder died afterhe was shot Wednesdayat Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.Kirk was a significant figure who inspired hundreds of young students, encouraging them not only in their political interests, but also in leading livesguided by faith.COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CHARLIE KIRKPastor Rob McCoy, co-chair of Turning Point Faith in California, told Fox News Digital Wednesday that Kirk called him his pastor, but that he prefers to be known as"his friend and greatest fan.""My friend Charlie Kirk was murdered today by a coward," said McCoy. "His life will be remembered for many wonderful things Charlies life will be remembered for many wonderful things.""He built it all with the power of the spoken word," said McCoy, who traveled to be with the Kirk family on Wednesday."He never used violence, but was threatened every day with violence by those who couldnt contend with logic and truth and now they have done to my friend what evil always does. It takes away life."MELANIA TRUMP PAYS TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE KIRK AND THE FAMILY HE LEAVES BEHIND"Charlie did not die," he continued. "Instead, he has begun to truly live. His life was secured eternally by His Savior, Jesus Christ. This truth allowed Charlie to face every threat with courage, because he didnt fear death."McCoy added, "All evil knows is death, and they derive power from death. Charlie lived for life and will be remembered for this. My heart is broken for his family his wife Erika and his two precious children. Evil has not prevailed, and it will not win."In the wake of the shocking assassination,Rev.Franklin Graham, one of the nations most prominent Christian voices, told Fox News Digital that "America is mourning the loss of Charlie Kirk.""Our hearts break for his wife and family. He loved this country, loved God and loved his family. He was a gifted and courageous communicator of truth. Even more importantly,Charlie Kirkwas a passionate follower of the Lord Jesus Christ," said Graham.Graham, who is the president and CEO of Samaritans Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, shared that he is appreciative of the work Kirk did to encourage, engage and inform young college students across the nation.CHARLIE KIRK LEAVES BEHIND POWERFUL CHRISTIAN FAITH LEGACY AFTER TRAGIC SHOOTING"His voice will be greatly missed, but I pray that God will raise up an army of young men and women like him who will stand up for the same important issues," he said.Graham added that Kirk lived boldly for Jesus Christ, who said,"I amthe resurrection and the life.He who believes in Me, though He maydie, He shall live.And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."Canada-based Christian minister Rick Pearson, host of ProphecyUSA, shared that Kirk was a "voice of biblical clarity in a nation that has lost its way.""He took bold stands to present truth and restore moral clarity. People have asked if Charlie was an American martyr. Yes, absolutely," he told Fox News Digital.PHOTOS: CHARLIE KIRK VIGILS UNITE MOURNERS ACROSS COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDEPearson added, "The person who pulled the trigger carried the spirit of Babylon, Baal worship, murderand hatred. Charliewarred against those spirits with wisdom, compassion and gentleness. He will be greatly missed."Sheri Few, president and founder of United States Parents Involved in Education, shared that the assassination marks a sad time for young Americans on college campuses."It is no secret that government schools indoctrinate children, pitting them against one another with pedagogies rooted in Marxist theory," said Few, based in South Carolina."When you teach children to hate themselves and others and to become social justice warriors at all costs, you should not be surprised when heart-wrenching tragedies like this occur."Tim Clinton, the Virginia-based president of the American Association of Christian Counselors and executive director of the Center for Human Flourishing at Liberty University, described Kirk as a "loving husband and tremendous father.""His unwavering faith, deep love for God and profound patriotism inspired all who knew him," Clinton told Fox News Digital. "He loved this country and lived his life with purpose and conviction standing strong for righteousness in culture."He shared that Kirk made him a better man and that he's grateful to have called him a friend.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"As we honor Charlies life, let us rise to our better selves, work to end senseless violence and remain steadfast in the values that truly matter faith, family, love and unity," Clinton added.Diane Ferraro, CEO of Save the Storks, told Fox News Digital that Kirk was a bold voice for the voiceless."He shared the truth about the reality of abortion with the younger generations, and he will forever be a hero to me. We are praying fervently for his beautiful wife and precious children," Ferraro told Fox News Digital.Walker Wildmon, VP at the American Family Association and CEO of AFA Action in Mississippi, said the assassination marks a sad time for the state of political discourse. "[Democrats have] been accusing ideological conservatives of being a threat to democracy for years," Wildmon told Fox News Digital.He added, "There is a militant element to the Democrat Party that is doing as theyve been told and taking to the streets to punish their ideological enemies. There is a continual civil war being waged against conservative voters and leaders."Christian speaker and author Alex McFarland told Fox News Digital that Christians must continue to speak truth instead of going silent."Our Christian brother and fellow patriot, Charlie Kirk, has been murdered. For the rest of us, this indicates how all of our futures hang in the balance," said McFarland, who is based in North Carolina.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle"We call on everyone to pray for Charlies wife, children and our nation, and I call on my fellow clergy to courageously proclaim truth and call out darkness," said McFarland, who is co-host of "Exploring the Word" on the American Family Radio Network."We have to stay vocal. The truth will win in the end. In the meantime, we are in a battle and every single one of us must rise to the moment and speak the truth."

Twenty-four years after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, America continues to reflect on the terror attacks and mourn the loss of nearly 3,000 people, as the enduring pain remains.A new generation is learning about that foundational day in American history through the voices of those who lost loved ones, including the servicemen and women who ran into the collapsing Twin Towers, and the shared stories at commemorations held across the U.S., especially in New York City."We have been going to the firehouse every 9/11 since that day," Patrick Dowdell, an Army veteran and son of Lt. Kevin Dowdell, an FDNY firefighter who lost his life 24 years ago, told Fox News Digital.WEST POINT CADET TURNED ARMY VETERAN HONORS BROTHER LOST IN 9/11 ATTACKS THROUGH METS GAME TRIBUTELt. Dowdell was a firefighter for Rescue 4 in Queens and had 21 years with the FDNY when he was killed."He was dad," Dowdell said."He had a very storied career and some really major events, including a roof rope rescue in Midtown Manhattan, a diner explosion in Queens. He responded to the Oklahoma City bombing and also, to the first World Trade Center bombing."Dowdell remembers his dad as a very present father who always made it home for sporting events and dinner time."We liked to go out to dinner in Manhattan a lot," Dowdell said of his family. "He would sit down at dinner and say This is what I work all week for and now, we use that line with our kids when we go out for dinner."TIMELINE OF TRAGIC EVENTS THAT OCCURRED ON SEPT 11, 2001On Sept. 11, the day so many remember as a beautiful blue-sky day, Dowdell was in his first year of college. His dad took him back there on Sept. 9 after he had visited home for the weekend to celebrate his brothers birthday. Lt. Dowdell was returning to work a 24-hour tour from Sept. 10 to Sept. 11."I called home from the landline to my moms landline, and we were just waiting for word on what was going on," Dowdell recalled. "My dads firehouse was in Queens, which is kind of far from Lower Manhattan and normally, there would be no chance that they would ever respond that far away."Dowdell remembers comforting a collegiate friend whose brother was working in the Twin Towers at the time of the terror attack."As that night went on, we hadnt heard from him, knew that he was working, and there was just this assumption that they were missing," Dowdell said.HEROISM, BRAVERY DISPLAYED ON 9/11 BY PLANE PASSENGERS WHO MADE PHONE CALLS FROM HIJACKED AIRCRAFTClinging to hope that Lt. Dowdell was transported to a hospital or escaped the collapse, the family remained supportive of one another."Every time the door opened, we would turn to see if it was him walking in," Dowdell told Fox News Digital."I guess there was never this ah-ha moment that he wasnt coming back. We just kind of had to gradually accept that," he added. "It became more apparent, obviously, as the days went on that the worst might have happened."In the aftermath of 9/11, Lt. Dowdells sons, Patrick and James Dowdell, alongside Rescue 4 firefighters, volunteered around the clock until May 15, 2002, at the site of Ground Zero combing through debris, rubble and rebar."The idea was that, if we made a recovery, and we were able to identify that it was my father, that me and my brother, who was there as well, we would carry him out in the stokes basket with a flag over him," Dowdell said.9/11 FILMS AND DOCUMENTARIES TELL STORIES ABOUT THE DARK DAY"Unfortunately, we never got that opportunity. He was never recovered. The only thing that was recovered was his halligan, or his fire officers tool, which was found in the days afterward. It has a KD welded on it and an R4 for Rescue 4, so, thats how we knew it was his, and it was returned to us."Dowdell said he finds comfort in knowing his father sacrificed himself trying to save other people."It never goes away," he said. "My dad never got to meet his grandchildren. He never got to see graduations and birthdays."In July 2002, Dowdell began schooling at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, graduating in 2006. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan for five years. His brother, James, serves as an FDNY firefighter and has for nearly a decade at Rescue 4, the firehouse where his father heroically served.SURVIVOR OF 9/11 SHARES UNPARALLELED STORY OF RESILIENCE, BRAVERY WHILE FLEEING 78 FLOORS OF NORTH TOWER"In the city, my brother serves with other firemen whose fathers were also killed on 9/11," Dowdell said.Today, current and former FDNY and their family members are invited to Rescue 4 to remember the firefighters lost that day.Dowdell, as an experienced bagpiper, plays a tune for each event every year: At 8:46 a.m. when the first plane hit the North Tower, at 9:03 a.m. when the second plane hit the South Tower, at 9:37 a.m. when the third plane crashed into the Pentagon, at 9:59 a.m. when the South Tower collapsed, at 10:03 a.m. when Flight 93 crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at 10:28 a.m. when the North Tower collapsed.The Dowdell family gathers at home every year for family dinner, when they recite one thing they are thankful for and one memory they think their husband and father, Lt. Dowdell, would have enjoyed from the last year."In those moments, we always remember him and we talk about him all the time," Dowdell said. "My kids know who grandpa Kevin is and how he passed away."

The architect of DHS immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles arrived in Chicago this week, against the backdrop of Illinois leaders condemning President Donald Trump's purported plans, according to reports.Gregory Bovino, the former Border Patrol section chief for the El Centro Sector in California, most recently became the face of ICE raids in the Golden State where he even participated directly in intensive operations at MacArthur Park and regional Home Depot stores, according to CBS News.On September 2, Bovino said Operation At-Large the Los Angeles endeavor will be "taking the show on the road" and "trading palm trees for skyscrapers."The muscular, hair-gelled North Carolina native has been called an "avatar" of the Trump era. He joined the Border Patrol in 1996 and plans to return to the Tar Heel State upon mandatory retirement age in a few years to work an apple farm, according to the AP.LA IMMIGRATION RIOTS PREVENTABLE IF SACRAMENTO DEMS HAD ACTED, REPUBLICANS SAYBovino has been a prominent face in federal immigration enforcement for some time, including when the Biden Homeland Security Department denied allegations he was retaliated against for congressional testimony before Congress.House Republicans cited a whistleblower who claimed Bovino had been reassigned to a "vague, indefinite and temporary headquarters assignment" after participating in a transcribed interview in July 2023.Bovino attributed the demerit to past actions including posting a profile photo of himself with an M4 rifle and to sworn testimony he and other officials gave during the illegal immigrant surge, according to the Associated Press.The North Carolina native continues to feature weaponry in his social media profiles.That tough-guy image borne itself out in the Los Angeles operations he oversaw, which also included dispatching agents to make arrests at farms in inland Bakersfield, and the intense raids in the City of Angels.Bovino told the AP that the Los Angeles operations were necessary because "What happens at the border even 100 years ago didnt stay at the border and still doesnt."MAXINE WATERS TAUNTS ARMED AGENTS AFTER FEDS SLAM DOOR IN HER FACEMeanwhile, in Chicago, DHS launched Operation Midway Blitz, modeled after immigration enforcement successes in Los Angeles, in which Bovino is reportedly chiefly involved.When asked for details about Bovinos role in Midway Blitz and whether he is official in-town, a Border Patrol spokesman told Fox News Digital: "Stay tuned."Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the operation was launched in honor of Katie Abraham, a woman killed in a DUI car crash caused by illegal immigrant Julio Cucul-Bol."This operation will target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago," she said, with the department adding in a statement that Cucul-Bol was in Illinois because Gov. JB Pritzkers sanctuary policies drew him and other illegal immigrant criminals there.The Hyatt Hotel heir, who is considered a top potential presidential contender in 2028, made Chicago a "magnet for criminals," McLaughlin said.The Trump administration has made clear "no city is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return," she added.Pritzker was not amused by the idea of Bovino entering Chicago, telling reporters outside a Mexican art museum in the city that is "evidence that they have terrible plans for the communities of Illinois."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPAs part of Midway Blitz, DHS also released a list of several "worst-of-the-worst" targets, including Iraqi national Abdul Raza Al Kaby, who has convictions for felonious assault, and intent to kill.The agency said Al Kaby was ordered deported in 1997 but has been released multiple times since then by Illinois judges despite active ICE detainers.A Naval station in nearby Waukegan is being used as a staging area, according to CBS News, which reported an internal request from DHS to the Pentagon for accommodation of hundreds of agents and vehicles.Fox News' Bill Melugin contributed to this report.

The State Department will be monitoring the words of foreign nationals who "glorify violence" after the Charlie Kirk shooting and take "appropriate action.""In light of yesterdays horrific assassination of a leading political figure, I want to underscore that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country," Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau wrote on X."I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action. Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDept can protect the American people."CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: DISPATCH AUDIO REVEALS SUSPECT IN BLACK TACTICAL GEAR, CARRYING LONG GUNLandau said in a subsequent post he would direct his consular officials to monitor replies to his X post calling out foreign nationals in the U.S. on visas who posted such rhetoric.In June, the State Department said it would monitor the social media posts of visa applicants and would instruct applicants to set their social media to "public."CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION WITNESSES DESCRIBE MINIMAL SECURITY, HORRIFYING SHOOTINGThe State Department has already revoked over 6,000 student visas, because recipients had either overstayed visas or broken the law. The "vast majority" of legal violations were assault, driving under the influence, burglary or "support for terrorism."OnWednesday, Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, father of two and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.The event was part of his "American Comeback Tour," which drew a crowd of about 3,000 attendees.Kirk was addressing a question from the audience about mass shootings involving transgender individuals when a single shot struck him in the neck.The weapon, later recovered, was a high-powered bolt-action rifle found in a nearby wooded area. Authorities believe the shot came from a rooftop roughly 200 yards away.While the suspect remains at large, the FBI recently released imagery, imploring the public for help in identifying the shooter.