The family of two Americans, Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry, who are believed to have been killed after their yacht was allegedly hijacked in Grenada by prison escapees, are holding out hope for their safe return. Evidence on the yacht suggests a violent altercation took place, leading to concerns for their safety. The couple, seasoned sailors, had sold their home to live on their boat and were well-loved members of the sailing community. Authorities have three suspects in custody and are coordinating with the US State Department in the investigation.
President Biden spoke with families of 14 Americans who are missing following Hamas' attack on Israel, assuring them of his commitment to do everything possible to return every missing American to their families. The U.S. is working around the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and regional partners. The U.S. believes Americans are among the scores of hostages being held by Hamas, and White House and State Department officials tried to answer questions from families on the call.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued a statement following his meeting with President Biden and the national security team, expressing condolences to the families affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Israel. The Justice Department is actively working to locate missing Americans and has offered assistance to the Israeli government through various divisions of the FBI. Garland also emphasized the department's commitment to monitoring the potential threat of terrorism within the United States.
A Chicago area mother and daughter are among those missing in Israel following the Hamas attacks over the weekend, with fears that they have been abducted to Gaza. The FBI has stated that there are no credible threats to the United States after the attacks, and President Biden confirmed that at least 11 Americans were killed and others remain unaccounted for. Israeli rescue service Zaka reported that over 100 bodies have been recovered from a small farming community that was the scene of a hostage standoff during the attacks. Israel has called up 300,000 reserve troops and intensified its campaign of airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised retaliation, stating that Hamas made a "mistake of historic proportions." Hamas threatened to kill hostages it is holding if Israeli airstrikes continue, and Qatari mediators are seeking negotiations for their release. Horrific details and harrowing stories of survival have emerged from the attack on the Supernova music festival, with hundreds of attendees killed. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip, cutting off electricity and blockading food and fuel.
A new study reveals that if the United States had the same mortality rates as other wealthy countries, over 1 million people would have avoided death in 2021. Termed the "Missing Americans," this excess death phenomenon is unprecedented in modern times and is a unique crisis of early death among wealthy nations. The US's mortality increase was even more severe compared to other countries, and it has failed to recover in the same way. The problem disproportionately affects minority groups, but two-thirds of the Missing are White Americans. The researchers attribute this crisis to policy failures, including a low priority on public health and social protections, particularly for low-income individuals. The study suggests that increasing access to healthcare and social welfare benefits are crucial steps to reduce the number of Missing Americans.
The Mexican navy, with the assistance of the US Coast Guard, is searching for three US men who went missing while sailing in the Pacific near Mazatlan in western Mexico. The men were last heard from on April 4 while on their sailboat, Ocean Bound, and had planned to stop in Cabo San Lucas before continuing their voyage to San Diego. There have been no reports of sightings of the vessel, and the search is ongoing.
A Florida couple, Jean-Dickens Toussaint and Abigail Toussaint, were reportedly kidnapped in Haiti a week ago while visiting family and attending a festival. The couple's family claims to have paid $6,000 in ransom, but the kidnappers are now demanding $200,000 per person. The State Department is aware of the situation and working with local authorities to locate the missing Americans. The couple's young son is in the care of his grandfather. The State Department has urged Americans not to travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.
