Archives

Family of El Paso Shooting Victim Grieves, Calls for Forgiveness

Currents News Staff

Angie Engilsbee was among the victims of a shooting rampage in El Paso on August 3.

Her relatives are now gathering together to mourn the 86-year-old they describe as a loving woman.

“My sister actually raised seven children, and she had 22 grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren,” said Josephine Romero, Angie’s sister. 

Josephine also says her oldest sister was a hardworking, loving woman and lived in El Paso for the past 60 years.

The sisters last spoke with each other six days ago.

“She said, ‘Josephine take care of yourself, and I will see you soon.’ That’s the last word she told me,” Josephine said. 

But on Saturday, the 86-year-old took a trip to Wal-Mart and never made it home.

“It’s a norm and it needs to stop. And you just never know when it’s going to be a loved one of yours, and it hits hard,” explained Jennifer Brantford, Angie’s niece.

Jennifer was heartbroken she won’t ever be able to tell her aunt how much she loves her again.

“Everybody wishes this but they wish that they can tell that person that they loved them one last time for sure,” she said. 

The police have named 21-year-old Patrick Crusius as the suspect who killed 22 people at the El Paso Wal-Mart on Saturday, August 4. 

Josephine is now left wondering why, and mourning her sister’s death.

“I wish that I could tell him myself: ‘Why did you do it? Look how many people you’ve ruined.'”

“He has no remorse, so I don’t have no really good things to say about him,” said Angie’s niece Sandi George, who will always look at the suspect as the man who took away her aunt from her family.

But for Jennifer, forgiveness is still the only way to heal.

“We need to reunite as one and stop racism. We need to love one another more,” she said.

The family plans on holding a funeral for Angie Engilsbee on August 9 at St. Pius Catholic Church in El Paso.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens Hosts Annual ‘Kid’s Fun Day’

Currents News Staff

On August 2, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens hosted its 11th Annual Kid’s Fun Day in Astoria, Queens, to help families and kids get ready for the back-to-school season. Over 700 children participated in the block party-style event at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish. 

“We’re really excited, this is our eleventh year doing Kid’s Fun Day,” said CCBQ’s Director of Community Program Services, Debbie Hampson. “We started out very small and now we get over a thousand people a year. It’s become a street festival.”

Children enjoyed an inflatable maze and face painting while parents took the opportunity to collect school supplies and access resources from over 30 organizations tabling at the event. 

Among the amenities: free blood screenings from the Floating Hospital, dental screenings by Healthplex, Child Safety ID’s by New York Life and hands-only CPR by Weill Cornell Medical College.

“There is a need in the community,” Debbie explained. “We were getting a lot of requests for backpacks and school supplies so this was a way for us to give it out to the community in addition to giving out resources to the community as well.”

However, not all families came for the resources offered. Eleven year-old Anwara Prapty came with her mother, Saima Shima, looking to have fun instead of spending her summer indoors. 

“I like being with the community and joining community events,” said Prapty. “All around, gathering everyone, it’s really fun.”

Just like many of the kids, Prapty packed her bookbag with a ruler, coloring pages, highlighters, a book and other items offered by vendors.   

“This a fabulous event and what’s exciting is how many people show up and are excited about it,” said Debbie. “We start getting calls in April asking, ‘When is Kid’s Fun Day?’ It’s really become a community event that people look forward to every year.”

Currents News for Monday, August 5, 2019

On the newscast: President Donald Trump is condemning racism and white supremacy as two young men opened fire in both Texas and Ohio; Now, the nation is mourning thirty lives lost. We’re learning about the victims from those who loved them most; Priests around the world are reading a letter from their Holy Father today. One that addresses the sex abuse crisis; Plus the American slave that could be the world’s next saint.

Watch weeknights at 7:00 pm EST on NET-TV in the New York City area on Spectrum, Optimum, and Fios. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications about new content.

American Crisis: At Least 31 Killed in U.S. Mass Shootings

By Emily Drooby

Devastation hit the city of Dayton, Ohio when a gunman opened fire on a crowd outside a popular bar.

This occurred just 13 hours after a shooter fired into a crowd of shoppers in El Paso, Texas.

Between the two shootings, at least 31 are dead and over 50 people have been injured.

From an El Paso church to the Vatican, prayers for the victims being said all over the world.

Pope Francis has also spoken out, inviting others to pray for the victims with him.

“I am spiritually close to the victims of the violent attacks. that led to bloodshed of defenseless people in Texas, California and Ohio in the United States,” he said while speaking to a crowd at the Vatican.

President Trump has also leaned on God.

While addressing the nation on August 5, Trump offered his ideas on how to end the shooting epidemic. He asked for officials and social media companies to work on ways to better identify and act on early warning signs.

Trump also called for mental health law reform in the form of ‘red flag laws,’ to keep guns away from people who have been deemed a potential threat. He also proposed that those who commit mass murders and hate crimes face the death penalty.

Trump also placed heavy blame on the internet and the glorification of violence, adding that hate has no place in America.

“In one voice our nation must condemn racism, bigotry, and white supremacy,” he said.

The El Paso shooting suspect, Patrick Crusius, is believed to have authored a manifesto filled with racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

He is now facing the death penalty.

Connor Betts, who killed his own sister during the attack, has been identified as the Dayton shooter. He was fatally shot by police in less than a minute.

A former classmate said that in high school he had a hit list filled of people he wanted to kill and or rape.

“I saw him get pulled off the bus after school one day. And apparently, he had made a kill list, and I happened to be on it. I don’t know why,” said former classmate Spencer Brickler.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is now calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring lawmakers back to Washington for an emergency session on gun control.

El Paso Community Mourns Lives Lost in Mass Shooting

Currents News Staff

The suspected shooter who killed 22 people inside an El Paso, Texas Wal-Mart on August 3, is in custody and reportedly volunteering information.

According to police, the suspect, Patrick Crusius, is showing no remorse while families, loved ones and the Texas community are suffering.

Residents have been filling vigils and memorials honoring the 20 lives tragically cut short during this weekend’s massacre.

“In El Paso we are one big family. We know that the country is mourning with us,” said Democratic Texas Representative Veronica Escobar. 

The attack which injured at least 26 others has created an elevated sense of fear for many residents. 

Survivors are now struggling to comprehend why they made it out alive when many did not.

“Everything that happened was just terrible, but we’re blessed. We’re blessed because we’re alive, and I pray for all those people that died, it was so many,” said witness Erika Contreras. 

Two of those murdered were Andre and Jordan Anchondo, who were inside the Wal-Mart with their two-month-old son when the shooting began.

“She was just a wonderful person. She’d give anything for those kids, anything. Even her life,” said Jordan’s sister Leta Jamrowski. 

That’s apparently what Jordan did that day by protecting her baby and using her body as a shield. The baby was injured, but survived.

“I want to just find my mom. Somebody needs to tell me where she is. I just want to know if she’s dead or alive,” was the emotional plea from one daughter that ended in heartbreak.

Among the victims are 86-year-old Angie Englisbee and 60-year-old Arturo Benavides, an army veteran and bus driver described by his niece as a “caring and strong-willed man,” with plenty of love left to share.

Police and federal authorities are still piecing together why the 21-year-old suspect allegedly went on a rampage.

Local police have said that the suspect is “cooperating” with investigators, and that he is unrepentant.

According to U.S. attorney John Bash, authorities are “treating it as a domestic terrorism case.”

Law enforcement sources have also stated that the suspect posted a four-page ‘manifesto’ online, filled with white nationalist and racist language, targeting immigrants and hispanics. 

“We have a manifesto from this individual that to some degree has a nexus to a potential hate crime,” confirmed El Paso Police Department Chief Greg Allen. 

Meanwhile, state officials are seeking the ultimate punishment.

“We will seek the death penalty,” said Jaime Esparza, a district attorney. 

As of August 5, the death toll has continued to rise as an elderly woman died overnight, and another victim passed away a few hours later.

Survivors of Dayton Shooting: ‘People Just Started Running’

Currents News Staff

A flurry of shots showed the brief but deadly moments during which a gunman opened fire on crowds in downtown Dayton, Ohio on Sunday, August 4.

Police say the gunman parked his car and walked through Dayton’s Oregon district, a neighborhood known for its nightlife, and started firing shots just after 1 a.m.

Witnesses say officers stopped the shooter just before he entered the packed nightclub. 

A surveillance video showed crowds running from the shots. Dayton police routinely patrol the area on Saturday nights, and were able to respond in seconds. 

“A suspect opened fire along the Oregon district, was wearing body armor, used a 223 caliber high capacity magazine. He had additional magazines,” said Dayton’s Mayor Nan Whaley.

“The threat was neutralized in approximately 30 seconds from the suspect firing his first shots,” said Chief of Dayton Police, Richard Biehl. 

Two women say they were out with girlfriends at the time of the incident.

“People just started running, they started pushing us out the back door,” said one witness. 

A second witness remembered chatting with another woman about their outfits, but the next time she saw her, “she was laying on the concrete dead outside of the club that we was at,” the witness explained. 

Robert Woodruff was standing several feet away from the gunman as he fired shots. 

“I thought I was about to die until the officer, he was standing over top of me, and he started shooting at the guy. So he saved everybody that was out here,” Robert explained. 

Despite the quick response at least nine were killed, and more than a dozen were injured. 

One of those killed was the shooter’s own 22-year-old sister. 

“The officers who were involved in ending this tragedy – their professionalism, their quickness, their amazing courage, their response – undoubtedly saved many, many, many lives. We will never know how many lives were saved. The assailant was obviously very, very close to being able to kill dozens and dozens more people,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

Authorities say they’ve found writings indicating the gunman had an interest in killing people. 

A preliminary assessment of the writings did not indicate any racial or political motive.

Teen Accused of Fatally Stabbing Undercover Officer in Italy Could Face Life in Prison

Currents News Staff

19-year-old Finnegan Elder and his 18-year-old friend Gabriel Natale Hjorth were taken into custody in Italy last month. Italian authorities say they killed an undercover police officer during a botched drug deal.

Finnegan, who has been accused of fatally stabbing the Italian police officer, is currently in police custody.

Thousands of miles away in San Francisco, his family and friends are fighting for his freedom.

But last week Finnegan’s father visited his son in prison with family friend and attorney, Craig Peters.

“He has our full support and we stand by his side,” said Craig, who is acting as Finnegan’s defense attorney. 

“He was okay, but tired, remorseful and scared,” Craig added. 

In video surveillance footage, one of the teens can be seen carrying a backpack that was allegedly stolen during the encounter.

The victim, Mario Cerciello, had gotten married less than two months before his death.

“Officer Rega who, we understand, at the time of his death was acting as an undercover plainclothes paramilitary officer, is gone too soon,” said Craig. 

Italian police say both teens confessed to taking part in the assault, and the Populist Interior Minister is calling for life in prison.

“The truth will set you free. we look forward to the truth coming out and to our son coming home,” said Craig, as Finnegan’s family says there’s more to the story that has yet to come out.

Honoring the Blessed Mother on Dedication Day of Saint Saint Mary Major Basilica

Currents News Staff

On August 5, 358, legend has it snow fell on Esquiline Hill in Rome. It was after a dream Pope Liberius had the night of August 4, in which the Blessed Mother told him to build a church where snow would be the following day. 

When he woke up, it would be known as the site of St. Mary Major.

This medieval legend is still remembered today, but now takes the form of white rose petals falling from the dome of the basilica. 

Thousands of pilgrims brave the intense summer heat to come watch, pray and honor the Blessed Mother during the annual Mass celebrated at the beginning of each August.

“I didn’t really know that it wasn’t the actual snow. I learned about those flowers there,” said one pilgrim.

“It’s a moving experience which you must participate in to really know the emotion,” another faithful visitor said.  

“I think this tradition, this place is so beautiful. I went to this place from Poland. Because when I see this, I think yes, it’s a nice tradition, nice people and a nice place,” concluded another.

While Pope Francis did not celebrate the Mass himself, he has a place in his heart for this Basilica and the patroness of Rome. 

He visited the church at the beginning of his pontificate to pray for her protection, and continues to do so before and after each trip he takes.

Likewise, over the centuries, countless other popes have visited the basilica to do homage to the Blessed Mother, who personally indicated where she wanted this church constructed.

As one of the four major basilicas in Rome and the first church in the Western world dedicated to Mary, this tradition today that we are celebrating also gives way to the church’s other name, St. Mary of the Snow.

American Slave Known as ‘Angel of Charity’ Considered for Sainthood

Currents News Staff

The exhumed body of Julia Greely, a former slave and enthusiastic promoter of the Sacred Heart, has been moved to the cathedral of Denver for possible canonization.

Born between 1833 and 1848 in Hannibal, Missouri, Greely is known as the angel of charity. She is also well-known for her evangelism.

“She was an American slave, who was freed, who then chose in her life to help other people, and to help the underprivileged,” said Father Ron Cattany of the Archdiocese of Denver. “It’s not a native Coloradan. It’s a slave, who learned the justices and injustices of life from a very early age. But she didn’t let that stop her from living a life of holiness.”

After gaining her freedom, Greely worked at white homes and to avoid embarrassment for the poor, did charitable works at night. She would give them wood, coal, and other supplies.

Each month she would go to the Denver fire station to tell them about the Sacred Heart and would give them rosaries, despite receiving no training. 

The Jesuits from the Sacred Heart parish in Denver considered her the most enthusiastic promoter of the Sacred Heart. Undeterred with having rheumatoid arthritis in every bone in her body, she did all her work on foot. She also had six teeth and couldn’t read or write. 

In 1910, Greely joined the Franciscan Order as a lay person and was active until her death, 1918.  

“When she died, she collapsed in church, because she went to Mass every day. She received communion every day. She collapsed in Sacred Heart church, and was brought to a nearby house where she died the next day,” said Fr. Cantony. “Her body, after her death, stayed at the church for about five hours. Hundreds of people in Denver came to view her, the rich and the poor.”