Cops make progress after mob of violent, hammer-wielding thugs pull off brazen smash-and-grab robbery in broad daylight
Readers of Blaze News may recall a violent robbery caught on surveillance video a month ago in San Jose, California, during which a mob of hammer-wielding, hooded individuals smashed and grabbed their way through a jewelry store in broad daylight.
The robbery at Kim Hung Jewelry in the 1900 block of Aborn Road took place on the afternoon of Sept. 5, police said.
A niece of the 88-year-old assault victim told KNTV she is 'very, very happy' about the arrests — although her uncle won't be returning to the store for the foreseeable future as the robbery remains a 'mental crisis for him.'
The preliminary investigation revealed that a driver rammed a vehicle through the store's front entrance, after which more than 10 suspects — one of whom brandished a firearm at one adult male victim inside the business — poured inside, police said.
As the suspects stole thousands of dollars worth of items from the store, police said a second elderly adult male victim was violently assaulted. The suspects fled the scene in multiple vehicles, police said. The elderly adult male victim was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police added.
KNTV-TV's video report about the robbery said the assaulted 88-year-old man who was running the business also suffered a stroke.
However, detectives soon identified seven suspects: Angel Herrera, 21; Toddisha Mayfield, 31; Zakhari Blue-Gordon, 23; Tom Donegan, 19; Jacques Samuel, 18; Cisco Lutu, 18; and Amari Green, 21, police said.
Detectives obtained arrest warrants for all suspects and search warrants for their associated residences, police said.
Dublin Police arrested Samuel on Sept. 22, and he was taken to the San Francisco County Jail, police said.
On Sept. 30, Herrera was arrested in Pacifica, Mayfield was arrested in San Leandro, Blue-Gordon was arrested in San Jose, and Donegan was arrested in Manteca, police said, adding that Lutu and Green were arrested in Antioch on Oct. 2.
Mayfield, Blue-Gordon, Donegan, Lutu, and Green were booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail for robbery police said, adding that Samuel will be extradited there at a later date.
Police added that evidence of the crime was found during the execution of search warrants; detectives discovered a firearm, loaded magazine, and multiple rounds of ammunition, as well as large quantities of suspected cocaine.
Image source: San Jose (Calif.) Police
A niece of the 88-year-old assault victim told KNTV she is "very, very happy" about the arrests — although her uncle won't be returning to the store for the foreseeable future as the robbery remains a "mental crisis for him."
Those with information about this case or similar cases can contact Detective Hernandez #4392 of the San Jose Police Department Robbery Unit via email: 4392@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4166, police said.
In addition, anonymous crime tips can be submitted using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at 408-947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org, police said, adding that tipsters are eligible for cash rewards from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program if their tips lead to arrests.
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Bouncer caught on video smashing male's head through car window, putting him in chokehold. But cops get a break in the case.
A viral video out of Baltimore shows a bouncer putting a male in a chokehold outside a bar — and then smashing the male's head through the window of a car parked on the street's curb.
The 51-second clip has garnered views climbing toward 10 million as of Thursday afternoon.
'Learn to de-escalate, communicate, and walk away.'
In the video, the rather large bouncer is standing on a sidewalk telling a smaller male to "leave."
Soon the smaller male's hand appears to make contact with the bouncer's chest, and the bouncer advances toward the guy — who soon appears to bump the bouncer in an attempt to walk by him.
Immediately the bouncer grabs the male around the neck from behind and puts him in the chokehold. About seven seconds later, the male taps repeatedly on the bouncer's arm — a commonly known "I give up" signal in MMA fighting.
But the tap doesn't work on this Baltimore street.
The chokehold continues, the bouncer wrenches the male's neck a few times while spinning him around, and there are more taps on the bouncer's arm.
"He tapped! He tapped! Let him go! Let him go!" one person is heard pleading in the clip.
Then the bouncer ups the ante and smashes the male's head through a car window.
"Yo! Chill out!" a person is heard yelling at the bouncer, who by this point has taken the male behind the vehicle — now missing one window — as a second bouncer approaches.
Finally, the 33-second chokehold ends, the pair of bouncers restrain the male against the back of the vehicle in question, and they appear to let him go into the street as the clip ends.
WJZ-TV reported that the incident occurred on East Cross Street in the city's Federal Hill neighborhood near the Cross Street Public House restaurant.
A restaurant spokesperson told the station the establishment doesn't employ the bouncer in question and that Ace Event Services Group provided security. WJZ added that the restaurant and the security company "have since parted ways."
Baltimore Democrat Councilman Isaac Yitzy Schleifer said that "both Bouncers/Security guards need to be held accountable."
Baltimore police initially told WJZ they were aware of the video and attempting to figure out what went down; by Monday, police told the station they were trying to identify the bouncer in the video.
On Wednesday, Baltimore police announced that 41-year-old Kevin Weaver turned himself in — and is facing a first-degree aggravated assault charge.
Baltimore Police on Thursday told Blaze News, "We are unable to share a mugshot [of Weaver] at this time."
In the aftermath of the viral video, WBFF-TV reported that some in the neighborhood are unsettled about the incident.
"I mean, the kid's not 21, but that doesn't mean you get to rough 'em," one person told the station.
Another added to WBFF that "in security, you have to take some abuse from the public, but you don't hit his head into a window ... that's disgusting."
The station said police have yet to confirm the identity of the person who was placed in the chokehold.
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Kim Klacik — host of "Kim Klacik Live" on WCBM-AM and a former candidate for the U.S. House who ran as a Republican — noted to WBFF in a follow-up story that "when it comes to police saying there is no report yet, I don't believe this is something uncommon in these scenarios, considering that that young man that had his head rammed through the car window could have possibly been a minor."
Pete Brazil — who worked security at another bar — told the station in a separate story that the bouncer's actions were over the top: "For 30 seconds — I do not condone that. He tapped, so he shoulda let him go."
WBFF said Brazil recognized the bouncer and described him as usually "a pretty cool, calm, collected dude" who "just had a bad day."
Brazil added to the station that "fights happen every day. I'm just happy that no one really got hurt."
Another area bouncer told WBFF that those working security at bars need to "learn to de-escalate, communicate, and walk away."
Mark Crosby — a pro-life Baltimore resident who was brutally beaten up in front of a Planned Parenthood in the city, only for admitted culprit Patrick Brice to walk away without any jail time — told Blaze News the chokehold and car-window smash were "horrific."
Crosby added to Blaze News that all the much-larger bouncer had to do was "smack him once, and that would've been enough."
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Viral video: Thug who cops say is younger than 16 repeatedly pummels elderly worker in brutal attack during rap concert
A viral video shows a male knocking down an elderly worker at a Kansas City concert venue and delivering well over a dozen blows to the worker's face and head.
The brutal attack took place Sunday during a rap concert featuring NBA YoungBoy at the T-Mobile Center. Police confirmed to Blaze News that the suspect is under the age of 16.
'He just completely lost it.'
Officer Alayna Gonzalez of the Kansas City Police Department added to Blaze News that the "juvenile male was detained and subsequently released to his guardian pending further investigation. This investigation is active and ongoing, and detectives are actively working with prosecutors for consideration of applicable charges."
WDAF-TV reported that the suspect also assaulted a security guard who ejected him from the venue.
Shani Tate Ross, a T-Mobile Center spokesperson, told Blaze News that the staff member "sustained serious injuries. After receiving prompt care from on-site first aid personnel, they were later treated at a local hospital for their injuries."
The victim of the attack caught on video — 66-year-old Thomas Schlange — is seen on the clip trying to push away the teenager who towers over him, but he has no chance. The teen begins delivering a flurry of lefts and rights as Schlange is flat on his back and trapped on the floor between two rows of seats. Finally another male pulls the teen off the victim, who appears dazed, and blood is seen around his mouth as others try to help him up.
Schlange told WDAF in a follow-up story that "I went down and had blows to my head" and that his priority in those moments was "just getting him off, getting him off of me … because he was so enraged, so we were just, in essence, trying to protect the fans."
So what allegedly set off the suspect?
Witness and local pastor Robert McDaniel told the station the attack commenced after the suspect was told his ticket didn’t match the seat he was in.
“He was asked to move to another place because his ticket wasn’t where he was sitting, and immediately he just completely lost it,” McDaniel recounted to WDAF.
McDaniel also remarked to the station that the disturbing video underscores the inability of some teens these days to control their emotions.
“But there is something going on in his heart that needs to be fixed, and what that is is his emotions,” McDaniel added to WDAF. “He needs to learn how to operate and work through and process those emotions.”
Schlange — who has worked his job for over 20 years — added to the station that "young adults or people growing into adulthood ... need to learn how to control ... anger."
The office of Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas noted to WDAF that the T-Mobile Center "will work with KCPD, our prosecutors, and our employees to ensure the assailants are identified and charged for the criminal conduct that occurred Sunday evening.”
The station added that Schlange is expected to meet Friday with Kansas City police.
What's more, the United Center in Chicago noted on its website that it canceled the NBA YoungBoy concert scheduled for Wednesday, WDAF noted.
Many observers are furious over the brutal attack. Here are just a few of their reactions.
- "Disgusting. What a sad excuse for a human. I hope he’s charged, as an adult, with felony assault," one commenter wrote. "He deserves lengthy jail time."
- "Elderly abuse. Assault," another commenter stated. "10 [years] from now the boy will be in prison or dead."
- "What a complete POS," another commenter noted. "Kid steals someone else's seat then freaks as soon as he's called out on it SMH. This dirtbag needs to be put in jail for a long while; decent people don't behave like this."
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Armed man arrested at Charlie Kirk memorial site while posing as law enforcement
A man who claimed to be a member of a law enforcement agency was arrested at State Farm Stadium on Saturday.
The memorial for Charlie Kirk is being held at the football stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday. The stadium is already buzzing with security, as the event is said to be dealing with a Super Bowl level of media interest and attendance.
'The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement ...'
While local officials have said that security teams have had to be pulled together in record time, law enforcement on the ground appears to be effective so far.
One man has already been arrested after he was reportedly exhibiting strange behavior at the stadium.
"The U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with local law enforcement in Glendale, Arizona, is investigating an individual who was observed exhibiting suspicious behavior at State Farm Stadium," a Secret Service spokesperson said, per MSNBC.
"The individual was approached by Secret Service and stated during the encounter that he was a member of law enforcement and that he was armed," the spokesperson continued.
RELATED: Here's how to watch BlazeTV coverage of the memorial for Charlie Kirk
Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images
"The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event and is currently in custody. The U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement are investigating the circumstance as to why he was at the location," the spokesperson added.
While NBC correspondent Jay Gray stated that the man remained in custody, The Hill reported that authorities "suggested" that the man was charged by the Arizona Department of Public Safety but that it is unclear whether he is still in custody.
Gray went on to confirm that security around the stadium is indeed comparable to that of a Super Bowl and is, "at that level already" ahead of the 2 p.m. ET start time on Sunday.
MSNBC reported that security consists of a mix of local and federal law enforcement, with drones and hundreds of cameras — approximately 300 — positioned around the stadium.
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Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
Kirk's murder has sent shock waves across the world, drawing heaps of praise and, unfortunately, criticisms as well.
Earlier this week, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel had his late-night program suspended by ABC over remarks he made about Kirk's alleged killer. Sinclair Broadcast Group was set to replace ABC programming with an hour-long documentary about Kirk's life. However, Sinclair, the largest owner of ABC-affiliated television stations, backed out of airing the tribute on Friday.
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Sinister sextortion scheme targeting 'potentially several hundred' victims is exposed — along with shocking suspect
A diabolical sextortion scheme targeting "potentially several hundred" victims has been exposed, according to law enforcement in New York.
The months-long investigation began in February and focused on the Fieldstone Middle School, which is located in the Haverstraw hamlet of Thiells — just a little over 10 miles north of the New Jersey border and about an hour north of Yonkers.
'Please encourage your children to come forward because there is certainly no shame in coming forward and bringing this to a trusted adult, so please let us know, let a trusted adult know.'
Law enforcement said several alleged victims came forward to report the appalling allegations to school administrators.
The Stony Point Police Department said in a statement, "The investigation was launched after victims at Fieldstone Middle School reported to their school resource officer and school administrators that they were being coerced online."
Police said "approximately six victims have come forward" but noted that investigators "have reason to believe there are potentially several hundred additional victims who may not yet have reported their experiences."
Police said the alleged victims — males under the age of 16 — communicated with someone online who claimed to be a female, according to the New York Post.
"They were requested for pictures, videos of themselves, to be sent, and then they were requested that if they didn't [send] more that the pictures and videos would be sent to their friend groups," Det. Andrew Kryger of the Stony Point Police Department told WABC-TV.
What's more, the news outlet reported that the "female" is actually a male who demanded payment in the form of gift cards for "typically less than $100."
The alleged suspect of the sinister sextortion scam was out of the country when authorities identified him, but he recently returned to the U.S. — to attend Fieldstone Middle School in the fall, WABC reported.
The suspect — who was not identified because he's underage — was charged with use of a child in a sexual performance, promoting a sexual performance by a child, and possessing a sexual performance by a child. All the charges are felonies.
"This case highlights both the serious dangers our children face online and the extraordinary bravery of students who came forward," the Stony Point Police Department stated. "This crime is extremely serious and involves the victimization of students within our community."
The Stony Point Police Department added that "police officials stress that sextortion is not only a local issue, but a global problem fueled by social media. Many parents may be unaware of the extent of these dangers. It is essential to create safe, judgment-free environments where children feel comfortable reporting concerns."
The Stony Point Police Department, the Haverstraw Police Department, and the North Rockland School District plan to host a forum to provide parents and students with "resources on sextortion awareness."
North Rockland Central School District Superintendent Kris Felicello advised parents, "Please encourage your children to come forward because there is certainly no shame in coming forward and bringing this to a trusted adult, so please let us know, let a trusted adult know."
Police are urging anyone with information on this case to contact Det. Kryger at 845-786-2422.
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Charlie Kirk assassination timeline: What we know so far
In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus Wednesday, a clearer and more substantive timeline has been developing as officials gather additional information about the shooting and continue a manhunt for the shooter.
What happened Wednesday?
KTVX-TV reported that Kirk’s American Comeback Tour commenced at noon local time at Utah Valley University in Orem, which is about 10 minutes north of Provo and about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City.
Mason said the individual they're after 'blended in well' with the university and 'appears to be of college age.'
The station said Kirk was hosting a “Prove Me Wrong” table in the UVU courtyard. As was typical for the TPUSA founder and his events on college campuses, Wednesday's event took place outside, and anyone was invited to debate him and ask questions. KTVX reported that around 3,000 people attended the event.
Around 12:20 p.m., Kirk — who was seated under a tent — was in the middle of a question-and-answer exchange when he was struck by a bullet, the New York Times reported. Kirk was hit in the neck, blood gushed from the wound, and he slumped from his seated position. As those in attendance scattered and took cover, Kirk was rushed to a local hospital.
RELATED: Charlie Kirk: Loving father, fearless communicator, happy warrior — 1993-2025
Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 in Orem, Utah. Photo by Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images
At 12:42 p.m., UVU sent an alert stating that a suspect was in custody and police were investigating, KTVX said.
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Photo by Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images
By 1:10 p.m., a UVU spokesperson confirmed that Kirk was shot but said his condition was unknown, KTVX noted, adding that the spokesperson said a suspect actually was not in custody.
At 1:37 p.m., UVU announced that the campus was closed and classes were canceled until further notice, KTVX reported, adding that all students were ordered to leave the school immediately.
At 2:40 p.m., President Donald Trump confirmed that Kirk was dead, KTVX said. Trump announced the following on Truth Social, "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"
The Associated Press said a single shot was fired from a rooftop. UVU spokeswoman Ellen Treanor told the Wall Street Journal, "We think the shot was fired from the Losee Center building, which is about 200 yards from the courtyard where Charlie Kirk was speaking."
RELATED: Police: We have images of suspected Charlie Kirk assassin
Photo by Kadri Suat Celik/Anadolu via Getty Images
FBI Director Kash Patel later on Wednesday posted the following updates on X, after which the AP complained on its live feed that "it wasn’t immediately clear whether anyone remained in custody, or if the shooter was still at large as law enforcement provided evolving and difficult-to-reconcile information."
— (@)
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said at a news conference Thursday morning that "a couple of persons of interest were located" in the shooting aftermath. However, after officials interviewed them, Mason said they were cleared of suspicion and were released. Mason urged the public "to be patient with the investigative process" and said the pair unjustly "faced scrutiny" and "threats" and "don't deserve that harassment."
KTVX said George Zinn was the first individual taken into custody and Zachariah Qureshi was the second individual taken into custody; the station echoed Mason's report, saying both of them were released. However, the New York Times, citing officials, said Zinn was booked and accused of obstruction of justice.
By 7:54 p.m., the Utah Department of Public Safety confirmed that a manhunt was under way for the shooting suspect, KTVX said.
What has happened so far Thursday?
At Thursday morning's news conference, Mason said Kirk's body was "moved to the state office of the medical examiner" on Wednesday night and that "we'll continue to facilitate movements to get him home today with his family."
Mason also announced some "breakthroughs" in the investigation.
He said officials were able to track the shooting suspect's movements starting at 11:52 a.m. Wednesday when the individual arrived on campus — and all the way through "stairwells" and to the roof "across from the shooting location." Mason said the individual "jumped off" the building and "fled" from the campus and "into a neighborhood."
Mason added that investigators spoke to people in the neighborhood to see if any of them have doorbell cameras.
He also emphasized that "we have good video" of the individual in question but that it won't be released "at this time." Mason said investigators are using technology to identify the shooting suspect and that "we will catch this individual."
Around 10 a.m. local time Thursday, the FBI in Salt Lake City posted the following on X:
— (@)
Robert Bohls, FBI special agent in charge at the Salt Lake City Field Office, added during Thursday morning's news conference that investigators "recovered" what they believe "is the weapon" used in Kirk's assassination. Bohls said it's a "high-powered, bolt-action rifle" found in a "wooded area" and that an FBI lab is analyzing it.
Bohls also said a "footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprints" are being analyzed as well. He also said members of the public can submit their own "video or images" related to the shooting to the agency's digital media website — www.fbi.gov/utahvalleyshooting — or call 800-CALL-FBI.
Mason said the individual they're after "blended in well" with the university and "appears to be of college age."
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Utah officials deliver update on Charlie Kirk assassination investigation, security at event
Gov. Spencer Cox (R) and representatives of multiple law enforcement agencies in Utah held a press conference on Wednesday evening to deliver an update on the ongoing investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
The officials confirmed that they "were working together" with Charlie Kirk's private security team.
'At this point there is no information that would lead us to believe that there is a second person involved.'
"He has his team. They do this all over the country. We all know that. This is not uncommon for them. ... I was coordinating with his lead security guy. So yeah, we were working together," Utah Valley University Chief of Police Jeff Long said in the press conference.
RELATED: Charlie Kirk: Loving father, fearless communicator, happy warrior — 1993-2025
Trump ordered all flags to be lowered to half-mast in mourning for Charlie Kirk until Sunday at 6:00pm Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Chief Long expressed his condolences for Kirk's family and said that this is "a police chief's nightmare."
Long confirmed that there were six campus police officers working the event, which was estimated to have "over 3,000" attendees.
Police arrested and booked a "suspect" who later was confirmed not to match the description of the shooter. However, this person has been booked for obstruction of justice by Utah Valley Police Department.
Officials also stated that the suspected shooter was still at large. FBI Director Kash Patel later posted to X that a "subject" who had been "in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement."
Officials said that there is, at this time, "no information that would lead us to believe that there is a second person involved."
Officials said the footage they have is from CCTV video, which a spokesperson indicated is of low quality. When asked what they know about the suspected shooter, another spokesperson said that they know that the suspect is dressed in "all dark clothing."
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Career criminal, 32, allegedly beats 76-year-old man to death at Chicago bus stop. But he's reportedly just getting started.
A 32-year-old career criminal allegedly beat to death a 76-year-old man at a Chicago bus stop Monday night, WLS-TV reported.
But his night of crime reportedly was only beginning.
The station noted that he has a lengthy criminal record spanning nearly two decades.
Surveillance video shows two people standing at a bus stop near 95th and Halsted Streets on the city's south side, the station said.
WLS noted that the silent clip shows the 76-year-old man hitting the 32-year-old suspect, but it's unclear what led to that altercation. However, the 32-year-old retaliates, punching the 76-year-old and shoving him to the ground, the station said.
The station added that it paused the video at that point because what follows "is too disturbing," noting that the 32-year-old goes on to "beat and kick the victim multiple times, before eventually walking away."
WLS said Chicago police responded to the area around 9:15 p.m., found the 76-year-old victim on the ground with apparent trauma to the head, and took him to a hospital, where he later died.
With that — according to a police report the station said it obtained — the same suspect carjacked an SUV from a nearby McDonald's.
A 60-year-old grandmother told WLS she was in the restaurant when the suspect entered her vehicle while her grandchildren — a 3-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy — were in the backseat. The station said the suspect threatened to shoot the children and ordered them out of the SUV.
WLS, citing the police report, said the suspect took off in the green Kia Telluride. However, the SUV's owner told the station she tracked the vehicle's location through the girl's iPad still inside it.
Soon the suspect crashed the SUV in Schererville, Indiana, and police arrested the driver, the station said. Schererville is about 35 minutes southeast of the initial crime scene on the south side of Chicago.
WLS said it's not naming the suspect because he hasn't yet been charged with a crime in the case, but the station noted that he has a lengthy criminal record spanning nearly two decades.
More from WLS:
A 2019 case in Cook County charges the man with robbery and aggravated battery.
Court documents show that prosecutors say he repeatedly hit a man and then stole his bike in south suburban Glenwood.
He also pleaded guilty and served jail time for a 2015 robbery in Matteson and was charged with resisting arrest in 2010.
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Iryna Zarutska’s name should shame the woke
The brutal murder of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte train shocked the city and the nation. Yet, the reaction from Mayor Vi Lyles revealed something deeper — and more troubling — about the worldview now shaping our institutions.
Instead of calling it what it was — a violent crime committed by “a mentally deranged lunatic” and “well-known career criminal,” as President Trump described the suspect — Lyles chose to label it a “tragic event.” The tragedy, she suggested, was not the victim’s death so much as society’s failure to provide resources for the killer.
We cannot blame 'the system.' We cannot blame God. Facing consequences for our actions is not oppression — it is humanizing.
That rhetorical move matters. It echoes the same radical philosophy that has taken over higher education and increasingly influences our politics. In this worldview, criminals are not moral agents. They are victims of circumstance.
The death of free will
As a humanities professor, I have heard this refrain for decades. Subjects meant to explore the human condition and the pursuit of wisdom have been hijacked by an ideology that insists “marginalized” individuals cannot be held responsible for their actions.
The logical problem should be obvious. If the “oppressed” are not responsible for their actions, then they lack free will. That is a dehumanizing philosophy. It strips away moral agency and reduces people to products of “the system.”
Yet, radical professors advance this philosophy because it props up political causes that would collapse under scrutiny. Their favorite tool is the fallacy of appealing to pity: “Don’t hold me accountable, I had a hard life.” But if failure is always the system’s fault, then so is success. The DEI professor will tell you that bad outcomes come from oppression — and good outcomes come from privilege. Individual responsibility vanishes.
Crime 'happens' to the criminal
In this view, crime happens to the criminal. The system, not the sinner, makes the choice. The remedy? Education and therapy. Punishment for evil is rejected outright.
Take two examples.
First, Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson (D). Listen to him describe gun violence and you’d think guns sprout legs and walk into the city from other states. Who are the human beings pulling the triggers? That question is avoided, because the system supposedly forced them into crime.
Second, watch the recent Jubilee video featuring Patrick Bet-David. Anti-capitalist students invoked the plight of the single mother. To hear them tell it, single motherhood simply “happens.” No choices, no responsibility. Just victims of capitalism who have no choice but to work four jobs. The notion that having unprotected sex outside marriage is a choice is brushed aside.
This isn’t compassion, let alone justice. It’s a simple refusal to acknowledge reality.
Complaints against God
Charlotte’s racial equity policies rest on this same rejection of free will. And beneath that rejection lies something even deeper: complaints against God Himself.
Christianity teaches that God created men and women with real differences and that He governs the circumstances into which we are born. Radical critics call this unfair. Why can’t Bet-David be a single mother? Why should people be born rich or poor? Why does God still hold us accountable?
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Maxiphoto via iStock/Getty Images
The apostle Paul anticipated this very objection in Romans 9:19: “Then why does God still find fault? For who resists His will?” The ultimate complaint is against divine providence.
But denying free will is absurd. Many born into hard circumstances have learned to be wise and seek God. Many born into privilege have chosen evil. Our choices define us.
The humanizing truth
We cannot blame “the system.” We cannot blame God. Facing consequences for our actions is not oppression — it is humanizing. It reminds us that we have the dignity of free will and the responsibility to choose between good and evil.
And here is the one solution the radical professor will never offer: There is forgiveness for our sin, freely given in Christ. That is the antidote to a culture that excuses evil and denies accountability.
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