Thursday Afternoon Update: Army Training Accident Kills 9, Anti-Gun Protesters Storm Tennessee Capitol, Journalist Arrested In Russia

This article is adapted from today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click on the link provided.

Tennessee Capitol Stormed by Anti-Gun Protesters

A group of around 400 protesters rushed into the Tennessee state capitol building in Nashville this morning to demand stricter gun laws following a mass shooting at the Covenant School earlier this week. The protest was organized by a Tennessee non-profit called “AWAKE,” which aims to improve conditions for women and children. As the protesters grew more aggressive, Capitol police escorted members of the legislature to the restroom.

WSJ Journalist Arrested on Spy Charges in Russia

A reporter from the Wall Street Journal, Evan Gershkovich, has been arrested in Russia on charges of spying. Russia’s Federal Security Service accused Gershkovich of “collecting information constituting a state secret about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex” while “acting on the instructions of the American side.” The Journal has denied the accusations of spying. This kind of arrest has not happened since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Nine Service Members Killed In Army Training Accident

Two Army HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed during a training exercise on Wednesday night, killing nine service members in Trigg County, near Fort Campbell in Kentucky. Few details are available about the crash, which took place around 10:00 p.m. local time between two helicopters that are part of the 101st Airborne Division. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that he would be visiting Fort Campbell to support the troops and their families.

Safe School Act Introduced

Following the tragic school shooting in Nashville on Monday, Tennessee Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Haggerty have introduced the “Safe School Act,” which would provide $900 million in grants to enhance security at public and private schools.

Fetterman Expected to Return to Work After Treatment

Senator John Fetterman is expected to return to work in the week of April 17th following treatment for anxiety and depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Fetterman sought treatment in March, citing the amplification of such issues after a near-fatal stroke, a Senate campaign, and his first days in office. Sources close to the freshman senator have indicated that he has recovered well and is eager to get back to work as soon as possible.

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