Latest news with #Aun
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'I'm done with guns.' El Paso man arrested with gun at 'No Kings' protest gets PR bond
An El Paso man accused of displaying a handgun in a vehicle while passing "No Kings" protesters was granted a personal recognizance bond by a magistrate judge. Michael Edward Abeyta, 47, was arrested on Saturday, June 14, after a quick response by the El Paso Police Department as hundreds of protesters demonstrated against what they said were the dictator-like politics of President Donald Trump. Similar coordinated "No Kings" protests took place in more than 2,100 cities and towns across the nation, including in nearby Las Cruces. Abeyta faces a charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon, a Class A misdemeanor. He had been held on a $2,000 bond at the El Paso County Jail in Downtown since his arrest. Abeyta was to be released on Monday, June 16, after Magistrate Judge Antonio Aun granted him a personal recognizance, or PR, bond requiring no money, at a teleconference bond hearing that morning. As part of the terms of release, the judge prohibited Abeyta from possessing any weapons, firearms or ammunition while awaiting trial. "Yes, sir. I'm done with guns," Abeyta responded, before Aun cautioned him not to say anything that could be considered an admission that could be used in court. Police spokeswoman Detective Judy Oviedo said that the gun incident was the only arrest in what was otherwise a peaceful "No Kings" demonstration on a more-than-100-degree day in El Paso. Protesters waved signs at Edgemere Linear Park and along the sidewalks of Edgemere and Airway boulevards in East-Central El Paso. There was a police presence at the demonstration as a safety measure, stated a police news release issued by Sgt. Javier Sambrano. About 12:40 p.m., a police officer advised over the radio that an unknown man, later identified as the Abeyta, had a weapon inside a black Kia car traveling through the protest, Assistant District Attorney Jessica Lamberth said at the hearing. A protester had reported that the man was in the passenger seat of the car with an unholstered gun on top of the dashboard in plain view, Lamberth said. Abeyta allegedly admitted placing the gun on the dashboard after officers on bicycles stopped the car and found the gun on the floorboard, Lamberth said. "I know he thinks that somebody had kicked his car or done something to his car," Judge Aun commented, while questioning if pulling out a gun was the right thing to do. More: El Paso joins national protests against ICE raids and military deployment A social media video showed Abeyta wearing an orange T-shirt and camouflage shorts while being arrested. Jail records indicate that he was also booked on seven traffic warrants, which were later deemed "time served." Abeyta stated at the hearing that he resides on the East Side and is a lifelong El Pasoan, a legal permanent resident who was adopted from Mexico as a baby. Archives: El Paso man gets prison for racist video threat to kill Black Lives Matter protesters More than five million people across the nation are estimated to have participated in the largely peaceful protests, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, a coalition partner that organized the demonstrations, as reported by USA Today. The protests devolved into violence in some cities. Baton-wielding police clashed with protesters in downtown Los Angeles. A man intentionally drove an SUV into a crowd in Virginia, and a bystander was killed in a shooting in a confrontation between a man with a rifle and a peace-keeping team at a protest in Salt Lake City. Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@ and @BorundaDaniel on X. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso man gets PR bond in 'No Kings' protest gun arrest
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Prosper Pakistan' conference from 16th
KARACHI: A two-day economic conference titled 'Prosper Pakistan,' is scheduled to be held on May 16–17, 2025, in Nathiagali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with aims to bring together prominent business leaders, industry experts, and trade specialists for in-depth discussions on Pakistan's economic challenges and to formulate actionable strategies for driving sustainable growth. This conference is being jointly organised by the Pakistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Prosper Pakistan-a think tank for economic policies. Speaking to Business Recorder, FPCCI Vice President Aun Ali Syed said the conference will focus on identifying key economic hurdles, exploring innovative solutions, and fostering collaborative partnerships to unlock the country's economic potential. The 'Prosper Pakistan' conference will serve as a vital platform for driving economic growth and national prosperity. By bringing together leading minds and fostering collaboration, this event will contribute to building a brighter future for Pakistan, he added. 'Basis objective of the conference is to create a platform for high-level discussions on Pakistan's economic landscape and prospects and identify potential in key sectors and industries for significant economic expansion in the country, besides promoting innovative business models, technological advancements, and entrepreneurial ventures in Pakistan', he informed. In addition, the conference will help to identify and analyze the critical obstacles hindering Pakistan's economic development, including policy gaps, infrastructure deficiencies, and market access issues and promote collaboration among industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to formulate concrete strategies and policy recommendations for implementation by businesses and the government, he added. He said that the conference is expected to culminate in a detailed report outlining key challenges, opportunities, and actionable strategies to guide Pakistan's economic future, while fostering deeper collaboration among business leaders, experts, and policymakers. Aun said that the 'Prosper Pakistan' conference will address critical issues facing the national economy, such as policy inefficiencies, infrastructure deficits, and limited market access. It will also focus on formulating concrete strategies and policy recommendations that can be implemented by both the private sector and government to drive sustainable growth, he mentioned. 'A core theme of the event is fostering national prosperity through economic diversification, export growth, and technological advancement. Sessions will explore ways to expand Pakistan's export base, enhance competitiveness through quality and value addition, and tap into regional trade opportunities', he said. He mentioned that three panel discussions including Beyond the Peaks: Diversifying and Elevating Pakistan's Tourism Offerings, From Earth to Economy: Driving Growth Through Sustainable Mineral Development in Pakistan and Beyond the Crisis: Charting a Course for a Prosperous and Sustainable Power Future for Pakistan, will be held in the conference. In addition, a brief presentation on the role of women in business and their achievements in the development of the national economy will be part of the conference. 'Investment prospects in high-potential sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and technology will be highlighted, alongside the need to promote digital transformation, research and development, and a robust digital infrastructure', he added. Environmental sustainability will also take centre stage, with discussions on green technologies, climate resilience, and responsible resource management, he mentioned. Aun said that human capital development will feature prominently, with emphasis on improving vocational training, closing skill gaps, and fostering youth entrepreneurship. Financial sector development, improved access to capital, and regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business and ensuring policy consistency will also be discussed. The conference is expected to attract CEOs, trade leaders, and representatives from chambers of commerce and trade associations across the country. He informed that FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, Special Secretary at National Assembly Syed Shamoon Hashmi, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali, and former FPCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar have already confirmed their participation. Several other dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chairman of the Senate, have also been invited. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
