Mesa Highway Patrol

Cole Bindle spoke with a group of Mesa Highway Patrol troopers about the Laylin administration's plans to reform the justice system, and ensuring police are protected.

NEWS 28 - Vice President Cole Bindle was in town at Alden's MHP troop headquarters where he laid out his vision for strong justice reform as well as introducing legislation to afford more law enforcement and emergency service personnel with more protections while they carry out their duties on a daily basis.

Vice President Bindle has long been a strong advocate for strict protections for police officers, and other emergency first responders, citing the need for emergency personnel to do their jobs without fear of losing their jobs, while they ethically and honorably discharge their duties to protect our nation's streets.

"I am honored to be here with you all today as we look to ensure you all have protections and your fellow law enforcement officers across this great country," said Vice President Cole Bindle. "We must work to push forward and ensure you have the necessary protections to safety, effectively and efficiently do your jobs. I've spoken to police officers across the country, who say that they can't do their jobs effectively for fear of being retaliated against by their own departments. President Laylin and I are committed to ensuring we push through legislation that safeguards you from any civil or retaliatory measures taken by the public or your own departments in some cases. This doesn't mean it will be a free pass to be violent towards people, violate department ethics and other policy, but blankets good cops from bad cops."

Vice President Bindle included several cases where police should have had protections, and actually put the lives of cops on the line. The Laylin administration has put its full weight behind law enforcement and even more so express concerns of growing violence against police and emergency responders.

"We appreciate the work the law enforcement officials across the country do day-in and day-out," continued Vice President Bindle. "We have a lot of work to do, to ensure these protections are granted to you all."

Vice President laid out the administration's plans to reform the justice system to ensure everyone continues to receive a fair and unbiased trial and to ensure they are treated ethically during the entire journey the justice system across the country.

Vice President Bindle Speaks To MHP Troopers At It's Alden Troop Headquarters on February 8, to discuss plans for major criminal justice reform and more protections for Jesstopia's law enforcement officials.

RUFUS - Vice President Cole Bindle was in Alden, Mesa, late this morning where he spoke with troopers of the Mesa Highway Patrol's Alden Troop. During visit he discussed what the Laylin Administration would be doing to afford more protections for law enforcement officials, who put their lives on the line daily. In his remarks, he also noted the need for stronger criminal justice reforms to ensure continued safety of all Jesstopians, regardless of background, status or economic status.

Vice President Bindle has long been a strong advocate for strict protections for police officers, and other emergency first responders, citing the need for emergency personnel to do their jobs without fear of losing their jobs, while they ethically and honorably discharge their duties to protect our nation's streets.

"I am honored to be here with you all today as we look to ensure you all have protections and your fellow law enforcement officers across this great country," said Vice President Cole Bindle. "We must work to push forward and ensure you have the necessary protections to safety, effectively and efficiently do your jobs. I've spoken to police officers across the country, who say that they can't do their jobs effectively for fear of being retaliated against by their own departments. President Laylin and I are committed to ensuring we push through legislation that safeguards you from any civil or retaliatory measures taken by the public or your own departments in some cases. This doesn't mean it will be a free pass to be violent towards people, violate department ethics and other policy, but blankets good cops from bad cops."

Vice President Bindle included several cases where police should have had protections, and actually put the lives of cops on the line. The Laylin administration has put its full weight behind law enforcement and even more so express concerns of growing violence against police and emergency responders.

"We appreciate the work the law enforcement officials across the country do day-in and day-out," continued Vice President Bindle. "We have a lot of work to do, to ensure these protections are granted to you all."

Vice President laid out the administration's plans to reform the justice system to ensure everyone continues to receive a fair and unbiased trial and to ensure they are treated ethically during the entire journey the justice system across the country.

ALDEN - The Mesa Highway Patrol has issued their 2025-26 budget proposal which passed the State legislature. In a memo sent to the State Legislature, the Mesa Highway Patrol requested a proposed expenditure of 150 million to upgrade facilities, hire more troopers and construct several new Mesa Highway Patrol training facilities.

Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson, said that the proposal was "necessary to continue providing exemplary service to the people of Mesa. He issued that without the funding, the MHP can't "upgrade training facilities to keep up with advancing threats to the people of Mesa." He continued to say that the agency in Fiscal Year 2024-25 spent over 88 million on patrol vehicles, facilities and hiring of troopers.

"It is essential that we receive adequate funding allocations so that we can address threats to the people of our states," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We know that threats and criminals are continuing to adapt and change, and we must meet those adaptations with equal force. We need 150 million to do just that. The people of the state deserve a law enforcement agency that can adapt to different challenges. My hope is that the State legislature will approve this budget proposal."

The Mesa State legislature is currently out of session in will reconvene in Mid February, around the 15th. It is highly anticipated that the legislature will vote to push through funding for the budget.

NEWS 28 - Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson said that the overdose of Alex Paul was a result of a suicide attempt, and cited that they still don't know where he got the drugs from that he used in the overdose. Commissioner Donaldson said that he is working with Roxwodd on their own investigation.

"We believe that Alex was looking to end his life, and text records back that up," said Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We requested access to his phone which his mother, Alexis Paul granted to investigators who uncovered that he had been planning to end his life in a text message that had been seen just 15 minutes before the welfare check was issued to campus police. We are thankful that he is alive, and we are working to give him and his family the resources necessary to get through this. I will say that the friend he sent his goodbye message too, was very concerned, and the messages reveal that he had tried to talk him out of it."

Roxwood College officials are issuing that regular drug screening and checkpoints will be set up throughout their campuses. The colleges board say they are thankful that Alex Paul survived and promised to crack down on the drugs being brought on campus while promoting healthy student mental health. It did not provide any additional comments on the incident.

No charges are expected to be filed and the Paul family said that he will be getting mental health counseling. Experts say that his father's death may have contributed to him trying to kill himself.

"It is very, very likely that the death of his father Kirk Paul in June, contributed to his overdose," said Psychologist Michelle Dulley. "If you look at images of him before and after his father's death, you see a drastically different 19 year old. But now, he needs healing and should attend counseling for his depression and to work through his father's death."

The 20 year old was placed into a medically induced coma upon arrival the Alden Critical Care Medical Center, and was woken up a little after 5:15 PM by doctors who say he is lucky to be alive. He is expected to return to Roxwood College Of Law And Justice.

"I am just grateful I didn't lose by baby boy," said Alexis Paul, Paul's mother. "He has been suffering through the loss of his father, and he had mentioned how depressing it was to not have his dad around. He took Kirk's death hard, and at 19, no one can blame him for it. I am just grateful that I will be able to hold my son again. He's going to get help through this difficult and dark period."

Officials at Roxwood say that they will not suspend Paul for having drugs on campus, but did say he will need to submit to regular room inspections for drugs. They said that they are also investigating where he was able to get the drugs used in the overdose.

ALDEN - The son of the Late Kirk Paul, Alex Paul, 20, was found unconscious and foaming at the mouth yesterday, and officials now say that his overdose was a suicide attempt. Investigators say they were able to obtain access to the phone by permission of his mother, Alexis. Text messages indicate that he was looking to end his life, and investigators looked at his social media profiles.

"We believe that Alex was looking to end his life, and text records back that up," said Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We requested access to his phone which his mother, Alexis Paul granted to investigators who uncovered that he had been planning to end his life in a text message that had been seen just 15 minutes before the welfare check was issued to campus police. We are thankful that he is alive, and we are working to give him and his family the resources necessary to get through this. I will say that the friend he sent his goodbye message too, was very concerned, and the messages reveal that he had tried to talk him out of it."

Roxwood College officials are issuing that regular drug screening and checkpoints will be set up throughout their campuses. The colleges board say they are thankful that Alex Paul survived and promised to crack down on the drugs being brought on campus while promoting healthy student mental health. It did not provide any additional comments on the incident.

No charges are expected to be filed and the Paul family said that he will be getting mental health counseling. Experts say that his father's death may have contributed to him trying to kill himself.

"It is very, very likely that the death of his father Kirk Paul in June, contributed to his overdose," said Psychologist Michelle Dulley. "If you look at images of him before and after his father's death, you see a drastically different 19 year old. But now, he needs healing and should attend counseling for his depression and to work through his father's death."

The 20 year old was placed into a medically induced coma upon arrival the Alden Critical Care Medical Center, and was woken up a little after 5:15 PM by doctors who say he is lucky to be alive. He is expected to return to Roxwood College Of Law And Justice.

"I am just grateful I didn't lose by baby boy," said Alexis Paul, Paul's mother. "He has been suffering through the loss of his father, and he had mentioned how depressing it was to not have his dad around. He took Kirk's death hard, and at 19, no one can blame him for it. I am just grateful that I will be able to hold my son again. He's going to get help through this difficult and dark period."

Officials at Roxwood say that they will not suspend Paul for having drugs on campus, but did say he will need to submit to regular room inspections for drugs. They said that they are also investigating where he was able to get the drugs used in the overdose.

NEWS 28 - A Jesstopian Iraq veteran is being praised as a hero after he captured the gunman who attempted to assassinate Jay Laylin and his family on Monday. The gunman had federal arrest warrants issued just hours after he was identified by an anonymous source.

The Mesa Highway Patrol arrested the shooter and he is being questioned by the Presidential Protective Service and Federal Crimes Investigation Service. The man who captured the shooter was seen getting back taps and handshakes by agents and local police alike. Residents in Alden thanked the quick thinking resident on social media.

"This man is a true patriot, and our debt of gratitude for his swift action will not be forgotten," said FCIS Director Sharona Maples. "He quickly apprehended the gunman who police discovered was still armed, pointing his firearm at the gunman until police arrived. Transcripts of the 911 call to emergency services have not yet been released but we will continue to wait for them to be released."

The shooter, 25 Year Michael Swensen, was promptly taken to the Alden MHP Station where federal, state and local officials begin questioning. Governor Adamson also commended the actions of the Alden man who aided in his capture.

"I am not a big Laylin fan, but when our democracy gets attacked, I will not let the perpetrator of that attack get away and would gladly lay my life down for this country like I did when I deployed to Iraq in 2004," said the man who captured and detained the gunman before the police arrived. "I am over all of these attacks on our country and I am tired of the attacks of our political opponents. Jay Laylin and his family did not deserve to be shot at in the privacy of their home or at any point."

Swensen is cooperating with police but says he will not provide consent to search his home, computers and vehicles, something that federal officials don't need since he committed a federal crime. The charges that the Federal Court are looking to hand down is not known at this time. Federal Prosecutors are looking at life imprisonment and potential financial compensation to Laylin's family.

"This incident is a reminder of the constantly evolving threats to political figures, if it wasn't made apparent back on July 13, with the assassination attempt on Former US President Donald Trump," said Mable Snarks, a Republican voter. "The increasing violence against political officials is unacceptable. That goes for anyone who chooses to attack a Nationalist political candidate as well. No one deserves to be attacked and especially at the sanctuary of their private home. My heart goes out the Laylin Family."

"The man who captured this animal is a hero and we are grateful for his quick actions and thinking, and we praise him for taking this scumbag off our streets," said Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "His quick actions, especially what we know now, save countless Republican candidate lives, but I am not surprised. He served three tours in Iraq. He is a hero in ever sense of the word."

ALDEN - The man responsible for the shooting at the home of Presidential candidate Jay Laylin was quickly apprehended by an armed Alden man, who recognized the shooter in the federal arrest warrant, and aimed his gun at the shooter, who quickly surrendered around 12:52 AM this morning.

The Mesa Highway Patrol arrested the shooter and he is being questioned by the Presidential Protective Service and Federal Crimes Investigation Service. The man who captured the shooter was seen getting back taps and handshakes by agents and local police alike. Residents in Alden thanked the quick thinking resident on social media.

"This man is a true patriot, and our debt of gratitude for his swift action will not be forgotten," said FCIS Director Sharona Maples. "He quickly apprehended the gunman who police discovered was still armed, pointing his firearm at the gunman until police arrived. Transcripts of the 911 call to emergency services have not yet been released but we will continue to wait for them to be released."

The shooter, 25 Year Michael Swensen, was promptly taken to the Alden MHP Station where federal, state and local officials begin questioning. Governor Adamson also commended the actions of the Alden man who aided in his capture.

"I am not a big Laylin fan, but when our democracy gets attacked, I will not let the perpetrator of that attack get away and would gladly lay my life down for this country like I did when I deployed to Iraq in 2004," said the man who captured and detained the gunman before the police arrived. "I am over all of these attacks on our country and I am tired of the attacks of our political opponents. Jay Laylin and his family did not deserve to be shot at in the privacy of their home or at any point."

Swensen is cooperating with police but says he will not provide consent to search his home, computers and vehicles, something that federal officials don't need since he committed a federal crime. The charges that the Federal Court are looking to hand down is not known at this time. Federal Prosecutors are looking at life imprisonment and potential financial compensation to Laylin's family.

"This incident is a reminder of the constantly evolving threats to political figures, if it wasn't made apparent back on July 13, with the assassination attempt on Former US President Donald Trump," said Mable Snarks, a Republican voter. "The increasing violence against political officials is unacceptable. That goes for anyone who chooses to attack a Nationalist political candidate as well. No one deserves to be attacked and especially at the sanctuary of their private home. My heart goes out the Laylin Family."

"The man who captured this animal is a hero and we are grateful for his quick actions and thinking, and we praise him for taking this scumbag off our streets," said Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "His quick actions, especially what we know now, save countless Republican candidate lives, but I am not surprised. He served three tours in Iraq. He is a hero in ever sense of the word."

NEWS 28 - Kirk Paul's 19 year old son Alex Paul has been arrested for Driving Under The Influence of alcohol according to the Mesa Highway Patrol. During their preliminary investigation, MHP investigators believe he attempted to end his life by hitting the ditch at high speeds. Sources say that witnesses saw him turn towards the ditch before they say his "vehicle slowed down significantly before hitting the ditch."

A bystander called the police a little before 9:10 PM. MHP, Alden Police and Alden County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene of the crash. When they walked up to his window, to make sure he was okay, officers noted the strong odor of alcohol and immediately performed the standard Field Sobriety Test on him.

When he did the BAC breath test, it tested him at 0.16 bac. He was more than twice the regular legal limit and twice over his allowed legal limit due to his age. He is facing charges varying from DUI, Unauthorized operation of motor vehicle while driving impaired by an alcoholic substance. A judge in the Alden County Court system is scheduled to hear his case. Due to the age of Alex, he could face mandatory Alcoholics Anonymous classes , and as he didn't kill or hurt anyone, he may likely receive community service as well.

"This type of event is unacceptable in any circumstance, but the fact that a 19 year old got behind the wheel and drove, is mind boggling to me," said MHP Captain Jerry Woodard. "It is even more shocking that former Governor Kirk Paul's son is the one who was driving. We are investigating this fully and will respond sometime later with the findings of our investigation. We are grateful no one was injured by him."

The Alden County Sheriff's Office says it is taking a different approach to the investigation, saying that the reports that it appeared to be an attempted suicide, will guide their investigation into that direction.

"We have to look at all possible angles, and an attempted suicide really fits what happened last month with his father passing away," said Alden County Sheriff Mark Berry. "This very much could be an attempted suicide, so we want to investigate every possible reason he got behind the wheel drunk."

ALDEN - The son of the late Kirk Paul, Alex Paul(19) has been arrested by the Mesa Highway Patrol for suspicion of Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol. According to the Mesa Highway Patrol, his vehicle crashed out into a ditch a little after 9:00 PM this evening.

A bystander called the police a little before 9:10 PM. MHP, Alden Police and Alden County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene of the crash. When they walked up to his window, to make sure he was okay, officers noted the strong odor of alcohol and immediately performed the standard Field Sobriety Test on him.

When he did the BAC breath test, it tested him at 0.16 bac. He was more than twice the regular legal limit and twice over his allowed legal limit due to his age. He is facing charges varying from DUI, Unauthorized operation of motor vehicle while driving impaired by an alcoholic substance. A judge in the Alden County Court system is scheduled to hear his case. Due to the age of Alex, he could face mandatory Alcoholics Anonymous classes , and as he didn't kill or hurt anyone, he may likely receive community service as well.

"This type of event is unacceptable in any circumstance, but the fact that a 19 year old got behind the wheel and drove, is mind boggling to me," said MHP Captain Jerry Woodard. "It is even more shocking that former Governor Kirk Paul's son is the one who was driving. We are investigating this fully and will respond sometime later with the findings of our investigation. We are grateful no one was injured by him."

NEWS 28 - Kirk Paul who served as the 19th Governor of Mesa from 2021 until 2023, has died at the age of 42, succumbing to the injuries he sustained during a targeted shooting at his private hotel room on Tuesday morning. Paul was rushed to hospital immediately, before being transferred to Nox City Medical Center, where died around 7:25 PM this evening.

The Paul family was seen with their protection detail walking out of the hospital, visually emotional following their final goodbyes after he passed. Alexis Paul gave an update to how her two kids were handling his death.

"They're doing the best they can with what they've just learned," said Paul. "Kirk was a guiding light for the kids, and now he is no longer here with us, its hard for them to understand that. Alex definitely understands the extent of his death, but Lisa doesn't which makes it 100 times more heartbreaking. We're all doing what we can do to support both of them."

Alexis, lost her eldest son Matt Paul back in October 2022 due to a drunk driver, and was still grieving her son before Kirk was shot. She is expected to retain her security team, courtesy of Governor Joshua Adamson.

"We are beyond saddened by his death and we look forward to the day he gets justice," said Alexis Paul. "He was a fighter, and I know he would be proud of what our family has done to support him during his final days of life. The outpouring of support during this time has been tremendous and I can't thank you all enough."

Kirk Paul had been placed on life support days before his death, but Alexis Paul said that she decided to take him off of life support "because it was what he would have wanted." Paul is entitled to a state funeral as he was a former Governor of Mesa, so it is heavily like that he will receive one. Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson already lowered flags to half staff in honor of the former Governor.

"There will be a lot of action going on from now until the day he is buried, so please give our family the space we need to grieve," continued Alexis. "This is hard for us and the decision I made today will stick with me for the rest of my life and I am going to miss Kirk so much. It's going to be hard."

The Mesa Highway Patrol and the Alden District Attorney are now upgrading the shooters charges to felony murder of a government official. They say that his death "changes the outlook of this case."

"We are beyond words, but we can say this, now that Kirk Paul has sadly passed away," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We will fully investigate this homicide investigation and ensure adequate justice is served for the Paul family."

ALDEN - Former Mesa Governor Kirk Paul has died at the age 42 after fighting for his life for 2 days. The former governor was shot on June 25, 2024 early in the morning at his private hotel room. The Governor died at little after 7:00 PM this evening.

"We are beyond saddened by his death and we look forward to the day he gets justice," said Alexis Paul. "He was a fighter, and I know he would be proud of what our family has done to support him during his final days of life. The outpouring of support during this time has been tremendous and I can't thank you all enough."

Kirk Paul had been placed on life support days before his death, but Alexis Paul said that she decided to take him off of life support "because it was what he would have wanted." Paul is entitled to a state funeral as he was a former Governor of Mesa, so it is heavily like that he will receive one. Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson already lowered flags to half staff in honor of the former Governor.

"There will be a lot of action going on from now until the day he is buried, so please give our family the space we need to grieve," continued Alexis. "This is hard for us and the decision I made today will stick with me for the rest of my life and I am going to miss Kirk so much. It's going to be hard."

The Mesa Highway Patrol and the Alden District Attorney are now upgrading the shooters charges to felony murder of a government official. They say that his death "changes the outlook of this case."

"We are beyond words, but we can say this, now that Kirk Paul has sadly passed away," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We will fully investigate this homicide investigation and ensure adequate justice is served for the Paul family."

Then-Governor Kirk Paul gives his farewell address on May 9, 2024. He is currently in critical condition following a shooting early during the morning on June 25, 2024.

JESSTOPIAN NEWS NETWORK - Former embattled Mesa Governor Kirk Paul is fighting for his life after being shot a little after 1:00 AM this morning. He was shot while attempting to get back into his hotel room in downtown Mesa. The shooter has yet to be identified by police as they await more information from the investigative team.

Kirk Paul served as the 19th Governor of Mesa, before resigning on April 25, 2023, following backlash over his signing of anti-trans policies, and indirectly causing the deaths of two transgender teenagers. The Governor reluctantly resigned and issued that he "would be back to politics."

Paul's security details said they had been dealing with several drunk individuals who were attempting to gain access to the Governor's hotel room. It is believed, that the shooter than took advantage of his security being occupied by the drunk individuals that he accessed his room, shooting Kirk Paul point blank in the chest.

"This is just unacceptable," said Captain C. Rodriguez of the Mesa Highway Patrol. "Paul is critical condition and is now fighting for his life. The Mesa Highway Patrol is committed to finding the cause of this shooting."

Kirk Paul has been known to spark hate across the state and investigators are saying that his racism and anti-LGBTQ sentiment could be a potential cause for this shooting. They say they are working with Governor Joshua Adamson's office as well as the State attorney General's office to investigate this shooting, and are calling in federal investigators as it involves a State government official.

"The Paul family is in our prayers as Kirk continues to fight for his life at the hospital," said Governor Joshua Adamson, who served as Paul's Lt. Governor from 2021-2023. "We will continue to keep in contact with his family as they work through this hard and difficult time."

No further word on the shooting are available at this time and Kirk Paul's condition remains as critical. Kirk Paul, 42, served as the 19th Governor Of Mesa from 2021 until his resignation in 2023. He has definitely ruffled feathers during his leadership including making several racist remarks during his time as host of Alden Prime Time.

The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending the investigation, could face murder charges if Kirk Paul dies while in the hospital. Paul's family say it is absolutely "devastating." They say they are "working everyday to get past the death of Matt Paul, who died in 2022." They said they "will now have to work towards get Kirk healed and recovered."

Then-Governor Paul speaks to the press during one of his weekly press briefings back in 2023.

NEWS 28 - Former Mesa Governor Kirk Paul is now in the fight of his life as he fights to survive injuries he sustained during an early morning shooting very early this morning. The former Governor was at his private hotel room when the shooter gained entry and shot Paul point blank in the chest.

"Police and Firefighters all surrounded the hotel and we didn't know what was going on," said a family of hotel guests. "We then saw them run in, and by the time they came out, we realized it was Governor Kirk Paul. We were shocked. Many people began praying for him, his family and his son who died in 2022."

State officials from both sides of the political isle have been calling his family to send them their best wishes and hopes for his speedy recovery. Senator Mark Jacobs, who has been an outspoken enemy of Paul's gave this statement after learning of his shooting.

"We are unbelievably and profoundly disgusted by this heinous act perpetrated against former Governor Kirk Paul," said Jacobs. "Justice must be served for this horrific act and I hope he makes a speedy and successful recovery and my prayers go out to his family who are still working through the death of their eldest son Matthew Paul, who died in late 2022."

"This is just unacceptable," said Captain C. Rodriguez of the Mesa Highway Patrol. "Paul is critical condition and is now fighting for his life. The Mesa Highway Patrol is committed to finding the cause of this shooting."

Kirk Paul has been known to spark hate across the state and investigators are saying that his racism and anti-LGBTQ sentiment could be a potential cause for this shooting. They say they are working with Governor Joshua Adamson's office as well as the State attorney General's office to investigate this shooting, and are calling in federal investigators as it involves a State government official.

"The Paul family is in our prayers as Kirk continues to fight for his life at the hospital," said Governor Joshua Adamson, who served as Paul's Lt. Governor from 2021-2023. "We will continue to keep in contact with his family as they work through this hard and difficult time."

No further word on the shooting are available at this time and Kirk Paul's condition remains as critical. Kirk Paul, 42, served as the 19th Governor Of Mesa from 2021 until his resignation in 2023. He has definitely ruffled feathers during his leadership including making several racist remarks during his time as host of Alden Prime Time.

The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending the investigation, could face murder charges if Kirk Paul dies while in the hospital. Paul's family say it is absolutely "devastating." They say they are "working everyday to get past the death of Matt Paul, who died in 2022." They said they "will now have to work towards get Kirk healed and recovered."

Prayers have been flooding in on his personal X(formerly Twitter) account, and to Alexis and his joint X account. His son Alex posted the following message on his personal X account.

"I am utterly shocked to learn that my dear father was shot while staying a private hotel," said the second oldest Paul kid. "It breaks my heart that you were alone when the incident took place. I love you dad, please come back to us."

Former Mesa Governor Kirk Paul is in critical condition following an early morning shooting, police sources say.

ALDEN - Former Mesa Governor Kirk Paul has been rushed to the hospital after being shot early this morning. According to his family he is in critical condition. The assailant has been captured and arrested and is not currently cooperating with Police. The shooting occurred a little after 1:00 AM this morning.

"This is just unacceptable," said Captain C. Rodriguez of the Mesa Highway Patrol. "Paul is critical condition and is now fighting for his life. The Mesa Highway Patrol is committed to finding the cause of this shooting."

Kirk Paul has been known to spark hate across the state and investigators are saying that his racism and anti-LGBTQ sentiment could be a potential cause for this shooting. They say they are working with Governor Joshua Adamson's office as well as the State attorney General's office to investigate this shooting, and are calling in federal investigators as it involves a State government official.

"The Paul family is in our prayers as Kirk continues to fight for his life at the hospital," said Governor Joshua Adamson, who served as Paul's Lt. Governor from 2021-2023. "We will continue to keep in contact with his family as they work through this hard and difficult time."

No further word on the shooting are available at this time and Kirk Paul's condition remains as critical. Kirk Paul, 42, served as the 19th Governor Of Mesa from 2021 until his resignation in 2023. He has definitely ruffled feathers during his leadership including making several racist remarks during his time as host of Alden Prime Time.

The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending the investigation, could face murder charges if Kirk Paul dies while in the hospital. Paul's family say it is absolutely "devastating." They say they are "working everyday to get past the death of Matt Paul, who died in 2022." They said they "will now have to work towards get Kirk healed and recovered."

NEWS 28 - The Mesa Highway Patrol, Mesa's official state law enforcement agency, has announced that it proposed a change to the color scheme of all of its 500,000 patrol vehicles, scattered across the State of Mesa. The proposed change was announced yesterday afternoon.

"The colors currently used by the Mesa Highway Patrol were first introduced back in 1980," said Mesa Representative Terry Longfellow. "It shows that the MHP has yet to modernize and adapt to the newer times, where image prevails at projecting an image of change and professionalism. It is a needed change and I hope it passes."

Governor Joshua Adamson's office will have the final say on whether the Mesa Highway Patrol's Brown and Whites get a repaint or if the bill will die on arrival to the Governor's office. It not very likely that Gov. Adamson won't sign it, but there is always a slim chance that he may veto it.

"I believe change is an important thing, and the Mesa Highway Patrol is no stranger to change," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We are ready to modernize our agency, by changing the paint scheme of our patrol cars. We hope that those change will show our agencies willingness to adapt and change with the times, and ensure our agency flourishes into the future."

The state legislature is scheduled to discuss the proposal during next week's session. Other topics include the spending budget of the Mesa Highway Patrol, and other items related to the agency.

ALDEN - A proposal was introduced in the Mesa House of the People, to in part, change the color scheme and design of the Mesa Highway Patrol's vehicles, used daily by troopers of the agency. The proposal is listed under several other key bills aimed at directing Mesa into the future and to modernize it's standing within the State and its fleets of over 500,000 MHP vehicles scattered throughout the Terracotta State.

"The colors currently used by the Mesa Highway Patrol were first introduced back in 1980," said Mesa Representative Terry Longfellow. "It shows that the MHP has yet to modernize and adapt to the newer times, where image prevails at projecting an image of change and professionalism. It is a needed change and I hope it passes."

Governor Joshua Adamson's office will have the final say on whether the Mesa Highway Patrol's Brown and Whites get a repaint or if the bill will die on arrival to the Governor's office. It not very likely that Gov. Adamson won't sign it, but there is always a slim chance that he may veto it.

"I believe change is an important thing, and the Mesa Highway Patrol is no stranger to change," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We are ready to modernize our agency, by changing the paint scheme of our patrol cars. We hope that those change will show our agencies willingness to adapt and change with the times, and ensure our agency flourishes into the future."

ALDEN - The Mesa Highway Patrol and Federal Investigators have revealed the name of the shooter who shot killed 5 people on May 1, 2024. They also say that he had a history of domestic and physical violence and was in and out of mental institutions.

"From what we have found, it appears that this shooting was a an volcano ready to erupt," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "He had been arrested 16 times for simple battery, 25 times for violently raging on family members, destruction of property and assault. He was also arrested 2 times for domestic assault. He was given a license to carry a firearm and the falls on the hands of the Weapons and Licensing Department of Mesa. There is no other way around it."

The State Attorney General Joshua Wallard says he will investigate the Mesa Department Of Weapons And Licensing and the Director Brett Crank for his role in issuing the shooter a weapons license, which is a very drawn out process and takes dozens and dozens of reviews. The AG did not respond to our request for comment.

The shooter, is identified as 42 year old Micheal McCallahan of Davenport, Mesa. He was killed after pointing his gun at Mesa Highway Patrol Troopers. The troopers who shot and killed the man are receiving praise from political leaders, police agencies around the State and residents of the state for their quick and effective reactions.

JESSTOPIAN NEWS NETWORK - Governor Joshua Adamson has ordered flags to fly at half mast until Wednesday in honor of the victims who tragically lost their lives in a shooting at an Alden Product Mart Store on Thursday. The flags are expected to raised at sunset on May 8, 2024.

The shooting occurred a little after 6:45 PM on May 1, 2024, the shooter was quickly identified by Mesa Highway Patrol Troopers and Alden Police Department Officers who moved quickly to eliminate the threat. The shooter, whose identity has yet to be released by the MHP, turned the gun on the police who responded by shooting and killing the suspect.

"Our troopers and the incredible officers of the Alden Police Department moved quickly to identify the threat, and address that threat as their training has prepared them for," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We are continuing to work with the Alden Police Department and the Alden County Sheriff's Office and Federal investigators."

The families of the victims were all contacted by law enforcement and Product Mart Chief Executive Officer Ronald Chlabowy also sent out a letter of condolences through the Product Mart Corporate website.

State officials are also investigating the shooting as a domestic terrorist activity. They say that these shootings aren't a result of just random probability. They are deemed targeted attacks, even if the shooting was at random. The man has been identified by police, but they say they will not release the names of the deceased shooter pending the full results of the investigation.

ALDEN - The shooting at the Alden Product Mart store yesterday, has officially marked the one-day mark since the tragedy took the lives of 5 innocent shoppers, and left the gunman dead. Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson has lowered all state flags at half mass for the next 5 days in honor of each of the 5 victims of the shooting.

"Today I am lowering both Jesstopian and State flags to half mass to honor the lives of those who died yesterday after a gunman opened fire at them," said Governor Joshua Adamson. "We will keep flags at half mass for the next 5 days starting at sunrise on May 3, 2024 until sunset on May 8, 2024, to honor those who were killed in this senseless tragedy."

People around the state are calling his sympathies "crocodile tears" and calling his calls for justice "insincere" a day after he said that gun control would not control what happened citing that "taking guns away from good gun owners, will only strengthen bad people with guns."

The calls for stronger and stricter gun control legislation stems from several other shootings, while Mesa continues to remain pro-gun. The Republican led state has a history of strong gun-owner rights and privileges, and seems unlikely that they will ever create legislation against gun-owners. Advocates for gun violence have begun talks with State officials and leaders in both the State's House and Senate, to include a memorandum and forum on gun safety and gun control.

JESSTOPIAN NEWS NETWORK - A gunman, 45, has been killed following a sickening attack on shoppers of a Downtown Alden Product Mart in Mesa. The shooting began a little after 6:22 PM, and concluded around 7:47 after Mesa Highway Patrol Troopers shot and killed the man shooting at them.

"Our troopers did the right thing and did an incredible job eliminating the threat," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We are praying for the families of the victims as they cope with their great losses. We are continuing to work with Product Mart to obtain important video evidence and Product Mart has opened their CCTV footage to MHP, APD, and ACSO."

"The senseless tragedy, that unfolded today at an Alden Product Mart should not happen again, but we can not restrict gun owners," said Governor Joshua Adamson. "Due to the shooting that unfolded today, calls for heavier gun legislation is being echoed across the state, but we cannot do that. Our hearts hurt for the victims we lost today, and we will continue to support them in anyway we can."

The Mesa Highway Patrol says it took out the suspect a little after 7:45 PM this evening. According to police, the suspect turned the gun on police and was subsequently shot to death by police. The investigation into the store shooting is being conducted, and Product Mart staff and Corporate is fully cooperating with investigators.

"Our company is deeply saddened by the tragic events at store 698," said the company in a joint statement. "We are praying for the families of the victims of the shooting and will continue to cooperate with investigators. Our company is committed to providing the necessary resources to law enforcement and thank them for their quick actions and working with Product Mart associates to evacuate the store. The store in question will be closed until further notice."