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Police investigating five fatal shootings in California believe a serial killer might be on the loose in the state.

Detectives released a grainy image of a “person of interest” after the latest killing shortly before 2am on Tuesday.

The surveillance footage image shows an individual from behind who is dressed all in black, with a black hat.

Stockton Police have said they could be a suspect or a witness.

Rewards totalling $85,000 (£76,000) are being offered for information leading to an arrest after the shootings.

Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden said the latest victim was a 54-year-old man, who was shot dead in a residential area.

He was the fifth man fatally shot since 8 July within a radius of a few square miles in Stockton.

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Mr McFadden also gave details of each of the attacks that took place.

• 8 July – an unidentified 35-year-old man described only as white was fatally shot at 12.31am
• 11 August – an unidentified 43-year-old man described as Hispanic was killed at 9.49pm
• 30 August – an unidentified 21-year-old man described as Hispanic was fatally shot at 6.41am
• 21 September – an unidentified 52-year-old man described as Hispanic was killed at 4.27am
• 27 September – an unidentified 54-year-old man described as Hispanic was fatally shot about 1.50am

‘Be alert – have your head on a swivel’

Mr McFadden said he believes all five homicides are related “based on our investigation and the reports we are receiving”. All the victims were walking alone when they were killed.

Stockton is a city of 320,000 residents about 50 miles (80km) south of the state capital of Sacramento.

Mr McFadden said police have ruled out gang violence, hate crime, and the targeting of homeless residents, with detectives not yet able to determine if there is one or more shooters.

The police chief wrote on Facebook: “We are committed to protecting our community and solving these cases, utilizing all the resources at our disposal including YOU. We need YOUR help!!!! If anyone, has information regarding these investigations, call us immediately.

“Please remember our victims have grieving family members who need resolution. If you know something, say something.”

Mr McFadden added the killings have taken place in “dimly lit” areas “overshadowed by trees”.

“Be alert,” he said. “Have your head on a swivel.”

The city of Stockton put up a $75,000 (£67,000) reward and Stockton Crime Stoppers offered an additional $10,000 (£8,884).

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Plane plunges 300ft in 36 seconds to avoid another aircraft

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Plane plunges 300ft in 36 seconds to avoid another aircraft

A US passenger plane made a dramatic plunge minutes after take-off to dodge another aircraft – injuring two cabin crew and causing passengers to shoot out of their seats.

The Southwest flight had just taken off from Burbank in California when the pilot received an alert about a nearby plane.

Data from FlightAware shows the aircraft dropped by 91m (300ft) in just 36 seconds. Those on board said they felt panicked, and some feared the plane was about to crash.

Comedian Jimmy Dore posted on X: “Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid mid-air collision … myself and plenty of people flew out of their seats and bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention.”

Stef Zambrano saw a woman who wasn’t wearing her seatbelt thrown out of her seat, who then said: “I want to get off this plane. I want to be on the ground.”

Another passenger, Steve Ulasewicz, told NBC Los Angeles that it felt like the plane was in freefall for 10 seconds.

“People were screaming. You know, it was pandemonium. People thought the plane was going down,” he added.

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The aircraft was able to continue to its destination of Las Vegas, where it safely landed without any further incident.

It is believed the Boeing 737 was in the same vicinity as a Hawker Hunter Mk. 58, a British fighter jet.

Southwest is now working with the Federal Aviation Administration “to further understand the circumstances” of the event.

Read more US news:
Trump issues warning as he arrives in Scotland
US justice department interviews Ghislaine Maxwell

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January: Footage of Washington plane crash

This is the second time in a week that a passenger plane has had to make abrupt flight manoeuvres to avoid a potential mid-air collision.

Concerns have been raised about aviation safety in the US following a series of recent incidents.

In January, a mid-air collision in Washington DC killed 67 people.

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Snipers, Secret Service sweeps and a personal chef on standby: Scotland awaits Trump’s arrival

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Snipers, Secret Service sweeps and a personal chef on standby: Scotland awaits Trump's arrival

Donald Trump likes a wall. And now he has his very own 10ft-high metal barrier creating a fortress as he tees off for a weekend of politics, play and precision in Scotland.

An almost surreal contrast now exists in the tiny Ayrshire village of Turnberry.

On one side, the stunning coastline and luxury hotel that bears the president’s name. And on the other, an armed buffer zone with sniper teams and road checkpoints.

This visit is unlike those that have gone before.

The threat level and associated security on display is unprecedented following the attempted assassination of Trump at a campaign rally in the US.

“It would be inappropriate for me to plan an operation and not bear in mind what has happened,” the senior officer in charge of this weekend’s policing efforts told me.

Green military-type truck
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Military trucks are part of a security effort that comes just a year after an attempted assassination

Fence
Black security van
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A ‘counter terror’ firm was spotted near the area, which is ringed by a 10ft fence

Turnberry, and its population of about 200 people, have this week witnessed a never-ending stream of Army trucks, terrorist sweeps, road checkpoints, airspace restrictions, sniper positions being erected and Secret Service agents roaming around.

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It is the most extensive security deployment in Scotland since the death of the late Queen in 2022.

It is estimated around 5,000 officers will be on the streets, with teams coming from across the UK to assist.

The spectacle primarily centres on Donald Trump coming to play golf before the arrival of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for talks, likely on Monday.

The president, whose mother was born on the Scottish island of Lewis, is then scheduled to travel to his Aberdeenshire resort where a new golf course is set to open.

Police on buggies patrol as golfers play, near the Trump Turnberry golf course
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Police on buggies are patrolling near the course on Scotland’s east coast

Police lorry
Police security tape is placed across a clothes recycling bin near the Trump Turnberry golf course.
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Police have even taped off a clothes recycling bin near the course

‘Trump is a decent boss’

Stephanie Campbell and Leanne Maxwell live in Turnberry and used to work at the Trump-owned resort, like many other locals.

The pair told Sky News the very first lesson staff at the resort are given is not in fine service or guest etiquette, but in how to respond to a bomb threat.

It is claimed there are posters above the landline phones in the hotel with instructions on the worst-case scenario.

Stephanie Campbell and Leanne Maxwell work at the Trump course
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Stephanie Campbell and Leanne Maxwell say staff are trained in dealing with bomb threats

Stephanie told Sky News: “I had no issues working for him, he is a really decent boss.

“The last time he came there was an element of excitement, I think this time there comes with an added element of concern.

“It brings a lot higher threats and security and it’s much more difficult for everybody in the area.”

Donald Trump waves to protesters while playing golf at Turnberry golf club, in  2018
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Mr Trump at Turnberry in 2018 – he will also visit his Aberdeen course on this trip. Pic: AP

A flag flutters on the Ailsa Championship Course at the Trump Turnberry Golf Resort in Turnberry.
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File pic: Reuters

Echoing her concerns, Leanne told Sky News: “Security is obviously being bumped up. It’s quite worrying. He’s quite a man, ain’t he?”

Sweeps of the rooms are carried out by US Secret Service agents after housekeeping staff complete their duties and Trump’s meals, they say, are prepared by a personal chef to avoid the risk of poisoning.

To the outside world, these measures seem standard for a US president. But to those who live in Turnberry, it’s far from normal when they have a date with the commander-in-chief.

Marine One helicopter
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Marine One is in place awaiting the president’s arrival

A view of the hotel at the Trump Turnberry Golf Resort. File pic: Reuters
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File pic: Reuters

Awkward encounters

Prestwick Airport has become something of an American airbase in recent days.

The infamous armoured limousine, known as “The Beast”, has been spotted being wheeled out of a US military plane as the presidential motorcade prepares for his arrival tonight.

Greeting the president at the doors of Air Force One will be the secretary of state for Scotland, Ian Murray, who previously supported a motion alleging Trump was guilty of “misogynism, racism and xenophobia”.

Another awkward encounter could come in the form of Scottish First Minister John Swinney’s showdown with Mr Trump next week.

Read more from Sky News:
Trump told in May his name in Epstein files – report
Trump says US will ‘win’ AI race as plan unveiled

The SNP leader, who publicly backed Kamala Harris in the presidential race, called for September’s state visit to be scrapped after the Ukrainian president’s visit to the White House descended into a shouting match live on TV earlier this year.

Demonstrations are planned throughout the weekend, with marches and protests announced in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Kirsty Haigh, from Scotland Against Trump, claims the president uses Scotland to “cleanse his image” and he should not be able to use the country as an “escape” from his views.

She told Sky News: “He should not be welcomed by us, by our leaders.

“We want to see a Scotland that is very different than [the] America that’s being created.”

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Ghislaine Maxwell answered justice department questions ‘about 100 different people’, her lawyer says

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Ghislaine Maxwell answered justice department questions 'about 100 different people', her lawyer says

Ghislaine Maxwell answered “every single question” from the US justice department, her lawyer has said.

The imprisoned former girlfriend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein answered questions “about 100 different people” during one-and-a-half days of questioning in the federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, her attorney David Oscar Markus said.

A senior administration official has confirmed to Sky News’ US partner, NBC News, that Maxwell was granted limited immunity, meaning the information could not be used against her in any future cases or proceedings.

Mr Markus said Maxwell “answered those questions honestly, truthfully, to the best of her ability” when she met with deputy attorney general Todd Blanche.

“She never invoked a privilege. She never refused to answer a question, so we’re very proud of her,” Mr Markus added.

Undated picture of Ghislaine Maxwell with Jeffrey Epstein. File pic: US Department of Justice
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Undated picture of Ghislaine Maxwell with Jeffrey Epstein. File pic: US Department of Justice

Maxwell, who was jailed in 2022 for luring young girls to massage rooms for Epstein to abuse, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Epstein, 66, was found dead in his cell at a Manhattan federal jail in August 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.

His case has generated endless attention and conspiracy theories due to his and Maxwell’s links to famous people like royals, presidents and billionaires, including Donald Trump.

Mr Trump is facing ongoing questions about the Epstein case. He denied prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and claimed he cut off their relationship long ago.

Trump and Epstein at a party together in 1992
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Trump and Epstein at a party together in 1992

The deputy US attorney general, Mr Blanche, announced earlier this week that Maxwell would be interviewed because of Mr Trump’s directive to gather and release any credible evidence about others who may have committed crimes.

Maxwell’s lawyer, Mr Markus, praised Mr Blanche’s approach.

“The deputy attorney general is seeking the truth. He asked every possible question, and he was doing an amazing job,” he said.

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‘The truth will set you free’: Why is Maxwell meeting with the US government?

Maxwell’s immunity from future proceedings is “limited” because it only covers her if she tells the truth. Typically, prosecutors will consider the defendant’s cooperation in an investigation when recommending a lighter sentence as part of a plea deal.

But since Maxwell has already been convicted, it is not clear how she might benefit from the immunity.

Mr Markus said Maxwell did not receive anything in return for answering the questions, but he acknowledged that Mr Trump could pardon her. “We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way,” Mr Markus said.

Ghislaine Maxwell. Pic: US Department of Justice
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Ghislaine Maxwell. Pic: US Department of Justice

When asked whether he had thought about a pardon or clemency for Maxwell, Mr Trump claimed he had not considered it.

“I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about,” he told reporters outside the White House.

He later shut down another question, saying: “I don’t want to talk about that.”

Read more from Sky News:
Analysis: Trump hopes to escape Epstein controversy
Scots divided as Trump heads to Turnberry

Meanwhile, Maxwell’s family have suggested the disgraced British socialite could use “government misconduct” to challenge her imprisonment.

Her family have frequently claimed she “did not receive a fair trial”, but legal appeals against her sex trafficking convictions have been rejected by the courts.

Undated handout file photo issued by US Department of Justice of Ghislaine Maxwell with Jeffrey Epstein, which was shown to the court during the sex trafficking trial of Maxwell in the Southern District of New York. British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has been sentenced to 20 years years in prison for luring young girls to massage rooms to be molested by Jeffrey Epstein. Issue date: Tuesday June 28, 2022.
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Ghislaine Maxwell with Jeffrey Epstein. Pic: US Department of Justice

Judges previously dismissed arguments from Maxwell’s lawyers that she “should never have been prosecuted” because of a “weird” agreement drafted more than 15 years ago.

The family argue that Maxwell should have been protected under an agreement Epstein had entered with the US Department of Justice in 2007, which agreed not to prosecute any of his co-conspirators.

During her trial in 2021, Maxwell was described as “dangerous” by prosecutors, who told jurors about how she would entice vulnerable girls to go to Epstein’s properties for him to sexually abuse.

In a statement, her family said: “Our sister Ghislaine did not receive a fair trial. Her legal team continues to fight her case in the courts and will file its reply in short order to the government’s opposition in the US Supreme Court.”

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