PREPARED CITIZEN INTELLIGENCE BRIEF
July 28 2025 | 07:07 CDT
Analyst Insight
The past 72‑hour period has been relatively quiet nationwide, with no verified mass protests or major infrastructure failures. Law‑enforcement activity was concentrated on isolated violent crimes and a few high‑profile investigations. Grid conditions were stable, and no tropical storms were threatening the United States. Extreme heat advisories across parts of the East and Midwest may strain power use and pose health risks. Border officials reported routine enforcement actions and agricultural seizures, but no surge of migrants or clashes. Overall, the posture is steady, with attention focused on localized crimes and weather‑related readiness.
1. Domestic Security & Civil Unrest
Traverse City, Michigan – Mass stabbing – On Saturday afternoon, July 26, a 42‑year‑old man entered a Walmart and randomly stabbed 11 people with a folding knife. Six victims were initially in critical condition, and five were in serious condition. Bystanders intervened to subdue the attacker until a sheriff’s deputy arrived and arrested him. The suspect will face state terrorism charges. No motive has been disclosed.
Kansas City, Kansas – Deputy killed – Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming, 34, was shot on July 26 while responding to a civil standby call at a home. A man barricaded inside the residence opened fire and later surrendered. Ming, a nine‑year veteran, died at a hospital. The suspect was identified as Shawn Harris.
Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas – Double homicide – Arkansas authorities reported that Clinton David Brink (43) and Cristen Amanda Brink (41) were shot and killed on July 26 while hiking with their two young daughters in Devil’s Den State Park. The children were unharmed. Police released a description of a white male suspect who wore a long‑sleeved shirt, dark pants, dark ballcap, sunglasses, and carried a black backpack; he was last seen driving a black sedan. Additional patrols are deployed in state parks.
Northwest Harris County, Texas – Apartment shooting – On Sunday evening, July 27, a 12‑year‑old girl and a 19‑year‑old man were shot at a northwest Harris County apartment complex. The man underwent surgery, and the child was alert and talking when taken to the hospital. Deputies believe the victims knew the gunman, who remains at large.
Houston, Texas – METRO transit center homicide – Late on July 27, a man was found dead inside a silver Buick at the METRO Southeast Transit Center. Witnesses heard two gunshots before a red Ford Ranger sped away. Investigators said the people involved were not transit passengers; no suspects have been identified.
Montgomery–Liberty–San Jacinto counties, Texas – Multi‑county pursuit – On July 27, deputies attempted to arrest Raul Alcantaria, 29, for online solicitation of a minor. He led authorities on a chase across three counties and fired at deputies before fleeing into the woods. A drone team located and arrested him without injuries. He faces charges of online solicitation of a minor, aggravated assault on law enforcement, evading arrest, and failure to appear.
2. Infrastructure & Grid Alerts
Texas grid operations stable – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported no sudden loss of generation greater than 450 MW on July 26–27 and noted that its daily reserve-sharing event on July 27 was cancelled due to zero participating qualified scheduling entities. No emergency alerts were issued, and the power supply remains adequate.
Texas power outages minimal – PowerOutage.us data at 03:42 AM on July 28 showed about 1,104 customers without power out of more than 15 million customers tracked in Texas. Outages were scattered among local providers and not part of a larger grid failure.
3. Extreme Weather & Natural Hazards
Heat advisory for the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic – The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from 11 AM Monday through 8 PM Wednesday for the New York metropolitan region, warning that heat index values could reach 95–104 °F. The briefing noted that such heat can cause illness and may impact infrastructure, electricity demand, and water usage.
Tropical outlook – The National Hurricane Center reported no tropical cyclones in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific basins. Tropical Storm Iona remained southeast of Hawaii and posed no threat to the mainland United States.
Northern Plains & Midwest - Severe storm threat - The Storm Prediction Center issued a Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) for severe weather across parts of South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota today. Forecast models indicate high potential for a derecho, a long-lived, fast-moving windstorm capable of producing destructive straight-line winds over hundreds of miles. Embedded supercells could also generate large hail and isolated tornadoes. Power outages, tree damage, and travel disruptions are likely across the affected corridor. Residents in the threat zone should monitor local alerts and have shelter plans ready.
4. Border & Immigration
Hidalgo, Texas – Prohibited agricultural items – CBP agriculture specialists at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized undeclared plant products and meat, including avocado and mango leaves, roots, pork, and fruit. During a July 24 secondary inspection, a driver provided a negative declaration; officers discovered the prohibited items, confiscated them, and issued a civil penalty.
Puerto Rico – Offshore cocaine seizure – On July 20, CBP Air and Marine Operations detected and intercepted a sport‑fisher vessel five miles west of Cabo Rojo, arresting two U.S. citizens and seizing 236 bricks of cocaine (about 580 pounds) destined for Puerto Rico. The interdiction, announced July 25, involved cooperation with Puerto Rico police and federal agencies. The suspects and contraband were handed over to Homeland Security Investigations and the DEA for prosecution.
ICE detainer after fatal crash in Wisconsin – On July 27, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged an arrest detainer against Noelia Saray Martinez‑Avila, a Honduran national accused of driving the wrong way and killing two teenagers in Dane County, Wisconsin. DHS noted that local sanctuary policies have previously prevented ICE detainers from being honored. The case has revived debate over cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
5. Church, Mission & Civilian Safety
No verified incidents – There were no credible reports of attacks, kidnappings, or harassment involving U.S. missionaries, churches, or humanitarian workers worldwide during the reporting period.
6. International Flashpoints
Middle East – Multiple regional tensions remain active:
Israel–Iran – Iran remains defiant following June strikes that damaged significant military and intelligence infrastructure. However, its operational capabilities are impaired, with limited direct retaliation and disrupted arms flows.
Israel–Lebanon – Cross-border strikes between Israeli forces and Hizbollah persist. Israeli pressure is increasing, particularly targeting Hizbollah infrastructure and arms transit zones.
Israel–Gaza – IDF operations continue while allowing temporary humanitarian pauses. Clashes remain concentrated in northern and central Gaza.
Syria – Sweida province has seen intra-communal violence between local factions. Israel has expanded strikes against Iranian proxies and air defense sites around Damascus and southern Syria.
Turkey – Ankara is advancing military modernization while pursuing tentative peace talks with elements of the PKK.
Yemen – Israeli strikes reportedly hit a Houthi-controlled Red Sea port tied to arms transfers from Iran.
Gulf States – UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar maintain diplomatic and humanitarian cooperation without direct conflict.
North Africa – Relatively stable, with localized unrest in Libya and Sudan but no direct impact to U.S. interests.
Russia–Ukraine War
Recent escalation: Russia executed a combined missile and drone strike campaign targeting major Ukrainian cities, including Dnipro and Kharkiv, on July 25–26. The strike package reportedly included over 200 Shahed drones and multiple ballistic and cruise missiles, aiming to degrade civilian infrastructure and morale.
Territorial developments: On June 2–3, Russian ground forces captured Kostiantynivka in Sumy Oblast, adding approximately 125 km² of territory under Russian control. At least four civilians were killed in the assault, and nearly 600,000 residents lost power.
Thailand–Cambodia Border Conflict
Conflict summary: A long-standing border dispute, centered on the Preah Vihear temple, reignited in late May and escalated sharply by mid‑July into deadly cross‑border fighting involving artillery, air strikes, and mine warfare.
Casualties & displacement: The conflict has killed at least 32–35 people, including civilians on both sides. More than 200,000 people have been displaced. Civilians have been struck at petrol stations, temples, and evacuation routes.
Diplomatic response: Hostilities ceased under an immediate, unconditional ceasefire effective July 28 at midnight, brokered by ASEAN leadership in Kuala Lumpur. The talks involved Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, with support from U.S. and Chinese officials. Thailand’s acting PM voiced concerns over Cambodia’s sincerity while Cambodia blamed Thailand for violations of international law.
Ongoing tensions: Despite the ceasefire, both parties remain cautious. International mediators are working to establish monitoring and de-escalation mechanisms. Grassroots community actors are stepping in to assist affected populations.
7. Supply Chain & Liberty Watch
Supply chain – No port closures, trucking strikes, rail disruptions, or widespread shortages were reported by approved news outlets in the past 72 hours.
Liberty & policy – No new federal or state legislation affecting the Second Amendment, free speech, surveillance, or digital privacy was enacted during the reporting period. Court decisions and legislative debates continue, but have produced no immediate changes.
Signals to Monitor
Rising heat index values across the eastern U.S. may increase electricity demand and strain local grids.
Law‑enforcement bulletins about the Arkansas park suspect and the fugitive in Texas highlight ongoing manhunts; public tips may be sought.
Border agencies’ drug seizures show continued smuggling attempts; watch for potential cartel retaliation or similar interdictions.
Public debate over ICE detainers and sanctuary policies could prompt policy proposals or protests in the coming days.
Preparedness Action Items
Stay cool – Follow NWS and local advisories during heat waves. Drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activities during midday, and check on elderly neighbors.
Situational awareness – When in public spaces, maintain awareness of surroundings and have an escape plan. Report suspicious behavior to authorities.
Travelers – Declare all agricultural items when crossing borders to avoid fines. Know what items are prohibited before entering the U.S.
Emergency kit check – Ensure your home kit includes water, non‑perishable food, a battery‑operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries for potential power outages.
Preparedness Focus of the Day
Coping with Extreme Heat – Ready.gov’s “Extreme Heat” guide reminds us to never leave people or pets in a closed car, use cooling options when air conditioning is unavailable, wear loose and light‑colored clothing, stay hydrated, and check on family members and neighbors during heat events. For more guidance, see the full Ready.gov article: https://www.ready.gov/heat.