DEVELOPING STORY--Suspected Cop Killer Captured By Authorities In POG

Alleged gunman found lying in the street

SUTTERTON, POG--The man suspected of shooting and killing a Wilkonshire police officer Monday night has been arrested by authorities in Province of Grassadella.

Wayne Alan Austin, 43, was arrested in the town of Sutterton, about 180 miles northwest of Lillac City, and more than 130 miles from the deadly crime scene in southeastern Wilkonshire. Police say Austin was found lying in an empty city street Tuesday morning, after neighbors called 911. He was "highly intoxicated" at the time of his arrest and was "unconscious, incoherent, and unstable" when officers arrived, authorities told the media.

"Mr. Austin was found lying in the street, unconscious and in need of medical care. He was taken to the hospital and has since been released. He will soon be transported back to Wilkonshire, where he will face charges," Mark Rodoff, a spokesman for the Caspella County Sheriff's Department told the NPF.

Rodoff would not specify when Austin would be taken back to Wilkonshire; only saying it's "likely" he will be transported Wednesday morning.

Back in Petersboro, Wilkonshire, where the shooting occurred, local authorities were investigating the crime scene again early this morning. Police also continued interviewing the other three people who witnessed the gun fight, although all three were heavily intoxicated with drugs and alcohol at the time of the shooting, police said.

Meanwhile, the slain officer's identity has been released. Mosier County Sheriff Ron Wayneman said Tuesday afternoon Officer Jeff Ziegle, 35, who worked for the Saragen Police Department, a neighboring jurisdiction, was killed after being shot seven times. Saragen Police Chief Randy Altmeier confirmed Ziegle, who had worked for the department for seven years, was the deceased officer.

"This is a very sad day for our department. We are a very small force. We're all very close. And this really is a huge loss for us," Altmeier told members of the media outside Saragen's small police headquarters.

Wayneman said his department will handle the investigation, as the shooting occurred outside the Petersboro city limits. Police already know the alleged gunman was engaged in a domestic dispute with the other three people at the residence. When Ziegle arrived at the home, he got in a brief verbal argument with the suspect, who was intoxicated. Ziegle then called for back-up, moments before being shot seven times in the back, legs, and head. Amazingly, Ziegle maintained consciousness for a few minutes after being shot. He was able to radio dispatchers and alert them he had been wounded.

Back-up units arrived about 10 minutes later, but Ziegle was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect immediately fled.

What's still unclear, however, is why Ziegle responded to the call in the first place, as he worked for the Saragen Police Department. The small town of Saragen is about seven miles away from the scene of the shooting, making the call clearly outside Ziegle's jurisdiction.

"That's certainly something we'll be looking into," Sheriff Wayneman told the media. "We want to know exactly why Jeff responded to this call and why other units that were closer didn't respond."

The reaction across the state and across the country has been overwhelming. Responses from police departments all over the nation are pouring in with messages of gratitude and support. Wilkonshire Governor Caroline Jepsey ordered flags be flown at half-staff across the state, and offered her condolences.

"This is a tragedy that has taken a brave hero from us," Jepsey said Wednesday afternoon at a press conference at the state capitol in Provincetown. "Officer Ziegle was a true hero, a compassionate public servant, and a man of values and conviction. His family and friends, and the Saragen Police Department, are in our thoughts and prayers."

Officer Ziegle leaves behind his wife Gina, to whom he was married for four years, and two children, ages five and three.

BREAKING NEWS--Police Officer Killed In Wilkonshire Shooting

Gunman still at large

PETERSBORO, WILKONSHIRE--One police officer is dead after a shooting earlier this evening in southeast Wilkonshire.

The Mosier County Sheriff's Department tells GNN an officer from the Saragen Police Department was dispatched to a domestic violence call in the nearby town of Petersboro around 8:00 pm Monday evening. After a brief verbal argument, the belligerent suspect pulled out a gun hidden inside his jacket and opened fire on the officer, who had moments earlier called for back-up. The officer, whom has not been identified pending notification of kin, was shot seven times in the back, legs, and head. Despite his overwhelming injuries, the officer survived for approximately five minutes, radioing for help after being gunned down.

Back-up units arrived 10 minutes later, but it was too late. The officer was found lying deceased in the front yard of the home.

The gunman fled and is still at large; his identity still unknown, as police are still trying to piece together what happened and exactly who the gunman is. Authorities believe the three other people who were at the residence at the time of the shooting may not know the gunman or may only be slightly acquainted with him. All were heavily under the influence of alcohol, according to police.

"We don't have all the information right now because we have four people that were severely intoxicated and fighting and so we're still trying to confirm who the gunman is and where he may be headed to," Sgt. Rick Wynn of the Mosier County Sheriff's Department told the NPF. "All we know right now is there was some kind of domestic dispute, the officer arrived and confronted the suspect. When the officer realized he needed back-up, he radioed in and then the suspect opened fire and fled. That's all we know."

Investigators are also trying to determine why the officer, who worked for the Saragen Police Department, responded to a call in another jurisdiction. Typically, officers that work for municipalities do not respond to calls outside their jurisdiction. Mosier County Sheriff Ron Wayneman told reporters a full inquiry will be carried out to determine why the officer responded to the call, which was seven miles away from the town of Saragen.

"We're still trying to figure out why the officer went to this call. It's possible all other units in Petersboro were busy or that he knew the suspect. We just don't know at this point," Wayneman told the media.

Police say the suspect is a Caucasian man in his late 30s to early 40s, about 5'8 and 160 pounds, with a moustache and graying hair. He was last seen wearing a green cap, stained white t-shirt, and worn jeans.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Mosier County Sheriff's Department at (504)-899-9000 or dial 9-1-1.

Stevens-Taylor Called Climate Change Skeptic After Refusing To Attend Copenhagen Talks

Remmington governor says global warming frenzy threatens economy

JANNAPPA, REMMINGTON--While President Menuhaeo and other Grassadellan leaders were in Copenhagen, Denmark for the international climate change conference, Jen Stevens-Taylor stayed behind in Remmington, boycotting the conference because of his opposition to climate change policy.

The governor of Remmington didn't just boycott Copenhagen, he even attended an anti-climate change rally in downtown Remmington City, Friday, telling protestors that climate change is real but "policy that undermines our economy in the name of environmental security is wrong."

Stevens-Taylor (CNS) was one of only three governors to not attend the Copenhagen gathering. Biereland Governor Jenny Duschowitz (CNS) did not attend because the trip would have been too costly at a time the state budget is in the red, a spokesman said. And Deschire Governor Sharon Kelley (CNS) also did not attend, and instead stayed home to attend to other matters. However, Stevens-Taylor was the only Grassadellan public official to openly admit he was boycotting the talks. The nation's other 15 governors attended, along with Environmental Affairs Secretary Steven McIntosh and Sens. Niles Gilcrest (C-Veroche) and Eli Dundree (N-Kalnier), among others.

Stevens-Taylor's refusal to attend Copenhagen has resulted in criticism from environmentalist groups and the Nationalist Party, which labeled him a "bonafide climate change skeptic."

"Jen Stevens-Taylor is denying climate change is happening, and he's doing so at the cost of his state," Paul Verder, Remmington's NAT Party spokesman told GBC Radio. "He is truly a bonafide climate change skeptic."

But Stevens-Taylor fired back Sunday on the GBC's Weekend Glance program, telling host Gene Caughley that he does believe in climate change.

"I do believe the earth is warming. But let's get one thing straight: there is not consensus on the cause of global warming. Some scientists think it's man-made, some scientists say it is a natural variation in the earth's climate pattern. The fact is, we don't know what's causing it. But everyone agrees the earth is changing," Stevens-Taylor said.

The governor also vehemently denied he is a 'climate change skeptic.'

"I am not a skeptic. But I don't think raising taxes exorbitantly or signing international treaties that erode our national sovereignty is the way to combat global warming. We have to protect our economy and our national sovereignty and the rights of every Grassadellan, because this global warming frenzy is slowly causing other countries to hand over their sovereignty to international bodies and it's slowly taking away our freedoms as Grassadellans," he said.

The governor's own state is facing potential serious consequences from global warming. A recent study put out by the University of Remmington showed climate change could drastically affect Remmington's soil composition and crop output, as well as wind patterns. The study also warned that an increase in annual temperatures could dry up several rivers in the already-dry southeastern desert region of the state.

Menuhaeo, McIntosh In Copenhagen For Climate Talks While Protests Arise At Home

President and Environmental Affairs secretary say environment is a key issue

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK--President Menuhaeo and Environmental Affairs Secretary Steven McIntosh are leading a large delegation of Grassadellan politicians at the international climate summit in Copenhagen this week.

The president and his environmental chief are joined by Senator Niles Gilcrest (C-Veroche), who is chair of the Senate Environment Committee, and the committee's ranking member, Senator Eli Dundree (N-Kalnier). Also apart of the delegation are fifteen of the nation's governors. Only three governors--Jenny Duschowitz of Biereland, Sharon Kelley of Deschire, and Jen Stevens-Taylor of Remmington--are not attending the conference. All three are Conservatives.

After landing in Copenhagen Sunday, President Menuhaeo told reporters Grassadella has an opportunity to show the international community it cares about the environment.

"Grassadellans want to show the world we are serious about climate change, and we are committed to helping save this planet," Menuhaeo said.

Secretary McIntosh reitereated the president's position, saying Grassadellans have a "unique opportunity" to move forward on fighting climate change.

"Copenhagen is the beginning. This is the part where we make a commitment to the world. But there's more to be done back home, where we have to make a commitment to each other that we are going to do everything in our power to change our country for the betterment of the earth," McIntosh said.

Menuhaeo did not give any specific details about possible concessions made by the Grassadellan government, or any agreements the government will join. He did say, however, that Grassadella will adopt a much more "rigorous" climate change policy than that which was in place under his predecessor, Dan Byelle.

"There's no doubt we will be much more proactive than the previous administration and we will embrace the climate change movement, not oppose it," Menuhaeo said.

Meanwhile, as the president and the Grassadellan delegation are attending the Copenhagen meetings, protestors back home in Grassadella are mobilizing. Anti-climate change rallies have sprung up in several cities, the largest of which took place in Mavocke on Capitol Row Wednesday afternoon. More than 85,000 people crowded onto the streets of the capitol campus, blocking traffic on the east side of the capitol.

While most protestors were peaceful, Mavocke Police Chief Wayne Wrevins told the NPF more than 820 were arrested for clashing with police. Wrevins also said an additional 300 officers were brought in to handle the crowds.

Similar rallies were held in Grassadella City, Christon, Lillac City, Treeton, Lake City, Monvaille, and Brookings. Protest organizers say protests will be held throughout the week.

"The people of this country are angry that our politicians are collaborating with other nations to ruin our economy to save the earth, when, in fact, we don't even know what's causing global warming," Jeff Syers, president of "Save The Economy, Not The Ozone," a grass-roots group that helped organize the rallies, told GNN News.

Politicians are taking note of the public's frustrations as well.

"People are angry, and they have every right to be," Remmington Governor Jen Stevens-Taylor, who did not attend the Copenhagen conference out of protest against climate change policy, told the GBC. "There's nothing wrong with helping our earth, but not when it's at the expense of our jobs and our economy."

Stevens-Taylor, who governs one of the dryest states in the country, told the GBC he boycotted the conference because it's "all a bunch of nonsense."

"I didn't go because I believe the goal of the radical environmentalists in Copenhagen and beyond is to take away our money and our freedoms and our way of life all in the name of saving the planet, and that's not right and that's why I didn't go," he said.

Stevens-Taylor also told the GBC he had not attended one of the anti-Copenhagen rallies, but is planning on attending a local rally in Remmington City on Friday.

President Menuhaeo will return from Copenhagen Thursday, while the rest of the delegation will return on Saturday.

Dawson Kicks Off Assembly Campaign

State party touts Nationalist's candidacy

BOWSWICH, TRINTON--Nationalist Katherine "Kaz" Dawson kicked off her campaign for Congress in Trinton's 7th Congressional District Thursday morning.

The popular businesswoman and civic leader from central Trinton is running unopposed for the NAT nomination in a district that has been held by the Conservatives for 12 years. Congressman George Reedsworth is running for re-election in 2010, however, the six-term congressman has been urged to challenge Senator Grace Kemp (NAT), who is seeking a third term in 2010. Dawson's entry into the Assembly race may provide further encouragement for Reedsworth to abandon his Assembly seat and run against Kemp for the Senate.

At her announcement ceremony, Dawson cited the loss of jobs and the ailing economy as her number one priority.

"We need to bring jobs back to Trinton," she said. "And that starts with ending tax breaks for big business and corporations that send our jobs overseas."

Local and state Nationalist Party leaders have been touting Dawson as a strong candidate against Reedsworth, who has faced criticism from his own party for his moderate voting record.

"George Reedsworth should be scared, because Kaz Dawson is his worst nightmare," said Paul Lumberg, state NAT Party chairman. "We believe that Kaz could present a formidable challenge to Mr. Reedsworth."

State CNS leaders disagree.

"George Reedsworth is a respected leader who has fought for Trintonians for the last 20 years," said Tom Schillings, CNS Party chairman. "Regardless of whether George runs for the Senate or stays in the Assembly, the people will support his candidacy and his policies."

A recent poll conducted by Shoreline, a private polling firm based out of Vristo Colonado, Trinton, shows Reedsworth barely leading Dawson 41% to 40%, with 19% undecided.

"Clearly, George Reedsworth could face a very contentious and a very difficult race for re-election to the National Assembly in 2010," said Dr. Rahm Bergahl, professor of political studies at the University of Trinton--Wilmington. "It might be a good time for him to retire from the National Assembly instead of facing a tough fight."

The Reedsworth campaign would not comment on Dawson's announcement. A spokeswoman would only tell GNN News that "Congressman Reedsworth is dedicated to the people of Trinton and will fight for his state in any way he can."

If Reedsworth does decide to run for the Senate, he will not be the only Conservative to join the race. State Senator Randy Kalamaza (C-Vristo Colonado) already announced his candidacy back in October. A Reedsworth-Kalamaza primary race would set off a political showdown within the Conservative party between the centrist Reedsworth and hardline Conservative Kalamaza.

A spokesman from the Kalamaza campaign had no comment for this article.

BREAKING NEWS--Multiple Casualties After Shooting At Trinton Fraternity House

Police still looking for suspects

GLISIDEN, TRINTON--Several people are dead and many more injured after a shooting at a fraternity house party in central Trinton late Wednesday night.

Details are still limited, but police are telling GNN a gunman or several gunmen opened fire at the party, which was taking place at a fraternity house in the Wilmington suburb of Glisiden, near Lutton University and George Shaw Community College. Police estimate there were between 50-60 young people in attendance at the party, many of whom were consuming alcohol and drugs, when the shooting occurred around 11:13 p.m. eastern time.

Witnesses say a dark sedan pulled up on the street next to the house and immediately shots were fired. At least one gunman also began walking around the front yard of the residence, opening fire on helpless victims who could not escape. After what was likely only one or two minutes of gunfire, the shots ceased, the gunman jumped back in the car and fled the scene.

Police and medic units from several jurisdictions responded to the scene, which was located in a relatively quiet residential neighborhood.

"We had local, county and state police responding to this call...about 45 officers came to the scene," Sgt. Brad Bickerstaff of the Oceanview County Sheriff's Department said.

A casualty count is unavailable at this time, Bickerstaff said, because police are still searching the premises for victims.

"Right now we know there are at least 7 deceased victims, and at least 13 injured victims. Beyond that, I can't tell you," Bickerstaff said.

Traffic is still blocked in the area as police continue to search the fraternity grounds and nearby neighborhoods for evidence. Despite several witnesses, police have little information to go off of on the suspect or possible suspects.

"All we know right now is that there was at least one person that showed up in a dark sedan, opened fire and left in that same sedan. That's all we know," Sgt. Bickerstaff said.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Trinton State Police at 1-800-321-9910.

Christaman Backs O'Neil, Blankenship In Veroche Senate Primaries

Former Senate candidate says endorsement a matter of 'principle over party'

TWIN LAKES, VER--Former Senate candidate and businessman Don Christaman (Conservative) has endorsed incumbent Senator Evelynn Blankenship and Conservative challenger Talley O'Neil for the Senate.

Christaman made the announcement Tuesday morning in Twin Lakes, telling members of the local Conservative party that his endorsement of the strongly conservative Blankenship and O'Neil is a matter of "principle over party."

"The party establishment wants you to support Richard Scholinger and Niles Gilcrest," Christaman said. "But I'm here to tell you that we need to support Evelynn Blankenship and Talley O'Neil because of what they stand for and what they believe in--not because the party establishment tells us to."

Christaman, who shares a strongly conservative ideology with Blankenship and O'Neil, ran unsuccessfully for office in 2008, losing to Nationalist Aaron Tobias Griffith 63%-37%, respectively.

Blankenship and O'Neil welcomed Christaman's endorsement, and thanked him for joining the "conservative revolution" that is "sweeping" through Veroche.

"Don is part of a growing group of people that are standing up to the politicians and saying 'no more,'" Blankenship said. "We need more people like him to stand with us and join the conservative revolution that is making its way from border to border in this country."

The so-called "conservative revolution" may be hampered by the more moderate members of Veroche's Conservative party, who are supporting incumbent Niles Gilcrest and former Lake City Mayor Richard Scholinger, who is challenging Blankenship. Last month, several moderate CNS senators campaigned in Veroche for Gilcrest, demonstrating just how divided the Conservative party is in the Plains State.

State Department To Allow Controversial Dutch Politician To Enter Country

Government says free speech cannot be restricted by travel ban

MAVOCKE--A controversial Dutch politician who has been outspoken in his contempt for Islam will be allowed to speak at an event in Grassadella despite concerns his appearance may incite violence, the State Department said Tuesday.

Geert Wilders has been invited to speak at the Summit on Equality at the International Center for Justice, located in Wilmington, Trinton. Mr. Wilders was invited back in August, but concerns about his controversial views prompted an inquiry by the State Department, which announced Tuesday that Mr. Wilders will be allowed to enter the country to speak at the event.

Wilders has gained international attention for his views, particularly his anti-Islam opinions. Wilders has attacked the Muslim faith, saying "there is no such thing as 'moderate Islam,'" and has called for the deportation of Muslims from his home country of the Netherlands.

Recently, Mr. Wilders was banned from traveling to the United Kingdom by then-Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. But that ban was overturned in October after Britain's Asylum and Immigration Tribunal ruled the ban against Wilders should be lifted.

Mr. Wilders has been invited to the event at the International Center for Justice "because of his unique views on the Islamic faith," the center told the NPF Monday. Center officials are aware Mr. Wilders' appearance at the forum could prompt violence and protests, but believe "free speech is a basic human right."

The Grassadellan government is also concerned about Mr. Wilders' arrival. Secretary of State Jim McCaren, and his deputy Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett denounced Wilders' radical views, but said there is nothing they can do to prevent him from visiting the country.

"We certainly don't agree with Mr. Wilders' views. But we believe he has a right to speak those views, however harmful and hateful they may be," McCaren said at a press conference Monday in Mavocke. Hunter-Garrett agreed, saying "free speech is something we take very seriously here in Grassadella, and while we may not agree with the message that's being propagated, we believe it is a fundamental right."

President Menuhaeo also called Wilders' views "extremist" and said the Grassadellan government "does not endorse his actions or opinions."

Wilders may be receiving an icy welcome from the Grassadellan government, but he will still be allowed to speak at the forum, which is scheduled for January 9, 2010 in Vristo Colonado, Trinton.

National Security Secretary Michelle Gates has promised local and federal police will be on high alert during Mr. Wilders' visit.

"We realize that he is an extremely polarizing figure and a lot of people don't like him and so we will certainly be on high alert during the entire time he is in this country."

Pro-Muslim groups are already promising to protest Mr. Wilders' arrival.

"This man is filled with hate and we will not allow him to enter this country and spread his message of hatred," Ahmed Hadon Hussein, President of Muslims United, one of the nation's largest Muslim organizations, told GBC Radio.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Wilders would not comment on the travel allowance.