Crime

A rabbi in the deep South says he and his congregation are seriously considering taking President Trump's advice -- in the wake of the mass shooting in Pittsburgh -- and arm themselves during worship.

Rabbi Moshe Rube -- who heads up the Knesseth Israel Congregation in Birmingham, AL -- tells TMZ ... he's already spoken to temple members about having someone armed on-site after a gunman killed 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue.

You'll recall, President Trump caught some flak for suggesting the killing might've been avoided if people inside were armed -- but the idea's clearly gained support from some Jewish leaders.

Rabbi Rube says he's considering several options, including having members carry concealed weapons during services, as long as they're licensed.

Considering Alabama's history of racially-motivated church bombings and anti-Semitic attacks ... the rabbi says it's a difficult subject that simply couldn't be avoided.

Congressman Sean Duffy thinks it's grossly unfair to lay blame on President Trump for the bombs sent to political foes of the Prez -- and he had a heated debate with us over it on TMZ Live.

The Republican rep from Wisconsin -- and former 'Real World' star -- joined us Monday to explain why he believes there's a clear double standard from anyone trying to blame Trump for the pipe bombs mailed to prominent Democrats.

The way Sean sees it, suspected bomber Cesar A. Sayoc was crazy long before Trump took office.

1:22 PM PT -- Cops say Bonnar was speeding down I-15 in a red Cadillac CTS in excess of 90 MPH around 1:15 PM.

Witnesses say he was driving like a maniac. By the time the Highway Patrol responded to the scene, citizens had already surrounded the vehicle and physically restrained Bonnar, who appeared incoherent.

As cops tried to place handcuffs on him, Bonnar woke up and began to resist. With help from the citizens, cops eventually got him cuffed and transported him to a nearby station where he was booked for 3rd-degree felony DUI.

Cops say Bonnar reeked of booze. Medical staff also responded to the scene and determined nothing was medically abnormal, he was just drunk.

UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar was arrested for DUI on Sunday -- after a group of concerned citizens (one armed with a gun) corralled him after an apparent car crash in Nevada.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... witnesses claim the 41-year-old was driving erratically and feared he would hurt someone.

Somehow, a group of concerned citizens wrangled Bonnar to the ground and kept him at bay until law enforcement arrived.

One he was taken into official custody he was booked for DUI, resisting arrest and unsafe driving. Bail was set at $22,000.

Bonnar is a UFC legend -- he fought Forrest Griffin in the finale of the very first season of "The Ultimate Fighter" back in 2005 -- a fight that's regarded as one of the best and most important in UFC history.

Bonnar lost that fight, but got a UFC contract out of the deal and went on to have a pretty solid career -- fighting guys like Anderson Silva and Jon Jones.

Sarah Palin has an answer for stopping mass shootings in America ... and it has nothing to do with restricting gun sales or getting more weapons in the hands of law enforcement.

We got Sarah Monday at LAX and asked about the deadly attack at a Pittsburgh synagogue, and what can be done to prevent domestic terrorism ... and Sarah tells us it's all about religion -- or lack thereof.

Check out the clip ... Sarah preaches about driving out evil by worshiping God, telling us why religion will be way more effective than protesting or screaming into the Twittersphere.

President Trump's call for arming synagogues after the mass shooting in Pittsburgh really is NOT a crazy idea ... so says Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, one of the country's most prominent Jewish leaders.

Shmuley -- who's been dubbed "America's Rabbi" and a rabbi to the stars -- tells us he completely agrees with DT's suggestion that armed security should be in place at places of worship after a gunman killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue Saturday.

There's a catch though, according to Shmuley. He says beefing up security at synagogues across the U.S.A. ain't gonna be cheap, and Uncle Sam's gotta chip in to make it happen.

Even more troubling ... he tells us synagogues everywhere are already considering moves to protect themselves in the wake of the anti-Semitic attack. He goes on to condemn social media posts made by the suspected shooter, Robert Bowers, illustrating his hatred of Jews.

The Manhattan D.A. prosecuting Harvey Weinstein says he's got something up his sleeve ... doubling down the criminal case will move forward despite some major setbacks.

Cyrus Vance Jr. told our producer at an event Thursday night in NYC ... he's confident the remaining counts against Weinstein will stick ... this after Vance agreed to dismiss one of the sexual assault counts after learning lead detective, Nicholas DiGaudio, allegedly engaged in witness tampering.

Check out the audio ... Vance won't take a stand with our producer on whether or not the detective's actions were criminal. Our producer persisted and said the detective was involved in all of the counts against Weinstein, so it stands to reason the entire case may be tainted.

The shooting that left a hole in the stomach of a Tekashi69 crew member was triggered by threats of gun violence and death ... threats coming from the rapper's own muscle.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Tekashi's crew tried to bully its way into the NYC restaurant where 6ix9ine was supposed to meet with a record exec. The rapper's security was turned away and threatened to shoot the men who wouldn't let them in.

We're told Tekashi was meeting record exec Elliot Grainge for dinner. Elliot was waiting for Tekashi at the restaurant with his two bodyguards, retired NYPD detective Efrain Vasquez and Maurice Fernandez.

When Tekashi arrived with his 7-person entourage, a fight broke out after Fernandez told Tekashi's crew they weren't welcome. 6ix9ine then called off the meeting and left.

Some of Tekashi's crew stayed behind and for some reason insisted on entering. One of the men allegedly shouted, "F*** this, I'm getting inside!"

Fernandez texted Vasquez -- who was inside -- telling him Tekashi's men were trying to force their way in and feared they had guns.

Vasquez charged outside to back up Fernandez, and then Tekashi's crew member, Shottie, allegedly threatened them, saying, "I'm going to violate you both with gunshots."

One of the men in 6ix9ine's group then allegedly yelled, "Shoot these motherf***ers! Gunfire!"

One of Tekashi's associates allegedly struck Vasquez in the head with a chair ... and two witnesses said Shottie was the man wielding the furniture.

Vasquez saw one of Tekashi's guys pull up his shirt and reach for something in his waistband ... that's when Vasquez brandished his gun, firing 2 rounds and hitting one of Tekashi's crew in the stomach.

Everyone scattered after gunfire erupted, but police tracked down and arrested 2 of the 3 Tekashi associates allegedly involved in the melee ... Faheem "Crippie" Walter and Zachary Bunce.

Shottie -- real name Kifano Jordan -- has not been apprehended.

Lance Lazzaro, the criminal defense attorney who reps Tekashi, Shottie and the 2 men, tells TMZ ... "It is my understanding that Tekashi was not present when the incident occurred. Shottie has no involvement with any criminal act. The two other men were victims of an assault. The charges will be completely dismissed at some point against them both."

XXXTentacion's brutal murder should carry more weight than his confession to hitting an ex-GF, and everyone needs to forgive and forget his numerous mistakes ... so says Mally Mall.

We got Mally Friday in L.A. and asked him about promoting XXXTentacion's music after prosecutors released audio this week of X apparently talking about stabbing multiple people and hitting his then-girlfriend.

It's a personal issue for Mally, who produced the newly released collab between XXXTentacion and Lil Pump, "Arms Around You." He says people should respect the fact the slain rapper can't defend himself from the grave. Not to mention respecting his mourning mother, Cleo.

As we reported ... XXXTentacion was secretly recorded years ago apparently confessing to stabbing 9 people and beating his ex so badly she was scared to death. The Miami-Dade County state attorney's office released the audio, which they were planning to use in his pending domestic violence trial.

A terrifying gun threat made against Lil Xan earlier this month -- that triggered a concert cancellation -- is now the subject of a criminal investigation ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us cops are investigating a series of threats made against Xan earlier this month. We're told it centers around videos and photos posted by St. Louis rapper VladHQ that show him with multiple firearms and calling out Xan.

One disturbing video shows Vlad spraying bullets into a lake, calling Xan a "bitch" and asking for "smoke" at his scheduled Oct. 10 concert at The Pageant.

He also posted a photo of himself with what appear to be three AK-47s, with a caption that read ... "hi Lil Xan see ya later at your show."

Like we told you ... Xan went on to cancel his St. Louis show after the images surfaced, which police are clearly taking seriously.

Our sources say no arrests have been made, nor have any warrants been issued.

Cesar A. Sayoc, the suspected bomber in a domestic terrorism plot targeting high-level politicians, worked as an exotic dancer for years and even threatened to kill and infect other dancers with HIV ... TMZ has learned.

As you can see from the photos ... Cesar worked as an exotic dancer from 1996-2000.

We're told Cesar's time as a stripper was tumultuous ... on several occasions, he threatened other dancers and was constantly jealous of colleagues who were making more money than him or diminishing his presence on stage.

According to dancers who worked with him ... Cesar once threatened to stab another dancer with a syringe loaded with HIV-infected blood.

We're told Cesar once got so jealous of a rival dancer, he taped tuna can lids to the bottom of his boots and threatened to stomp the dancer's face and cut him up. When people laughed at him, he became enraged and said, "Just wait. I'm going to take this guy out."

It's interesting ... Cesar traveled the country in a van during his stripping days, and Friday he was busted in a van covered with stickers threatening Hillary Clinton and CNN personalities. He also made multiple violent threats against TMZ on social media.

Even more disturbing ... we've obtained video of Cesar wiring accessories he used to light up stripper's costumes during his time with Gold Productions.

The man who got beat up by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler claims he needs surgery to repair his injuries from the 2017 attack ... so now he's suing the NFL player.

As we previously reported Fowler confronted and attacked Alvin Trotman on July 18, 2017 after a dispute in an apartment complex parking lot in Florida.

Trotman claims he was innocently strolling through with groceries when he witnessed Fowler almost hit another car. Trotman admits he made a comment to Fowler, who then got out of his car and said, "What did you say, bitch?"

Trotman says Fowler punched him in the face, stomped on his prescription glasses, stole his grocery bag and threw it in a nearby lake.

Fowler was arrested and convicted in the subsequent battery case and was sentenced to a year probation.

But, Trotman says he's still really injured from the attack -- with damage to his back and a torn rotator cuff that requires surgery.

Trotman also claims he suffers from humiliation and mental anguish, and he wants Fowler to pony up a check to make things right.

8:50 PM PT -- NYPD's been able to speak to witnesses and sort out what happened. The retired cop was working security for the 10k Projects exec who was meeting with Tekashi, and our law enforcement sources say everything went to hell when the exec turned away Tekashi's entourage.

We're told Tekashi and his family were taken back to their vehicle, but his entourage went back to the restaurant and confronted the exec ... who's security quickly stepped up. We're told someone in Tekashi's crew grabbed a chair and smashed it over the exec's bodyguard, who then took out his gun and fired.

As we told you ... 6ix9ine's guy was shot in the abdomen.

5:10 PM PT -- We've learned the bodyguard is now out of surgery and in stable condition.

4:45 PM PT -- The shooter didn't get away scot-free. Law enforcement sources tell us a retired police officer was nearby when the gunfire broke out and shot at the suspect, who cops believe he was hit.

We're told NYPD is searching for the perp.

Gunfire erupted during Tekashi69's celebration after his court hearing, and one of his bodyguards was hit ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us, the group was at a restaurant in midtown NYC, celebrating the fact that 6ix9ine dodged a prison sentence and got off with 4 years probation in his child sex case.

Here's what we're told -- Tekashi was meeting a 10k Projects Records exec at the party. A bodyguard for the exec turned away 6ix9ine's entourage, saying the only person who could come into the restaurant was Tekashi himself. Tekashi's security said hell no, and an argument erupted.

During the argument, a third party walked up and fired 4 shots, hitting Tekashi's bodyguard in the stomach. The bodyguard was taken to the hospital.

We're told Tekashi was not involved in the scuffle. Nevertheless, it's interesting just hours before the shooting, the judge warned the rapper to stay out of trouble or risk going to prison.

The Shade Room was first to break the story.

Tekashi69 just got a huge break -- he's getting off with probation in his child sex case.

Tekashi was tight-lipped walking into the NYC courthouse Friday to get his sentence. The judge gave him 4 years probation ... which is exactly what the rapper's team had requested. The courtroom, packed with his entourage, erupted in cheers.

Afterward, he addressed the judge directly and embraced his government name, saying he's Daniel Hernandez, not Tekashi69. He added, "I have millions of youth that look at me as a role model and the last place I want to be is incarcerated, they don’t deserve it. Thank you.”

The judge gave him credit for one year, so he effectively only has 3 years of probation left. He'll also have to perform 1,000 hours of community service, and refrain from associating with any gang members and avoid all gang activity. That part might be difficult -- he's repped the Bloods in several music videos.

Any new arrests will be deemed a violation, and he could be resentenced ... which could mean prison.

As we reported ... 6ix9ine pled guilty to one count of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance back in October 2015, long before he was famous.

In legal docs, obtained by TMZ, prosecutors say Tekashi was at a party in Harlem where a 13-year-old girl was taped engaging in sexual acts with another man while Tekashi, 18 at the time, stood "behind the child making a thrusting motion with his pelvis and smacking on her buttocks." Prosecutors say the child is nude in the video.

The rapper's sentence was deferred for 2 years and, if he complied with certain conditions -- like getting mental health treatment and staying out of trouble -- the judge would only give him probation. The problem for Tekashi was he got arrested in Texas and Brooklyn.

As we reported ... Tekashi had filed a letter with the judge claiming his arrests for assaulting an officer (Brooklyn) and attacking a fan in a mall (Houston) don't constitute a violation of his plea deal.

Tekashi's lawyer, Lance Lazzaro, argued both arrests happened long after the Oct. 2017 deadline on his plea deal -- so 6ix9ine should only get 4 years probation and a youthful offenders program. Prosecutors had recommended he get 1 to 3 years prison time.

Score one for 6ix9ine Daniel.

His rep tells TMZ, "Daniel understands what he must now do moving forward and we will be with him every step of the way. We also want to thank the judge for being very fair and impartial."

Parker McKenna, who played Damon Wayans' daughter on "My Wife and Kids," claims her ex-boyfriend beat the crap out of her, and he's now sitting in a Houston jail ... TMZ has learned.

According to legal docs obtained by TMZ ... Parker told prosecutors her ex, YouTube star Chris Sails, got pissed after he saw a DM from another man on her phone, and started beating her so badly, she thought she was going to die.

The alleged incident went down last month in the couple's apartment. Parker claims Chris repeatedly punched and slapped her in the face, and choked her while slamming her head on the ground.

Parker called cops and responding officers noticed she had a black eye and cuts on her neck. We're told she initially claimed a woman who was visiting had attacked her. Two weeks later she recanted, and told cops Sails punched her.

11:52 AM PT-- During a DOJ press conference, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Sayoc has been charged with 5 federal crimes -- interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives, threats against former Presidents, threatening interstate communication and assaulting current and former federal officers. If convicted, Sayoc faces up to 58 years in prison.

FBI director Chris Wray said, after the FBI's initial analysis, "They found a latent fingerprint from one of the envelopes sent to Congresswoman Maxine Waters," adding that Sayoc's DNA was also linked to multiple packages delivered. "These are not hoax devices," Wray said.

NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill later said there might be more packages that have yet to be delivered, and encouraged the public to take caution.

10:43 AM PT -- Sayoc was arrested in 2002 for threatening to blow up Florida Power & Light utilities company and said, "It would be worse than September 11th" ... according to Miami PD records. He also threatened to harm the employee who was on the phone if they cut off his electricity.

He was charged with phone bomb threats, and eventually sentenced to one year probation.

10:35 AM PT -- Sayoc was in handcuffs as heavily armed law enforcement officers took him into custody.

Also, Chippendales tells us Sayoc was working for a knockoff company ... not the real Chippendales.

9:05 AM PT -- Our law enforcement sources confirm the suspect's name is Cesar A. Sayoc, a 56-year-old from Aventura, FL ... and he has an extensive criminal history.

We found this image of him wearing a MAGA hat from 2016. We know he attended at least one Trump rally that year.

In 2014, Sayoc was on probation for battery and grand theft, and requested permission to travel due to his job as a road manager for Chippendales, International Gold Productions and Cesar Palace Royale Burlesque Show.

8:45 AM PT -- President Trump just addressed the crowd about the arrest of the suspect.

This close-up image of one side of the van shows images with crosshairs over Hillary Clinton, Michael Moore, CNN's Van Jones ... and many more. There are also several positive images of the President and VP Mike Pence.

Federal authorities have nabbed a suspect for the rash of explosive devices sent this week to President Trump's political foes ... TMZ has confirmed.

The man was arrested Friday morning in Plantation, FL ... and law enforcement swarmed around a vehicle believed to belong to the suspect. The van is covered with political stickers ... including images of the President.

Bombing suspect Cesar A. Sayoc never worked for the real deal Chippendales -- as he claimed to a judge -- and instead worked for a cheap replica ... so says the male revue.

We're told Cesar worked for Gold Productions, a touring company that's used the Chippendales name -- and has been sued multiple times by the real company.

Chippendales tells us they had no clue who Cesar was before he was identified as the primary suspect in the rash of explosive devices sent this week to President Trump's political foes.