On this day, December 12, 2003 Keiko the Killer Whale and star of the movie
Free Willy, and one-time Oregon resident, died in Taknes Bay, Iceland. Part of his training there included swimming in the ocean outside the bay. Keiko disappeared on one of these excursions. He eventually turned up 870 miles away off the Norwegian coast. Again, he became an attraction as boatloads of sightseers came out to see him. Keiko appeared to enjoy the attention. He accepted food from the visitors and even allowed some to climb on his back, defeating the whole purpose of bringing him from Oregon. Keiko's handlers eventually herded him to Taknes Bay, hoping he might join a passing orca pod. These hopes never materialized. Keiko remained in Taknes Bay as his health deteriorated. On the morning of December 12, 2003, Keiko beached himself. He died of pneumonia.
Also on this day, December 12, 2008, a bomb exploded inside a branch of the West Coast Bank in Woodburn, killing a police officer and a state bomb disposal technician. Police arrested 32-year-old Joshua A. Turnidge, a steelworker, in Salem on December 14. Joshua's father, 57-year-old Bruce Turnidge, was also soon arrested and charged with the bombing. In 2010 Bruce Turnidge and his son were convicted on 18 counts related to the bank bombing.
“Over-the-top partisan rhetoric about fake "threats to democracy" have contributed to this”
In response to the attempted assassination of President Trump today in Pennsylvania, House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) offered the following statement.
“Our prayers are with President Trump. Democrats not only need to denounce this despicable act of violence, they must also consider how their over-the-top partisan rhetoric about fake "threats to democracy" have contributed to this,” said Helfrich. “We settle disputes in this country with our votes, not violence.”
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) also issued a statement.
“Today, we should all be reminded that violence has absolutely no place in our political discourse. It threatens our country and the principles upon which it was built. This violent attack is not just an assault on one individual but on our collective values. This moment transcends political affiliations and ideologies,” said Leader Bonham.
Bonham called for bipartisan unity in the face of such threats, urging all Oregonians to come together in condemnation of this act. “Let us honor our commitment to preserving the integrity of our republic and ensure it remains a beacon of freedom and justice for all. As Americans, we must stand united against any form of violence or intimidation.”
“We extend our prayers to President Trump and his loved ones during this difficult time. We also offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives in this heinous attack.”
--Staff Reports| Post Date: 2024-07-13 15:59:16 | Last Update: 2024-07-13 17:36:04 |
