Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
The IRS is sounding the alarm on a troubling rise in tax scams fueled by social media.
Across Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms, self-proclaimed “experts” are luring taxpayers into filing bogus refund claims using credits like the Fuel Tax Credit or the Sick and Family Leave Credit - programs that don’t apply to most people.
Since 2022, these schemes have triggered a wave of frivolous returns. Many filers never see the refund they were promised, but they do end up with something else: steep penalties.
According to the IRS, more than 32,000 taxpayers have already been fined, adding up to over $162 million in penalties. (Source: The Internal Revenue Service)
James Clifford, Director of Return Integrity and Compliance Services at the IRS, put it bluntly:
“These schemes are not only misleading but can cost taxpayers dearly. People who follow this advice could end up with rejected claims and a penalty of up to $5,000 in addition to any other penalties that might apply."
"So far, the IRS has imposed over 32,000 penalties costing taxpayers more than $162 million. It’s in the taxpayer’s best interest to stay informed.”
These scams often share familiar traits. Watch out for:
Posts claiming everyone qualifies for certain credits.
Promises of “easy” or “fast” refunds with barely any paperwork.
Instructions to file an amended return even when you don’t qualify.
Advice to ignore IRS letters or respond with false information.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
What starts as a “refund hack” online can spiral into serious financial trouble. Taxpayers who submit false claims often face:
Refund delays lasting weeks or months.
Outright denial of refund requests.
A $5,000 civil penalty under Section 6702 of the tax code.
Increased scrutiny from the IRS, including audits or enforcement action.
Federal investigators are also examining a major scheme aimed at wealthy taxpayers, where companies including White River Energy Corp. and Nepsis allegedly sold fictitious “tribal tax credits.”
These credits have no basis in U.S. tax law, yet more than $24 million was marketed as deductible. Taxpayers who purchased them now face audits, denied claims, and penalties, while the Justice Department investigates the promoters, highlighting how tax fraud is shifting from viral social media tricks to more elaborate, fabricated schemes.
If you realize you’ve been misled or filed a return based on bad advice, the IRS says it’s best to act quickly:
File an amended return using Form 1040-X.
Don’t ignore letters from the IRS - respond right away.
Consult a trusted tax professional or use official IRS resources.
Report suspected scams to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov or file a complaint with TIGTA.
The IRS stresses one simple rule: don’t take tax advice from social media. Always double-check with official sources before making a move.
See the latest alerts on the IRS Tax Scams page.
Follow @IRStaxsecurity on X for real-time updates.
Taxpayers should be cautious of anyone promising quick or inflated refunds online. The safest approach is to rely on official IRS guidance or a qualified tax professional, as pursuing false credits can result in significant financial consequences.
Gainey McKenna & Egleston File Lawsuit Over Lantheus Pylarify
Morgan Lewis and Nutter Advise on Boston Private Equity Deal
Georgia Pastor Linked to Hopcc Indicted for Child Exploitation
What to Do If You Are Arrested and Facing Charges in Michigan
A pastor tied to the House of Prayer Christian Church of America (HOPCC) has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia on a series of child exploitation charges.
On September 10, 2025, the court unsealed a five-count indictment against Bernadel Junior Semexant, 35, of Hinesville and Savannah.
Prosecutors allege that Semexant enticed a minor to engage in sexual activity, committed sexual abuse of a minor, transferred obscene material to a child, and both received and possessed child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Heap described the charges as part of an ongoing effort to protect vulnerable victims, saying that federal, state, and local partners “work relentlessly to protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm and exploitation.”
The FBI echoed that message, framing the case as an especially troubling breach of trust.
“The allegations in this indictment reflect a profound betrayal of trust by an individual in a position of spiritual authority. The FBI is committed to pursuing those who exploit children and ensuring they are held accountable.” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.
“We urge anyone with information about Pastor Semexant or others in positions of trust within HOPCC to come forward, your voice matters, and you may help protect other potential victims.”
If convicted, Semexant faces decades in prison. The enticement charge alone carries a mandatory minimum of ten years and could result in a life sentence. Sexual abuse of a minor carries a maximum of fifteen years.
The charges related to obscene materials and child pornography could add another twenty years each. In addition to prison time, the law requires heavy fines, mandatory restitution to victims, supervised release, and registration as a sex offender.
Semexant is believed to have served in multiple HOPCC congregations across the country. The church operates locations in Georgia, North Carolina, Washington State, Texas, Tennessee, and other states.
Authorities are investigating whether other victims may be connected to his work at different churches.
Federal investigators are now seeking information from the public. Anyone who may have relevant details about Semexant or other individuals in positions of trust within HOPCC is urged to come forward.
The FBI has set up a dedicated form at fbi.gov/SEMEXANTHOPCC. Those in immediate danger should call 911.
The case was announced in a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. You can read the full statement here on the Department of Justice website.
Latham & Watkins LLP has advised Repsol E&P S.à r.l. (“Repsol E&P”), the holding company of the exploration and production (Upstream) business of Repsol, S.A. (“Repsol”) Group, on its landmark U.S. bond issuance.
Repsol E&P, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary Repsol E&P Capital Markets US LLC, has successfully priced three series of bonds in the U.S. market for a total of US$2.5 billion.
The transaction represents the largest U.S. dollar bond issuance in Repsol’s history and the first-ever U.S. market offering by Repsol E&P Group, one of the world’s leading independent oil and gas producers. Settlement is expected on September 16, 2025.
The issuance attracted strong investor demand, with the order book reaching 6.9 times the amount offered, reflecting market confidence in Repsol E&P’s financial strategy. The deal strengthens the company’s capital position while broadening access to U.S. investors.
Repsol is a global multi-energy company headquartered in Madrid, operating across the entire energy value chain from exploration and production to refining, chemicals, renewables, and mobility solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Repsol is driving the energy transition while maintaining a significant international presence in capital markets.
Latham & Watkins’ deal team was led by corporate partners Marc Jaffe, Ian Schuman, Nick Dhesi, and Manoj Tulsiani, supported by associates Kaj Nielsen, Sarah Rodrigue, Carolina Gori, Caitlyn Fiebrich, Armaan Bhimani, and Jennifer Pitsch. The firm also provided specialist advice across multiple disciplines:
Tax: partners Tim Fenn, Jared Grimley, and Karl Mah; associate Johnny Zhuang
Environmental: partners Joshua Marnitz and Michael Green; associates Brandon Kerns and James Bee
ESG: partner Betty Huber
Compliance: partners Charles Claypoole and Eric Volkman; associates Ragad Alfaraidy and Thomas Lane
Antitrust: partner Jonathan Parker
ERISA: partner Adam Kestenbaum; counsel Krisa Benskin
Latham & Watkins LLP is a leading global law firm known for its expertise in corporate, litigation, and transactional law. With over 2,000 attorneys in 14 countries, the firm advises clients across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and energy. Founded in 1934, Latham & Watkins is renowned for its work with emerging companies, offering legal solutions for startups and growth-stage businesses. The firm’s Emerging Companies & Growth team helps navigate complex legal matters related to business formation, financing, and scaling, making it a trusted partner for innovative companies worldwide.
California’s bid to curb the influence of social media on children cleared a major legal hurdle this week when a federal appeals court largely upheld the state’s “Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act."
The ruling marks one of the most consequential legal developments yet in the battle between Silicon Valley and state governments over algorithmic content delivery. (Source: Reuters)
The law, originally signed in 2023, requires platforms to restrict algorithmically generated “addictive feeds” for minors unless parents explicitly consent.
In practice, that means companies such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube must disable algorithmic recommendations for under-18 users by default, providing only chronological feeds unless a parent opts in.
At the bill’s signing, Governor Gavin Newsom defended the measure as a way to protect families, warning that “Every parent knows the harm social media addiction can inflict on their children – isolation from human contact, stress and anxiety, and endless hours wasted late into the night." (Source: Governor of California)
The tech trade group NetChoice, which represents giants including Meta and Google, challenged the law on First Amendment grounds.
They argued that California was effectively dictating how platforms curate and present speech, striking at the heart of editorial discretion protected by the Constitution.
The appellate court rejected most of NetChoice’s claims, siding with California’s argument that protecting children from manipulative design features constitutes a compelling state interest.
Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the outcome, saying the decision showed that “companies have blatantly shown us that they are willing to use addictive design features, including algorithmic feeds and notifications at all hours of the day and night, to target children and teens, solely to increase their profits.” (Source: California Office of the Attorney General)
Still, the judges did pare back the law slightly, invalidating the requirement that platforms hide “likes” and comments by default.
The panel concluded that this measure was not the “least restrictive means” of advancing the state’s interest, suggesting California went too far in dictating interface design.
At its core, the case highlights a fundamental conflict in the digital age: protecting children’s welfare and reinforcing parental authority versus safeguarding free speech and platform autonomy.
California presented the law as a tool to restore parental control over minors’ online experiences, while NetChoice argued it intruded unconstitutionally on editorial discretion.
Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized that the ruling affirms the state’s resolve, noting that “through the passage of SB 976, California’s elected representatives sent a strong message: It’s time to put families in control.” He underscored his office’s commitment to enforce and defend the statute going forward.
The decision establishes that algorithmic design may be subject to regulation, setting a potential model for other states.
Social media companies will now face the operational challenge of implementing technical modifications and parental consent systems within an already complex global regulatory landscape.
Supporters view the ruling as a significant step toward holding platforms accountable for the psychological impact of their design practices. Critics caution, however, that divergent state laws could create a fragmented regulatory environment, one likely to draw eventual review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The ruling underscores the gap left by Congress’s failure to enact comprehensive child online safety legislation. In that vacuum, states such as California, Utah, and Arkansas are advancing their own measures, creating the risk of a fragmented regulatory landscape.
As Governor Newsom noted when signing SB 976, the law targets features that “feed destructive habits.” Whether a national framework emerges or the Supreme Court ultimately defines the constitutional limits of state authority, remains unresolved.
An arrest in Michigan initiates a specific legal process. Navigating the criminal justice system requires understanding each stage, from initial charges to sentencing.
This guide outlines what happens after an arrest in Michigan, explains common charges and their classifications, and provides a clear roadmap for protecting your rights.
Every state has its own set of laws and common offenses. In Michigan, the most frequent criminal charges include:
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI/DUI): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Assault and Battery: Ranging from simple altercations to serious injury cases.
Drug Possession: Often involving marijuana, opioids, or prescription drugs.
Theft and Property Crimes: Shoplifting, burglary, or auto theft.
Domestic Violence: Charges related to physical harm or threats against a household member.
Understanding the specific charge you face is the first step in building a defense.
In Michigan, criminal offenses are divided into misdemeanors and felonies.
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, typically punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $1,000. Common examples include petty theft, first-time OWI, or simple assault.
Felonies are much more serious and can carry sentences from more than 1 year to life in prison. Michigan felonies are grouped into Classes A through H:
Class A: Life imprisonment (e.g., first-degree murder, kidnapping).
Class B: Up to 20 years (e.g., child abuse, armed robbery).
Class C: Up to 15 years (e.g., manslaughter).
Class D: Up to 10 years (e.g., larceny over $20,000).
Class E–H: Ranging from 5 years to 2 years, depending on the offense.
Knowing whether your charge is a misdemeanor or felony is critical because it determines both potential penalties and long-term consequences.
The process usually follows these steps:
This is the initial stage where law enforcement takes you into custody. Booking is the formal process of recording your personal information, the details of your arrest, and the charges against you.
It involves taking your mugshot and fingerprints, and seizing any personal property on your person. This information is then used to create a criminal record. After booking, you are typically held in a local jail until your first court appearance.
A bail hearing is held to determine if you can be released from custody while your case is pending. The judge sets a bail amount, which is a sum of money you or a bail bond company must pay to ensure you return for future court dates.
Bail can be set at a high amount, or you may be released on your own recognizance (meaning you don't have to pay a bond but promise to appear) or with specific conditions, such as electronic monitoring or "no contact" orders. In some very serious cases, bail may be denied entirely.
The arraignment is your first formal court appearance. At this hearing, a judge or magistrate will officially inform you of the charges against you and advise you of your constitutional rights.
You'll be asked to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead guilty, the judge may proceed to sentencing immediately or schedule it for a later date. If you plead not guilty or "stand mute" (which is treated as a not guilty plea), the case will move forward.
This is also when a judge will confirm your attorney or determine if you qualify for a court-appointed public defender.
This step is crucial for felony cases only. The preliminary examination is a "mini-trial" held in District Court to determine if there is enough evidence to justify moving the case to the higher Circuit Court.
The prosecutor must present evidence and witness testimony to establish "probable cause" that a crime was committed and that you committed it. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence.
If the judge finds probable cause, the case is "bound over" to Circuit Court for trial. If not, the case can be dismissed.
Following the arraignment, a pre-trial conference is scheduled. This is a meeting between your defense attorney and the prosecutor to discuss the case.
This is a key opportunity for plea negotiations, where the prosecutor may offer a reduced charge or a specific sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. Most criminal cases are resolved at this stage through a plea bargain, without going to trial.
If a plea bargain cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial. A trial is a formal court proceeding where evidence is presented to a judge or a jury, who will decide whether you are guilty or not guilty.
The prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense attorney will present your side of the case, question the prosecution's witnesses, and work to create reasonable doubt.
If you are found guilty at trial or enter a guilty plea, the judge will proceed to sentencing. In Michigan, judges use sentencing guidelines to determine the appropriate penalty.
These guidelines are based on the severity of the crime and your prior criminal history. Before sentencing, a probation officer may conduct a pre-sentence investigation and prepare a report that includes background information and a sentencing recommendation.
The judge considers this report, along with arguments from both your attorney and the prosecutor, before imposing a final sentence.
Technically, you can represent yourself, but Michigan’s criminal courts are complex, and mistakes can cost you your freedom. An experienced defense attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, or even get a case dismissed.
Tip: Compare criminal defense lawyers in Michigan before making any decisions. Even a consultation can give you clarity.
If you can't afford a private attorney, you may qualify for a court-appointed public defender. These are licensed attorneys who are often experienced in criminal defense due to a high volume of cases.
In Michigan, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) works to ensure a fair defense for all, but there are some trade-offs to be aware of:
Understanding these points can help you set realistic expectations for your legal defense.
Here’s a quick overview of potential penalties in Michigan:
Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Felony Class A: Life in prison.
Felony Class B: Up to 20 years.
Felony Class C: Up to 15 years.
Felony Class D: Up to 10 years.
Felony Class E: Up to 5 years.
Felony Class F: Up to 4 years.
Felony Class G: Up to 2 years.
Felony Class H: Jail time, probation, or treatment programs.
The exact penalty depends on your charge, criminal history, and whether there were aggravating factors.
Yes, Michigan has expanded its expungement laws in recent years. You may qualify if it’s been a certain number of years since your conviction, and depending on the type of offense.
For example, many misdemeanors can be cleared after 3–5 years, while certain felonies may be eligible after 7 years. However, serious crimes like murder or criminal sexual conduct are not eligible.
Learn more about expungement eligibility from Michigan Legal Help
If this is your first offense, Michigan courts sometimes offer alternatives like:
Deferred sentencing (your record can be cleared after completing probation).
Diversion programs (such as substance abuse treatment).
HYTA (Holmes Youthful Trainee Act): Special consideration for individuals aged 17–24, allowing them to avoid a permanent record if they complete court requirements.
These programs can make a huge difference in protecting your future opportunities.
Attorney fees for a criminal lawyer in Michigan vary based on the case's complexity, the lawyer's experience, and the fee structure. For a simple misdemeanor, a flat fee of $1,500 to $4,000 is common.
More complex felony cases can cost $10,000 to over $25,000.
Lawyers typically use three fee structures:
Additional costs, like those for investigators or experts, are usually extra. Many lawyers offer free consultations and payment plans.
Don't wait, time matters in criminal cases. A good defense strategy should start immediately.
Click here to get your free case review in Michigan
What happens at an arraignment in Michigan?
At an arraignment, the judge reads the charges, informs you of your rights, and asks for your plea. Bail may also be discussed.
Can you go to jail for a first offense in Michigan?
Yes, even first offenses can result in jail time, depending on the charge. However, judges often consider alternatives for first-time offenders.
How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record in Michigan?
Without expungement, a misdemeanor stays permanently. With Michigan’s new laws, many misdemeanors can be expunged after a few years.
What is the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA)?
HYTA is a Michigan program that gives certain young people (17–24) a chance to keep their records clean if they successfully complete probation or treatment.
Gainey McKenna & Egleston has announced that it filed a securities class action lawsuit against Lantheus Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNTH) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The case is brought on behalf of all investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Lantheus stock between February 26, 2025, and August 5, 2025.
The lawsuit centers on claims that Lantheus misled shareholders about the competitive and pricing landscape for Pylarify, the company’s key imaging agent for prostate cancer.
According to the complaint, executives struck an optimistic tone in public statements but failed to disclose that:
The company wasn’t equipped to fully assess competitive pricing pressures for Pylarify.
A price hike rolled out in early 2025, despite evidence of price erosion the year before, left the door open for rivals to gain ground.
These dynamics put Pylarify’s pricing, revenue, and long-term growth at risk.
When the company revealed in early August that Pylarify sales had dropped 8.3% year-over-year and slashed its full-year outlook, the stock price tumbled almost 30% in a single trading day.
Investors who purchased Lantheus shares during the class period may have the right to join the lawsuit.
The deadline to seek appointment as lead plaintiff, the investor who acts on behalf of the class is November 10, 2025.
For more details, investors can contact:
Thomas J. McKenna, Esq. – tjmckenna@gme-law.com
Gregory M. Egleston, Esq. – gegleston@gme-law.com
Or call (212) 983-1300 to reach Gainey McKenna & Egleston directly.
Lantheus is a radiopharmaceutical company with a nearly 70-year legacy of innovating patient care. Headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, Lantheus is a leader in radiodiagnostics and is expanding aggressively into radiotherapeutics. Their journey began in 1956 as New England Nuclear and includes several landmark milestones—from FDA approvals and mergers to pioneering products like DEFINITY, AZEDRA, and PYLARIFY. Today, they partner with academic institutions and industry players to advance precision medicine and tackle unmet medical needs, with a portfolio focused on both disease detection and treatment innovation.
Gainey McKenna & Egleston is a New York and New Jersey-based civil litigation firm with nearly 30 years of legal experience. Litigating nationwide in both federal and state courts, the firm focuses on class actions for investors, consumers, and small businesses. Its core expertise spans securities fraud, ERISA, shareholder derivative, complex commercial and tort cases, as well as consumer and employment law matters like wage and hour disputes. Known for its aggressive, client-focused approach, the firm routinely handles multi-district litigation and is well-versed in the Manual for Complex Litigation and class-certification procedures.
The U.S. Treasury has announced sweeping sanctions against criminal syndicates in Southeast Asia, accusing them of orchestrating vast cyber scam operations that defrauded Americans of more than $10 billion last year.
Beyond the staggering financial losses, officials say these networks are built on a foundation of human rights abuses, forcing trafficked workers into fraudulent schemes through threats, violence, and debt bondage.
The action, led by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), signals Washington’s determination to confront a fast-growing criminal industry that thrives in loosely governed enclaves across Burma (Myanmar) and Cambodia.
At the heart of this crackdown is Shwe Kokko, a once-sleepy riverside village in Myanmar’s Karen State. Over the past decade it has been transformed into Yatai New City, a sprawling casino and resort complex that U.S. authorities now describe as a hub for organized crime.
Developed by Chinese businessman She Zhijiang, the project is closely linked to the Karen National Army (KNA) and its senior figures.
According to Treasury, the site has become a staging ground for online scams that lure workers under false pretenses and then trap them in forced labor conditions.
Victims have described a system that mixes the digital and the brutal: daily quotas for online scams, beatings for those who fall short, and in some cases forced prostitution. Family members are sometimes asked to pay ransom before their loved ones are released.
This, officials stress, is not isolated misconduct but an industrial-scale enterprise backed by local militias and corporate fronts.
Key KNA leaders, including Tin Win and Saw Min Min Oo, allegedly manage energy, construction, and automotive firms tied to Yatai’s expansion. These companies, Treasury says, are not legitimate engines of development but conduits for laundering profits and maintaining the infrastructure of coercion.
She Zhijiang’s Yatai International Holdings Group and its Myanmar joint ventures were also blacklisted, with sanctions citing their role in enabling human rights abuses.
The sanctions extend beyond Myanmar. In Cambodia, several gleaming casinos and hotel complexes are accused of doubling as scam compounds.
The Golden Sun Sky Casino & Hotel in Sihanoukville, run by Dong Lecheng, is alleged to have hosted trafficking victims forced into crypto-based investment fraud. Dong, already convicted of money laundering in the past, is now facing U.S. sanctions that freeze his access to the international financial system.
Other names singled out include Xu Aimin, who co-founded multiple hotel and gaming companies in Cambodia, and Chen Al Len and Su Liangsheng, directors of the Heng He Casino and its related enterprises.
Investigators say these properties function as pipelines, moving trafficked workers across provincial borders to sustain large-scale scam operations. Even HH Bank Cambodia, majority-owned by Chen and Su, was designated for its role in facilitating financial flows connected to these crimes.
What makes this enforcement action striking is its breadth. OFAC relied on a suite of executive orders, from those targeting transnational criminal organizations to others addressing cyber-enabled malicious activity and human rights abuses under the Global Magnitsky Act. (Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury)
Each designation freezes assets held in the United States and prohibits American individuals or businesses from engaging with sanctioned entities.
The sanctions are designed not only to punish but also to pressure these networks into collapse.
U.S. officials emphasized that companies knowingly engaging with traffickers risk secondary exposure, as subsidiaries and affiliates can automatically fall under the same restrictions.
Violations can trigger both civil and criminal penalties, and OFAC enforces these rules on a strict liability basis, meaning intent is no defense.
For legal practitioners, this action underscores the expanding overlap between human rights law, financial compliance, and cybercrime enforcement.
Multinational corporations operating in Asia, particularly those tied to the hospitality, gaming, and cryptocurrency sectors, must now navigate an environment where reputational and legal exposure can arise overnight.
Sanctions counsel will be critical, both for clients seeking to avoid inadvertent violations and for those exploring whether removal from the sanctions list is possible.
Equally important, these cases raise questions about the extraterritorial reach of U.S. sanctions law and the role of financial enforcement in combating modern slavery.
For those practicing in sanctions, compliance, or human rights litigation, this case offers a vivid illustration of how law can be wielded to fight organized crime on a global scale.
Morgan Lewis Nutter Attorneys Navigate MA Private Equity Deals in Boston
FBI Seeks Evidence in Charlie Kirk-Utah Valley University Shooting
It was supposed to be just another fiery campus debate. Instead, it ended in tragedy. Charlie Kirk, one of the most polarizing conservative voices in America, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Witnesses described the moment as surreal. Kirk was in mid-sentence when he collapsed on stage, struck by a bullet to the neck. Panic swept through the crowd of nearly 3,000 people.
Some students ducked for cover, others ran for the exits. Within minutes, paramedics were rushing him to a hospital, but the attempt to save his life came too late.
The investigation quickly outgrew the capacity of local police. Within hours, the FBI took the lead, calling the attack a matter of “national concern.”
In a statement posted on X , the Bureau confirmed:
The FBI is working alongside our local and state law enforcement partners in Utah to fully investigate and seek justice in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Anyone with information, photos, and video from the incident can help the FBI identity more… pic.twitter.com/JEQ22lIwfv
— FBI (@FBI) September 11, 2025
Authorities initially detained a person of interest, but that individual was later released. At the moment, no suspect has been identified or charged.
That leaves the legal questions hanging: Was this a politically motivated assassination? A lone gunman with a grudge? Or something more organized? Each possibility carries a different legal weight.
If the attack is tied to ideology, prosecutors could reach for domestic terrorism statutes. If not, it may remain classified as a high-profile first-degree homicide.
Federal Jurisdiction: Because the crime took place on a public university campus and may involve political motivation, the FBI’s presence ensures federal statutes apply.
Possible Charges: Murder, weapons charges, and depending on evidence - terrorism or hate crime enhancements.
Campus Responsibility: UVU could face lawsuits over whether it provided adequate security for a controversial public figure whose events often attract heated opposition.
This is where the tragedy spills over into civil law. Families of victims in similar cases have successfully sued institutions for failing to anticipate risks. Whether Kirk’s family pursues that route remains to be seen.
Think of the Boston Marathon bombing, or even the January 6 investigations, in both cases, ordinary people’s videos and smartphone footage became central to securing convictions. That’s why the FBI is leaning so heavily on the public right now.
Investigators will be looking for:
Angles of the shooter’s position (the shot is believed to have come from the Losee Center rooftop).
Unusual movement or behavior before and after the gunfire.
Metadata from digital files that could establish a timeline.
Charlie Kirk’s death has set off a major investigation that could even be classified as domestic terrorism. For now, the FBI is asking for the public’s help.
If you were there and have photos, videos, or any digital evidence, you can upload them directly through the FBI’s secure portal.
Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (NYSE: KGS), one of the country’s largest providers of contract compression services, has announced a significant secondary offering of its common stock.
The transaction involved 10 million shares sold by Frontier TopCo Partnership, L.P., an affiliate of EQT’s Infrastructure III and IV funds, raising roughly $344 million in gross proceeds.
The deal officially closed on September 9, 2025, following the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.. For Kodiak, the offering marks another step in broadening its investor base while EQT continues to rebalance its portfolio.
This transaction underlines Kirkland’s ongoing role in high-profile energy and infrastructure financings, a space where the firm has carved out a leading reputation.
Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal counsel to Kodiak, drawing on a team of experienced capital markets lawyers. The group was led by Matt Pacey and Jennifer Wu, with support from Ieuan List, Brick Christensen, Cassie Cox, Kyle Sledge, and Lauren Bingham.
Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., founded in 2010 and based in Houston, is one of the largest U.S. providers of contract compression services. With over 4 million horsepower in operation across major basins, Kodiak delivers fixed-fee, reliable compression and treating solutions, backed by a strong safety culture and commitment to sustainability.
Kirkland & Ellis is a leading global law firm known for its excellence in M&A, corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, and private equity. With offices in key financial centers worldwide, the firm advises clients across a broad range of industries. Recognized for its work on high-stakes transactions and disputes, Kirkland delivers innovative legal strategies backed by deep industry knowledge. Its focus on complex deals and cutting-edge solutions positions it as a trusted advisor in the global legal market.
Morgan Lewis is welcoming a three-partner team from Nutter, McClennen & Fish into its Boston office, further strengthening its M&A and private equity practices.
Shannon Zollo, who previously chaired Nutter’s M&A and private equity group, joins with longtime colleagues Joshua French and Meghan Kelly.
Firm chair Jami McKeon emphasized the significance of the move:
“Businesses and private equity sponsors navigating the intensifying deal landscape in today’s economy are faced with both significant challenges and remarkable opportunities that demand agility and strategic foresight, which is why they turn to Morgan Lewis.”
"The addition of Shannon, Josh, and Meghan enhances the firm’s global M&A and private equity platforms, which have already seen exciting growth with our significant expansion in Paris earlier this year and in related practices across business centers around the globe.”
Zollo, French, and Kelly bring a long history of collaboration. Their work spans mergers and acquisitions, financings, venture capital, and governance matters for clients across industries such as life sciences, healthcare, technology, consumer products, and manufacturing.
The team is also known for its close ties to Boston’s investment banking community.
Christina Melendi, leader of Morgan Lewis’s corporate and business transactions practice, noted:
“The team brings an extensive deal list representing private companies across many industry sectors and, just as important, they share our collaborative and entrepreneurial approach to client service. We are thrilled to welcome them to the firm.”
Morgan Lewis continues to grow its corporate and transactional practices worldwide. Its M&A and private equity platforms are consistently ranked by Chambers, The Legal 500, and deal trackers including Refinitiv and Mergermarket.
The Boston office has also welcomed recent laterals including Heather Egan in cybersecurity and privacy, and Tamara Shepard, who previously served in the US Department of Justice’s Tax Division.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a global law firm with more than 2,200 lawyers in over 32 offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Founded in 1873, the firm advises clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies on corporate, transactional, litigation, and regulatory matters. Known for its collaborative culture and industry depth, Morgan Lewis combines 150 years of legal experience with forward-looking solutions to help clients succeed in an evolving marketplace.
