Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg to be sentenced Tuesday

Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg to be sentenced Tuesday
Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg to be sentenced Tuesday
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(NEW YORK) — Allen Weisselberg, one of former President Donald Trump’s most trusted and loyal employees, will face sentencing Tuesday after he pleaded guilty last year to 15 state crimes then testified against the Trump Organization this past fall.

Weisselberg, 75, pleaded guilty in August to devising and operating a 15-year scheme to defraud federal, state and city tax authorities by evading more than $1.7 million in taxes on unreported income in the form of company-provided perks that included the rent on his Manhattan, New York apartment, the leases on cars for himself and his wife and tuition for his grandchildren.

As part of a plea deal with prosecutors, he testified in the subsequent trial of the Trump Organization, which a Manhattan jury found guilty last month of criminal tax fraud for paying the personal expenses of some executives without reporting them as income, and of compensating them as independent contractors instead of full-time employees.

Weisselberg, while no longer the company’s chief financial officer, remained employed with Trump’s family real estate firm and expected to make more than $1 million last year in salary and bonuses, according to his testimony.

He was promised a sentence of five months in jail to be served on Rikers Island and five years’ probation in exchange for his testimony, and agreed to repay nearly $2 million in taxes owed.

Weisselberg pleaded guilty in August to one count of grand larceny in the second degree; three counts of criminal tax fraud in the third degree; one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree; one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree; one count of criminal tax fraud in the fourth degree; four counts of offering a false Instrument for filing in the first degree; and four counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.

“Allen Weisselberg admitted in Court that he used his position at the Trump Organization to bilk taxpayers and enrich himself,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at the time of his guilty plea. “Instead of paying his fair share like everyone else, Weisselberg had the Trump Organization provide him with a rent-free apartment, expensive cars, private school tuition for his grandchildren and new furniture — all without paying required taxes.”

Weisselberg’s attorney, Nicholas Gravante, declined to comment in advance of Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, but said he would make a statement when it was over.

Weisselberg testified at the trial of the Trump Organization that he reduced his reported salary by the total amount of personal expenses paid and that the company benefited by paying less in payroll taxes. He also testified his primary motive was greed.

As part of this testimony, he told a story about sitting with Trump in his office on the 26th floor of Trump Tower one day in 2012 when Donald Trump Jr. walked in with checks for his father to sign to cover tuition payments for Don Jr.’s children.

Trump looked over at Weisselberg with a chuckle and said, “I might as well pay for your grandkids too,” according to Weisselberg’s testimony.

Trump then began paying $100,000 a year for Weisselberg’s two grandchildren to attend Columbia Grammar School. Weisselberg did not declare it as income and never paid taxes on it, he testified.

Trump, who was not a defendant in the case against the Trump Organization, denied any wrongdoing and called the case “a continuation of the Greatest Political Witch Hunt in the History of our Country.”

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Grand jury declines to indict man who threw White Claw cans at Sen. Ted Cruz

Grand jury declines to indict man who threw White Claw cans at Sen. Ted Cruz
Grand jury declines to indict man who threw White Claw cans at Sen. Ted Cruz
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(HOUSTON) — A Texas grand jury has declined to indict a man who hurled two cans of White Claw hard seltzer at Sen. Ted Cruz during the Houston Astros’ World Series victory parade in November, according to court records.

After hearing evidence from prosecutors, the Harris County grand jury decided there was not enough probable cause to indict 33-year-old Joseph Arcidiacono, ABC Houston station KTRK-TV reported, citing court documents.

The panel’s decision on Friday prompted the 182nd District Court in Harris County to dismiss charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon previously filed against Arcidiacono.

During his initial court appearance in November, officials said Arcidiacono admitted throwing the White Claw cans at Cruz, telling police when he was detained, “I know I’m an idiot. I’m sorry.”

Cruz was riding on the back of a Humvee during the Nov. 7 parade on Smith Street in downtown Houston when he suddenly found himself dodging the cans tossed at him from the crowd.

A viral video of the incident showed one can missing the 52-year-old Texas Republican senator. A second unopened can appeared to hit Cruz in the forearm when he tried to deflect it.

The senator did not require medical attention, police said.

Police officers standing nearby quickly arrested Arcidiacono and jailed him on assault charges. Police initially said the suspect threw beer cans at Cruz, but later clarified that the objects were cans of White Claw.

Afterward, Cruz tweeted a video of the incident and issued a statement thanking the Houston Police and Capitol Police for their quick action.

“I’m also thankful that the clown who threw his White Claw had a noodle for an arm,” Cruz said in his statement.

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Five dead after man shoots and kills wife and three children: Police

Five dead after man shoots and kills wife and three children: Police
Five dead after man shoots and kills wife and three children: Police
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(NEW YORK) — Five people are dead, including the suspect, after a man allegedly shot and killed his wife and three children before turning the gun on himself, police say.

The incident occurred on Saturday when the High Point Police Department in North Carolina responded to an early morning call at approximately 7:05 a.m. to the 2700 block of Mossy Meadow Drive in High Point, just 13 miles southwest of the city of Greensboro, in reference to two people “screaming for help,” according to a statement released by the High Point Police Department.

“When officers arrived they came into contact with an adult male and female stating they needed help,” authorities said. “Officers had to force entry into the home, and once inside, they located five deceased people.”

All of the victims — three adults and two children — were pronounced dead at the scene of the crime, police said.

A subsequent statement from the High Point Police Department confirmed that investigators determined 45-year-old Robert J. Crayton, Jr. shot and killed his wife, 46-year-old Athalia Crayton, along with his three children aged 18, 16 and 10.

Police say that two other people who lived inside the home escaped but did not comment any further on their possible relation to the family in the statement released to the media.

The High Point Police Department also said that their officers have responded to the address where the alleged murder-suicide took place five times since 2014 with the last time being just over a year ago on Jan. 3 2022.

Officers say they are investigating a motive but did not elaborate beyond that.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of High Point at 336-889-4000.

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Twelve-year-old girl stabs 9-year-old brother to death, police say

Twelve-year-old girl stabs 9-year-old brother to death, police say
Twelve-year-old girl stabs 9-year-old brother to death, police say
kali9/Getty Images

(NEW YORK) — A 12-year-old girl has been arrested after allegedly stabbing her 9-year-old brother to death, police said.

The incident occurred late Friday night when the Tulsa Police Riverside Division in Oklahoma received a call at approximately 11:43 p.m. regarding a reported stabbing in the 1000 block of 64th Place South in the southern part of the city, according to a statement released by authorities.

The Tulsa Police Department said that once they arrived on the scene, paramedics and Tulsa firefighters were already performing CPR to the 9-year-old stabbing victim.

“Officers learned the children’s parent was upstairs asleep when the 12-year-old daughter woke the parent up and said that she had stabbed her 9-year-old brother,” the Tulsa Police Department said. “The 9-year-old male victim was rushed to the hospital and taken into surgery. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after 2:30 a.m.”

Tulsa Police Department Chief Wendell Franklin didn’t mince his words when he announced the tragic killing on social media.

“All homicides are tragic, but the 2nd homicide of 2023 in Tulsa shows a definitive societal problem,” Chief Franklin said. “The question is, how does society address a child killing another child?”

The unnamed 12-year-old suspect was subsequently taken into custody and is currently being held at the Family Center for Juvenile Justice, police said.

The motivation of the stabbing is currently unclear but the Tulsa Police Child Crisis Unit in handling the investigation.

No charges have been filed yet in this case but Oklahoma law says that any child under the age of 13 cannot be prosecuted as an adult for felony allegations of murder.

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DC man shoots, kills 13-year-old accused of breaking into vehicles: Police

DC man shoots, kills 13-year-old accused of breaking into vehicles: Police
DC man shoots, kills 13-year-old accused of breaking into vehicles: Police
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

(WASHINGTON) — A Washington, D.C., man fatally shot a 13-year-old boy early Saturday morning, whom he said was breaking into vehicles in his neighborhood, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Police identified the deceased teenager as Karon Blake of Northeast D.C.

The MPD and D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene at 3:55 a.m. after responding to a call of a shooting, where they discovered Karon suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the police report.

D.C. Fire and EMS transferred Karon to an area children’s hospital, where he was pronounced dead after attempts to save his life were unsuccessful, police said.

According to MPD detectives, the alleged shooter heard noises outside his home and noticed someone trying to break into vehicles shortly before 4 a.m. ET on Saturday.

The unidentified resident went outside with his registered firearm to investigate when he and Karon had some sort of interaction, resulting in the man shooting the 13-year-old boy, according to the report.

MPD did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment.

“I again wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of Karon Blake. He was a son, brother, friend and student who should still be here,” Ward 5 Council Member Zachary Parker told ABC News in a statement. “I am deeply saddened and outraged by Karon’s killing.”

The alleged shooter has not been charged with a crime or identified, but detectives from MPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident for any potential charges, according to the police report.

“No car or material possession is worth a life — under any circumstances,” Parker said. “I join Ward 5 residents in calling on the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold accountable the individual who took Karon’s life.”

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California towns evacuated as monster storm expected to bring foot of rain

California towns evacuated as monster storm expected to bring foot of rain
California towns evacuated as monster storm expected to bring foot of rain
Photography by Keith Getter (all rights reserved)/Getty Images

(NEW YORK) — Another “powerful” atmospheric river struck the West Coast Monday, and has already prompted evacuation orders and rescues in California as torrential rain, high winds and downed trees have created a dangerous situation for thousands of residents.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order for several California counties, including the Pajaro Community, low-lying areas around the Carmel River, Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Andrew Malero State Park. Around noon, the Montecito Fire Department issued an evacuation order for all of Montecito, parts of Carpinteria, Summerland and the City of Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Airport was shut down due to flooding and several rescues were undertaken as streets flooded and several roads were closed as the storm bore down, according to California officials.

Up to a foot of rain is expected to hit coastal areas before the two systems are done Tuesday morning, according to meteorologists.

“Take this seriously we anticipate rains to increase more in the afternoon hours,” Eric Boldt, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office said at an 11 a.m. news conference.

Flash flood alerts were issued Monday for several counties including Santa Barbara, Fresno and San Luis Obispo, according to the National Weather Service. Flash flood warnings were issued for the Bay area until Tuesday morning.

The latest forecast shows “two major episodes of heavy precipitation” impacting California “in quick succession,” along with “two of the more energetic and moisture-laden parade of cyclones that are aiming directly for” the Golden State NWS said. The first episode, which began streaming into central California on Sunday night, “is expected to be the more robust of the two,” resulting in rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches near the coast, according to the NWS.

The first system, which is still hitting the area, has already caused downed trees and damage throughout Northern California. Several California rivers approached or exceeded flood levels, according to officials

In Santa Cruz County, first responders had to use jet skis to rescue people stranded in the storm.

Montecito Fire Protection District Chief Kevin Taylor warned residents to heed evacuation warnings.

“We recognize that it is hard. It’s hard on you, your families and your businesses. But we know that you are strong, and our communities are strong and resilient,” he said.

The second episode is expected to quickly arrive Tuesday with less heavy rainfall totals but “impacting locations farther south into southern California,” the NWS said. The Sierra Nevada mountain range, which stretches along the eastern edge of California, will likely see snowfall totals “exceeding 6 feet across the higher elevations before the snow tapers off Wednesday morning,” according to the NWS.

The forecast shows hourly rainfall totals are likely to steadily increase through Tuesday morning, reaching 1 inch in central California’s coastal Santa Lucia mountain range. Elsewhere, peak hourly rainfall totals of one inch can be expected. The cumulative effect of successive heavy precipitation combined with gusty winds will lead to additional instances of flash flooding and debris flow — especially in burn scars and other areas of sensitive terrain — as well as mudslides and rapid rises of creeks, streams and rivers, according to the NWS.

“Significant” impacts to travel and infrastructure, including possible power outages, road closures, downed trees and snow load, can also be expected, the NWS said. Residents and visitors across the affected region have been advised to check their local forecast, never drive across flooded roadways and have both an emergency kit and evacuation plan in place.

As of noon local time on Monday, roughly 81,000 Bay Area customers and 34,000 Sacramento area customers were without power in California, according to data collected by the website PowerOutage.us. Officials warned residents that more outages are possible throughout the night.

Throughout Monday afternoon, first responders in tall vehicles had to travel through flooded streets and roads covered with debris from nearby hills and mountains.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned Sunday that the worst of the storms was yet to come. He said officials were preparing by activating emergency response teams and staging equipment throughout the state. The governor’s office also submitted a request to the White House for a presidential emergency declaration. President Joe Biden late Sunday approved an emergency declaration in California, ordering federal assistance to supplement state and local response efforts.

In Northern California, the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services issued an evacuation order on Sunday for residents living in the Wilton area, along the Cosumnes River.

“Flooding is imminent. Out of an abundance of caution, residents must leave now before roads become impassable,” the evacuation order stated. “Rising water may spill over onto the nearest roadways and cut off access to leave the area. Last weekend, exit routes flooded quickly for residents leaving Wilton, so we are urging residents to get out now.”

 

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Idaho murders: Suspect threw out trash in neighbors’ bins in middle of the night, source says

Idaho murders: Suspect threw out trash in neighbors’ bins in middle of the night, source says
Idaho murders: Suspect threw out trash in neighbors’ bins in middle of the night, source says
David Ryder/Getty Images

(NEW YORK) — Federal investigators saw Idaho quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger throw out garbage into neighbors’ trash bins in the middle of the night as they surveilled him in Pennsylvania in the days leading up to his arrest, a law enforcement source told ABC News.

Kohberger, 28, was arrested on Dec. 30 in his home state of Pennsylvania. Kohberger, a Ph.D. student in Washington State’s department of criminal justice and criminology at the time, was visiting his family in Pennsylvania over winter break.

The local FBI field office was first made aware of Kohberger’s presence in the region on Dec. 22, the source said. FBI agents surveilled his parents’ home in Albrightsville for four days before he was arrested, the source said.

Kohberger, who has since been extradited back to Idaho, was charged with first-degree murder and burglary for the killings of four University of Idaho students.

Roommates Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, as well as Kernodle’s boyfriend Ethan Chapin, were all stabbed to death in the girls’ home between 4 a.m. and 4:25 a.m. on Nov. 13. Two other roommates survived.

One of the survivors told police that night “she heard who she thought was Goncalves say something to the effect of ‘there’s someone here,'” according to court documents. But that could have been Kernodle on her phone because records showed she was on TikTok at about 4:12 a.m., the document said.

The roommate said “she looked out of her bedroom but did not see anything when she heard the comment about someone being in the house,” the documents said. “She opened her door a second time when she heard what she thought was crying coming from Kernodle’s room.”

The roommate “then said she heard a male voice say something to the effect of ‘it’s ok, I’m going to help you,'” according to the documents.

The roommate said she opened her door again when she heard the crying, and that’s when she saw a man in black clothes and a mask walking past her in the house, according to court documents. The roommate locked herself in her room after seeing him, the documents said.

Kohberger has not entered a plea. His next status hearing is Jan. 12.

 

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Grand jury to decide vigilante’s fate in fatal Texas taqueria robbery shooting

Grand jury to decide vigilante’s fate in fatal Texas taqueria robbery shooting
Grand jury to decide vigilante’s fate in fatal Texas taqueria robbery shooting
Houston Police Department

(HOUSTON) — The customer who fatally shot a masked robber inside a Houston taqueria and returned the stolen money to terrified diners is now the subject of a grand jury probe after he came forward for questioning, police said Monday.

Graphic security video from The Ranchito #4 taqueria in southwest Houston captured the customer pulling a pistol and turning the tables on the bandit as he circled the restaurant demanding customers to fork over their wallets while threatening them with what appeared to be a real handgun.

The footage showed the defiant customer pulling his weapon and firing from his seat at a booth, where he was dining with a man, hitting the robber multiple times in the back as some of the patrons dove under tables. The assailant collapsed near the front of the restaurant before the patron who shot him got up, stood over him and fired one more time point blank, the video shows.

At least nine gunshots could be heard on the video. No one else was injured in the incident.

The 46-year-old customer was questioned by Houston police homicide detectives on Monday, the Houston Police Department said in a statement.

“After consulting with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, it was determined the shooting will be referred to a grand jury,” the statement reads. “Since the male is not arrested or charged, his identity is not being released.”

The alleged robber who was killed was identified by police Monday as 30-year-old Eric Eugene Washington.

The shooting unfolded around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday as ten customers were dining inside the taqueria, according to the Houston Police Department.

“Witnesses told officers the suspect entered the restaurant and pointed a pistol at patrons as he demanded their money. As the suspect collected money from patrons, one of the patrons, described as a white or Hispanic male, produced a gun of his own and shot the suspect multiple times,” police said in a statement.

The gun the robber used to menace diners turned out to be a toy gun, police said. At the time of the robbery, the suspect was dressed all in black, including a black ski mask and black gloves, according to police.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, authorities said.

“The shooter collected the stolen money from the suspect and returned the money to other patrons. He and other patrons (victims) then fled the scene,” police said.

The security video shows the armed customer picking up the robber’s weapon and throwing it against a wall.

The customer agreed to be questioned by police after detectives seeking to identify him released a surveillance image of him and his pickup truck. Police asked other patrons who left the scene without providing officers a statement to also come forward.

 

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Newport News school shooting: 6-year-old’s mom bought gun legally; boy put it in backpack, brought to class

Newport News school shooting: 6-year-old’s mom bought gun legally; boy put it in backpack, brought to class
Newport News school shooting: 6-year-old’s mom bought gun legally; boy put it in backpack, brought to class
makenoodle/Getty Images

(NEWPORT NEWS, Va.) — A 6-year-old student took a handgun from his home, put it in his backpack and brought it to his Newport News, Virginia, elementary school where he allegedly shot and injured a teacher, according to police.

Police have interviewed the 6-year-old and his mother in the wake of Friday’s shooting at Richneck Elementary School and determined the gun was legally purchased by the boy’s mother, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said at a news conference Monday. The gun was in their home, and the 6-year-old “obtained that firearm,” put it in his backpack and brought it to school, Drew said.

The 6-year-old is accused of shooting 25-year-old teacher Abigail Zwerner in a first grade classroom, police said.

She was initially hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

“Abigail wanted me to tell you all … that she is in stable condition and she is thankful for the thoughts and prayers,” Drew said Monday.

Zwerner was giving class instruction when the student pointed the gun at her and fired one round, Drew said, adding that there was no physical struggle or fight.

Zwerner took a defensive position and raised her hand, and the bullet went through her hand and then into her chest, the chief said.

After Zwerner was shot, she ushered all of her students out of the classroom, the chief said, adding that she was the last person to leave that class.

The chief called Zwerner “a hero,” and said she’s repeatedly asked how her students are doing.

No students were injured and the 6-year-old suspect was taken into custody.

The 6-year-old suspect was taken to a hospital for evaluation, Drew said. A temporary detention order was obtained and the child is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility, Drew said Monday.

A motive has not been released. Authorities haven’t elaborated on the altercation between the student and teacher but the police chief told reporters Friday that the shooting was not accidental.

Asked by CNN on Sunday what will happen next for the suspect and if the 6-year-old’s parents could be held responsible, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones replied, “There’s a lot of questions that we have to answer.”

“Because it remains an investigation, we’re going to let itself work out before we rush to judgment at this time,” Jones said. “The individuals responsible will be held accountable — I can promise that.”

ABC News’ Meredith Deliso, Ivan Pereira and Ben Siu contributed to this report.

 

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Bills safety Damar Hamlin released from Cincinnati hospital, returns to Buffalo

Bills safety Damar Hamlin released from Cincinnati hospital, returns to Buffalo
Bills safety Damar Hamlin released from Cincinnati hospital, returns to Buffalo
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

(CINCINNATI) — Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been released from a Cincinnati hospital, one week after he suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed during a Monday Night Football game.

Hamlin, who had his heart restarted on the field, has returned to Buffalo for further treatment at another hospital, doctors said on a conference call Monday afternoon. He is now being treated at Buffalo General, according to Hamlin.

“We are thrilled and proud to share that Damar Hamlin has been released from the hospital and returned to Buffalo,” University of Cincinnati Medical Center said in a statement. “He is doing well and this is the next stage of his recovery.”

Hamlin tweeted minutes after the press conference that he was returning to Buffalo.

“Headed home to Buffalo today with a lot of love on my heart. Watching the world come together around me on Sunday was truly an amazing feeling,” he wrote. “The same love you all have shown me is the same love that I plan to put back into the world n more.”

Hamlin collapsed suddenly after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Jan. 2. He was quickly surrounded by medical personnel, who performed CPR and restarted his heart before being loaded into an ambulance and taken to the nearby hospital. The game was suspended and later canceled.

He also thanked his doctors in a tweet Monday afternoon: “Grateful for the awesome care I received at UCMC. Happy to be back in Buffalo. The docs and nurses at Buffalo General have already made me feel at home!”

Hamlin, 24, had his breathing tube removed early Friday morning and was up and walking around the medical unit the same day, Drs. Timothy Pritts and William Knight said at Monday’s conference

“We are mostly grateful for how well Damar has done,” Pritts said.

The doctors also said that Hamlin did not suffer any brain damage and has made good progress with his physical therapy.

Knight said some of Hamlin’s teammates accompanied him to the airport in Cincinnati.

In Buffalo, Hamlin will remain under strict care.

“He is going to be observed and monitored to ensure that there is no impact of the flight on his condition or on his lungs,” Knight said, adding that Hamlin will undergo tests to try to determine the cause of the collapse.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott said at Monday’s press conference he’d gotten a chance to go see Hamlin in the hospital before coming to the team facility.

“Super excited he’s back in Buffalo. Had a chance to see him a few minutes ago,” McDermott said. “He’s doing well, a little bit tired, but good to see him for the first time in person for a little bit.”

“He seemed happy to be back in Buffalo, in a familiar place to him,” he added. “He’s taking it one step at a time.”

The NFL honored Hamlin across the league on Sunday, the first day of games since his collapse. Players around the league wore “Love for Damar” T-shirts during pregame, while the Bills wore a No. 3 patch on their jerseys.

The Bills returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in their game against the New England Patriots and went on to win 35-24 to lock up the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

Hamlin, in his second year out of the University of Pittsburgh, shared a photo with his parents from his hospital bed a half hour before game time Sunday and tweeted several times as he watched the Bills and the tributes around the league.

ABC News’ Will McDuffie and Teddy Grant contributed to this report.

 

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