1 U.S. Has No idea How Many Americans Remain In Afghanistan
The U.S. government has no idea how many Americans are in Afghanistan. That’s the words from Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, who admitted to reporters that he "doesn't know" how many U.S. citizens remain in Afghanistan. This, as American troops keeping trying to move as many people out as quickly as possible as the Taliban tightens control. Kirby said the number of Americans “is a State Department question.” State Department spokesman Ned Price was asked the same question and said he's not certain of the number. The Taliban has taken control of Afghanistan, but the Kabul airport remains under American control. Still, the situation on the airport perimeter remains chaotic. It comes as President Biden says U.S. troops could remain in Afghanistan beyond the August 31st deadline – in order to get Americans out.
2 Officials: Third Covid Shot Available For Immunocompromised
COVID booster shots are going to be available to anyone who is eligible as soon as next month. As we told you before, the CDC and FDA believe a third shot will bolster protection as the initial two shots begin to wear down over time. It is recommended that anyone with a compromised immune system get the third shot as soon as possible. They must wait at least 28 days after having received a second shot. This applies to the Pfizer and Moderna products - there is no guidance yet for possibly getting a second J&J booster shot. Meanwhile, the director of the CDC says Americans may not need yearly COVID-19 booster shots. The thinking is that a third shot may strengthen the long-term protection of Pfizer or Moderna's vaccines. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said they're "not necessarily anticipating" that boosters will be needed annually.
3 DC Bomb Threat: All Clear Given, Suspect In Custody
The all clear has been given in Washington, DC after a bomb threat earlier yesterday. In a statement, U.S. Capitol Police say they safely took the suspect – who has since been identified as Floyd Ray Roseberry – into custody. While possible bomb making materials were removed from the truck, the vehicle thought to have bombs in it has been cleared. According to police, Roseberry was holed up in a black pickup near the Library of Congress, while nearby buildings were evacuated. Police negotiated with the suspect for hours after he said he had a bomb – and he was livestreaming on Facebook for much of the time. The U.S. Capitol Police Chief says Roseberry had been dealing with various issues, including the loss of his mother.