Guest: Betsy Smith – National Police Officers Association; Bill Buckmaster – KVOI Radio Show Host

Tucson Media and National Security Mark New Year's Start

Bill Buckmaster: 14 Years of Objective Journalism

Veteran broadcaster Bill Buckmaster marks 14 years of broadcasting in Tucson, following a distinguished career that began in Chicago and included 22 years hosting Arizona Illustrated on Channel 6. His approach to journalism remains steadfastly non-partisan, focusing on facilitating conversations rather than advocating positions.

"I wanted to do a program where everybody's voice is welcome and the host is not taking an advocacy position," Buckmaster explains. "Just letting the listeners hear what folks have to say and then make up their own mind."

His commitment to objectivity has been so successful that listeners consistently say they cannot determine his political affiliation. This stands in stark contrast to his earlier experiences in television news, where he witnessed concerning trends toward sensationalism and fear-based reporting.

New Year's Terror Attack Analysis

National Police Association spokesperson Betsy Smith provides detailed analysis of the New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans that left 14 dead and 33 injured. Key developments include:

### Attack Details

- Perpetrator identified as Damoud bin Jabbar, an Army veteran and IT specialist

- Used rental electric vehicle to bypass barriers

- Carried improvised explosive devices that failed to detonate

- Engaged in shootout with police before being killed

### Security Response

- Sugar Bowl reclassified as Level 1 security event

- Expanded security perimeter implemented

- Vehicle traffic severely restricted

- Additional law enforcement personnel deployed

- Barricades being reinstalled after November removal

### FBI Communication Issues

- Initial denial of terrorism connection contradicted local officials

- Leadership change brought in from DC headquarters

- Conflicting statements about potential conspirators

- Questions about prior surveillance of attacker

- Criticism of agency priorities

## Las Vegas Cybertruck Incident

A separate incident involved:

- Active-duty Special Forces soldier Matthew Livelsberger

- Five Bronze Stars recipient with multiple combat deployments

- Self-inflicted gunshot after vehicle explosion

- Possible connections to New Orleans under investigation

- Questions about military oversight

## Inauguration Security Outlook

Security preparations for the upcoming inauguration include:

- Level 1 security classification

- Multiple agency coordination

- Expanded security perimeter

- Integration of federal, state, and local law enforcement

- Involvement of military security elements

- Cooperation with DC mayor's office

The events highlight ongoing challenges with inter-agency communication and the need for reformed security protocols as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The incoming administration faces significant challenges in restoring public trust in federal law enforcement while maintaining effective security measures.