California: Governor Newsom and Acting Governor Kounalakis honor fallen CDCR Parole Agent
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~ Sacramento, CA - On July 17, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis expressed their condolences for the loss of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd. The agent was fatally shot at approximately 12:50 p.m. inside the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) office in Oakland.

In a joint statement, the governors praised Agent Byrd for his dedication and bravery in serving the state. "This is a heartbreaking loss. Agent Byrd served with integrity and courage - and we're forever grateful," they said. "We are keeping his family in our prayers and we join the men and women of CDCR in mourning this tragedy."

Agent Byrd, 40, had been with CDCR since June 2014 when he joined as a cadet at the correctional officer academy. He later became a correctional officer and sergeant before joining the DAPO Oakland office as a parole agent in October 2024.

He leaves behind a wife and children.

The suspect responsible for Agent Byrd's death has been detained by Oakland Police Department officers.

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In honor of Agent Byrd's sacrifice, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff. This marks the first line-of-duty loss for CDCR since 2018.

Meanwhile, Governor Newsom also made headlines today as he announced that California is suing the Trump administration over its decision to terminate federal grants funding for the state's high-speed rail project. The governor called out President Trump's actions as politically motivated and vowed to fight against them.

The High Speed Rail Authority is seeking legal action against the Trump administration's illegal termination of grant agreements funding the project. This move comes after months of tension between California and the federal government over various issues including immigration policies and environmental regulations.

Governor Newsom also addressed the importance of extending the state's Cap-and-Invest program, a key climate initiative that has been credited with creating 287,000 jobs and generating $55 billion in economic growth. He emphasized the critical role this program plays in California's economic future and pledged to continue fighting for its extension.

In response to Trump's latest decision to defund America's only high-speed rail project, Governor Newsom stated that the state is exploring all options to challenge this action. With tensions between California and the federal government continuing to escalate, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved.

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