Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

News

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires
News

News

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

2024-09-11 15:52 Last Updated At:16:01

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

A firefighter is silhouetted against the glow from the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A firefighter is silhouetted against the glow from the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The Bridge Fire burns in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The Bridge Fire burns in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Two firefighters watch the Bridge Fire burn near a structure in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Two firefighters watch the Bridge Fire burn near a structure in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters are illuminated by the glow of the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters are illuminated by the glow of the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters establish a defense perimeter around a house threatened by the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Firefighters establish a defense perimeter around a house threatened by the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A fire engine is driven past a fire-engulfed structure as crews battle the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A fire engine is driven past a fire-engulfed structure as crews battle the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A plum of smoke created by the Airport Fire rises over a group playing soccer Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in a view from Irvine, Calif. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)

A plum of smoke created by the Airport Fire rises over a group playing soccer Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in a view from Irvine, Calif. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)

A person moves horses into a trailer as the Airport Fire closes in Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A person moves horses into a trailer as the Airport Fire closes in Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Firefighter Jonathan Lievanos extinguishes hot spots at a home destroyed by the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Jonathan Lievanos extinguishes hot spots at a home destroyed by the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Vehicles burn as the Airport Fire sweeps through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Vehicles burn as the Airport Fire sweeps through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A firefighter hoses down a vehicle after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A firefighter hoses down a vehicle after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A structure burns after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A structure burns after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Smoke from the Airport Fire rises behind Meander Lane in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Smoke from the Airport Fire rises behind Meander Lane in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

The Airport Fire burns a car and structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Airport Fire burns a car and structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Members of the Mill Creek Hotshots monitor the Line Fire Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, near Angelus Oaks, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Members of the Mill Creek Hotshots monitor the Line Fire Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, near Angelus Oaks, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Firefighter Nolan Graham sprays water around a scorched garage as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Nolan Graham sprays water around a scorched garage as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Gus Laws extinguishes flames on a home as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Gus Laws extinguishes flames on a home as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighters extinguish hot spots as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighters extinguish hot spots as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

The Line Fire jumps highway 330 as a motorist speeds past Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, near Running Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Line Fire jumps highway 330 as a motorist speeds past Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, near Running Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

People watch from a hilltop under a layer of smoke from the Airport Fire as the sun sets, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People watch from a hilltop under a layer of smoke from the Airport Fire as the sun sets, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People watch flames from the Airport Fire as it envelops a hill behind homes Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People watch flames from the Airport Fire as it envelops a hill behind homes Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Smoke rises from the Airport Fire as Cizar Moon works out at the driving range at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Smoke rises from the Airport Fire as Cizar Moon works out at the driving range at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

A plume of smoke created by the Airport Fire is seen on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Temescal Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A plume of smoke created by the Airport Fire is seen on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Temescal Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A scorched landscape is left behind by the Line Fire Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Running Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A scorched landscape is left behind by the Line Fire Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Running Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Smoke from the Airport Fire fills the air Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Smoke from the Airport Fire fills the air Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire from a ridge near Porter Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP)

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire from a ridge near Porter Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP)

The Airport Fire burns on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Airport Fire burns on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Airport Fire crests over a structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Airport Fire crests over a structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Water is dropped on the Airport Fire by helicopter Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Water is dropped on the Airport Fire by helicopter Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Vehicles sit destroyed after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Vehicles sit destroyed after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Mailboxes are still standing after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Mailboxes are still standing after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A vehicle burns from the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A vehicle burns from the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A firefighter battles the advancing Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in unincorporated Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A firefighter battles the advancing Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in unincorporated Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

A firefighter battles the Airport Fire, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A firefighter battles the Airport Fire, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

More Images
A firefighter is silhouetted against the glow from the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

The Bridge Fire burns in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The Bridge Fire burns in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Two firefighters watch the Bridge Fire burn near a structure in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Two firefighters watch the Bridge Fire burn near a structure in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters are illuminated by the glow of the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters are illuminated by the glow of the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters establish a defense perimeter around a house threatened by the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Firefighters establish a defense perimeter around a house threatened by the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A fire engine is driven past a fire-engulfed structure as crews battle the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A fire engine is driven past a fire-engulfed structure as crews battle the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A plum of smoke created by the Airport Fire rises over a group playing soccer Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in a view from Irvine, Calif. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)

A plum of smoke created by the Airport Fire rises over a group playing soccer Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in a view from Irvine, Calif. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)

A person moves horses into a trailer as the Airport Fire closes in Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A person moves horses into a trailer as the Airport Fire closes in Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Firefighter Jonathan Lievanos extinguishes hot spots at a home destroyed by the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Jonathan Lievanos extinguishes hot spots at a home destroyed by the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Vehicles burn as the Airport Fire sweeps through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Vehicles burn as the Airport Fire sweeps through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A firefighter hoses down a vehicle after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A firefighter hoses down a vehicle after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A structure burns after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A structure burns after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Smoke from the Airport Fire rises behind Meander Lane in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Smoke from the Airport Fire rises behind Meander Lane in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

The Airport Fire burns a car and structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Airport Fire burns a car and structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Members of the Mill Creek Hotshots monitor the Line Fire Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, near Angelus Oaks, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Members of the Mill Creek Hotshots monitor the Line Fire Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, near Angelus Oaks, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Firefighter Nolan Graham sprays water around a scorched garage as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Nolan Graham sprays water around a scorched garage as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Gus Laws extinguishes flames on a home as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Gus Laws extinguishes flames on a home as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighters extinguish hot spots as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighters extinguish hot spots as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

The Line Fire jumps highway 330 as a motorist speeds past Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, near Running Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Line Fire jumps highway 330 as a motorist speeds past Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, near Running Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

People watch from a hilltop under a layer of smoke from the Airport Fire as the sun sets, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People watch from a hilltop under a layer of smoke from the Airport Fire as the sun sets, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People watch flames from the Airport Fire as it envelops a hill behind homes Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People watch flames from the Airport Fire as it envelops a hill behind homes Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Smoke rises from the Airport Fire as Cizar Moon works out at the driving range at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

Smoke rises from the Airport Fire as Cizar Moon works out at the driving range at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

A plume of smoke created by the Airport Fire is seen on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Temescal Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A plume of smoke created by the Airport Fire is seen on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Temescal Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A scorched landscape is left behind by the Line Fire Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Running Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A scorched landscape is left behind by the Line Fire Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Running Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Smoke from the Airport Fire fills the air Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Smoke from the Airport Fire fills the air Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire from a ridge near Porter Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP)

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire from a ridge near Porter Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP)

The Airport Fire burns on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Airport Fire burns on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Airport Fire crests over a structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

The Airport Fire crests over a structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Water is dropped on the Airport Fire by helicopter Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Water is dropped on the Airport Fire by helicopter Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Vehicles sit destroyed after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Vehicles sit destroyed after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Mailboxes are still standing after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Mailboxes are still standing after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A vehicle burns from the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A vehicle burns from the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A firefighter battles the advancing Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in unincorporated Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A firefighter battles the advancing Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in unincorporated Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

A firefighter battles the Airport Fire, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A firefighter battles the Airport Fire, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

PHOTO COLLECTION: US Wildfires

Next Article

Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges

2024-09-17 21:58 Last Updated At:22:00

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was due in court Tuesday on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges that accuse him of hitting and abusing women for over a decade and presiding over an empire of sexual crimes.

The music mogul “engaged in a persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women and other individuals,” according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.

Detailing allegations dating to 2009, the indictment accuses him of abusing, threatening and coercing women for years “to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.”

Combs had been arrested late Monday in Manhattan, roughly six months after federal authorities conducting a sex trafficking investigation raided his luxurious homes in Los Angeles and Miami.

Over the past year, Combs has been sued by people who say he subjected them to physical or sexual abuse. He has denied many of those allegations, and his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said outside the courthouse Tuesday morning that Combs would plead not guilty and that he would “fight like hell” to try to get his client released from custody.

Of Combs, Agnifilo said, “His spirits are good. He’s confident.”

The indictment accuses Combs of striking, punching and dragging women on numerous occasions, throwing objects and kicking them — and enlisting his personal assistants, security and household staff to help hide it all.

The indictment describes Combs as the head of a criminal enterprise engaged in or attempting to engage in activities including sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, drug offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.

Combs, 54, was recognized as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop before a flood of allegations that emerged over the past year turned him into an industry pariah.

In November, his former girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, filed a lawsuit saying he had beaten and raped her for years. She accused Combs of coercing her, and others, into unwanted sex in drug-fueled settings.

The suit was settled in one day but months later CNN aired hotel security footage showing Combs punching and kicking Cassie and throwing her on a floor. After the video aired, Combs apologized, saying, “I was disgusted when I did it.”

Combs and his attorneys, however, denied similar allegations made by others in a string of lawsuits.

Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Cassie, said in a statement Tuesday that “neither Ms. Ventura nor I have any comment.”

“We appreciate your understanding and if that changes, we will certainly let you know,” he added.

A woman said Combs raped her two decades ago when she was 17. A music producer sued, saying Combs forced him to have sex with prostitutes. Another woman, April Lampros, said Combs subjected her to “terrifying sexual encounters,” starting when she was a college student in 1994.

The AP does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly, as Cassie and Lampros did.

Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, has gotten out of legal trouble before.

In 2001, he was acquitted of charges related to a Manhattan nightclub shooting two years earlier that injured three people. His then-protege, Shyne, was convicted of assault and other charges and served about eight years in prison.

This story has been corrected to show that Combs' age is 54, not 58.

Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz in New York and Andrew Dalton in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

FILE - Host Sean "Diddy" Combs presents the revolt black excellence award at the Billboard Music Awards, May 15, 2022, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

FILE - Host Sean "Diddy" Combs presents the revolt black excellence award at the Billboard Music Awards, May 15, 2022, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is expected in court after New York indictment

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is expected in court after New York indictment

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is expected in court after New York indictment

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is expected in court after New York indictment

FILE - Sean "Diddy" Combs arrives at the LA Premiere of "The Four: Battle For Stardom" at the CBS Radford Studio Center on May 30, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - Sean "Diddy" Combs arrives at the LA Premiere of "The Four: Battle For Stardom" at the CBS Radford Studio Center on May 30, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)

Recommended Articles