Gunfire Erupts at GOP Headquarters in Virginia Ahead of Midterms — At Least One Person Shot

The dispute reached the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, where a three-judge panel examined the Justice Department's emergency request. During arguments, Judge Mark Bennett questioned whether federal authorities could compel California to modify election procedures established under state law.

On October 26, the appeals court rejected the administration's emergency appeal in a 2-1 decision, concluding that it lacked jurisdiction because the lower court had not yet issued the necessary ruling. The decision did not establish whether the disputed voters were citizens or noncitizens.