New Iranian Leader Appointed After Strikes Kill Ayatollah

Austin police who stopped mass shooting face grand jury over use-of-force policy

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Reports from Iranian opposition media indicate that the Islamic State has appointed a new Supreme Leader after strikes killed the previous Ayatollah and much of the country's leadership. Meanwhile, the hero police officers in Austin, Texas who stopped a mass shooting over the weekend have been called before a grand jury due to a George Floyd-era policy on use of force.

Why it matters

The death of Iran's top leadership could have major geopolitical implications, as the Islamic State looks to consolidate power. In Austin, the grand jury review of the police response raises questions about the balance between public safety and use-of-force policies in the aftermath of high-profile incidents like the George Floyd case.

The details

According to the reports, the Islamic State launched a series of strikes that killed the previous Supreme Leader, the Ayatollah, along with much of Iran's political and military leadership. The Islamic State has now appointed a new Supreme Leader to take control of the country. In Austin, the police officers who were hailed as heroes for stopping a mass shooter were called before a grand jury to review their use of force, due to a policy implemented in the wake of the George Floyd incident.

  • The strikes in Iran that killed the Ayatollah and other leaders occurred in recent days.
  • The mass shooting incident in Austin took place over the past weekend.

The players

Islamic State

A militant Islamist group that has seized control of parts of the Middle East and is now looking to expand its influence in Iran.

Austin Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Austin, Texas that responded to and stopped a mass shooting incident in the city.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that our use-of-force policies strike the right balance between public safety and accountability.”

— Austin City Council Member (Austin American-Statesman)

What’s next

The grand jury will review the Austin police officers' actions in the mass shooting incident to determine if any disciplinary measures are warranted under the city's use-of-force policy.

The takeaway

The shifting power dynamics in Iran and the ongoing debate over police tactics in the U.S. highlight the complex challenges facing policymakers and law enforcement as they navigate volatile situations with major public safety implications.