thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Lindsey Graham In New Ad: 'Joe Biden Is As Good A Man As God Ever Created'

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) gushes in a new Republican ad that former Vice President Joe Biden is “ as good a man as God ever created ” — while President Donald Trump is a “ xenophobic , race-baiting , religious bigot.
” What a difference an administration makes .
The comments were pulled from Graham ’ s past , “ before he lost his conscience ” and became one of the president ’ s staunchest defenders , noted a statement from the Republican Voters Against Trump .
“ You want to know how to make America great again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Tell Donald Trump to go to hell.
” The ad backing Trump ’ s Democratic presidential rival features a very different Graham .
It will run on Fox News in the Charlotte and Greenville markets , reaching both South Carolina and the swing state of North Carolina .
It will also air on Fox News in Washington , D.C .
The old Graham “ lays out in explicit terms just how clear the choice is in this election , and why Joe Biden is suited to unite the country , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden has the empathy and proven experience to reach across the aisle and work with people ” — even Lindsey Graham .
Here ’ s more of Graham ’ s comments about Biden in an interview in 2015 , the same year he was bashing Trump :

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) gushes in a new Republican ad that former Vice President Joe Biden is “as good a man as God ever created” — while President Donald Trump is a “xenophobic, race-baiting, religious bigot.”
What a difference an administration makes. The comments were pulled from Graham’s past, “before he lost his conscience” and became one of the president’s staunchest defenders, noted a statement from the Republican Voters Against Trump.
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“You want to know how to make America great again?” Graham asked in 2015. “Tell Donald Trump to go to hell.”
The ad backing Trump’s Democratic presidential rival features a very different Graham. It will run on Fox News in the Charlotte and Greenville markets, reaching both South Carolina and the swing state of North Carolina. It will also air on Fox News in Washington, D.C.
The old Graham “lays out in explicit terms just how clear the choice is in this election, and why Joe Biden is suited to unite the country,” said RVAT spokesperson Sarah Longwell. “Joe Biden has the empathy and proven experience to reach across the aisle and work with people” — even Lindsey Graham.
Check out the ad up top.
Here’s more of Graham’s comments about Biden in an interview in 2015, the same year he was bashing Trump:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-12--Trump Reverses Rule Protecting Transgender Patients From Discrimination

President Donald Trump ’ s administration finalized a new policy Friday that ends an Obama-era protection for transgender patients facing discrimination in the health care system .
The now-revoked provision of the Affordable Care Act had broadened bans on sex discrimination in health care to include transgender patients , ensuring they could receive services at all hospitals and be covered under all insurance plans .
Now the Department of Health and Human Services is “ returning to the government ’ s interpretation of sex discrimination according to the plain meaning of the word “ sex ” as male or female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department wrote in its announcement .
The overturned section concerning transgender patients also banned discrimination against women who ’ d had abortions .
That decision comes despite the American Medical Association , the American Psychological Association and the National Association of Social Workers all endorsing non-discrimination policies for transgender patients .
The Trump administration vowed to take this action just over a year ago .
After a group of states and religious health care providers sued over that Obama rule , a federal judge agreed in 2016 to block it on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has yet to issue a final ruling .
The Trump administration has declined to enforce the rule since that 2016 injunction , so Friday ’ s announcement is more symbolic than anything .
Throughout his time in office , Trump has worked to severely narrow the legal definition of sex discrimination , leaving fewer people covered under civil rights protections across several industries .
Activist groups said the news was especially painful to receive during Pride Month , on the fourth anniversary of the mass shooting at Pulse , a gay nightclub in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day the world remembers and mourns the 49 lives lost in a senseless attack on our community four years ago in Orlando , the Trump administration has decided to continue its campaign to further discriminate and attack LGBTQ Americans , specifically transgender people , ” GLAAD tweeted .
“ Trump and his allies never fail to show that their extreme ideology comes before people ’ s health , safety , and lives , ” NARAL Pro-Choice America ’ s communications officer Adrienne Kimmell said in a statement .
“ This rule will hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already face barriers to accessing healthcare .
The cruelty of this administration knows no bounds .
”

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President Donald Trump’s administration finalized a new policy Friday that ends an Obama-era protection for transgender patients facing discrimination in the health care system.
The now-revoked provision of the Affordable Care Act had broadened bans on sex discrimination in health care to include transgender patients, ensuring they could receive services at all hospitals and be covered under all insurance plans.
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Now the Department of Health and Human Services is “returning to the government’s interpretation of sex discrimination according to the plain meaning of the word “sex” as male or female and as determined by biology,” the department wrote in its announcement. The overturned section concerning transgender patients also banned discrimination against women who’d had abortions.
That decision comes despite the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association and the National Association of Social Workers all endorsing non-discrimination policies for transgender patients.
The Trump administration vowed to take this action just over a year ago. After a group of states and religious health care providers sued over that Obama rule, a federal judge agreed in 2016 to block it on a temporary basis. However, the judge has yet to issue a final ruling.
The Trump administration has declined to enforce the rule since that 2016 injunction, so Friday’s announcement is more symbolic than anything. Throughout his time in office, Trump has worked to severely narrow the legal definition of sex discrimination, leaving fewer people covered under civil rights protections across several industries.
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Activist groups said the news was especially painful to receive during Pride Month, on the fourth anniversary of the mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
“On a day the world remembers and mourns the 49 lives lost in a senseless attack on our community four years ago in Orlando, the Trump administration has decided to continue its campaign to further discriminate and attack LGBTQ Americans, specifically transgender people,” GLAAD tweeted.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-12--The Violent Extremist Threat That's Growing During Nationwide Protests

LOGAN CYRUS via Getty Images A member of the far-right movement Boogaloo walks next to protestors outside a police station in Charlotte , North Carolina , on May 29 .
President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly that antifa , a favorite bogeyman , is behind the violence during recent waves of protest .
But while scant evidence supports Trump ’ s claims , another loosely organized movement has become a prominent sideshow at nationwide demonstrations and been linked with attacks and plots to create chaos .
Adherents of the far-right movement known as Boogaloo have shown up at various protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd in Minneapolis , attempting to use the demonstrations to further their own cause and in some cases carrying rifles .
Boogaloo devotees have also carried out violent attacks against police .
This week , a California district attorney said that Steven Carrillo , charged with the ambush shooting death of a sheriff ’ s deputy in California ’ s Santa Cruz County on June 6 , had ties to the Boogaloo .
Carrillo had written some of its slogans in blood on the hood of a nearby car before his arrest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was connected to the May 29 shooting death of a security officer at the federal building in Oakland , California ― a shooting that occurred during a large protest in that city over Floyd ’ s killing .
The Boogaloo movement is a somewhat amorphous anti-government community that under its umbrella includes militias , gun rights activists , libertarians and white supremacists .
What they share is a core set of symbols , terms and ideology centered on the belief a second civil war is coming to the U.S. , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extends to law enforcement .
Some in the Boogaloo movement have expressed admiration for Timothy McVeigh , the Oklahoma City bomber , and David Koresh , the religious cult leader whose standoff with authorities led to a violent confrontation in Waco , Texas .
Multiple movement supporters have been charged with plotting mass violence or linked to violent assaults .
Federal prosecutors in Nevada charged three men associated with Boogaloo with terrorism offenses last week , after authorities broke up a plot to cause mass violence and hijack a Black Lives Matter demonstration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier in June seized a large cache of guns and gear from a Boogaloo proponent at a Denver demonstration .
In previous months , an apparent Boogaloo supporter in Arkansas was charged with planning to kill an officer after describing his plot on a Facebook livestream , while police in Missouri shot and killed a neo-Nazi with ties to the movement who was planning on blowing up a hospital .
The Boogaloo movement grew out of internet culture and memes ; its name is a joking reference to the 1984 dance movie “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extent to which Boogaloo supporters have attempted to carry through the violence they discuss in online forums remains unclear , but researchers who have tracked the movement have watched its supporters continually try to capitalize on the unrest that has marked 2020 ― the coronavirus pandemic , protests of the lockdowns caused by the outbreak and the demonstrations triggered by Floyd ’ s death .
Following extremist movements with roots in internet culture can be a maddening task , as they continuously mutate and obsessively create new references and permutations of themselves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a big joke .
Boogaloo members have , for instance , appeared at protests in Hawaiian shirts with references to the “ big luau , ” an alteration of “ boogaloo ” created as a means of getting around scrutiny from social media platforms .
The ironic note and its absurdity are both a reflection of the movement ’ s roots in extreme online space and a veneer for its more extremist ideology ― it can be difficult to judge who among the movement is posturing and who is a true believer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at incels ( the shorthand for involuntary celibates notable for their misogyny ) or the Boogaloo movement or Qanon ( the absurd “ deep state ” /pedophile conspiracy theory ) , trying to determine which of these individuals are just keyboard warriors versus actual threats is very difficult , ” said Marc-Andre Argentino , a scholar at Montreal ’ s Concordia University who researches extremist groups on social media .
“ A lot of it is shitposting or internet bravado.
” Social media companies have been slow to take action against Boogaloo groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fringe networks where extremism and bigotry are engrained in the culture to more mainstream platforms .
Reddit has shut down several Boogaloo communities for inciting violence , but the movement has thrived on encrypted messaging applications such as Telegram and on the largest social platform , Facebook .
At least 125 Boogaloo groups with tens of thousands of followers could be found on Facebook as of April , according to a review by advocacy group Tech Transparency Project .
Facebook restricted the use of Boogaloo when used alongside violent images or calls to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the movement simply shifted terminology and the policy has had little effect .
“ When they really just have a libertarian , pro-2A ( Second Amendment ) narrative , it ’ s very hard for platforms to do anything , ” Argentino said .
“ There ’ s nothing really wrong with that in itself , except it does create an environment that leads to violent extremism and we ’ re getting to that point.
” In the past week , Facebook announced additional steps to limit the growth of Boogaloo groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer recommend them to users with similar interests .
But these groups are still largely out in plain view and available for public consumption , even if Facebook is no longer steering people directly to them .

A member of the far-right movement Boogaloo walks next to protestors outside a police station in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 29. LOGAN CYRUS via Getty Images
President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly that antifa, a favorite bogeyman, is behind the violence during recent waves of protest. But while scant evidence supports Trump’s claims, another loosely organized movement has become a prominent sideshow at nationwide demonstrations and been linked with attacks and plots to create chaos.
Adherents of the far-right movement known as Boogaloo have shown up at various protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, attempting to use the demonstrations to further their own cause and in some cases carrying rifles.
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Boogaloo devotees have also carried out violent attacks against police. This week, a California district attorney said that Steven Carrillo, charged with the ambush shooting death of a sheriff’s deputy in California’s Santa Cruz County on June 6, had ties to the Boogaloo. Carrillo had written some of its slogans in blood on the hood of a nearby car before his arrest. Authorities are reportedly looking into whether Carrillo was connected to the May 29 shooting death of a security officer at the federal building in Oakland, California ― a shooting that occurred during a large protest in that city over Floyd’s killing.
The Boogaloo movement is a somewhat amorphous anti-government community that under its umbrella includes militias, gun rights activists, libertarians and white supremacists. What they share is a core set of symbols, terms and ideology centered on the belief a second civil war is coming to the U.S., as well as a fervent opposition to the state that extends to law enforcement. Some in the Boogaloo movement have expressed admiration for Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, and David Koresh, the religious cult leader whose standoff with authorities led to a violent confrontation in Waco, Texas.
Multiple movement supporters have been charged with plotting mass violence or linked to violent assaults. Federal prosecutors in Nevada charged three men associated with Boogaloo with terrorism offenses last week, after authorities broke up a plot to cause mass violence and hijack a Black Lives Matter demonstration using Molotov cocktails and explosives.
Police earlier in June seized a large cache of guns and gear from a Boogaloo proponent at a Denver demonstration. In previous months, an apparent Boogaloo supporter in Arkansas was charged with planning to kill an officer after describing his plot on a Facebook livestream, while police in Missouri shot and killed a neo-Nazi with ties to the movement who was planning on blowing up a hospital.
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The Boogaloo movement grew out of internet culture and memes; its name is a joking reference to the 1984 dance movie “Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo.” The extent to which Boogaloo supporters have attempted to carry through the violence they discuss in online forums remains unclear, but researchers who have tracked the movement have watched its supporters continually try to capitalize on the unrest that has marked 2020 ― the coronavirus pandemic, protests of the lockdowns caused by the outbreak and the demonstrations triggered by Floyd’s death.
Following extremist movements with roots in internet culture can be a maddening task, as they continuously mutate and obsessively create new references and permutations of themselves. Often, they suggest the entire thing is a big joke. Boogaloo members have, for instance, appeared at protests in Hawaiian shirts with references to the “big luau,” an alteration of “boogaloo” created as a means of getting around scrutiny from social media platforms.
The ironic note and its absurdity are both a reflection of the movement’s roots in extreme online space and a veneer for its more extremist ideology ― it can be difficult to judge who among the movement is posturing and who is a true believer.
“When you’re looking at incels (the shorthand for involuntary celibates notable for their misogyny) or the Boogaloo movement or Qanon (the absurd “deep state”/pedophile conspiracy theory), trying to determine which of these individuals are just keyboard warriors versus actual threats is very difficult,” said Marc-Andre Argentino, a scholar at Montreal’s Concordia University who researches extremist groups on social media. “A lot of it is shitposting or internet bravado.”
But the increasing arrests of Boogaloo supporters ― as well as murders and deadly extremist attacks linked to Qanon and incels ― make it clear that these movements have the potential to create real harm.
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Social media companies have been slow to take action against Boogaloo groups, as the movement migrated from more fringe networks where extremism and bigotry are engrained in the culture to more mainstream platforms. Reddit has shut down several Boogaloo communities for inciting violence, but the movement has thrived on encrypted messaging applications such as Telegram and on the largest social platform, Facebook.
At least 125 Boogaloo groups with tens of thousands of followers could be found on Facebook as of April, according to a review by advocacy group Tech Transparency Project. Facebook restricted the use of Boogaloo when used alongside violent images or calls to action on May 1, but experts say the movement simply shifted terminology and the policy has had little effect.
“When they really just have a libertarian, pro-2A (Second Amendment) narrative, it’s very hard for platforms to do anything,” Argentino said. “There’s nothing really wrong with that in itself, except it does create an environment that leads to violent extremism and we’re getting to that point.”
In the past week, Facebook announced additional steps to limit the growth of Boogaloo groups on the platform and that it would no longer recommend them to users with similar interests. But these groups are still largely out in plain view and available for public consumption, even if Facebook is no longer steering people directly to them.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-12--Anti-Racism Protests Held Coast To Coast Across U.S.

Protests against systemic racism and police brutality continued across the nation on Friday , the 18th day since George Floyd , a Black man , was killed when a white Minneapolis cop knelt on his neck .
“ No more seeing injustice and nothing said , ” one activist said at a protest in Oakland , California .
“ No more systemic oppression .
No more young brothers and sisters dead — no more saying , ‘ That ’ s just how it is.
’ ” The protests , which started in Minneapolis on May 26 , the day after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country and the world .
Largely led by young Black people and drawing often massive , racially diverse crowds , the protests have already led to significant changes in policy and public opinion .
Several cities have committed to redirecting funding away from police departments to social programs , for instance , and a slew of monuments to racist leaders have been toppled .
Here are photos from a few of the protests across the country on Friday : The group has started marching through downtown Phoenix .
It has grown to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Brittni Thomason ( @ BrittniThomason ) June 13 , 2020 Day 15 of Oakland # GeorgeFloyd protest : the Hyphy protest with a couple hundred people continues at Lake Merritt with the first speaker , Kevin , who shares a little context behind today ’ s action .
pic.twitter.com/W9ZywVZW3a — Sarah Belle Lin ( @ SarahBelleLin ) June 12 , 2020 And a multiplicitous movement , no less .
We ’ ve got two protests again : one at the Wilson Building , and the DSA-led one at Freedom Plaza .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
pic.twitter.com/rYIVhmZpve — Margaret Barthel ( @ margaretbarthel ) June 12 , 2020 Event continues on the statehouse lawn .
Hundreds still gathered around listening .
We ’ ll have a live look at 6 on @ wsyx6 .
pic.twitter.com/oSg6MBoLwT — Jessi Starkey ( @ JessiStarkey ) June 12 , 2020 VIDEO : Protesters are calling for the re-naming of Legislative Plaza to the Ida B .
Wells Plaza .
They ’ ve put a black tarp over the Andrew Carmack plaque : that statue was toppled during previous protests .
@ FOXNashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) June 12 , 2020 There ’ s another small , peaceful protest tonight in # ElPaso of maybe 50 people .
Now chanting outside the police HQ .
pic.twitter.com/MLQMljLJ5Z — Cengiz ( @ CengizYar ) June 13 , 2020 Seattle # BlackLivesMatter march may be one of the largest marches I ’ ve seen in this city .
pic.twitter.com/SOoYOccRY3 — Joshua Trujillo ( @ joshtrujillo ) June 12 , 2020

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Protests against systemic racism and police brutality continued across the nation on Friday, the 18th day since George Floyd, a Black man, was killed when a white Minneapolis cop knelt on his neck.
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“No more seeing injustice and nothing said,” one activist said at a protest in Oakland, California. “No more systemic oppression. No more young brothers and sisters dead — no more saying, ‘That’s just how it is.’”
The protests, which started in Minneapolis on May 26, the day after Floyd was killed, quickly spread across the country and the world. Largely led by young Black people and drawing often massive, racially diverse crowds, the protests have already led to significant changes in policy and public opinion. Several cities have committed to redirecting funding away from police departments to social programs, for instance, and a slew of monuments to racist leaders have been toppled.
Here are photos from a few of the protests across the country on Friday:
Phoenix
The group has started marching through downtown Phoenix. It has grown to hundreds of people. #azfamily pic.twitter.com/vvMfYpGdNc — Brittni Thomason (@BrittniThomason) June 13, 2020
Oakland, California
Day 15 of Oakland #GeorgeFloyd protest: the Hyphy protest with a couple hundred people continues at Lake Merritt with the first speaker, Kevin, who shares a little context behind today’s action. pic.twitter.com/W9ZywVZW3a — Sarah Belle Lin (@SarahBelleLin) June 12, 2020
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Washington
And a multiplicitous movement, no less. We’ve got two protests again: one at the Wilson Building, and the DSA-led one at Freedom Plaza. I’d say about 100 at each. pic.twitter.com/rYIVhmZpve — Margaret Barthel (@margaretbarthel) June 12, 2020
Chicago
New York City
Syracuse, New York
#Syracuse protests makes it way back to Clinton Square pic.twitter.com/exdcY25Mi5 — Frankie Jupiter (@FrankieJupiter) June 12, 2020
Columbus, Ohio
Event continues on the statehouse lawn. Hundreds still gathered around listening. We’ll have a live look at 6 on @wsyx6. pic.twitter.com/oSg6MBoLwT — Jessi Starkey (@JessiStarkey) June 12, 2020
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Nashville
VIDEO: Protesters are calling for the re-naming of Legislative Plaza to the Ida B. Wells Plaza. They’ve put a black tarp over the Andrew Carmack plaque: that statue was toppled during previous protests. @FOXNashville pic.twitter.com/isKIP0L2i2 — Kathleen Serie (@Fox17Kathleen) June 12, 2020
El Paso, Texas
There’s another small, peaceful protest tonight in #ElPaso of maybe 50 people. Now chanting outside the police HQ. pic.twitter.com/MLQMljLJ5Z — Cengiz (@CengizYar) June 13, 2020
Seattle


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Donald Trump Is ‘Too Small To Meet The Moment’ In New Joe Biden Attack Ad

Donald Trump is “ too scared to face the people ” and “ too weak to lead ” in Joe Biden ’ s new attack ad .
The 51-second clip , released by the presumptive Democratic 2020 nominee ’ s campaign team on Friday , slams the president ’ s response to anti-racism protests that have spread nationwide following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month .
Trump is “ like a deer in the headlights , ” says the narrator of the spot , who recalls how the president retreated to a bunker beneath the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C .
The president later claimed he only visited the underground Presidential Emergency Operations Center “ for an inspection.
” The ad also remembers how federal authorities used tear gas to clear peaceful protesters so that Trump could walk through Lafayette Square Park , near the White House , to pose for photos in front of St. John ’ s Church .
Trump is “ too small to meet the moment , ” the narrator concludes .
Biden himself has fiercely condemned Trump ’ s divisive rhetoric on the protests .
The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened to send in troops , causing controversy and confusion earlier this week by claiming police officers are “ dominating the street with compassion.
” Check out the Biden campaign ad here :

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Donald Trump is “too scared to face the people” and “too weak to lead” in Joe Biden’s new attack ad.
The 51-second clip, released by the presumptive 2020 Democratic nominee’s campaign team on Friday, slams the president’s response to anti-racism protests that have spread nationwide following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.
Trump is “like a deer in the headlights,” says the narrator of the spot, who recalls how the president retreated to a bunker beneath the White House when demonstrations broke out in Washington D.C.
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The president later claimed he only visited the underground Presidential Emergency Operations Center “for an inspection.”
The ad also remembers how federal authorities used tear gas to clear peaceful protesters so that Trump could walk through Lafayette Square Park, near the White House, to pose for photos in front of St. John’s Church.
Trump is “too small to meet the moment,” the narrator concludes.
Biden himself has fiercely condemned Trump’s divisive rhetoric on the protests.
The president has called protesters “THUGS” and threatened to send in troops, causing controversy and confusion earlier this week by claiming police officers are “dominating the street with compassion.”
Check out the Biden campaign ad here:
Our country is crying out for leadership that Donald Trump can’t deliver. pic.twitter.com/QHvUdgg6Io — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 12, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-12--DOJ Spreads Bogus Claim About Maryland Protest In Letter Defending Religious Liberty

The U.S. Department of Justice published a passionate defense of Americans ’ right to worship during the coronavirus pandemic in a letter to county officials in Maryland on June 10 .
But the letter was based on flawed reporting , which the Justice Department has failed to publicly correct .
The DOJ was trying to make a point about a Black Lives Matter protest organized by high school students on the grounds of the Connie Morella Library in Bethesda on June 2 .
A letter from Eric Dreiband , assistant attorney general for the Justice Department ’ s civil rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they were going to support “ hundreds of people packed into a library ” for a protest , they should be equally supportive of people gathering to worship during the pandemic .
But the Connie Morella Library is closed .
Photos captured by local ABC-affiliate WJLA show that the protest was in the library ’ s parking lot .
A makeshift lectern for the rally was set up in front of the library ’ s doors , and hundreds of attendees can be seen in photos seated on the ground outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the DOJ ’ s original letter containing the claim that hundreds of people packed into the library could still be found on the department ’ s website .
County Executive Marc Elrich revised local virus-related restrictions on social gatherings in an executive order that went into effect on June 1 .
The new order prohibits gatherings larger than 10 people , including those that take place outside , such as “ parades ” and “ festivals.
” The order allowed for drive-in religious services to take place as long as attendees remained inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interact with others at the house of worship .
On the same day that the new order went into effect , Elrich and county officials published a statement supporting residents protesting “ in our streets ” after the death of George Floyd , a Black man who was killed in Minneapolis police custody on May 25 .
“ We understand that protests are typically held outdoors — where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower — and that religious services are typically held indoors , ” Drieband ’ s letter read .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 2 reportedly involved hundreds of persons packed into a library.
” Earlier this year , Attorney General William Barr tapped Dreiband to lead a nationwide review of state and local policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The review is part of the DOJ ’ s wider push to prioritize religious freedom .
During President Donald Trump ’ s first two years in the White House , the Justice Department has submitted more friend-of-the-court briefs in religious liberty cases than the Obama and Bush administrations did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Justice Department has also filed briefs at lower-level courts faster than in the previous two administrations .
The majority of the Justice Department ’ s statements of interest and friend-of-the-court briefs defend conservative Christian positions on issues such as abortion and LGBTQ rights .
During the pandemic , the Justice Department has placed a priority on protecting the ability of churches to stay open in defiance of state and local stay-at-home orders .
Maryland ’ s health department has reported 2,773 COVID-19 deaths , with the highest number ( 640 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of positive cases in the state is decreasing .
On Friday , total current hospitalizations from the virus were at their lowest level in 66 days .

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The U.S. Department of Justice published a passionate defense of Americans’ right to worship during the coronavirus pandemic in a letter to county officials in Maryland on June 10. But the letter was based on flawed reporting, which the Justice Department has failed to publicly correct.
The DOJ was trying to make a point about a Black Lives Matter protest organized by high school students on the grounds of the Connie Morella Library in Bethesda on June 2. A letter from Eric Dreiband, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s civil rights division, informed Montgomery County officials that if they were going to support “hundreds of people packed into a library” for a protest, they should be equally supportive of people gathering to worship during the pandemic.
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“Compliance with the First Amendment is not optional, and the First Amendment protects both free exercise and assembly rights,” Dreiband’s letter said.
But the Connie Morella Library is closed. Photos captured by local ABC-affiliate WJLA show that the protest was in the library’s parking lot. A makeshift lectern for the rally was set up in front of the library’s doors, and hundreds of attendees can be seen in photos seated on the ground outside the library.
Demonstrators hold signs as they protest the death of George Floyd outside the Connie Morella Library on June 2 in Bethesda, Maryland. OLIVIER DOULIERY via Getty Images
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Asked about the discrepancy, a Justice Department spokesperson acknowledged to HuffPost that local Fox News affiliate WTTG had gotten the facts wrong in its story about the protest.
“See fox story, which they have since issued correction to,” the spokesperson wrote in an email.
As of Friday evening, the DOJ’s original letter containing the claim that hundreds of people packed into the library could still be found on the department’s website.
HuffPost has reached out to Montgomery County for comment.
County Executive Marc Elrich revised local virus-related restrictions on social gatherings in an executive order that went into effect on June 1. The new order prohibits gatherings larger than 10 people, including those that take place outside, such as “parades” and “festivals.” The order allowed for drive-in religious services to take place as long as attendees remained inside their vehicles and didn’t physically interact with others at the house of worship.
On the same day that the new order went into effect, Elrich and county officials published a statement supporting residents protesting “in our streets” after the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.
“The County will continue to provide a protected environment for memorials, rallies, and nonviolent protests,” the statement said.
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Public health experts have warned that COVID-19 has the potential to spread easily in places with poor ventilation and during events where people sing or shout.
Anti-racism protesters sit outside the Connie Morella Library in Bethesda, Maryland, on June 2. OLIVIER DOULIERY via Getty Images
In the Justice Department’s letter, Dreiband applauded the county’s efforts to support peaceful protest. But “selectively” enforcing the county’s order to permit political protests while denying similar gatherings for religious exercise would “raise grave concerns,” he said.
“We understand that protests are typically held outdoors — where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower — and that religious services are typically held indoors,” Drieband’s letter read. “But the protest held in Bethesda on June 2 reportedly involved hundreds of persons packed into a library.”
The DOJ will “continue to take action” if states and local governments infringe on religious freedom and other civil liberties, Dreiband added in a Thursday press release about the letter.
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Earlier this year, Attorney General William Barr tapped Dreiband to lead a nationwide review of state and local policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review is part of the DOJ’s wider push to prioritize religious freedom. During President Donald Trump’s first two years in the White House, the Justice Department has submitted more friend-of-the-court briefs in religious liberty cases than the Obama and Bush administrations did during their first two years. Trump’s Justice Department has also filed briefs at lower-level courts faster than in the previous two administrations.
The majority of the Justice Department’s statements of interest and friend-of-the-court briefs defend conservative Christian positions on issues such as abortion and LGBTQ rights. During the pandemic, the Justice Department has placed a priority on protecting the ability of churches to stay open in defiance of state and local stay-at-home orders.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Udder Failure: Devin Nunes Can't ID Critics Behind Cow Tweets, So Suit Appears Moot

His attorney complained in a court in Richmond , Virginia , on Friday that he and the congressman have hit a “ dead end ” in their bid to identify the scathing Nunes critics behind “ Devin Nunes ’ Cow ” — and “ Devin Nunes ’ Mom , ” The Fresno Bee reported .
Nunes sued Twitter and the parody accounts last year , claiming they defamed him .
The lawsuit , seeking a total of $ 250 million , alleges that Twitter worked with Republican strategist Liz Mair and the two accounts to damage Nunes ’ s reelection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nunes was reelected .
The lawsuit triggered an explosion in the number of followers of the parody accounts — and an explosion in the number of parody accounts .
The number of followers of the cow account rocketed from 1,000 initially to 700,000 today .
Twitter argued early this year that Nunes can ’ t sue the social media company for remarks in the parody accounts because federal law gives them “ broad immunity ” from liability for the comments of their users .
Twitter also refused to reveal the identities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marshall has not ordered the company to do so — making suing those people virtually impossible , complained Nunes ’ s attorney Steven Biss .
“ We ’ re trying to figure out who they are , and we read the comments on Twitter — as painful as it is — we do that every day , ” Biss said .
“ But we ’ re at a dead end.
” He added angrily : “ They ’ re doing more than allowing Liz Mair , the cow and the mom to post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ re promoting an anti-Nunes agenda , they ’ re banning conservative accounts and they ’ re knowingly encouraging it.
” Marshall has not yet ruled on the case , but he didn ’ t appear particularly sympathetic to Nunes ’ s suit .
“ I don ’ t know of any requirement in the law that says these sites have to be neutral , ” Marshall said in court Friday .
“ Just because you don ’ t like it and asked to have them take it down , doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they don ’ t take it down .
”

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) has apparently milked attempts to punish anti-Nunes parody Twitter accounts long enough.
His attorney complained in a court in Richmond, Virginia, on Friday that he and the congressman have hit a “dead end” in their bid to identify the scathing Nunes critics behind “Devin Nunes’ Cow” — and “Devin Nunes’ Mom,” The Fresno Bee reported.
Nunes sued Twitter and the parody accounts last year, claiming they defamed him. The lawsuit, seeking a total of $250 million, alleges that Twitter worked with Republican strategist Liz Mair and the two accounts to damage Nunes’s reelection bid in 2018 — which Twitter denies. Nunes was reelected.
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The lawsuit triggered an explosion in the number of followers of the parody accounts — and an explosion in the number of parody accounts. The number of followers of the cow account rocketed from 1,000 initially to 700,000 today.
Just a reminder that there is a legal fund for @NunesAlt and I. Any remaining funds will go to the Democrat who runs against Milk Dud🐮#FirstAmendment https://t.co/9l1sxCFuKb — Devin Nunes’ cow 🐮 (@DevinCow) November 1, 2019
Twitter argued early this year that Nunes can’t sue the social media company for remarks in the parody accounts because federal law gives them “broad immunity” from liability for the comments of their users.
Twitter also refused to reveal the identities of the account holders. Virginia Judge John Marshall has not ordered the company to do so — making suing those people virtually impossible, complained Nunes’s attorney Steven Biss.
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“We’re trying to figure out who they are, and we read the comments on Twitter — as painful as it is — we do that every day,” Biss said. “But we’re at a dead end.”
He added angrily: “They’re doing more than allowing Liz Mair, the cow and the mom to post a tweet. They’re censoring, they’re promoting an anti-Nunes agenda, they’re banning conservative accounts and they’re knowingly encouraging it.”
Marshall has not yet ruled on the case, but he didn’t appear particularly sympathetic to Nunes’s suit. “I don’t know of any requirement in the law that says these sites have to be neutral,” Marshall said in court Friday. “Just because you don’t like it and asked to have them take it down, doesn’t mean they’re liable if they don’t take it down.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Doctors Issue Ominous Coronavirus Warnings About Trump Rally: 'A Set Up For Disaster'

Doctors spelled out the potential health risks associated with President Donald Trump ’ s upcoming rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , amid the coronavirus pandemic during interviews on cable news Friday .
Next week ’ s indoor rally at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center could become a super-spreader event , two medical professionals warned , noting how the Trump campaign has applied a legal disclaimer to its website telling people wanting tickets that they can ’ t sue if they contract the contagion there .
Oklahoma has experienced an uptick in confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host Chris Hayes suggested to Dr. Kavita Patel , a primary care physician , that “ a packed indoor facility with people yelling and screaming and cheering next to each other without masks ” was “ a worst-case scenario for a super-spreading event ” and asked if it was “ a fair read of the science.
” “ Not only is that a fair read but we have evidence that that is exactly how we are getting these ‘ super spreader ’ events , whether it ’ s in a choir , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” responded Patel .
“ We know that this is just a set up for disaster.
” “ Just have the rallies outside , ” said Hayes , who acknowledged not knowing what measures the Trump campaign was planning to take to stop the possible spread of the virus at the rally .
Check out the interview above .
Trump ’ s campaign manager Brad Parscale has claimed 300,000 tickets have been registered for the event , which the president announced Friday would be moved from next Friday to Saturday so it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think if the risk is low and if it ’ s safe to gather in large numbers at a political rally I would just challenge the president to drop that disclaimer , drop that proviso to the attendees , ” he told CNN ’ s Erin Burnett .
“ Why is the president asking attendees to assume a risk ?
” he added .
“ Look , the CDC today issued guidance on large gatherings , and they warned about it .
Tulsa is a place which actually today had a record number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is holding a rally in a hot zone .
That ’ s how you propagate the pandemic.
” '' If the risk is low , and if it 's safe to gather in large numbers at a political rally , I would just challenge the President to drop that disclaimer . ''
- Dr. Reiner , former WH medical adviser , on the Trump campaign saying it ca n't be held liable if rally attendees contract Covid-19 pic.twitter.com/SSAL9QCI0n — OutFrontCNN ( @ OutFrontCNN ) June 13 , 2020

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Doctors spelled out the potential health risks associated with President Donald Trump’s upcoming rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, amid the coronavirus pandemic during interviews on cable news Friday.
Next week’s indoor rally at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center could become a super-spreader event, two medical professionals warned, noting how the Trump campaign has applied a legal disclaimer to its website telling people wanting tickets that they can’t sue if they contract the contagion there.
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Oklahoma has experienced an uptick in confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in recent days.
MSNBC host Chris Hayes suggested to Dr. Kavita Patel, a primary care physician, that “a packed indoor facility with people yelling and screaming and cheering next to each other without masks” was “a worst-case scenario for a super-spreading event” and asked if it was “a fair read of the science.”
“Not only is that a fair read, but we have evidence that that is exactly how we are getting these ‘super spreader’ events, whether it’s in a choir, in a church, at a party,” responded Patel. “We know that this is just a setup for disaster.”
“Just have the rallies outside,” said Hayes, who acknowledged not knowing what measures the Trump campaign was planning to take to stop the possible spread of the virus at the rally. Check out the interview above.
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Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale has claimed 300,000 tickets have been registered for the event. On Friday, the president announced the rally would be moved by one day so it would not fall on Juneteenth.
Cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Reiner, who treated former Vice President Dick Cheney, meanwhile, suggested calling the Trump campaign’s bluff on its waiver.
“I think if the risk is low and if it’s safe to gather in large numbers at a political rally, I would just challenge the president to drop that disclaimer, drop that proviso to the attendees,” he told CNN’s Erin Burnett.
“Why is the president asking attendees to assume a risk?” he added. “Look, the CDC today issued guidance on large gatherings, and they warned about it. Tulsa is a place which actually today had a record number of cases. So, the president is holding a rally in a hot zone. That’s how you propagate the pandemic.”
Check out the interview here:
"If the risk is low, and if it's safe to gather in large numbers at a political rally, I would just challenge the President to drop that disclaimer." - Dr. Reiner, former WH medical adviser, on the Trump campaign saying it can't be held liable if rally attendees contract Covid-19 pic.twitter.com/SSAL9QCI0n — OutFrontCNN (@OutFrontCNN) June 13, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-12--Naming Bases For Confederate Generals Is Like Having A Camp Bin Laden, Charges Vets' Ad

A startling new ad by a veterans organization argues that naming American military bases after Confederate generals determined to destroy the government is like naming a base for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden .
To chillingly illustrate the point , the ad features a welcome sign to an imaginary U.S. Army “ Camp Bin Laden.
” “ We wouldn ’ t name American military bases after enemies who attacked our country , ” states the video produced by the progressive VoteVets , which claims 700,000 members .
“ But 10 military bases still bear the names of Confederate army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the United States in defense of slavery.
” So “ why does Donald Trump so desperately want to keep the names of other racist enemies on our Army bases ?
” asked a VoteVets tweet that accompanied the release of the video .
Our new ad cuts to the chase , and pulls no punches : We ’ d never name bases after America ’ s enemies , like Osama bin Laden .
Why does Donald Trump so desperately want to keep the names of other racist enemies on our Army bases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) June 12 , 2020 The powerful message is the latest salvo in the push to change military base names honoring Confederate military leaders .
The battle has gained steam in the wake of the national outcry after George Floyd , a 46-year-old Black man , died when a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith said in a statement Monday that Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy were “ open to a bipartisan discussion ” about renaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy both this week banned the display of the Confederate flag .
But the president declared Wednesday he “ will not even consider ” renaming the military bases , claiming it would be disrespectful .
The “ Magnificent and Fabled ” bases have become “ part of a great American heritage , and a history of winning , victory and freedom , ” Trump tweeted , failing to note that the Confederate military leaders lost .
“ Respect our military !
” he added .
The VoteVets ad declared that the Confederate names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bases today ” — as does Donald Trump .
“ We need to rename these forts for American heroes — men and women who served our country honorably , ” the video concludes .
( Check out the video up top . )
Former CIA director David Petraeus , a retired Army general , sounded a similar note in an opinion article piece this week in The Atlantic .
He pointed out that the current names honor those tho “ took up arms against the United States ” and fought for the “ @ @ @ @ @ @

A startling new ad by a veterans organization argues that naming American military bases after Confederate generals determined to destroy the government is like naming a base for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
To chillingly illustrate the point, the ad features a welcome sign to an imaginary U.S. Army “Camp Bin Laden.”
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“We wouldn’t name American military bases after enemies who attacked our country,” states the video produced by the progressive VoteVets, which claims 700,000 members. “But 10 military bases still bear the names of Confederate army traitors — enemies who took up arms against the United States in defense of slavery.”
So “why does Donald Trump so desperately want to keep the names of other racist enemies on our Army bases?” asked a VoteVets tweet that accompanied the release of the video.
Our new ad cuts to the chase, and pulls no punches: We’d never name bases after America’s enemies, like Osama bin Laden. Why does Donald Trump so desperately want to keep the names of other racist enemies on our Army bases? pic.twitter.com/Pfixi2Tu6w — VoteVets (@votevets) June 12, 2020
The powerful message is the latest salvo in the push to change military base names honoring Confederate military leaders. The battle has gained steam in the wake of the national outcry after George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died when a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
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Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith said in a statement Monday that Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy were “open to a bipartisan discussion” about renaming the bases. The Marines and the Navy both this week banned the display of the Confederate flag.
But the president declared Wednesday he “will not even consider” renaming the military bases, claiming it would be disrespectful.
The “Magnificent and Fabled” bases have become “part of a great American heritage, and a history of winning, victory and freedom,” Trump tweeted, failing to note that the Confederate military leaders lost. “Respect our military!” he added.
The VoteVets ad declared that the Confederate names “dishonor those who serve on those bases today” — as does Donald Trump. “We need to rename these forts for American heroes — men and women who served our country honorably,” the video concludes. (Check out the video up top.)


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Trump Accused Of Exploiting Sacred Symbols By Clergy Of Church Where He Married Melania

President Donald Trump was earlier this month accused of exploiting sacred symbols “ for purely political purposes ” by the clergy of the Palm Beach , Florida , church where he married Melania Trump in 2005 , it emerged this week .
Federal authorities ’ use of tear gas to disperse peaceful anti-racism protesters on Jun .
1 so that Trump could pose for pictures with a Bible in front of St. John ’ s Church was criticized by members of the clergy at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea , The Palm Beach Post reported Thursday .
“ The problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a church with Bible in hand , ” three clergy members wrote in a statement first shared on the church ’ s website on Jun .
2 , the day after the photo-op , which gained traction online toward the end of this week .
“ The problem is that he used violence to get there and exploited sacred symbols for purely political purposes , ” they said .
The church ’ s clergy noted how “ we regularly pray for the president and other political leaders ” so “ that they might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice , bringing life to those in the shadow of death.
” “ Our prayers for the president will continue , as they should , ” they added .
“ But because we pray for equity and justice , we can not condone the use of violence against peaceful protesters .
We can not condone the exploitation of a church and Bible as props that only further division.
” “ I think it was very symbolic , ” Trump said last week .
“ I did hold up a Bible .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a bad thing .
”

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President Donald Trump was earlier this month accused of exploiting sacred symbols “for purely political purposes” by the clergy of the Palm Beach, Florida, church where he married Melania Trump in 2005, it emerged this week.
Federal authorities’ use of tear gas to disperse peaceful anti-racism protesters on Jun. 1 so that Trump could pose for pictures with a Bible in front of St. John’s Church was criticized by members of the clergy at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, The Palm Beach Post reported Thursday.
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“The problem is not that Mr. Trump stood outside a church with Bible in hand,” three clergy members wrote in a statement first shared on the church’s website on Jun. 2, the day after the photo-op, which gained traction online toward the end of this week.
“The problem is that he used violence to get there and exploited sacred symbols for purely political purposes,” they said.
The church’s clergy noted how “we regularly pray for the president and other political leaders” so “that they might be led to govern with equity and justice, bringing life to those in the shadow of death.”
“Our prayers for the president will continue, as they should,” they added. “But because we pray for equity and justice, we cannot condone the use of violence against peaceful protesters. We cannot condone the exploitation of a church and Bible as props that only further division.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Atlanta Police Chief Resigns After Cops Fatally Shoot Black Man At Wendy's Restaurant (UPDATE)

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Saturday that police Chief Erika Shields is resigning after officers shot and killed a Black man at a Wendy ’ s restaurant Friday .
The police were responding to a call about someone sleeping in his car , which was parked in the drive-thru at the restaurant .
Police said that Rayshard Brooks , 27 , resisted arrest following a failed sobriety test .
But video posted to social media showed Brooks running away from police before he is shot off-screen .
“ I do not believe this was a justified use of deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ termination of the officer , ” the mayor said at a Saturday news conference .
The officer involved in the shooting has not been identified .
The Georgia NAACP had called for Shields to be fired prior to her resignation .
Friday night , two officers found Brooks in the vehicle and gave him a field sobriety test , which they said he failed .
While attempting to arrest Brooks , police said he resisted .
“ After failing the test , the officers attempted to place the male subject into custody , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miles said in a statement .
“ During the arrest , the male subject resisted and a struggle ensued .
The officer deployed a Taser.
” Witnesses said Brooks grabbed the Taser from the officer before being shot , according to the GBI .
Brooks was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital .
The GBI said it ’ s now investigating the incident .
Video posted to social media shows people gathered in the Wendy ’ s parking lot condemning the shooting .
Witnesses said Brooks was unarmed .
This story has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police Chief Erika Shields ’ resignation .

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Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Saturday that police Chief Erika Shields is resigning, after a Black man was killed by police at a Wendy’s on Friday night.
The officers were responding to a call about someone sleeping in his car, which was parked in the drive-thru at the restaurant.
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Police said that Rayshard Brooks, 27, resisted arrest following a failed sobriety test. But video posted to social media shows Brooks running away from police before he is shot off-camera.
“After failing the test, the officers attempted to place the male subject into custody,” Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Nelly Miles said in a statement. “During the arrest, the male subject resisted and a struggle ensued. The officer deployed a Taser.”
Witnesses said Brooks grabbed the Taser from the officer before being shot, according to the GBI.
Brooks was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The GBI said it’s now investigating the incident.
“I do not believe this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer,” the mayor said at a Saturday news conference.
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The officer involved in the shooting has not been identified.
The Georgia NAACP had called for Shields to be fired prior to her resignation.
Video posted to social media shows people gathered in the Wendy’s parking lot condemning the shooting.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Melania Trump Used Delay In White House Move To Renegotiate Prenup: Book

“ They are both fighters and survivors and prize loyalty over almost all else , ” Jordan wrote , according @ @ @ @ @ Neither the very public Trump nor the very private Melania has many close friends .
@ @ @ @ @ their own marriage.
” Jordan , who won a Pulitzer Prize in 2003 , painted @ @ @ @ @ in the White House who is often the president ’ s first call after one @ @ @ @ @ encouraged Trump ’ s dream of winning the highest office in the land , according @ @ @ @ @ had a hand in choosing Mike Pence as Trump ’ s running mate , believing @ @ @ @ @ in a No .
2 spot .
She has looked out for Barron in other @ @ @ @ @ dual citizenship for him in Slovenia so he can eventually work for the Trump Organization @ @ @

“They are both fighters and survivors and prize loyalty over almost all else,” Jordan wrote, according to the Post. “Neither the very public Trump nor the very private Melania has many close friends. Their loner instincts filter into their own marriage.”
Jordan, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 2003, painted Melania as an influential force in the White House who is often the president’s first call after one of his rallies. Melania encouraged Trump’s dream of winning the highest office in the land, according to the book, and had a hand in choosing Mike Pence as Trump’s running mate, believing that he would be content in a No. 2 spot.
She has looked out for Barron in other ways, too, securing dual citizenship for him in Slovenia so he can eventually work for the Trump Organization in Europe.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--TikTok Comedian Sarah Cooper Spills Secrets On Lip-Synching Trump In Jimmy Fallon Interview

TikTok comedian Sarah Cooper , who ’ s become known for her lip-synching impersonations of President Donald Trump , spilled her secrets and inspirations during an interview with Jimmy Fallon Friday .
Cooper revealed that her desire to impersonate Trump came from seeing the president ’ s daily coronavirus task force meetings .
“ He ’ s just kind of BSing his way through the presidency , as he usually does , ” Cooper said of Trump ’ s briefings , “ but it ’ s just in your face every day .
...
It reminded me of being in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in a meeting , and a business guy would come in , and he would throw around some buzzword he just learned five minutes ago , and he would just talk , and people would be , like , ‘ Oh , wow , he ’ s so smart .
Yeah , what a key team player.
’ ... And to be honest , I ’ ve always wanted to be one of those guys.
” After experimenting with TikTok dance routines , Cooper decided to channel her frustration with Trump into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter account , @ sarahcpr and her TikTok page , @ whatchugotforme .
“ It ’ s really just me and my very patient dog and my very patient husband having to listen to Donald Trump ’ s voice over and over again as I try to remember these things , ” Cooper said when asked by Fallon about her routine for producing the videos .
“ My husband has only jumped out the window once so far.
” Following the interview , Fallon shared one of Cooper ’ s skits to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s recent campaign rally remarks on flushing toilets .
@ sarahcpr is too funny .
Thank you for being on my show .
Please come back .
https : //t.co/8gtM0Ei4Wj — jimmy fallon ( @ jimmyfallon ) June 13 , 2020

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TikTok comedian Sarah Cooper, who’s become known for her lip-synching impersonations of President Donald Trump, spilled her secrets and inspirations during an interview with Jimmy Fallon Friday.
Cooper revealed that her desire to impersonate Trump came from seeing the president’s daily coronavirus task force meetings.
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“He’s just kind of BSing his way through the presidency, as he usually does,” Cooper said of Trump’s briefings, “but it’s just in your face every day. ... It reminded me of being in the corporate world. I’d be in a meeting, and a business guy would come in, and he would throw around some buzzword he just learned five minutes ago, and he would just talk, and people would be, like, ‘Oh, wow, he’s so smart. Yeah, what a key team player.’ ... And to be honest, I’ve always wanted to be one of those guys.”
After experimenting with TikTok dance routines, Cooper decided to channel her frustration with Trump into lip-synching videos, uploaded both to her Twitter account, @sarahcpr and her TikTok page, @whatchugotforme.
“It’s really just me and my very patient dog and my very patient husband having to listen to Donald Trump’s voice over and over again as I try to remember these things,” Cooper said when asked by Fallon about her routine for producing the videos. “My husband has only jumped out the window once so far.”
Following the interview, Fallon shared one of Cooper’s skits to his Twitter timeline — showing the comedian miming Trump’s recent campaign rally remarks on flushing toilets.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Trump Administration Says It's Not Forcing People Back To Work. Workers Disagree.

“ Just to be clear , we have never suggested that workers should sacrifice health for returning to work , ” said Eugene Scalia , leader of the U.S. Department of Labor , at a Senate hearing on Wednesday .
“ We oppose them being put to that choice as well.
” But the Trump administration , in coordination with state workforce agencies , has been forcing workers to make that choice for weeks .
The president has called for workers to be “ warriors ” for the economy , and the Labor Department is prodding them into battle as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe that most employers want to do the right thing and keep their workers safe , but they can ’ t do it if they don ’ t get clear guidance on what makes a safe workplace in the COVID era , ” Wyden said .
“ The Department of Labor has failed completely on this issue.
” Scalia said over and over that the department wants safe workplaces , but that these matters are really up to states .
“ If we hear from states that that ’ s an area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll certainly have those discussions with them , ” he said .
Kristina Kozak of Salt Lake City got called back to her job at a sporting goods store last month following an April furlough .
The 46-year-old wasn ’ t sure that her workplace would be safe , and she didn ’ t want to take a risk given her health issues .
She sent the state a doctor ’ s note confirming that she has asthma , upper respiratory issues and a compromised immune system .
Last week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s frustrating , it ’ s bewildering , it ’ s sad , ” Kozak said , adding that she and her husband are struggling to make the rent .
“ I feel I have nowhere to turn .
I can ’ t get a hold of anybody .
I can ’ t get answers .
I feel like I jumped in a giant pool and I ’ m just treading water to try and figure something out.
” Kozak is clearly eligible to remain on unemployment under the criteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Relief and Economic Stability ( CARES ) Act .
The Labor Department ’ s guidance to states specifically says that someone is eligible if they have been advised by a medical professional to self-quarantine because of an underlying condition .
But there ’ s a catch ― the special criteria only apply to the “ pandemic unemployment assistance ” benefits specifically created for people who don ’ t qualify for regular state-funded benefits .
Utah invited Kozak to file an appeal over getting regular benefits instead of rolling her onto the pandemic benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that people with health conditions can switch to the pandemic benefits when they ’ re disqualified from regular benefits .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , people who are older or who have compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus , which has killed more than 110,000 Americans so far .
The Labor Department has said that if people think their workplace is unsafe , they should call the department ’ s Occupational Health and Safety Administration , which has issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telecommuting , to make sure people are washing their hands and to keep employees and customers from getting too close to each other , among other things .
Scalia testified this week that OSHA has received “ several thousand ” workplace safety complaints related to the coronavirus but has issued only one citation .
“ We have a number of cases that we are investigating and if we find violations , we will certainly not hesitate to bring a case , ” Scalia said .
Available data suggest that a lot of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have returned to work .
In California , for instance , more people are receiving only partial benefits or having their claims denied due to higher earnings , per an analysis of unemployment data by the California Policy Lab .
Nationally , nearly 8 million workers who ’ d been counted as “ unemployed ” in April wound up employed in May ― the largest-ever monthly flow of workers between the two categories , according to the American Enterprise Institute .
Besides health fears , another reason that some people may refuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job is now offering much lower pay , which may be the case at businesses whose customers are holding back to limit their own risk of coronavirus exposure .
Drastically lower pay usually means the job offer doesn ’ t meet the legal definition of “ suitable work ” that someone on unemployment can ’ t refuse and continue to get benefits .
The counties where McFetridge lives and works have recently reported the most new coronavirus cases in Arkansas , which is itself on the list of states seeing a surge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she gives 60- and 90-minute massages in a small room with poor ventilation and that it ’ s impossible for clients to wear a mask while they ’ re lying face down .

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President Donald Trump’s labor secretary didn’t like it this week when Democrats accused him of forcing workers off unemployment insurance even if their jobs presented a risk of severe illness from the coronavirus.
“Just to be clear, we have never suggested that workers should sacrifice health for returning to work,” said Eugene Scalia, leader of the U.S. Department of Labor, at a Senate hearing on Wednesday. “We oppose them being put to that choice as well.”
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But the Trump administration, in coordination with state workforce agencies, has been forcing workers to make that choice for weeks. The president has called for workers to be “warriors” for the economy, and the Labor Department is prodding them into battle as the virus continues to spread.
Congress created new rules allowing people to continue receiving unemployment benefits and not go back to work if they’re at risk of severe illness from the coronavirus due to a preexisting condition. Longstanding federal regulations for disaster benefits say people can decline a job if it poses a risk to their health or safety.
On Wednesday, Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), repeatedly asked Scalia if his department would clarify under what circumstances states should allow workers to continue receiving unemployment benefits instead of returning to work.
“I believe that most employers want to do the right thing and keep their workers safe, but they can’t do it if they don’t get clear guidance on what makes a safe workplace in the COVID era,” Wyden said. “The Department of Labor has failed completely on this issue.”
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Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) questions Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia via teleconference during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on COVID-19 and unemployment insurance in Washington on June 9, 2020. Caroline Brehman/Getty Images
Scalia said over and over that the department wants safe workplaces, but that these matters are really up to states. “If we hear from states that that’s an area where they need further guidance, we’ll certainly have those discussions with them,” he said.
In fact, the administration has encouraged states to take a hard line, urging them to yank benefits from people who refuse to go back to their jobs.
Utah, for instance, has warned unemployed workers who refuse job offers that they “may be required to pay back benefits received and face possible prosecution for fraud.” The state’s Department of Workforce Services has provided scant information about exceptions to this rule.
Kristina Kozak of Salt Lake City got called back to her job at a sporting goods store last month following an April furlough. The 46-year-old wasn’t sure that her workplace would be safe, and she didn’t want to take a risk given her health issues. She sent the state a doctor’s note confirming that she has asthma, upper respiratory issues and a compromised immune system. Last week, the workforce agency terminated her benefits anyway.
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“It’s frustrating, it’s bewildering, it’s sad,” Kozak said, adding that she and her husband are struggling to make the rent. “I feel I have nowhere to turn. I can’t get a hold of anybody. I can’t get answers. I feel like I jumped in a giant pool and I’m just treading water to try and figure something out.”
(Utah is one of two states to “pause” its reopening this week amid a rise in coronavirus infections.)
Kozak is clearly eligible to remain on unemployment under the criteria laid out in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stability (CARES) Act. The Labor Department’s guidance to states specifically says that someone is eligible if they have been advised by a medical professional to self-quarantine because of an underlying condition.
But there’s a catch ― the special criteria only apply to the “pandemic unemployment assistance” benefits specifically created for people who don’t qualify for regular state-funded benefits. Utah invited Kozak to file an appeal over getting regular benefits instead of rolling her onto the pandemic benefits. Scalia has ignored Democratic demands to make sure that people with health conditions can switch to the pandemic benefits when they’re disqualified from regular benefits.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who are older or who have compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus, which has killed more than 110,000 Americans so far.
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The Labor Department has said that if people think their workplace is unsafe, they should call the department’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration, which has issued coronavirus guidelines that encourage employers to allow telecommuting, to make sure people are washing their hands and to keep employees and customers from getting too close to each other, among other things.
Scalia testified this week that OSHA has received “several thousand” workplace safety complaints related to the coronavirus but has issued only one citation. “We have a number of cases that we are investigating and if we find violations, we will certainly not hesitate to bring a case,” Scalia said.
“One citation out of 5,000 is unbelievable,” said Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.).
Democrats and their presumptive presidential nominee, Joe Biden, have said that OSHA should issue an “emergency temporary standard” imposing mandatory safety rules. Biden also said this week that the federal government should provide free coronavirus testing for everyone called back to their jobs.
“I fear every day that I’m going to get the phone call that I have been exposed.” - Tracy McFetridge, a massage therapist in Arkansas
Available data suggest that a lot of people who received unemployment benefits amid the pandemic have returned to work. In California, for instance, more people are receiving only partial benefits or having their claims denied due to higher earnings, per an analysis of unemployment data by the California Policy Lab. Nationally, nearly 8 million workers who’d been counted as “unemployed” in April wound up employed in May ― the largest-ever monthly flow of workers between the two categories, according to the American Enterprise Institute.
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Besides health fears, another reason that some people may refuse to go back to work is if their job is now offering much lower pay, which may be the case at businesses whose customers are holding back to limit their own risk of coronavirus exposure. Drastically lower pay usually means the job offer doesn’t meet the legal definition of “suitable work” that someone on unemployment can’t refuse and continue to get benefits.
“If they want to pull you back and pay you half of your previous wage, that’s usually not suitable,” said Michele Evermore, an unemployment policy expert with the National Employment Law Project.
Not everybody who went back to work is happy about it, regardless of the money. Tracy McFetridge of Springdale, Arkansas, returned to her job as a massage therapist last month after the state government put unemployment benefit recipients on notice that refusing work could be benefits fraud.
The counties where McFetridge lives and works have recently reported the most new coronavirus cases in Arkansas, which is itself on the list of states seeing a surge of infections. McFetridge, 38, said that she gives 60- and 90-minute massages in a small room with poor ventilation and that it’s impossible for clients to wear a mask while they’re lying face down.
But Arkansas included massage therapists on its list of approved businesses for the first phase of reopening last month, and McFetridge said she’s had a lot of new clients.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Tulsa Health Officials Urge Caution On Gatherings Just 1 Week Before Trump Rally

Health officials in Tulsa , Oklahoma , have urged caution on attending gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic — just over a week before President Donald Trump is set to host a massive indoor campaign rally in the city .
The Tulsa Health Department noted on its website Friday that Tulsa County had reported 71 new cases of the virus that day , its highest daily increase to date .
Preliminary investigations linked the rise to indoor gatherings , it said .
A waiver on Trump ’ s 2020 campaign website warns people requesting tickets that “ an inherent risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place where people are present ” and they forfeit the right to sue anyone involved in the organization of the event if they catch the virus there .
“ It is imperative that anyone who chooses to host or attend a gathering take the steps to stay safe .
If you are sick or think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 , stay home , ” Dart warned .
“ The bottom line is that the more people an infected individual interacts with and the longer that interaction lasts , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Dart was more candid about his fears regarding the event in an interview with KRMG Morning News .
“ Any large gathering of any nature at this juncture is definitely a concern , ” he said .
Dart advised people “ not to go to large gatherings in enclosed spaces ” and to “ take precautions ” if they did .
“ I have no idea if there will be social distancing within the BOK .
Pay close attention to hand washing and hygiene , ” Dart added , acknowledging it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ busy setting .
Tulsa County has now had 1,443 confirmed coronavirus cases , according to the department .
The contagion has killed 62 people in the county .
“ Events with no size limit ” resumed in Tulsa on June 1 , the department added .
Multiple medical professionals have warned the rally could become a so-called super-spreader event .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert and member of the White House ’ s coronavirus task force , on Friday described any large group as “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chant and shout , even though the instinct is to pull the mask down , which you see .
Don ’ t do that , because there is a risk there , and it ’ s a real risk , ” he told ABC News ’ “ Powerhouse Politics ” podcast .
The Trump campaign initially planned to hold the president ’ s rally on June 19 , or Juneteenth .
Trump , who has faced widespread criticism for his violent rhetoric on the anti-racism protests that have spread nationwide , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of respect ” for the holiday .
We had previously scheduled our # MAGA Rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , for June 19th – a big deal .
Unfortunately , however , this would fall on the Juneteenth Holiday .
Many of my African American friends and supporters have reached out to suggest that we consider changing the date out ... — Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) June 13 , 2020 ... of respect for this Holiday , and in observance of this important occasion and all that it represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our rally to Saturday , June 20th , in order to honor their requests ... — Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) June 13 , 2020

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Health officials in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have urged caution on attending gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic — just over a week before President Donald Trump is set to host a massive indoor campaign rally in the city.
The Tulsa Health Department noted on its website Friday that Tulsa County had reported 71 new cases of the virus that day, its highest daily increase to date. Preliminary investigations linked the rise to indoor gatherings, it said.
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Trump’s rally is planned for June 20 at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center.
A waiver on Trump’s 2020 campaign website warns people requesting tickets that “an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present” and they forfeit the right to sue anyone involved in the organization of the event if they catch the virus there.
Tulsa’s health officials did not explicitly refer to Trump’s rally in the statement.
Dr. Bruce Dart, the department’s executive director, said he has “concerns about large groups of people gathering indoors for prolonged lengths of time.”
“I have concerns about large groups of people gathering indoors for prolonged lengths of time. It is imperative that anyone who chooses to host or attend a gathering take the steps to stay safe,” said Dr. Dart. https://t.co/MRey8SvQpn pic.twitter.com/mDA53W4Qm3 — Tulsa Health Dept (@TulsaHealthDept) June 12, 2020
“It is imperative that anyone who chooses to host or attend a gathering take the steps to stay safe. If you are sick or think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, stay home,” Dart warned. “The bottom line is that the more people an infected individual interacts with and the longer that interaction lasts, the greater the risk for spreading COVID-19 becomes.”
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Dart was more candid about his fears regarding the event in an interview with KRMG Morning News. “Any large gathering of any nature at this juncture is definitely a concern,” he said.
Dart advised people “not to go to large gatherings in enclosed spaces” and to “take precautions” if they did. “I have no idea if there will be social distancing within the BOK. Pay close attention to hand washing and hygiene,” Dart added, acknowledging it could be difficult to do so in a busy setting.
Tulsa County has now had 1,443 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the department. The contagion has killed 62 people in the county. “Events with no size limit” resumed in Tulsa on June 1, the department added.
Multiple medical professionals have warned the rally could become a so-called super-spreader event. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert and member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, on Friday described any large group as “a danger.”
“When you start to chant and shout, even though the instinct is to pull the mask down, which you see. Don’t do that, because there is a risk there, and it’s a real risk,” he told ABC News’ “Powerhouse Politics” podcast.
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The Trump campaign initially planned to hold the president’s rally on June 19, or Juneteenth. Trump, who has faced widespread criticism for his violent rhetoric on the anti-racism protests that have spread nationwide, said he moved the date to June 20 “out of respect ” for the holiday.
We had previously scheduled our #MAGA Rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for June 19th – a big deal. Unfortunately, however, this would fall on the Juneteenth Holiday. Many of my African American friends and supporters have reached out to suggest that we consider changing the date out... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2020
...of respect for this Holiday, and in observance of this important occasion and all that it represents. I have therefore decided to move our rally to Saturday, June 20th, in order to honor their requests... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--U.S. Embassy in South Korea Unfurls Giant Black Lives Matter Banner

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul , South Korea , unfurled a banner reading “ Black Lives Matter ” across its building and posted on social media Saturday that it stood “ in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change.
” The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change .
Our # BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive & just society .
pic.twitter.com/Y4Thr2MRdw — U.S. Embassy Seoul ( @ USEmbassySeoul ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. ambassador to South Korea , shared the tweet .
Harris quoted former President John F. Kennedy : “ If we can not now end our differences , at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.
” Harris added that Martin Luther King Jr. ’ s work to end racial injustice remained unfinished in the world and that “ that work falls on each of us today.
” When Dr. Benjamin Mays delivered Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr ’ s eulogy in 1968 , he said Dr. King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must truly be our own . ''
Recent weeks remind us that MLK ’ s work remains unfinished .
Friends , I believe that work falls on each of us today .
— Harry Harris ( @ USAmbROK ) June 13 , 2020 This is not the first time the U.S. Embassy in Seoul has notably expressed support for a social cause .
In 2019 , the office was in the company of a handful of other U.S. embassies — including those in Santiago , Chile , and New Delhi — that defied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Pride flag .
Instead , it placed a Pride banner on its facade .
The actions were described as “ category one insurrection ” by an anonymous diplomat close to the State Department , according to The Washington Post .
The embassy displayed the banner for three weeks before taking it down .
This year , the banner was unfurled again for Pride Month , according to recent geotagged social media posts and reports in South Korean media .

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, unfurled a banner reading “Black Lives Matter” across its building and posted on social media Saturday that it stood “in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change.”
The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change. Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive & just society. pic.twitter.com/Y4Thr2MRdw — U.S. Embassy Seoul (@USEmbassySeoul) June 13, 2020
Harry Harris, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, shared the tweet.
Harris quoted former President John F. Kennedy: “If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.”
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Harris added that Martin Luther King Jr.’s work to end racial injustice remained unfinished in the world and that “that work falls on each of us today.”
When Dr. Benjamin Mays delivered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s eulogy in 1968, he said Dr. King’s "unfinished work on earth must truly be our own." Recent weeks remind us that MLK’s work remains unfinished. Friends, I believe that work falls on each of us today. — Harry Harris (@USAmbROK) June 13, 2020
This is not the first time the U.S. Embassy in Seoul has notably expressed support for a social cause. In 2019, the office was in the company of a handful of other U.S. embassies — including those in Santiago, Chile, and New Delhi — that defied a State Department order not to hoist a Pride flag. Instead, it placed a Pride banner on its facade.
The actions were described as “category one insurrection” by an anonymous diplomat close to the State Department, according to The Washington Post. The embassy displayed the banner for three weeks before taking it down.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Doctors Issue Ominous Coronavirus Warnings About Trump Rally: 'A Setup For Disaster'

Doctors spelled out the potential health risks associated with President Donald Trump ’ s upcoming rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , amid the coronavirus pandemic during interviews on cable news Friday .
Next week ’ s indoor rally at the 19,000-capacity BOK Center could become a super-spreader event , two medical professionals warned , noting how the Trump campaign has applied a legal disclaimer to its website telling people wanting tickets that they can ’ t sue if they contract the contagion there .
Oklahoma has experienced an uptick in confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host Chris Hayes suggested to Dr. Kavita Patel , a primary care physician , that “ a packed indoor facility with people yelling and screaming and cheering next to each other without masks ” was “ a worst-case scenario for a super-spreading event ” and asked if it was “ a fair read of the science.
” “ Not only is that a fair read , but we have evidence that that is exactly how we are getting these ‘ super spreader ’ events , whether it ’ s in a choir , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” responded Patel .
“ We know that this is just a setup for disaster.
” “ Just have the rallies outside , ” said Hayes , who acknowledged not knowing what measures the Trump campaign was planning to take to stop the possible spread of the virus at the rally .
Check out the interview above .
Trump ’ s campaign manager Brad Parscale has claimed 300,000 tickets have been registered for the event .
On Friday , the president announced the rally would be moved by one day so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think if the risk is low and if it ’ s safe to gather in large numbers at a political rally , I would just challenge the president to drop that disclaimer , drop that proviso to the attendees , ” he told CNN ’ s Erin Burnett .
“ Why is the president asking attendees to assume a risk ?
” he added .
“ Look , the CDC today issued guidance on large gatherings , and they warned about it .
Tulsa is a place which actually today had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president is holding a rally in a hot zone .
That ’ s how you propagate the pandemic.
” '' If the risk is low , and if it 's safe to gather in large numbers at a political rally , I would just challenge the President to drop that disclaimer . ''
- Dr. Reiner , former WH medical adviser , on the Trump campaign saying it ca n't be held liable if rally attendees contract Covid-19 pic.twitter.com/SSAL9QCI0n — OutFrontCNN ( @ OutFrontCNN ) June 13 , 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-13--Protesters Light Fire Inside Wendy's Where Atlanta Police Killed Black Man

Atlanta continued to be rocked by turmoil Saturday as protesters demanded justice for Rayshard Brooks , a 27-year-old Black man who was killed by police the previous day .
The officer who fatally shot Brooks was fired late Saturday , and his partner was placed on administrative duty , CNN reported .
Police said Brooks was shot when he resisted arrest after officers confronted him while he was sleeping in his car blocking a Wendy ’ s drive-through lane .
But video posted to social media showed Brooks running away from officers before he was shot off-screen .
The officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Brooks , who wrestled the stun gun away and fled as officers gave chase , according to police .
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in a statement that the fleeing Brooks was shot as he “ turned and pointed the Taser ” at police .
The Bureau said it would release a restaurant surveillance video of the shooting .
Angry protesters set a fire at the Wendy ’ s where Brooks was shot shortly after 9:30 p.m. Saturday , local Fox News-5 reported .
The blaze was started after windows were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
A brush fire was also burning outside .
An Atlanta fire department representative told the newspaper that the blaze grew because it wasn ’ t safe to get to the restaurant when the fire began .
He estimated there were 1,000 protesters near the building .
Firefighters finally began to battle the blaze around 11 p.m. , but by then a section of the interior appeared to be engulfed in flames .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said at a press briefing Saturday evening that she did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justified use of deadly force , ” and called for the “ immediate termination of the officer ” who fired on Brooks .
Late last month Shields fired two city police officers for roughly dragging two young Black people from a car and apparently shocking them with stun guns as anti-racism protests erupted across the nation .
Brooks ’ death comes amid nationwide protests over the death of African American George Floyd during a brutal arrest in Minneapolis .

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Atlanta continued to be rocked by turmoil Saturday night as protesters demanded justice for Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man who was killed by police the previous day. The officer who shot Brooks was fired late Saturday, and his partner was placed on administrative duty, CNN reported.
Police said Brooks was shot when he resisted arrest after officers confronted him while he was sleeping in his car, which was blocking the Wendy’s drive-through lane. Video posted to social media showed Brooks running away from officers before he was shot off-screen.
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According to the police’s account, officers had initially tried to use a Taser on Brooks, who wrestled the stun gun away and fled. He was shot as he “turned and pointed the Taser” at the officers, the Georgia Bureau of Intelligence said. The Bureau said it would release a restaurant surveillance video of the shooting.
Angry protesters set a fire at the Wendy’s where Brooks was shot shortly after 9:30 p.m. Saturday, local Fox News-5 reported. The blaze was started after windows were smashed and fireworks were hurled inside, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A brush fire was also burning outside.
An Atlanta fire department representative told the newspaper that the blaze grew because it wasn’t safe to get to the restaurant when the fire began, due to the roughly 1,000 protesters near the building. Firefighters finally began to battle the blaze around 11 p.m., but by then a section of the interior appeared to be engulfed in flames.
Earlier, protesters set fire to cars parked outside the Wendy’s, and shut down part of Interstate 75/85, a major city thoroughfare.
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Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said at a press briefing Saturday evening that she did not believe the shooting was a “justified use of deadly force,” and called for the “immediate termination of the officer” who fired on Brooks.
Police Chief Erika Shields resigned earlier Saturday as controversy mounted over Brooks’ death.
Late last month Shields fired two city police officers for roughly dragging two young Black people from a car and apparently shocking them with stun guns as anti-racism protests erupted across the nation.
Brooks’ death comes as those protests continue, sparked by the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis.
The Wendy's where #RayshardBrooks was fatally shot in the parking lot last night is now in flames. Photos from Ben Gray pic.twitter.com/dfvibL5JcC — Jennifer Brett (@Jennifer__Brett) June 14, 2020
Protesters are burning a bush outside of Wendy’s. @ajc pic.twitter.com/b9TqBHwcF7 — Sarah Kallis (@SarahKallis) June 14, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-14--Trump Tries To Explain Awkward West Point Walk That Lit Up Twitter Critics

President Donald Trump tried to explain away his awkward walk down a ramp Saturday after addressing West Point graduates by saying he was being extra careful to avoid a fall that the “ Fake News ” would “ have fun with.
” “ Trump is not well ” began to trend on Twitter after video of the president ’ s tentative walk was posted on social media .
Check it out above .
Trump said in a tweet that the ramp was long , steep and “ very slippery.
” He claimed he “ ran ” to level ground the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not appear to be the case .
The ramp that I descended after my West Point Commencement speech was very long & steep , had no handrail and , most importantly , was very slippery .
The last thing I was going to do is “ fall ” for the Fake News to have fun with .
Final ten feet I ran down to level ground .
Momentum !
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) June 14 , 2020 Earlier , during his address to cadets , Trump also awkwardly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glass of water for a drink .
He then used his left hand to push the glass , still clutched in his right hand , all the way to his lips .
Both incidents got Twitter critics going , with many raising questions about Trump ’ s health — and wondering again about his unannounced visit late last year to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
The White House said it was for a routine exam .
West Point cadets were called back from their homes across the nation to prepare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials in late April that he would be giving the commencement speech .
The Army hadn ’ t yet determined then whether or not to have cadets back for a graduation ceremony because of the risks of COVID-19 .
They had all been ordered to stay home after spring break and continued their studies online .
At least 15 of the 1,106 cadets who returned to the campus about an hour ’ s drive north of New York City tested positive for COVID-19 when they arrived weeks ago , and were placed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest were allowed to stay in their dorms under what the Army called a “ soft quarantine ” before the commencement .
All were tested .
Cadets were in chairs spaced six feet apart for the ceremony , and donned masks as they crossed the stage .
Families had to watch remotely .
Trump did not wear a mask .
The president promised in his speech that the cadets would not have to fight “ endless wars ” in “ far-away lands .
”

President Donald Trump tried to explain away his awkward walk down a ramp Saturday after addressing West Point graduates by saying he was being extra careful to avoid a fall that the “Fake News” would “have fun with.”
“Trump is not well” began to trend on Twitter after video of the president’s tentative walk was posted on social media. Check it out above.
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Trump said in a tweet that the ramp was long, steep and “very slippery.” He claimed he “ran” to level ground the “final ten feet” — which did not exactly appear to be the case.
The ramp that I descended after my West Point Commencement speech was very long & steep, had no handrail and, most importantly, was very slippery. The last thing I was going to do is “fall” for the Fake News to have fun with. Final ten feet I ran down to level ground. Momentum! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2020
Earlier, during his address to cadets, Trump took an awkward sip of water: He used his right hand to lift a glass, then used his left hand to push the glass, still clutched in his right hand, all the way to his mouth.
Trump still hasn't totally figured out how to drink water pic.twitter.com/IO8CDXmD9i — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 13, 2020
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Both incidents caught the eye of Twitter users, with many raising questions about Trump’s health, and wondering again about his unannounced visit late last year to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House said at the time that it was for a routine exam.
West Point cadets were called back from their homes across the nation to prepare for the graduation ceremony after Trump informed surprised officials in late April that he would be giving the commencement speech. The Army hadn’t yet determined whether or not to have cadets back for a graduation ceremony because of the risks of COVID-19. They had all been ordered to stay home after spring break and continued their studies online.
At least 15 of the 1,106 cadets who returned to the campus, which is about an hour’s drive north of New York City, tested positive for COVID-19 when they arrived weeks ago, and were placed in quarantine. None were symptomatic. The rest were allowed to stay in their dorms under what the Army called a “soft quarantine” before the commencement. All were tested.
Cadets were in chairs spaced 6 feet apart for the ceremony, and families had to watch remotely.
The president promised in his speech that the cadets would not have to fight “endless wars” in “far-away lands.”
CORRECTION: This article previously stated that cadets wore masks while crossing the stage. In fact, none of the participants seen in the livestream of the ceremony wore masks, and cadets were acknowledged while crossing a riser that allowed them to maintain social distancing.