thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--US Legislatures Slow to Pass Laws Limiting Use of Force

COLUMBUS , Ohio ( AP ) —A wave of police killings of young black men in 2014 prompted 24 states to quickly pass some type of law enforcement reform , but many declined to address the most glaring issue : police use of force .
Six years later , only about a third of states have passed laws on the question .
The issue is at the heart of nationwide protests set off by the May 25 death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white police officer in Minneapolis pressed a knee into Floyd ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded for air .
Now , some lawmakers and governors are hoping to harness the renewed wave of anger to push through changes on the use of force they couldn ’ t manage after 2014 , a year that included the deaths at the hands of police of Michael Brown in Ferguson , Missouri , Eric Garner in New York and 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland .
“ We ’ re absolutely at a point in time where we have to do more , ” said Maryland state Del .
Vanessa Atterbeary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group announced this week that will take up use-of-force standards for that state .
Pushback from politically influential law enforcement unions prompted some states ’ use-of-force proposals to stall , while others have opted for voluntary programs to change policing practices .
In some states , lawmakers have even broadened the powers of police , such as increasing penalties for those who attack officers or , as in Tennessee and Utah , limiting the power of independent review boards that investigate police conduct .
As of August 2018 , at least 16 states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures .
A handful of those directly restricted what police could do .
In Utah and Missouri , for example , force used by officers must be “ reasonable and necessary.
” Colorado has banned chokeholds , the maneuver used on Garner .
Other laws created task forces to set new standards , boosted training or improved tracking of officers ’ use of guns and deadly force .
In 2014 , Republican-led Wisconsin became the first state in the country to enact a law requiring outside investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a law supported by the state ’ s largest police union .
This week , Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers asked the Legislature , still controlled by Republicans , to go further and pass a bill that would require law enforcement agencies to minimize the use of force and prioritize preserving life .
In New Jersey , Democratic Gov .
Phil Murphy and the attorney general said they will update state guidelines governing police use of force for the first time in two decades .
Democratic lawmakers in at least two states — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want to reform their states ’ use-of-force policies in upcoming legislative sessions .
A legislative caucus in Oregon representing people of color has asked for a bipartisan effort to recommend changes that can be included in legislation next year .
“ The issue is simply two words : accountability and trust , ” state Sen. Lew Frederick , a Democrat from Portland , said in the group ’ s statement .
“ Both are broken .
It will take a major effort to establish them in our society.
” In Colorado , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bill that would allow citizens to file lawsuits against police officers in alleged misconduct cases .
Colorado law currently grants them immunity .
Despite the sense in many places that this moment could produce real change , challenges remain .
Police unions have often resisted attempts to restrict officers ’ use of deadly force and are politically potent in most states .
Paige Fernandez , a policing policy adviser at the ACLU , said many unions “ have convinced themselves that police are unable to protect themselves if they value the bodily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people they are supposed to be serving.
” The National Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement acknowledging there is “ no doubt ” Floyd ’ s death has diminished public trust in police .
“ Police officers need to treat all of our citizens with respect and understanding and should be held to the very highest standards for their conduct , ” the organization said .
Since 2016 , groups representing police nationwide have contributed $ 1.3 million directly to candidates for governor and attorney general and given at least another $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for or against candidates for all state-level offices , according to an Associated Press analysis of data collected by the National Institute on Money in Politics .
Much of that money has been spent in California , where unions initially defeated reforms before the state enacted a pair of laws last year .
One allows police to use lethal force only when necessary to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious injury to officers or bystanders .
The second requires additional officer training .
The California debate was driven in part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police of 22-year-old Stephon Clark , who was clutching a cellphone that officers said they mistook for a weapon .
The shooting in Ohio of Rice , whose toy Airsoft gun officers said they mistook for a real one , contributed to then-Gov .
John Kasich creating the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board .
In 2015 , the board adopted statewide standards limiting use of deadly force by police officers to defending themselves or others from serious injury or death .
The state ’ s Republican-led Legislature opted against turning those recommendations into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntarily .
Karhlton Moore , who leads the Ohio Department of Public Safety division that oversees the standards , said roughly three-quarters of Ohio residents now live in areas covered by police agencies that are either certified or in the process of being certified as upholding the standards .
But Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes , a Democrat who is black , criticized Republican lawmakers this week for failing to enact laws recommended by Kasich ’ s task force , saying their actions “ show us time and time again that black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want immediate reforms addressing racism and inequality .
In Pennsylvania , a package of bills seeking to limit the justifications for the use of deadly force by police has stalled in the state ’ s Republican-controlled Legislature .
But changing the law isn ’ t enough , said Democratic Rep. Summer Lee , a chief sponsor of the bills who represents East Pittsburgh .
Police around the nation have condemned the way Floyd was restrained .
Inherent racism must be dealt with as well , said Lee , who is black .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the necessity of fighting racism — but weren ’ t taking action .
“ We have bills — we have tangible things the Legislature can do today , ” Lee said .
Associated Press writers James Anderson in Denver ; Scott Bauer in Madison , Wisconsin ; Mike Catalini in Trenton , New Jersey ; Bob Christie in Phoenix ; Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville , Tennessee ; Marc Levy in Harrisburg , Pennsylvania ; David Lieb in Jefferson City , Missouri ; Geoff Mulvihill in Cherry Hill , New Jersey ; Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thompson in Sacramento , Calif. ; Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus ; Lindsay Whitehurst in Salt Lake City ; and Brian Witte in Annapolis , Maryland , contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : In this March 5 , 2019 file photo Ohio House minority leader Emilia Sykes delivers the Democrat ’ s response to the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ’ s Ohio State of the State address at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus , Ohio .
Only about a third of U.S. states have enacted laws addressing police use-of-force in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement emerged over the killings of black men by white police officers .
Sykes criticized GOP lawmakers this week for failing to enact laws recommended by former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich ’ s task force that hold police accountable .
( AP Photo/Paul Vernon )

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) —A wave of police killings of young black men in 2014 prompted 24 states to quickly pass some type of law enforcement reform, but many declined to address the most glaring issue: police use of force. Six years later, only about a third of states have passed laws on the question.
The issue is at the heart of nationwide protests set off by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer in Minneapolis pressed a knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes while he pleaded for air.
Now, some lawmakers and governors are hoping to harness the renewed wave of anger to push through changes on the use of force they couldn’t manage after 2014, a year that included the deaths at the hands of police of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, Eric Garner in New York and 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland.
“We’re absolutely at a point in time where we have to do more,” said Maryland state Del. Vanessa Atterbeary, a Democrat who will chair a working group announced this week that will take up use-of-force standards for that state.
Pushback from politically influential law enforcement unions prompted some states’ use-of-force proposals to stall, while others have opted for voluntary programs to change policing practices. In some states, lawmakers have even broadened the powers of police, such as increasing penalties for those who attack officers or, as in Tennessee and Utah, limiting the power of independent review boards that investigate police conduct.
As of August 2018, at least 16 states had passed use-of-force laws, according to the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures. A handful of those directly restricted what police could do. In Utah and Missouri, for example, force used by officers must be “reasonable and necessary.” Colorado has banned chokeholds, the maneuver used on Garner.
Other laws created task forces to set new standards, boosted training or improved tracking of officers’ use of guns and deadly force.
In 2014, Republican-led Wisconsin became the first state in the country to enact a law requiring outside investigations when people die in police custody — a law supported by the state’s largest police union.
This week, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers asked the Legislature, still controlled by Republicans, to go further and pass a bill that would require law enforcement agencies to minimize the use of force and prioritize preserving life. In New Jersey, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and the attorney general said they will update state guidelines governing police use of force for the first time in two decades.
Democratic lawmakers in at least two states — Arizona and Oregon — said this week they want to reform their states’ use-of-force policies in upcoming legislative sessions. A legislative caucus in Oregon representing people of color has asked for a bipartisan effort to recommend changes that can be included in legislation next year.
“The issue is simply two words: accountability and trust,” state Sen. Lew Frederick, a Democrat from Portland, said in the group’s statement. “Both are broken. It will take a major effort to establish them in our society.”
In Colorado, Democratic lawmakers said they plan to introduce a bill that would allow citizens to file lawsuits against police officers in alleged misconduct cases. Colorado law currently grants them immunity.
Despite the sense in many places that this moment could produce real change, challenges remain.
Police unions have often resisted attempts to restrict officers’ use of deadly force and are politically potent in most states.
Paige Fernandez, a policing policy adviser at the ACLU, said many unions “have convinced themselves that police are unable to protect themselves if they value the bodily integrity and personal lives of the the people they are supposed to be serving.”
The National Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement acknowledging there is “no doubt” Floyd’s death has diminished public trust in police.
“Police officers need to treat all of our citizens with respect and understanding and should be held to the very highest standards for their conduct,” the organization said.
Since 2016, groups representing police nationwide have contributed $1.3 million directly to candidates for governor and attorney general and given at least another $1 million for independent expenditures that advocate for or against candidates for all state-level offices, according to an Associated Press analysis of data collected by the National Institute on Money in Politics.
Much of that money has been spent in California, where unions initially defeated reforms before the state enacted a pair of laws last year. One allows police to use lethal force only when necessary to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious injury to officers or bystanders. The second requires additional officer training.
The California debate was driven in part by the fatal 2018 shooting by Sacramento police of 22-year-old Stephon Clark, who was clutching a cellphone that officers said they mistook for a weapon.
The shooting in Ohio of Rice, whose toy Airsoft gun officers said they mistook for a real one, contributed to then-Gov. John Kasich creating the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board.
In 2015, the board adopted statewide standards limiting use of deadly force by police officers to defending themselves or others from serious injury or death. The state’s Republican-led Legislature opted against turning those recommendations into law, leaving police agencies to comply voluntarily.
Karhlton Moore, who leads the Ohio Department of Public Safety division that oversees the standards, said roughly three-quarters of Ohio residents now live in areas covered by police agencies that are either certified or in the process of being certified as upholding the standards.
But Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes, a Democrat who is black, criticized Republican lawmakers this week for failing to enact laws recommended by Kasich’s task force, saying their actions “show us time and time again that black lives do not matter.”
Ohio Democrats want immediate reforms addressing racism and inequality.
In Pennsylvania, a package of bills seeking to limit the justifications for the use of deadly force by police has stalled in the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature.
But changing the law isn’t enough, said Democratic Rep. Summer Lee, a chief sponsor of the bills who represents East Pittsburgh. Police around the nation have condemned the way Floyd was restrained.
Inherent racism must be dealt with as well, said Lee, who is black.
She said some lawmakers were paying lip service to the necessity of fighting racism — but weren’t taking action.
“We have bills — we have tangible things the Legislature can do today,” Lee said.
– – –
Associated Press writers James Anderson in Denver; Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin; Mike Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey; Bob Christie in Phoenix; Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville, Tennessee; Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; David Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri; Geoff Mulvihill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Andrew Selsky in Salem, Oregon; Don Thompson in Sacramento, Calif.; Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus; Lindsay Whitehurst in Salt Lake City; and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland, contributed to this report.
About the Headline Photo: In this March 5, 2019 file photo Ohio House minority leader Emilia Sykes delivers the Democrat’s response to the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Ohio State of the State address at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. Only about a third of U.S. states have enacted laws addressing police use-of-force in the six years since a national protest movement emerged over the killings of black men by white police officers. Sykes criticized GOP lawmakers this week for failing to enact laws recommended by former Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s task force that hold police accountable. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Poll: Black and White Americans Divided Over Coronavirus Concerns and Trust in Police

A new poll finds a racial divide among Americans when asked about trust in law enforcement and fears surrounding coronavirus .
When asked if they trusted local police , 77 % of white Americans said yes , while only 36 % of black Americans agreed , according to an Axios/Ipsos poll .
The difference in responses was “ one of many measures of a throbbing racial divide in Week 11 of the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index , taken the week George Floyd was killed by a white policeman in Minneapolis , ” Axios reported .
Thirty percent of white Americans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of Hispanics answered that they were “ very concerned ” about coronavirus doing “ greater damage to people of color , ” Axios reported .
When asked about official responses to the coronavirus pandemic , 70 % of black Americans say they are concerned that those responses are biased against some racial groups .
Another dividing factor among respondents was age .
Just half of younger Americans trust the police , contrasted with 80 % of seniors responding positively , according to the poll .
“ A longstanding set of grievances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they deal with the community , ” Ipsos U.S. Public Affairs president Cliff Young told Axios .
“ Race differences are massive .
And it ’ s simmering…you take this issue and you overlay just the absolute hopelessness people are feeling , ” he added .
The report references Nikki Jones , who says the “ findings on police trust are in keeping with divisions since the protests in Ferguson , Mo.
, after the killing of Michael Brown in 2014.
” Jones is an expert on African American ’ experiences with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University of California-Berkeley , according to Axios .
“ The striking lack of concern for black people – and the striking ignorance of bias – it is shocking to see those numbers play out ” and it might “ feed the devastating consequences we ’ re seeing now , ” Jones added .
The Axios/Ipsos Poll was based on a “ national representative probability sample of 1,033 general population adults age 18 or older ” that was conducted May 29 through June 1 , according to Axios .
Axios reported the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.2 percentage points with 95 % confidence , for their results based on the entire sample .
The margin of error for responses by African Americans , who make up 13 % of the U.S. population , was within 10 percentage points , according to Axios .
Kayle Greenlee is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Police Officers ” by torbakhopper .
CC BY 2.0 .

by Kaylee Greenlee
A new poll finds a racial divide among Americans when asked about trust in law enforcement and fears surrounding coronavirus.
When asked if they trusted local police, 77% of white Americans said yes, while only 36% of black Americans agreed, according to an Axios/Ipsos poll.
The difference in responses was “one of many measures of a throbbing racial divide in Week 11 of the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index, taken the week George Floyd was killed by a white policeman in Minneapolis,” Axios reported.
Thirty percent of white Americans, 75% of black Americans and 42% of Hispanics answered that they were “very concerned” about coronavirus doing “greater damage to people of color,” Axios reported. When asked about official responses to the coronavirus pandemic, 70% of black Americans say they are concerned that those responses are biased against some racial groups.
Another dividing factor among respondents was age. Just half of younger Americans trust the police, contrasted with 80% of seniors responding positively, according to the poll.
“A longstanding set of grievances in the African-American community with the police and how they deal with the community,” Ipsos U.S. Public Affairs president Cliff Young told Axios. “Race differences are massive. And it’s simmering…you take this issue and you overlay just the absolute hopelessness people are feeling,” he added.
The report references Nikki Jones, who says the “findings on police trust are in keeping with divisions since the protests in Ferguson, Mo., after the killing of Michael Brown in 2014.” Jones is an expert on African American’ experiences with the criminal justice system and a professor at the University of California-Berkeley, according to Axios.
“The striking lack of concern for black people – and the striking ignorance of bias – it is shocking to see those numbers play out” and it might “feed the devastating consequences we’re seeing now,” Jones added.
The Axios/Ipsos Poll was based on a “national representative probability sample of 1,033 general population adults age 18 or older” that was conducted May 29 through June 1, according to Axios.
Axios reported the margin of sampling error to be within 3.2 percentage points with 95% confidence, for their results based on the entire sample. The margin of error for responses by African Americans, who make up 13% of the U.S. population, was within 10 percentage points, according to Axios.
– – –
Kayle Greenlee is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Police Officers” by torbakhopper. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Cinema Chain AMC Warns It May Not Survive the Pandemic

Movie theater chain AMC warned Wednesday that it may not survive the coronavirus pandemic , which has shuttered its theaters and led film studios to explore releasing more movies directly to viewers over the internet .
All of AMC ’ s theaters are shut down through June , which means the company isn ’ t generating any revenue .
AMC said it had enough cash to reopen its theaters this summer , as it plans to do .
But if it ’ s not allowed to reopen , it will need more money , which it may not be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even when local governments allow theaters to reopen , AMC may still have problems if entertainment companies delay releasing new films .
“ Due to these factors , substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time , ” AMC wrote in a regulatory filing .
And people may not want to go sit in crowded spaces because they fear the virus .
AMC believes that desire for social distancing is temporary and that people will want to go to the movies again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ aftershocks , the movie business in the U.S. and Canada has benefited from rising ticket prices , but admissions have been gradually declining since 2005 .
Sequels , remakes and superhero movies dominate the box office .
Meanwhile , the rise of streaming services — Netflix and a growing stable of rivals — is providing new competition .
Theater chains are also concerned that film studios could push more movies straight to the streaming services that they own .
Since the pandemic shut down theaters , entertainment companies have delayed most movies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trolls World Tour ” on video on demand in April , triggering an angry response from the theater industry , and Disney will release “ Artemis Fowl ” to its streaming service , Disney Plus , in June , rather than in theaters .
AMC , a publicly traded company controlled by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda , has 1,000 theaters in the U.S. and Europe .
It ’ s the largest U.S. theater chain .
Cinemark , another major movie chain , plans to begin reopening U.S. movie theaters on June 19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it believes it has enough cash to last it the rest of the year , even if its theaters remain shut .
Cinemark on Wednesday said it ’ s taking a slew of measures to tempt back moviegoers as it reopens .
Those include discounting and vigorous cleaning protocols for theaters , like disinfecting seats in the mornings and before each showtime .
It will also require employees — but not customers — to wear masks and will stagger showtimes to thin out crowds .
The company also said it would stay in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow it to sell half of its seats to keep customers separated .
Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi said that even “ below that level , ” the chain ’ s theaters can be “ very , very profitable.
” Tali Arbel is a technology writer for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this April 29 , 2020 file photo , a message on the ticket window at the AMC Burbank 16 movie theaters complex informs potential customers that it is currently closed in Burbank , Calif. AMC says its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and it may not survive .
All of the company ’ s theaters are shut down through June , and while the theaters are closed the company is generating no revenue .
( AP Photo/Chris Pizzello , File )

Movie theater chain AMC warned Wednesday that it may not survive the coronavirus pandemic, which has shuttered its theaters and led film studios to explore releasing more movies directly to viewers over the internet.
All of AMC’s theaters are shut down through June, which means the company isn’t generating any revenue. AMC said it had enough cash to reopen its theaters this summer, as it plans to do. But if it’s not allowed to reopen, it will need more money, which it may not be able to borrow.
The company said that even when local governments allow theaters to reopen, AMC may still have problems if entertainment companies delay releasing new films.
“Due to these factors, substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time,” AMC wrote in a regulatory filing.
And people may not want to go sit in crowded spaces because they fear the virus. AMC believes that desire for social distancing is temporary and that people will want to go to the movies again.
Apart from the pandemic and its economic aftershocks, the movie business in the U.S. and Canada has benefited from rising ticket prices, but admissions have been gradually declining since 2005. Sequels, remakes and superhero movies dominate the box office. Meanwhile, the rise of streaming services — Netflix and a growing stable of rivals — is providing new competition.
Theater chains are also concerned that film studios could push more movies straight to the streaming services that they own. Since the pandemic shut down theaters, entertainment companies have delayed most movies. But Comcast’s NBCUniversal released “Trolls World Tour” on video on demand in April, triggering an angry response from the theater industry, and Disney will release “Artemis Fowl” to its streaming service, Disney Plus, in June, rather than in theaters.
AMC, a publicly traded company controlled by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda, has 1,000 theaters in the U.S. and Europe. It’s the largest U.S. theater chain.
Cinemark, another major movie chain, plans to begin reopening U.S. movie theaters on June 19. It said in a Wednesday filing that it believes it has enough cash to last it the rest of the year, even if its theaters remain shut.
Cinemark on Wednesday said it’s taking a slew of measures to tempt back moviegoers as it reopens. Those include discounting and vigorous cleaning protocols for theaters, like disinfecting seats in the mornings and before each showtime. It will also require employees — but not customers — to wear masks and will stagger showtimes to thin out crowds.
The company also said it would stay in the black even if local governments only allow it to sell half of its seats to keep customers separated. Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi said that even “below that level,” the chain’s theaters can be “very, very profitable.”
– – –
Tali Arbel is a technology writer for The Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: In this April 29, 2020 file photo, a message on the ticket window at the AMC Burbank 16 movie theaters complex informs potential customers that it is currently closed in Burbank, Calif. AMC says its business is suffering because of the coronavirus pandemic and it may not survive. All of the company’s theaters are shut down through June, and while the theaters are closed the company is generating no revenue. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--North Carolina Gov. Stands Ground, Says GOP Conditions for Convention Are ‘Very Unlikely’

Uncertainty surrounding the 2020 Republican National Convention increased Tuesday as Democratic North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper rejected the GOP ’ s request to have a full , in-person convention .
In a letter addressed to the Republican National Committee ( RNC ) , Cooper cited his concerns about the coronavirus pandemic .
“ With the nation , the State of North Carolina and the City of Charlotte still under states of emergency it ’ s important to conduct the RNC convention accordingly .
As much as we want the conditions surrounding COVID-19 to be favorable enough for you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August , it is very unlikely , ” Cooper wrote .
“ Neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek , ” Cooper wrote before signing .
The letter is the newest chapter in the back-and-forth between Cooper and the RNC , and his refusal to authorize the convention in the ways that the RNC has envisioned has frustrated many prominent Republicans , including President Donald Trump , who has expressed his frustration with Cooper on Twitter .
GOP party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold the convention in North Carolina , but say they have received little guidance from the governor as to how do to it safely .
RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released a statement Tuesday afternoon stating that while North Carolina would likely lose tens of millions of dollars in revenue , the party was obligated to look into hosting its convention in other states whose governors had expressed interest in hosting it , including Florida , Georgia and Tennessee .
GOP leaders are planning on visiting Nashville this week as a potential site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligation to our delegates and nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states who have reached out in recent days about hosting an historic event to show that America is open for business , ” McDaniel said .
Andrew Trunksy is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Andrew Trunksky
Uncertainty surrounding the 2020 Republican National Convention increased Tuesday as Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper rejected the GOP’s request to have a full, in-person convention.
In a letter addressed to the Republican National Committee (RNC), Cooper cited his concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
“With the nation, the State of North Carolina and the City of Charlotte still under states of emergency it’s important to conduct the RNC convention accordingly. As much as we want the conditions surrounding COVID-19 to be favorable enough for you to hold the convention you describe in late August, it is very unlikely,” Cooper wrote.
“Neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek,” Cooper wrote before signing.
The letter is the newest chapter in the back-and-forth between Cooper and the RNC, and his refusal to authorize the convention in the ways that the RNC has envisioned has frustrated many prominent Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who has expressed his frustration with Cooper on Twitter.
GOP party officials have insisted that they still want to hold the convention in North Carolina, but say they have received little guidance from the governor as to how do to it safely.
RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released a statement Tuesday afternoon stating that while North Carolina would likely lose tens of millions of dollars in revenue, the party was obligated to look into hosting its convention in other states whose governors had expressed interest in hosting it, including Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.
GOP leaders are planning on visiting Nashville this week as a potential site as well. “We have an obligation to our delegates and nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states who have reached out in recent days about hosting an historic event to show that America is open for business,” McDaniel said.
– – –
Andrew Trunksy is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Crom Carmichael Discusses How the Metro Budget’s Discussion on Police Department Defunding

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio .
During the second hour of the show , Carmichael discussed how the Metro Budget Council hearing was orchestrated to prevent legitimate citizens to voice their concerns over the 32 percent tax increase .
Leahy : We are joined in the studio by our good friend Crom Carmichael .
Crom , good morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear because all of this craziness going on in the country and in Nashville itself it ’ s hard to really articulate the depth of the problem by yourself .
I ’ m glad to have you in here to help me out this morning .
Carmichael : Well , this is how the left operates .
Nashville is a city that has been run by Democrats .
This is not a partisan all though it sounds partisan .
This is an ideological question .
And the left does not believe in free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t just happen it was planned .
So there is a time during the sessions where the public gets to speak .
This was the council ’ s way and Mayor Cooper ’ s way to plan a way for the public to not be able to speak .
They were not heard .
Leahy : Yes .
What was heard were the 200 or so lefties .
Carmichael : No .
No .
Michael .
They weren ’ t heard .
This was orchestrated .
The people who got up there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to simply take up time .
Carmichael : That ’ s all they were there for was to take up the time .
Leahy : Again and again with the same message .
Carmichael : Yes .
So that people who did care about the tax increase did not have a chance to speak .
Carmichael : That didn ’ t just happen spontaneously .
This has been planned .
I feel so sorry for the Metro employees who do a good job .
Because they ’ re being tarnished by this just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonderful state employees .
We have wonderful Metro employees .
We actually have a lot of good school teachers .
But the people at the head of the teacher unions are bad people .
They are bad actors and they don ’ t care about the students .
They only care about their own incomes and their own power .
And so all these so-called people who wanted to defund the police , it ’ s such a ridiculous argument that it was allowed to take up all that time .
And the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full second hour : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Photo “ Metro Council Meeting ” by Metro Nashville .

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio.
During the second hour of the show, Carmichael discussed how the Metro Budget Council hearing was orchestrated to prevent legitimate citizens to voice their concerns over the 32 percent tax increase.
Leahy: We are joined in the studio by our good friend Crom Carmichael. Crom, good morning. I am delighted to have you hear because all of this craziness going on in the country and in Nashville itself it’s hard to really articulate the depth of the problem by yourself. I’m glad to have you in here to help me out this morning.
Carmichael: Well, this is how the left operates. Nashville is a city that has been run by Democrats. This is not a partisan all though it sounds partisan. This is an ideological question. And the left does not believe in free speech.
What happened last night didn’t just happen it was planned. So there is a time during the sessions where the public gets to speak. This was the council’s way and Mayor Cooper’s way to plan a way for the public to not be able to speak. They were not heard.
Leahy: Yes. What was heard were the 200 or so lefties.
Carmichael: No. No. Michael. They weren’t heard. This was orchestrated. The people who got up there were wasting time. They were there to simply take up time.
Leahy: Ahhh.
Carmichael: That’s all they were there for was to take up the time.
Leahy: Again and again with the same message.
Carmichael: Yes. So that people who did care about the tax increase did not have a chance to speak.
Leahy: That’s exactly what happened.
Carmichael: That didn’t just happen spontaneously. This has been planned. I feel so sorry for the Metro employees who do a good job. Because they’re being tarnished by this just despicable way of governing. We have wonderful state employees. We have wonderful Metro employees.
We actually have a lot of good school teachers. But the people at the head of the teacher unions are bad people. They are bad actors and they don’t care about the students. They only care about their own incomes and their own power. And so all these so-called people who wanted to defund the police, it’s such a ridiculous argument that it was allowed to take up all that time. And the whole thing was orchestrated.
Leahy: Totally orchestrated.
Carmichael: Yes.
Listen to the full second hour:

– – –
Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.
Photo “Metro Council Meeting” by Metro Nashville.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Who Is Funding and Organizing the Antifa Insurrection?

Someone is organizing criminals and vandals to loot and destroy cities but the corporate media don ’ t seem all that interested in getting to the bottom of it .
In fact , Democrats and their allies in the press have been actively engaging in misdirection , lamely accusing white supremacists of being behind the mayhem plaguing “ peaceful protests.
” A looter who was caught by the police in Santa Monica , California on Sunday was very candid with a local reporter when he was asked about his motive .
The man told FOX 11 ’ s Bill Melugin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police brutality but was “ point blank ” just doing it “ to get some money.
” “ That ’ s it , just trying to get some dough , that ’ s it , ” he said .
When asked if his actions were related to what happened in Minnesota , the man said it might have a little bit to do with that , but “ not really , I ’ m out here for “ the dough.
” When asked if it was worth it , the man said “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show the reporter his cuffed hands behind his back .
“ If you ’ re going to get some money , do it right .
Don ’ t do it the dumb way .
Do it the smart way , ” he added .
Melugin ended the interview without asking the looter any additional questions—like who organized this ?
Were you paid to come out here and loot ?
“ Thanks for your time .
Best of luck to you , ” the reporter said .
On Monday , a restaurant owner in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looters who hit his business traveled in SUVs and were “ very well organized.
” “ They were very well organized , they came with duffel bags , SUVs , ” Jeffrey Merrihue , the owner of Heroic Italian Restaurant , said .
“ They went from shop to shop .
They went in , cleared out with full duffel bags , another SUV would pull up .
It was very impressive actually , to be honest.
” Merrihue , who opened his restaurant for business on Monday despite his losses and damages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing the looters in action .
“ The vandals broke in , stole our cash machine , stole a few cases of wine , ” he said .
A police chief in Bellevue Washington , which was also hit by looting and violence Sunday night , said he thinks the people responsible were organized , from out of town , and being paid .
“ There are groups paying these looters money to come in and they ’ re getting paid by the broken window , ” Bellevue ’ s Police Chief Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the looters appeared to be after high-end stuff that could be resold .
“ This is something totally different we are dealing with that we have never seen as a profession before , ” he said , adding that the group appeared to be trying to deplete police resources .
“ We did have officers that were in different areas that were chasing these groups , ” he explained .
“ When we make contact , they just disperse.
” “ It kept me up last night and it ’ s been keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may be coming , ” Chief Mylett said .
Throughout last weekend , there were also reports of large pallets of bricks showing up in riot torn areas in multiple cities across America .
Who paid for that ?
Who is funding this insurgency ?
Former New York City mayor and Trump ’ s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani said Monday that he has personally seen enough evidence now to conclude that “ there was a guiding hand in some of this.
” “ Definitely there ’ s organization behind this , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ America First ” podcast .
Giuliani told Gorka that one of the benefits of designating antifa a terrorist group is that the government now has the ability to investigate the group ’ s finances .
“ It will help a lot in being able to tie together some of the loose ends that could tell you how well organized this is , ” he said .
It could answer the Soros question too because you get into their books .
How much money does he donate and how closely associated is he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a statement Tuesday saying that the Bureau is seeking information and digital media depicting individuals inciting violence during the protest/riots .
The FBI respects the rights of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights .
Our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution is dual and simultaneous , not contradictory .
Accordingly , we are committed to apprehending and charging violent instigators who are exploiting legitimate , peaceful protests and engaging in violations of federal law .
The continued violence , potential threat to life , and destruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the rights and safety of First Amendment-protected peaceful demonstrators , as well as all other citizens .
To help us identify actors who are actively instigating violence in the wake of Mr. George Floyd ’ s death , the FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting violent encounters surrounding the civil unrest that is happening throughout the country .
An undercover Project Veritas investigation in January exposed an antifa plot to violently rebel if socialist Bernie Sanders lost the nomination , which he eventually did .
“ You should expect a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizer Kyle Jurek said .
“ The cops are gon na be the ones that are getting f–king beaten in Milwaukee.
” The organizer stressed that cities across the country would pay if his candidate did not get the nomination .
“ We ’ re going to make 1978 [ he means 1968 ] look like a f-cking girl scout f-cking cookout , ” Jurek said .
Project Veritas spoke with other Sanders field organizers who all said there would be a violent revolution if Sanders lost .
Martin Weissgerger and Mason Baird @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that they would be taking “ extreme actions ” against capitalists .
“ We would need a federal government and labor union movement that is working together to strip power away from capitalists and preferably directing violence toward property , ” Baird told a Project Veritas undercover reporter .
The riots have cost retailers billions of dollars at a time when the U.S economy was already seriously damaged by coronavirus lockdown policies .
Antifa-supporting Bernie bros are openly celebrating the “ revolution ” on social media .

by Debra Heine
Someone is organizing criminals and vandals to loot and destroy cities but the corporate media don’t seem all that interested in getting to the bottom of it. In fact, Democrats and their allies in the press have been actively engaging in misdirection, lamely accusing white supremacists of being behind the mayhem plaguing “peaceful protests.”
A looter who was caught by the police in Santa Monica, California on Sunday was very candid with a local reporter when he was asked about his motive.
The man told FOX 11’s Bill Melugin that he wasn’t actually protesting police brutality but was “point blank” just doing it “to get some money.”
“That’s it, just trying to get some dough, that’s it,” he said.
A group of looters broke into the store and began to flee, and as they got into a car, one of them wasn’t fast enough and was left behind by his group. Police were able to catch him, and he was taken into custody.
When asked if his actions were related to what happened in Minnesota, the man said it might have a little bit to do with that, but “not really, I’m out here for “the dough.”
When asked if it was worth it, the man said “obviously not,” while turning to show the reporter his cuffed hands behind his back.
“If you’re going to get some money, do it right. Don’t do it the dumb way. Do it the smart way,” he added.
Melugin ended the interview without asking the looter any additional questions—like who organized this? Were you paid to come out here and loot?
“Thanks for your time. Best of luck to you,” the reporter said.
On Monday, a restaurant owner in Santa Monica told CBS LA that the looters who hit his business traveled in SUVs and were “very well organized.”
“They were very well organized, they came with duffel bags, SUVs,” Jeffrey Merrihue, the owner of Heroic Italian Restaurant, said. “They went from shop to shop. They went in, cleared out with full duffel bags, another SUV would pull up. It was very impressive actually, to be honest.”
Merrihue, who opened his restaurant for business on Monday despite his losses and damages, said he had cell phone video showing the looters in action.
“The vandals broke in, stole our cash machine, stole a few cases of wine,” he said.
Santa Monica Police said over 400 arrests were made last night on charges included looting, violation of curfew, burglary, and assault. According to police, the vast majority, 95%, were not residents. “They would go to the Nike store, this store, they were just telling each other where to go,” said Sunnin Lebanese Cuisine owner Nicole Chammaa. Chammaa said looters and vandals got into her Lebanese restaurant, damaged her furniture and decor, and got away with two cash registers full of cash.
A police chief in Bellevue Washington, which was also hit by looting and violence Sunday night, said he thinks the people responsible were organized, from out of town, and being paid.
“There are groups paying these looters money to come in and they’re getting paid by the broken window,” Bellevue’s Police Chief Steve Mylett told KIRO 7.
Chief Mylett said the looters were separate from the peaceful protesters who were demanding police accountability in the wake of George Floyd’s killing.
He thinks they’re exploiting the moment and connected to the other scenes of violence in the area.
Mylett said the looters appeared to be after high-end stuff that could be resold.
“This is something totally different we are dealing with that we have never seen as a profession before,” he said, adding that the group appeared to be trying to deplete police resources.
“We did have officers that were in different areas that were chasing these groups,” he explained. “When we make contact, they just disperse.”
Chief Mylett said his priority is the preservation of life. He said some of the looters are armed and he worries their crimes could escalate.
“It kept me up last night and it’s been keeping me up because my fear is that it may be coming,” Chief Mylett said.
Bellevue Police arrested 14 people on Sunday. He said the youngest was 13 years old.
Throughout last weekend, there were also reports of large pallets of bricks showing up in riot torn areas in multiple cities across America. Who paid for that? Who is funding this insurgency?
Former New York City mayor and Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani said Monday that he has personally seen enough evidence now to conclude that “there was a guiding hand in some of this.”
“Definitely there’s organization behind this,” he said on Sebastian Gorka’s “America First” podcast.
Giuliani told Gorka that one of the benefits of designating antifa a terrorist group is that the government now has the ability to investigate the group’s finances.
“It will help a lot in being able to tie together some of the loose ends that could tell you how well organized this is,” he said. It could answer the Soros question too because you get into their books. How much money does he donate and how closely associated is he with them?”
The FBI put out a statement Tuesday saying that the Bureau is seeking information and digital media depicting individuals inciting violence during the protest/riots.
The FBI respects the rights of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. Our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution is dual and simultaneous, not contradictory. Accordingly, we are committed to apprehending and charging violent instigators who are exploiting legitimate, peaceful protests and engaging in violations of federal law. The continued violence, potential threat to life, and destruction of property across the United States interferes with the rights and safety of First Amendment-protected peaceful demonstrators, as well as all other citizens. To help us identify actors who are actively instigating violence in the wake of Mr. George Floyd’s death, the FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting violent encounters surrounding the civil unrest that is happening throughout the country.
The FBI is seeking information and digital media depicting individuals inciting violence during First Amendment protected peaceful demonstrations: https://t.co/VF1ahjWVqFhttps://t.co/Ad8bK617er — FBI (@FBI) June 1, 2020
An undercover Project Veritas investigation in January exposed an antifa plot to violently rebel if socialist Bernie Sanders lost the nomination, which he eventually did.
“You should expect a f-cking violent reaction,” Sanders field organizer Kyle Jurek said. “The cops are gonna be the ones that are getting f–king beaten in Milwaukee.”
The organizer stressed that cities across the country would pay if his candidate did not get the nomination.
“We’re going to make 1978 [he means 1968] look like a f-cking girl scout f-cking cookout,” Jurek said.
Project Veritas spoke with other Sanders field organizers who all said there would be a violent revolution if Sanders lost.
Martin Weissgerger and Mason Baird, Sanders staffers in South Carolina, said that they would be taking “extreme actions” against capitalists.
“We would need a federal government and labor union movement that is working together to strip power away from capitalists and preferably directing violence toward property,” Baird told a Project Veritas undercover reporter.
The riots have cost retailers billions of dollars at a time when the U.S economy was already seriously damaged by coronavirus lockdown policies.
Antifa-supporting Bernie bros are openly celebrating the “revolution” on social media.
It’s abundantly clear that Antifa is trying to topple the U.S. through a violent revolution. The only question is who is helping to fund and organize their efforts.
– – –
Debra Heine reports for American Greatness.
Photo “George Floyd Protests” by Lorie Shaull. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Susan B. Anthony List Endorses Bill Hagerty for U.S. Senate

On Wednesday , U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty announced he had received the Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund ’ s endorsement to serve Tennessee .
“ As a Christian conservative who is 100 percent pro-life , I am honored and humbled that Susan B. Anthony List joins President Donald Trump in endorsing me , ” Hagerty said .
“ As the radical liberals look to implement their socialist agenda , which includes taxpayer-funded abortions , now more than ever we need conservative leaders in the Senate to protect our unborn children .
I have always said abortion takes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything we can to be a strong voice for the voiceless .
I will stand up to end taxpayer-funded abortions and to defund Planned Parenthood once and for all.
” Marilyn Musgrave , SBA List VP of Government Affairs said this in Hagerty ’ s press release : We are excited to endorse Bill Hagerty for Senate and are fully confident he will be an unwavering pro-life advocate .
Bill has served his country and President Trump with distinction , and we ’ re thrilled to see him bring his leadership to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make Tennesseans proud .
As The Tennessee Star reported last week , Hagerty announced the Veterans for Hagerty coalition .
The coalition includes more than 1,200 Tennessee veterans from all branches of the military who strongly support Hagerty for U.S. Senate .
Hagerty is running to replace the retiring U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-TN ) .
“ Our nation ’ s veterans have sacrificed so much to guarantee our freedoms , and it is critical that they are fully supported , ” Hagerty said in a press release on his campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next Senator , I will continue to work alongside President Trump to ensure our veterans are equipped with the tools they need to transition successfully into civilian life .
This coalition represents some of Tennessee ’ s best , who have fought bravely for our freedoms , and I am honored to have them on Team Hagerty.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

On Wednesday, U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty announced he had received the Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund’s endorsement to serve Tennessee.
Hagerty announced this in a press release.
“As a Christian conservative who is 100 percent pro-life, I am honored and humbled that Susan B. Anthony List joins President Donald Trump in endorsing me,” Hagerty said.
“As the radical liberals look to implement their socialist agenda, which includes taxpayer-funded abortions, now more than ever we need conservative leaders in the Senate to protect our unborn children. I have always said abortion takes a human life, and we must do everything we can to be a strong voice for the voiceless. I will stand up to end taxpayer-funded abortions and to defund Planned Parenthood once and for all.”
Marilyn Musgrave, SBA List VP of Government Affairs said this in Hagerty’s press release:
We are excited to endorse Bill Hagerty for Senate and are fully confident he will be an unwavering pro-life advocate. Bill has served his country and President Trump with distinction, and we’re thrilled to see him bring his leadership to the United States Senate where he will continue to make Tennesseans proud.
As The Tennessee Star reported last week, Hagerty announced the Veterans for Hagerty coalition.
The coalition includes more than 1,200 Tennessee veterans from all branches of the military who strongly support Hagerty for U.S. Senate. Hagerty is running to replace the retiring U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN).
“Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much to guarantee our freedoms, and it is critical that they are fully supported,” Hagerty said in a press release on his campaign’s website.
“As your next Senator, I will continue to work alongside President Trump to ensure our veterans are equipped with the tools they need to transition successfully into civilian life. This coalition represents some of Tennessee’s best, who have fought bravely for our freedoms, and I am honored to have them on Team Hagerty.”
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Charge Upgraded to Second-Degree Murder in Floyd Case, Three Other Officers Charged

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — Prosecutors charged a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyd ’ s neck with a new more serious charge of second-degree murder on Wednesday , and for the first time leveled charges against three other officers at the scene , according to criminal complaints .
The updated criminal complaint against Derek Chauvin says the officer ’ s actions were a “ substantial causal factor ” in Floyd ’ s death .
“ Officer Chauvin ’ s restraint of Mr. Floyd in this manner for a prolonged period was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consciousness , constituting substantial bodily harm , and Mr. Floyd ’ s death as well , ” the criminal complaint said .
The complaints against the other officers allege they aided and abetted in Chauvin ’ s actions .
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said warrants have been issued for their arrests .
Chauvin was already in custody .
Widely seen bystander video showing Floyd ’ s May 25 death has sparked protests nationwide and around the world against police brutality and discrimination .
Chauvin was fired May 26 and initially charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three other officers involved were also fired but were not immediately charged .
Ellison updated the complaint against Chauvin to add a charge of unintentional second-degree murder , in addition to the earlier charges .
He also charged Thomas Lane , J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
The unintentional second-degree murder charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyd ’ s death without intent while committing another felony offense , namely third-degree assault .
It carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison , compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third-degree murder .
The other officers face the same maximum penalties for aiding and abetting , if convicted .
“ George Floyd mattered .
He was loved , his family was important , his life had value , and we will seek justice for him and for you , and we will find it , ” Ellison said .
Attorney Earl Gray , who represents Lane , told The Associated Press that he hadn ’ t seen the complaint or talked with his client .
He said Lane was not in custody .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attorney for Chauvin said he was not making any statements at this time .
Attorneys for Thao and Kueng did not return messages seeking comment on the charges .
Attorney Ben Crump tweeted that the Floyd family was “ deeply gratified ” by Ellison ’ s action and called it “ a source of peace for George ’ s family in this difficult time.
” He said Ellison had told the family his office will continue to investigate and upgrade charges against Chauvin to first-degree murder if warranted .
Reached by phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement or make clear when Ellison had spoken with the family and whether he had been informed directly that additional charges had been filed .
Floyd ’ s family and protesters have repeatedly called for criminal charges against all four officers as well as more serious charges for Chauvin , who held his knee to Floyd ’ s neck , despite his protests that he couldn ’ t breathe , and stayed there even after Floyd stopped moving .
Floyd , a black man , was in handcuffs when he died with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He died because he was starving for air , ” Crump said at a news conference earlier Wednesday .
“ He needed a breath .
So we are demanding justice .
We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis , Minnesota , tomorrow.
” Crump said the other officers failed to protect a man who was pleading for help and said he couldn ’ t breathe .
Personnel records released by the city show Chauvin served as a military policeman in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being hired as a police officer in 2001 , he has been awarded two medals of valor : One for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect after the man pointed a shotgun at them in 2006 , and one for apprehending another man in a domestic incident in 2008 .
In the latter incident , Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot the man in the stomach .
Chauvin was reprimanded in 2008 for pulling a woman out of her car in 2007 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squad car after he stopped her for speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit .
His dashboard camera was not activated and a report said he could have interviewed the woman while standing outside her car .
Lane , 37 , and Kueng both joined the department in February 2019 and neither have any complaints on their files .
Lane previously worked as a correctional officer at the Hennepin County juvenile jail and as a probation officer at a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys .
Kueng was a 2018 graduate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part-time on campus security .
He also worked as a theft-prevention officer at Macy ’ s in downtown Minneapolis while he was in college .
Tou Thao , a native Hmong speaker , joined the police force as a part-time community service officer in 2008 and was promoted to police officer in 2009 .
He was laid off later that year due to budget cuts and rehired in 2012 .
Gov .
Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hopes of forcing widespread change .
In all , Chauvin is now charged with second-degree murder , third-degree murder , and second-degree manslaughter .
The full criminal complaint against him can be viewed below : Attorney General Ellison ’ s press conference announcing the new charges can be watched below : Written by Associated Press ’ Amy Forliti and Steve Karnowski .
Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond in Madison , Wisconsin , and Bernard Condon and Michael Sisak in New York contributed to this report .
Minnesota Sun Managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
About the Headline Photo : Family attorney Ben Crump , left , escorts Quincy Mason , second from left , a son of George Floyd , Wednesday , June 3 , 2020 , in Minneapolis , as they and some Floyd family members visited a memorial where Floyd was arrested on May 25 and died while in police custody .
Video shared online by a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn ’ t breathe .
( AP Photo/Jim Mone )

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AP) — Prosecutors charged a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyd’s neck with a new more serious charge of second-degree murder on Wednesday, and for the first time leveled charges against three other officers at the scene, according to criminal complaints.
The updated criminal complaint against Derek Chauvin says the officer’s actions were a “substantial causal factor” in Floyd’s death.
“Officer Chauvin’s restraint of Mr. Floyd in this manner for a prolonged period was a substantial causal factor in Mr. Floyd losing consciousness, constituting substantial bodily harm, and Mr. Floyd’s death as well,” the criminal complaint said.
The complaints against the other officers allege they aided and abetted in Chauvin’s actions. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said warrants have been issued for their arrests. Chauvin was already in custody.
Widely seen bystander video showing Floyd’s May 25 death has sparked protests nationwide and around the world against police brutality and discrimination. Chauvin was fired May 26 and initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers involved were also fired but were not immediately charged.
Ellison updated the complaint against Chauvin to add a charge of unintentional second-degree murder, in addition to the earlier charges. He also charged Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The unintentional second-degree murder charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyd’s death without intent while committing another felony offense, namely third-degree assault. It carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, compared with a maximum of 25 years for third-degree murder.
The other officers face the same maximum penalties for aiding and abetting, if convicted.
“George Floyd mattered. He was loved, his family was important, his life had value, and we will seek justice for him and for you, and we will find it,” Ellison said.
Attorney Earl Gray, who represents Lane, told The Associated Press that he hadn’t seen the complaint or talked with his client. He said Lane was not in custody. Before news of the upgraded charges, an attorney for Chauvin said he was not making any statements at this time. Attorneys for Thao and Kueng did not return messages seeking comment on the charges.
Attorney Ben Crump tweeted that the Floyd family was “deeply gratified” by Ellison’s action and called it “a source of peace for George’s family in this difficult time.” He said Ellison had told the family his office will continue to investigate and upgrade charges against Chauvin to first-degree murder if warranted. Reached by phone, Crump declined to speak beyond the statement or make clear when Ellison had spoken with the family and whether he had been informed directly that additional charges had been filed.
Floyd’s family and protesters have repeatedly called for criminal charges against all four officers as well as more serious charges for Chauvin, who held his knee to Floyd’s neck, despite his protests that he couldn’t breathe, and stayed there even after Floyd stopped moving. Floyd, a black man, was in handcuffs when he died with his face pressed to the street.
“He died because he was starving for air,” Crump said at a news conference earlier Wednesday. “He needed a breath. So we are demanding justice. We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tomorrow.”
Crump said the other officers failed to protect a man who was pleading for help and said he couldn’t breathe.
Personnel records released by the city show Chauvin served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army in the late 1990s. Since being hired as a police officer in 2001, he has been awarded two medals of valor: One for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect after the man pointed a shotgun at them in 2006, and one for apprehending another man in a domestic incident in 2008. In the latter incident, Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot the man in the stomach.
Chauvin was reprimanded in 2008 for pulling a woman out of her car in 2007, frisking her and placing her in his squad car after he stopped her for speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit. His dashboard camera was not activated and a report said he could have interviewed the woman while standing outside her car.
Lane, 37, and Kueng both joined the department in February 2019 and neither have any complaints on their files.
Lane previously worked as a correctional officer at the Hennepin County juvenile jail and as a probation officer at a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys.
Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota where he worked part-time on campus security. He also worked as a theft-prevention officer at Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis while he was in college.
Tou Thao, a native Hmong speaker, joined the police force as a part-time community service officer in 2008 and was promoted to police officer in 2009. He was laid off later that year due to budget cuts and rehired in 2012.
Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department and its history of racial discrimination, in hopes of forcing widespread change.
In all, Chauvin is now charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
Attorney General Ellison’s press conference announcing the new charges can be watched below:
– – –
Written by Associated Press’ Amy Forliti and Steve Karnowski. Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, and Bernard Condon and Michael Sisak in New York contributed to this report. Minnesota Sun Managing Editor Anthony Gockowski also contributed to this report.
About the Headline Photo: Family attorney Ben Crump, left, escorts Quincy Mason, second from left, a son of George Floyd, Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in Minneapolis, as they and some Floyd family members visited a memorial where Floyd was arrested on May 25 and died while in police custody. Video shared online by a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Crom Carmichael Clarifies Historian Jon Meacham’s False Claims on MSNBC About the Insurrection Act o

Crom Carmichael Clarifies Historian Jon Meacham’s False Claims on MSNBC About the Insurrection Act of 1807

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael in the studio .
In a continued discussion , Leahy and Carmichael discussed Jon Meacham ’ s recent appearance on MSNBC ’ s Morning Joe and his dishonest and failed acknowledgment of the Insurrection Act of 1807 .
Leahy : Speaking of orchestration .
We have orchestration at the local level then we have orchestration at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the way , our friend whom we ’ ve never met , Jon Meacham from Nashville here .
By the way Mr. Meacham you have an open invitation to come in here .
We ’ ll be polite .
We ’ ll talk to you .
Carmichael : He will never come in here .
Leahy : Why is that Crom ?
Carmichael : He would be scared to .
He will only talk to people who won ’ t question him .
Who agree with him .
So play the quote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the setup .
Because I saw the screen .
Go ahead .
Leahy : This is what John Meacham said yesterday on television .
Here is Jon Meacham our friend that we ’ ve never met from Nashville .
Carmichael : Now let ’ s give the set up here .
This was Mika Brzezinski the wife of Joe Scarborough .
Carmichael : Who was having an affair with Mika before he ditched his wife .
Carmichael : And that guy who had a staff member who died .
Carmichael : Under mysterious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had perpetuated the Russia hoax .
Then they had four other people besides Meacham .
So Meacham did his blather .
That ’ s all it is .
Carmichael : When Bill Barr was asked a question and Chuck Todd cut the sentence short .
When he was asked how will history report this moment ?
And Bill Barr laughed and chuckled and he said the winners write the history .
Then he went on immediately to finish the sentence by saying , but I would hope that the historians would say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now Meacham purports to be a historian .
He purports to be one .
Carmichael : But here ’ s what he didn ’ t say last night .
The Insurrection Act of 1807 sounds like “ Oh My God ” that ’ s an old Act nobody ’ s eve used that .
It ’ s been used many many times including by some of Meacham ’ s favorite presidents .
Carmichael : Yes .
FDR used the Insurrection Act to send in national troops or federal troops .
Carmichael : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ulysses S. Grant did it twice .
Dwight Eisenhower did it .
FDR did it twice .
Lyndon Johnson did it .
Carmichael : He did it four times .
He used the Insurrection Act four times .
So when Meacham says this is a unique point in history , that ’ s false .
Carmichael : And by the way , Meacham is not stupid .
Meacham is not ignorant .
But what he is is dishonest .
You just have to say that .
Because he had to know this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nobody who has his pedigree .
You know he does have white privilege .
Leahy : He went to Sewanee .
Carmichael : And he went to a hoity-toity school in Chattanooga .
Carmichael : Then he went up to New York among the wine and brie crowd and helped them destroy their own city with his thinking and now he ’ s moved to Nashville .
Leahy : And look at what ’ s happened here .
Carmichael : Look what ’ s happened here .
The guy is here for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhibits free speech .
In Nashville , this is a unique point in history .
It ’ s the first time that the citizens have not been allowed to speak at a council meeting .
And it ’ s been orchestrated .
Who knows , Meacham might have been part of the orchestration .
Leahy : Who knows ?
Who knows ?
I was going to say , let ’ s elaborate on what the Insurrection Act allows the president to do .
The Insurrection Act of 1807 .
Carmichael : There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t matter quite as much .
But the third point is this .
This is what the Act says .
“ To address an insurrection of domestic violence , unlawful combination , or conspiracy in any state which results in the deprivation of constitutionally secured rights and where the state is unable , fails , or refuses to protect said rights.
” Leahy : Well , that ’ s the situation right now .
Carmichael : That ’ s exactly the situation .
And by the way , that ’ s the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law .
Leahy : He ’ s well aware of that .
Carmichael : But all four of those pinheads .
Leahy : You are being kind .
( Leahy laughs ) Carmichael : Yeah .
I ’ m having to watch my language .
( Leahy laughs ) All four of those pinheads not one of them chimed in to say that Jon Meacham was not being honest .
He was being dishonest as a matter of fact .
Not one of them did that .
They all just sat there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know why ?
It ’ s your point .
Carmichael : They are paid to do that .
Leahy : Exactly !
They are not that bright and are paid to basically tow the left-wing party line .
Carmichael : Yeah well , Mika is not that bright .
She doesn ’ t want to know stuff .
So that ’ s all kind of part of it .
But then the history of the police .
This is kind of interesting .
I ’ ve been doing some digging .
It doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can just dig around and find these things .
Do you know how many arrests there are in this country a year ?
There are about 10 million .
Leahy : If I was going to guess I would guess one million .
Carmichael : 10 million arrests in this country .
Last year there were 28 unarmed people who died at the hands of the police .
Carmichael : 28 .
19 were white .
Nine were black .
OK ?
Carmichael : There are a whole lot more white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers .
There are 330 million people and there are 800,000 police officers .
Your chances as a police officer being killed while you are in the line of duty are multiple multiple times higher than your chances of being killed as a citizen whether you are black or white .
But to listen to the media for a black person to walk outside is a risk .
Now I ’ m not denying and I ’ ve said this before , that this police officer in Minneapolis no business and what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Knee on the neck for nine minutes .
Carmichael : But he was defended by the police union many times which is why he was on the police force .
So if we are going to get rid of the few rogue cops that we have , and there are relatively few .
If we are going to do that then we need to get rid of the police unions because they are the ones who protect just as with teachers , they protect the bad teachers .
And the unions protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Photo “ Jon Meachem ” by Larry D. Moore .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael in the studio.
In a continued discussion, Leahy and Carmichael discussed Jon Meacham’s recent appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe and his dishonest and failed acknowledgment of the Insurrection Act of 1807.
Leahy: Speaking of orchestration. We have orchestration at the local level then we have orchestration at the national level of course. And by the way, our friend whom we’ve never met, Jon Meacham from Nashville here. By the way Mr. Meacham you have an open invitation to come in here. We’ll be polite. We’ll talk to you.
Carmichael: He will never come in here.
Leahy: Why is that Crom?
Carmichael: He would be scared to. He will only talk to people who won’t question him. Who agree with him. So play the quote but then let’s also give the setup. Because I saw the screen. Go ahead.
Leahy: This is what John Meacham said yesterday on television. Here is Jon Meacham our friend that we’ve never met from Nashville.
(Jon Meacham clip plays)
It’s an incredibly serious American moment. Over the last three or four years we’ve said that a lot. And even before that it’s in the natural human tendency to see problems and moments as uniquely oppressive. Which is a phrase that Arthur Schlesinger the late historian used to use. This is as real as it gets it seems to me. The president is using the vernacular of authoritarianism. He is verging ever closer to violating in a permanent and deleterious way the separation of powers and the fundamental idea of divided sovereignty in America.
Carmichael: Now let’s give the set up here. This was Mika Brzezinski the wife of Joe Scarborough.
Leahy: On MSNBC.
Carmichael: Who was having an affair with Mika before he ditched his wife.
Leahy: Yes. That guy.
Carmichael: And that guy who had a staff member who died.
Leahy: Under mysterious circumstances.
Carmichael: Under mysterious circumstances. And that guy and Mika who had perpetuated the Russia hoax. Then they had four other people besides Meacham. So Meacham did his blather. That’s all it is.
Leahy: Attorney General Bill Barr.
Carmichael: When Bill Barr was asked a question and Chuck Todd cut the sentence short. When he was asked how will history report this moment? And Bill Barr laughed and chuckled and he said the winners write the history. Then he went on immediately to finish the sentence by saying, but I would hope that the historians would say that we followed the rule of law. Now Meacham purports to be a historian. He purports to be one.
Leahy: He’s written a number of interesting best sellers.
Carmichael: But here’s what he didn’t say last night. The Insurrection Act of 1807 sounds like “Oh My God” that’s an old Act nobody’s eve used that. It’s been used many many times including by some of Meacham’s favorite presidents.
Leahy: Really?
Carmichael: Yes. FDR used the Insurrection Act to send in national troops or federal troops.
Leahy: Meacham loves FDR.
Carmichael: Woodrow Wilson did it before him. Ulysses S. Grant did it twice. Dwight Eisenhower did it. FDR did it twice. Lyndon Johnson did it.
Leahy: Oh, he loves Lyndon Johnson.
Carmichael: He did it four times. He used the Insurrection Act four times. So when Meacham says this is a unique point in history, that’s false.
Leahy: Totally false.
Carmichael: And by the way, Meacham is not stupid. Meacham is not ignorant. But what he is is dishonest. You just have to say that. Because he had to know this. I’m sorry. There is nobody who has his pedigree. You know he does have white privilege.
Leahy: White privilege.
Carmichael: He has white privilege.
Leahy: He went to Sewanee.
Carmichael: And he went to a hoity-toity school in Chattanooga.
Leahy: Oh yeah.
Carmichael: Then he went up to New York among the wine and brie crowd and helped them destroy their own city with his thinking and now he’s moved to Nashville.
Leahy: And look at what’s happened here.
Carmichael: Look what’s happened here. The guy is here for two years and we have a council that inhibits free speech. In Nashville, this is a unique point in history. It’s the first time that the citizens have not been allowed to speak at a council meeting. And it’s been orchestrated. Who knows, Meacham might have been part of the orchestration.
Leahy: Who knows? Who knows? I was going to say, let’s elaborate on what the Insurrection Act allows the president to do. The Insurrection Act of 1807.
Carmichael: There are two points in here that don’t matter quite as much. But the third point is this. This is what the Act says.
“To address an insurrection of domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy in any state which results in the deprivation of constitutionally secured rights and where the state is unable, fails, or refuses to protect said rights.”
Leahy: Well, that’s the situation right now.
Carmichael: That’s exactly the situation. And by the way, that’s the law, Mr. Meacham. That’s the law.
Leahy: He’s well aware of that.
Carmichael: But all four of those pinheads.
Leahy: You are being kind. (Leahy laughs)
Carmichael: Yeah. I’m having to watch my language. (Leahy laughs) All four of those pinheads not one of them chimed in to say that Jon Meacham was not being honest. He was being dishonest as a matter of fact. Not one of them did that. They all just sat there like little …
Leahy: But you know why? It’s your point.
Carmichael: They are paid to do that.
Leahy: Exactly! They are not that bright and are paid to basically tow the left-wing party line.
Carmichael: Yeah well, Mika is not that bright. She doesn’t want to know stuff. So that’s all kind of part of it. But then the history of the police. This is kind of interesting. I’ve been doing some digging. It doesn’t take much by the way. You can just dig around and find these things. Do you know how many arrests there are in this country a year? There are about 10 million.
Leahy: 10 million?
Carmichael: 10 million arrests in this country.
Leahy: If I was going to guess I would guess one million.
Carmichael: 10 million arrests in this country. Last year there were 28 unarmed people who died at the hands of the police.
Leahy: 28?
Carmichael: 28. 19 were white. Nine were black. OK?
Leahy: OK.
Carmichael: 89 police officers were killed last year.
Leahy: Wow.
Carmichael: There are a whole lot more white and black people than there are police officers. There are 330 million people and there are 800,000 police officers. Your chances as a police officer being killed while you are in the line of duty are multiple multiple times higher than your chances of being killed as a citizen whether you are black or white. But to listen to the media for a black person to walk outside is a risk. Now I’m not denying and I’ve said this before, that this police officer in Minneapolis no business and what he did was absolutely apprehensible.
Leahy: Knee on the neck for nine minutes.
Carmichael: But he was defended by the police union many times which is why he was on the police force. So if we are going to get rid of the few rogue cops that we have, and there are relatively few. If we are going to do that then we need to get rid of the police unions because they are the ones who protect just as with teachers, they protect the bad teachers. And the unions protect the bad police officers.
Listen to the second hour here:

– – –
Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.
Photo “Jon Meachem” by Larry D. Moore. CC BY-SA 4.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil McCabe Speculates About Rod Rosenstein’s Hearing and Ques

Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil McCabe Speculates About Rod Rosenstein’s Hearing and Questions Antifa’s Network

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil McCabe to the newsmakers line .
During the third hour , McCabe weighed in on the Rod Rosenstein Senate hearings and questioned Antifa ’ s roll in the George Floyd riots .
Leahy : We are joined on the line now by our good friend and the national correspondent for The Tennessee Star and all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome .
McCabe : Michael !
Very good to be with you .
Good morning .
Leahy : What is going on in that crazy capital of ours , Washington , D.C. ?
The governor of Virginia refuses to send in the national guard to help out .
There were protesters .
They had to put up a chain-linked fence beyond the regular fence .
They were trying to knock that down .
Was it crazier last night in Washington or a little bit calmed down ?
McCabe : Things are starting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be very interesting to see how much the news cycle changes today with Rod Rosenstein testifying at the Senate side .
It ’ s always sort of this , I think of it like the cloud cover for the Battle of the Bulge .
And you know it ’ s like our troops were trapped by the Germans and we couldn ’ t help them because of the cloud cover .
As soon as the cloud breaks and the planes can come in and relieve our boys .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and turning it against the president and just as COVID started to break and other stories were starting to be popping up .
We have this tragedy in Minneapolis .
I would love to find out if they really did designate Antifa as a terrorist group , well let ’ s break open that network and find out what they are up to .
There is no way , there is no way this was spontaneous .
And there is no way that this mayhem wasn ’ t subject to centralized command and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely agree with that assessment .
Bill Barr is looking into that , isn ’ t he ?
I think .
We ’ ll find out at some point in the near future the details .
McCabe : We ’ ll see , right ?
In April of 2019 , I was in the room at the National Press Club in D.C. when Senator Lindsey Graham said I am going to investigate the investigators .
And what ?
It ’ s been a year and a half ?
And his first hearing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leahy : Rod Rosenstein , Deputy Attorney General .
He ’ s the guy that was apparently involved to some degree , he was part of the Trump administration ’ s Department of Justice but I think he ’ s got a lot of explaining to do today .
McCabe : It ’ s very interesting with him because you remember that the Democrats led by Chuck Schumer tried to get Carl Rose like arrested because George W. Bush fired some Democratic U.S. attorneys .
A lot of times an administration comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney .
The Obama administration fired I think there are 90-95 US attorneys in the country .
All but five were let go on day one .
January 20 everybody was basically told to clean up their desk .
Of the five US attorneys that Obama kept , one of them was Rosenstein .
McCabe : But the legend is that some never-Trumpers who weaseled their way into the early Trump administration with Reince Preibus and that RNC crowd .
They gave the president a stack of papers and they slipped Rod Rosenstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking that it would go through .
Jeff Sessions had a horrific confirmation fight .
I was in the Senate in the press gallery watching it like at 1:30 in the morning when I was at Breitbart covering that .
And it ’ s like literally every single Trump appointment was getting the max debate .
Schumer was forcing 30 hours of debate for every single nominee .
Everything was a fight .
Rosenstein was what ?
Was it 94 to six ?
Something like that .
That guy just walks in .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosenstein was getting in .
Leahy : What are the big questions that he will be asked today that will be difficult for him ?
McCabe : I think Rosenstein ’ s name is on at least one of those FISA warrants .
And another thing is that he appointed Mueller in May of 2017 to look into the sort of Russian collusion .
But by then , the FBI already knew that not only was the Steele dossier and a lot of the information came from Russian sources but the main source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been debunked previously by the FBI .
And so there was no evidence for the collusion or the cooperation between the Trump campaign and the Russians and yet he did it anyway .
And then in August of 2017 Rosenstein expanded the scope of Mueller ’ s investigation and that included going after Flynn in August .
And we ’ ve talked about this I think it was last week about Svetlana Lokhova .
So why is he expanding an investigation that he knows is bogus ?
And I think the third thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will come up is that when Mueller finally testified , Barr was saying I want Mueller to testify .
Jerry Nadler the chairman of House Judiciary said , “ I want Mueller to testify.
” Mueller did not want to testify because Mueller knew that his brain had become bread pudding ( Leahy laughs ) and the guy was Mr. Magoo .
It was like , did Rosenstein know that Mueller had become Mr. Magoo and had no idea what was in the Mueller report himself .
I ’ ve spoken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrations dealing with Mueller because Mueller seemed distracted .
It would take Mueller like months to get back to Guiliani .
Guiliani is representing the President of the United States and is trying to resolve this thing .
He can ’ t even get Mueller on the phone because they have him hiding somewhere .
Now of course we know it was all weekend at Bernie ’ s .
Rosenstein was directly supervising Mueller .
He had to know that Mueller was having difficulties .
Let ’ s just say that Mike .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in legal jeopardy do you think after this testimony ?
McCabe : Obviously you can ’ t lie to Congress .
I think his law license could be in jeopardy .
But the way things go in D.C. you know , he ’ ll get a hall pass because he was going after Trump , right ?
We have a dual justice system in this country .
If you are a Republican or a Trump supporter you get the electric chair .
If you are a Democrat and you do the exact same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somewhere or the head of an institute .
So much of this is now just an audition for your gig at CNN .
Leahy : Exactly .
Who on the Judiciary Committee ?
It ’ s the Judiciary Committee , right ?
Leahy : Who ’ s going to ask the toughest questions of Rosenstein ?
McCabe : I really believe that Lindsey Graham is going to take lead and I know to open up .
But Lindsey Graham is fighting for his political life .
And he ’ s up for re-election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Already people have come out criticizing him .
House Republicans and certainly Matt Gaetz and others .
So Lindsey Graham absolutely has to stand up and he ’ s capable of it .
We saw what he said towards the end of Kavanaugh .
Leahy : He turned the tide in the Kavanaugh hearing .
McCabe : Absolutely .
Absolutely turned the tide .
So much so that it was pretty much over once he made that last stand .
And I think that we should see that from Graham .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s funny how people behave when their re-election is on the table .
Carmichael : Is he up for re-election this year ?
Carmichael : Is there a Democrat that might beat him ?
McCabe : We don ’ t necessarily know that .
What happens is if he doesn ’ t support the president ?
People stay home .
Leahy : Stay home .
Neil McCabe , the national correspondent for The Tennessee Star and the Star News network .
Listen to the third hour here : Tune in weekdays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil McCabe to the newsmakers line.
During the third hour, McCabe weighed in on the Rod Rosenstein Senate hearings and questioned Antifa’s roll in the George Floyd riots.
Leahy: We are joined on the line now by our good friend and the national correspondent for The Tennessee Star and all of our Star News Media outlets. Neil McCabe welcome.
McCabe: Michael! Very good to be with you. Good morning.
Leahy: What is going on in that crazy capital of ours, Washington, D.C.? The governor of Virginia refuses to send in the national guard to help out. There were protesters. They had to put up a chain-linked fence beyond the regular fence. They were trying to knock that down. Was it crazier last night in Washington or a little bit calmed down?
McCabe: Things are starting to calm down a little bit. And it will be very interesting to see how much the news cycle changes today with Rod Rosenstein testifying at the Senate side. It’s always sort of this, I think of it like the cloud cover for the Battle of the Bulge.
And you know it’s like our troops were trapped by the Germans and we couldn’t help them because of the cloud cover. As soon as the cloud breaks and the planes can come in and relieve our boys. It’s like COVID was dominating the news cycle and turning it against the president and just as COVID started to break and other stories were starting to be popping up. We have this tragedy in Minneapolis.
I would love to find out if they really did designate Antifa as a terrorist group, well let’s break open that network and find out what they are up to. There is no way, there is no way this was spontaneous. And there is no way that this mayhem wasn’t subject to centralized command and control by someone.
Leahy: I completely agree with that assessment. Bill Barr is looking into that, isn’t he? I think. We’ll find out at some point in the near future the details.
McCabe: We’ll see, right? In April of 2019, I was in the room at the National Press Club in D.C. when Senator Lindsey Graham said I am going to investigate the investigators. And what? It’s been a year and a half? And his first hearing is today? That’s not good.
Leahy: Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General. He’s the guy that was apparently involved to some degree, he was part of the Trump administration’s Department of Justice but I think he’s got a lot of explaining to do today.
McCabe: It’s very interesting with him because you remember that the Democrats led by Chuck Schumer tried to get Carl Rose like arrested because George W. Bush fired some Democratic U.S. attorneys. A lot of times an administration comes in and just fires every single U.S. attorney. The Obama administration fired I think there are 90-95 US attorneys in the country. All but five were let go on day one. January 20 everybody was basically told to clean up their desk. Of the five US attorneys that Obama kept, one of them was Rosenstein.
Leahy: Ah-ha!
McCabe: But the legend is that some never-Trumpers who weaseled their way into the early Trump administration with Reince Preibus and that RNC crowd. They gave the president a stack of papers and they slipped Rod Rosenstein in there as the Deputy Attorney General thinking that it would go through. Jeff Sessions had a horrific confirmation fight.
I was in the Senate in the press gallery watching it like at 1:30 in the morning when I was at Breitbart covering that. And it’s like literally every single Trump appointment was getting the max debate. Schumer was forcing 30 hours of debate for every single nominee. Everything was a fight. Rosenstein was what? Was it 94 to six? Something like that. That guy just walks in. That was a clue. Nobody thought Rosenstein was getting in.
Leahy: What are the big questions that he will be asked today that will be difficult for him?
McCabe: I think Rosenstein’s name is on at least one of those FISA warrants. And another thing is that he appointed Mueller in May of 2017 to look into the sort of Russian collusion. But by then, the FBI already knew that not only was the Steele dossier and a lot of the information came from Russian sources but the main source of the craziest accusations that had already been debunked previously by the FBI.
And so there was no evidence for the collusion or the cooperation between the Trump campaign and the Russians and yet he did it anyway. And then in August of 2017 Rosenstein expanded the scope of Mueller’s investigation and that included going after Flynn in August.
And we’ve talked about this I think it was last week about Svetlana Lokhova. So why is he expanding an investigation that he knows is bogus? And I think the third thing and I don’t know if it will come up is that when Mueller finally testified, Barr was saying I want Mueller to testify.
Jerry Nadler the chairman of House Judiciary said, “I want Mueller to testify.” Mueller did not want to testify because Mueller knew that his brain had become bread pudding (Leahy laughs) and the guy was Mr. Magoo. It was like, did Rosenstein know that Mueller had become Mr. Magoo and had no idea what was in the Mueller report himself.
I’ve spoken to Guiliani more than once about his personal frustrations dealing with Mueller because Mueller seemed distracted. It would take Mueller like months to get back to Guiliani. Guiliani is representing the President of the United States and is trying to resolve this thing.
He can’t even get Mueller on the phone because they have him hiding somewhere. Now of course we know it was all weekend at Bernie’s. Rosenstein was directly supervising Mueller. He had to know that Mueller was having difficulties. Let’s just say that Mike.
Leahy: Is Rosenstein going to be in legal jeopardy do you think after this testimony?
McCabe: Obviously you can’t lie to Congress. I think his law license could be in jeopardy. But the way things go in D.C. you know, he’ll get a hall pass because he was going after Trump, right? We have a dual justice system in this country.
If you are a Republican or a Trump supporter you get the electric chair. If you are a Democrat and you do the exact same thing or worse you become a professor somewhere or the head of an institute. So much of this is now just an audition for your gig at CNN.
Leahy: Exactly. Who on the Judiciary Committee? It’s the Judiciary Committee, right?
McCabe: Yes.
Leahy: Who’s going to ask the toughest questions of Rosenstein?
McCabe: I really believe that Lindsey Graham is going to take lead and I know to open up. But Lindsey Graham is fighting for his political life. And he’s up for re-election and he is on the clock. Already people have come out criticizing him. House Republicans and certainly Matt Gaetz and others. So Lindsey Graham absolutely has to stand up and he’s capable of it. We saw what he said towards the end of Kavanaugh.
Leahy: He turned the tide in the Kavanaugh hearing.
McCabe: Absolutely. Absolutely turned the tide. So much so that it was pretty much over once he made that last stand. And I think that we should see that from Graham. He’s absolutely capable of it. And it’s funny how people behave when their re-election is on the table.
Carmichael: Is he up for re-election this year?
McCabe: Yes.
Carmichael: Is there a Democrat that might beat him?
McCabe: We don’t necessarily know that. What happens is if he doesn’t support the president? People stay home.
Leahy: Stay home. Neil McCabe, the national correspondent for The Tennessee Star and the Star News network.
Listen to the third hour here:

– – –
Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.