washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Trump rally called ‘dangerous move’ in age of coronavirus

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - After months away from the campaign trail , President Donald Trump plans to rally his supporters this coming Saturday for the first time since most of the country was shuttered by the coronavirus .
Trump will head to Tulsa , Oklahoma - a state that has seen relatively few COVID-19 cases .
But health experts question the decision , citing the danger of infection spreading among the crowd and sparking outbreaks when people return to their homes .
The Trump campaign itself acknowledges the risk in a waiver attendees must agree to absolving them of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s rally will be held indoors , at a 19,000-seat arena that has canceled all other events through the end of July .
Scientists believe the virus spreads far more easily in crowded enclosed spaces than it does outdoors , where circulating air has a better chance of dispersing virus particles .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the highest risk events for transmission of the coronavirus this way : “ Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The CDC recommends cloth masks in places where people might shout or chant .
Trump ’ s rallies typically draw tens of thousands of supporters .
They usually stand outside in line for hours before passing through airport-style security and cramming into an arena , where they sit side by side or stand shoulder to shoulder .
The rallies are typically raucous , with much shouting , cheering and chanting .
Some people dance and jeer at reporters .
Sometimes protesters are met with violence before they are removed by security .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ put them at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 .
It ’ s not unusual for several individuals in the crowd to require medical attention when the temperature rises .
The rallies also typically draw supporters from surrounding towns and states .
Some die-hard fans travel across the country from rally to rally like groupies for a band .
Dr. Ashish Jha , director of Harvard ’ s Global Health Institute , called the upcoming Trump rally “ an extraordinarily dangerous move for the people participating and the people who may know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afterward.
” Trump supporters coming from neighboring cities and states could carry the virus back home , Jha said .
“ I ’ d feel the same way if Joe Biden were holding a rally.
” In its final phase of reopening , Oklahoma now allows public gatherings of any size as long as organizers consider social distancing .
Participants at any large gathering should stay 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) apart and wear a cloth face covering when distancing is a challenge , the state health department said .
The state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the rest of the nation , but new cases are rising .
In Tulsa , cases are increasing , with 71 new cases reported Friday .
The Tulsa Health Department already was investigating an outbreak linked to an indoor gathering of a large group of people .
“ I have concerns about large groups of people gathering indoors for prolonged lengths of time , ” Bruce Dart , executive director of the Tulsa Health Department , said in a statement Friday .
“ It is imperative that anyone who chooses to host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay safe.
” Dart said the risk of spreading the virus increases with higher numbers of people congregating for longer periods of time .
Oklahoma health authorities said that anyone who attends a large public event should get tested for COVID-19 shortly afterward .
Shelley Payne , director of the LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease at the University of Texas at Austin , said the Trump rally meets every criteria for the riskiest type of event .
“ I would certainly recommend that people wear masks and try to keep as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Julie Fischer , an associate research professor of microbiology and immunology at Georgetown University , said the event could have wide repercussions for the country .
“ With a little bad luck , that scenario could end in the seeding of community outbreaks of COVID-19 across the U.S. , ” she said .
The Trump campaign has declined to respond to repeated questions about whether it will require attendees to wear masks , socially distance or take other measures to reduce the risk of virus transmission .
Trump has made clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I can ’ t imagine a rally where you have every fourth seat full .
Every - every six seats are empty for every one that you have full .
That wouldn ’ t look too good , ” he said in April .
Trump also insisted that the marquee event of the Republican National Convention - his acceptance of his party ’ s nomination for reelection - be moved from Charlotte , North Carolina , to Jacksonville , Florida , after North Carolina ’ s Democratic governor refused to promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been eager to resume the rallies that are the centerpiece of his campaign .
The president revels in his large crowds .
The events let him vent and gauge the kind of rhetoric that will appeal to his ardent political base .
They also help his campaign expand its voter databases and will serve as a contrast to Democratic challenger Biden , who has suspended campaign events because of the virus and hasn ’ t attracted the same size of crowds .
But the decision to pull the trigger now was driven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass anti-racism protests that have taken place across the country in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis .
Campaign and White House officials say the protests - and the limited public health outcry they generated - gave them cover .
If it was OK for tens of thousands of people to march through the streets , demanding racial justice , why can ’ t Trump rally his supporters , too ?
Of course , the protests were held outside , with many participants wearing masks .
“ Any large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is dangerous , ” Jha said .
But infection is less likely at an outdoors moving march than at a crowded event in an enclosed space , he said , citing the air flow .
The Trump campaign , in recognition of the risk , has tried to protect itself from lawsuits with waiver language on its registration website .
“ By clicking register below , you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present , ” the campaign advised those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By attending the Rally , you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President , Inc. ” liable for illness or injury .

WASHINGTON (AP) - After months away from the campaign trail, President Donald Trump plans to rally his supporters next Saturday for the first time since most of the country was shuttered by the coronavirus. But health experts are questioning that decision.
Trump will head to Tulsa, Oklahoma - a state that has seen relatively few COVID-19 cases. Yet the Tulsa City-County Health Department’s director told the Tulsa World over the weekend that he wished the Trump campaign would move the date back because of a “significant increase in our case trends.”
“I’m concerned about our ability to protect anyone who attends a large, indoor event, and I’m also concerned about our ability to ensure the president stays safe as well,” Dr. Bruce Dart told the newspaper.
Other health experts also cite the danger of infection spreading among the crowd and sparking outbreaks when people return to their homes. The Trump campaign itself acknowledges the risk in a waiver attendees must agree to absolving them of any responsibility should people get sick.
WHAT MAKES THE RALLY HIGH RISK?
Trump’s rally will be held indoors, at a 19,000-seat arena that has canceled all other events through the end of July. Scientists believe the virus spreads far more easily in crowded enclosed spaces than it does outdoors, where circulating air has a better chance of dispersing virus particles.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the highest risk events for transmission of the coronavirus this way: “Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.” The CDC recommends cloth masks in places where people might shout or chant.
Trump’s rallies typically draw tens of thousands of supporters. They usually stand outside in line for hours before passing through airport-style security and cramming into an arena, where they sit side by side or stand shoulder to shoulder. The rallies are typically raucous, with much shouting, cheering and chanting. Some people dance and jeer at reporters. Sometimes protesters are met with violence before they are removed by security.
Many attendees are older, which would put them at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19. It’s not unusual for several individuals in the crowd to require medical attention when the temperature rises.
The rallies also typically draw supporters from surrounding towns and states. Some die-hard fans travel across the country from rally to rally like groupies for a band.
Dr. Ashish Jha, director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute, called the upcoming Trump rally “an extraordinarily dangerous move for the people participating and the people who may know them and love them and see them afterward.”
Trump supporters coming from neighboring cities and states could carry the virus back home, Jha said. “I’d feel the same way if Joe Biden were holding a rally.”
___
OKLAHOMA CASES LOW BUT RISING
In its final phase of reopening, Oklahoma now allows public gatherings of any size as long as organizers consider social distancing. Participants at any large gathering should stay 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart and wear a cloth face covering when distancing is a challenge, the state health department said.
The state has a relatively low death rate compared with the rest of the nation, but new cases are rising. In Tulsa, there were 82 new cases reported Saturday, a new high in daily increases for the county. The Tulsa Health Department already was investigating an outbreak linked to an indoor gathering of a large group of people.
Citing the spike in cases, Dart said he wished the rally would postponed to a later date “when the virus isn’t as large a concern as it is today.”
“I think it’s an honor for Tulsa to have a sitting president want to come and visit our community, but not during a pandemic,” Dart said in an interview Saturday with the Tulsa World.
Dart said the risk of spreading the virus increases with higher numbers of people congregating for longer periods of time.
Oklahoma health authorities said that anyone who attends a large public event should get tested for COVID-19 shortly afterward.
Shelley Payne, director of the LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease at the University of Texas at Austin, said the Trump rally meets every criteria for the riskiest type of event.
“I would certainly recommend that people wear masks and try to keep as much distance as possible,” Payne said.
Julie Fischer, an associate research professor of microbiology and immunology at Georgetown University, said the event could have wide repercussions for the country.
“With a little bad luck, that scenario could end in the seeding of community outbreaks of COVID-19 across the U.S.,” she said.
___
MASKS AND PRECAUTIONS
The Trump campaign has declined to respond to repeated questions about whether it will require attendees to wear masks, socially distance or take other measures to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
Trump has made clear that he believes empty seats are bad optics. “I can’t imagine a rally where you have every fourth seat full. Every - every six seats are empty for every one that you have full. That wouldn’t look too good,” he said in April.
Trump also insisted that the marquee event of the Republican National Convention - his acceptance of his party’s nomination for reelection - be moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida, after North Carolina’s Democratic governor refused to promise he would not impose restrictions.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, a former neurosurgeon, said Trump’s rallies will be coordinated with public health authorities to maintain safety.
“As far as the virus is concerned, we have two choices: we can allow it to dominate us, or we can learn as much as we can about it and we can learn how to live with it in a safe, prescribed manner,” he said on “Fox News Sunday.” “And I think the second option is the one that’s going to be adopted.”
___
WHY NOW?
Trump has been eager to resume the rallies that are the centerpiece of his campaign. The president revels in his large crowds. The events let him vent and gauge the kind of rhetoric that will appeal to his ardent political base. They also help his campaign expand its voter databases and will serve as a contrast to Democratic challenger Biden, who has suspended campaign events because of the virus and hasn’t attracted the same size of crowds.
But the decision to pull the trigger now was driven, in large part, by the mass anti-racism protests that have taken place across the country in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. Campaign and White House officials say the protests - and the limited public health outcry they generated - gave them cover. If it was OK for tens of thousands of people to march through the streets, demanding racial justice, why can’t Trump rally his supporters, too?
Of course, the protests were held outside, with many participants wearing masks.
“Any large gathering, whether of protesters or ralliers, is dangerous,” Jha said. But infection is less likely at an outdoors moving march than at a crowded event in an enclosed space, he said, citing the air flow.
___
THE WAIVER
The Trump campaign, in recognition of the risk, has tried to protect itself from lawsuits with waiver language on its registration website.
“By clicking register below, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present,” the campaign advised those signing up for the rally. “By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.” liable for illness or injury.
___
Johnson reported from Washington state.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Michigan boat parade marks Donald Trump's birthday

HARRISON TOWNSHIP , Mich. — Supporters of President Donald Trump celebrated his birthday Saturday with a parade of boats in @ @ @ @ @ Detroit River in southeastern Michigan .
The procession began in Macomb County , a key @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , and moved southwest toward downtown Detroit and the Ambassador Bridge , which links @ @ @ @ @ boats had pro-Trump flags and U.S. flags .
Trump turns 74 Sunday .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ believe he ’ s taking the country in the right direction , ” said Matt @ @ @ @ @ Coalition .
Seely told WWJ radio that the boats would return to Macomb County where @ @ @ @ @ sing “ Happy Birthday .
”

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Supporters of President Donald Trump celebrated his birthday Saturday with a parade of boats in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River in southeastern Michigan.
The procession began in Macomb County, a key county that Trump won in 2016, and moved southwest toward downtown Detroit and the Ambassador Bridge, which links Detroit to Canada.
Many boats had pro-Trump flags and U.S. flags. Trump turns 74 Sunday.
“We love our president. We believe he’s taking the country in the right direction,” said Matt Seely of the Michigan Conservative Coalition.
Seely told WWJ radio that the boats would return to Macomb County where a Marilyn Monroe impersonator would sing “Happy Birthday.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Baltimore police officer wounded in shooting

BALTIMORE ( AP ) - A Baltimore police officer was shot and wounded , the police department announced early Sunday @ @ @ @ @ Sunday morning , but Baltimore police tweeted shortly after 6 a.m. that the unidentified officer @ @ @ @ @ shooting took place in western Baltimore , according to an initial tweet from Baltimore police @ @ @ @ @ to correspond to a residential block near St. Peter ’ s Cemetery .
Baltimore Police @ @ @ @ @ the hospital , police said , adding that updates would be provided as available .
@ @ @ @ @ leading up to the shooting were immediately released , and it was unclear whether anyone @ @ @ @

BALTIMORE (AP) - A Baltimore police officer was shot and wounded, the police department announced early Sunday.
Few details were available Sunday morning, but Baltimore police tweeted shortly after 6 a.m. that the unidentified officer was undergoing surgery.
The shooting took place in western Baltimore, according to an initial tweet from Baltimore police. The address provided appears to correspond to a residential block near St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison was at the hospital, police said, adding that updates would be provided as available. No information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting were immediately released, and it was unclear whether anyone else was shot.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Kate Brown, Oregon governor, to release inmates to slow coronavirus spread

PORTLAND , Ore. — Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown has asked for a list names by June 22 of inmates eligible for possible release to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the state prison system .
The state Department of Corrections was asked to perform a “ case-by-case analysis ” of inmates who are vulnerable to the coronavirus and meet the outlined criteria for possible commutation , The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .
The criteria includes inmates who are particularly vulnerable , those who have not been convicted of a crime against another person and those who have served at least half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
About 100 inmates were identified .
“ Given what we now know about the disease and its pervasiveness in our communities , it is appropriate to release individuals who face significant health challenges should they contract COVID-19 , ” said Brown , a Democrat .
Studies show distancing is a challenge in prisons and jails because people live in close quarters .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
The vast majority of people recover .
A 2018 study also shows Oregon has an aging prison population and houses the highest percentage of inmates over age 55 in the country .
The Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem has confirmed more than 100 inmates and several employees have tested positive for COVID-19 , the department said .
Many inmates have refused testing for fear they will be transferred to an even more restrictive setting so the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be required to take a COVID-19 test before release and anyone with symptoms or who has tested positive would be ineligible for release until they have recovered .
The Oregon District Attorneys Association said in a statement Friday that it has “ significant public safety concerns about prison inmates being released prior to the completion of their sentences.
” Corrections Chief Colette Peters has said the department is working closely with “ our community public safety and public health partners throughout this process to protect the public to the best of our ability.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials said .
There were 25 cases at Shutter Creek Correctional Institution in North Bend , nine cases at Santiam Correctional Institution in Salem and one case at Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla .

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has asked for a list names by June 22 of inmates eligible for possible release to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the state prison system.
The state Department of Corrections was asked to perform a “case-by-case analysis” of inmates who are vulnerable to the coronavirus and meet the outlined criteria for possible commutation, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
The criteria includes inmates who are particularly vulnerable, those who have not been convicted of a crime against another person and those who have served at least half of their sentences, department officials said. About 100 inmates were identified.
“Given what we now know about the disease and its pervasiveness in our communities, it is appropriate to release individuals who face significant health challenges should they contract COVID-19,” said Brown, a Democrat.
Studies show distancing is a challenge in prisons and jails because people live in close quarters.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
A 2018 study also shows Oregon has an aging prison population and houses the highest percentage of inmates over age 55 in the country.
The Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem has confirmed more than 100 inmates and several employees have tested positive for COVID-19, the department said. Many inmates have refused testing for fear they will be transferred to an even more restrictive setting so the number of cases may be underrepresented.
Inmates would be required to take a COVID-19 test before release and anyone with symptoms or who has tested positive would be ineligible for release until they have recovered.
The Oregon District Attorneys Association said in a statement Friday that it has “significant public safety concerns about prison inmates being released prior to the completion of their sentences.”
Corrections Chief Colette Peters has said the department is working closely with “our community public safety and public health partners throughout this process to protect the public to the best of our ability.”
Three other prisons have confirmed cases, officials said. There were 25 cases at Shutter Creek Correctional Institution in North Bend, nine cases at Santiam Correctional Institution in Salem and one case at Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Sushant Singh Rajput, Bollywood actor, found dead

NEW DELHI — Popular Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on Sunday , Press Trust of India news agency and other media outlets reported .
Initial reports citing Mumbai police said the 34-year-old actor was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra .
Rajput , who started as a TV actor , made his Bollywood debut in 2013 with director Abhishek Kapoor in “ Kai Po Che , ” based on the book by Chetan Bhagat .
Social media was flooded with condolences for the actor , with many reacting to the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bright young actor gone too soon , ” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted .
“ He excelled on TV and in films .
His rise in the world of entertainment inspired many and he leaves behind several memorable performances .
Shocked by his passing away .
My thoughts are with his family and fans .
Om Shanti.
” Bollywood star Akshay Kumar wrote on Twitter , “ Honestly this news has left me shocked and speechless.
” “ I can ’ t believe this at all… it ’ s shocking… a beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s disheartening , ” actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui tweeted .
Rajput played former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the 2016 film “ M.S .
Dhoni : The Untold Story.
” Among his other movies are “ Kedarnath , Sonchiriya ” ( Golden Bird ) and “ Raabta ” ( Connection ) .
He was last seen in the Netflix film “ Drive.
” Mumbai , India ’ s financial hub and home to Bollywood , has been grappling with the coronavirus pandemic , which has brought the business of entertainment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

NEW DELHI — Popular Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on Sunday, Press Trust of India news agency and other media outlets reported.
Initial reports citing Mumbai police said the 34-year-old actor was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra.
Rajput, who started as a TV actor, made his Bollywood debut in 2013 with director Abhishek Kapoor in “Kai Po Che,” based on the book by Chetan Bhagat.
Social media was flooded with condolences for the actor, with many reacting to the news with disbelief.
“Sushant Singh Rajput…a bright young actor gone too soon,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. “He excelled on TV and in films. His rise in the world of entertainment inspired many and he leaves behind several memorable performances. Shocked by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and fans. Om Shanti.”
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar wrote on Twitter, “Honestly this news has left me shocked and speechless.”
PHOTOS: Celebrity deaths in 2020: The famous faces we've lost
“I can’t believe this at all… it’s shocking… a beautiful actor and a good friend… it’s disheartening,” actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui tweeted.
Rajput played former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the 2016 film “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.” Among his other movies are “Kedarnath, Sonchiriya” (Golden Bird) and “Raabta” (Connection).
He was last seen in the Netflix film “Drive.”
Mumbai, India’s financial hub and home to Bollywood, has been grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought the business of entertainment to a complete halt in the country.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Fox News removes Seattle 'Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone' digitally altered photos

SEATTLE — Fox News has removed digitally altered photos from its website after the Seattle Times on Friday noted misleading images used in the network ’ s coverage about a Seattle neighborhood that ’ s become a protest center against police brutality and racial injustice .
As of Saturday , Fox News included an editors note posted at the top of at least three stories on its website covering the protest zone , saying it replaced a “ home page photo collage ” because it “ did not clearly delineate between these images ” and that it mistakenly included a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slideshow about Seattle .
The Seattle Times reports Fox News ’ website featured at least two photos on Friday that inserted an image of a man standing with a military-style rifle , and that there were no disclaimers on how they were manipulated when featured on the network ’ s website for most of the day Friday .
The image of the gunman is from a Getty Images photo that was taken on June 10 at what is known as the “ Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone ” protest area .
The original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green mask who was carrying a weapon while standing in front of a car .
The Seattle Times said Fox ’ s website used that gunman image for the network ’ s coverage of the protest zone , but the image was included in a mashup of other photos from May 30 that depicted smashed windows in downtown Seattle - before the protest zone was set up and in a different neighborhood .
The Seattle Times said Fox took down the photos after the newspaper inquired and a Fox News spokeswoman acknowledged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all photos were from the same week and the same location .
“ We have replaced our photo illustration with the clearly delineated images of a gunman and a shattered storefront , ” the Fox statement read in part .
The standards of journalism require photo illustrations to be clearly marked , and caution against using photos from different times and locations unless they are clearly marked because it can be misleading to the reader or viewer .
The gunman image was also inserted into a different June 10 Getty Images photo showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads : “ YOU ARE NOW ENTERING FREE CAP HILL.
” The gunman and sign photos were taken by Seattle freelance photographer David Ryder , who then distributed the photo through Getty Images .
“ It is definitely Photoshopped , ” Ryder told the Seattle Times .
“ To use a photo out of context in a journalistic setting like that seems unethical.
” The Seattle Times also reported that Fox ’ s package of stories on Seattle ’ s protest zone included a May 30 photo taken by an Associated Press photographer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in St. Paul , Minnesota .
Fox has also since removed that image .
The Capitol Hill protest zone east of downtown Seattle has evolved this week into a festival-like scene after police on June 8 removed barricades near the East Precinct and largely abandoned the station in an effort to de-escalate tensions between officers and demonstrators .
The largely peaceful zone has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump , who fumed on Twitter that the city had been taken over by “ anarchists.
” Meanwhile , a U.S. judge on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using tear gas , pepper spray and flash-bang devices to break up largely peaceful protests .

SEATTLE — Fox News has removed digitally altered photos from its website after the Seattle Times on Friday noted misleading images used in the network’s coverage about a Seattle neighborhood that’s become a protest center against police brutality and racial injustice.
As of Saturday, Fox News included an editors note posted at the top of at least three stories on its website covering the protest zone, saying it replaced a “home page photo collage” because it “did not clearly delineate between these images” and that it mistakenly included a St. Paul, Minnesota, photo in a slideshow about Seattle.
The Seattle Times reports Fox News’ website featured at least two photos on Friday that inserted an image of a man standing with a military-style rifle, and that there were no disclaimers on how they were manipulated when featured on the network’s website for most of the day Friday.
The image of the gunman is from a Getty Images photo that was taken on June 10 at what is known as the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” protest area. The original photo showed an unidentified man wearing a green mask who was carrying a weapon while standing in front of a car.
The Seattle Times said Fox’s website used that gunman image for the network’s coverage of the protest zone, but the image was included in a mashup of other photos from May 30 that depicted smashed windows in downtown Seattle - before the protest zone was set up and in a different neighborhood.
The Seattle Times said Fox took down the photos after the newspaper inquired and a Fox News spokeswoman acknowledged the issue in a statement that falsely claimed all photos were from the same week and the same location.
“We have replaced our photo illustration with the clearly delineated images of a gunman and a shattered storefront,” the Fox statement read in part.
The standards of journalism require photo illustrations to be clearly marked, and caution against using photos from different times and locations unless they are clearly marked because it can be misleading to the reader or viewer.
The gunman image was also inserted into a different June 10 Getty Images photo showing a sign from the protest zone that reads: “YOU ARE NOW ENTERING FREE CAP HILL.”
The gunman and sign photos were taken by Seattle freelance photographer David Ryder, who then distributed the photo through Getty Images.
“It is definitely Photoshopped,” Ryder told the Seattle Times. “To use a photo out of context in a journalistic setting like that seems unethical.”
The Seattle Times also reported that Fox’s package of stories on Seattle’s protest zone included a May 30 photo taken by an Associated Press photographer depicting a burning building and car that was in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fox has also since removed that image.
The Capitol Hill protest zone east of downtown Seattle has evolved this week into a festival-like scene after police on June 8 removed barricades near the East Precinct and largely abandoned the station in an effort to de-escalate tensions between officers and demonstrators.
The largely peaceful zone has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump, who fumed on Twitter that the city had been taken over by “anarchists.”
Meanwhile, a U.S. judge on Friday ordered Seattle police to temporarily stop using tear gas, pepper spray and flash-bang devices to break up largely peaceful protests.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Popular Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, found dead

MUMBAI , India ( AP ) - Popular Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on Sunday , police and Indian media reports said .
Initial reports citing police said the 34-year-old actor was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra .
Mumbai police spokesperson Pranaya Ashok confirmed the death and said details were being investigated .
Rajput , who started as a TV actor , made his Bollywood debut in 2013 with director Abhishek Kapoor in “ Kai Po Che , ” based on the book by Chetan Bhagat .
Social media was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with many reacting to the news with disbelief .
“ Sushant Singh Rajput…a bright young actor gone too soon , ” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted .
“ He excelled on TV and in films .
His rise in the world of entertainment inspired many and he leaves behind several memorable performances .
Shocked by his passing away .
My thoughts are with his family and fans .
Om Shanti.
” Bollywood star Akshay Kumar wrote on Twitter , “ Honestly this news has left me shocked and speechless.
” “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s shocking… a beautiful actor and a good friend… it ’ s disheartening , ” actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui tweeted .
Rajput played former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the 2016 film “ M.S .
Dhoni : The Untold Story.
” Among his other movies are “ Kedarnath , Sonchiriya ” ( Golden Bird ) and “ Raabta ” ( Connection ) .
He was last seen in the 2019 Netflix film “ Drive.
” Mumbai , India ’ s financial hub and home to Bollywood , has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has brought the business of entertainment to a complete halt in the country .

MUMBAI, India (AP) - Popular Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on Sunday, police and Indian media reports said.
Initial reports citing police said the 34-year-old actor was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra.
Mumbai police spokesperson Pranaya Ashok confirmed the death and said details were being investigated.
Rajput, who started as a TV actor, made his Bollywood debut in 2013 with director Abhishek Kapoor in “Kai Po Che,” based on the book by Chetan Bhagat.
Social media was flooded with condolences for the actor, with many reacting to the news with disbelief.
“Sushant Singh Rajput…a bright young actor gone too soon,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. “He excelled on TV and in films. His rise in the world of entertainment inspired many and he leaves behind several memorable performances. Shocked by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and fans. Om Shanti.”
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar wrote on Twitter, “Honestly this news has left me shocked and speechless.”
“I can’t believe this at all… it’s shocking… a beautiful actor and a good friend… it’s disheartening,” actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui tweeted.
Rajput played former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the 2016 film “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.” Among his other movies are “Kedarnath, Sonchiriya” (Golden Bird) and “Raabta” (Connection).
He was last seen in the 2019 Netflix film “Drive.”
Mumbai, India’s financial hub and home to Bollywood, has been grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought the business of entertainment to a complete halt in the country.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Baker Mayfield to kneel during national anthem

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield plans to kneel during the national anthem this upcoming season to support protests of social injustice , police brutality and racism .
In answering a post from a fan on his Instagram account Saturday that pleaded with him not to kneel , Mayfield responded : “ Pull your head out .
I absolutely am.″ Mayfield has been outspoken about the need for more understanding and justice in the nation following the killing of George Floyd , a black man , while in police custody in Minneapolis .
“ It ’ s a pivotal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
“ What ’ s being addressed now obviously has been going on for a long time .
So now everybody ’ s finally coming together to address it .
And doing it the right way of holding people accountable.
” Mayfield wore an “ I Can ’ t Breathe ” T-shirt while working out .
Later , he posted another message outlining his stance on kneeling .
“ Everybody so upset about my comment doesn ’ t understand the reason behind kneeling in the first place , ” Mayfield wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our military , cops , and people that serve OUR country .
It ’ s about equality and everybody being treated the same because we are all human .
It ’ s been ignored for too long and that it my fault as well for not becoming more educated and staying silent.
” “ If I lose fans , that ’ s OK.
I ’ ve always spoken my mind .
And that ’ s from the heart.
” On Friday , Houston Texans coach Bill O ’ Brien said he would kneel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so during the anthem .
Earlier this week , while not going as far as O ’ Brien , new Browns coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear he would back his players in any peaceful demonstrations .
“ My position is I want to make sure I support our players , ” Stefanski said .
“ First things first , I want to make sure I sit down with them and talk .
… I can just promise you this , we will spend as much time as needed to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page and we are a united front from a player , staff , you name it ( standpoint ) .
” Stefanski attended a peaceful protest last weekend and has encouraged his players to “ get in the arena .
”

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield plans to kneel during the national anthem this upcoming season to support protests of social injustice, police brutality and racism.
In answering a post from a fan on his Instagram account Saturday that pleaded with him not to kneel, Mayfield responded: “Pull your head out. I absolutely am.″
Mayfield has been outspoken about the need for more understanding and justice in the nation following the killing of George Floyd, a black man, while in police custody in Minneapolis.
“It’s a pivotal time for change,” Mayfeld said Thursday. “What’s being addressed now obviously has been going on for a long time. So now everybody’s finally coming together to address it. And doing it the right way of holding people accountable.”
Mayfield wore an “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirt while working out. Later, he posted another message outlining his stance on kneeling.
“Everybody so upset about my comment doesn’t understand the reason behind kneeling in the first place,” Mayfield wrote. “I have the utmost respect for our military, cops, and people that serve OUR country. It’s about equality and everybody being treated the same because we are all human. It’s been ignored for too long and that it my fault as well for not becoming more educated and staying silent.”
“If I lose fans, that’s OK. I’ve always spoken my mind. And that’s from the heart.”
On Friday, Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien said he would kneel with his players if they chose to do so during the anthem.
Earlier this week, while not going as far as O’Brien, new Browns coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear he would back his players in any peaceful demonstrations.
“My position is I want to make sure I support our players,” Stefanski said. “First things first, I want to make sure I sit down with them and talk. … I can just promise you this, we will spend as much time as needed to make sure that we are all on the same page and we are a united front from a player, staff, you name it (standpoint).”
Stefanski attended a peaceful protest last weekend and has encouraged his players to “get in the arena.”
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Robert Fuller, Malcolm Harsch hanging deaths spur protests, investigations in California

PALMDALE , Calif. — Authorities in the Southern California city of Palmdale are investigating the death of a 24-year-old black man found hanging from a tree near City Hall , which they originally described as an apparent suicide , prompting outrage in the community .
A passerby reported seeing Robert Fuller ’ s body around 3 a.m. Wednesday .
Emergency personnel responded and found that he appeared to have died by suicide , Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s officials said .
Fuller ’ s death has generated intense scrutiny , especially after nationwide protests rebuking the police killing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the case brought to light the death of another black man found hanging from a tree on May 31 in Victorville , a desert city about 45 miles ( 72 kilometers ) east of Palmdale .
On Saturday , hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Palmdale , a city of 150,000 , marching from the park where Fuller ’ s body was found to the sheriff ’ s station .
Many carried signs that said “ Justice for Robert Fuller.
” More than 100,000 people signed an online petition demanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death .
Community members confronted city officials at a contentious news briefing Friday , asking why they were quick to label his death a suicide and demanding an independent autopsy .
“ I have doubts about what happened , ” Marisela Barajas , who went to the press conference and joined a crowd gathered at the tree where Fuller ’ s body was found , told the Los Angeles Times .
“ All alone , in front of the City Hall - it ’ s more like a statement , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suicide , that in itself is kind of a statement.
” Lt. Kelly Yagerlener of the county medical examiner-coroner ’ s office said a decision on the cause of death is deferred pending an investigation .
A full autopsy is planned .
Residents demanded surveillance video around the time and place where Fuller ’ s body was found .
The city said there were no outdoor cameras , and video recorders on a nearby traffic signal could not have captured what happened .
Sheriff ’ s Capt .
Ron Shaffer said homicide detectives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s death to determine if foul play was involved .
He urged members of the public to contact detectives if they have relevant information , particularly about where Fuller had been and who he had been with in recent weeks .
Palmdale officials wrote in a statement that investigators have been in contact with Fuller ’ s family .
A statement posted on the city website said it supports calls for an independent investigation and independent autopsy .
KPCC-FM reports that at the march Saturday , Fuller ’ s sister Diamond Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Robert was a good little brother to us and it ’ s like everything they have been telling us has not been right … and we just want to know the truth , ” she said .
In neighboring San Bernardino County , authorities there said they were still investigating the cause of death of 38-year-old Malcolm Harsch , whose body was found hanging in a tree near the Victorville City Library .
A sheriff ’ s spokeswoman , Jodi Miller , told Victor Valley News foul play was not suspected in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s family said they were concerned it will be ruled a suicide to avoid further attention .
In a statement to the publication on Saturday , the family said a few people who were at the scene told them there was blood on his shirt but no indication of a struggle .
They said Harsch didn ’ t seem to be depressed and had recent conversations with his children about seeing them soon .
“ The explanation of suicide does not seem plausible , ” the statement said .
“ There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current racial tension , a black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesn ’ t sit well with us right now .
We want justice not comfortable excuses.
” Messages seeking comments from Miller and the coroner ’ s office have not been returned .

PALMDALE, Calif. — Authorities in the Southern California city of Palmdale are investigating the death of a 24-year-old black man found hanging from a tree near City Hall, which they originally described as an apparent suicide, prompting outrage in the community.
A passerby reported seeing Robert Fuller’s body around 3 a.m. Wednesday. Emergency personnel responded and found that he appeared to have died by suicide, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials said.
Fuller’s death has generated intense scrutiny, especially after nationwide protests rebuking the police killing of George Floyd. In a surprising turn, the case brought to light the death of another black man found hanging from a tree on May 31 in Victorville, a desert city about 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Palmdale.
On Saturday, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Palmdale, a city of 150,000, marching from the park where Fuller’s body was found to the sheriff’s station. Many carried signs that said “Justice for Robert Fuller.”
More than 100,000 people signed an online petition demanding a full investigation into Fuller’s death. Community members confronted city officials at a contentious news briefing Friday, asking why they were quick to label his death a suicide and demanding an independent autopsy.
“I have doubts about what happened,” Marisela Barajas, who went to the press conference and joined a crowd gathered at the tree where Fuller’s body was found, told the Los Angeles Times.
“All alone, in front of the City Hall — it’s more like a statement,” she said. “Even if it was a suicide, that in itself is kind of a statement.”
Lt. Kelly Yagerlener of the county medical examiner-coroner’s office said a decision on the cause of death is deferred pending an investigation. A full autopsy is planned.
Residents demanded surveillance video around the time and place where Fuller’s body was found. The city said there were no outdoor cameras, and video recorders on a nearby traffic signal could not have captured what happened.
Sheriff’s Capt. Ron Shaffer said homicide detectives were investigating the circumstances leading to Fuller’s death to determine if foul play was involved. He urged members of the public to contact detectives if they have relevant information, particularly about where Fuller had been and who he had been with in recent weeks.
Palmdale officials wrote in a statement that investigators have been in contact with Fuller’s family. A statement posted on the city website said it supports calls for an independent investigation and independent autopsy.
KPCC-FM reports that at the march Saturday, Fuller’s sister Diamond Alexander insisted her brother was not suicidal.
“Robert was a good little brother to us and it’s like everything they have been telling us has not been right … and we just want to know the truth,” she said.
In neighboring San Bernardino County, authorities there said they were still investigating the cause of death of 38-year-old Malcolm Harsch, whose body was found hanging in a tree near the Victorville City Library. A sheriff’s spokeswoman, Jodi Miller, told Victor Valley News foul play was not suspected in Harsch’s death but the man’s family said they were concerned it will be ruled a suicide to avoid further attention.
In a statement to the publication on Saturday, the family said a few people who were at the scene told them there was blood on his shirt but no indication of a struggle. They said Harsch didn’t seem to be depressed and had recent conversations with his children about seeing them soon.
“The explanation of suicide does not seem plausible,” the statement said. “There are many ways to die but considering the current racial tension, a black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesn’t sit well with us right now. We want justice not comfortable excuses.”
Messages seeking comments from Miller and the coroner’s office have not been returned.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Denver Riggleman, Virginia Republican who officiated gay wedding, loses primary

LYNCHBURG , Va. — A freshman Virginia GOP congressman who angered social conservatives in his district when he officiated a gay wedding lost his party ’ s nomination .
U.S. Rep. Denver Riggleman lost a GOP convention Saturday that was done via drive-thru because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He was defeated by Bob Good , a former official in the athletics department at Liberty University .
While the convention ended at 7 p.m. , the vote tally was not announced until after 1 a.m. Sunday .
Good won 58 % of the vote , campaign manager Nancy Smith told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee Chair Melvin Adams said 2,537 of the more than 3,500 registered delegates voted , news outlets reported .
Riggleman , a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus , upset many Republicans in his district last summer when he officiated the wedding of two male campaign aides .
The convention was held at a Lynchburg-area church near Good ’ s home and was the only place delegates could cast a ballot in a district that stretches from northern Virginia to the North Carolina border .
Riggleman has said a small coterie of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contest against him forcing the nomination process to be decided with a convention instead of a primary .
Conventions favor more conservative candidates and have been used for years by Virginia Republicans to block moderate Republicans from winning office .
“ Voting irregularities and ballot stuffing has been reported in multiple counties in the # VA05 .
Voter fraud has been a hallmark of this nomination process and I will not stand for it , ” Riggleman tweeted a little over an hour before results were announced .
“ @ VA_GOP needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all our options at this time.
” President Donald Trump endorsed Riggleman , as did Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. Good is now the Republican nominee for Virginia ’ s 5th Congressional District .
Four Democrats are vying to challenge him in the fall , with the winner picked later this summer .
“ That ’ s what losers say , ” Good told reporters , commenting on Riggleman ’ s allegations of irregularities .
Good has pledged to restore “ Judeo-Christian ” values to Congress .
He ’ s also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the official language of the U.S. His victory could make national Democrats and outside groups more likely to spend money in the district , which easily went for Trump in 2016 .

LYNCHBURG, Va. — A freshman Virginia GOP congressman who angered social conservatives in his district when he officiated a gay wedding lost his party’s nomination.
U.S. Rep. Denver Riggleman lost a GOP convention Saturday that was done via drive-thru because of the coronavirus pandemic. He was defeated by Bob Good, a former official in the athletics department at Liberty University.
While the convention ended at 7 p.m., the vote tally was not announced until after 1 a.m. Sunday. Good won 58% of the vote, campaign manager Nancy Smith told The Associated Press. 5th District Republican Committee Chair Melvin Adams said 2,537 of the more than 3,500 registered delegates voted, news outlets reported.
“Resounding win!” Smith wrote in an email.
Riggleman, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, upset many Republicans in his district last summer when he officiated the wedding of two male campaign aides.
The convention was held at a Lynchburg-area church near Good’s home and was the only place delegates could cast a ballot in a district that stretches from northern Virginia to the North Carolina border.
Riggleman has said a small coterie of Republican insiders were trying to rig the contest against him forcing the nomination process to be decided with a convention instead of a primary. Conventions favor more conservative candidates and have been used for years by Virginia Republicans to block moderate Republicans from winning office.
“Voting irregularities and ballot stuffing has been reported in multiple counties in the #VA05. Voter fraud has been a hallmark of this nomination process and I will not stand for it,” Riggleman tweeted a little over an hour before results were announced. “@VA_GOP needs to reevaluate their priorities. We are evaluating all our options at this time.”
President Donald Trump endorsed Riggleman, as did Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr.
Good is now the Republican nominee for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. Four Democrats are vying to challenge him in the fall, with the winner picked later this summer.
“That’s what losers say,” Good told reporters, commenting on Riggleman’s allegations of irregularities.
Good has pledged to restore “Judeo-Christian” values to Congress. He’s also a hardliner on immigration and wants English to be the official language of the U.S. His victory could make national Democrats and outside groups more likely to spend money in the district, which easily went for Trump in 2016.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Garrett Rolfe, Atlanta police officer, fired after Rayshard Brooks shooting

ATLANTA — An Atlanta police officer was fired following the fatal shooting of a black man and another officer was placed on administrative duty , the police department announced early Sunday .
The moves follows the Saturday resignation of Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields , who stepped down as the Friday night killing of Rayshard Brooks , 27 , sparked a new wave of protests in Atlanta after turbulent demonstrations following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police had simmered down .
The terminated officer was identified as Garrett Rolfe , who was hired in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrative duty is Devin Brosnan , who was hired in September 2018 , according to a release from police spokesperson Sgt .
John Chafee .
The police department also released body camera and dash camera footage from both officers .
More than 40 minutes elapses between the time Brosnan first knocks on Brooks ’ car door while he ’ s in Wendy ’ s drive-thru and when gunshots ring out ; Rolfe arrives on scene about 16 minutes in .
The shooting is audible in footage from Rolfe ’ s dash camera and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t captured on any of the four recordings provided by police .
Both body cameras fall off during the struggle that ensues when Rolfe moves to handcuff Brooks after speaking to him for about 20 minutes , although Brooks is briefly glimpsed being Tased before he ’ s shot .
Protesters on Saturday night set fire to the Wendy ’ s restaurant where Brooks was fatally shot the night before and blocked traffic on a nearby highway .
The fire was out by 11:30 p.m. , but video from local news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Sunday .
Atlanta police said 36 people were arrested at protests as of midnight .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the police chief ’ s resignation at a Saturday afternoon news conference , and had called for the immediate firing of the officer who opened fire .
“ I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force , ” Bottoms said .
She said it was Shields ‘ own decision to step aside and that she would remain with the city in an undetermined role .
Interim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interim police chief .
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation , which is probing the shooting , said the deadly confrontation started with a complaint that a man was sleeping in a car blocking the restaurant ’ s drive-thru lane .
The GBI said Brooks failed a field sobriety test and then resisted officers ’ attempts to arrest him .
Rolfe is seen on body camera video administering the field sobriety test , followed by a Breathalyzer test with Brooks ’ permission .
He moves to arrest Brooks after the Breathalyzer test ; while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result , the machine displays a 0.108 in video captured by Rolfe ’ s own body camera .
The GBI released security camera video of the shooting Saturday , which does not show Brooks ’ initial struggle with police .
The footage shows a man running from two white police officers as he raises a hand , which is holding an object , toward an officer a few steps behind him .
The officer draws his gun and fires as the man keeps running , then falls to the ground in the parking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brooks had grabbed a Taser from one officer and appeared to point it at the officer as he fled .
The officer fired an estimated three shots .
L. Chris Stewart , an attorney for Brooks ’ family , said the officer who shot him should be charged for “ an unjustified use of deadly force , which equals murder.
” “ You can ’ t have it both ways in law enforcement , ” Stewart said .
“ You can ’ t say a Taser is a nonlethal weapon … but when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with it , now it ’ s some kind of deadly , lethal weapon that calls for you to unload on somebody.
” He said Brooks was a father of four and had celebrated a daughter ’ s eighth birthday Friday before he was killed .
The shooting came at a time of heightened tension over police brutality and calls for reforms across the U.S. following the May 25 death of Floyd in Minneapolis .
Demonstrators , including members of Brooks ’ family , gathered Saturday outside the restaurant where he was shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who said she is Rayshard Brooks ’ sister-in-law .
“ He wasn ’ t causing anyone any harm , ” she said .
“ The police went up to the car and even though the car was parked they pulled him out of the car and started tussling with him.
” She added : “ He did grab the Taser , but he just grabbed the Taser and ran.
” Shields , Atlanta ’ s police chief for under four years , was initially praised in the days following Floyd ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should go to prison and told demonstrators she understood their frustrations and fears .
She appeared at Bottoms ’ side as the mayor made an impassioned plea for protesters to go home when things turned violent with smashed storefronts and police cruisers set ablaze .
Days later , Shields fired two officers and benched three others caught on video in a hostile confrontation with two college students whose car was stuck in traffic caused by protests .
The officers fired Tasers at the pair and dragged them from the vehicle .
When prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , Shields openly questioned the charges .
The shooting of Brooks two weeks later raised further questions about the Atlanta department .
“ It is time for the city to move forward and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve , ” Shields said in a statement .
Reynolds said his agents will turn over results of their investigation to Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard , whose office will decide whether criminal charges are warranted against either officer .
Howard said Saturday his office “ has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident.
” Brooks died after being taken to an Atlanta hospital .
One of the officers was treated and released for unspecified injuries .
This story has been corrected to report that the last name of the officer placed on administrative duty is Brosnan , not Bronsan as Atlanta police initially announced .
Bynum reported from Savannah , Georgia .
Associated Press writer Pat Eaton-Robb in Hartford , Connecticut , contributed to this report .

ATLANTA — An Atlanta police officer was fired following the fatal shooting of a black man and another officer was placed on administrative duty, the police department announced early Sunday.
The moves follows the Saturday resignation of Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields, who stepped down as the Friday night killing of Rayshard Brooks, 27, sparked a new wave of protests in Atlanta after turbulent demonstrations following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police had simmered down.
The terminated officer was identified as Garrett Rolfe, who was hired in October 2013, and the officer placed on administrative duty is Devin Brosnan, who was hired in September 2018, according to a release from police spokesperson Sgt. John Chafee.
The police department also released body camera and dash camera footage from both officers.
More than 40 minutes elapses between the time Brosnan first knocks on Brooks’ car door while he’s in Wendy’s drive-thru and when gunshots ring out; Rolfe arrives on scene about 16 minutes in. The shooting is audible in footage from Rolfe’s dash camera and both officers’ body cameras, but wasn’t captured on any of the four recordings provided by police. Both body cameras fall off during the struggle that ensues when Rolfe moves to handcuff Brooks after speaking to him for about 20 minutes, although Brooks is briefly glimpsed being Tased before he’s shot.
Protesters on Saturday night set fire to the Wendy’s restaurant where Brooks was fatally shot the night before and blocked traffic on a nearby highway. The fire was out by 11:30 p.m., but video from local news stations showed it again aflame around 4 a.m. Sunday. Atlanta police said 36 people were arrested at protests as of midnight.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the police chief’s resignation at a Saturday afternoon news conference, and had called for the immediate firing of the officer who opened fire.
“I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force,” Bottoms said.
She said it was Shields’ own decision to step aside and that she would remain with the city in an undetermined role. Interim Corrections Chief Rodney Bryant will serve as interim police chief.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is probing the shooting, said the deadly confrontation started with a complaint that a man was sleeping in a car blocking the restaurant’s drive-thru lane. The GBI said Brooks failed a field sobriety test and then resisted officers’ attempts to arrest him.
Rolfe is seen on body camera video administering the field sobriety test, followed by a Breathalyzer test with Brooks’ permission. He moves to arrest Brooks after the Breathalyzer test; while he doesn’t tell Brooks the result, the machine displays a 0.108 in video captured by Rolfe’s own body camera.
The GBI released security camera video of the shooting Saturday, which does not show Brooks’ initial struggle with police. The footage shows a man running from two white police officers as he raises a hand, which is holding an object, toward an officer a few steps behind him. The officer draws his gun and fires as the man keeps running, then falls to the ground in the parking lot.
GBI Director Vic Reynolds said Brooks had grabbed a Taser from one officer and appeared to point it at the officer as he fled. The officer fired an estimated three shots.
L. Chris Stewart, an attorney for Brooks’ family, said the officer who shot him should be charged for “an unjustified use of deadly force, which equals murder.”
“You can’t have it both ways in law enforcement,” Stewart said. “You can’t say a Taser is a nonlethal weapon … but when an African American grabs it and runs with it, now it’s some kind of deadly, lethal weapon that calls for you to unload on somebody.”
He said Brooks was a father of four and had celebrated a daughter’s eighth birthday Friday before he was killed.
The shooting came at a time of heightened tension over police brutality and calls for reforms across the U.S. following the May 25 death of Floyd in Minneapolis.
Demonstrators, including members of Brooks’ family, gathered Saturday outside the restaurant where he was shot.
Among those protesting was Crystal Brooks, who said she is Rayshard Brooks’ sister-in-law.
“He wasn’t causing anyone any harm,” she said. “The police went up to the car and even though the car was parked they pulled him out of the car and started tussling with him.”
She added: “He did grab the Taser, but he just grabbed the Taser and ran.”
Shields, Atlanta’s police chief for under four years, was initially praised in the days following Floyd’s death. She said the officers involved should go to prison and told demonstrators she understood their frustrations and fears. She appeared at Bottoms’ side as the mayor made an impassioned plea for protesters to go home when things turned violent with smashed storefronts and police cruisers set ablaze.
Days later, Shields fired two officers and benched three others caught on video in a hostile confrontation with two college students whose car was stuck in traffic caused by protests. The officers fired Tasers at the pair and dragged them from the vehicle. When prosecutors later charged six of the officers involved, however, Shields openly questioned the charges.
The shooting of Brooks two weeks later raised further questions about the Atlanta department.
“It is time for the city to move forward and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” Shields said in a statement.
Reynolds said his agents will turn over results of their investigation to Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, whose office will decide whether criminal charges are warranted against either officer.
Howard said Saturday his office “has already launched an intense, independent investigation of the incident.”
Brooks died after being taken to an Atlanta hospital. One of the officers was treated and released for unspecified injuries.
___
This story has been corrected to report that the last name of the officer placed on administrative duty is Brosnan, not Bronsan as Atlanta police initially announced.
___
Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. Associated Press writer Pat Eaton-Robb in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Not magic? Disney sues Florida county over property taxes

ORLANDO , Fla. ( AP ) - One thing that is not magic to Walt Disney World is the property @ @ @ @ @ a Florida county .
Disney is once again suing the Orange County property appraiser over @ @ @ @ @ theme parks , resorts , employee buildings and other structures .
The company has filed @ @ @ @ @ .
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Property Appraiser Rick Singh says the Disney complex has @ @ @ @ @ Disney says it is challenging errors in the assessments .
According to the Disney lawsuits @ @ @ @ @ value for the Magic Kingdom - the world ’ s busiest theme park - at @ @ @ @ @ ’ s value was set at about $ 539 million .
Hollywood Studios was assessed @ @ @ @ @ while Animal Kingdom came in at about $ 435 million .
Disney World has been @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and plans a phased reopening starting July 11 .

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - One thing that is not magic to Walt Disney World is the property taxes it must pay to a Florida county.
Disney is once again suing the Orange County property appraiser over 2019 tax assessments for its theme parks, resorts, employee buildings and other structures. The company has filed similar lawsuits in past years.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Property Appraiser Rick Singh says the Disney complex has been undervalued for years. Disney says it is challenging errors in the assessments.
According to the Disney lawsuits, Singh listed the assessed value for the Magic Kingdom - the world’s busiest theme park - at $504 million. Epcot’s value was set at about $539 million.
Hollywood Studios was assessed at nearly $394 million while Animal Kingdom came in at about $435 million.
Disney World has been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic and plans a phased reopening starting July 11.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Egypt: Ethiopia rejecting 'fundamental issues' on Nile dam

CAIRO ( AP ) - Egypt , Sudan and Ethiopia said Sunday they would resume talks this week over a contentious , massive Nile dam , even as Egypt accused Ethiopia of trying to hinder progress on a resolution to disagreements over the project .
The construction of the $ 4.6 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile , which is over 70 % complete and promises to provide much-needed electricity to Ethiopia ’ s 100 million people , has been a friction point between Ethiopia , Sudan and Egypt , the three main Nile Basin countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years , without reaching a deal .
Those talks came to an acrimonious halt in February when Ethiopia rejected a U.S.-crafted deal and accused the Trump administration of siding with Egypt .
Egypt ’ s Irrigation Ministry on Saturday accused Ethiopia of bogging down the talks with a new proposal that it called “ worrisome.
” “ The Ethiopian proposal aims to scrap all the agreements and understandings reached by the three countries during the negotiations spanning nearly a decade , ” said ministry spokesman Mohammed el-Sebaei .
Ethiopia wants to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming weeks , but Egypt has raised concerns that filing the reservoir behind the dam too quickly could significantly reduce the amount of Nile water available to Egypt .
After months of deadlock , Sudanese , Egyptian and Ethiopian water and irrigation ministers resumed talks last week , with observers attending from the U.S. , the European Union and South Africa , which is the current head of the African Union .
Sudan ’ s Irrigation Ministry said Saturday ’ s talks focused on technical matters of the operation of the dam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during rainy seasons , droughts and prolonged droughts .
It said it will craft a draft paper based on Egyptian and Ethiopian notes to be discussed on Monday .
In a statement , Egypt ’ s Irrigation Ministry said last week ’ s talks revealed the differences that remain with Ethiopia .
The ministry said the contentious issues included Ethiopia ’ s “ total ” rejection of addressing technical issues related to the mitigation of droughts .
It also said Ethiopia rejected “ the inclusion of a legally binding dispute resolution mechanism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that these are essential components in any agreement that relates to an existential matter that affects the lives of over 150 million citizens of Egypt and Sudan , ” the statement said .
Ethiopia ’ s Water and Energy ministry said the talks have achieved progress and they will result in “ finalizing the process with a win-win outcome.
” It said the three countries reached an understanding on the first stage of filling and the approach to drought management rules .
The Ethiopian ministry however said “ any attempt to confuse the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure on Ethiopia to accept colonial based treaties … .
is unacceptable.
” Egypt has received the lion ’ s share of the Nile ’ s waters under decades-old agreements seen by other Nile basin nations as unfair .
Past Egyptian presidents have warned that any attempt to build dams along the Nile will be met with military action , but Egypt ’ s current leader , President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi , has ruled that out .
El-Sebaei said Ethiopia rejected a Sudanese proposal last week that could be a basis for negotiations between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ababa introduced its proposal that included its vision for the dam ’ s operation .
He said Ethiopia lacks the “ political will ” to compromise on a deal , and wants Egypt and Sudan to “ abandon their water rights and to recognize Ethiopia ’ s right to use the Blue Nile waters unilaterally and to fill and operate the Renaissance Dam in accordance with its vision.
” “ The proposal is not legally and technically sound , ” he told reporters in Cairo .
“ It is a clear attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country.
” Both Egypt and Sudan rejected the Ethiopian proposal , he said .
The Ethiopian ministry said el-Sebaei ’ s comments were “ regrettable.
” It said that if the ongoing negotiations failed it would be because of “ Egypt ’ s obstinacy to maintain a colonial based water allocation agreement that denies Ethiopia and all the upstream countries their natural and legitimate rights.
” The Blue Nile flows from Ethiopia into Sudan where it joins the White Nile near the capital , Khartoum , to form the Nile River .
Eighty-five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Blue Nile , which is one of the Nile ’ s two main tributaries .
Egypt last week called for Ethiopia to “ clearly declare that it had no intention of unilaterally filling the reservoir ” and that a deal that was prepared by the U.S. and the World Bank in February serves as the starting point of the resumed negotiations .
The U.S. had crafted a draft deal in February after more than four months of talks , and said the final testing and filling of the dam “ should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The deadlock over the dam became increasingly bitter in recent months , with Egypt saying it would use “ all available means ” to defend “ the interests ” of its people .
Ethiopia ’ s deputy army chief on Friday said his country will strongly defend itself and will not negotiate its sovereignty over the disputed dam .

CAIRO (AP) - Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia on Sunday said talks would continue later this week to resolve their dispute over a Nile dam Ethiopia is constructing, even as Cairo accused Addis Ababa of rejecting “fundamental issues” at the heart of the negotiations.
Ethiopia wants to begin filling the dam’s reservoir in the coming weeks, but Egypt has raised concerns that filing the reservoir too quickly and without a deal could significantly reduce the amount of Nile water available to Egypt. Both countries have made clear in the past that they could take steps to protect their interests, should negotiations fail, and experts fear a breakdown in talks could lead to conflict.
The talks resumed last week via video conference after months of deadlock, and will start up again on Monday, statements from the three main Nile basin countries said Sunday.
However, the most recent negotiations have been punctuated by strong comments from both Egypt and Ethiopia.
Egypt’s Irrigation Ministry said in a statement late Saturday that Ethiopia was looking to renegotiate a number of points of contention, which “demonstrated that there are many fundamental issues that Ethiopia continues to reject.”
Irrigation Ministry spokesman Mohammed el-Sebaei accused Ethiopia of bogging down the talks with a new proposal he called “concerning.”
A day earlier, Ethiopia’s deputy army chief had said his country will strongly defend itself and will not negotiate its sovereignty.
Talks came to an acrimonious halt in February, after Ethiopia rejected a U.S.-crafted deal and accused the Trump administration of siding with Egypt. At the time, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said it would use “all available means” to defend “the interests” of its people.
Construction of the $4.6 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile is over 70% complete, and promises to provide much-needed electricity to Ethiopia’s 100 million people. Egypt seeks to protect its main source of freshwater for its large and growing population, also more than 100 million.
William Davison, senior analyst at the Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think tank, said the resumption of talks was “necessary and positive,” however there were still “considerable disagreements” between the parties on key issues, primarily how to manage future droughts, and also how to resolve any future disputes that arise.
“Any further pause in talks would not be welcome as the only way to resolve this matter is for the parties to remain engaged in negotiations until they reach consensus on the outstanding issues,” he said.
“The Ethiopian proposal aims to scrap all the agreements and understandings reached by the three countries during the negotiations spanning nearly a decade,” el-Sebaei said Saturday.
Ethiopia’s Water and Energy Ministry on Sunday said el-Sebaei’s comments were “regrettable.” It said that if the ongoing negotiations failed, it would be because of “Egypt’s obstinacy to maintain a colonial-based water allocation agreement that denies Ethiopia and all the upstream countries their natural and legitimate rights.”
Egypt has received the lion’s share of the Nile’s waters under decades-old agreements dating back to the British colonial era. Eighty-five percent of the Nile’s waters originate in Ethiopia from the Blue Nile, which is one of the Nile’s two main tributaries.
Ethiopia has said it plans to start filling the dam in July this year, at the start of the rainy season.
___
Associated Press writer Elias Meseret contributed from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Japan, New Zealand march to mourn George Floyd, seek change

TOKYO ( AP ) - Holding handmade signs that read “ Black Lives Matter , ” hundreds of people marched peacefully in Tokyo on Sunday , highlighting the outrage over the death of George Floyd even in a country often perceived as homogeneous and untouched by racial issues .
Mitsuaki Shidara , standing in the crowd at Yoyogi Park , where the march began , said Japan has plenty of discrimination problems , but they ’ re overlooked .
“ We are all human first , but we are divided by nationality , gender , religion , skin color , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Japanese character for “ love , ” which he said was his favorite word .
“ What ’ s happening in the U.S. shows racism is going on , even after 400 years , ” said Shidara , who works for a food maker .
Mio Kosaka , another participant , said she had been a victim of discrimination at times while growing up in Beijing and Tokyo , because her parents were Japanese and Chinese .
“ I think it is so wrong to discriminate based on appearance , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people have allies in Japan , ” said Kosaka , who is studying design at a U.S. college .
“ Some people don ’ t even know there is discrimination .
Awareness needs to be raised , ” she added .
Protests have continued across the U.S. but also in Europe , including Belgium , Germany and Britain , as well as Australia , where people have been confronting racism and demanding change .
The demonstrators were pushed into action by the May 25 death of Floyd , a black man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a white Minneapolis police officer pushed his knee against his neck for nearly 9 minutes .
In New Zealand , thousands protested in Auckland and Wellington on Sunday .
The Auckland protest began at the central Aotea Square and ended at the U.S. Consulate , where people took a knee and observed a minute of silence for Floyd .
“ When George Floyd took his last breath , it allowed the rest of us to breathe , ” social activist Julia Whaipooti told the crowd , according to the news organization Stuff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing solidarity with people in the U.S. , highlighting discrimination at home was critical .
In Wellington , New Zealand ’ s capital , protesters marched from Civic Square to the grounds of Parliament , chanting “ Black Lives Matter ” and holding placards with slogans including “ Racism is a pandemic , let ’ s fight it !
” Sunday ’ s turnout in Tokyo underlined how Japan has historically been reticent in dealing with diversity and is now trying to understand the Black Lives Matter movement and grapple with its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the feudal era , with the Buraku underclass , and include more recently the offspring of marriages between Japanese and non-Japanese .
The children are called “ hafu , ” derived from “ half , ” which critics resent as discriminatory .
Kyodo News agency reported that more than 1,000 people took part in Sunday ’ s march , which went from the park through the streets of Tokyo ’ s Shibuya area .
Police did not give a crowd estimate .
Last week , a rally with similar themes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in Osaka , in central Japan , drew about 2,000 .
More Black Lives Matter gatherings are planned for next week , in the southwestern city of Fukuoka and the central city of Nagoya .
The rallies reflect how more people of various backgrounds are becoming part of a rapidly globalizing Japan .
Although Japan is not reputed for police brutality , people have come forward recently , complaining that police have treated foreigners , especially black people , unfairly , stopping them for no reason , or have handled people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country without racism , and I think the countries that don ’ t portray it are just because people are ignorant of the problem , ” said Kazuna Yamamoto , a Japanese woman living in Chile who was taking part in Sunday ’ s rally in Tokyo .
“ There is inequality because certain people are definitely profiting or benefiting from it , ” she said .
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka , the world ’ s highest-paid female athlete , has also been vocal in raising awareness about racism in Japan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Osaka , who has Haitian and Japanese parents , has expressed empathy for the Black Lives Matter movement , and posted a photo of Colin Kaepernick , the NFL player who knelt during the U.S. national anthem , in protest of racism and police brutality .
“ I hate when random people say athletes shouldn ’ t get involved with politics and just entertain .
Firstly , this is a human rights issue .
Secondly , what gives you more right to speak than me ?
By that logic if you work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about the GRÖNLID , ” Osaka said in a recent tweet , referring to a type of sofa sold at the furniture chain .
Associated Press writer Nick Perry in Wellington , New Zealand , contributed to this report .
He is on Twitter at https : //twitter.com/nickgbperry Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter at https : //twitter.com/yurikageyama

TOKYO (AP) - Holding handmade signs that read “Black Lives Matter,” hundreds of people marched peacefully in Tokyo on Sunday, highlighting the outrage over the death of George Floyd even in a country often perceived as homogeneous and untouched by racial issues.
Mitsuaki Shidara, standing in the crowd at Yoyogi Park, where the march began, said Japan has plenty of discrimination problems, but they’re overlooked.
“We are all human first, but we are divided by nationality, gender, religion, skin color,” he said, wearing a pendant with the Japanese character for “love,” which he said was his favorite word.
“What’s happening in the U.S. shows racism is going on, even after 400 years,” said Shidara, who works for a food maker.
Mio Kosaka, another participant, said she had been a victim of discrimination at times while growing up in Beijing and Tokyo, because her parents were Japanese and Chinese.
“I think it is so wrong to discriminate based on appearance, and I wanted to relay the message that the American people have allies in Japan,” said Kosaka, who is studying design at a U.S. college.
“Some people don’t even know there is discrimination. Awareness needs to be raised,” she added.
Protests have continued across the U.S. but also in Europe, including Belgium, Germany and Britain, as well as Australia, where people have been confronting racism and demanding change.
The demonstrators were pushed into action by the May 25 death of Floyd, a black man who said he could not breathe as a white Minneapolis police officer pushed his knee against his neck for nearly 9 minutes.
In New Zealand, thousands protested in Auckland and Wellington on Sunday. The Auckland protest began at the central Aotea Square and ended at the U.S. Consulate, where people took a knee and observed a minute of silence for Floyd.
“When George Floyd took his last breath, it allowed the rest of us to breathe,” social activist Julia Whaipooti told the crowd, according to the news organization Stuff.
Whaipooti said that while New Zealanders were showing solidarity with people in the U.S., highlighting discrimination at home was critical.
In Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, protesters marched from Civic Square to the grounds of Parliament, chanting “Black Lives Matter” and holding placards with slogans including “Racism is a pandemic, let’s fight it!”
Sunday’s turnout in Tokyo underlined how Japan has historically been reticent in dealing with diversity and is now trying to understand the Black Lives Matter movement and grapple with its own history of discrimination.
Such attitudes date back to the feudal era, with the Buraku underclass, and include more recently the offspring of marriages between Japanese and non-Japanese. The children are called “hafu,” derived from “half,” which critics resent as discriminatory.
Kyodo News agency reported that more than 1,000 people took part in Sunday’s march, which went from the park through the streets of Tokyo’s Shibuya area. The event’s organizers put the turnout at 3,500, while police did not give a crowd estimate.
Last week, a rally with similar themes in Tokyo drew several hundred people, and one in Osaka, in central Japan, drew about 2,000. More Black Lives Matter gatherings are planned for next week, in the southwestern city of Fukuoka and the central city of Nagoya. The rallies reflect how more people of various backgrounds are becoming part of a rapidly globalizing Japan.
Although Japan is not reputed for police brutality, people have come forward recently, complaining that police have treated foreigners, especially black people, unfairly, stopping them for no reason, or have handled people with unneeded force.
“There is no country without racism, and I think the countries that don’t portray it are just because people are ignorant of the problem,” said Kazuna Yamamoto, a Japanese woman living in Chile who was taking part in Sunday’s rally in Tokyo.
“There is inequality because certain people are definitely profiting or benefiting from it,” she said.
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka, the world’s highest-paid female athlete, has also been vocal in raising awareness about racism in Japan and has gotten some flak on social media. Osaka, who has Haitian and Japanese parents, has expressed empathy for the Black Lives Matter movement, and posted a photo of Colin Kaepernick, the NFL player who knelt during the U.S. national anthem, in protest of racism and police brutality.
“I hate when random people say athletes shouldn’t get involved with politics and just entertain. Firstly, this is a human rights issue. Secondly, what gives you more right to speak than me? By that logic if you work at IKEA you are only allowed to talk about the GRÖNLID,” Osaka said in a recent tweet, referring to a type of sofa sold at the furniture chain.
___
Associated Press writer Nick Perry in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this report. He is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nickgbperry
Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/yurikageyama


washingtontimes--2020-06-14--Yankee go home: What does moving troops out of Germany mean?

BERLIN ( AP ) - After more than a year of thinly-veiled threats to start pulling U.S. troops out of Germany unless Berlin increases its defense spending , President Donald Trump appears to be proceeding with a hardball approach , planning to cut the U.S. military contingent by more than 25 % .
About 34,500 American troops are stationed in Germany - 50,000 including civilian Department of Defense employees - and the plan Trump reportedly signed off on last week envisions reducing active-duty personnel to 25,000 by September , with further cuts possible .
But as details of the still-unannounced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing concerns it will do more to harm the U.S. ’ s own global military readiness and the NATO alliance than punish Germany .
The decision was not discussed with Germany or other NATO members , and Congress was not officially informed - prompting a letter from 22 Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee urging a rethink .
“ The threats posed by Russia have not lessened , and we believe that signs of a weakened U.S. commitment to NATO will encourage further Russian aggression and opportunism , ” Rep. Mac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Trump with his colleagues .
Sen. Jack Reed , the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee , slammed Trump ’ s move as “ another favor ” to Russian President Vladimir Putin .
But Richard Grenell , who resigned as U.S. ambassador to Germany two weeks ago , told Germany ’ s Bild newspaper that “ nobody should be surprised that Donald Trump is withdrawing troops.
” Grenell , who declined to comment for this article , said he and others had been pushing for Germany to increase its defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since last summer .
“ Donald Trump was very clear we want to bring troops home , ” he said , adding : “ there ’ s still going to be 25,000 American troops in Germany.
” The suggestion that removing troops will punish Germany , however , overlooks the fact that American troops are no longer primarily there for the country ’ s defense , said retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges , who commanded U.S. Army Europe from 2014 until 2017 .
Gone are the days when hundreds of thousands of American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets of Berlin or rush into the strategic Fulda Gap , through which Soviet armor was poised to push into West Germany during the Cold War .
“ The troops and capabilities that the U.S. has deployed in Europe are not there to specifically defend Germany , they are part of our contribution to overall collective stability and security in Europe , ” said Hodges , now a strategic expert with the Center for European Policy Analysis , a Washington-based institute .
American facilities include Ramstein Air Base , a critical hub for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headquarters to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa ; the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center , which has saved the lives of countless Americans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan ; and the Stuttgart headquarters of both the U.S. European Command and the U.S. Africa Command .
There ’ s also the Wiesbaden headquarters of U.S. Army Europe , the Spangdahlem F-16 fighter base and the Grafenwoehr Training Area , NATO ’ s largest training facility in Europe .
Hodges said the facilities are a critical part of America ’ s global military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all this is the benefit to the United States of having forward deployed capabilities that we can use not only for deterrence … but for employment elsewhere , ” he said .
“ The base in Ramstein is not there for the U.S. to defend Europe .
It ’ s there as a forward base for us to be able to fly into Africa , the Middle East.
” Trump indicated last summer that he was thinking of moving some troops from Germany to Poland , telling Poland ’ s President Andrzej @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Germany is not living up to what they ’ re supposed to be doing with respect to NATO , and Poland is.
” Duda has been trying to woo more American forces , even suggesting Poland would contribute over $ 2 billion to create a permanent U.S. base - which he said could be named “ Fort Trump.
” In the current plan , at least some Germany-based troops are expected to be shifted to Poland .
Following Trump ’ s comments last June , U.S .
Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its 2 % of GDP spending obligation towards NATO .
Germany does not .
We would welcome American troops in Germany to come to Poland.
” Grenell then tweeted : “ it is offensive to assume that the U.S. taxpayers will continue to pay for more than 50,000 Americans in # Germany , but the Germans get to spend their surplus on # domestic programs.
” In response , Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated Germany ’ s commitment to “ work toward ” the 2 % NATO defense spending benchmark - a goal it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is a lot invested here , and I think that we , in very friendly talks , will naturally always continue to heartily welcome these American soldiers , and there are also good reasons for them to be stationed here , ” she said .
NATO members agreed at a 2014 summit to “ aim to move toward ” spending 2 % of GDP on defense .
Since then , the year Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula , overall NATO defense spending has grown annually .
Since his election in 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a hard target , and repeatedly singled out Germany as a major offender , though many others are also below the goal .
NATO figures put Germany ’ s estimated defense spending for 2019 at 1.4 % , and Poland ’ s at 2 % .
In dollar terms , however , Germany committed nearly $ 54 billion last year - NATO ’ s third-largest budget after the U.S. and Britain - while Poland spent slightly less than $ 12 billion .
Germany does need to spend more , Hodges said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better served if Washington pushed Berlin to spend on broader military needs , like transportation infrastructure , cyber protection and air defense , that would be easier for Merkel ’ s government to justify to a largely pacifist population .
“ We don ’ t need more German tanks , we need more German trains , ” he said .
“ Why not be a little bit more strategic and think about what the alliance really needs from Germany ?
”

BERLIN (AP) - After more than a year of thinly-veiled threats to start pulling U.S. troops out of Germany unless Berlin increases its defense spending, President Donald Trump appears to be proceeding with a hardball approach, planning to cut the U.S. military contingent by more than 25%.
About 34,500 American troops are stationed in Germany - 50,000 including civilian Department of Defense employees - and the plan Trump reportedly signed off on last week envisions reducing active-duty personnel to 25,000 by September, with further cuts possible.
But as details of the still-unannounced plan trickle out, there’s growing concerns it will do more to harm the U.S.’s own global military readiness and the NATO alliance than punish Germany.
The decision was not discussed with Germany or other NATO members, and Congress was not officially informed - prompting a letter from 22 Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee urging a rethink.
“The threats posed by Russia have not lessened, and we believe that signs of a weakened U.S. commitment to NATO will encourage further Russian aggression and opportunism,” Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas wrote in a letter to Trump with his colleagues. Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, slammed Trump’s move as “another favor” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
But Richard Grenell, who resigned as U.S. ambassador to Germany two weeks ago, told Germany’s Bild newspaper that “nobody should be surprised that Donald Trump is withdrawing troops.”
Grenell, who declined to comment for this article, said he and others had been pushing for Germany to increase its defense spending and had talked about troop withdrawals since last summer.
“Donald Trump was very clear we want to bring troops home,” he said, adding: “there’s still going to be 25,000 American troops in Germany.”
The suggestion that removing troops will punish Germany, however, overlooks the fact that American troops are no longer primarily there for the country’s defense, said retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, who commanded U.S. Army Europe from 2014 until 2017.
Gone are the days when hundreds of thousands of American troops were ready to fight in the streets of Berlin or rush into the strategic Fulda Gap, through which Soviet armor was poised to push into West Germany during the Cold War.
“The troops and capabilities that the U.S. has deployed in Europe are not there to specifically defend Germany, they are part of our contribution to overall collective stability and security in Europe,” said Hodges, now a strategic expert with the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington-based institute.
American facilities include Ramstein Air Base, a critical hub for operations in the Mideast and Africa and headquarters to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa; the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, which has saved the lives of countless Americans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan; and the Stuttgart headquarters of both the U.S. European Command and the U.S. Africa Command. There’s also the Wiesbaden headquarters of U.S. Army Europe, the Spangdahlem F-16 fighter base and the Grafenwoehr Training Area, NATO’s largest training facility in Europe.
Hodges said the facilities are a critical part of America’s global military footprint.
“What’s lost in all this is the benefit to the United States of having forward deployed capabilities that we can use not only for deterrence … but for employment elsewhere,” he said. “The base in Ramstein is not there for the U.S. to defend Europe. It’s there as a forward base for us to be able to fly into Africa, the Middle East.”
Trump indicated last summer that he was thinking of moving some troops from Germany to Poland, telling Poland’s President Andrzej Duda during an Oval Office meeting: “Germany is not living up to what they’re supposed to be doing with respect to NATO, and Poland is.”
Duda has been trying to woo more American forces, even suggesting Poland would contribute over $2 billion to create a permanent U.S. base - which he said could be named “Fort Trump.” In the current plan, at least some Germany-based troops are expected to be shifted to Poland.
Following Trump’s comments last June, U.S. Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher tweeted Aug. 8 that “Poland meets its 2% of GDP spending obligation towards NATO. Germany does not. We would welcome American troops in Germany to come to Poland.”
Grenell then tweeted: “it is offensive to assume that the U.S. taxpayers will continue to pay for more than 50,000 Americans in #Germany, but the Germans get to spend their surplus on #domestic programs.”
In response, Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated Germany’s commitment to “work toward” the 2% NATO defense spending benchmark - a goal it hopes to meet in 2031.
“There is a lot invested here, and I think that we, in very friendly talks, will naturally always continue to heartily welcome these American soldiers, and there are also good reasons for them to be stationed here,” she said.
NATO members agreed at a 2014 summit to “aim to move toward” spending 2% of GDP on defense. Since then, the year Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula, overall NATO defense spending has grown annually.
Since his election in 2016, Trump has pushed for the 2% as a hard target, and repeatedly singled out Germany as a major offender, though many others are also below the goal.
NATO figures put Germany’s estimated defense spending for 2019 at 1.4%, and Poland’s at 2%. In dollar terms, however, Germany committed nearly $54 billion last year - NATO’s third-largest budget after the U.S. and Britain - while Poland spent slightly less than $12 billion.
Germany does need to spend more, Hodges said, but U.S. and NATO interests would be better served if Washington pushed Berlin to spend on broader military needs, like transportation infrastructure, cyber protection and air defense, that would be easier for Merkel’s government to justify to a largely pacifist population.
“We don’t need more German tanks, we need more German trains,” he said. “Why not be a little bit more strategic and think about what the alliance really needs from Germany?”