westernjournal--2020-06-04--Stats: Systemic Police Racism Is a Myth

Stats: Systemic Police Racism Is a Myth

It ’ s not just about George Floyd , we ’ re told .
It ’ s the system .
The way we police America is irretrievably broken .
More to the point , it ’ s racist .
African-Americans experience law enforcement differently than other races do — especially white people .
In some hyperbolic versions of this , police are literally hunting for black men to kill .
Saner versions simply point to disparities in law enforcement interactions between white and non-white individuals .
Heather Mac Donald is the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for decades and is particularly unpopular in moments like these .
That ’ s because the data she cites often coalesces around an uncomfortable truth : Systemic police racism is a myth .
“ However sickening the video of Floyd ’ s arrest , it isn ’ t representative of the 375 million annual contacts that police officers have with civilians , ” she wrote in a Tuesday Op-Ed for The Wall Street Journal .
“ A solid body of evidence finds no structural bias in the criminal-justice system with regard to arrests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect behavior , not race , determine most police actions.
” For starters , she looks at the number of people fatally shot by police officers .
In 2019 , that was 1,004 .
Most of these people “ were armed or otherwise dangerous , ” Mac Donald said .
“ African-Americans were about a quarter of those killed by cops last year ( 235 ) , a ratio that has remained stable since 2015 , ” she wrote .
“ That share of black victims is less than what the black crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a function of how often officers encounter armed and violent suspects .
In 2018 , the latest year for which such data have been published , African-Americans made up 53 % of known homicide offenders in the U.S. and commit about 60 % of robberies , though they are 13 % of the population.
” Yes , but what about unarmed individuals ?
“ The police fatally shot nine unarmed blacks and 19 unarmed whites in 2019 , according to a Washington Post database , down from 38 and 32 , respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ unarmed ’ broadly to include such cases as a suspect in Newark , N.J. , who had a loaded handgun in his car during a police chase , ” Mac Donald wrote .
“ In 2018 there were 7,407 black homicide victims .
Assuming a comparable number of victims last year , those nine unarmed black victims of police shootings represent 0.1 % of all African-Americans killed in 2019 .
By contrast , a police officer is 18½ times more likely to be killed by a black male than an unarmed black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officer.
” But surely science bears out that there ’ s some evidence of systemic differences in use of force against black suspects , right ?
“ The latest in a series of studies undercutting the claim of systemic police bias was published in August 2019 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , ” Mac Donald wrote .
“ The researchers found that the more frequently officers encounter violent suspects from any given racial group , the greater the chance that a member of that group will be fatally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ‘ no significant evidence of antiblack disparity in the likelihood of being fatally shot by police , ’ they concluded .
RELATED : Stunning Announcement : All St. Louis Rioters Have Been Released from Jail “ A 2015 Justice Department analysis of the Philadelphia Police Department found that white police officers were less likely than black or Hispanic officers to shoot unarmed black suspects .
Research by Harvard economist Roland G. Fryer Jr. also found no evidence of racial discrimination in shootings .
Any evidence to the contrary fails to take into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and during interactions with police.
” That Mac Donald ’ s piece got published in The Wall Street Journal is one kind of saving grace , since it was one of the few antidotes on this front to a fusillade of pieces , both fact-challenged and fact-free , that used the George Floyd story as a hook .
If you saw any serious study about this in the past few days , it was this one ( felicitously published on the same day as Mac Donald ’ s piece ) by Willem Roper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More Likely Than Whites to Be Killed By Police.
” Where , then , is the metric different if Roper is coming to the opposite conclusion that Mac Donald is ?
You don ’ t have to look too far : “ Most states ’ police forces killed black people at a higher rate per capita than white people , with Illinois , New York and Washington D.C. carrying some of the largest discrepancies by state .
D.C. , with a black population of nearly 50 percent , had 88 percent of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a discrepancy of over 38 percentage points .
Rhode Island had the largest discrepancy of 44 points , albeit with a much smaller sample size of four police killings in 2019 — two of them being African American.
” Did you catch those two words there ?
“ Per capita.
” Roper ’ s piece didn ’ t engage with disparities in crime rate at all .
In this way , the title and the premise of the study aren ’ t necessarily false .
He just simply dropped a variable from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interact with these individuals mattered not at all .
For this statistic to be as meaningful as the study ’ s author seems to want it to be , we would have to assume that police officers were allowed to shoot , at random , whoever they wanted .
Then , yes , we would have a racism problem as serious as the title implies .
We ’ d also have a much more serious problem in that police were randomly shooting people .
Most of the think pieces we ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s killing don ’ t particularly try to go with statistics , which is just as well .
“ Racism , Police Violence , and the Climate ” in The New Yorker is much what you would think .
I was intrigued by kihana miraya ross ’ New York Times piece , “ Call it What it Is : Anti-Blackness , ” which argued racism was far too mild a term for what police apply to individuals like George Floyd .
Here , I expected facts and statistics .
No statistics , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conversation which made the very dubious claim that the modern police department is the direct descendant of slave patrols .
This is part of the issue , though : Everyone assumes these racial disparities exist , we can all agree on them and then the conversation can start .
Mac Donald herself catalogued a few of instances of politicians expressing sentiments like these : Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz talked of the “ stain … of fundamental , institutional racism.
” Barack Obama said that differential treatment by the police for black Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ normal ’ ” and that we needed a “ new normal.
” Joe Biden talked of how children must show fealty to police simply to “ make it home.
” But the evidence doesn ’ t bear that out .
George Floyd ’ s death was disgusting and I hope to God we see justice for the men who let it happen .
But as for fitting into a wider narrative , the numbers don ’ t bear that out .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @

It’s not just about George Floyd, we’re told. It’s the system.
The way we police America is irretrievably broken. More to the point, it’s racist. African-Americans experience law enforcement differently than other races do — especially white people.
In some hyperbolic versions of this, police are literally hunting for black men to kill. Saner versions simply point to disparities in law enforcement interactions between white and non-white individuals.
Heather Mac Donald is the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. She’s been studying criminal justice for decades and is particularly unpopular in moments like these. That’s because the data she cites often coalesces around an uncomfortable truth: Systemic police racism is a myth.
“However sickening the video of Floyd’s arrest, it isn’t representative of the 375 million annual contacts that police officers have with civilians,” she wrote in a Tuesday Op-Ed for The Wall Street Journal.
“A solid body of evidence finds no structural bias in the criminal-justice system with regard to arrests, prosecution or sentencing. Crime and suspect behavior, not race, determine most police actions.”
For starters, she looks at the number of people fatally shot by police officers. In 2019, that was 1,004. Most of these people “were armed or otherwise dangerous,” Mac Donald said.
“African-Americans were about a quarter of those killed by cops last year (235), a ratio that has remained stable since 2015,” she wrote.
“That share of black victims is less than what the black crime rate would predict, since police shootings are a function of how often officers encounter armed and violent suspects. In 2018, the latest year for which such data have been published, African-Americans made up 53% of known homicide offenders in the U.S. and commit about 60% of robberies, though they are 13% of the population.”
Is there systemic racism in policing? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 4% (13 Votes) No: 96% (358 Votes)
Yes, but what about unarmed individuals?
“The police fatally shot nine unarmed blacks and 19 unarmed whites in 2019, according to a Washington Post database, down from 38 and 32, respectively, in 2015. The Post defines ‘unarmed’ broadly to include such cases as a suspect in Newark, N.J., who had a loaded handgun in his car during a police chase,” Mac Donald wrote.
“In 2018 there were 7,407 black homicide victims. Assuming a comparable number of victims last year, those nine unarmed black victims of police shootings represent 0.1% of all African-Americans killed in 2019. By contrast, a police officer is 18½ times more likely to be killed by a black male than an unarmed black male is to be killed by a police officer.”
But surely science bears out that there’s some evidence of systemic differences in use of force against black suspects, right?
“The latest in a series of studies undercutting the claim of systemic police bias was published in August 2019 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,” Mac Donald wrote. “The researchers found that the more frequently officers encounter violent suspects from any given racial group, the greater the chance that a member of that group will be fatally shot by a police officer. There is ‘no significant evidence of antiblack disparity in the likelihood of being fatally shot by police,’ they concluded.
“A 2015 Justice Department analysis of the Philadelphia Police Department found that white police officers were less likely than black or Hispanic officers to shoot unarmed black suspects. Research by Harvard economist Roland G. Fryer Jr. also found no evidence of racial discrimination in shootings. Any evidence to the contrary fails to take into account crime rates and civilian behavior before and during interactions with police.”
That Mac Donald’s piece got published in The Wall Street Journal is one kind of saving grace, since it was one of the few antidotes on this front to a fusillade of pieces, both fact-challenged and fact-free, that used the George Floyd story as a hook.
If you saw any serious study about this in the past few days, it was this one (felicitously published on the same day as Mac Donald’s piece) by Willem Roper in Statista: “Black Americans 2.5X More Likely Than Whites to Be Killed By Police.”
Where, then, is the metric different if Roper is coming to the opposite conclusion that Mac Donald is?
You don’t have to look too far: “Most states’ police forces killed black people at a higher rate per capita than white people, with Illinois, New York and Washington D.C. carrying some of the largest discrepancies by state. D.C., with a black population of nearly 50 percent, had 88 percent of all police killings be against black Americans — a discrepancy of over 38 percentage points. Rhode Island had the largest discrepancy of 44 points, albeit with a much smaller sample size of four police killings in 2019 — two of them being African American.”
Did you catch those two words there? “Per capita.”
Roper’s piece didn’t engage with disparities in crime rate at all. In this way, the title and the premise of the study aren’t necessarily false. He just simply dropped a variable from the equation.
How the police came to interact with these individuals mattered not at all. For this statistic to be as meaningful as the study’s author seems to want it to be, we would have to assume that police officers were allowed to shoot, at random, whoever they wanted. Then, yes, we would have a racism problem as serious as the title implies.
We’d also have a much more serious problem in that police were randomly shooting people.
Most of the think pieces we’ve been inundated in the wake of Floyd’s killing don’t particularly try to go with statistics, which is just as well.
“Racism, Police Violence, and the Climate” in The New Yorker is much what you would think.
I was intrigued by kihana miraya ross’ New York Times piece, “Call it What it Is: Anti-Blackness,” which argued racism was far too mild a term for what police apply to individuals like George Floyd.
Here, I expected facts and statistics. No statistics, but ross hyperlinked to a piece in The Conversation which made the very dubious claim that the modern police department is the direct descendant of slave patrols.
This is part of the issue, though: Everyone assumes these racial disparities exist, we can all agree on them and then the conversation can start.
Mac Donald herself catalogued a few of instances of politicians expressing sentiments like these:
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz talked of the “stain … of fundamental, institutional racism.”
Barack Obama said that differential treatment by the police for black Americans was “tragically, painfully, maddeningly ‘normal’” and that we needed a “new normal.”
Joe Biden talked of how children must show fealty to police simply to “make it home.”
But the evidence doesn’t bear that out. George Floyd’s death was disgusting and I hope to God we see justice for the men who let it happen. But as for fitting into a wider narrative, the numbers don’t bear that out.
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westernjournal--2020-06-04--Fiddle Dee and Fiddle Dumb

Fiddle Dee and Fiddle Dumb

For more A.F .
Branco cartoons , go to WesternJournal.com/opinion/cartoons .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ our editorial standards .

Bradley Cooper's latest role has not gone down well with everyone, particularly with regard to his use of a prosthetic nose.


westernjournal--2020-06-04--Watch: House Candidate Holds AR-15, Tells Antifa ‘Stay the Hell out of NW Georgia’

Georgia ’ s 14th Congressional District is one of the most competitive races in the Peach State .
It ’ s a safe Republican seat , mind you — the 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index listed it as an R+27 district — but there ’ s a crowded field to represent the GOP side in the race to replace retiring Rep. Tom Graves in the extreme northwest corner of the state , according to The Associated Press .
The lead fundraiser among the candidates as of mid-April , according to Georgia ’ s Capitol Beat News Service , was businesswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised $ 1.1 million , although $ 700,000 of that had come from a loan she ’ d floated to herself .
Those unfamiliar with Greene might think that means she ’ s a safe , boring Republican , the kind who would attend at least three power breakfasts at K Street lobbying firms before 10 a.m. and makes vague noises about tax cuts and health care reform without actually doing anything about them .
Instead , they ’ ll find she ’ s the kind of candidate whose campaign homepage boasts a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and groups , including the National Rifle Association .
They ’ ll also find she ’ s the kind of candidate who tweets a campaign clip where she girds herself with an AR-15 and tells antifa to “ Stay the HELL out of NW Georgia.
” Proving beyond a shadow of a doubt to the voters of the 14th Congressional District that they ’ re not getting the sequel to Kelly Loeffler if they nominate Greene in the June 9 primary , the candidate tweeted a clip of herself on Tuesday reminding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the so-called “ anti-fascist ” antifa groups that if they decide to spread out to rural Georgia , rural Georgians are armed and tend to know how to use those arms .
“ President Trump declared antifa a domestic terrorist organization , ” Greene said at the beginning of the ad .
“ I have a message for antifa terrorists : Stay the hell out of Northwest Georgia .
“ You won ’ t burn our churches , loot our businesses or destroy our homes.
” Marjorie Taylor Greene certainly approves that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s worth noting both the president ’ s declaration and Green ’ s are mostly symbolic .
First , antifa has mainly concentrated its activities in urban areas with large , liberal populations .
That ’ s not northwest Georgia .
RELATED : This Massive Lizard Threatens Gators and Charges People , and It 's Invading Georgia Second , there ’ s a significant difficulty in declaring antifa a terrorist organization on a number of levels , starting with the fact that the law enabling such designations is specifically targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Treating antifa as a criminal organization while calling it a domestic terrorist group is another thing entirely , but the problem is that antifa is designed to be resistant to this .
Its cells are small and independent of one another , meaning there ’ s no centralized “ antifa ” leadership that can be extirpated or scattered to the wind like , say , the Weather Underground in the 1960s and 1970s .
However , I ’ d argue both Trump ’ s declaration and Greene ’ s ad are helpful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have been riding crested and crashed this past week .
It ’ s wholly unclear what role , if any , the diffuse network of groups had in the violence that we saw playing out across the country .
Certainly , there was more than one liberal politician willing to intimate , vaguely , that antifa had something to do with it .
Whether or not this was true or whether antifa provided a more convenient scapegoat than these politicians ’ own constituents , the point was clear that inasmuch as antifa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t there to a ) peacefully protest or b ) fight fascists .
For taking the focus off of George Floyd — a man whose death in police hands was met with universal outrage — and for helping plunge an already drained , enervated country deeper into chaos , even the left is going to admit of antifa ’ s toxicity .
And , if antifa groups were found to have played a significant part in the property damage we saw , the domestic terrorism label isn ’ t a necessity for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The effort to find the antifa hoodlums responsible for riot damage is going to be a little less desultory than when the police tried to , hypothetically , track down some antifa yob who smacked a Proud Boy in the face with a bicycle chain at some random clash in Portland , Oregon .
This is serious stuff , and serious jail time beckons .
Finally , as Greene ’ s ad points out , antifa ’ s act doesn ’ t export well .
In the chaos of a protest , perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into more rural America without putting themselves in danger .
( Then again , maybe not — given what we ’ ve seen over the last week and change , I ’ d imagine there are more than a few people willing to avail themselves of their Second Amendment rights these days . )
In northwest Georgia , however , I ’ d imagine that wouldn ’ t fly quite so easily — even if the area might not be their first target .
Whatever the case , it ’ ll be interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 primary .
I ’ m not in Georgia ’ s 14th District , so I ’ m not necessarily the best judge .
However , I can ’ t possibly think of any ad that ’ s going to make more of an impression than this one .
If Greene wins , my guess is she can expect a White House invitation at some point in the near future .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Georgia’s 14th Congressional District is one of the most competitive races in the Peach State.
It’s a safe Republican seat, mind you — the 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index listed it as an R+27 district — but there’s a crowded field to represent the GOP side in the race to replace retiring Rep. Tom Graves in the extreme northwest corner of the state, according to The Associated Press.
The lead fundraiser among the candidates as of mid-April, according to Georgia’s Capitol Beat News Service, was businesswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. She’d raised $1.1 million, although $700,000 of that had come from a loan she’d floated to herself.
Those unfamiliar with Greene might think that means she’s a safe, boring Republican, the kind who would attend at least three power breakfasts at K Street lobbying firms before 10 a.m. and makes vague noises about tax cuts and health care reform without actually doing anything about them.
Instead, they’ll find she’s the kind of candidate whose campaign homepage boasts a slew of endorsements from well-known conservative individuals and groups, including the National Rifle Association.
They’ll also find she’s the kind of candidate who tweets a campaign clip where she girds herself with an AR-15 and tells antifa to “Stay the HELL out of NW Georgia.”
Proving beyond a shadow of a doubt to the voters of the 14th Congressional District that they’re not getting the sequel to Kelly Loeffler if they nominate Greene in the June 9 primary, the candidate tweeted a clip of herself on Tuesday reminding the friendly folks in America’s multitude of the so-called “anti-fascist” antifa groups that if they decide to spread out to rural Georgia, rural Georgians are armed and tend to know how to use those arms.
“President Trump declared antifa a domestic terrorist organization,” Greene said at the beginning of the ad.
“I have a message for antifa terrorists: Stay the hell out of Northwest Georgia.
“You won’t burn our churches, loot our businesses or destroy our homes.”
ANTIFA has declared war on our country.@realDonaldTrump responded by declaring them a domestic terrorist organization. Here’s my message to ANTIFA terrorists: Stay the HELL out of NW Georgia. You won’t burn our churches, loot our businesses, or destroy our homes. pic.twitter.com/kBMh87G1ap — Marjorie Taylor Greene For Congress?? (@mtgreenee) June 2, 2020
Marjorie Taylor Greene certainly approves that message, as do I.
Now, it’s worth noting both the president’s declaration and Green’s are mostly symbolic.
First, antifa has mainly concentrated its activities in urban areas with large, liberal populations. That’s not northwest Georgia.
Second, there’s a significant difficulty in declaring antifa a terrorist organization on a number of levels, starting with the fact that the law enabling such designations is specifically targeted to foreign entities, according to Factcheck.org.
Treating antifa as a criminal organization while calling it a domestic terrorist group is another thing entirely, but the problem is that antifa is designed to be resistant to this. Its cells are small and independent of one another, meaning there’s no centralized “antifa” leadership that can be extirpated or scattered to the wind like, say, the Weather Underground in the 1960s and 1970s.
Do you think of antifa as a terrorist organization? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (1165 Votes) No: 0% (5 Votes)
However, I’d argue both Trump’s declaration and Greene’s ad are helpful in this respect: Whatever wave antifa may have been riding crested and crashed this past week.
It’s wholly unclear what role, if any, the diffuse network of groups had in the violence that we saw playing out across the country. Certainly, there was more than one liberal politician willing to intimate, vaguely, that antifa had something to do with it.
Whether or not this was true or whether antifa provided a more convenient scapegoat than these politicians’ own constituents, the point was clear that inasmuch as antifa activists were involved, they weren’t there to a) peacefully protest or b) fight fascists.
For taking the focus off of George Floyd — a man whose death in police hands was met with universal outrage — and for helping plunge an already drained, enervated country deeper into chaos, even the left is going to admit of antifa’s toxicity.
And, if antifa groups were found to have played a significant part in the property damage we saw, the domestic terrorism label isn’t a necessity for some not-insignificant punishment to be meted out.
The effort to find the antifa hoodlums responsible for riot damage is going to be a little less desultory than when the police tried to, hypothetically, track down some antifa yob who smacked a Proud Boy in the face with a bicycle chain at some random clash in Portland, Oregon. This is serious stuff, and serious jail time beckons.
Finally, as Greene’s ad points out, antifa’s act doesn’t export well. In the chaos of a protest, perhaps its thugs can get away with spreading into more rural America without putting themselves in danger. (Then again, maybe not — given what we’ve seen over the last week and change, I’d imagine there are more than a few people willing to avail themselves of their Second Amendment rights these days.)
In northwest Georgia, however, I’d imagine that wouldn’t fly quite so easily — even if the area might not be their first target.
Whatever the case, it’ll be interesting to see what happens in the June 9 primary. I’m not in Georgia’s 14th District, so I’m not necessarily the best judge. However, I can’t possibly think of any ad that’s going to make more of an impression than this one.
If Greene wins, my guess is she can expect a White House invitation at some point in the near future.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-06-04--Mike Lindell Donates MyPillows to National Guard Members Sleeping on the Floor

Mike Lindell , the outspoken CEO of Minnesota-based MyPillow , is back in the news after a donation of his wares to members of the Minnesota National Guard who were sleeping on the floor as they helped protect locations in the Twin Cities area .
In a tweet Wednesday , Lindell announced the donation and showed some of the guardsmen and women and MyPillow employees unpacking and testing out out the products .
“ MyPillow donated @ MyPillowUSA ’ s to the @ NationalGuard here at the State Capitol in St. Paul , Minnesota where they ’ ve been sleeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Thank you all for protecting MN !
We ’ re praying for Minnesota during this difficult time .
# staysafemn , ” he added .
Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz called up the National Guard last Thursday after protests over the death of George Floyd consumed the Minneapolis area , The New York Times reported .
Floyd , who was initially arrested over suspicion of trying to buy goods with a counterfeit bill , died after an officer kept his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for almost nine minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bystander , quickly gave rise to both peaceful protests and violent riots .
The epicenter of the unrest was naturally Minneapolis , where the situation was so grave a police precinct had to be ceded to rioters .
Attention turned to the difficult living conditions members of the National Guard were facing on assignment in part because of this tweet from the Minnesota National Guard : KCPQ reported over 4,000 members of the guard had been sent into the Twin Cities area as of Sunday and that the number would increase to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed some of the privations being endured by the guardsmen and women , including Tech Sgt .
William Hildebrand .
Hildebrand , normally a manager for U.S. Bank , “ has shared select details of the past few days with his kids — that he spent Friday night on a concrete floor at the armory in St. Paul , that he is now sleeping on a cot , that he hasn ’ t had a shower in three days — and he constantly assures them he ’ s safe , ” the outlet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq for six months in 2010 , during the drawdown , and says that being activated for the protests and riots after George Floyd ’ s killing at the hands of Minneapolis police is much more stressful than Iraq , ” it continued .
“ Because this is his home.
” “ You ’ re just waiting for the scales to tip one way or the other , ” Hildebrand told the Star Tribune .
“ Things are either going to get better or they ’ re going to get worse .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of riot purgatory .
You ’ re just kind of waiting .
All of that plays into the human dynamics of it .
People got ta feel heard .
People got ta speak their piece .
But we also have to defend the city , protect the people .
It ’ s a balance.
” According to the Star Tribune , things are slowly calming down in Minneapolis .
Charges have been filed against all four police officers involved in the incident that led to Floyd ’ s death , and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The National Guard , however , won ’ t be going home anytime soon , not with the tinderbox atmosphere in Minneapolis .
They also can ’ t keep sleeping on the floor .
Lindell has been critical of how Minnesota has been run at the top in the aftermath of Floyd ’ s death .
In an interview with Newsmax TV , he said that Derek Chauvin , the officer whose knee was on Floyd ’ s neck , should have been taken arrested and detained in the immediate aftermath of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals to be taken into custody for up to 48 hours .
He also indicated he might look into running for governor .
“ If God has me do it , I will do it , ” Lindell said .
“ I just see things that are so poorly run , and they could be done a lot better .
It might get down to , ‘ if you want something done right , do it yourself.
’ ” Whatever the case , few could criticize his activities during the current health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his factories to produce masks to providing MyPillows to members of the National Guard sleeping on the floor , those are some impressive bona fides as both a philanthropist and a Minnesotan .
At the very least , there are going to be quite a few of our service members who won ’ t be waking up sore thanks to Lindell ’ s generosity .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Mike Lindell, the outspoken CEO of Minnesota-based MyPillow, was back in the news over a donation of his wares to members of the Minnesota National Guard who were sleeping on the floor as they helped protect locations in the Twin Cities area.
In a tweet June 3, Lindell announced the donation and showed some of the guardsmen and women and MyPillow employees unpacking and testing out out the products.
“MyPillow donated @MyPillowUSA’s to the @NationalGuard here at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota where they’ve been sleeping on the floor,” Lindell tweeted.
“Thank you all for protecting MN! We’re praying for Minnesota during this difficult time. #staysafemn,” he added.
MyPillow donated @MyPillowUSA’s to the @NationalGuard here at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota where they’ve been sleeping on the floor. Thank you all for protecting MN! We’re praying for Minnesota during this difficult time. #staysafemn pic.twitter.com/qmkhp8e823 — Mike Lindell (@realMikeLindell) June 3, 2020
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called up the National Guard after protests over the death of George Floyd consumed the Minneapolis area, The New York Times reported.
Floyd, who was initially arrested over suspicion of trying to buy goods with a counterfeit bill, died after an officer kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes.
The exchange, which was recorded by a bystander, quickly gave rise to both peaceful protests and violent riots. The epicenter of the unrest was naturally Minneapolis, where the situation was so grave a police precinct had to be ceded to rioters.
Attention turned to the difficult living conditions members of the National Guard were facing on assignment in part because of this tweet from the Minnesota National Guard:
It’s been a long night for Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen. pic.twitter.com/ePMw3Cgsh3 — MN National Guard (@MNNationalGuard) May 31, 2020
KCPQ reported over 4,000 members of the guard had been sent into the Twin Cities area at the time and that the number would increase to nearly 11,000.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune detailed some of the privations being endured by the guardsmen and women, including Tech Sgt. William Hildebrand.
Hildebrand, normally a manager for U.S. Bank, “has shared select details of the past few days with his kids — that he spent Friday night on a concrete floor at the armory in St. Paul, that he is now sleeping on a cot, that he hasn’t had a shower in three days — and he constantly assures them he’s safe,” the outlet reported.
Should Mike Lindell run for governor of Minnesota? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (343 Votes) No: 2% (8 Votes)
“He served in Iraq for six months in 2010, during the drawdown, and says that being activated for the protests and riots after George Floyd’s killing at the hands of Minneapolis police is much more stressful than Iraq,” it continued. “Because this is his home.”
“You’re just waiting for the scales to tip one way or the other,” Hildebrand told the Star Tribune.
“Things are either going to get better or they’re going to get worse. We’re not going to maintain this kind of riot purgatory. You’re just kind of waiting. All of that plays into the human dynamics of it. People gotta feel heard. People gotta speak their piece. But we also have to defend the city, protect the people. It’s a balance.”
According to the Star Tribune, things were calming down in Minneapolis. Charges had been filed against all four police officers involved in the incident that led to Floyd’s death, and public transit was beginning to tentatively restart.
The National Guard, however, wouldn’t be going home anytime soon, not with the tinderbox atmosphere in Minneapolis. They also couldn’t keep sleeping on the floor.
Lindell has been critical of how Minnesota has been run at the top in the aftermath of Floyd’s death.
In an interview with Newsmax TV, he said that Derek Chauvin, the officer whose knee was on Floyd’s neck, should have been taken arrested and detained in the immediate aftermath of the incident under a Minnesota law which allows individuals to be taken into custody for up to 48 hours.
He also indicated he might look into running for governor.
“If God has me do it, I will do it,” Lindell said.
“I just see things that are so poorly run, and they could be done a lot better. It might get down to, ‘if you want something done right, do it yourself.’”
Whatever the case, few could criticize his activities during the current health crisis and the Floyd protests. From repurposing his factories to produce masks to providing MyPillows to members of the National Guard sleeping on the floor, those are some impressive bona fides as both a philanthropist and a Minnesotan.
At the very least, there are going to be quite a few of our service members who won’t be waking up sore thanks to Lindell’s generosity.
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westernjournal--2020-06-04--Meet the People Who Lost Their Jobs for Not Sticking to the Leftist Narrative

A writer for a “ Law & Order ” spin-off and the play-by-play broadcaster for the NBA ’ s Sacramento Kings found themselves out of jobs after making social media posts this week that their bosses found incendiary or insensitive , highlighting a surge in such firings across many lines of work .
Firings over social media statements have become a common occurrence , but the tense environment of nationwide protests have made Twitter , Instagram and Facebook especially dangerous for those who want to remain employed .
Craig Gore , who has worked on the shows “ S.W.A.T.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired Tuesday from the forthcoming “ Law & Order : Organized Crime ” spin-off because of since-deleted Facebook posts .
In one — captioned “ Curfew… ” — he ’ s shown holding a rifle on his front porch , and in another , he threatens to shoot looters who come near his home .
Gore ’ s boss , “ Law & Order ” franchise creator Dick Wolf , did not warn or suspend him but went straight to firing , saying in a statement , “ I will not tolerate this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national grief.
” A lawyer for Gore did not respond to a request for comment .
Grant Napear , longtime TV announcer for the NBA ’ s Sacramento Kings , was fired from his talk radio job and subsequently resigned on Tuesday from the team ’ s broadcast crew after he tweeted “ ALL LIVES MATTER ” to former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins when asked his opinion on the Black Lives Matter movement .
Bonneville International , owner of the radio station that fired Napear , said in a statement , “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly insensitive.
” Napear later tweeted , “ I ’ ve been doing more listening than talking the past few days , ” and “ I believe the past few days will change this country for the better !
” And the punishment of voices outside the establishment narrative is not just for the prominent .
Many others from public-facing institutions and businesses have been sanctioned , demoted , suspended or fired for politically incorrect statements online in recent days .
The principal trombonist from the Austin Symphony Orchestra was let go after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in which she said black looters “ deserve what they get.
” RELATED : 'Blackout Tuesday ' Post Sparks Leftist Outrage Toward Washington Redskins : 'Change Your Name' The personal accounts of police are under especially tight scrutiny .
A Denver officer was fired Tuesday for writing “ Let ’ s start a riot ” as the caption to an Instagram picture of himself and two fellow officers smiling in riot gear .
An officer in Fulton , New York , posted an Instagram image that read , “ Black lives only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed by a white person ” and found himself out of a job .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A writer for a “Law & Order” spin-off and the play-by-play broadcaster for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings found themselves out of jobs after making social media posts this week that their bosses found incendiary or insensitive, highlighting a surge in such firings across many lines of work.
Firings over social media statements have become a common occurrence, but the tense environment of nationwide protests have made Twitter, Instagram and Facebook especially dangerous for those who want to remain employed.
Craig Gore, who has worked on the shows “S.W.A.T.” and “Chicago P.D.,” was fired Tuesday from the forthcoming “Law & Order: Organized Crime” spin-off because of since-deleted Facebook posts. In one — captioned “Curfew…” — he’s shown holding a rifle on his front porch, and in another, he threatens to shoot looters who come near his home.
Gore’s boss, “Law & Order” franchise creator Dick Wolf, did not warn or suspend him but went straight to firing, saying in a statement, “I will not tolerate this conduct, especially during our hour of national grief.”
A lawyer for Gore did not respond to a request for comment.
Grant Napear, longtime TV announcer for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, was fired from his talk radio job and subsequently resigned on Tuesday from the team’s broadcast crew after he tweeted “ALL LIVES MATTER” to former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins when asked his opinion on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Hey!!!! How are you? Thought you forgot about me. Haven’t heard from you in years. ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!! https://t.co/DfzKl3w0jm — Grant Napear (@GrantNapearshow) June 1, 2020
Bonneville International, owner of the radio station that fired Napear, said in a statement, “The timing of Grant’s tweet was particularly insensitive.”
Napear later tweeted, “I’ve been doing more listening than talking the past few days,” and “I believe the past few days will change this country for the better!”
If it came across as dumb I apologize. That was not my intent. That’s how I was raised. It has been engrained in me since I can remember. I’ve been doing more listening than talking the past few days. I believe the past few days will change this country for the better! https://t.co/Gsh84BPBEk — Grant Napear (@GrantNapearshow) June 1, 2020
And the punishment of voices outside the establishment narrative is not just for the prominent.
Many others from public-facing institutions and businesses have been sanctioned, demoted, suspended or fired for politically incorrect statements online in recent days.
The principal trombonist from the Austin Symphony Orchestra was let go after a string of Facebook comments, including one in which she said black looters “deserve what they get.”
Is the left tolerant of alternative opinions? Yes No
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The personal accounts of police are under especially tight scrutiny.
A Denver officer was fired Tuesday for writing “Let’s start a riot” as the caption to an Instagram picture of himself and two fellow officers smiling in riot gear.
An officer in Fulton, New York, posted an Instagram image that read, “Black lives only matter to black people unless they are killed by a white person” and found himself out of a job.
[jwplayer GOJMgZdX]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-06-04--Indianapolis Motor Speedway Slams Door on Fans at Brickyard

Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheader on the July 4 weekend without fans .
Track officials had been optimistic IMS could be the first major sporting venue to have fans back in the stands this summer .
Instead , the stands will be empty much like the rest of the tracks since major racing resumed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
IMS officials announced the decision Thursday after consulting with local and state officials .
“ While we certainly worked diligently to run our events with spectators , we reached a point where we needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend is less than a month away , ” said Mark Miles , who oversees the IndyCar Series as president of Penske Entertainment Corp. “ Today it ’ s not possible to be confident that Indianapolis will be at Stage 5 of the state ’ s reopening plan by the Fourth of July weekend.
” Indiana Gov .
Eric Holcomb announced a five-stage plan last month to reopen the state with the final phase tentatively scheduled to include a return to sporting venues on July 4 .
The IndyCar-NASCAR Xfinity Series doubleheader is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on July 4 .
Marion County , home to Indianapolis , the state ’ s largest city , only recently entered the third stage .
IMS draws upward of 275,000 people for the Indy 500 , the world ’ s largest single-day sporting event that this year was postponed three months to Aug. 23 .
RELATED : 'Blackout Tuesday ' Post Sparks Leftist Outrage Toward Washington Redskins : 'Change Your Name' In recent years , Brickyard weekend attendance for the NASCAR visit has waned .
Last year ’ s estimated crowd of 60,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with approximately 235,000 permanent seats at the speedway , there could be plenty of space for fans to be socially distanced should the restrictions loosen .
NASCAR ’ s Brickyard 400 is still set for its original date of July 5 on the historic 2.5-mile oval .
NASCAR resumed its season May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina .
IndyCar is set to open the season Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism @ @ @ @ @ @

Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheader on the July 4 weekend without fans.
Track officials had been optimistic IMS could be the first major sporting venue to have fans back in the stands this summer.
Instead, the stands will be empty much like the rest of the tracks since major racing resumed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
IMS officials announced the decision Thursday after consulting with local and state officials.
We’ll miss being together July 4th weekend, but can come together virtually as @NASCAR & @IndyCar take on #IMS for the first time in one weekend on @nbc. You – our fans – make #IMS special & we’re committed to hosting you at the 104th #Indy500 on Aug 23.https://t.co/vMHkrx0F9C pic.twitter.com/FePBjPOGB1 — Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) June 4, 2020
“While we certainly worked diligently to run our events with spectators, we reached a point where we needed to make a final decision because the race weekend is less than a month away,” said Mark Miles, who oversees the IndyCar Series as president of Penske Entertainment Corp.
“Today it’s not possible to be confident that Indianapolis will be at Stage 5 of the state’s reopening plan by the Fourth of July weekend.”
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced a five-stage plan last month to reopen the state with the final phase tentatively scheduled to include a return to sporting venues on July 4.
The IndyCar-NASCAR Xfinity Series doubleheader is scheduled to run at the sprawling track on July 4.
If health indicators remain positive, the state will move to stage 4 in mid-June. To learn more about the different stages and the associated dates to get a better understanding about where we’re going as a state, click here to see the full plan: https://t.co/aj7QiJneRO — Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) May 21, 2020
Marion County, home to Indianapolis, the state’s largest city, only recently entered the third stage.
IMS draws upward of 275,000 people for the Indy 500, the world’s largest single-day sporting event that this year was postponed three months to Aug. 23.
In recent years, Brickyard weekend attendance for the NASCAR visit has waned. Last year’s estimated crowd of 60,000 was an improvement over 2018.
But with approximately 235,000 permanent seats at the speedway, there could be plenty of space for fans to be socially distanced should the restrictions loosen.
NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 is still set for its original date of July 5 on the historic 2.5-mile oval.
NASCAR resumed its season May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. IndyCar is set to open the season Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-06-04--Protest Chaos Covers for Organized Burglary Rings

Police in a small San Francisco Bay Area community were about to help authorities in neighboring Oakland keep the peace during a protest when a more pressing crisis hit home : Groups of thieves had pillaged malls , set fire to a Walmart and stormed a car dealership .
By the time San Leandro officers arrived at the Dodge dealership , dozens of cars were gone and thieves were peeling out of the lot in $ 100,000 Challenger Hellcat muscle cars .
Nearly 75 vehicles were stolen Sunday , including models driven through glass showroom doors to escape .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heists law enforcement has seen in a wave of thefts nationwide targeting big box electronics stores , jewelry shops and luxury designers while officers have been busy patrolling protests over the police killing of George Floyd .
“ It was very strategic , ” Sgt .
Ray Kelly of the Alameda County Sheriff ’ s Office said about the auto thefts and other recent heists .
Many of the smash-and-grab thefts have coincided with or followed protests over the death of Floyd , who struggled to breathe as a police officer knelt on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an arrest .
They have been carried out by caravans of well-coordinated criminals who capitalize on chaos , communicate via messaging apps and use both the protests and other tactics to throw police off their trail .
While opportunists have sometimes joined the frenzy , police and experts see a sophistication that suggests a level of planning that goes beyond spontaneous acts .
It ’ s hardly the first time that protest has been used as a cover for crime .
But crime experts note the scale of the thefts , as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and small cities and in suburbs .
“ I ’ ve been a student of these things .
And I have never seen anything like it , ” said Neil Sullivan , a nationally recognized expert on mass events security and retired Chicago Police Department commander .
People who stole during civil rights protests in the 1960s , he said , tended to commit crimes of opportunity as demonstrations spun out of control .
By contrast , many of the break-ins that have happened in the last week appear to be meticulously planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the first of these crimes unfolded Saturday in Emeryville , a tiny city of retail shopping centers next to Oakland , when a crowd showed up and broke into stores after an Instagram post said they would “ hit ” the Target and “ break every [ store ] .
” “ This wasn ’ t the mafia and organized crime , but this wasn ’ t individuals acting alone , ” Mayor Christian Patz said .
“ There definitely was some organization.
” In New York , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from stores were using encrypted messaging to communicate and posted lookouts to warn if police were coming .
In the Southern California city of Long Beach , groups of thieves hit store after store on Sunday as marchers demonstrated nearby .
Mayor Robert Garcia said they went “ from protest to protest ” so they had cover to steal .
RELATED : St. Louis Police Chief Breaks Down Over Violence of Riots : 'Can We Make Some Sense Out of This ? '
Police in Los Angeles , which had widespread burglaries for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t occur until a third night of protests and shifted from thieves on foot to those in cars able to haul more off .
The arrival of more than 1,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles County to provide security freed up officers to more aggressively counter crimes .
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said his department was able to thwart “ a very significant operation to sack ” a large outlet mall in the nearby city of Commerce .
Dozens were arrested .
“ They were there for only one purpose and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the San Francisco Bay Area , tweets warning of looting and rioting turned out to be false , though they led some businesses to close and may have been attempts to divert police elsewhere .
Richmond police tweeted that a bogus rumor on social media of an officer being shot occurred around the time a pot shop was ransacked .
Groups of thieves struck a series of big box stores on Chicago ’ s South Side on Sunday while periodically calling 911 to falsely report that a mall several miles away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
By the time police rushed to the mall to find no one there , the thieves had moved on to another large store — and phoned in additional false reports to again shake police off their trail .
“ It was a game of whack-a-mole , ” Lopez said .
In other instances , caravans of 10 or more cars would pull up to a store , smash the windows , then wait nearby to see if police would arrive .
If they didn ’ t , some of the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods and speed off .
Officers ’ reluctance to use force amid intensified scrutiny of police tactics has emboldened would-be thieves , said Eugene O ’ Donnell , a professor of police studies at New York ’ s John Jay College of Criminal Justice .
“ All you have to tell police is to do nothing and they will do nothing , ” he said .
“ And they are implicitly being told , ‘ Don ’ t do anything.
’ ” Some shoplifters displayed surprising brazenness , walking out of stores with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people changing into their pilfered attire outside Long Beach shops and a thief struggling to close the trunk of a car stuffed with clothes at a Walnut Creek mall near Oakland .
Sgt .
Kelly , from the Alameda Sheriff ’ s Office , said the county began to get a handle on things after imposing evening curfews on Monday .
He noted there was a clear distinction between protesters who got out of hand while demonstrating and other people who seized on the uprising to steal .
“ Some of the burning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was understandable , ” he said .
“ But the strategic looting was definitely for personal gain .
It was not to push forward the community concerns around police brutality and reform.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Police in a small San Francisco Bay Area community were about to help authorities in neighboring Oakland keep the peace during a protest when a more pressing crisis hit home: Groups of thieves had pillaged malls, set fire to a Walmart and stormed a car dealership.
By the time San Leandro officers arrived at the Dodge dealership, dozens of cars were gone and thieves were peeling out of the lot in $100,000 Challenger Hellcat muscle cars.
Nearly 75 vehicles were stolen Sunday, including models driven through glass showroom doors to escape.
It’s one of the most brazen heists law enforcement has seen in a wave of thefts nationwide targeting big box electronics stores, jewelry shops and luxury designers while officers have been busy patrolling protests over the police killing of George Floyd.
“It was very strategic,” Sgt. Ray Kelly of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office said about the auto thefts and other recent heists.
Many of the smash-and-grab thefts have coincided with or followed protests over the death of Floyd, who struggled to breathe as a police officer knelt on his neck for roughly nine minutes during an arrest.
They have been carried out by caravans of well-coordinated criminals who capitalize on chaos, communicate via messaging apps and use both the protests and other tactics to throw police off their trail. While opportunists have sometimes joined the frenzy, police and experts see a sophistication that suggests a level of planning that goes beyond spontaneous acts.
It’s hardly the first time that protest has been used as a cover for crime. But crime experts note the scale of the thefts, as they have taken place coast-to-coast, in big and small cities and in suburbs.
“I’ve been a student of these things. And I have never seen anything like it,” said Neil Sullivan, a nationally recognized expert on mass events security and retired Chicago Police Department commander.
Have the protests brought about more harm than good? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (167 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
People who stole during civil rights protests in the 1960s, he said, tended to commit crimes of opportunity as demonstrations spun out of control. By contrast, many of the break-ins that have happened in the last week appear to be meticulously planned and coordinated, he said.
One of the first of these crimes unfolded Saturday in Emeryville, a tiny city of retail shopping centers next to Oakland, when a crowd showed up and broke into stores after an Instagram post said they would “hit” the Target and “break every [store].”
“This wasn’t the mafia and organized crime, but this wasn’t individuals acting alone,” Mayor Christian Patz said. “There definitely was some organization.”
In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this week that some people stealing from stores were using encrypted messaging to communicate and posted lookouts to warn if police were coming.
In the Southern California city of Long Beach, groups of thieves hit store after store on Sunday as marchers demonstrated nearby. Mayor Robert Garcia said they went “from protest to protest” so they had cover to steal.
Police in Los Angeles, which had widespread burglaries for several days, said the crimes didn’t occur until a third night of protests and shifted from thieves on foot to those in cars able to haul more off.
The arrival of more than 1,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles County to provide security freed up officers to more aggressively counter crimes. Sheriff Alex Villanueva said his department was able to thwart “a very significant operation to sack” a large outlet mall in the nearby city of Commerce. Dozens were arrested.
“They were there for only one purpose and that was to loot,” he said.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, tweets warning of looting and rioting turned out to be false, though they led some businesses to close and may have been attempts to divert police elsewhere. Richmond police tweeted that a bogus rumor on social media of an officer being shot occurred around the time a pot shop was ransacked.
RPD officers are currently controlling the scene at Hilltop Mall after vandals and looters breached the property. Misinformation was disseminated by an unknown source regarding a shooting and an officer down. That information is false. We aim to report accurate information. — Richmond Police, CA (@RPDCAOnline) June 2, 2020
Groups of thieves struck a series of big box stores on Chicago’s South Side on Sunday while periodically calling 911 to falsely report that a mall several miles away was being ransacked, Alderman Ray Lopez said.
By the time police rushed to the mall to find no one there, the thieves had moved on to another large store — and phoned in additional false reports to again shake police off their trail.
“It was a game of whack-a-mole,” Lopez said.
In other instances, caravans of 10 or more cars would pull up to a store, smash the windows, then wait nearby to see if police would arrive. If they didn’t, some of the same cars would return to load up with goods and speed off.
Officers’ reluctance to use force amid intensified scrutiny of police tactics has emboldened would-be thieves, said Eugene O’Donnell, a professor of police studies at New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
“All you have to tell police is to do nothing and they will do nothing,” he said. “And they are implicitly being told, ‘Don’t do anything.’”
Some shoplifters displayed surprising brazenness, walking out of stores with stolen goods. TV helicopters captured some people changing into their pilfered attire outside Long Beach shops and a thief struggling to close the trunk of a car stuffed with clothes at a Walnut Creek mall near Oakland.
Sgt. Kelly, from the Alameda Sheriff’s Office, said the county began to get a handle on things after imposing evening curfews on Monday. He noted there was a clear distinction between protesters who got out of hand while demonstrating and other people who seized on the uprising to steal.
“Some of the burning was done out of anger and that was understandable,” he said. “But the strategic looting was definitely for personal gain. It was not to push forward the community concerns around police brutality and reform.”
[jwplayer 0hh1eAtw]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-06-05--Hundreds of Protesters Gather in Hong Kong in Defiance of Chinese Ban on Tiananmen Vigil

Despite a ban on commemorating the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests , thousands of Hong Kong residents turned out Thursday , only to be met with threats and pepper spray .
In one part of Hong Kong , police used spray to disperse protesters who sought to set up a roadblock , Reuters reported .
Police arrested several protesters .
Elsewhere , police warned residents not to participate in banned gatherings , according to The Guardian .
Hong Kong police had earlier banned an annual candlelight ritual , citing public health as a reason for the ceremony to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it began .
Despite the ban , marchers still gathered , some shouting “ Hong Kong independence , only way !
” , “ Hong Kong , build our own nation !
” and “ Free Hong Kong , democracy now !
” “ What happened in Tiananmen showed the true nature of the Communist Party , ” 25-year-old Lawrence said .
“ Instead of being silenced , I ’ d rather sacrifice myself for freedom .
If we have no freedom , it makes no difference whether you ’ re in jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remembering those who died on June 4 , the students who were killed .
What have we done wrong ?
For 30 years we have come here peacefully and reasonably , once it ’ s over it ’ s ‘ sayonara , ’ ” 70-year-old Kitty told Reuters .
“ We are afraid this will be the last time we can have a ceremony but Hong Kongers will always remember what happened on June 4 , ” Brenda Hui , 24 , said .
RELATED : Trump Admin Will Ban Chinese Passenger Flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its grip on Hong Kong in recent months .
The city ’ s own legislature , now dominated by pro-China legislators , recently passed a law banning mockery of the Chinese national anthem .
Despite the crackdown , students in Hong Kong repainted , as is tradition , a Tiananmen memorial message on a college campus bridge : “ Souls of martyrs shall forever linger despite the brutal massacre .
Spark of democracy shall forever glow for the demise of evil.
” Rowena He of Chinese University of Hong Kong said Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted out yet .
“ You can not easily push people into darkness once they have experienced light , ” she said .
“ People in Hong Kong have persistently and collectively showed the world that there was something that can not be crushed by guns , tanks and prisons : That is the human spirit for truth and justice.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Despite a ban on commemorating the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, thousands of Hong Kong residents turned out Thursday, only to be met with threats and pepper spray.
In one part of Hong Kong, police used spray to disperse protesters who sought to set up a roadblock, Reuters reported. Police arrested several protesters.
Elsewhere, police warned residents not to participate in banned gatherings, according to The Guardian.
Hong Kong police had earlier banned an annual candlelight ritual, citing public health as a reason for the ceremony to be banned for the first time since it began.
Despite the ban, marchers still gathered, some shouting “Hong Kong independence, only way!”, “Hong Kong, build our own nation!” and “Free Hong Kong, democracy now!”
“What happened in Tiananmen showed the true nature of the Communist Party,” 25-year-old Lawrence said.
“Instead of being silenced, I’d rather sacrifice myself for freedom. If we have no freedom, it makes no difference whether you’re in jail or not.”
“We are just remembering those who died on June 4, the students who were killed. What have we done wrong? For 30 years we have come here peacefully and reasonably, once it’s over it’s ‘sayonara,’” 70-year-old Kitty told Reuters.
This says everything you need to know about the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on human rights in Hong Kong. Beijing can’t erase history and the people of Hong Kong won’t be silenced. #StandwithHongKong https://t.co/woZ82W1LdH — Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) June 1, 2020
June 4 Tienanmen Square anniversary in Hong Kong. Perhaps the last time they will be able to do this. https://t.co/sLUGom5nAa — Sridhar Venkatapuram (@sridhartweet) June 4, 2020
Thousands of demonstrators in Hong Kong defy ban to attend Tiananmen Square vigil https://t.co/mTlJ9aqTvh — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) June 4, 2020
“We are afraid this will be the last time we can have a ceremony but Hong Kongers will always remember what happened on June 4,” Brenda Hui, 24, said.
China has solidified its grip on Hong Kong in recent months. The city’s own legislature, now dominated by pro-China legislators, recently passed a law banning mockery of the Chinese national anthem.
Do you support the peaceful protests in Hong Kong? Yes No
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Despite the crackdown, students in Hong Kong repainted, as is tradition, a Tiananmen memorial message on a college campus bridge: “Souls of martyrs shall forever linger despite the brutal massacre. Spark of democracy shall forever glow for the demise of evil.”
Rowena He of Chinese University of Hong Kong said Hong Kong faces challenges, but should not be counted out yet.
“You cannot easily push people into darkness once they have experienced light,” she said.
“People in Hong Kong have persistently and collectively showed the world that there was something that cannot be crushed by guns, tanks and prisons: That is the human spirit for truth and justice.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-05--Kelli Ward: Biden Finally Leaves His Basement – For a Photo Op

Joe Biden , the Democrats ’ presumptive presidential nominee , has finally decided he can come out of his basement .
The former vice president , who had not left Delaware since mid-March , went to a black church this week to meet with community leaders .
Taking a page out of Hillary Clinton ’ s famous “ listening tour ” when she carpetbagged her way into a U.S. Senate seat in New York , Biden is emphasizing that he is “ listening.
” He even took a knee with a young black American to show his solidarity with protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him kneeling and said , “ I will listen , just as I did today.
” Biden was a U.S. senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009 , then served as vice president for eight years alongside the first African-American president .
Are we to believe he has never met with these Delaware community leaders before ?
If so , why not ?
If he has met with them before , then why is he only starting to listen now ?
The whole exercise lacks credibility , but it ’ s not surprising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
It is a way to take the black vote for granted and bury the gaffe-prone Joe Biden of a few days ago .
Biden emerging from his basement like a groundhog ( if he sees his shadow , does that signal six more weeks of pandemic ? )
is done without anyone on his staff saying that the COVID-19 threat has diminished and that it is safe to resume public activities .
This was the official reason for his self-imposed isolation , but we are not being told what has suddenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden campaign staff are donating to the Minnesota Freedom Fund , a nonprofit that opposes bail and has pledged to bail out protesters .
Hollywood celebrities are also jumping on the Minnesota Freedom Fund donation bandwagon , a sure sign that this is now the virtue-signaling action of the moment .
There is an old maxim that goes like this : Whatever you tax you get less of ; whatever you subsidize you get more of .
Since no one has explained how the fund is differentiating between peaceful protesters and violent rampaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsidizing violence , which means America is likely to get more of it .
More than a dozen pharmacies were vandalized , looted or set on fire in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul .
Now , these neighborhoods do not have a way for residents , including those in black neighborhoods , to get medicine .
Will the Minnesota Freedom Fund be bailing out the criminals who were arrested for forcing these pharmacies to close ?
So much for “ health care for all.
” California Sen. Kamala Harris , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become Biden ’ s running mate in light of the current environment , has also decided to get in on the action .
On Monday , she tweeted a link to the fund ’ s donation site .
RELATED : Bob Ehrlich : Biden 's 'You Ai n't Black ' Comment Was n't a Mistake - It 's What He Believes It is amazing that Harris , a former prosecutor who has her own history of covering up misconduct by prosecutors and law enforcement , thinks that her past can all be swept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hopefully , the American people will see through these opportunistic , disingenuous actions on Election Day .
That would be the best outcome from Joe Biden taking a knee — that is unless his fallback plan is to get a sneaker endorsement deal after he loses .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Joe Biden, the Democrats’ presumptive presidential nominee, has finally decided he can come out of his basement. The former vice president, who had not left Delaware since mid-March, went to a black church this week to meet with community leaders.
Taking a page out of Hillary Clinton’s famous “listening tour” when she carpetbagged her way into a U.S. Senate seat in New York, Biden is emphasizing that he is “listening.”
He even took a knee with a young black American to show his solidarity with protesters, then tweeted out the picture of him kneeling and said, “I will listen, just as I did today.”
Biden was a U.S. senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009, then served as vice president for eight years alongside the first African-American president. Are we to believe he has never met with these Delaware community leaders before?
If so, why not? If he has met with them before, then why is he only starting to listen now?
The whole exercise lacks credibility, but it’s not surprising to see the agenda-driven media eating it up. It is a way to take the black vote for granted and bury the gaffe-prone Joe Biden of a few days ago.
Biden emerging from his basement like a groundhog (if he sees his shadow, does that signal six more weeks of pandemic?) is done without anyone on his staff saying that the COVID-19 threat has diminished and that it is safe to resume public activities. This was the official reason for his self-imposed isolation, but we are not being told what has suddenly changed.
Recent media reports indicate that Biden campaign staff are donating to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, a nonprofit that opposes bail and has pledged to bail out protesters.
Hollywood celebrities are also jumping on the Minnesota Freedom Fund donation bandwagon, a sure sign that this is now the virtue-signaling action of the moment.
Do you think Biden's photo op was an attempt to pander to African-American voters? Yes No
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There is an old maxim that goes like this: Whatever you tax you get less of; whatever you subsidize you get more of. Since no one has explained how the fund is differentiating between peaceful protesters and violent rampaging looters, it appears they are potentially subsidizing violence, which means America is likely to get more of it.
More than a dozen pharmacies were vandalized, looted or set on fire in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Now, these neighborhoods do not have a way for residents, including those in black neighborhoods, to get medicine. Will the Minnesota Freedom Fund be bailing out the criminals who were arrested for forcing these pharmacies to close? So much for “health care for all.”
California Sen. Kamala Harris, who many see as the front-runner to become Biden’s running mate in light of the current environment, has also decided to get in on the action. On Monday, she tweeted a link to the fund’s donation site.
If you’re able to, chip in now to the @MNFreedomFund to help post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota. https://t.co/t8LXowKIbw — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 1, 2020
It is amazing that Harris, a former prosecutor who has her own history of covering up misconduct by prosecutors and law enforcement, thinks that her past can all be swept under the rug with a single tweet.
Hopefully, the American people will see through these opportunistic, disingenuous actions on Election Day.
That would be the best outcome from Joe Biden taking a knee — that is unless his fallback plan is to get a sneaker endorsement deal after he loses.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-06-05--LeBron James More Outraged Over Defense of American Flag Than Death of Democracy

This is the understatement of the decade , but protesting during the national anthem can be a very polarizing topic .
Whether someone is raising a fist , kneeling or sitting during “ The Star-Spangled Banner , ” that act alone will likely elicit a strong emotion one way or another .
To some , protesting the anthem is an ode to social justice .
To others , it is the ultimate form of disrespect to the American flag and the many who have died in its honor .
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees clearly falls into the latter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country , ” Brees said when asked about the potential of anthem protests returning to the NFL in the wake of the ongoing protests and riots that have rocked the country .
That ’ s fair !
The very same thing that protects anthem protesters , freedom of speech , should also apply to Brees in this instance .
To be clear , Brees made no comment about racial injustice , criminal justice reform , police brutality or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ostensibly about .
He merely commented on the specific act of protesting during the national anthem .
Unfortunately , it ’ s 2020 , which means that nothing makes sense anymore .
Brees , who has a noted history of being a class act , was verbally assaulted by his fellow athletes .
It did eventually prompt an apology from the star quarterback .
Perhaps the most famous face who took Brees to task was Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James .
“ You literally still don ’ t understand why Kap was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James posted on Twitter , referring to the original anthem protester , former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick .
“ Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of [ the flag ] and our soldiers ( men and women ) who keep our land free.
” To be clear , LeBron James is more than entitled to his take on national anthem protests .
That ’ s not the issue .
However , an eyebrow has to be raised when you look at the greater context of James ’ rant against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After Backlash to 'All Lives Matter ' Tweet Looking at timestamps , James ’ critique of Brees came roughly four hours after Yahoo had posted the offending video clip .
That ’ s a pretty timely response to someone who has the freedom to express their personal beliefs about the American flag .
You know who ’ s on the verge of losing their right to freely express their beliefs ?
The citizens of Hong Kong .
That ’ s pertinent to this tale because the NBA , and James in particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being curiously silent about that very subject .
Hong Kong , which has long enjoyed a certain level of democratic autonomy from the rest of communist China thanks to the “ one country , two systems ” policy , was the center of controversy in recent months after a proposed extradition policy threatened its independence .
Currently , there are still many ongoing civil rights issues as China tries to tighten its grip on the city .
When protesters in Hong Kong first took to the streets to protest mainland China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morey took to Twitter to voice support for the pro-democracy protesters .
The NBA , however , quickly reprimanded Morey , presumably because it was afraid of losing copious amounts of money from the Chinese market .
In a word , it was disgraceful , and the NBA was rightly called out for it .
That didn ’ t stop James , easily the NBA ’ s most recognizable star , from condemning Morey ’ s pro-democracy comments .
“ We all talk about this freedom of speech , yes , we all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you ’ re not thinking about others and you ’ re only thinking about yourself , ” James said in October .
“ I don ’ t want to get into a word , or sentence , feud with Daryl Morey , but I believe he wasn ’ t educated on the situation at hand , and he spoke.
” “ So many people could have been harmed , ” James continued .
“ Not only financially , but physically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be careful what we tweet , and we say and what we do .
Even though , yes , we do have freedom of speech , but there can be a lot of negative that comes with that too.
” People are literally losing their freedom , but because it might harm him “ financially , ” James kowtowed to China in 2019 .
He ’ s been relatively mum on the subject since .
But a fellow American dares to use his freedom to speak out in favor of honoring the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OK with people losing that freedom based on his remarks about Hong Kong .
Perhaps his feelings on Drew Brees ’ freedom of speech shouldn ’ t be all that surprising .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

This is the understatement of the decade, but protesting during the national anthem can be a very polarizing topic.
Whether someone is raising a fist, kneeling or sitting during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” that act alone will likely elicit a strong emotion one way or another.
To some, protesting the anthem is an ode to social justice. To others, it is the ultimate form of disrespect to the American flag and the many who have died in its honor.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees clearly falls into the latter category.
“Well I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country,” Brees said when asked about the potential of anthem protests returning to the NFL in the wake of the ongoing protests and riots that have rocked the country.
That’s fair! The very same thing that protects anthem protesters, freedom of speech, should also apply to Brees in this instance.
To be clear, Brees made no comment about racial injustice, criminal justice reform, police brutality or any other issue that the ongoing riots are ostensibly about. He merely commented on the specific act of protesting during the national anthem.
Unfortunately, it’s 2020, which means that nothing makes sense anymore. Brees, who has a noted history of being a class act, was verbally assaulted by his fellow athletes.
It did eventually prompt an apology from the star quarterback.
Perhaps the most famous face who took Brees to task was Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
WOW MAN!! ??♂. Is it still surprising at this point. Sure isn’t! You literally still don’t understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee?? Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of ?? and our soldiers(men and women) who keep our land free. My father-in-law was one of those https://t.co/pvUWPmh4s8 — LeBron James (@KingJames) June 3, 2020
“You literally still don’t understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee??” James posted on Twitter, referring to the original anthem protester, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. “Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of [the flag] and our soldiers(men and women) who keep our land free.”
To be clear, LeBron James is more than entitled to his take on national anthem protests. That’s not the issue. However, an eyebrow has to be raised when you look at the greater context of James’ rant against Brees.
Looking at timestamps, James’ critique of Brees came roughly four hours after Yahoo had posted the offending video clip. That’s a pretty timely response to someone who has the freedom to express their personal beliefs about the American flag.
You know who’s on the verge of losing their right to freely express their beliefs? The citizens of Hong Kong. That’s pertinent to this tale because the NBA, and James in particular, were recently raked over the coals for being curiously silent about that very subject.
Hong Kong, which has long enjoyed a certain level of democratic autonomy from the rest of communist China thanks to the “one country, two systems” policy, was the center of controversy in recent months after a proposed extradition policy threatened its independence. Currently, there are still many ongoing civil rights issues as China tries to tighten its grip on the city.
Does the American flag mean the same thing to you as it does to Drew Brees? Yes No
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When protesters in Hong Kong first took to the streets to protest mainland China’s encroachment, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey took to Twitter to voice support for the pro-democracy protesters. The NBA, however, quickly reprimanded Morey, presumably because it was afraid of losing copious amounts of money from the Chinese market.
In a word, it was disgraceful, and the NBA was rightly called out for it. That didn’t stop James, easily the NBA’s most recognizable star, from condemning Morey’s pro-democracy comments.
“We all talk about this freedom of speech, yes, we all do have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re only thinking about yourself,” James said in October.
“I don’t want to get into a word, or sentence, feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke.”
“So many people could have been harmed,” James continued. “Not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually. So, just be careful what we tweet, and we say and what we do. Even though, yes, we do have freedom of speech, but there can be a lot of negative that comes with that too.”
People are literally losing their freedom, but because it might harm him “financially,” James kowtowed to China in 2019. He’s been relatively mum on the subject since.
But a fellow American dares to use his freedom to speak out in favor of honoring the American flag?
Well, James is apparently OK with people losing that freedom based on his remarks about Hong Kong. Perhaps his feelings on Drew Brees’ freedom of speech shouldn’t be all that surprising.
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westernjournal--2020-06-04--Trump Administration Frees Navy Vet After Two Years of Iranian Imprisonment

A U.S. Navy veteran left Iran on Thursday after nearly two years of detention , gaining his freedom as part of a deal that released an American-Iranian physician from prison .
Michael White flew from Tehran to Zurich , where he was met by diplomat Brian Hook , the U.S. special envoy for Iran .
“ The nightmare is over , ” White ’ s mother said .
In Atlanta , a federal judge approved a sentencing agreement for Florida dermatologist Matteo Taerri , who had been charged with violating U.S. sanctions on Iran as well as banking laws .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ between countries at bitter odds over U.S. penalties imposed after President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal and over the killing by American forces of a top Iranian general in Iraq at the beginning of this year .
White , of Imperial Beach , California , was detained by Iranian authorities in July 2018 while visiting a woman he had met online .
He was convicted of insulting Iranian dictator Ali Khameini and posting private information online , and was sentenced to a decade in prison .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over , and my son is safely in American custody and on his way home , ” White ’ s mother , Joanne White , said in a statement .
She thanked the State Department and Bill Richardson , a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and onetime New Mexico governor , for raising her son ’ s case with the Iranians .
As White flew to Switzerland , U.S. prosecutors completed the American part of the arrangement by asking a judge to sentence Taerri to time served on his conviction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are numerous foreign policy interests that are furthered by this particular sentence , ” U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May said in granting the government ’ s request .
Taerri was charged with attempting to export a filter to Iran that he said was for vaccine research but that U.S. authorities said required a license because it could be used for chemical and biological warfare purposes .
He was also accused of structuring a series of bank deposits below the $ 10,000 limit to evade reporting requirements under federal law .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already served months behind bars , but in April was permitted to be free on bond pending his sentence .
The Justice Department in March withdrew its request to have him detained , citing what it said were significant foreign policy interests .
“ The United States government and the government of Iran have been negotiating the release of a U.S. citizen held in Iranian custody , ” prosecutor Tracia King said at the hearing .
“ This case , and more specifically the sentence recommendation , is directly related to these negotiations.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , Taerri is permitted as part of his sentence to remain in America and to travel abroad .
White ’ s release was cheered by Trump , whose administration has said it considers the release of detainees and hostages a priority .
“ I will never stop working to secure the release of all Americans held hostage overseas !
” he tweeted .
A spokesman for the White family , Jon Franks , said in a statement that the charges against White “ were pretexts for a state-sponsored kidnap-for-ransom scheme.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this case is Michael ’ s only crime was falling in love with Iran and its people for whom he cares deeply.
” Despite widespread speculation , White ’ s release was not related to the deportation to Iran this week of Iranian scientist Sirios Asghari , officials said .
White ’ s release was linked instead to the Taerri case .
Iran ’ s foreign minister , Javad Zarif , tweeted that such deals can “ happen for all prisoners .
No need for cherry picking .
Iranian hostages held in — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should come home.
” White was released from prison on a medical furlough in March as Iran struggled to cope with the coronavirus outbreak .
He was turned over to the Swiss Embassy in Tehran , which represents U.S. interests in Iran .
Richardson said in a statement that the “ release should have and could have been done earlier , but I am glad and relieved that Mike is on his way home to get treated.
” White was diagnosed with COVID-19 but has been recovering .
White ’ s mother has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially concerned about her son ’ s health because of his battles with cancer .
Trump administration officials in recent months stepped up public pressure to release White .
Last month , for instance , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned White by name and thanked Switzerland for its work on arranging the furlough .
The U.S. has also urged Iran to release other Americans jailed in Iran .
Siamak Namazi , an Iranian-American , remains in Iran ’ s Evin Prison after being convicted of collaborating with the United States — charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Morad Tahbaz , an Iranian with U.S. and British citizenship , was part of a group of environmental activists sentenced on espionage charges and remains in custody .
Namazi ’ s brother , Babak , said he was happy for the White family but distressed that his brother was not released .
He also noted that his 84-year-old father , Baquer , who was also convicted , is out of prison but has not been permitted to leave Iran despite his poor health .
In December , Iran released Xiyue Wang , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years on widely disputed espionage charges , in exchange for the release of a detained Iranian scientist .
In March , the family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson , who vanished in Iran 13 years ago , said they had been informed that U.S. officials had determined that Levinson was probably dead .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A U.S. Navy veteran left Iran on Thursday after nearly two years of detention, gaining his freedom as part of a deal that released an American-Iranian physician from prison.
Michael White flew from Tehran to Zurich, where he was met by diplomat Brian Hook, the U.S. special envoy for Iran.
“The nightmare is over, ” White’s mother said.
In Atlanta, a federal judge approved a sentencing agreement for Florida dermatologist Matteo Taerri, who had been charged with violating U.S. sanctions on Iran as well as banking laws.
The developments capped months of quiet negotiations between countries at bitter odds over U.S. penalties imposed after President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal and over the killing by American forces of a top Iranian general in Iraq at the beginning of this year.
White, of Imperial Beach, California, was detained by Iranian authorities in July 2018 while visiting a woman he had met online. He was convicted of insulting Iranian dictator Ali Khameini and posting private information online, and was sentenced to a decade in prison.
“I am blessed to announce that the nightmare is over, and my son is safely in American custody and on his way home,” White’s mother, Joanne White, said in a statement. She thanked the State Department and Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and onetime New Mexico governor, for raising her son’s case with the Iranians.
As White flew to Switzerland, U.S. prosecutors completed the American part of the arrangement by asking a judge to sentence Taerri to time served on his conviction stemming from the 2018 charges.
“There are numerous foreign policy interests that are furthered by this particular sentence,” U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May said in granting the government’s request.
Do you support Trump's emphasis on releasing American hostages? Yes No
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Taerri was charged with attempting to export a filter to Iran that he said was for vaccine research but that U.S. authorities said required a license because it could be used for chemical and biological warfare purposes. He was also accused of structuring a series of bank deposits below the $10,000 limit to evade reporting requirements under federal law.
He pleaded guilty late last year and has already served months behind bars, but in April was permitted to be free on bond pending his sentence. The Justice Department in March withdrew its request to have him detained, citing what it said were significant foreign policy interests.
“The United States government and the government of Iran have been negotiating the release of a U.S. citizen held in Iranian custody,” prosecutor Tracia King said at the hearing. “This case, and more specifically the sentence recommendation, is directly related to these negotiations.”
A citizen of Iran and the United States, Taerri is permitted as part of his sentence to remain in America and to travel abroad.
White’s release was cheered by Trump, whose administration has said it considers the release of detainees and hostages a priority. “I will never stop working to secure the release of all Americans held hostage overseas!” he tweeted.
….I will never stop working to secure the release of all Americans held hostage overseas! Thank you Switzerland for your great assistance. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020
A spokesman for the White family, Jon Franks, said in a statement that the charges against White “were pretexts for a state-sponsored kidnap-for-ransom scheme.” He added: “The tragedy of this case is Michael’s only crime was falling in love with Iran and its people for whom he cares deeply.”
Despite widespread speculation, White’s release was not related to the deportation to Iran this week of Iranian scientist Sirios Asghari, officials said. White’s release was linked instead to the Taerri case.
Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, tweeted that such deals can “happen for all prisoners. No need for cherry picking. Iranian hostages held in — and on behalf of — the US should come home.”
Pleased that Dr. Majid Taheri and Mr. White will soon be joining their families. Prof. Sirous Asgari was happily reunited with his family on Weds. This can happen for all prisoners. No need for cherry picking. Iranian hostages held in—and on behalf of—the US should come home. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) June 4, 2020
White was released from prison on a medical furlough in March as Iran struggled to cope with the coronavirus outbreak. He was turned over to the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which represents U.S. interests in Iran.
Richardson said in a statement that the “release should have and could have been done earlier, but I am glad and relieved that Mike is on his way home to get treated.” White was diagnosed with COVID-19 but has been recovering.
White’s mother has told The Associated Press that she was especially concerned about her son’s health because of his battles with cancer.
Trump administration officials in recent months stepped up public pressure to release White. Last month, for instance, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned White by name and thanked Switzerland for its work on arranging the furlough.
The U.S. has also urged Iran to release other Americans jailed in Iran.
Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American, remains in Iran’s Evin Prison after being convicted of collaborating with the United States — charges a U.N. panel has said are bogus. Morad Tahbaz, an Iranian with U.S. and British citizenship, was part of a group of environmental activists sentenced on espionage charges and remains in custody.
Namazi’s brother, Babak, said he was happy for the White family but distressed that his brother was not released. He also noted that his 84-year-old father, Baquer, who was also convicted, is out of prison but has not been permitted to leave Iran despite his poor health.
In December, Iran released Xiyue Wang, a Chinese-American Princeton University scholar held for three years on widely disputed espionage charges, in exchange for the release of a detained Iranian scientist.
In March, the family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who vanished in Iran 13 years ago, said they had been informed that U.S. officials had determined that Levinson was probably dead.
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The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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