freebeacon--2020-08-28--Religious Groups Rip Rice for Pompeo Criticism

Religious liberty groups raised alarms that top Biden campaign surrogate Susan Rice 's attack on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's `` overt '' faith could lead to future discrimination against believers .
Catholic and religious liberty groups criticized Rice 's comments for targeting Pompeo 's faith after she told MSNBC on Wednesday that `` Mike Pompeo has been an overtly religious secretary of state , which in itself is problematic . ''
Pompeo is an evangelical Christian and has been outspoken about how his faith impacts his tenure as secretary .
Rice added that Pompeo is `` supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our religions , all of our threads . ''
`` In criticizing Secretary Pompeo for being open about his faith , Ambassador Susan Rice perpetuates the Democratic Party ’ s pattern of anti-religious bigotry , '' Ashley McGuire , senior fellow with The Catholic Association , told the Washington Free Beacon .
A spokeswoman for Rice said that the secretary of state `` is supposed to represent all of America , '' but declined to answer further questions about Rice 's claim that `` overt '' faith is `` problematic . ''
Rice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Biden tapped California senator Kamala Harris ( D. ) in August .
McGuire said she was struck by the similarities between Rice 's criticism of Pompeo and Harris 's attack on a judicial nominee for being a member of the Knights of Columbus , a Catholic service group .
`` Democrats have made it clear that they think faith has no place out in the open in America , '' McGuire said .
`` In fact it is America ’ s long-standing tradition of protecting the right of people of all faiths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to speak openly about their beliefs , that has made this a pluralistic country . ''
Mike Berry , general counsel at the religious freedom law firm First Liberty , warned against implying that being religious is problematic for holding public office .
He said such an attitude could run afoul of the Constitution .
`` Ambassador Rice ’ s comments are not only grasping at straws , but they are dangerously misleading , '' he said .
`` Article VI of the Constitution makes clear that there is no religious litmus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Erin Pelton dismissed the notion that the remarks pose a threat to religious liberty .
`` Freedom of religion is a cornerstone of American democracy .
But as Ambassador Rice said , the Secretary of State is supposed to represent all of America , '' Pelton said .
`` Secretary Pompeo should use his office to protect religious freedom and other basic human rights for people of all beliefs , not just those with whom he is aligned . ''
Terry Schilling , executive director of the American Principles Project , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a red flag to religious voters and public servants .
`` We know Democrats will be even more hostile to religious Americans should they gain the White House and Congress next year , so Rice 's comments should be another giant warning sign for voters of faith , '' he said .
`` Democrats like Susan Rice ca n't help but show their disgust when conservative Christians dare to even mention their faith , '' he added .
The State Department did not respond to requests for comment .

Religious liberty groups raised alarms that top Biden campaign surrogate Susan Rice's attack on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's "overt" faith could lead to future discrimination against believers.
Catholic and religious liberty groups criticized Rice's comments for targeting Pompeo's faith after she told MSNBC on Wednesday that "Mike Pompeo has been an overtly religious secretary of state, which in itself is problematic." Pompeo is an evangelical Christian and has been outspoken about how his faith impacts his tenure as secretary. Rice added that Pompeo is "supposed to represent all of America, all of our religions, all of our threads."
"In criticizing Secretary Pompeo for being open about his faith, Ambassador Susan Rice perpetuates the Democratic Party’s pattern of anti-religious bigotry," Ashley McGuire, senior fellow with The Catholic Association, told the Washington Free Beacon.
A spokeswoman for Rice said that the secretary of state "is supposed to represent all of America," but declined to answer further questions about Rice's claim that "overt" faith is "problematic."
Rice was widely seen as a vice-presidential contender before Biden tapped California senator Kamala Harris (D.) in August. McGuire said she was struck by the similarities between Rice's criticism of Pompeo and Harris's attack on a judicial nominee for being a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic service group.
"Democrats have made it clear that they think faith has no place out in the open in America," McGuire said. "In fact it is America’s long-standing tradition of protecting the right of people of all faiths, including those who hold public office, to speak openly about their beliefs, that has made this a pluralistic country."
Mike Berry, general counsel at the religious freedom law firm First Liberty, warned against implying that being religious is problematic for holding public office. He said such an attitude could run afoul of the Constitution.
"Ambassador Rice’s comments are not only grasping at straws, but they are dangerously misleading," he said. "Article VI of the Constitution makes clear that there is no religious litmus test for federal office."
Rice spokeswoman Erin Pelton dismissed the notion that the remarks pose a threat to religious liberty.
"Freedom of religion is a cornerstone of American democracy. But as Ambassador Rice said, the Secretary of State is supposed to represent all of America," Pelton said. "Secretary Pompeo should use his office to protect religious freedom and other basic human rights for people of all beliefs, not just those with whom he is aligned."
Terry Schilling, executive director of the American Principles Project, said that Rice's comments should serve as a red flag to religious voters and public servants.
"We know Democrats will be even more hostile to religious Americans should they gain the White House and Congress next year, so Rice's comments should be another giant warning sign for voters of faith," he said. "Democrats like Susan Rice can't help but show their disgust when conservative Christians dare to even mention their faith," he added.
The State Department did not respond to requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-08-28--Trump’s Six-Year-Old Grandson HUMILIATED By Tenacious Journos Investigating Lego Scandal

President Donald Trump 's foremost offspring , Ivanka , told an adorable story about her six-year-old son Joseph during her speech at the Republican convention on Thursday : When Jared and I moved with our three children to Washington , we didn ’ t exactly know what we were in for , but our kids , our kids loved it from the start .
My son Joseph promptly built Grandpa a LEGO replica of the White House .
The president still displays it on the mantel in the Oval Office right over there so that he can show world leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest grandchildren on earth .
Joseph probably thought being mentioned in his mother 's convention address would n't attract the relentless scrutiny of the professional journalism class .
Stupid kid .
He could n't have been more wrong .
Our courageous media pounced .
Its arsenal of truth-seeking missiles rained down upon the unsuspecting little tyke , exposing his LEGO fraud and preserving the values of our democracy .
In response to initial media skepticism regarding the existence of the LEGO White House , Ivanka tweeted a suspicious photo : The photo just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smirk on Joseph 's face , for example , suggests he 's hiding something .
So the media kept digging .
Business Insider unleashed a double-bylined investigation into Joseph 's alleged construction of the LEGO White House , deploying a sophisticated photographic analysis to challenge Ivanka 's claim that the president still displays the child 's handiwork on his Oval Office mantel .
The investigative report also cites the independent analysis of journalist Andrea Bernstein , who has pledged to uncover the truth about Joseph 's LEGOs .
`` Ivanka Trump has tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with his grandfather at the Resolute Desk with the Lego White House , '' Bernstein wrote on Twitter .
`` I 've asked the White House if 3-year old Joseph indeed built it of his own initiative , and if he had assistance .
Will tweet reply if/when I get it . ''
The White House response— '' Yes he did so on his own initiative , and completed it on his own '' —did little to address concerns about Joseph 's role in the president 's corruption , and declined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism .
Once again the media has proven that without their courageous dedication to exposing the truth , democracy itself might cease to exist .

President Donald Trump's foremost offspring, Ivanka, told an adorable story about her six-year-old son Joseph during her speech at the Republican convention on Thursday:
When Jared and I moved with our three children to Washington, we didn’t exactly know what we were in for, but our kids, our kids loved it from the start. My son Joseph promptly built Grandpa a LEGO replica of the White House. The president still displays it on the mantel in the Oval Office right over there so that he can show world leaders just so they know he has the greatest grandchildren on earth.
Joseph probably thought being mentioned in his mother's convention address wouldn't attract the relentless scrutiny of the professional journalism class. Stupid kid. He couldn't have been more wrong.
Our courageous media pounced. Its arsenal of truth-seeking missiles rained down upon the unsuspecting little tyke, exposing his LEGO fraud and preserving the values of our democracy. In response to initial media skepticism regarding the existence of the LEGO White House, Ivanka tweeted a suspicious photo:
https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1299299812454563841
The photo just didn't add up. The guilty smirk on Joseph's face, for example, suggests he's hiding something. So the media kept digging. Business Insider unleashed a double-bylined investigation into Joseph's alleged construction of the LEGO White House, deploying a sophisticated photographic analysis to challenge Ivanka's claim that the president still displays the child's handiwork on his Oval Office mantel.
The investigative report also cites the independent analysis of journalist Andrea Bernstein, who has pledged to uncover the truth about Joseph's LEGOs.
"Ivanka Trump has tweeted a photo of her son, Joseph, with his grandfather at the Resolute Desk with the Lego White House," Bernstein wrote on Twitter. "I've asked the White House if 3-year old Joseph indeed built it of his own initiative, and if he had assistance. Will tweet reply if/when I get it."
The White House response—"Yes he did so on his own initiative, and completed it on his own"—did little to address concerns about Joseph's role in the president's corruption, and declined to clarify the youngster's stance on systemic racism.
Once again the media has proven that without their courageous dedication to exposing the truth, democracy itself might cease to exist.


freebeacon--2020-08-28--Portland Business Leaders Slam City Officials for Endorsing Riots

Community leaders in Portland are calling out Mayor Ted Wheeler ( D. ) and other city officials for `` endorsing '' the riots that have plagued the city for months and caused many local businesses to move or shutter their stores .
`` [ Businesses ' ] departure has absolutely nothing to do with Black Lives Matter movement ( which has been a positive ) , but does have most everything to do with the lawlessness you are endorsing downtown , '' Greg Goodman , who co-owns a real estate agency in Portland , said in an email to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ying , chair of the Old Town Community Association , have both written to city officials condemning their failure to keep businesses and the community safe .
Rioters began vandalizing and looting businesses in Portland in May .
Since then , many companies , including Banana Republic , AirB & B , and Standard Insurance , have either closed locations or moved elsewhere , Goodman said .
Many local family-owned businesses have remained closed since rioters looted their stores in July .
Portland Business Alliance CEO Andrew Hoan told the Oregonian the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the city safe and clean .
`` We 're just not seeing the action we need from our elected leaders at all levels of government , '' Hoan said .
`` Commitments were made several weeks ago and there ’ s been a failure to fully act on that plan and put in action toward long-term commitments such as toilets and cleaning stations for those in need and proactive graffiti cleanup and repairs after each night of damage . ''
Ying , the chair of Portland 's Old Town Community Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public safety in a letter earlier this month .
`` We have seen no government assistance to help relocate people to safer alternatives , no mental health interventions which is so essential for many of the unsheltered , no additional sanitation facilities , and now , no assistance with regard to community safety , '' Ying said .
`` We have a humanitarian crisis and we are responding with united efforts as volunteers .
Old Town needs you , our government to do the same . ''
Wheeler told Oregon Public Radio last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` burn itself out . ''
A Portland Business Alliance report last month found that 93 local businesses in Portland have suffered nearly $ 5 million in losses as a result of property damage from riots , which began in late May following the police-involved deaths of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , and others .

Community leaders in Portland are calling out Mayor Ted Wheeler (D.) and other city officials for "endorsing" the riots that have plagued the city for months and caused many local businesses to move or shutter their stores.
"[Businesses'] departure has absolutely nothing to do with Black Lives Matter movement (which has been a positive), but does have most everything to do with the lawlessness you are endorsing downtown," Greg Goodman, who co-owns a real estate agency in Portland, said in an email to the mayor last week. Goodman and Helen Ying, chair of the Old Town Community Association, have both written to city officials condemning their failure to keep businesses and the community safe.
Rioters began vandalizing and looting businesses in Portland in May. Since then, many companies, including Banana Republic, AirB&B, and Standard Insurance, have either closed locations or moved elsewhere, Goodman said. Many local family-owned businesses have remained closed since rioters looted their stores in July.
Portland Business Alliance CEO Andrew Hoan told the Oregonian the city government is failing to fulfill its promise to keep the city safe and clean.
"We're just not seeing the action we need from our elected leaders at all levels of government," Hoan said. "Commitments were made several weeks ago and there’s been a failure to fully act on that plan and put in action toward long-term commitments such as toilets and cleaning stations for those in need and proactive graffiti cleanup and repairs after each night of damage."
Ying, the chair of Portland's Old Town Community Association, told city officials they were disregarding public safety in a letter earlier this month.
"We have seen no government assistance to help relocate people to safer alternatives, no mental health interventions which is so essential for many of the unsheltered, no additional sanitation facilities, and now, no assistance with regard to community safety," Ying said. "We have a humanitarian crisis and we are responding with united efforts as volunteers. Old Town needs you, our government to do the same."
Wheeler told Oregon Public Radio last week he thinks the violence will eventually "burn itself out." A Portland Business Alliance report last month found that 93 local businesses in Portland have suffered nearly $5 million in losses as a result of property damage from riots, which began in late May following the police-involved deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others.


freebeacon--2020-08-28--Harris Walks Back Promise of Nationwide Mask Mandate

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris ( D. , Calif. ) walked back Joe Biden 's call for a nationwide mask `` mandate '' on Friday , saying no one would be punished for violating it .
`` It ’ s really—it 's a standard .
I mean , nobody ’ s going to be punished , '' Harris said on Today when asked how she would enforce the coronavirus measure .
`` Nobody likes to wear a mask .
This is a universal feeling , right ?
So that ’ s not the point , ‘ Hey , let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
God willing , it wo n't be for forever . ''
With no enforcement mechanism , it is unclear how that substantively differs from the Trump administration 's call for citizens to wear masks while leaving it to individual states to implement mandates or not .
Biden has repeatedly called for a nationwide mask mandate .
In June , he said he would use `` federal leverage '' to enforce such an order .
`` From an executive standpoint , yes I would , '' he said .
`` I would do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people had to wear masks in public . ''

Biden in June: 'I would do everything possible to make it required that people had to wear masks in public'
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) walked back Joe Biden's call for a nationwide mask "mandate" on Friday, saying no one would be punished for violating it.
"It’s really—it's a standard. I mean, nobody’s going to be punished," Harris said on Today when asked how she would enforce the coronavirus measure. "Nobody likes to wear a mask. This is a universal feeling, right? So that’s not the point, 'Hey, let’s enjoy wearing masks.' No.... God willing, it won't be for forever."
With no enforcement mechanism, it is unclear how that substantively differs from the Trump administration's call for citizens to wear masks while leaving it to individual states to implement mandates or not.
Biden has repeatedly called for a nationwide mask mandate. In June, he said he would use "federal leverage" to enforce such an order.
"From an executive standpoint, yes I would," he said. "I would do everything possible to make it required that people had to wear masks in public."


freebeacon--2020-08-28--More than 70 Face Federal Charges Amid Violence in Portland

Arson , damaging government property , and assaulting a federal officer are among the charges 74 people face for violence and mayhem committed in Portland , Ore. , over the past three months , the Department of Justice announced Friday .
Federal authorities have arrested some 100 people in Portland since the end of May , as anti-police protests have regularly given way to what DOJ called `` vandalism and destruction . ''
Of those , 74 face federal felonies , misdemeanors , and citations .
Hundreds more have been arrested by state and local law enforcement looking to reestablish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any semblance of First Amendment protected activity , engaging in violent criminal acts and destruction of public safety , '' U.S. attorney Billy J. Williams said .
`` The U.S. Attorney 's Office and our federal law enforcement partners are expeditiously working with local and state law enforcement to identify , arrest , and prosecute these individuals that are disrupting the rule of law in our communities and physically attacking our law enforcement officers and destroying property .
Violent agitators not only delay real reform , but make our community less safe by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical calls for service . ''
More than half of those charged are alleged to have assaulted a federal officer—a crime that , DOJ noted , can lead to up to 20 years in prison if done with a dangerous weapon .
A further four face arson charges , some tied to protests at the federal courthouse in Portland that protesters repeatedly assaulted over several nights earlier this month .
Federal arson carries a maximum sentence of 20 years , with a mandatory minimum of five .
`` While the FBI supports and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is no permit for assault , arson or property damage and these are not victimless crimes , '' Renn Cannon , special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon , said .
`` Among the victims of violent crime are business owners , residents and individuals exercising their First Amendment rights through protests or other legitimate forms of expression . ''
The ongoing unrest in Portland has made the city a flashpoint in the debate over the spike in looting and violent crime that was preceded by the onset of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Donald Trump has called on the city to re-accept federal law enforcement after they initially withdrew from the city at the end of last month .
Oregon governor Kate Brown ( D. ) on Tuesday said that `` it 's time for the violence and vandalism to end , '' specifically so `` Portland can focus on the important work to be done to achieve real change for racial justice . ''

Arson, damaging government property, and assaulting a federal officer are among the charges 74 people face for violence and mayhem committed in Portland, Ore., over the past three months, the Department of Justice announced Friday.
Federal authorities have arrested some 100 people in Portland since the end of May, as anti-police protests have regularly given way to what DOJ called "vandalism and destruction." Of those, 74 face federal felonies, misdemeanors, and citations. Hundreds more have been arrested by state and local law enforcement looking to reestablish order.
"Violent agitators have hijacked any semblance of First Amendment protected activity, engaging in violent criminal acts and destruction of public safety," U.S. attorney Billy J. Williams said. "The U.S. Attorney's Office and our federal law enforcement partners are expeditiously working with local and state law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute these individuals that are disrupting the rule of law in our communities and physically attacking our law enforcement officers and destroying property. Violent agitators not only delay real reform, but make our community less safe by keeping law enforcement from responding to other critical calls for service."
More than half of those charged are alleged to have assaulted a federal officer—a crime that, DOJ noted, can lead to up to 20 years in prison if done with a dangerous weapon. A further four face arson charges, some tied to protests at the federal courthouse in Portland that protesters repeatedly assaulted over several nights earlier this month. Federal arson carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, with a mandatory minimum of five.
"While the FBI supports and safeguards constitutionally protected activity and civil rights, there is no permit for assault, arson or property damage and these are not victimless crimes," Renn Cannon, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon, said. "Among the victims of violent crime are business owners, residents and individuals exercising their First Amendment rights through protests or other legitimate forms of expression."
The ongoing unrest in Portland has made the city a flashpoint in the debate over the spike in looting and violent crime that was preceded by the onset of mass protests in at least some cities. President Donald Trump has called on the city to re-accept federal law enforcement after they initially withdrew from the city at the end of last month. Oregon governor Kate Brown (D.) on Tuesday said that "it's time for the violence and vandalism to end," specifically so "Portland can focus on the important work to be done to achieve real change for racial justice."


freebeacon--2020-08-28--Looming Middle East Arms Race Sparks Fear of Unprecedented Regional War

The impending expiration of an international weapons ban on Iran threatens to flood the Middle East with high-tech Russian and Chinese military equipment , a situation that senior Trump administration officials warn will spark an arms race and could ignite a massive regional war .
A United Nations ban on the sale of weapons to Iran is set to expire in mid-October despite a last-ditch effort by the Trump administration to renew it .
Senior U.S. officials involved in regional discussions told the Washington Free Beacon that Israel and its traditional Arab foes are united in opposition to the arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia and China are poised to bolster their already close military alliances with Iran , selling the country stockpiles of advanced weapons that will be available to the Islamic Republic 's terror proxy groups , including Hezbollah in Lebanon .
Both countries have sold Tehran arms in the past—including aiding its nuclear endeavors—and have been clear in recent months about their desire to amplify the relationship .
The Trump administration is trying to block this outcome by invoking a mechanism known as snapback that was written into the nuclear deal .
Snapback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Iran and also ensure the arms ban remains in place .
`` Letting the arms embargo expire would set off an arms race in the Middle East , '' Brian Hook , who served as the administration ’ s top Iran envoy , told the Free Beacon following a fresh round of meetings this week with Israel and Gulf Arab leaders .
`` I have heard that repeatedly from Gulf leaders and Israel during this trip .
The permanent members of the Security Council dismissed the request from all six Gulf nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and add new sanctions on Iran .
The council failed . ''
Hook vowed the United States would `` do the right thing and restore U.N. sanctions on Iran—and that includes the arms embargo . ''
However , the likelihood of reapplying all international sanctions on Iran remains unclear .
European nations have already rejected the United States ' bid to indefinitely extend the arms embargo and are now opposing further efforts to restore all sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement .
The stalemate at the U.N. Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historically close relationship with France , Germany , and the U.K. and could prompt the Trump administration to diplomatically retaliate against these nations , the Free Beacon reported on Thursday .
`` If the arms embargo on the Islamic Republic of Iran lapses , military planners in Washington , Jerusalem , and Arab capitals should assume that they will soon be confronting more formidable Iranian military and proxy forces , '' Bradley Bowman , a former national security adviser in the U.S. Senate , told the Free Beacon .
Bowman currently serves as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies , a D.C.-based think-tank .
Iran ’ s terror affiliates stand the most to gain from these looming arms deals .
Tehran has troops stationed across the region and has been a primary irritant in Syria , Lebanon , Yemen , and Iraq—all countries in which Iran has spent significant resources arming anti-U.S. forces .
These terrorist factions `` will more easily acquire advanced weapons systems that will exacerbate regional conflicts and encourage a regional arms race , '' according to information compiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from 2008 until 2017 .
As Iran suffers under the weight of U.S. economic sanctions , it has struggled to update its aging weapons systems and military equipment .
If the international arms ban is lifted , Tehran will seek advanced Russian and Chinese fighter jets , battle tanks , and air defense systems , according to Roule , a senior adviser to United Against a Nuclear Iran , which tracks Tehran ’ s procurements .
U.S. intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
The threat posed by a well-armed Iran has pushed Israel and its regional foes into a closer alliance , as evidenced by the United Arab Emirates ’ historic peace deal with Israel earlier this year .
Iran is a top priority for all of these countries , and they are likely to work together in combating the increased threat .
`` The U.S. , Israel , and Arab partners should look for prudent opportunities to increase joint and combined military capability to deter and punish additional aggression and terrorism from Tehran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The U.S. , Israel , and the UAE , for instance , could begin annual military exercises `` focused on building readiness , trust , and interoperability . ''

The impending expiration of an international weapons ban on Iran threatens to flood the Middle East with high-tech Russian and Chinese military equipment, a situation that senior Trump administration officials warn will spark an arms race and could ignite a massive regional war.
A United Nations ban on the sale of weapons to Iran is set to expire in mid-October despite a last-ditch effort by the Trump administration to renew it. Senior U.S. officials involved in regional discussions told the Washington Free Beacon that Israel and its traditional Arab foes are united in opposition to the arms embargo lifting.
Without the arms ban, Russia and China are poised to bolster their already close military alliances with Iran, selling the country stockpiles of advanced weapons that will be available to the Islamic Republic's terror proxy groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both countries have sold Tehran arms in the past—including aiding its nuclear endeavors—and have been clear in recent months about their desire to amplify the relationship. The Trump administration is trying to block this outcome by invoking a mechanism known as snapback that was written into the nuclear deal. Snapback would reapply a litany of international sanctions on Iran and also ensure the arms ban remains in place.
"Letting the arms embargo expire would set off an arms race in the Middle East," Brian Hook, who served as the administration’s top Iran envoy, told the Free Beacon following a fresh round of meetings this week with Israel and Gulf Arab leaders. "I have heard that repeatedly from Gulf leaders and Israel during this trip. The permanent members of the Security Council dismissed the request from all six Gulf nations and Israel to extend the arms embargo and add new sanctions on Iran. The council failed."
Hook vowed the United States would "do the right thing and restore U.N. sanctions on Iran—and that includes the arms embargo."
However, the likelihood of reapplying all international sanctions on Iran remains unclear. European nations have already rejected the United States' bid to indefinitely extend the arms embargo and are now opposing further efforts to restore all sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement. The stalemate at the U.N. Security Council has decimated the United States' historically close relationship with France, Germany, and the U.K. and could prompt the Trump administration to diplomatically retaliate against these nations, the Free Beacon reported on Thursday.
"If the arms embargo on the Islamic Republic of Iran lapses, military planners in Washington, Jerusalem, and Arab capitals should assume that they will soon be confronting more formidable Iranian military and proxy forces," Bradley Bowman, a former national security adviser in the U.S. Senate, told the Free Beacon. Bowman currently serves as senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a D.C.-based think-tank.
Iran’s terror affiliates stand the most to gain from these looming arms deals. Tehran has troops stationed across the region and has been a primary irritant in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq—all countries in which Iran has spent significant resources arming anti-U.S. forces.
These terrorist factions "will more easily acquire advanced weapons systems that will exacerbate regional conflicts and encourage a regional arms race," according to information compiled by Norman Roule, who served as the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from 2008 until 2017.
As Iran suffers under the weight of U.S. economic sanctions, it has struggled to update its aging weapons systems and military equipment. If the international arms ban is lifted, Tehran will seek advanced Russian and Chinese fighter jets, battle tanks, and air defense systems, according to Roule, a senior adviser to United Against a Nuclear Iran, which tracks Tehran’s procurements. U.S. intelligence services have made similar assessments in recent years.
The threat posed by a well-armed Iran has pushed Israel and its regional foes into a closer alliance, as evidenced by the United Arab Emirates’ historic peace deal with Israel earlier this year. Iran is a top priority for all of these countries, and they are likely to work together in combating the increased threat.
"The U.S., Israel, and Arab partners should look for prudent opportunities to increase joint and combined military capability to deter and punish additional aggression and terrorism from Tehran," said FDD’s Bowman. The U.S., Israel, and the UAE, for instance, could begin annual military exercises "focused on building readiness, trust, and interoperability."


freebeacon--2020-08-28--Pro-Biden Super PAC Sends Half a Million to Its Chairman’s Unlicensed Company

A top Democratic super PAC has funneled nearly half a million dollars this cycle to its own chairman through a company that has for the past three years operated without a business license .
Priorities USA Action has paid nearly a million dollars , including $ 450,000 this election cycle , to Miles Strategies , a company owned by its chairman Guy Cecil , according to Federal Election Commission records .
Cecil , who served as the political director for Hillary Clinton ’ s 2008 campaign , receives a $ 263,000 salary from Priorities USA Action ’ s nonprofit arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs show that the city revoked Miles Strategies LLC ’ s business license .
According to a spokesman for the department , Cecil regularly failed to file the necessary paperwork to keep the business operating legally .
Cecil , who did not respond to a request for comment , began filing the necessary paperwork after he was contacted by the Washington Free Beacon .
The department spokesman , however , told the Free Beacon Thursday the firm had not been reinstated .
Priorities USA Action has continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy consulting , '' sending Miles Strategies $ 742,000 since the LLC 's license was revoked in September 2017 .
Cecil is simultaneously collecting payments from the super PAC and a salary from the group 's nonprofit arm .
While the practice is not uncommon , Cecil has collected more than $ 1.6 million from both entities since joining the group in 2015 .
In corporate filings , Miles Strategies lists Cecil as its sole owner .
The firm was registered in February of 2016 ; it has no website and no information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cecil 's leadership , Priorities USA Action has positioned itself as the top booster of the Democratic presidential nominee , Joe Biden .
It has poured $ 42 million into the election thus far and has said it plans to spend north of $ 150 million in the 2020 cycle .
Priorities USA Action spent $ 190 million in 2016 on its failed attempt to elect Hillary Clinton .
Prior to his role at the super PAC , Cecil served as the executive director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee .

A top Democratic super PAC has funneled nearly half a million dollars this cycle to its own chairman through a company that has for the past three years operated without a business license.
Priorities USA Action has paid nearly a million dollars, including $450,000 this election cycle, to Miles Strategies, a company owned by its chairman Guy Cecil, according to Federal Election Commission records. Cecil, who served as the political director for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign, receives a $263,000 salary from Priorities USA Action’s nonprofit arm.
Records with Washington, D.C.'s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs show that the city revoked Miles Strategies LLC’s business license. According to a spokesman for the department, Cecil regularly failed to file the necessary paperwork to keep the business operating legally. Cecil, who did not respond to a request for comment, began filing the necessary paperwork after he was contacted by the Washington Free Beacon. The department spokesman, however, told the Free Beacon Thursday the firm had not been reinstated.
Priorities USA Action has continued to pay Cecil’s firm for "strategy consulting," sending Miles Strategies $742,000 since the LLC's license was revoked in September 2017. Cecil is simultaneously collecting payments from the super PAC and a salary from the group's nonprofit arm. While the practice is not uncommon, Cecil has collected more than $1.6 million from both entities since joining the group in 2015.
In corporate filings, Miles Strategies lists Cecil as its sole owner. The firm was registered in February of 2016; it has no website and no information about it is available online.
Under Cecil's leadership, Priorities USA Action has positioned itself as the top booster of the Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden. It has poured $42 million into the election thus far and has said it plans to spend north of $150 million in the 2020 cycle.
Priorities USA Action spent $190 million in 2016 on its failed attempt to elect Hillary Clinton. Prior to his role at the super PAC, Cecil served as the executive director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.


freebeacon--2020-08-29--This Week in Leftist Violence and Intimidation

Leftist demonstrations have been mostly peaceful , according to the mainstream media , but instances of violence and intimidation have become impossible to ignore .
From vicious attacks on police officers to instances of vandalism too bizarre to be made up , here are the week ’ s most notable bouts of left-wing violence and threats .
Far-left activist and commentator Shaun King threatened to release the personal information of police officers who may or may not have shot Jacob Blake in Kenosha , Wis. Portland protesters guillotined a large teddy bear—a stand-in for Democratic mayor Ted Wheeler—during a protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terror was also used in front of billionaire Jeff Bezos 's home Thursday .
Protesters vandalized a dinosaur museum in Kenosha and tore down a statue of a dilophosaurus , an Early Jurassic dinosaur whose presence in North America predated slavery by about 193 million years .
On Tuesday , a group of hundreds of protesters marched to City Hall , breaking windows and doors and forcing their way into the building to vandalize parts of the rotunda .
The damage to City Hall followed a march on Portland 's police headquarters Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building .
3 .
‘ Fiery But Mostly Peaceful Protests ' in Kenosha | CNN CNN drew mockery on social media after displaying a chyron stating that Kenosha saw `` Fiery but mostly peaceful protests after police shooting . ''
Black Lives Matter demonstrators accosted diners in Washington , D.C. , yelling in the faces of those who did not raise their fists in solidarity with the protesters .
1 .
Seattle Rioters Use Rebar and Quick-Drying Concrete to Try to Trap and Burn Cops | KING5 News Seattle rioters tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light it on fire .
`` I think what this shows you is that these people are intent on killing police officers , '' the president of the Seattle Police Guild said .
He called the perpetrators `` domestic terrorists . ''

Leftist demonstrations have been mostly peaceful, according to the mainstream media, but instances of violence and intimidation have become impossible to ignore. From vicious attacks on police officers to instances of vandalism too bizarre to be made up, here are the week’s most notable bouts of left-wing violence and threats.
7. Activist Shaun King Threatens to Dox Random Police Officers | Washington Free Beacon
Far-left activist and commentator Shaun King threatened to release the personal information of police officers who may or may not have shot Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis.
6. Left-Wing Protesters Bring Back the Guillotine | The Independent
Portland protesters guillotined a large teddy bear—a stand-in for Democratic mayor Ted Wheeler—during a protest in the city.
BLM has brought a guillotine to the residential streets of Portland with a Teddy Bear under the blade. Teddy is a common reference directed towards Portland Mayor @tedwheeler pic.twitter.com/PMhkqJSCWZ — Cauci Hawkeye (@CauciHawkeye) August 23, 2020
The symbol of terror was also used in front of billionaire Jeff Bezos's home Thursday.
Protesters assembled outside of @JeffBezos's DC home have constructed a guillotine. pic.twitter.com/pDFcTg81K9 — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 27, 2020
5. BLM Protesters Vandalize Dinosaur Museum | The Post Millennial
Protesters vandalized a dinosaur museum in Kenosha and tore down a statue of a dilophosaurus, an Early Jurassic dinosaur whose presence in North America predated slavery by about 193 million years.
Black Lives Matter rioters attacked the Kenosha Dinosaur Discovery Museum and tore down a statue of a dinosaur in the name of racial justice. pic.twitter.com/25xZNIG7Pz — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) August 26, 2020
4. Portland Protesters Vandalize City Hall, Light Fires Outside Police Union Headquarters | OregonLive
On Tuesday, a group of hundreds of protesters marched to City Hall, breaking windows and doors and forcing their way into the building to vandalize parts of the rotunda. The damage to City Hall followed a march on Portland's police headquarters Monday, where rioters lit a fire outside the building.
3. 'Fiery But Mostly Peaceful Protests' in Kenosha | CNN
CNN drew mockery on social media after displaying a chyron stating that Kenosha saw "Fiery but mostly peaceful protests after police shooting."
2. BLM Heckles DC Diners, Demanding Solidarity | The Washington Post
Black Lives Matter demonstrators accosted diners in Washington, D.C., yelling in the faces of those who did not raise their fists in solidarity with the protesters.
1) In a scene that played out several times Monday, a Black Lives Matter protest that began in Columbia Heights confronted White diners outside D.C. restaurants, chanting 'White silence is violence!" and demanding White diners show their solidarity. #DCProtests pic.twitter.com/fJbPM76vb0 — Fredrick Kunkle WaPo (@KunkleFredrick) August 25, 2020
1. Seattle Rioters Use Rebar and Quick-Drying Concrete to Try to Trap and Burn Cops | KING5 News
Seattle rioters tried to seal officers inside a police precinct and light it on fire. "I think what this shows you is that these people are intent on killing police officers," the president of the Seattle Police Guild said. He called the perpetrators "domestic terrorists."


freebeacon--2020-08-29--Kanye Expands Legal Battle for the Ballot

Rapper Kanye West 's presidential campaign on Friday brought legal challenges against the secretaries of state in West Virginia and Wisconsin , alleging that they had violated West 's constitutional rights by denying him access to their presidential ballots in November .
In the filings , West and his running mate , Wyoming-based preacher Michelle Tidball , allege that West Virginia has given them no avenue of appeal for the thousands of signatures it struck from their ballot petition , while election regulators in Wisconsin allegedly locked the West campaign out of a building until just seconds after a 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West 's first ballot access suit , brought in Ohio and first reported in the Washington Free Beacon .
Gregg Keller , a political veteran and West campaign adviser , told the Free Beacon that this was just the beginning .
`` Kanye is running to compete , to win , and ultimately , to change the nation and world for the better , '' Keller said .
`` We 'll have aggressive efforts on all fronts : legal , political , grassroots , PR , and otherwise , to ensure Kanye can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal actions suggests that West remains undeterred in his quixotic campaign for the presidency .
Whether or not state secretaries will deter him is a different matter—despite the legal barrage , West still risks reaching an insufficient number of voters to clear the 270-vote electoral college threshold .
West 's latest legal wrangling began Friday afternoon with a suit filed in federal court in West Virginia .
West was previously denied access to the ballot after the secretary of state 's office struck over 8,000 of the 15,000 signatures he presented to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suit , West 's campaign argues that the state abridged his constitutional rights by denying him a venue to appeal any of these strikes ; he seeks relief from the federal courts to permit him to contest the denials .
On Friday evening , West 's campaign filed another suit in Wisconsin .
That challenge contends that West campaign officials arrived to drop off the nominating petition only to discover the Wisconsin Election Commission 's doors locked ; they were let in , the campaign claims , but just 14 seconds after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a legalistic turn , the campaign argues that the commission 's denial is an unconstitutional seizure of power because 5 p.m. and 14 seconds qualifies as `` 5 p.m. '' for the purposes the relevant state statute .
Both of these challenges follow West 's first legal salvo in the state of Ohio , where he has argued that his ballot petition was invalidated on a meaningless technicality .
In the coming days , West is likely to file challenges against other states , including his home state of Illinois , which have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots .
That still leaves the rapper and fashion mogul with a great deal of electoral distance to cover , however .
One poll found that West would draw just 2 percent of the vote nationwide—behind other recent third-party contenders , such as 2020 's Gov .
Gary Johnson ( L. ) , who collected 3.8 percent , or Ralph Nader ( G. ) , who won 2.8 percent , neither of whom carried a single electoral vote .

Rapper Kanye West's presidential campaign on Friday brought legal challenges against the secretaries of state in West Virginia and Wisconsin, alleging that they had violated West's constitutional rights by denying him access to their presidential ballots in November.
In the filings, West and his running mate, Wyoming-based preacher Michelle Tidball, allege that West Virginia has given them no avenue of appeal for the thousands of signatures it struck from their ballot petition, while election regulators in Wisconsin allegedly locked the West campaign out of a building until just seconds after a 5 p.m. deadline.
The new filings follow West's first ballot access suit, brought in Ohio and first reported in the Washington Free Beacon. Gregg Keller, a political veteran and West campaign adviser, told the Free Beacon that this was just the beginning.
"Kanye is running to compete, to win, and ultimately, to change the nation and world for the better," Keller said. "We'll have aggressive efforts on all fronts: legal, political, grassroots, PR, and otherwise, to ensure Kanye can do so."
The barrage of legal actions suggests that West remains undeterred in his quixotic campaign for the presidency. Whether or not state secretaries will deter him is a different matter—despite the legal barrage, West still risks reaching an insufficient number of voters to clear the 270-vote electoral college threshold.
West's latest legal wrangling began Friday afternoon with a suit filed in federal court in West Virginia. West was previously denied access to the ballot after the secretary of state's office struck over 8,000 of the 15,000 signatures he presented to it, leaving him 760 short. In the suit, West's campaign argues that the state abridged his constitutional rights by denying him a venue to appeal any of these strikes; he seeks relief from the federal courts to permit him to contest the denials.
On Friday evening, West's campaign filed another suit in Wisconsin. That challenge contends that West campaign officials arrived to drop off the nominating petition only to discover the Wisconsin Election Commission's doors locked; they were let in, the campaign claims, but just 14 seconds after the 5 p.m. filing deadline. In a legalistic turn, the campaign argues that the commission's denial is an unconstitutional seizure of power because 5 p.m. and 14 seconds qualifies as "5 p.m." for the purposes of the relevant state statute.
Both of these challenges follow West's first legal salvo in the state of Ohio, where he has argued that his ballot petition was invalidated on a meaningless technicality. In the coming days, West is likely to file challenges against other states, including his home state of Illinois, which have denied his petitions to appear on their ballots.
That still leaves the rapper and fashion mogul with a great deal of electoral distance to cover, however. One poll found that West would draw just 2 percent of the vote nationwide—behind other recent third-party contenders, such as 2016's Gov. Gary Johnson (L.), who collected 3.8 percent, or Ralph Nader (G.), who in 2000 won 2.8 percent, neither of whom carried a single electoral vote.


freebeacon--2020-08-29--Continetti: Pervasive Sense of Fear Will Help Trump Win Election

Washington Free Beacon founding editor Matthew Continetti said a `` pervasive sense of fear '' in the country could boost President Donald Trump to reelection .
`` I think there 's a pervasive sense of fear in America right now and I believe that sense of fear , should it continue , will help President Trump win reelection , '' Continetti said Friday on Special Report .
Continetti discussed a video of protesters harassing Sen. Rand Paul ( R. , Ky. ) as he left the last night of the Republican National Convention on Thursday .
Paul said protesters shouted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the White House .
Continetti said the harassment of Paul was similar to a viral video of a group of protesters surrounding a woman at a Washington restaurant , shouting at her while she tried to eat dinner .
`` These were disturbing images , '' Continetti said .
`` And very similar to the images that went viral on Twitter this week of a group of activists basically haranguing , in Maoist fashion , someone dining outdoors in Washington , D.C. , and basically taunting and harassing her into raising her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Washington Free Beacon founding editor Matthew Continetti said a "pervasive sense of fear" in the country could boost President Donald Trump to reelection.
"I think there's a pervasive sense of fear in America right now and I believe that sense of fear, should it continue, will help President Trump win reelection," Continetti said Friday on Special Report.
Continetti discussed a video of protesters harassing Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.) as he left the last night of the Republican National Convention on Thursday. Paul said protesters shouted threats at him as he walked away from the White House.
Continetti said the harassment of Paul was similar to a viral video of a group of protesters surrounding a woman at a Washington restaurant, shouting at her while she tried to eat dinner.
"These were disturbing images," Continetti said. "And very similar to the images that went viral on Twitter this week of a group of activists basically haranguing, in Maoist fashion, someone dining outdoors in Washington, D.C., and basically taunting and harassing her into raising her fist in affiliation with their aims."


freebeacon--2020-08-30--This Week In Campus Insanity Vol. 8

This Week In Campus Insanity Vol. 8

Welcome back to Campus Insanity , a weekly roundup of the craziest developments at our nation 's 4,000-plus institutions of higher education .
A professor at the Oregon Health & Science University was arrested at an Antifa riot on Sunday for trespassing .
Northeastern University threatened to rescind admissions offers to more than 100 incoming freshmen who responded `` yes '' to a supposedly anonymous survey that asked if they planned to attend parties on campus .
4 .
DNC Features Wake Forest Staffer Who Identifies As Gender Transcendent Mermaid Royalty | The Christian Post J. Mai , a Wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` nonbinary/gender transcendent mermaid Queen-King , '' spoke at an LGBTQ panel at the Democratic National Convention last week .
3 .
Citing Black Lives Matter , Photos of Retired White Male Professors Must Be Taken Down | The College Fix The University of Oklahoma Department of Political Science said it will remove images of retired staff members in the department ’ s entryway , which `` exclusively includes white male faces . ''
Administrators at the University of Southern Maine sent a message to students urging them to pledge support to Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Under Investigation After Making Mask Joke to Chinese Student | Washington Free Beacon A business school professor was relieved of his teaching duties after he made a joke about putting on a mask to a Chinese student—a joke that the student did not find offensive .
Want more Campus Insanity ?
Read Vol .
7 here .
If you have any suggestions for our Top 6 stories please email chrissy @ freebeacon.com & nester @ freebeacon.com .

Welcome back to Campus Insanity, a weekly roundup of the craziest developments at our nation's 4,000-plus institutions of higher education.
6. Oregon Professor Arrested During Portland Antifa Riots | Campus Reform
A professor at the Oregon Health & Science University was arrested at an Antifa riot on Sunday for trespassing.
5. University Threatens to Yank Partiers' Admissions | Washington Free Beacon
Northeastern University threatened to rescind admissions offers to more than 100 incoming freshmen who responded "yes" to a supposedly anonymous survey that asked if they planned to attend parties on campus.
4. DNC Features Wake Forest Staffer Who Identifies As Gender Transcendent Mermaid Royalty | The Christian Post
J. Mai, a Wake Forest University staffer who identifies as a "nonbinary/gender transcendent mermaid Queen-King," spoke at an LGBTQ panel at the Democratic National Convention last week.
3. Citing Black Lives Matter, Photos of Retired White Male Professors Must Be Taken Down | The College Fix
The University of Oklahoma Department of Political Science said it will remove images of retired staff members in the department’s entryway, which "exclusively includes white male faces."
2. University Compels Students to 'Pledge to Practice Antiracist Behavior' | Campus Reform
Administrators at the University of Southern Maine sent a message to students urging them to pledge support to Black Lives Matter.
1. Beloved Mizzou Professor Under Investigation After Making Mask Joke to Chinese Student | Washington Free Beacon
A business school professor was relieved of his teaching duties after he made a joke about putting on a mask to a Chinese student—a joke that the student did not find offensive.
Want more Campus Insanity? Read Vol. 7 here.
If you have any suggestions for our Top 6 stories please email chrissy@freebeacon.com & nester@freebeacon.com.


freebeacon--2020-08-30--South Korea Seizes Personal Info from Thousands of Americans in Coronavirus Probe

The South Korean government has seized the personal information of thousands of U.S. citizens as part of its investigation into a controversial Christian group in the country , alarming religious freedom advocates .
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus , a religious group that counts more than 300,000 followers worldwide , has come under intense scrutiny after South Korean authorities traced the country 's first large-scale coronavirus outbreak to its services in February .
Authorities , who are pursuing murder charges against the group 's leader , collected the personal information of U.S.-based Shincheonji practitioners , including passport numbers and addresses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its followers .
The data seizure has alarmed American practitioners of the faith , particularly after public leaks of that data led to death threats against believers .
`` There is a genuine sense of fear that there will be a lot of repercussions , you know , socially , and also professionally , '' Michelle Li , an American Shincheonji practitioner , told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` In South Korea , the list of congregation and congregant 's information has been leaked and people have been receiving death threats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person . ''
The South Korean government did not return request for comment .
The Shincheonji controversy has alarmed U.S. officials and religious freedom experts , some of whom have expressed concerns that Seoul is using the pandemic as an opportunity to crack down on a religious group that is widely disparaged as a cult .
The issue also serves as a case study of what happens when well-intentioned pandemic policy ends up infringing on religious freedom .
The same dispute is playing out in the United States , though religious leaders have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directed at Shincheonji .
Some U.S. politicians have cracked down on religious rituals more harshly than other types of gatherings .
New York City mayor Bill de Blasio , for example , singled out an in-person Jewish funeral procession on Twitter as `` absolutely unacceptable , '' but endorsed jam-packed Black Lives Matter protests .
Churches in Wisconsin and California have filed lawsuits challenging restrictions on worship that have not been applied to protests or commercial activities .
Public antagonism is nothing new for the Korean sect , which was founded in 1984 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more mainline churches , which accuse the group of isolating believers from family members and society .
Critics often point to the group ’ s mandatory Bible boot camps for new recruits , as well as the church ’ s controversial teaching that ascribes a messianic role to its founder , Lee Man-hee .
Even before the pandemic , employers fired Shincheonji practitioners , and family members shunned them , according to Massimo Introvigne , an Italian sociologist who has studied the group .
Public outcry only grew when authorities accused the sect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first coronavirus outbreak in February .
Although church founder Lee Man-hee apologized in a press conference , the South Korean government soon seized all of the data of Shincheonji practitioners—a dataset that included information of American practitioners .
The South Korean government provided the seized data to multiple hospitals and pharmacies ; leaks soon followed .
Public revelations have already led some Shincheonji practitioners to lose their jobs .
While it is unlikely that U.S.-based practitioners would face the same degree of harassment in the United States , Introvigne said that Korean-American Shincheonji @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if their religious affiliation is exposed .
`` If they are Korean Americans with relatives in Korea , or they are in a Korean community in the U.S. , it could be dangerous to be exposed as a member of Shincheonji , '' Introvigne said .
James , a U.S.-based Shincheonji practitioner who did not provide his full name for fear of reprisal , said he did not tell his family about his faith for eight years .
His parents have threatened to disown him since the data seizure and ensuing leaks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be put into similar predicaments if data leaks continue .
`` My parents , who had a previous suspicion … even contacted my employer to verify and to see if they knew about my affiliation with the church as well , '' he said .
`` My parents have threatened to disown me , and continue to stalk different forms of social media and some of my Google and other forms of navigation information to really try to find out what I 'm doing . ''
The South Korean government 's crackdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observers as well .
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom wrote that `` South Korea provides a vivid example of how public health emergencies can increase the risk to marginalized religious groups , '' concluding that the church has faced harassment from both the Korean government and society .
James said he understood the South Korean government needed to take action to fight the pandemic , but said the overzealous response was an `` overstep by the Korean authorities , '' adding that the government was exploiting the pandemic to settle scores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The coronavirus response…still has to respect basic human privacy rights , basic human rights and religious freedom , '' he said .
`` As much as contact tracing is innovative , it was done in a way where the blame has been shifted on minority religious organization . ''

The South Korean government has seized the personal information of thousands of U.S. citizens as part of its investigation into a controversial Christian group in the country, alarming religious freedom advocates.
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a religious group that counts more than 300,000 followers worldwide, has come under intense scrutiny after South Korean authorities traced the country's first large-scale coronavirus outbreak to its services in February. Authorities, who are pursuing murder charges against the group's leader, collected the personal information of U.S.-based Shincheonji practitioners, including passport numbers and addresses, after seizing a list of all its followers. The data seizure has alarmed American practitioners of the faith, particularly after public leaks of that data led to death threats against believers.
"There is a genuine sense of fear that there will be a lot of repercussions, you know, socially, and also professionally," Michelle Lee, an American Shincheonji practitioner, told the Washington Free Beacon. "In South Korea, the list of congregation and congregant's information has been leaked and people have been receiving death threats, messages, calls, verbal assaults in person."
The South Korean government did not return request for comment.
The Shincheonji controversy has alarmed U.S. officials and religious freedom experts, some of whom have expressed concerns that Seoul is using the pandemic as an opportunity to crack down on a religious group that is widely disparaged as a cult. The issue also serves as a case study of what happens when well-intentioned pandemic policy ends up infringing on religious freedom.
The same dispute is playing out in the United States, though religious leaders have avoided the intense scrutiny South Korea has directed at Shincheonji. Some U.S. politicians have cracked down on religious rituals more harshly than other types of gatherings. New York City mayor Bill de Blasio, for example, singled out an in-person Jewish funeral procession on Twitter as "absolutely unacceptable," but endorsed jam-packed Black Lives Matter protests. Churches in Wisconsin and California have filed lawsuits challenging restrictions on worship that have not been applied to protests or commercial activities.
Public antagonism is nothing new for the Korean sect, which was founded in 1984. Shincheonji has attracted heated criticism from more mainline churches, which accuse the group of isolating believers from family members and society. Critics often point to the group’s mandatory Bible boot camps for new recruits, as well as the church’s controversial teaching that ascribes a messianic role to its founder, Lee Man-hee.
Even before the pandemic, employers fired Shincheonji practitioners, and family members shunned them, according to Massimo Introvigne, an Italian sociologist who has studied the group. Public outcry only grew when authorities accused the sect of being responsible for South Korea's first coronavirus outbreak in February. Although church founder Lee Man-hee apologized in a press conference, the South Korean government soon seized all of the data of Shincheonji practitioners—a dataset that included information of American practitioners.
The South Korean government provided the seized data to multiple hospitals and pharmacies; leaks soon followed. Public revelations have already led some Shincheonji practitioners to lose their jobs. While it is unlikely that U.S.-based practitioners would face the same degree of harassment in the United States, Introvigne said that Korean-American Shincheonji practitioners might face backlash from their community if their religious affiliation is exposed.
"If they are Korean Americans with relatives in Korea, or they are in a Korean community in the U.S., it could be dangerous to be exposed as a member of Shincheonji," Introvigne said.
James, a U.S.-based Shincheonji practitioner who did not provide his full name for fear of reprisal, said he did not tell his family about his faith for eight years. His parents have threatened to disown him since the data seizure and ensuing leaks. He worries that other followers in America might be put into similar predicaments if data leaks continue.
"My parents, who had a previous suspicion … even contacted my employer to verify and to see if they knew about my affiliation with the church as well," he said. "My parents have threatened to disown me, and continue to stalk different forms of social media and some of my Google and other forms of navigation information to really try to find out what I'm doing."
The South Korean government's crackdown on Shincheonji has raised alarm among U.S. observers as well. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom wrote that "South Korea provides a vivid example of how public health emergencies can increase the risk to marginalized religious groups," concluding that the church has faced harassment from both the Korean government and society.
James said he understood the South Korean government needed to take action to fight the pandemic, but said the overzealous response was an "overstep by the Korean authorities," adding that the government was exploiting the pandemic to settle scores with an unpopular religious group.
"The coronavirus response...still has to respect basic human privacy rights, basic human rights and religious freedom," he said. "As much as contact tracing is innovative, it was done in a way where the blame has been shifted on minority religious organization."


freebeacon--2020-08-30--Democrats Say Trump Responsible for Violence in Democrat-Run Cities

Multiple Democrats on Sunday said President Donald Trump was responsible for inciting violence in Democrat-run cities .
Biden deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield said Trump has `` been trying to incite violence this entire summer . ''
`` He has at every opportunity tried to fan the flames here and that is the reason we 're living in Donald Trump 's America , '' Bedingfield said on Fox News Sunday .
Looting and violent protests have plagued major American cities in recent months following the death of George Floyd .
In response , Trump has repeatedly called for `` law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cities that are struggling with riots .
Some local Democratic leaders , however , have refused federal assistance—Portland mayor Ted Wheeler , whose city has faced violent protests for more than three months , turned down Trump 's offer of federal support on Friday .
The mayor previously said that he plans to let the violence `` burn itself out . ''
Rep. Adam Schiff ( D. , Calif. ) said Sunday that Trump 's offer of federal assistance is intended to `` aggravate '' violence .
`` [ Trump ] simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the violence on the streets , but he will try to send federal national guard forces or others to aggravate it if he can , '' Schiff told CNN .
`` He will stoke it through his social media , where he can , because he believes the violence helps him . ''
Trump on Tuesday will visit Kenosha , Wis. , which has struggled with violent protests since the police shooting of Jacob Blake last week .
Rep. Karen Bass ( D. , Calif. ) said Trump 's sole intention for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil unrest in Kenosha .
`` I think [ Trump ] only means to agitate things , he is campaigning , it 's clear his campaign is all about law and order , '' Bass told CNN .
`` It 's a throwback to the past and he 's going to do everything to disrupt law and order in this time period . ''

Multiple Democrats on Sunday said President Donald Trump was responsible for inciting violence in Democrat-run cities.
Biden deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield said Trump has "been trying to incite violence this entire summer."
"He has at every opportunity tried to fan the flames here and that is the reason we're living in Donald Trump's America," Bedingfield said on Fox News Sunday.
Looting and violent protests have plagued major American cities in recent months following the killing of George Floyd. In response, Trump has repeatedly called for "law and order" and offered federal support to cities that are struggling with riots. Some local Democratic leaders, however, have refused federal assistance—Portland mayor Ted Wheeler, whose city has faced violent protests for more than three months, turned down Trump's offer of federal support on Friday. The mayor previously said that he plans to let the violence "burn itself out."
Rep. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) said Sunday that Trump's offer of federal assistance is intended to "aggravate" violence.
"[Trump] simply not only won't act to stop the violence on the streets, but he will try to send federal national guard forces or others to aggravate it if he can," Schiff told CNN. "He will stoke it through his social media, where he can, because he believes the violence helps him."
Trump on Tuesday will visit Kenosha, Wis., which has struggled with violent protests since the police shooting of Jacob Blake last week. Rep. Karen Bass (D., Calif.) said Trump's sole intention for the trip is to "agitate" the civil unrest in Kenosha.
"I think [Trump] only means to agitate things, he is campaigning, it's clear his campaign is all about law and order," Bass told CNN. "It's a throwback to the past and he's going to do everything to disrupt law and order in this time period."


freebeacon--2020-08-31--As a Young Senator, Biden Supported Keeping ‘Boat People’ Out of the U.S.

As a freshman senator in 1975 , Joe Biden joined Sen. Robert Byrd ( D. , W.Va. ) in opposing legislation allowing 130,000 Vietnam War refugees asylum in the United States , including thousands of children .
President Gerald Ford proposed a Vietnam refugee relief program that would settle thousands of Vietnamese and Cambodian families in the United States .
The bill was met with resistance from a Democratic majority in Congress .
Sen. Byrd cited fear of admitting `` undesirables '' such as `` barmaids , prostitutes , and criminals '' to the country .
Biden also took issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Relations Committee hearing with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger , Biden announced his concern with welcoming the refugees , charging that the Senate had not been informed of the number of refugees that the White House intended to offer safe harbor to .
Many of the refugees escaped communist rule and mass murder in Vietnam and Cambodia on leaky fishing boats .
Thousands of these boat people , as they were called , died due to piracy , starvation , and drowning .
While the Indochina Refugee and Migration Assistance Act ultimately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to obstruct assistance proved effective .
The Senate cut over $ 100 million in funding from the House version of the bill , allocating $ 405 million toward refugee settlement rather than $ 507 million .
Biden was one of only 20 senators to abstain from voting when the bill passed the Senate .
Byrd—Biden ’ s colleague and an early opponent of Ford ’ s plan—was a member of the white supremacist Ku Klux Klan as a young man .
President Ford told reporters he was `` damned mad '' about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am primarily very upset because the United States has had a long tradition of opening its doors to immigrants of all countries , '' he told reporters following the opposition .
Ford expressed disappointment with liberal colleagues who had voiced support for human rights but obstructed the legislation .
`` It just burns me up , these great humanitarians , '' he said .
`` They just want to turn their backs . ''
`` We 're a country built by immigrants from all areas of the world , and we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and when I read or heard the comments made a few days ago I was disappointed and very upset , '' he added .
Biden 's current campaign platform echoes Ford 's sentiments on immigration .
His plan calls for `` securing our values as a nation of immigrants . ''
`` Under a Biden Administration , we will never turn our backs on who we are or that which makes us uniquely and proudly American , '' the plan reads .
`` The United States deserves an immigration policy that reflects our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment .

As a freshman senator in 1975, Joe Biden joined Sen. Robert Byrd (D., W.Va.) in opposing legislation allowing 130,000 Vietnam War refugees asylum in the United States, including thousands of children.
President Gerald Ford proposed a Vietnam refugee relief program that would settle thousands of Vietnamese and Cambodian families in the United States. The bill was met with resistance from a Democratic majority in Congress. Sen. Byrd cited fear of admitting "undesirables" such as "barmaids, prostitutes, and criminals" to the country.
Biden also took issue with Ford's proposal. During a Foreign Relations Committee hearing with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Biden announced his concern with welcoming the refugees, charging that the Senate had not been informed of the number of refugees that the White House intended to offer safe harbor to.
Many of the refugees escaped communist rule and mass murder in Vietnam and Cambodia on leaky fishing boats. Thousands of these boat people, as they were called, died due to piracy, starvation, and drowning.
While the Indochina Refugee and Migration Assistance Act ultimately passed in May 1975, Senate efforts to obstruct assistance proved effective. The Senate cut over $100 million in funding from the House version of the bill, allocating $405 million toward refugee settlement rather than $507 million. Biden was one of only 20 senators to abstain from voting when the bill passed the Senate.
Byrd—Biden’s colleague and an early opponent of Ford’s plan—was a member of the white supremacist Ku Klux Klan as a young man.
President Ford told reporters he was "damned mad" about the pushback from Biden and others. "I am primarily very upset because the United States has had a long tradition of opening its doors to immigrants of all countries," he told reporters following the opposition.
Ford expressed disappointment with liberal colleagues who had voiced support for human rights but obstructed the legislation. "It just burns me up, these great humanitarians," he said. "They just want to turn their backs."
"We're a country built by immigrants from all areas of the world, and we've always been a very humanitarian nation, and when I read or heard the comments made a few days ago I was disappointed and very upset," he added.
Biden's current campaign platform echoes Ford's sentiments on immigration. His plan calls for "securing our values as a nation of immigrants."
"Under a Biden Administration, we will never turn our backs on who we are or that which makes us uniquely and proudly American," the plan reads. "The United States deserves an immigration policy that reflects our highest values as a nation."
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-08-31--Embattled California Dems Team Up With Defund the Police Group

A trio of embattled California Democrats have welcomed extensive campaign support from a radical group spearheading the push to defund police departments .
Neither Rep. Harley Rouda , nor Rep. T.J. Cox , nor state representative Christy Smith have offered a definitive position on defunding police .
The trio of Democrats , however , have all touted endorsements from Indivisible Project , a far-left group that pushes its members to `` call your local officials and tell them to defund your local police department . ''
In its effort to defund police , Indivisible has accused America of `` structural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facet of American life . ''
Smith said she was `` proud to have the support of the activists that make up Indivisible '' during her failed May special election bid against Rep. Mike Garcia ( R. ) .
Local Indivisible chapters sponsored phone banks in support of Smith ahead of the election , and the Democrat has served as a featured speaker at Indivisible events in the past .
Smith accepted $ 1,000 from Indivisible Action , the group 's super PAC , in February .
Rouda has also campaigned extensively with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` great honor '' in his 2018 run against former GOP congressman Dana Rohrabacher , thanking the group for its `` grassroots fundraising and support . ''
Cox also said he was `` honored '' to receive Indivisible 's endorsement in 2018 .
The group is again backing Rouda and Cox in 2020—the pair has accepted a combined $ 2,000 from Indivisible Action since February .
The California Democrats ' unwillingness to openly embrace police defunding—while welcoming the support of police abolitionists—reflects the issue 's electoral unviability .
A June YouGov poll found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all parties support cutting police funding .
The opposition extends to black Americans—over 80 percent want police to spend as much or more time in their neighborhoods as they currently do , according to an August Gallup poll .
Despite the apparent disapproval in black communities , Indivisible has called the push to defund police `` especially '' important for `` those of us who are white allies . ''
Smith has tried to distance herself from the defund police movement in the past .
When the Los Angeles City Council voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 million amid a fiscal crisis in July , Smith blamed the decision on `` POTUS failures . ''
`` Budgets are being slashed everywhere , '' Smith tweeted .
`` Check in with # MoscowMitch and fight for more federal $ to support cities , counties , and [ law enforcement ] . ''
Smith did not respond to a request for comment on Indivisible 's support , nor did Rouda and Cox .
Indivisible has also touted a partnership with the social justice umbrella organization Movement for Black Lives in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnered with far-left Reps. Ayanna Pressley ( D. , Mass . )
and Rashida Tlaib ( D. , Mich. ) in July to push the BREATHE Act .
The legislation aims to close all federal prisons , end federal funding for police hiring , abolish life sentences and mandatory minimums , and pay reparations to prostitutes , among other proposals .
In addition to its call to defund police , Indivisible has pushed to decriminalize border crossings , close detention camps at the southern border , and defund the U.S. Immigration and Customs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.75 million from liberal billionaire George Soros in 2019 .
Indivisible has also endorsed progressive Reps. Ilhan Omar ( D. , Minn. ) and Deb Haaland ( D. , N.M. ) , Sen. Ed Markey ( D. , Mass . )
, and Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
The group gave Biden $ 5,000 in June and has spent nearly $ 90,000 opposing President Donald Trump .
Indivisible has also spent a combined $ 320,000 boosting Democratic Senate hopefuls in Kentucky , Texas , Iowa , Colorado , Georgia , Arizona , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Responsive Politics .

A trio of embattled California Democrats have welcomed extensive campaign support from a radical group spearheading the push to defund police departments.
Neither Rep. Harley Rouda, nor Rep. T.J. Cox, nor state representative Christy Smith have offered a definitive position on defunding police. The trio of Democrats, however, have all touted endorsements from Indivisible Project, a far-left group that pushes its members to "call your local officials and tell them to defund your local police department." In its effort to defund police, Indivisible has accused America of "structural racism" that "persists across every facet of American life."
Smith said she was "proud to have the support of the activists that make up Indivisible" during her failed May special election bid against Rep. Mike Garcia (R.). Local Indivisible chapters sponsored phone banks in support of Smith ahead of the election, and the Democrat has served as a featured speaker at Indivisible events in the past. Smith accepted $1,000 from Indivisible Action, the group's super PAC, in February.
Rouda has also campaigned extensively with Indivisible. He called their endorsement a "great honor" in his 2018 run against former GOP congressman Dana Rohrabacher, thanking the group for its "grassroots fundraising and support." Cox also said he was "honored" to receive Indivisible's endorsement in 2018. The group is again backing Rouda and Cox in 2020—the pair has accepted a combined $2,000 from Indivisible Action since February.
The California Democrats' unwillingness to openly embrace police defunding—while welcoming the support of police abolitionists—reflects the issue's electoral unviability. A June YouGov poll found that less than 20 percent of Americans of all parties support cutting police funding. The opposition extends to black Americans—over 80 percent want police to spend as much or more time in their neighborhoods as they currently do, according to an August Gallup poll. Despite the apparent disapproval in black communities, Indivisible has called the push to defund police "especially" important for "those of us who are white allies."
Smith has tried to distance herself from the defund police movement in the past. When the Los Angeles City Council voted to cut its police budget by $150 million amid a fiscal crisis in July, Smith blamed the decision on "POTUS failures."
"Budgets are being slashed everywhere," Smith tweeted. "Check in with #MoscowMitch and fight for more federal $ to support cities, counties, and [law enforcement]."
Smith did not respond to a request for comment on Indivisible's support, nor did Rouda and Cox.
Indivisible has also touted a partnership with the social justice umbrella organization Movement for Black Lives in its push to defund police. The group partnered with far-left Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D., Mass.) and Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) in July to push the BREATHE Act. The legislation aims to close all federal prisons, end federal funding for police hiring, abolish life sentences and mandatory minimums, and pay reparations to prostitutes, among other proposals.
In addition to its call to defund police, Indivisible has pushed to decriminalize border crossings, close detention camps at the southern border, and defund the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. The group received $1.75 million from liberal billionaire George Soros in 2019.
Indivisible has also endorsed progressive Reps. Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) and Deb Haaland (D., N.M.), Sen. Ed Markey (D., Mass.), and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. The group gave Biden $5,000 in June and has spent nearly $90,000 opposing President Donald Trump. Indivisible has also spent a combined $320,000 boosting Democratic Senate hopefuls in Kentucky, Texas, Iowa, Colorado, Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Indivisible declined to comment.


freebeacon--2020-08-31--Kamala Harris Has Endorsed Complete Fracking Ban

Though Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden promised Monday that he would not ban fracking , his running mate Kamala Harris emphatically supported banning fracking during her failed presidential campaign .
`` There is no question I 'm in favor of banning fracking , '' Harris said on Sept. 4 .
`` We have to acknowledge that the residual impact of fracking is enormous in terms of the impact on the health and safety of communities . ''
Biden has also repeatedly promised to `` get rid of fossil fuels '' and even said he would `` love to '' get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not favor an outright fracking ban during the Democratic primary , instead pledging there would be `` no new fracking '' on federal lands .
But he said `` yes '' to a woman in January when she suggested stopping fracking and he told a climate change activist in December he would `` love to '' ban the practice , although doing it immediately was unrealistic .
`` I 'd love to [ ban it ] too , '' Biden said .
`` I 'd love to make sure we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In a debate on March 15 , he said there would be `` no ability for the oil industry to continue to drill , period . ''
His campaign website does not mention fracking but states he would ban `` new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters . ''
He also answered `` yes '' at debate on Dec. 19 when asked if he would be willing to displace thousands of workers employed by the fracking energy boom for a greener economy .
At a debate on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bash asked Biden , `` would there be any place for fossil fuels including coal and fracking in a Biden administration ? ''
`` No , '' he said .
`` We would work it out .
We would make sure it 's eliminated , and no more subsidies for either one of those .
Any fossil fuel . ''
Sens .
Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) , Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
, and Cory Booker ( D. , N.J. ) are among the 2020 Democratic hopefuls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have endorsed Biden 's candidacy .

Biden works to distance himself from fracking ban, has said he’d ‘love to’ ban it
Though Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden promised Monday that he would not ban fracking, his running mate Kamala Harris emphatically supported banning fracking during her failed presidential campaign.
"There is no question I'm in favor of banning fracking," Harris said on Sept. 4. "We have to acknowledge that the residual impact of fracking is enormous in terms of the impact on the health and safety of communities."
Biden has also repeatedly promised to "get rid of fossil fuels" and even said he would "love to" get rid of fracking entirely.
Biden said he did not favor an outright fracking ban during the Democratic primary, instead pledging there would be "no new fracking" on federal lands. But he said "yes" to a woman in January when she suggested stopping fracking and he told a climate change activist in December he would "love to" ban the practice, although doing it immediately was unrealistic.
"I'd love to [ban it] too," Biden said. "I'd love to make sure we don't use oil or gas, period."
In a debate on March 15, he said there would be "no ability for the oil industry to continue to drill, period." His campaign website does not mention fracking but states he would ban "new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters." He also answered "yes" at debate on Dec. 19 when asked if he would be willing to displace thousands of workers employed by the fracking energy boom for a greener economy.
At a debate on July 31, 2019, CNN moderator Dana Bash asked Biden, "would there be any place for fossil fuels including coal and fracking in a Biden administration?"
"No," he said. "We would work it out. We would make sure it's eliminated, and no more subsidies for either one of those. Any fossil fuel."
Sens. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), and Cory Booker (D., N.J.) are among the 2020 Democratic hopefuls who support a complete ban on fracking and have endorsed Biden's candidacy.


freebeacon--2020-08-31--Six Arrested for Assaulting Cops as Disorder Reigns in D.C.

Six people were arrested for assaulting police officers in Washington , D.C. , over the weekend as the nation 's capital was gripped by the worst unrest it has seen since early June .
The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department arrested a total of 27 over the course of a chaotic four days , which began Thursday as protesters grew violent after President Donald Trump broadcast his acceptance of renomination for the presidency from the White House lawn .
In total , 15 MPD officers sustained injuries , Chief of Police Peter Newsham announced during a press conference Monday , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The escalating violence against police is part of a broader wave of unrest that has gripped the city in recent weeks .
Protesters harassed policemen in the Adams Morgan neighborhood Saturday night , with one captured on video making violent gestures at and cursing out a stoic officer .
Such street harassment has become a common sight on the city 's streets , with even Mayor Muriel Bowser ( D. ) condemning protesters who shout and curse at peaceful diners .
The disorder in the nation 's capital mirrors the experience of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests , looting , and violence in the wake of recent high-profile police shootings .
In cities such as Chicago and New York , protests have taxed police resources , leading to spikes in violent crime—the same trend holds true in D.C. , where homicides are at their highest levels since at least 2008 .
Trouble began Thursday evening when , according to Newsham , groups formed in response to the end of the RNC , with some throwing projectiles and launching fireworks at police officers .
A `` March on Washington '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the original march , went off peacefully , Newsham said , but separate agitators used laser pointers , incendiary devices , and tear gas on cops on Saturday evening near the White House .
The disorder continued into Sunday evening , with a 100-person group marching , setting small fires , and throwing urine at police officers .
The arrests for assaults on cops came Friday and Saturday night , including three arrests near the White House on Friday .
Those six total arrests are the most in a two-day period since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of disorder has likely contributed to the city 's spiking homicide rate .
Data from the MPD show that murders have surged in the wake of protests , with more deaths in the city as of the end of August than in any other year since 2008 .
Some members of the media , meanwhile , have been quick to downplay the disorder .
As police officers were assaulted over the weekend , Washington Post journalist Dan Zak tweeted a video of the peaceful National Mall , writing , `` Washington , D.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Six people were arrested for assaulting police officers in Washington, D.C., over the weekend as the nation's capital was gripped by the worst unrest it has seen since early June.
The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department arrested a total of 27 over the course of a chaotic four days, which began Thursday as protesters grew violent after President Donald Trump broadcast his acceptance of renomination for the presidency from the White House lawn. In total, 15 MPD officers sustained injuries, Chief of Police Peter Newsham announced during a press conference Monday, including one officer whose nose was broken.
The escalating violence against police is part of a broader wave of unrest that has gripped the city in recent weeks. Protesters harassed policemen in the Adams Morgan neighborhood Saturday night, with one captured on video making violent gestures at and cursing out a stoic officer. Such street harassment has become a common sight on the city's streets, with even Mayor Muriel Bowser (D.) condemning protesters who shout and curse at peaceful diners.
The disorder in the nation's capital mirrors the experience of other American cities, which have seen renewed protests, looting, and violence in the wake of recent high-profile police shootings. In cities such as Chicago and New York, protests have taxed police resources, leading to spikes in violent crime—the same trend holds true in D.C., where homicides are at their highest levels since at least 2008.
Trouble began Thursday evening when, according to Newsham, groups formed in response to the end of the RNC, with some throwing projectiles and launching fireworks at police officers. A "March on Washington" scheduled for Friday, the 57th anniversary of the original march, went off peacefully, Newsham said, but separate agitators used laser pointers, incendiary devices, and tear gas on cops on Saturday evening near the White House.
The disorder continued into Sunday evening, with a 100-person group marching, setting small fires, and throwing urine at police officers.
The arrests for assaults on cops came Friday and Saturday night, including three arrests near the White House on Friday. Those six total arrests are the most in a two-day period since the end of June.
The resurgence of disorder has likely contributed to the city's spiking homicide rate. Data from the MPD show that murders have surged in the wake of protests, with more deaths in the city as of the end of August than in any other year since 2008.
Some members of the media, meanwhile, have been quick to downplay the disorder. As police officers were assaulted over the weekend, Washington Post journalist Dan Zak tweeted a video of the peaceful National Mall, writing, "Washington, D.C., is simply out of control."


freebeacon--2020-08-31--UNC Prof: Whites ‘Deputized’ to Murder Blacks in Kenosha

A University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill professor suggested that government officials have `` deputized '' whites to murder blacks in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
UNC-Chapel Hill associate professor Tressie McMillan Cottom tweeted that `` They have deputized all white people to murder us , '' referring to Kyle Rittenhouse , the 17-year-old who allegedly shot and killed two men who were chasing him in Kenosha .
Cottom is black .
The men shot by Rittenhouse , however , were both white .
Cottom 's comments came in response to a CNN segment in which commentator Dana Bash asked Sen. Ron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he condemned Rittenhouse .
Johnson said the shooting was `` a tragedy '' but did not comment on the pending litigation against the gunman .
`` Listen , I do n't want to see anybody lose their life , '' Johnson said .
`` I do n't want to see the violence continue .
I do n't want to see businesses burn down .
I do n't want to see economic destruction .
I condemn it all . ''
The University of North Carolina said it had no comment .
Cottom did @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill professor suggested that government officials have "deputized" whites to murder blacks in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
UNC-Chapel Hill associate professor Tressie McMillan Cottom tweeted that "They have deputized all white people to murder us," referring to Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old who allegedly shot and killed two men who were chasing him in Kenosha. Cottom is black. The men shot by Rittenhouse, however, were both white.
They have deputized all white people to murder us. https://t.co/tnGRyHZn9y — Tressie McMillan Cottom (@tressiemcphd) August 31, 2020
Cottom's comments came in response to a CNN segment in which commentator Dana Bash asked Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wisc.) if he condemned Rittenhouse. Johnson said the shooting was "a tragedy" but did not comment on the pending litigation against the gunman.
"Listen, I don't want to see anybody lose their life," Johnson said. "I don't want to see the violence continue. I don't want to see businesses burn down. I don't want to see economic destruction. I condemn it all."
The University of North Carolina said it had no comment. Cottom did not respond to requests for comment.