theblaze--2020-06-30--Fauci issues dire warning about COVID-19 resurgence: 'I would not be surprised if we go up to 100,00

Fauci issues dire warning about COVID-19 resurgence: 'I would not be surprised if we go up to 100,000 a day'

Fauci issues dire warning about COVID-19 resurgence : ' I would not be surprised if we go up to 100,000 @ @ @

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Tuesday that Americans could see upward of 100,000 new COVID-19 cases per day if the resurgence of the virus continues along its current trajectory.
What are the details?
Fauci, the country's top infectious diseases expert, told senators that the United States could see the number of COVID-19 infections skyrocket.
In remarks before the Senate Health Committee, Fauci said the country is clearly headed in the "wrong direction" considering the "average number of daily cases" continues to rise.
"We're going in the wrong direction if you look at the curves of the new cases," he said. "We need to do something about that, and we need to do it very quickly."
He added, "[The overall death toll is] going to be very disturbing, I will guarantee you that because when you have an outbreak in one part of the country, even though in other parts of the country they're doing well, they're vulnerable.
"I would not be surprised if we go up to 100,000 a day if this does not turn around, and so I am very concerned," Fauci said.
What else?
At the time of this writing, the United States is recording upward of 40,000 new confirmed cases daily, according to reports, and new outbreaks in states such as Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas account for at least 50% of all new confirmed infections across the country.
“If you look at what's going on and just look at some of the film clips that you've seen of people congregating [in some states], often without masks, of being in crowds and jumping over and avoiding, and not paying attention to the guidelines that we very carefully put out we're going to continue to be in a lot of trouble and there's going to be a lot of hurt if that does not stop," Fauci warned.
According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, there have been at least 2,612,259 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States, with at least 126,512 deaths credited to the virus.


theblaze--2020-06-30--Child sexually assaulted in Minnesota park where neighbors swore off calling the police

Minneapolis Park Police say that a juvenile was sexually assaulted late Thursday night in one of the homeless encampments inside Powderhorn Park, where neighbors have boycotted the police in the wake of George Floyd's death.
According to WCCO-TV, the child was transported to Abbott Northwestern Hospital early Friday morning, but the individuals who took him there did not call the police. Upon the child's arrival, staff at the hospital notified law enforcement.
KSTP-TV reports that authorities are now investigating the incident but have not made an arrest nor identified a suspect due to little information being available.
It was not immediately clear whether the child had been living in the encampment or if an abduction had occurred.
Police are asking anyone with more information to call the police.
The neighborhood boycotted the police
Residents of the Powderhorn Park neighborhood, which was described by the New York Times in a report last week as "a haven to leftist activists and bohemian artists," vowed not to involve police as a way to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Many residents said they would look the other way regarding property damage, even to their own homes.
But the report found that many residents in the neighborhood have found it difficult to keep stand by their virtue-signaling pledge as the park has quickly become overrun by crime and homeless in recent weeks.
Hundreds of new homeless residents displaced by unrest in the city have taken up shelter at the park, which some are now referring to as the "Powderhorn Park Sanctuary."
One resident even expressed "regret" to a Times reporter for breaking his pledge and calling the police after he was mugged at gunpoint by two black teenagers.
"Been thinking more about it," the resident wrote in a text to the reporter. "I regret calling the police. It was my instinct but I wish it hadn't been. I put those boys in danger of death by calling the cops."
When the reporter made mention that the boys put his life in danger, the resident replied, "Yeah I know and yeah, it was scary but the cops didn't really have much to add after I called them. I haven't been forced to think like this before. So I would have lost my car. So what? At least no one would have been killed."


theblaze--2020-06-30--Independence Day fireworks at 'racist' Mount Rushmore is 'glorifying white supremacy,' Democrats say

Independence Day fireworks at 'racist ' Mount Rushmore is 'glorifying white supremacy , ' Democrats say

The Democratic Party has apparently begun the process of attempting to dissociate American pride from Mount Rushmore.
What are the details?
On Monday, the Democratic Party's official Twitter account noted that forthcoming Independence Day celebrations on Friday at the South Dakota cliff is nothing short of "glorifying white supremacy."
The monument features the visages of former Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Critics — including the Democratic Party, apparently — are slamming President Donald Trump, who will be speaking Friday amid the fireworks at the longtime monument to American patriotism, for his disrespect for Indigenous people.
"Trump has disrespected Native communities time and again," the Democratic Party's since-deleted tweet read. "He's attempted to limit their voting rights and blocked critical pandemic relief. Now he's holding a rally glorifying white supremacy at Mount Rushmore — a region once sacred to tribal communities."
The party shared the tweet along with a link to the Guardian, which featured an article titled, "Trump's Mount Rushmore fireworks plan draws criticism from Native Americans."
The article, which was written by staff and agencies, pontificated on whether Mount Rushmore is a symbol of "white supremacy."
You can read the Guardian's article here.
What has been the response to the Democratic Party's tweet?
Matt Wolking, deputy director of communications for Trump's 2020 campaign, tweeted, "June 29, 2020 9:57 PM ET, The moment the Democrat Party attacked Mount Rushmore, which features George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, as a symbol of white supremacy."
He added, "The foreign media article the Democrat Party linked to quotes an activist saying, 'Mount Rushmore is a symbol of white supremacy, of structural racism that's still alive and well in society today.'"
Political commentator Stephen Miller also remarked on the tweet, calling for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden to speak out on the controversy.
"Gosh, it sure would be neat if an entire industry of professionals who could ask the Democrat nominee for President of his party if he agrees with this sentiment that Mount Rushmore glorifies white supremacy," he wrote.
He added, "I mean we still don't even know where he stands on removing statues. They let him out to run around once a week and give 12-minute statement on something and then back to basement grandpa."
Conservative writer and commentator Ben Domenech joked, "The Democratic Party's plan to run on a 'Mount Rushmore is racist' platform was truly innovative."
Elizabeth Harrington, the GOP's national spokesperson, added, "If you support America's founding and our heroes throughout our history you're now 'glorifying white supremacy?' This is insane, historically illiterate nonsense."
(H/T: The Daily Wire)


theblaze--2020-06-30--Virginia Democrats propose lowering criminal penalty for assaulting police officers

Democrats in the Virginia state Senate have proposed reducing the charge for assaulting a police officer from a felony to a misdemeanor as a part of a broader police reform agenda , according to the Fort Hunt Herald .
Currently , assaulting a police officer is a Class 6 felony that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of six months of confinement .
The Democrats ' proposal would `` defelonize '' the offense and make it only a misdemeanor .
`` The deaths of Floyd , [ Ahmaud ] Arbery and [ Breonna ] Taylor have awoken Americans and Virginians to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Virginia Senate Democrats said in a statement .
`` After people are arrested , additional damage is done by a criminal justice system that has been streamlined to produce convictions and punishment instead of rehabilitation and justice . ''
Virginia Democrats have a long list of police reform proposals , many of which have already been presented as legislation but which has not been passed .
Some other priorities include banning no-knock warrants , banning chokeholds , requiring police to warn before shooting , and creating a `` duty to intervene '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts of misconduct .
According to statistics released by the Virginia State Police , there were nearly 2,000 assaults on police officers in 2019 .
One officer was killed , and hundreds of other officers sustained minor-to-severe injuries during assaults .
Democrats control the state House , the state Senate , and the governorship in Virginia .
The police reform proposals will be considered ruing a special work session scheduled for August 2020 .
Gov .
Ralph Northam is reportedly supportive of police reform .
From WRIC :

Democrats in the Virginia state Senate have proposed reducing the charge for assaulting a police officer from a felony to a misdemeanor as a part of a broader police reform agenda, according to the Fort Hunt Herald.
Currently, assaulting a police officer is a Class 6 felony that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of six months of confinement. The Democrats' proposal would "defelonize" the offense and make it only a misdemeanor.
"The deaths of Floyd, [Ahmaud] Arbery and [Breonna] Taylor have awoken Americans and Virginians to long-standing problems in policing in America," Virginia Senate Democrats said in a statement. "After people are arrested, additional damage is done by a criminal justice system that has been streamlined to produce convictions and punishment instead of rehabilitation and justice."
Virginia Democrats have a long list of police reform proposals, many of which have already been presented as legislation but which has not been passed. Some other priorities include banning no-knock warrants, banning chokeholds, requiring police to warn before shooting, and creating a "duty to intervene" for officers who see other officers committing acts of misconduct.
According to statistics released by the Virginia State Police, there were nearly 2,000 assaults on police officers in 2019. One officer was killed, and hundreds of other officers sustained minor-to-severe injuries during assaults.
Democrats control the state House, the state Senate, and the governorship in Virginia. The police reform proposals will be considered ruing a special work session scheduled for August 2020. Gov. Ralph Northam is reportedly supportive of police reform. From WRIC:
The governor said police reform is necessary and that he's already been talking about it with legislators. According to Northam, a fairly ambitions agenda will be introduced during a special session in August.
Ahead of their special session, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus called for immediate action to reform the police.
"The Commonwealth is past the point for studies on policing and law enforcement—immediate action must be taken to eliminate law enforcement abuse, prevent and punish racist behaviors, weed out institutional discrimination, and increase accountability at all levels of law enforcement" VLBC said in a statement Wednesday.


theblaze--2020-06-30--Houston pastor preaches on the true crime in the black community

On Tuesday's episode of "Pat Gray Unleashed," Pat and Keith highlighted a Houston pastor's message about race in America and the source of crime in the black community. According to the pastor, children must be taught how to love themselves more than they have been shown to hate themselves. He later called problems facing the black community "self-inflicted." Here are Pat and Keith discussing a story that mainstream media doesn't want you to see.
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theblaze--2020-06-30--Actor Terry Crews says Black Lives Matter shouldn't become 'Black Lives Better' — and woke white lef

Actor Terry Crews says Black Lives Matter shouldn't become 'Black Lives Better' — and woke white leftists actually try educating him

Actor Terry Crews says Black Lives Matter should n't become 'Black Lives Better ' — and woke white leftists actually @ @ @ @ @ you playing into right wing narratives ?
?
? '

Actor Terry Crews hasn't been silent amid the tumultuous left-wing cultural shift that's followed George Floyd's death at the hands of police in May — but his words haven't always been to the left's liking.
You might recall earlier this month when he declared that "defeating White supremacy without White people creates Black supremacy. Equality is the truth. Like it or not, we are all in this together."
Crews got ripped for his words — with one Twitter commenter even telling him to "shut yo coon ass up."
Now what?
Undaunted, Crews was back in the fray Tuesday with a similar Twitter message:
"If you are a child of God, you are my brother and sister," he wrote. "I have family of every race, creed and ideology. We must ensure #blacklivesmatter doesn't morph into #blacklivesbetter."
Uh-oh.
As you might expect, backlash again headed Crews' way. And while most of it came from black people, there were a number of white observers — no doubt confidently riding their great woke wave — who actually thought it was a noble idea to join the pushback and even educate Crews.
For example, comedian Tony Posnanski told Crews that "you and JK Rowling would make some pretty ignorant children," and an attorney added that "even I understand that the point of #BlackLivesMatter is to stop police discriminating against and killing black people, so America might truly become equal."
Among other responses:


theblaze--2020-06-30--NY Gov. Cuomo's mandatory quarantine travel order now applies to 16 states, 157 million Americans

New York Democratic Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in his state , expanded New York 's mandatory quarantine order Tuesday to include eight additional states experiencing a spike in confirmed cases .
Now , travelers from 16 different states will be required to self-quarantine upon traveling to New York .
The 16 states now under the quarantine order are Alabama , Arkansas , Arizona , California , Florida , Georgia , Iowa , Idaho , Louisiana , Mississippi , North Carolina , Nevada , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a combined total population of more than 157 million , or nearly half of the population of the entire country .
Last week , Gov .
Cuomo , along with New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy ( D ) and Connecticut Gov .
Ned Lamont ( D ) , announced a joint incoming travel advisory requiring a 14-day self-quarantine for travelers arriving from states with `` a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average . ''
At the time that order applied to incoming travelers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida , North Carolina , South Carolina , Washington , Utah , and Texas .
According to the Hill , as far as enforcement of the order goes , Cuomo said that violators may be subject to fines , but that police would not be patrolling the state 's borders .
New York was once the epicenter of the coronavirus in America and , during that time , several states around the country imposed travel restrictions on individuals arriving from the Empire State .
But in recent days and weeks , the tables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the outbreak under some level of control , several Sun Belt states are reporting surges in confirmed cases .

New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in his state, expanded New York's mandatory quarantine order Tuesday to include eight additional states experiencing a spike in confirmed cases.
Now, travelers from 16 different states will be required to self-quarantine upon traveling to New York.
The 16 states now under the quarantine order are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
The states listed have a combined total population of more than 157 million, or nearly half of the population of the entire country.
Last week, Gov. Cuomo, along with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D), announced a joint incoming travel advisory requiring a 14-day self-quarantine for travelers arriving from states with "a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average."
At the time that order applied to incoming travelers from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah, and Texas.
According to the Hill, as far as enforcement of the order goes, Cuomo said that violators may be subject to fines, but that police would not be patrolling the state's borders.
New York was once the epicenter of the coronavirus in America and, during that time, several states around the country imposed travel restrictions on individuals arriving from the Empire State.
But in recent days and weeks, the tables have turned. As New York appears to have the outbreak under some level of control, several Sun Belt states are reporting surges in confirmed cases.


theblaze--2020-06-30--SCOTUS abortion ruling is 'worse than you think' — but Justice Thomas offers hope to pro-life advoca

SCOTUS abortion ruling is 'worse than you think' — but Justice Thomas offers hope to pro-life advocates

SCOTUS abortion ruling is 'worse than you think ' — but Justice Thomas offers hope to pro-life advocates 'It 's @ @ @ @ @ the core of the abortion right , it 's more like 8-1 '

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts once again sided with the court's liberal justices in a significant abortion ruling Monday, where, in a 5-4 decision, the high court struck down a Louisiana law that would have required abortion doctors to obtain admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.
But for pro-life advocates, the ruling was even worse in the wider fight against abortion, according to conservative attorney David French.
French explained:
The SCOTUS abortion decision is worse than you think. It's not truly 5-4. On the core of the abortion right, it's more like 8-1. Only Thomas clearly attacks Roe/Casey. The other dissenters say this, essentially "apply Casey."
This means, in plain English, that even the dissenters would likely strike down the Louisiana law if the plaintiffs could show that their access to abortion was "substantially impaired." In other words, the law would be upheld only if it didn't do much about abortion at all!
It is true that the Supreme Court was not asked to address the merits of Planned Parenthood v. Casey, a landmark 1992 case that reaffirmed abortion rights, French went on to explain, but that still does not negate the court's current perspective toward abortion as represented by Monday's ruling.
"It's true that Louisiana didn't ask the court to overrule Casey. Perhaps another justice agrees with Thomas. All we know is what they just said, and what they just said indicates that the core abortion right is at least as secure as it was in 1992, when Casey was decided," French said.
However, pro-life advocates do have some hope — in the form of Justice Clarence Thomas.
Thomas wrote a scathing dissenting opinion on Monday in which he said the court's majority based its ruling solely on Supreme Court precedent, a legal doctrine known as stare decisis.
"But those decisions created the right to abortion out of whole cloth, without a shred of support from the Constitution's text. Our abortion precedents are grievously wrong and should be overruled," Thomas wrote.
He later wrote, "[W]e exceed our constitutional authority whenever we 'appl[y] demonstrably erroneous precedent instead of the relevant law's text.' Because we can reconcile neither Roe nor its progeny with the text of our Constitution, those decisions should be overruled."


theblaze--2020-06-30--Walmart declares it will stop selling 'All Lives Matter' merchandise

Walmart declares it will stop selling 'All Lives Matter ' merchandise Other 'Lives Matter ' goods will still be available

Walmart announced Monday that it will no longer allow the sale of "All Lives Matter" merchandise on its website following recent backlash over clothing posted to the site that used variations of the "Black Lives Matter" slogan.
What is happening?
The Hill said last week that the retail chain began receiving fire for selling shirts emblazoned with derivatives of Black Lives Matter, including "All Lives Matter," "Blue Lives Matter," "Irish Lives Matter," and "Homeless Lives Matter." Social media users attacked Walmart for "mocking" the BLM movement, CNN reported.
Walmart responded that it would review all of the "Lives Matter" goods listed on its website, including items sold by third-party vendors.
USA Today reported Monday night that Walmart decided to put the kibosh on the sale of "All Lives Matter" merchandise "indefinitely."
"We fundamentally believe all lives do matter and every individual deserves respect," the company said in a statement, according to USA Today. "However, as we listened, we came to understand that the way some, but not all, people are using the phrase 'All Lives Matter' in the current environment intentionally minimized the focus on the painful reality of racial inequity."
The retail giant did say, however, that it would still allow the sale of some "Lives Matter" variants, but those items would be scrutinized to make sure they meet the business' standards, the New York Post noted.
The is the second time in as many weeks that Walmart has taken action in the wake of recent racial justice protests. Last week, the company announced that it would remove the Mississippi state flag from all of its stores because the flag bears a Confederate emblem.
Walmart spokesperson Anne Hatfield said when the ban was announced: "We believe it's the right thing to do, and is consistent with Walmart's position to not sell merchandise with the confederate flag from stores and online sites, as part of our commitment to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for all of our customers in the communities we serve."


theblaze--2020-07-02--Black Lives Matter protesters chant in DC: 'Israel we know you, you murder children too'

Black Lives Matter protesters chant in DC : 'Israel we know you , you murder children too' 'It was only @ @ @ @ @ the DC protests turned anti-Semitic '

Black Lives Matter protesters marching through Washington, D.C., on Wednesday were captured on video chanting, "Israel we know you, you murder children too."
What are the details?
Nic Rowan, a reporter for The Washington Examiner, posted the footage online with the caption, "It was only a matter of time before the DC protests turned anti-Semitic."
Rowan noted that the crowd "immediately switched to the more standard 'Black Lives Matter' chant after the 'Israel kills children' one."
The anti-Israel chant by BLM protesters comes days after Black Lives Matter U.K. sparked outrage by publicly declaring on Twitter, "As Israel moves forward with the annexation of the West Bank, and mainstream British politics is gagged of the right to critique Zionism, and Israel's settler colonial pursuits, we loudly and clearly stand by our Palestinian comrades. FREE PALESTINE."
Fox News reported that the tweets by BLM's U.K. group have caused organizations in Great Britain to distance themselves from the movement. The outlet noted that "the radical bent of the Black Lives Matter movement is not a secret, and the primary U.S. organization boasts of its desire to 'disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure' and to promote the defunding of police."
BLM has gained nationwide influence in the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody, organizing protests across the U.S. against police brutality that have continued for weeks. A number of U.S. corporations have publicly declared their support for the movement, which one BLM founder boasts was created by "trained Marxists."
In reaction to the video of BLM protesters chanting, "Israel we know you, you murder children too," Turning Point USA's Benny Johnson tweeted, "I wonder if all the GOP Senators (@MittRomney & @SenatorBraun) and corporations who support and endorse BLM also support the idea that Israel 'murders children?'"


theblaze--2020-07-02--Gym loses liquor license after defying Arizona order to shut down over coronavirus

A luxury gym in Phoenix, Arizona, lost two liquor licenses after defying the order to shut down in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Life Time Fitness had two liquor licenses suspended by local officials after keeping its gym doors open.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order shutting down movie theaters, gyms, bars and other businesses for 30 days on Monday.
On Tuesday, the licenses for Life Time Fitness were suspended.
"The Department took action against the liquor licenses of the two businesses as each presented one of a number of enticements to continue regular operations at Life Time Biltmore," said John Cocca, the director of the Arizona Dept. of Liquor Licenses and Control.
A spokesman for the governor's office said that a business could face up to a $2,500 fine for noncompliance with the executive order.
A statement from the gym claimed that the order didn't apply to their cafes.
"As such, we're working to clarify the basis for the suspension of the license and are confident our operations have been – and are – in compliance with the Governor's Order since it took effect," the statement read.
Arizona is seeing a surge in the coronavirus cases and deaths, with 4,878 new cases reported Wednesday, and 88 new deaths.
The monthly fee at the gym is about $200.
Here's a local news report about the incident:


theblaze--2020-07-02--Sioux leaders call for Mount Rushmore to be 'removed'

Sioux leaders call for Mount Rushmore to be 'removed' 'Lakota see the faces of men who lied , cheated and @ @ @ @

Two Sioux tribal leaders are calling for the removal of the faces of U.S. presidents carved into Mount Rushmore, saying the monument in South Dakota's Black Hills is an insult to their people and a stain on sacred land.
What are the details?
The Argus Leader interviewed Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner last week, to get the tribal leader's take on President Donald Trump visit to Mount Rushmore during an upcoming Independence Day celebration at the monument.
Bear Runner said he is not only against the president's visit, he wants the attraction displaying the etched faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln removed altogether —carefully.
"I don't believe it should be blown up, because it would cause more damage to the land," Bear Runner told the newspaper, reiterating that the faces on Mount Rushmore should be "removed but not blown up."
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Harold Frazier agrees. In a statement released Monday, Frazier wrote that "nothing stands as a greater reminder to the Great Sioux Nation of a country that cannot keep a promise or treaty then (sic) the faces carved into our sacred land on what the United States calls Mount Rushmore."
Frazier added, "Visitors look upon the faces of those presidents and extoll the virtues that they believe make America the country it is today. Lakota see the faces of the men who lied, cheated and murdered innocent people whose only crime was living on the land they wanted to steal."
According to The New York Times:
Native Americans have long criticized the sculpture, in part because it was built on what had been Indigenous land. And more recently, amid a nationwide movement against racism that has toppled statues commemorating Confederate general and other historical figures, some activists have called for Mount Rushmore to close.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said last week that her office had already seen threats on social media targeting Mount Rushmore for destruction by activists. When the prospect of the monument being "blown up" was raised on social media, Noem declared, "Not on my watch."


theblaze--2020-07-01--Viral video shows Texas woman spitting on store counter after being told she has to wear a mask to b

Viral video shows Texas woman spitting on store counter after being told she has to wear a mask to buy beer

Viral video shows Texas woman spitting on store counter after being told she has to wear a mask to buy @ @ @ @ @ in America not to wear a [ bleeped ] mask ! '

An ugly interaction between a 7-Eleven clerk and an irate woman in Fort Worth, Texas, was captured on video and has gone viral.
The video recorded on Monday shows a very angry woman yelling at the clerk because of their policy that all customers have to wear a mask.
After angrily arguing with the clerk, she spits on the counter in front of him. She appeared to be trying to purchase Miller Lite beer and two boxes of Milk Duds.
"I don't have a mask!" she yells at the clerk. "I'm spreading more germs standing here, for God's sake!"
According to the Star-Telegram, customers are required in Tarrant County to wear a mask and a business will be in violation of the order if they don't require customers to wear a mask.
"We have a right in America not to wear a [bleeped] mask!" she yells. "Do you not watch the news? We don't have to do this!"
Texas is experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases. In Houston, medical professionals are sounding the alarm as ICU beds have reached 102% capacity.
Here's a local news report about the viral video:


theblaze--2020-07-01--Remains of missing Ft. Hood soldier found, 1 suspect killed self, another in custody: family

Remains of missing Ft .
Hood soldier found , 1 suspect killed self , another in custody : family Pfc @ @ @ @ @ seen alive on base in April

The remains of missing Fort Hood soldier Pfc. Vanessa Guillen have been found, one suspect in her death has killed himself, and another suspect is in custody, according Guillen's family.
What are the details?
KHOU-TV reported that Guillen, 20, was last seen on base on April 22. Prior to her disappearance, she told her family that she had been sexually harassed by a superior, but did not report the harassment out of fear of retaliation.
During a news conference Wednesday, Guillen's family and their attorney announced that human remains found the day before in a shallow grave in central Texas are believed to be Guillen's — after more than two months of the soldier's loved ones begging the Army for answers.
The same day, the Killeen Police Department reported that a suspect killed himself while officers and U.S. Marshals closed in on him while assisting "the Fort Hood Criminal Investigation Division."
According to the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, the suspect who committed suicide is tied to Guillen's disappearance, and "the estranged wife of a former Fort Hood Soldier" has now been taken into custody in connection with the case.
The USACIC statement confirmed that "partial human remains were discovered," and that "a positive identification of the remains is pending."
Guillen's sister, Mayra, said during the news conference that she met the now-deceased suspect on a visit to Fort Hood following Vanessa's disappearance.
"I met him not knowing that he had something to do with it," Mayra said. "I felt something was telling me that he did something and I wasn't wrong apparently. He still had the nerve that day to laugh in my face. And apparently now, he kills himself. Why? I don't know. But whoever is responsible has to pay and we demand a Congressional investigation."


theblaze--2020-07-01--Trump admin. announces policy change to protect women in homeless shelters; trans activists are outr

Trump admin. announces policy change to protect women in homeless shelters; trans activists are outraged

Trump admin .
announces policy change to protect women in homeless shelters ; trans activists are outraged Activists say the @ @ @ @ @

The Trump administration announced a change in policy that would protect women in homeless shelters, but transgender activists say it will target and punish differently gendered persons.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson released a statement Wednesday about the rules change.
"The new rule allows shelter providers that lawfully operate as single-sex or sex-segregated facilities to voluntarily establish a policy that will govern admissions determinations for situations when an individual's gender identity does not match their biological sex," the statement read.
"Will embolden violence"
The American Civil Liberties Union issued a statement objecting to the policy change and said it will put transgender people in danger.
"Trump is proposing a rule allowing federally funded homeless shelters to turn away trans and gender non-conforming people — in the midst of the highest unemployment rates our country has seen in decades," the ACLU tweeted.
"Ben Carson, where exactly should Black and Brown trans women — who face extraordinarily high rates of unemployment and homelessness at any time, let alone during an economic crisis — go after being turned away from shelters? Shelters funded by taxpayers should be open to ALL," the ACLU added in a second tweet.
"In a week where 3 Black trans women have been murdered, the federal government is pushing more people into the street. This is a dangerous proposal that will embolden violence against transgender people," the statement concluded.
"Safeguarding victims of domestic violence or human trafficking"
In his statement on the change, Carson argued that local shelter operators know best how to protect the people they are trying to help.
"This important update will empower shelter providers to set policies that align with their missions, like safeguarding victims of domestic violence or human trafficking," said Carson. "Mission-focused shelter operators play a vital and compassionate role in communities across America. The Federal Government should empower them, not mandate a single approach that overrides local law and concerns. HUD also wants to encourage their participation in HUD programs. That's exactly what we are doing with this rule change."
The fight between women's shelters and transgender activists has a rancorous history. Shelter operators argue that they need to protect vulnerable women, while trans activists are furious at policies that do not grant full equality of transgender women to biological women.
Here's more about Carson's transgender policies:


theblaze--2020-07-01--Voddie Baucham warns: 'Black Lives Matter' is a trademark phrase designed to DEHUMANIZE and USE blac

Voddie Baucham warns: 'Black Lives Matter' is a trademark phrase designed to DEHUMANIZE and USE black people

Voddie Baucham warns : 'Black Lives Matter ' is a trademark phrase designed to DEHUMANIZE and USE black people '' @ @ @ @ @ use that phrase , because I love black people .
I love being black .
@

Dr. Voddie Baucham, Dean of Theology at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia, joined Glenn Beck on the radio program to explain why he agrees with Vice President Mike Pence's refusal to say the phrase "Black Lives Matter."
Baucham, who recently drew national attention when his sermon titled "Ethnic Gnosticism" resurfaced online, said the phrase has been trademarked by a dangerous, violent, Marxist movement that doesn't care about black lives except to use them as political pawns.
"We have to separate this movement from the issues," Baucham warned. "I know that [Black Lives Matter] is a phrase that is part of an organization. It is a trademark phrase. And it's a phrase designed to use black people.
"That phrase dehumanizes black people, because it makes them pawns in a game that has nothing whatsoever to do with black people and their dignity. And has everything to do with a divisive agenda that is bigger than black people. That's why I'm not going to use that phrase, because I love black people. I love being black."
Baucham warned that Black Lives Matter -- a radical Marxist movement -- is using black people and communities to push a dangerous and divisive narrative. He encouraged Americans to educate themselves on the organization's agenda and belief statement.
"This movement is dangerous. This movement is vicious. And this movement uses black people," he emphasized. "And so if I'm really concerned about issues in the black community -- and I am -- then I have to refuse, and I have to repudiate that organization. Because they stand against that for which I am advocating."
Watch the video below to catch more of the conversation:
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theblaze--2020-07-01--Black Florida sheriff has a message for would-be rioters: I will deputize gun owners if you think yo

Black Florida sheriff has a message for would-be rioters: I will deputize gun owners if you think you can bring your lawlessness here

Black Florida sheriff has a message for would-be rioters : I will deputize gun owners if you think you can @ @ @ @

Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels made it clear this week that he and his officers will not put up anyone who would bring their lawlessness to his Florida community.
In a video YouTube statement posted Tuesday, Daniels, who is black and a Republican, stood with about 20 deputies to declare to civil rights protesters who might consider getting violent that they are not only not welcome in Clay County, but also that he would not hesitate to dole out the pain and use legal gun owners to help keep the peace.
Standing by their oath
Daniels began by letting citizens know that he and his officers are aware of the debate going on nationwide about police reform and sought to reassure them that the men and women in his office will stand by their oath to protect and defend the Constitution and protect the public.
"Look folks, don't fall victim to subjecting yourself to this conversation that law enforcement is bad, that law enforcement is the enemy of the citizens that we're sworn to protect and serve," Daniels said, noting that it's an oath that ends with "so help me God."
"God is absent from the media's message or Black Lives Matter or any other group out there that's making themselves a spectacle, disrupting what we know to be our quality of life in this country," he continued. "In Clay County, we have a great quality of life, we have a great relationship with our community."
Lawlessness won't prevail
He went on to explain how he and his officers view the lawlessness that has spread in many other cities and counties across the U.S.
"Lawlessness — that's unacceptable in this country. Lawlessness — that's unacceptable in Clay County," Daniels said. "If you threaten to come to Clay County and think that for one second we'll bend our backs for you, you're sadly mistaken."
"I know what happens when lawlessness prevails," he continued, adding, "God is raising up men and women, just like the folks you see standing behind me, who will have strong backbones and will stand in the gap between lawlessness and the good citizenry that we're sworn to protect and serve."
Gun owners as backup
With that said, he offered a very clear warning to those who would bring riots to Clay County.
"You can threaten all you want," Daniels said, but promised there would be a response: "You'll have something waiting on you that you don't want."
"Yes, we'll protect your constitutional rights as long as you remain under the umbrella of peaceful protest or peaceful march, but the second that you out from up under the protection of the Constitution, we'll be waiting on you," he warned. "And we'll give you everything you want — all the publicity, all the pain, all the glamor and glory for all that five minutes will give you."
Daniels said his speech was not a threat, but rather what people with courage who are tired of the violence need to do: "Somebody has to step up in front of the camera and say, 'Enough is enough.' Tearing up Clay County — that's not going to be acceptable."
And yes, he did say that he would bring in legal gun owners as back up.
"If we can't handle you, you know what I'll do? I will exercise the power and authority as the sheriff, and I will make special deputies of every lawful gun owner in this county," he said. "And I'll deputize them for this one purpose: to stand in the gap between lawlessness and civility. That's what we're sworn to do, and that's what we're going to do."
"You've been warned," he concluded.
Sheriff Daniels speaks on who we are as a people youtu.be
(H/T: New York Daily News)


theblaze--2020-07-01--Actor accuses notoriously far-left filmmaker Joss Whedon of 'gross, abusive, unprofessional, and com

Actor accuses notoriously far-left filmmaker Joss Whedon of 'gross, abusive, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable' behavior on set

Actor accuses notoriously far-left filmmaker Joss Whedon of 'gross , abusive , unprofessional , and completely unacceptable ' behavior on @ @ @ @ @ referred to the making of 2017 's 'Justice League '

Notoriously far-left filmmaker Joss Whedon — never one to hide his disdain for Republicans, particularly for President Donald Trump — is getting a taste of his own medicine from an actor.
Ray Fisher on Wednesday accused Whedon of "gross, abusive, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable" behavior toward the cast and crew during the making of 2017 movie "Justice League," Variety reported.
Fisher's accusation also pointed at former Warner Bros. co-president of production Jon Berg and former DC Entertainment president and chief creative officer Geoff Johns, the outlet said, adding that they "enabled" Whedon's alleged behavior. The pair were "Justice League" producers, Variety said.
The actor's tweet doesn't offer detail regarding his allegation. Whedon had no comment, the outlet noted, adding that a Warner Bros. rep didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
More from Variety:
Fisher hinted at friction with Whedon earlier this week when he tweeted a clip from the "Justice League" panel at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con in which he praised the filmmaker as "a great guy" and that [filmmaker Zack] Snyder "picked a good person to come in and clean-up — and finish up for him."
"I'd like to take a moment to forcefully retract every bit of this statement," the actor wrote in his tweet.
What else do we know about Whedon?
In 2018, Whedon tweeted that he wanted Trump to die because he was emboldening "monsters."
"Donald Trump is killing this country," Whedon declared. "Some of it quickly, some slowly, but he spoils and destroys everything he touches. He emboldens monsters, wielding guns, governmental power, or just smug doublespeak. Or Russia. My hate and sadness are exhausting. Die, Don. Just quietly die."
After Trump's 2016 presidential victory, Whedon said he must not be allowed to have a term in office.
The filmmaker did his best to try keeping Trump out of the White House, though. One particular TV spot from Whedon encourages Americans to vote — just not for a "racist, abusive coward who could permanently damage the fabric of our society."
Content warning: Some profanity and VERY SUGGESTIVE language:
IMPORTANT youtu.be
In 2014, Whedon opined that men shouldn't have any opinions about women's reproductive rights (i.e., abortion). "Isn't that like rabbis electing a pope?" he asked.
And in 2012, Whedon created a video mocking presidential candidate Mitt Romney by representing him as a zombie.


theblaze--2020-07-01--Republican senators argue over making Juneteenth a federal holiday; consider replacing Columbus Day

Sen. John Cornyn ( R-Texas ) , left , and Sen. Ron Johnson ( R-Wis. ) speak at the White @ @ @ @ @ Michael Reynolds - Pool/Getty Images )

Republican senators are locked in a debate over holidays. Specifically, whether Juneteenth should become a federal holiday, and if it does, whether it should replace Columbus Day, The Hill reported.
What's going on here? Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn introduced a bill that would make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Juneteenth, which originated in Texas and is celebrated most widely in that state, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
The holiday, June 19, gained unusual national attention this year as it fell in the midst of severe racial unrest. It was further highlighted by a controversy surrounding President Donald Trump's decision to schedule a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on that date. The president later moved the rally back one day.
Cornyn's bill has bipartisan support, with Democratic co-sponsors including Sens. Kamala Harris (Calif.), Cory Booker (N.J.), and Ed Markey (Mass.), as well as a number of Republicans.
What's the debate? Cornyn and others want to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Cornyn hoped the bill would be agreed upon by his GOP colleagues, moved to the floor, and approved by unanimous consent or voice vote.
But Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) doesn't want to add another paid federal day off due to budget concerns.
"[I'm] happy to celebrate the emancipation with a national holiday but I just don't think we should be, when we're already blowing a hole in the budget right now, offering another paid day off for federal employees," Johnson said.
So Johnson proposed replacing another federal holiday. He selected Columbus Day, because it's "probably the most lightly celebrated and less disruptive to anybody's schedule."
Cornyn called the suggestion "problematic" because he doesn't want his bill to offend people, particularly Italian-Americans who celebrate the holiday. He fears that making such a switch "dilutes the message we're trying to send, which is one of being respectful and honoring and remembering our history."


theblaze--2020-07-01--Calif. Gov. Newsom shutters restaurant dining rooms, movie theaters, bars for at least 3 weeks acros

Calif. Gov. Newsom shutters restaurant dining rooms, movie theaters, bars for at least 3 weeks across 19 counties amid COVID-19 surge

Calif. Gov .
Newsom shutters restaurant dining rooms , movie theaters , bars for at least 3 weeks across 19 @ @ @ @ @ # COVID19 does not take 4th of July off .
Avoid crowds .
...
Wear @ @ @ @ @ .
Be smart .
Do your part . '

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced Wednesday the closing of a variety of public places in 19 California counties for the next three weeks.
The move is amid a surge in confirmed coronavirus cases surging across the state.
What are the details?
In a tweet, Newsom wrote, "COVID19 continues to spread at an alarming rate. Effective immediately, 19 counties must close indoors operations for the following sectors: - Restaurants - Wineries - Movie theaters & family entertainment - Zoos, museums - Cardrooms Bars must close ALL operations."
Shortly after the first announcement, the California governor added, "NEW: All parking facilities at state beaches in Southern CA and the Bay Area will be CLOSED for the upcoming weekend. #COVID19 does not take 4th of July off. Avoid crowds. Do not gather with people you do not live with. Wear a mask. Physically distance. Be smart. Do your part."
A Wednesday report in the Los Angeles Times noted that officials "fear disaster" ahead of the Independence Day holiday if certain public businesses don't lock down.
"Newsom is also recommending the cancellation of all fireworks shows on the Fourth of July in the affected counties," the outlet reported, "and is urging all Californians to rethink having large get-togethers with friends and neighbors to celebrate the holiday."
Newsom insisted that restaurants aren't closed down, and business is simply restricted to carry-out and delivery services.
"It means that we're trying to take the activities, as many activities as we can ... and move them outdoors," he added, "which is a way of mitigating the spread of this virus."
The governor's order impacts Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Merced, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Solano, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Ventura counties.
Between the COVID-19 surge and Newsom's June 18 mandate requiring all Californians to wear masks in public settings, it seemed only a matter of time before densely populated areas across the state retreated from their previous progress in reopening.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University estimate that there have been at least 232,468 confirmed COVID-19 cases in California, with at least 6,089 deaths attributable to the deadly virus.
Anything else?
Brian Vaughan, public health officer for Yolo County, told the outlet that such a surge has been anticipated and planned for.
“The seriousness in which our community has addressed it was a huge reason why we were able to flatten our curve and we didn't see a big spike," Vaughn explained. “So I would assume that, if we're being transparent we're sharing our data, and things start ticking up in terms of infections that the community would be behind us."


theblaze--2020-07-01--Record high gun sales continue in June. Some retailers say they're running out of stock.

Record high gun sales continue in June .
Some retailers say they 're running out of stock .
2020 may @ @ @ @ @ gun sales in American history

Americans continued to buy guns at record highs in the month of June as several states experienced coronavirus spikes and protests and riots erupted across the country over George Floyd's death.
According to estimates from industry analyst Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF), more than 2.3 million firearms were sold in the past month — up 145% over June of last year. The whopping number of sales nearly matched the all-time monthly record of 2.5 million set in March this year.
SAAF makes its estimates based on raw data obtained from the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Fox Business reported that the newly released numbers make June the fourth consecutive month to show huge year-over-year increases. March, April, and May saw reported increases of 85.3%, 71.3%, and 80.2%, respectively.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, June's estimates bring the total number of firearms sold in the U.S. since March to 8.3 million. That, the news outlet says, is a record-setting number that sets 2020 on pace to be the greatest year for gun sales in U.S. history.
Some retailers are running out of supply
The Free Beacon also said Wednesday that several gun retailers around the country have reported shortages in supply due to the unusually high sales volume. In other words, gun retailers are having trouble keeping up with the demand.
"Obama was the best gun sales in the country they claimed," Brandon Wexler, who owns Wex Gunworks in Delray Beach, Florida, said. "No, COVID-19 is."
"Pretty much everything is out of stock," he added. "We have been doing it since the late '70s and have never seen literally no supply available. As of last week, at all major distributors you could not get any guns. Everything was literally sold out. Can't even get hearing protection."
Rex McClanahan, president of massive online retailer, Bud's Gun Shop, said, "Our sales were within just a few thousand dollars of doubling in June 2020 as compared to 2019. Popular guns and ammo SKUs have been sold out for some time and now it is becoming a challenge to keep anything in stock that is among the higher demand categories ... things like handguns, home defense shotguns, AR/MSRs and the associated ammo, particularly 9 mm."
High gun sales have affected the ammunition industry, as well. Windham Taylor, who serves as the outreach manager for Ammo.com, told the Free Beacon that "things are not slowing down in the ammo world at all."
"Sales have continued to soar throughout June despite major shortages from nearly all suppliers due to the sustained demand from our customers," he continued. "We are working hard to keep up with demand and will continue to provide the best customer support possible."


theblaze--2020-07-01--Couple discovers pepperoni swastika on pizza — and restaurant fires employees responsible

'The point is , there should not be this kind of hate happening today .
With the climate we 're @ @ @ @ @ make a joke like that ? '

Jason Laska stopped at a Little Caesars Pizza in Brook Park, Ohio, on Saturday night and brought home grab-and-go pizza.
But he and his wife Misty said they were shocked to find a swastika on the pizza formed by pepperonis, WOIO-TV reported.
Image source: WOIO-TV video screenshot
What are the details?
"It's not funny," Jason Laska told WOIO. "It's not funny. Especially with everything going on in the world right now."
The couple told the station they tried calling the restaurant but were unable to reach anyone.
So they took a photo of the pizza featuring the pepperoni swastika — which was backward — and posted it to social media, WOIO reported.
Oops!
Turns out Misty Laska learned the culprits were teenage employees just joking around — and they mistakenly sold the offending pizza to her husband, the station said. The teens weren't named because some of them are juveniles, WOIO said.
A reporter visited the Little Caesars location Sunday, but she said it was closed despite its 11 a.m. opening time.
Couple wants culprits held to account
The Laskas told the station they want those responsible for the pepperoni swastika held accountable.
"The point is, there should not be this kind of hate happening today," Misty Laska added to WOIO. "With the climate we're in right now, why make a joke like that?"
Jason and Misty Laska discovered the pepperoni swastika Image source: WOIO-TV video screenshot
Jason Laska concurred, telling the station that "we're trying to solve hate, and even if this was just a joke internally for the employees, just stop. Stop with the symbolism and let it go away."
Chop, chop
WOIO shared a statement from Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.: "We have zero tolerance for racism and discrimination in any form, and these franchise store employees were immediately terminated. We're deeply disappointed that this happened, as this conduct is completely against our values. We have also reached out to the customer to discuss this personally with him."
Misty Laska also took an opportunity Sunday to upbraid those who doubted the couple's story:
"I hope, at the very least, that you get free pizza pizza forever," one tweet commenter noted.
Here's a report on the incident from WEWS-TV:


theblaze--2020-07-01--NYPD commish says city council caved to 'mob rule' when it slashed $1 billion from police budget

NYPD commish says city council caved to 'mob rule ' when it slashed $ 1 billion from police budget How @ @ @ @ @ clamoring for more cops ?

The New York City Council voted Tuesday night to approve Mayor Bill de Blasio's plan to slash nearly $1 billion from the city's police budget, and the city's top cop is none too thrilled and believes the council bowed to "mob rule."
What happened?
New York City's budget debate has received more attention than usual this year as leftist Mayor de Blasio made cutting about $1 billion from the NYPD's $6 billion operation budget a priority. The ongoing national debate over police reform coupled with the hit to the city's tax revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic (and the government-imposed shutdown) made the budget battle extra contentious.
After weeks of national attention, the council approved the 2021 budget Tuesday that includes a cut of $484 million from NYPD funds, plus a transfer of another $354 million away from police funding to other city agencies, the New York Times said.
The budget also eliminated $537 million in planned capital spending, de Blasio said, according to the New York Post.
Not surprisingly, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea was not pleased — and he made his feelings clear Wednesday morning.
"You're seeing now, mob rule," Shea said of the council's vote to acquiesce to protests and riots demanding the defunding of police.
"You're seeing the City Council bow to mob rule," Shea told "Good Day New York" Wednesday. "And let's mark the date on the calendar and how long it's going to be before we're having a conversation about New Yorkers crying out for more police. And I think that day is coming."
Shea stopped short of saying the budget agreement would cripple the NYPD but did say that it would be a "significant challenge" for his officers.
He also said that because of the current environment surrounding policing and morale, there could well be a higher-than-average number of retirements.
Many notable voices on the left, including de Blasio and socialist U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have been clamoring for the city to take an ax to the NYPD budget. Many liberals, including Ocasio-Cortez, were not thrilled with the budget deal the City Council made.
"Defunding police means defunding police," Ocasio-Cortez said. "This is not a victory. The fight to defund policing continues."
A recent poll revealed that 47% of New York City voters opposed cutting police funding, while 41% supported the move.


theblaze--2020-07-01--Shocking bodycam footage captures violent arrest, assault of innocent black man. Now he's suing poli

Shocking bodycam footage captures violent arrest, assault of innocent black man. Now he's suing police.

A 46-year-old black man is suing the Valdosta , Georgia , Police Department for what he says is a civil rights violation and excessive force during a bogus arrest .
What are the details ?
Police stopped Antonio Arnelo Smith on Feb. 8 .
Bodycam footage shows a black police officer speaking with Smith , who hands over his identification .
A white police officer can be seen approaching Smith from behind .
He wraps his arms around a clearly frightened Smith , and slams him `` face-first to the ground , '' according to the Associated Press .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he 's on the ground .
One of the officers tells him that he 's being arrested for an outstanding warrant .
In the video , Smith can be heard screaming , `` Oh my God , you broke my wrist ! ''
The black officer steps in , however , and tells the other three officers that Smith is not the man they 're looking for .
Authorities released Smith without charges following the encounter .
The Valdosta Daily Times published body camera footage , which was received from Smith 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ?
In addition to the four officers , Smith is suing the police chief , mayor , and others .
Smith says that his civil rights were violated during the encounter , in which police used excessive force .
Attorney Nathaniel Haugabrook , one of Smith 's lawyers , said that Smith 's encounter with the Valdosta police is nothing short of a `` travesty . ''
`` Nobody should be done that way , '' he added , insisting that the arrest `` obviously [ had ] some racial tones to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed in in U.S. District Court , seeks unspecified monetary damages .
According to the Associated Press , Smith 's legal team reportedly sent a letter to Valdosta officials requesting a $ 700,000 settlement prior to filing the suit .
Smith is also seeking a commitment from the Valdosta Police Department to reform its policing .
The city of Valdosta issued a statement in June announcing that police are conducting an internal investigation into the incident .
The city also stated that Smith never filed a complaint before filing his lawsuit on June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson Ashlyn Johnson said , “ The City of Valdosta and the Valdosta Police Department take any report of any injury to a citizen seriously . ''

A 46-year-old black man is suing the Valdosta, Georgia, Police Department for what he says is a civil rights violation and excessive force during a bogus arrest.
What are the details?
Police stopped Antonio Arnelo Smith on Feb. 8. Bodycam footage shows a black police officer speaking with Smith, who hands over his identification.
A white police officer can be seen approaching Smith from behind. He wraps his arms around a clearly frightened Smith, and slams him "face-first to the ground," according to the Associated Press.
Two other white officers arrive and handcuff Smith as he's on the ground. One of the officers tells him that he's being arrested for an outstanding warrant.
In the video, Smith can be heard screaming, "Oh my God, you broke my wrist!"
The black officer steps in, however, and tells the other three officers that Smith is not the man they're looking for.
Authorities released Smith without charges following the encounter.
The Valdosta Daily Times published body camera footage, which was received from Smith's legal team.
What is Smith doing now?
In addition to the four officers, Smith is suing the police chief, mayor, and others.
Smith says that his civil rights were violated during the encounter, in which police used excessive force.
Attorney Nathaniel Haugabrook, one of Smith's lawyers, said that Smith's encounter with the Valdosta police is nothing short of a "travesty."
"Nobody should be done that way," he added, insisting that the arrest "obviously [had] some racial tones to it."
Smith's suit, filed in in U.S. District Court, seeks unspecified monetary damages.
According to the Associated Press, Smith's legal team reportedly sent a letter to Valdosta officials requesting a $700,000 settlement prior to filing the suit.
Smith is also seeking a commitment from the Valdosta Police Department to reform its policing.
Anything else?
The city of Valdosta issued a statement in June announcing that police are conducting an internal investigation into the incident.
The city also stated that Smith never filed a complaint before filing his lawsuit on June 19.
In a statement, city spokesperson Ashlyn Johnson said,“The City of Valdosta and the Valdosta Police Department take any report of any injury to a citizen seriously."


theblaze--2020-07-01--Eight Louisiana police officers charged in beating of two men during seat belt traffic stop

Eight Louisiana police officers charged in beating of two men during seat belt traffic stop The officers ' attorney said @ @ @ @ @ job

Eight police officers in Shreveport, Louisiana, have been indicted in the beating of two men during a traffic stop that began as a seat belt violation, NBC News reported.
Officers Aaron Jaudon, D'Andre Jackson, Mark Ordoyne, William Isenhour, Christopher McConnell, Brandon Walker, Treveion Brooks, and David Francis, were charged with one count of malfeasance in officer due to the incident, which occurred Jan. 24.
One officer attempted to pull over Chico Bell, who was driving, and the passenger, Damon Robinson, for a seat belt violation as they were leaving a home.
Bell didn't stop when the officer tried to pull him over, and the district attorney said he "threw several unknown objects from the window" of his truck during the pursuit.
The men eventually stopped, and the stop was recorded on a sheriff's deputy's dash camera. NBC News reported:
"Bell and Robinson raised their hands, and then stuck both hands up out of the windows of the truck, in an apparent attempt to surrender without resistance," the release said.
But Shreveport officers pulled Bell from the truck through the driver's window, according to the prosecutor, and "began striking, kicking, and tasing him." Medical records show he suffered injuries, including a broken orbital plate, the release said.
Robinson was meanwhile "punched multiple times through the open truck window" by one Shreveport officer as his "hands were being held by other officers," the district attorney said.
"SPD officers then took Robinson to the ground, where one officer apparently struck him in the face with a flashlight, despite Robinson's hands being behind his back," the release said. Robinson's nose was broken "in several places" from the attack.
Two of the officers, McConnell and Ordoyne, are no longer with the department. McConnell was fired, and Ordoyne resigned. The other six are on leave.
An attorney representing some of the officers said they were just doing their jobs.
"We're very disappointed in the indictment," attorney Dhu Thompson said, according to NBC News. "These officers were doing their job that day. It appears from the early evidence, of course, we're still gathering facts and investigating it, but these individuals chose to run from the police, endangering themselves, the officers and society."
Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins called for police reform.
"The nation is going through a reckoning because, in the past, officers were too infrequently held accountable for bad policing," Perkins said, according to a statement. "While it isn't pretty, this is the change citizens are demanding."


theblaze--2020-07-01--Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell attacks BLM movement for racism, how it plays the Democratic Party

Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell attacks BLM movement for racism, how it plays the Democratic Party: 'This is not 1960'

Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell attacks BLM movement for racism , how it plays the Democratic Party : 'This is @ @ @ @ @ in the Democratic Party and the left '

Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell joined "Life, Liberty & Levin" Sunday night, where he blasted the Black Lives Matter movement as racist.
What are the details?
Host Mark Levin spoke with Terrell about the Black Lives Matter movement, the state of the Democratic Party, and the treatment of law enforcement in 2020.
Terrell expressed his disappointment with the party, which he says has propped up presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden as some sort of savior.
"I'm frustrated and disappointed in the Democratic Party and the left," he insisted. "[I]t really started a couple of weeks ago when Joe Biden made that comment, that awful comment, that insulting comment that if you vote Republican, you ain't black. ... That statement was condescending and insulted every African American and every American."
He also pointed out that the Democratic Party should be ashamed for not calling out rioting, looting, and murder during the protests that followed the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.
"[Y]ou have the ultimate insult of talking about defunding the police," Terrell later added. "I may criticize bad police officers, because Mark, 97 or 98% of the officers are great. They protect you and I at two or three in the morning. And 2 or 3% — like the George Floyd situation — horrible. But my goodness, to defund the police? To take away law and order?"
[Part 1] Leo Terrell Appears on Life, Liberty & Levin to Discuss Race Relations www.youtube.com
He also warned that the Black Lives Matter movement has the 2020 Democratic Party in the palm of its hand.
"Democrats will not criticize Black Lives Matter," Terrell explained. "Black Lives Matter is disingenuous. Why? Because there's only certain black lives that they care about. ... It is certain blacks that they care about to profiteer the black community."
Terrell added that the movement has been able to muffle Democratic leadership by using fear tactics and manipulation.
"[T]he perception is that they control the Democratic Party. I'm hoping, I'm begging, I'm praying that they don't control the Democratic Party, but the current status right now, it is. It has control of the Democratic Party. It has muted Democratic leadership," he said. "The Democratic leadership is afraid of Black Lives Matter for a variety of reasons. One is the most insulting. They assume they speak for African Americans."
[Part 2] Leo Terrell Appears on Life, Liberty & Levin to Discuss Race Relations www.youtube.com
He also took aim at the movement's apparent personal agenda of insisting racism on the part of white police officers.
"[Black Lives Matter] are profiting on trying to give a narrative, a false narrative that this is white racist cops that's destroying the black community," he continued. "As a civil rights attorney, I know there may be 1 or 2% of bad cops, but 98%, they are great, and when you talk about Chicago, you talk about Atlanta, you talk about Washington, D.C., and L.A., this big lie ... of systemic discrimination."
He added that there is simply no such thing as systemic discrimination.
"How can you have systemic discrimination in Chicago when the leadership is minority?" he marveled. "I know what systemic discrimination is. It does not exist, but yet this is the entire narrative that the Black Lives leadership portrays, the Democratic leadership: systemic discrimination. It doesn't exist. They don't know what they are talking about. This is not 1960."


theblaze--2020-07-01--Horowitz: 'Good judges'? Think again: Trump appointee blocks key Trump immigration policy

Until we declare these court opinions null and void , we will never have a sovereign republic .

The same Trump-appointed judge who gave Jim Acosta a right to demand access to the White House in 2018 has now given 7.8 billion people the potential "right" to sue for entry into the country as for asylum, even when they purposefully pass over numerous other countries first. What's next? Can I get standing in court to demand that Trump meet with me every Sunday morning to discuss my ideas? Why is it too much to ask that Republican-appointed judges understand the role of the judiciary, standing, fundamental rights, and sovereignty?
In another failure of the faux conservative legal establishment, Trump appointee Timothy Kelly ruled on Tuesday that Trump could not enforce his policy from last July requiring asylum-seekers to first apply in the first country they pass through before being eligible for asylum status in America. Shockingly, he did so even after the Supreme Court already stayed an injunction by a California judge against this rule.
It's truly hard to overstate how radical this decision is. The entire definition of asylum is that you are seeking safety somewhere else because you are in danger in your own country. The fact that these people are cherry-picking the United States for their destination demonstrates that their claims are bogus.
Plus, the courts have ruled for hundreds of years that foreign nationals have no standing to sue for the right to come into this country. How then could there even be standing to hear such a case? Also, third-party advocacy groups, such as the Capital Area Immigrants' Rights Coalition of Washington, the Texas-based Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), and Human Rights First were named as plaintiffs. So, could conservative NGOs now become plaintiffs to sue on behalf of foreign nationals to block foreign policy? Can I sue the Pentagon for using our soldiers and taxpayer funding for Kabul urban renewal projects?
For most of our history, the courts were clear that private parties can't bring lawsuits to protect imputed rights of parties not before the court. Even if we are going to countenance the recent deviation from that principle, the third-party standing should not be expanded to foreign nationals. In Warth v. Seldin (1975), the Supreme Court explained, "Without such limitations — closely related to Art. III concerns but essentially matters of judicial self-governance — the courts would be called upon to decide abstract questions of wide public significance even though other governmental institutions may be more competent to address the questions." Nowhere is this more evident than in questions pertaining to international migration and border security during times of peril.
This is the first time I can remember a court messing with a foreign policy of the president. These agreements were hashed out in high-level diplomatic negotiations with Central American countries. This is exactly why the Supreme Court said long ago that the "exclusion of aliens is a fundamental act of sovereignty" and that "the right to do so stems not alone from legislative power but is inherent in the executive power to control the foreign affairs of the nation" [Knauff v. Shaughnessy, 1950]. It's not just that the president has 1182(f) delegated authority to shut off all immigration, even asylum requests. It's inherent in his Article II powers to govern foreign affairs and foreign commerce.
The court further punctuated this point in Kleindienst v. Mandel, (1972): "In accord with ancient principles of the international law of nation-states … the power to exclude aliens is inherent in sovereignty, necessary for maintaining normal international relations and defending the country against foreign encroachments and dangers — a power to be exercised exclusively by the political branches of government."
This is why, even if the president didn't fully abide by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) in the way he promulgated this new policy, as Judge Kelly suggests, there is no way there can be valid standing or judicial jurisdiction to adjudicate the consequences of that policy in this context.
Moreover, 5 U.S.C. §553(a)(1) explicitly exempts a "foreign affairs function" from the APA. And for good reason. A president doesn't have time to play games while national security is at stake. Border security and immigration policy sit at the nexus of foreign policy and national security. This is exactly why the Supreme Court said in Mathews v. Diaz (1976) that "decisions in these matters [immigration] may implicate our relations with foreign powers" and therefore, these "decisions are frequently of a character more appropriate to either the Legislature or the Executive than to the Judiciary." In this case, these very policies were born out of bilateral and multilateral agreements with at least four countries.
Ironically, one of the problems we faced from the flood at our border in 2018-2019 was a health crisis overwhelming our hospitals with people coming here for care. Why is it that the courts believe elected officials can violate the Bill of Rights under the guise of combatting a public health crisis, but somehow foreign nationals can assert a right to enter even in the face of a health crisis?
The answer is that we have become strangers in our own land, and even Republican-appointed judges have bought into this inverted thinking that flips the Declaration of Independence and consent-based governance upside down. The lower courts, thanks to tacit greenlighting from the Supreme Court, have been creating rights for illegal aliens at breakneck speed. They have essentially abolished ICE.
Just this month, a federal judge vacated the deportation of an illegal alien with prior battery convictions who was arrested for rioting at a BLM event simply because he had DACA status! An illegal alien has no right to remain in the country even without a criminal conviction, but now that the courts have mandated Obama's amnesty, at least temporarily, they are now staying deportations even of those with criminal records who are ineligible for the status under Obama's system. The illegal alien has now violated the terms of his release and faces yet another court appearance next week.
Once again, we have Trump-appointed judges who not only decline to roll back existing bad decisions but will even add new insane principles to our body of case law that downright conflict with past Supreme Court precedent. Guess what: Judge Kelly is the same man who ruled in 2018 that political activist Jim Acosta had a right to a press badge to access the White House. This judge seems to be confused about fundamental rights, standing in court, and what exactly defines a judicial case or controversy.
Until we declare these court opinions null and void for violating separation of powers, we will never have a sovereign republic. But in order to do that, we need elected officials in the other branches of government who believe in the rule of law and the Constitution. That will not happen under this Republican Party and certainly not under its judicial appointments.


theblaze--2020-07-01--President Trump vows to veto defense bill if military base renaming amendment is included

President Trump vows to veto defense bill if military base renaming amendment is included 'Military Bases from which we won @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump threatened late Tuesday night to veto the National Defense Authorization Act should it include an amendment to rename military bases and assets named after Confederate generals and soldiers.
The president made the announcement on Twitter just before midnight, saying, "I will Veto the Defense Authorization Bill if the Elizabeth 'Pocahontas' Warren (of all people!) Amendment, which will lead to the renaming (plus other bad things!) of Fort Bragg, Fort Robert E. Lee, and many other Military Bases from which we won Two World Wars, is in the Bill!"
The amendment filed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) passed the GOP-led Senate Armed Services Committee last week and, if signed into law, would require the Defense Department to rename any and all posts and assets honoring the Confederacy within three years.
In her filing, Warren linked to an op-ed by retired Army Gen. David Petraeus arguing that military assets honoring rebel "traitors" should be renamed.
President Trump has been vehemently opposed to the prospect of renaming the assets ever since the idea was first introduced.
Earlier this month, he tweeted that the "Monumental and very Powerful Bases have become a part of a Great American Heritage, and a history of Winning, Victory, and Freedom."
"The United States of America trained and deployed our HEROES on these Hallowed Grounds, and won two World Wars," he added.
The amendment has also faced opposition in Congress. According to The Hill, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced a proposal to block Warren's amendment, saying, "This latest effort to unilaterally rename bases ... smacks of the cancel culture the Left wants to impose on the nation."
It was introduced as part of an effort in recent weeks by many to erase the presence of symbols deemed to be racist in the country following George Floyd's death.


theblaze--2020-07-01--Florida Gov. DeSantis refuses to cave to pressure over COVID-19 spike, won't shut down Florida

Florida Gov .
DeSantis refuses to cave to pressure over COVID-19 spike , wo n't shut down Florida 'We 're @ @ @ @ @ things '

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, announced Tuesday that he will not cave to pressure to reimpose lockdown measures in the Sunshine State.
As coronavirus cases surge across the Sun Belt, the mainstream media is devoting special attention to the development, suggesting the mostly Republican-controlled governments bare culpability for the increase of cases. Texas, for example, announced the reclosure of bars last week, as well as a limit on dine-in eating at restaurants.
Florida, however, will not follow suit.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, DeSantis said he does not believe open businesses are causing the spike in cases.
"We're not going back, closing things," DeSantis said, Axios reported. "I don't think that that's really what's driving it. People going to a business is not what's driving it. I think when you see the younger folks — I think a lot of it is more just social interactions, so that's natural."
The Republican governor explained that Floridans are being vigilant about who is most vulnerable to COVID-19 complications.
"We're open. We know who we need to protect. Most of the folks in those younger demographics, although we want them to be mindful of what's going on, are just simply much much less at risk than the folks who are in those older age groups," he said.
Florida has seen just under 50,000 new cases of COVID-19 over the past week.
But according to WTVJ-TV, the median age for positive cases has cratered to just 36; during the height of the outbreak in March and April the median age for positive cases was almost double that.
This means that, although the surge in cases is cause for alarm, there is greater likelihood that those contracting the virus now will recover more easily because they are younger.
On the other hand, the data shows that elderly and medically vulnerable folks are better protecting themselves.
Indeed, the overall death rate has steadily decreased in the U.S. after peaking sometime in late April or early May.


theblaze--2020-07-01--Protester shoots 60-year-old driver whose SUV is blocked by mob of demonstrators; suspect arrested f

Protester shoots 60-year-old driver whose SUV is blocked by mob of demonstrators; suspect arrested for attempted murder

Protester shoots 60-year-old driver whose SUV is blocked by mob of demonstrators ; suspect arrested for attempted murder Police said @ @ @ @ @ shooting the gunman 'conceals the firearm and continues to protest '

Police in Provo, Utah, said a protester shot a motorist during a Monday night demonstration that was caught on video — and a suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, Deseret News reported.
What are the details?
The victim was driving a white SUV on University Avenue and tried turning onto Center Street when protesters began "crowding around the vehicle. A male protester ran to the SUV on the passenger side, pointed a handgun at [the] driver, and shot one round through the window," Provo Deputy Police Chief John Geyerman told the outlet.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
The 60-year-old driver was struck by a bullet and then "hit the gas trying to leave the situation," Geyerman added to Deseret News.
Cellphone video from witnesses shows the SUV appearing to push through the protesters, the outlet said, with at least one person falling to the ground.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
Police said as the SUV sped away, the gunman ran after it and fired a second round that went through the rear passenger window, Deseret News added.
The victim, a Provo resident, remained hospitalized Tuesday but was "stable," police told the outlet, adding that he wasn't part of the protest or counterprotest.
And believe it or not, video shows the gunman then "conceals the firearm and continues to protest. This same protester later approached another vehicle at 500 North and University Avenue, striking and breaking the window with the handgun," Geyerman told Deseret News.
Man, woman arrested
Police on Tuesday night arrested Jesse Taggart of Salt Lake City on a charge of attempted aggravated murder in connection with the shooting, Deseret News said. Taggart, 33, also faces charges of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, rioting, threatening use of a weapon in a fight, criminal mischief, and firing a weapon near a highway, Provo Police Sgt. Nisha King told the outlet.
Jesse Taggart Image source: Utah County Jail
Samantha Darling, 27, of Ogden, also was arrested and faces charges of obstruction of justice and rioting, Deseret News said, adding that Taggart and Darling were being booked into Utah County Jail.
Samantha Darling Image source: Utah County Jail
King told the outlet that citizens provided "evidence and testimony" to investigators regarding the incident.
Police also said Tuesday they were looking for a second gunman believed to have brandished his weapon and pointed it at the driver but did not fire, Deseret News said.
What's the background?
The outlet said a group calling itself Back to Blue planned to drive around the Provo Police Department and honk their horns Monday to show support for law enforcement.
But a counterprotest also was planned for the same time and place, Deseret News said, adding that Facebook pages list Salt Lake Antifascist Coalition, Solidarity for Justice, Salt Lake Equal Rights Movement, and Insurgence as event hosts.
About 100 people gathered on Center Street around 6:30 p.m. to protest, the outlet said, adding that the event remained peaceful until about 8:40 p.m. when the shooting was reported.
More from Deseret News:
Video shot by KSL-TV recorded what appears to be a man with his face concealed pointing a handgun at the SUV on the passenger side of the vehicle. The "popping" sound of shots being fired can be heard in the video.
Tuesday afternoon, pictures surfaced on social media of a second man holding a gun near the driver's side window of the SUV and also holding a gun in the middle of the street as the victim drove away. As of Tuesday night, Provo police were still working to identify that man. King said investigators do not believe that man fired his gun.
About 50 minutes after the shooting, tensions remained high as cars continued to drive through the lines of protesters, prompting some to jump onto the vehicles and hit the windows. Demonstrators marched to the Provo Police Department and were met with officers in riot gear. Amid calls to disperse and threats of arrest from police, protesters chanted, "Hands up, don't shoot."
The following news report about the shooting aired before arrests were made:


theblaze--2020-07-01--Atlanta detective says Rayshard Brooks would have faced 10 charges for altercation that led to polic

Atlanta detective says Rayshard Brooks would have faced 10 charges for altercation that led to police shooting An officer was @ @ @ @

An Atlanta detective investigating the events leading to the police shooting of Rayshard Brooks said Brooks would've faced 10 criminal charges if he had survived the altercation, according to the Daily Wire.
In a filing for the defense, homicide detective Al Hogan detailed all the crimes he believes Brooks committed before he was shot and killed by Atlanta Police Officer Garrett Rolfe, who was charged with murder.
Hogan described his responsibility in the case as the investigator analyzing "the narrow series of facts that led up to the officer involved shooting."
"If my investigation reveals that the person against whom force was used violated any laws during the incident, it would be my responsibility to pursue these charges, as well as cooperate with GBI investigators and provide to them any evidence that I had gathered during my investigation," Hogan wrote.
In the filing, Hogan did not discuss or render any judgment as to whether Rolfe was justified in his use of deadly force.
"After leaving the scene on the night of the incident, I was informed that Rayshard Brooks was alive but critical at Grady Hospital, and I returned to the Homicide office to review all the evidence that I had gathered to determine if Rayshard Brooks's behavior warranted any criminal charges," Hogan wrote. "My investigation showed that Rayshard Brooks's behavior did in fact warrant several criminal charges, but before I was able to pursue the charges I was informed that Rayshard Brooks had died, negating the necessity for that portion of my investigation."
Hogan said Brooks would have been charged with DUI, two counts of felony obstruction, two counts of aggravated assault against a police officer, two counts of battery against a police officer, theft by taking, removal of a weapon from a public official, and robbery.
Police were called to an Atlanta Wendy's because Brooks was intoxicated and had fallen asleep in his car in the drive-through. After a field sobriety test, officers attempted to arrest Brooks, who resisted and fought the officers. He stole one officer's taser and fled. Rolfe shot Brooks when Brooks allegedly pointed the taser back at him.


theblaze--2020-07-01--BLM activists linked to Shaun King have allegedly been sending PAC donations back to their own compa

BLM activists linked to Shaun King have allegedly been sending PAC donations back to their own companies: report

BLM activists linked to Shaun King have allegedly been sending PAC donations back to their own companies : report

A political action committee co-founded by Black Lives Matter activist Shaun King has allegedly been funneling a quarter of its fundraising money back into for-profit companies linked to its leaders, the Washington Free Beacon reported Tuesday.
Real Justice PAC was founded in 2017 with the goal of accomplishing criminal justice reform by aiding county prosecutors and district attorneys who support liberal policies such as eliminating cash bail, restricting policing practices, and decriminalizing lower-level offenses.
But, according to Free Beacon, since "January of 2019, the PAC has cut dozens of checks totaling more than $460,000 to three political consultancy firms linked to PAC employees."
The reported consultancy firms are Social Practice LLC, which is managed by Real Justice PAC's data strategist, Jin Ding; Bernal Alto LLC, which is managed by the PAC's treasurer, Becky Bond; and Middle Seat Consulting, which was co-founded by one of the PAC's original team members, Hector Sigala.
Ding and Bond are still listed as team members on the PAC's website. Sigala is no longer listed, but according to Ballotpedia, he was listed as of March 2018.
Commenting on the news, Scott Walter, president of investigative think tank Capital Research Center, said: "There are legal and ethical ways to have people in leadership positions at an organization also serve as vendors to the same organization. But these relationships properly raise questions, especially for a group whose leaders include someone like Shaun King, who has repeatedly been accused of enriching himself improperly."
Daily Beast reporter Goldie Taylor made such an accusation in a 2019 article titled, "Where Did All the Money Shaun King Raised for Black Lives Go?"
"For 501(c)(3) charities, the IRS actually prohibits what's called 'private inurement' or excessive benefit to an individual from the organization's coffers," Walter said. Though he acknowledged that Real Justice PAC is overseen, not by the IRS, but by the Federal Election Commission, which "doesn't have such a strict regulation."
"Still," he added, "Groups like Real Justice that routinely criticize their opponents for things like 'dark money' influence — should be prepared to defend practices that let leaders write checks to their own for-profit consultancies."
Here's more from the Free Beacon:
Ding, the PAC's technology strategist, is registered as the manager for the California-based Social Practice LLC and Bernal Alto LLC in the firms' state filings. Social Practice received nearly $250,000 from Real Justice PAC this cycle for campaign consulting and digital services. Bernal Alto, which dissolved earlier this year, was paid $20,000 for consulting and organizing services. Bond, a cofounder of the PAC and former senior adviser to Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign, is also listed as a manager for both companies. Progressive digital firm Middle Seat Consulting, which was cofounded by Sigala, received $193,000 from the PAC for advertising services.
The report notes that "it does not appear that King is personally profiting from Real Justice PAC's payments," but suggests that scrutiny is acceptable due to past concerns that King pocketed fundraising money.
Writing in the Daily Beast, Taylor alleged that while some of the money King has raised in recent years has gone to survivors or the families of victims, "much of the largess either went into failed projects, King's own pockets, or is unaccounted for."