Author name: Jonathan Dillon

Hunter Biden Rages Over Obama’s ‘Disrespectful’ Onstage Moment With His Father
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Hunter Biden Rages Over Obama’s ‘Disrespectful’ Onstage Moment With His Father

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Hunter Biden expressed outrage at former President Barack Obama after a June 2024 fundraiser where Obama appeared to lead then-President Joe Biden off stage by the hand, according to a forthcoming book by ABC News’ Jonathan Karl, as reported by Fox News.

In the book Tired of Winning, an excerpt obtained by Axios reveals that Hunter viewed the gesture as an act of disrespect toward his father. “I almost jumped up on the stage and said, ‘Don’t ever f**king do that to the president of the United States again — ever,’” Hunter told Karl during an interview.

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, makes an appearance at the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on Jan. 10, 2024.

Karl wrote that Hunter “believed Obama had disrespected and embarrassed the president.” The younger Biden insisted that his father was merely taking extra time to acknowledge the audience at the event, not wandering or confused. “I knew that that was going to be a meme,” Hunter recalled.

“That really, really, really, really pissed me off.”

The moment became one of several instances late in Joe Biden’s presidency that fueled public discussion about his age and fitness for office. Polling throughout mid-2024 showed that a large majority of voters, including many Democrats, questioned whether he was capable of serving another term.

The fundraiser incident quickly circulated online, showing Obama taking Biden’s hand and appearing to guide him toward an exit as the crowd applauded.

The visual drew widespread attention and added to growing speculation among voters and media commentators about Biden’s declining physical presence at public events.

Just days before the fundraiser, a similar scene unfolded at the G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, where Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was seen redirecting Biden back toward a group of world leaders after he briefly appeared to walk away.

The clip went viral and prompted questions about Biden’s situational awareness during international events.

At the time, the White House dismissed concerns, claiming the video was misleading and taken from an “artificially narrow frame” that made it appear as though Biden was separated from the group. Officials maintained that the president had been greeting skydivers who had just landed nearby.

Karl’s reporting suggests that Hunter took the Obama incident personally, viewing it as emblematic of how his father’s political allies handled the president during his final months in office.

The exchange, according to the book, reflected broader tensions inside Biden’s circle as questions about his age and public image intensified.

The fundraiser took place as Obama had stepped up his role as a surrogate and advisor during the final year of Biden’s presidency, frequently appearing at high-profile Democratic events. Neither Obama nor Hunter Biden have publicly commented on the account.

‘Clean It Up!’ Delta Flight Attendant Unloads on Southwest Agent in Viral Video
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‘Clean It Up!’ Delta Flight Attendant Unloads on Southwest Agent in Viral Video

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A Delta Air Lines flight attendant was reported in a verbal altercation with a Southwest Airlines gate agent at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, sparking viral discussion and speculation about possible disciplinary action.

The incident, captured by a bystander and shared widely on social media, shows the male Delta employee—still wearing his uniform—arguing with a female Southwest gate agent near one of the airport’s terminals.

The footage begins with the flight attendant criticizing the airline and the airport, calling them “ridiculous” and “the worst airport,” while accusing the agent of unprofessional conduct.

“This is ridiculous. This is the worst airport, and y’all make Southwest look horrible,” the man says as the two walk through the terminal. “That customer service is ridiculous.”

The video shows the Delta employee pulling his suitcase behind him while following the Southwest agent toward the gate area.

“It’s ghetto,” he adds. “That’s because it’s Atlanta. Y’all have no respect for customer service. Y’all need to clean it up, clean it up because I’m just trying to take a flight. I don’t have to take Southwest. I can take Delta.”

At one point, the Southwest employee appears to ask him to lower his voice, which only escalates the exchange. The Delta attendant responds sharply:

“Get your hands out of my face. You are nothing. Where’s your name tag at? You ghetto.”

He continues, claiming that coworkers had warned him against flying through Atlanta or using Southwest’s services. “They told me not to come here. They told me not to transfer here, because y’all are ridiculous and ghetto,” he says.

“I don’t do that kind of stuff. I don’t have to take Southwest, I can take Delta.”

The man then references Atlanta’s reputation, saying, “Atlanta gotta clean itself up, because this is supposed to be the black mecca, and y’all can’t even carry yourself with class.”

The video ends with the Southwest agent responding that the Delta employee had earlier insulted one of her coworkers. “You called one of my colleagues the B word,” she says, before walking away from the confrontation.

 

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It is unclear what triggered the argument or what events led up to the exchange.

Neither Delta Air Lines nor Southwest Airlines has issued an official statement regarding the altercation. As of Tuesday, both airlines have confirmed they are reviewing the incident internally but have not disclosed whether any disciplinary action has been taken.

The video quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing millions of views and thousands of comments. Reactions were divided: some viewers sympathized with the man’s frustration over customer service, while others criticized his behavior for taking place in uniform.

“I know Delta done clipped those wings,” one commenter wrote in reference to the airline possibly disciplining the flight attendant. Another added, “Sir, you were doing too much in uniform.”

Others agreed with parts of his criticism. “ATL does suck with their customer service,” one viewer wrote, while another noted, “He was right, though. He just made himself part of the problem with this display.”

Airport officials have not commented on whether law enforcement was involved or if airport security intervened during the confrontation.

The footage adds to a growing trend of passenger and airline staff altercations being captured on camera at major airports, often leading to social media debates about professionalism, workplace conduct, and airline accountability.

As of Wednesday, the identity of the Delta flight attendant and the Southwest gate agent has not been released publicly.

Colombia’s President Petro Tells Univision He Wants to ‘Get Rid of Trump’
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Colombia’s President Petro Tells Univision He Wants to ‘Get Rid of Trump’

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked international backlash over the weekend after suggesting in a Univision interview that he wanted to “get rid of” President Donald Trump, escalating a growing feud between Bogotá and Washington over Trump’s crackdown on narcotics trafficking, as reported by The New York Post.

Speaking with Univision’s Daniel Coronell, Petro responded to a question about his approach to negotiating with the United States by declaring, “Humanity has a first offramp, it is to choose to change Trump in various ways.”

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; President Donald Trump on the sideline before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

He then added, “The easiest way may be through Trump himself. If not — get rid of Trump,” before snapping his fingers for emphasis.

Petro later denied that his “immediate goal” was to change Trump, but the comments drew condemnation in both countries.

The South American leader also defended his country’s sovereignty, referencing Trump’s remarks that Colombia was “out of control.”

Petro replied, “Of course, it is out of his control. In a democracy, a government is under the control of the people, not Trump. He is not a king in Colombia; we do not accept kings here, period.”

“In the 21st century, some believe they can become kings and viceroys, but in republics, it is not possible,” Petro continued. “Here, the heads of kings are cut off if they come with a king’s attitude.”

The exchange follows a growing diplomatic standoff between the two countries that began after a U.S. military strike on September 15 targeted an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. President Trump said the operation “killed confirmed narcoterrorists from Venezuela” in international waters.

Petro disputed that claim, asserting the vessel was Colombian and used for fishing, not narcotics trafficking.

“U.S. government officials have committed a murder and violated our sovereignty in territorial waters,” he wrote on X. “The Colombian boat was adrift and had its distress signal up due to an engine failure. We await explanations from the U.S. government.”

According to a CNN report, another U.S. strike in the Caribbean killed several Colombian nationals, citing unnamed Pentagon sources.

Trump on Sunday fired back at Petro, calling him “a very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America” and “an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs.”

He also announced cuts to U.S. foreign aid and threatened to raise tariffs on Colombia, which currently pays a 10% baseline rate.

U.S. records show that more than $207 million in aid has been sent to Colombia this year. Trump has authorized at least seven strikes against suspected drug boats in the region, operations that have drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, including Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

Petro’s statements also drew concern from Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), who sits on the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees.

“In an interview with [Univision Noticias], Colombia’s narcoterrorist-in-chief, Gustavo Petro, has just threatened to ‘overthrow’ President Trump,” Gimenez posted on X. “Petro threats must be taken seriously; he is a genuine threat to the safety & security of our hemisphere.”

The White House has not yet commented on Petro’s remarks.

U.S. Reopens Puerto Rico Base, Deploys Bombers and Drones Near Venezuela
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U.S. Reopens Puerto Rico Base, Deploys Bombers and Drones Near Venezuela

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The United States has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean under U.S. Southern Command, deploying bombers, Marines, and naval forces in what defense officials describe as the largest regional buildup in decades, as reported by Fox News.

The campaign, directed by President Donald Trump and the War Department, aims to target drug-trafficking and “narco-terrorist” networks operating near Venezuela.

President Donald Trump delivered a special commencement address to University of Alabama graduates on May 1, 2025.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a new Joint Task Force this month, designed to coordinate counter-narcotics air, maritime, and special operations missions across the region.

“The purpose is to crush the cartels, stop the poison, and keep America safe,” Hegseth said in a statement.

In recent weeks, U.S. forces have carried out at least seven strikes on suspected narcotics vessels. The deployment includes thousands of American troops, with the Pentagon estimating roughly 10,000 personnel currently operating in the area.

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighters recently conducted a bomber demonstration near Venezuela’s coast.

For four hours on Wednesday, B-52 aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana patrolled the region, in a display of power directed at Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

At least seven U.S. Navy warships and one nuclear submarine are believed to be operating in the Caribbean.

The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, photographed off Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Friday, includes the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), USS San Antonio (LPD-17), and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Three U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers — USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), USS Gravely (DDG-107), and USS Stockdale (DDG-106) — have joined the deployment, alongside the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and the littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS-13), which has been seen operating near Cuba.

Open-source imagery also indicates that a U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarine is stationed near Venezuela, though the Pentagon has not confirmed details.

In Puerto Rico, ten F-35 fighters and three MQ-9 Reaper drones have been deployed, transforming the island into a key logistics hub. Satellite images show Naval Station Roosevelt Roads — closed since 2004 — has been reactivated for operations.

Photographs from José Aponte de la Torre Airport reveal an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship equipped with Hellfire missiles on the tarmac.

Special operations aviation activity has increased as well. MH-6 “Little Bird” helicopters and MH-60M Black Hawks were spotted training near Trinidad and Tobago earlier this month.

The Pentagon has not specified the duration of the buildup, but analysts estimate the U.S. posture is the most significant in the region since the early 2000s.

Officials have linked the deployment to counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism missions following multiple strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels.

Tensions rose after Colombia alleged that one U.S. strike mistakenly killed a fisherman rather than a trafficker — a claim the White House has denied.

Defense experts say the deployment represents a shift from traditional interdiction to a deterrence-based strategy. “This is a posture we haven’t seen in the Caribbean since the early 2000s,” one defense analyst said.

“It’s clearly meant to send a message — not just to traffickers, but to governments accused of enabling them.”

Mark Cancian, a senior defense adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Fox News Digital the mission appears aimed at maintaining strike readiness.

“What I think they’ve put in place is the capability to launch strikes at either the cartels or the Maduro regime,” Cancian said. “If I had to bet, it’s probably against the cartels — but I wouldn’t rule out something against the regime.”

Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, added that the posture gives Washington the flexibility to conduct precision strikes “without risking the lives of U.S. service personnel.”

Secretary Hegseth, JD Vance Lead 250th Marine Corps Anniversary Celebration
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Secretary Hegseth, JD Vance Lead 250th Marine Corps Anniversary Celebration

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The 250th anniversary celebration of the United States Marine Corps was held over the weekend at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, marking a historic milestone in American military history, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The event took place under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who have both emphasized restoring readiness, discipline, and pride to the armed forces.

General Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, opened the ceremony by declaring, “The next fight is coming. Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win.” His message reflected a renewed focus on strength and preparedness across all branches of the military.

In his address at Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, last month, President Trump spoke about what he described as a “reawakening of the warrior spirit” throughout the armed services.

“We’re a team,” he told senior military leaders. “And so my message to you is very simple: I am with you, I support you, and as president, I have your backs 100%.”

President Trump’s remarks outlined a shift away from policies implemented during the previous administration. “We’re bringing back a focus on fitness, ability, character, and strength,” he said.

WASHINGTON – February 22, 2025: President Donald Trump arrives at the White House South Lawn on Marine One after his visit to CPAC.

“The purpose of America’s military is not to protect anyone’s feelings. It’s to protect our republic.” He added that the Navy, Air Force, and Space Force have met or exceeded recruitment goals for the first time in several years, signaling what he called a turnaround in morale and commitment.

The President also criticized what he called the “apparatus of political correctness” that had replaced merit in military culture. “You can never be great if you’re going to do that,” he said.

“We will not be politically correct when it comes to defending American freedom. We will be a fighting and winning machine. We want to fight. We want to win. And we want to fight as little as possible.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered one of the event’s most direct addresses, telling Marines that their strength lies in unity rather than political slogans.

“I’m not supposed to say this, really not. But I think you guys might be my favorite,” Hegseth said. “The truth is, your diversity is not your strength. Never has been. Your strength is in your unity of purpose, in your shared mission, in your oath to the Constitution.”

He added, “It’s the bond that turns individuals into single-minded fighting units. You see, you are set apart. You’re not civilians. You’re devil dogs, leathernecks, United States Marines.”

Hegseth closed by reminding the Corps of its defining purpose: “You are set apart for a distinct purpose — to kill bad guys, break things, and close with and destroy the enemy for a livin’.”

Vice President J.D. Vance also addressed the crowd, greeting Marines with, “God bless you, Marines,” and adding, “From one Marine to another, thank you for your service.”

He praised the ceremony’s display, saying, “I’ve also got to give a special shout out to the incredible display that we saw earlier today. It made my heart sing.”

The anniversary celebration coincides with renewed public appreciation for the nation’s armed forces as President Trump and his administration continue efforts to restore what they call the “warrior culture” of America’s military ahead of the country’s 250th Independence Day in 2026.

Hamas Breaks Ceasefire Again, Israel Hits Back Hard in Gaza
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Hamas Breaks Ceasefire Again, Israel Hits Back Hard in Gaza

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The Israeli military carried out strikes in the Gaza Strip on Sunday after accusing Hamas of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement, an Israeli official told Fox News.

An Israeli military official confirmed the strikes to Fox News on Sunday and pointed to attacks by Hamas that began on Friday.

The official said the attacks on Israeli forces occurred beyond the line behind which Israel had withdrawn under the terms of the agreement.

“The terror organization Hamas carried out multiple attacks against Israeli forces beyond the yellow line. The attacks included an RPG shot at a military force, and a sniper fire against a military force,” the official told Fox News in a statement.

“Both of the incidents happened in an Israeli-controlled area, east to the yellow line. This is a bold violation of the ceasefire,” the official added.

Israeli forces responded by striking targets in both the northern and southern sectors of the Gaza Strip, military and local sources reported.

Officials did not provide a full list of the sites hit or detail the extent of damage and casualties in the immediate aftermath.

The reported attacks on Israeli troops followed days of internal fighting in Gaza between Hamas and rival Palestinian armed groups after the ceasefire took effect.

Reuters reported that Hamas executed at least 33 people in recent days in what officials described as a campaign to “show strength” following the halt in broader hostilities.

Israeli sources said most of those killed were members of families accused of collaborating with Israel or of supporting rival militias.

The U.S. Department of State issued a warning on Saturday that Hamas might break the peace agreement with a planned attack on Palestinian civilians.

“This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts,” the department said in a statement on social media.

“The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms.”

“The United States and the other guarantors remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians, maintaining calm on the ground and advancing peace and prosperity for the people of Gaza and the region as a whole,” the statement continued.

President Donald Trump also issued a public warning on Friday aimed at Hamas.

Writing on Truth Social, he said: “If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them.”

Israeli military statements and the U.S. warning reflect concern among guarantors of the ceasefire that isolated incidents could escalate into wider violence.

The ceasefire terms included specific withdrawal lines intended to separate Israeli forces from designated Gazan areas; Israeli officials maintain the actions they cited crossed those boundaries.

Local Gaza health authorities and media outlets reported strikes in populated areas, but casualty counts were not immediately verifiable.

Access constraints in Gaza and restrictions on independent observers complicate efforts to confirm battlefield developments and the identities of those killed or wounded.

Hamas officials did not immediately issue a public response to the Israeli military’s account or to the U.S. Department of State’s warning.

Rival Palestinian groups engaged in clashes with Hamas since the ceasefire began, according to multiple local reports, increasing tensions within Gaza even as outside mediators sought to stabilize the situation.

International mediators brokered the ceasefire with the stated aim of halting large-scale hostilities and reducing harm to civilians on both sides.

The guarantors named by the State Department have urged all parties to adhere to the terms and to pursue steps that would prevent further civilian suffering.

Megyn Kelly Blasts Michelle Obama for Whining, ‘Proving’ Why Affirmative Action Fails
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Megyn Kelly Blasts Michelle Obama for Whining, ‘Proving’ Why Affirmative Action Fails

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s recent podcast comments have reignited debate over affirmative action after she admitted her SAT scores were too low to qualify for Princeton without racial consideration, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Her remarks drew immediate reaction from conservative commentators, including journalist Megyn Kelly and historian Victor Davis Hanson, who said Obama’s comments unintentionally made the argument against the very policy she defends.

During an episode of her podcast, Obama said, “All my scores said I did not belong in Princeton… and people saw my skin color and they said ‘you are aiming too high.’”

The statement quickly circulated on social media, with many suggesting she had confirmed that her admission was based more on race than merit.

Kelly responded by saying, “She got into Princeton and got a lifetime of advantages that she’s still living high on the hog from, but she’s still bitter.”

Hanson agreed, arguing that Obama’s own experience undermines the fairness of affirmative action, which he and other critics describe as discriminatory.

The controversy follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 2023 ruling that ended race-based admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.

In a 6-2 decision against Harvard and 6-3 against UNC, the Court found that race-conscious admissions policies violated the Equal Protection Clause. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recused herself from the Harvard case due to her prior role on the university’s board of overseers.

After the Court’s ruling, Michelle Obama released a lengthy statement expressing disappointment, saying she was “one of the few Black students” at her college and often wondered whether people assumed she had been admitted because of affirmative action.

Michelle Obama speaks at the When We All Vote rally at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami, Florida on Sept. 28, 2018.

“It was a shadow that students like me couldn’t shake, whether those doubts came from the outside or inside our own minds,” she wrote.

She added, “So often, we just accept that money, power, and privilege are perfectly justifiable forms of affirmative action, while kids growing up like I did are expected to compete when the ground is anything but level.”

Obama concluded her message by expressing sadness for “any young person out there who’s wondering what their future holds” after the Supreme Court’s decision.

Her statements and podcast comments have drawn scrutiny not just for their timing, but for what critics see as the contradiction between her complaints of discrimination and her own success.

Kelly and Hanson said her comments reflect the ongoing confusion among Democrats about how affirmative action actually affects fairness and merit in education.

Trump’s FBI Director Kash Patel Announces Terrorism Charges Against Antifa Extremists
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Trump’s FBI Director Kash Patel Announces Terrorism Charges Against Antifa Extremists

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A federal grand jury has indicted two individuals with alleged ties to Antifa-linked extremist groups on terrorism and attempted murder charges in connection with a coordinated attack on a federal immigration facility in Texas on July 4.

The indictments, handed down Wednesday and unsealed Thursday, name Cameron Arnold and Zachary Evetts as defendants.

Both are charged with providing material support for terrorism, attempting to murder federal officers, assisting in attempted murders, and discharging firearms during those attacks.

“This was a planned and coordinated terrorist attack on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, where armed extremists tried to murder U.S. officers on July 4th,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement announcing the charges.

“For the first time ever, the FBI has arrested anarchist violent extremists and charged these Antifa-aligned individuals with material support to terrorism. We are executing under President Trump’s new authorities at record speed. To date, the FBI has made over 20 arrests tied to this case and related Antifa networks. No one gets to harm law enforcement. Not on our watch.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the indictments followed an extensive joint investigation by federal and local authorities into what officials described as a coordinated ambush on law enforcement officers assigned to the facility.

Bondi noted that additional charges are expected against other individuals connected to the incident.

“President Trump designated this decentralized, far-left extremist network as a domestic terrorist organization earlier this year,” Bondi said.

“We intend to pursue every lead and ensure that all individuals involved in this attack are held accountable.”

According to court filings, the attack began late on the night of July 4 when officers from the Alvarado Police Department responded to reports of a suspicious person armed with a firearm near the Prairieland Detention Center in Johnson County.

As officers approached, they came under gunfire from multiple shooters who had taken positions near the perimeter of the facility.

One officer was struck in the neck and airlifted to a hospital in Fort Worth.

He was later released after treatment. Police detained several suspects at the scene and recovered firearms and other materials believed to have been used in the attack.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy Larson said the suspects appeared to have coordinated their actions in an effort to lure officers and federal agents into an ambush.

“We’re here to tell you that late at night on July 4th, Friday night at approximately 10:37 p.m. at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, 10 to 12 individuals dressed in black military-style clothing began shooting fireworks and engaging in acts of vandalism at the facility,” Larson said at the time.

Investigators said the attackers had disabled security cameras and set off distractions outside the building before opening fire. Each of the 10 individuals arrested that night — including Arnold and Evetts — were charged with three counts of discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

Three suspects also face three counts of attempted murder of a federal agent.

During searches of properties connected to the suspects, authorities recovered tactical gear, masks, gloves, two-way radios, and additional items used in the planning and execution of the attack.

Benjamin Song, identified by investigators as a former member of local Antifa groups and the Elm Fork Branch of the John Brown Gun Club, was later apprehended after an 11-day manhunt.

Another suspect, Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada, 38, a former recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, was charged separately with tampering with evidence related to the case.

Officials said the investigation into the broader network supporting the July 4 attack remains ongoing.

The FBI confirmed that several of those arrested have alleged connections to anarchist groups in Texas and surrounding states.

Arnold and Evetts are being held without bond pending trial in the Northern District of Texas. If convicted, they face multiple life sentences.

Hakeem Jeffries Launches Personal Attack on Karoline Leavitt, Calls Her ‘Sick’ and ‘Demented’
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Hakeem Jeffries Launches Personal Attack on Karoline Leavitt, Calls Her ‘Sick’ and ‘Demented’

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., launched a series of personal attacks against White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday, calling her “sick,” “out of control,” and “demented” during a heated press conference in Washington, as reported by Fox News.

The remarks came on day 17 of the ongoing federal government shutdown as Jeffries accused the Trump administration and Republican leaders of using inflammatory rhetoric against Democrats.

“You’ve got Karoline Leavitt, who’s sick. She’s out of control. And I’m not sure whether she’s just demented, ignorant, a stone-cold liar, or all of the above,” Jeffries told reporters.

“But the notion that an official White House spokesperson would say that the Democratic Party consists of terrorists, violent criminals, and undocumented immigrants makes no sense, that this is what the American people are getting from the Trump administration in the middle of a shutdown.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment following Jeffries’ remarks.

The exchange occurred as Jeffries fielded questions about a recent controversy involving a swastika that was reportedly found embedded in a small American flag pinned to a cork board inside the office of Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio.

The image was first reported by a local Ohio social media user who goes by “The Rooster” on X.

Taylor denied any involvement by his staff, saying the flag had been placed in his office without their knowledge. “New details have emerged from a coordinated investigation into the vile symbol that appeared in my office,” Taylor said in a statement to Fox News.

“Numerous Republican offices have confirmed that they were targeted by an unidentified group or individual who distributed American flags bearing a similar symbol, which were initially indistinguishable from an ordinary American flag to the naked eye.”

Taylor added, “After a full-scale internal investigation, I am confident that no employee of this office would knowingly display such a despicable image, and the flag in question was taken down immediately upon the discovery of the obscured symbol it bore.”

It remains unclear why Jeffries invoked Leavitt specifically in his comments, as neither she nor the White House had made public statements directly connected to the incident involving Taylor’s office.

Aug 21, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

The dispute unfolded as tensions between Democrats and Republicans continue to escalate over the government funding impasse. Senate Democrats blocked a GOP-backed federal funding proposal for the fourth time on Thursday before leaving Washington for the weekend.

Republicans had proposed a seven-week continuing resolution to extend fiscal year 2025 funding levels while negotiations continued for a longer-term fiscal year 2026 agreement.

Democrats have resisted the measure, demanding additional healthcare provisions, including an extension of pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of 2025.

The standoff is expected to continue into its fourth week as both parties remain divided over spending priorities.

‘Bernie Sanders and AOC Said the Quiet Parts Out Loud’: Mike Johnson
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‘Bernie Sanders and AOC Said the Quiet Parts Out Loud’: Mike Johnson

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) criticized congressional Democrats on Thursday, marking Day 16 of the ongoing government shutdown, and accused top Democrat leaders of prioritizing political theater over public service.

Speaking alongside House Republican leaders during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, Johnson singled out Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), claiming they have been “saying the quiet parts out loud” and “bragging” about their party’s resistance to compromise.

Johnson said House Republicans are focused on mitigating the effects of the shutdown for working Americans while Democrats have chosen to “toast themselves” and perform for the cameras.

“Everywhere across America right now, we’re helping small business owners and farmers and ranchers and service coordinators navigate frozen loans and delayed emergency funds amid growing uncertainty about how to keep serving their communities,” Johnson said.

“All across the country, Republicans are dealing with the very real and painful consequences facing real Americans. Now that’s happening on the Republican side and what’s happening on the Democrat side, you can see it for yourself. Compare what I just told you with what they’re doing. Look at their own behavior. Look at their actions. Don’t listen to the words that people are saying. Look at what they’re doing.”

Johnson cited examples of what he described as partisan displays from Democrats over the last several days.

“Chuck Schumer and Democrats over the last 10 days, here’s a small sample of their activity, okay?” Johnson continued.

“We’ve seen performative stunts and TikToks and photo shoots across every inch of this Capitol. We’ve seen Democrats actually toast themselves on the balcony of the DCCC last night while their colleagues voted in the Senate to keep the government closed for the 10th time. We’ve seen not one, but two failed publicity stunts right outside my own office, the latest of which ended in a congresswoman storming the entrance and berating a Capitol police officer, who, by the way, is protecting her without pay.”

The Speaker also addressed comments made during a CNN town hall the previous evening featuring Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez.

The two lawmakers blamed Republicans for the shutdown and rejected proposals from the GOP to temporarily extend federal healthcare subsidies in exchange for reopening the government.

“At some point, Democrats have to take ‘yes’ for an answer,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said in a statement to MSNBC, confirming the offer had been presented as part of the negotiations.

Ocasio-Cortez dismissed the idea during the CNN broadcast, saying, “I don’t accept IOUs. I don’t accept pinky promises. That’s not the business that I’m in.”

When asked whether a pledge from President Donald Trump would satisfy Democrats, Sanders replied sarcastically, “Oh yeah, no doubt, because the president is a very honest man.”

Johnson pointed to the town hall as evidence of what he called Democrats’ unwillingness to compromise. “Last night… many of you saw it. CNN hosted the first socialist town hall, where Bernie Sanders and AOC said the quiet parts out loud,” he said.

“They don’t know what they want to end the shutdown. They couldn’t provide a single viable solution for the mess that they themselves have gleefully created.”

“And by the way, those are the real leaders of the Democrat Party,” Johnson added.

“We all know it. AOC and Bernie. Good luck with that.”

He also addressed comments from Schumer made to Punchbowl News last week, where the Senate Democrat leader said, “Every day gets better for us.”

Schumer told the outlet that his party had anticipated the standoff for months, saying, “It’s because we’ve thought about this long in advance, and we knew that health care would be the focal point on Sept. 30, and we prepared for it… Their whole theory was — threaten us, bamboozle us, and we would submit in a day or two.”

Johnson called Schumer’s attitude unacceptable given the toll the shutdown is taking on families and workers nationwide.

“And amid all that, Chuck Schumer is actually bragging that every day gets better for his party. As you know, those are his words, not ours,” Johnson said.

“All this would be laughable if it didn’t come at the cost of American families. And it really is deadly serious. If it were up to Republicans alone, we would not be in this mess.”

The government shutdown began after negotiations over spending and healthcare funding broke down in late September. No agreement has yet been reached to reopen federal agencies or restore full services.


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