Author name: Peter Zambelli

Eric Swalwell Sues Trump Admin After Criminal Referrals for Mortgage Fraud Hit
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Eric Swalwell Sues Trump Admin After Criminal Referrals for Mortgage Fraud Hit

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Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California filed a federal civil lawsuit against Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, alleging that Pulte violated privacy protections while seeking criminal referrals against political figures.

Swalwell, who is running for governor of California, submitted the 19-page complaint in federal court and accused Pulte of misusing confidential financial information.

According to the lawsuit, Pulte referred Swalwell to the Department of Justice for alleged mortgage and tax fraud after obtaining records tied to federally backed housing programs.

The filing said the information involved mortgage data from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

“Pulte’s brazen practice of obtaining confidential mortgage records from Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac and then using them as a basis for referring individual homeowners to DOJ for prosecution is unprecedented and unlawful,” the lawsuit stated.

Swalwell addressed the filing on social media.

“Today I have filed a civil lawsuit against FHA director Bill Pulte for violating the Privacy Act and First Amendment,” he wrote.

He added that “Director Pulte has combed through private records of political opponents. To silence them. There’s a reason the First Amendment — the freedom of speech — comes before all others.”

The lawsuit said the referral against Swalwell was sent at the same time he was preparing to announce his gubernatorial campaign.

Swalwell claimed the referral came “at a critical juncture in his career: the very moment when he had planned to announce his campaign for Governor of California.”

Pulte has played a role in several high-profile criminal referral efforts.

He was involved in the referrals brought against New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Those charges were dismissed by a federal judge on Monday, though officials in the Trump administration said they would appeal the ruling.

The filing noted that Pulte also supported criminal referrals targeting Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook.

Swalwell’s lawsuit pointed to these actions as part of what he described as an effort by Pulte to pursue charges against individuals who opposed the administration.

The congressman said the practice involved accessing and reviewing loan information that would normally remain protected under federal privacy laws.

CBS News reported that the Federal Housing Finance Agency did not respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit or the allegations involving mortgage data.

In addition to his formal court filing and social media remarks, Swalwell included a quote from author George Orwell, writing, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”

The quotation appeared at the end of his public statement and was included in coverage of the lawsuit.

The filing marks the latest legal dispute involving public officials in California ahead of the state’s gubernatorial race.

Swalwell’s complaint will move forward in federal court, where the parties are expected to address the questions raised about mortgage data, the Privacy Act, and the circumstances surrounding the Justice Department referral.

Seven Steps That Could Blow Open the FBI’s January 6 Pipe Bomb Investigation: Mike Benz
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Seven Steps That Could Blow Open the FBI’s January 6 Pipe Bomb Investigation: Mike Benz

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In a discussion on “The Benny Show,” Mike Benz detailed a series of actions he said the FBI could take to increase transparency in the January 6 pipe bomb investigation.

Benz presented seven steps he described as straightforward measures that would give the public clearer insight into the status of the case.

He outlined the list after Benny Johnson commented on the broader stakes surrounding federal accountability.

Benny Johnson said, “This is why Trump was elected, and they better start getting they better become the smashing machine and do it quickly, because otherwise they’ll lose it.”

Benz told Johnson he wanted to use the opportunity to share specific requests.

“Yeah, well, I still have you since, since you focused a little bit more on the FBI than I have in this. I do. I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity. I sent you in the chat just as my sort of final sign off. Farewell. Here’s one thing the FBI could do immediately,” Benz said.

He added, “All of this is easy to do, but easy to not do if nobody’s pushing you. And I hope to use your platform to if the FBI is listening. Here’s how you can show okay, you can’t find the guy, show us what you’re looking at. Or girl, so that we so here.”

Benz listed the first step as releasing the full set of raw video files the FBI has referenced publicly.

“So step one, upload all 39,000 raw video files the FBI told CBS or ABC it said in January 2022 it said it had 39,000 raw video files of the pipe bomber from different angles, so we can run a huge sweeping range of composite analyzes.”

The second step involved interviews already conducted.

“Number two, upload redacted versions of all 400 plus interviews the FBI told the media it had conducted so we can get a comprehensive view of all the evidence collected.”

His third step focused on internal federal assessments.

“Step three, upload redacted versions of every FBI and DOJ internal deliberative memo and internal forensic assessment analyzing the evidence compiled so we can see both the leading and alternative theories of the case as the FBI presently sees it. Help us get you past the blocking points.”

For step four, Benz said internal communications should be made available.

“Step four, upload redacted versions of every internal and DOJ email and text message related to the case from January 2021, to present. So we can see how the case theory evolved over time and how it may have been sabotage from within, where I know that Kyle Seraphim has mentioned that there were these early leads and there was a license plate and a metro station. Let’s see it.”

His fifth step focused on personnel.

“Step five, internally, run a detailed personnel search on the main FBI agents and DOJ officials who were in charge of the pipe bomb investigation during the Biden admin read every communication trace they left and tell us what you found. Who was it? Who was in charge of the who was the FBI guy in charge of the pipe bomb investigation? Who was the DOJ guy? What were their internal communications?”

Benz then moved to the surveillance footage.

“Step six, trace the physical chain of custody for the cameras overlooking the DNC site to see at what link in the chain of custody the footage appears to have been tampered with or degraded. I don’t believe that the DNC headquarters, which was broken into in the 1970s culminating in Watergate, had a one frame per second video surveillance camera 30 times worse than your average 711 I don’t believe that. I think it went into video processing and the footage was degraded. They blurred the eyes, and they dropped the frame rate to one FPS. And I want to know who did that. Was it? The FBI? Was the third party contractor.”

His seventh step concerned cell phone data.

“Number seven, Sell. Sell. Carriers informed Congress last year that they possess intact phone usage data from the area where the two pipe bombs were planted at the Capitol January 6, contradicting the Biden FBI claims that the corrupted data prevented identification of the suspect who was both making phone calls and text messages on his cell phone while he was planting the devices. Yes, request that phone data, they told Congress under the Biden admin that actually it wasn’t corrupted when they sent it to the FBI. So get the uncorrupted phone data and give us a detailed update on all the investigative links you are pursuing about that phone data, so that we know where you’re stuck and how we can focus on you.”

Benz said following these steps would shift public perception of the investigation.

“Do those seven steps, and you just bought two three months of us to instead of blaming the FBI for holding this up and keeping us in the dark, we are now level set with the FBI. We are an extension of the FBI, the same way Bellingcat and capital hunters and all those crap groups were for the January 6 investigation, the SPLC was just attached to the FBI as a long arm extension. Let us be your long arm extension to help with this.”

He said the steps would allow the public to work with real material.

“And that gives us something to do with real evidence and real facts to add to our public body of record, while you’re continuing to run the traps internally. This is one of these things where you do that, you’ll buy several months of extremely goodwill and and instead of blanketing this, we’re over four years past it. You can’t hide behind ongoing criminal investigation anymore. At this point, it doesn’t matter if the pipe bomber sees what evidence we have against him. This has been four years. Help us. Help you.”

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Organized Anti-ICE Activists Eff Around in Florida, Find Out Real Quick, Dozens Arrested
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Organized Anti-ICE Activists Eff Around in Florida, Find Out Real Quick, Dozens Arrested

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Dozens of protesters were arrested Saturday after blocking the entrance to the Krome Detention Center in Miami-Dade County during a demonstration organized by the Sunrise Movement.

The protest took place near the Alligator Alcatraz site in Florida and targeted the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Protesters associated with the Sunrise Movement blocked the facility’s gate while holding a banner reading “abolish ICE” and wearing shirts that said “ICE kidnapped my neighbor.”

The group said online that 30 young people were arrested during the demonstration.

“ICE is a criminal organization that is terrifying everyday people on behalf of fascist billionaires. They have no right to kidnap our neighbors, and it’s time for each of us to stand up to their intimidation tactics. Let’s shut it down,” the Sunrise Movement said in a social media post.

The organization called for all ICE facilities to be shut down, for the government to “bring our neighbors home,” and for the agency to be abolished.

A video posted by the group showed one woman being handcuffed.

She told the camera she was being arrested for “peacefully protesting the horrible treatment of human beings by ICE agents,” before an officer responded, “It’s called obstruction. Obstruction of justice.”

NBC 6 South Florida reported that Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded after protesters blocked the main gate and declined repeated requests to move.

According to officials, the group ignored multiple orders to disperse and was arrested for trespassing.

The sheriff’s office said it supports peaceful expression but emphasized that protests cannot interfere with safety or block access to critical facilities.

The protest follows other anti-ICE demonstrations taking place across the country as the Trump administration continues deportation operations.

The administration has focused primarily on the arrests of criminal illegal immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security has highlighted arrests involving individuals convicted of crimes including murder, rape, drug trafficking, and child sex offenses.

“Every day, the brave men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to remove the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from American streets. Just yesterday, ICE arrested murderers, pedophiles, rapists, and drug traffickers,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement last week.

“Secretary Noem is delivering on the President’s mandate from the American people to remove criminal illegal aliens—many let in by the previous administration—from our country.”

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said those arrested during Saturday’s demonstration were taken into custody without further incident.

Authorities said access to the Krome facility was restored after the protesters were removed from the entrance.

Trump Blasts Chicago’s ‘Low IQ’ Mayor as Teens Riot and Cops Are Attacked
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Trump Blasts Chicago’s ‘Low IQ’ Mayor as Teens Riot and Cops Are Attacked

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President Donald Trump said Saturday that residents in Chicago have been calling to “bring in Trump” following a series of violent incidents in the city’s downtown area Friday night.

The statement came after a disturbance involving hundreds of youths resulted in multiple shootings and injuries to police officers.

A riot broke out in the Chicago Loop near State and Randolph streets shortly before 10 p.m. Friday, according to FOX 32 Chicago.

The activity followed the city’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony earlier in the evening.

Chicago’s 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins said approximately 300 juveniles were involved, and several officers were attacked with mace and stun guns.

Hopkins confirmed that at least one officer was hospitalized with injuries.

Authorities reported that at least eight minors were shot during the unrest.

The victims included a 13-year-old, two 14-year-olds, a 15-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 17-year-old.

Less than an hour after the initial reports, a 14-year-old boy was shot in a separate incident and later died at a hospital.

An 18-year-old man was also injured.

In a Saturday post on Truth Social, President Trump wrote, “Massive crime and rioting in the Chicago Loop area. Multiple Police Officers attacked and badly injured. 300 people rioting, 6 victims shot, one critical and one DEAD.” He added, “In the meantime, Governor Pritzker and the Low IQ Mayor of Chicago are refusing Federal Government help for a situation that could be quickly remedied. The people are chanting, BRING IN TRUMP!!!”

The Friday violence occurred days after another high-profile incident on the city’s transit system.

A woman was set on fire aboard a Chicago train in what officials described as a severe attack.

Lawrence Reed, 50, was arrested and charged with committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system. Authorities said he had “no business being on the streets.”

Records show Reed has been arrested dozens of times since 2017.

His prior charges include felony aggravated arson and multiple counts of battery.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the train attack an “isolated incident.”

City officials and law enforcement continue to investigate the Friday night riot as police review surveillance footage and witness accounts.

The series of incidents adds to ongoing concerns about juvenile-involved crime and public safety in the city’s downtown area.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Quits Congress, Republican House Majority Shrinks
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Marjorie Taylor Greene Quits Congress, Republican House Majority Shrinks

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Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia’s 14th District announced Friday night that she will leave Congress, citing frustration with the national debt, the recent government shutdown, and what she described as a sidelined legislative branch.

In a letter released publicly Friday evening, Greene said, “I ran for Congress in 2020 and have fought every single day believing that Make America Great Again meant America First. I have one of the most conservative voting records in Congress defending the 1st amendment, 2nd amendment, unborn babies because I believe God creates life at conception, strong safe borders, I’ve fought against Covid tyrannical insanity and mandated mass vaccinations, and I’ve never voted to fund foreign wars.”

Greene wrote that the House majority has not operated as she expected.

“However with almost one year into our majority, the legislature has been mostly sidelined,” she said.

“We endured an 8 week shut down wrongly resulting in the House not working for the entire time, and we are entering campaign season which means all courage leaves and only safe campaign re-election mode is turned on.”

In recent weeks, Greene has focused heavily on the shutdown and Affordable Care Act subsidies.

She has criticized Republican leadership for how the shutdown unfolded and for keeping the House out of session for two months.

Her public disputes have also extended to President Donald Trump.

Trump referred to her as “Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Greene,” and reports indicate her disagreements with her party intensified after Republican officials urged her not to pursue a statewide race for senator or governor.

According to multiple accounts, GOP leaders worry about her polling numbers as Republicans look ahead to contests in Georgia, including the 2026 race for Sen. Jon Ossoff’s seat.

According to insiders, the president shared polling with Greene indicating she could not win a statewide campaign.

The exchanges contributed to rising tension between Greene and Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana’s 4th District.

In her letter, Greene accused “Establishment Republicans” of working against her and said Trump was involved in organizing a primary challenge.

“I have too much self-respect and dignity, love my family way too much, and do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for, only to fight and win my election while Republicans will likely lose the midterms,” Greene wrote.

“And in turn, be expected to defend the President against impeachment after he hatefully dumped tens of millions of dollars against me and tried to destroy me. It’s all so absurd and completely unserious. I refuse to be a ‘battered wife’ hoping it all goes away and gets better.”

Greene also wrote that her situation reflects broader concerns among voters.

“If I am cast aside by MAGA Inc. and replaced by Neocons, Big Pharma, Big Tech, Military Industrial War Complex, foreign leaders, and the elite donor class that can’t even relate to real Americans, then many common Americans have been cast aside and replaced as well,” she said.

“There is no ‘plan to save the world’ or insane 4D chess game being played.”

Greene stated that her last day in Congress will be January 5, 2026.

With her departure, the House Republican majority will move to 218 seats.

DOJ Sues Gavin Newsom for Granting Tuition Benefits to Illegal Immigrants
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DOJ Sues Gavin Newsom for Granting Tuition Benefits to Illegal Immigrants

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The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Thursday against California Gov. Gavin Newsom over a state policy that allows illegal immigrants to receive in-state college tuition benefits, marking the third federal action taken against the governor in the span of a week, as reported by Fox News.

The complaint, filed in the Eastern District of California, challenges provisions of the state’s education code that the DOJ says unlawfully grant benefits to individuals living in the country illegally while placing out-of-state U.S. citizens at a financial disadvantage.

Justice Department attorneys argued in the filing that California’s policy results in “unequal treatment” and is “squarely” at odds with federal law.

Pam Bondi, a former Attorney General of Florida, appearing at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on Feb 23, 2024.

Federal statute prohibits states from providing residency-based tuition benefits to individuals living in the United States unlawfully unless the same benefits are made available to U.S. citizens, regardless of where they live.

The department’s lawsuit asserts that California is violating that requirement by making in-state tuition available to undocumented students while out-of-state citizens are required to pay higher rates.

The federal action against California is part of a broader effort by the Justice Department, which has brought similar lawsuits in other states.

Minnesota is currently fighting one such lawsuit, though that case was delayed for weeks during the recent government shutdown.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat, has moved to dismiss the DOJ complaint, arguing the department’s interpretation of federal law is incorrect and that U.S. citizens do have equal access to the benefits offered to undocumented students.

Newsom faced two other federal lawsuits this week. One challenge was filed over a newly passed California ballot measure that allows the state legislature to adopt a congressional map shifting five districts toward Democratic control.

Earlier this week, the DOJ sued over legislation California enacted in September that prohibits immigration officials from wearing masks that hide their identities.

A spokesperson for Newsom criticized the series of lawsuits, characterizing them as politically driven.

Sacramento, California / USA – May 31, 2020: California State Governor Gavin Newsom holds his head in though before a meeting.

“The DOJ has now filed three meritless, politically motivated lawsuits against California in a single week. Good luck, Trump. We’ll see you in court,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

A DOJ official defended the actions taken against the nation’s most populous state, telling Fox News Digital that the department is acting within its authority.

“From racial gerrymandering, to undermining law enforcement, to discriminating against American students, Newsom has flagrantly disregarded federal law in his quest to ruin California,” the official said.

“We will see him in court as many times as necessary.”

The federal government has not yet indicated when hearings will begin on the tuition-benefit lawsuit, and California has not formally filed its response in court.

Teachers Union Big Cheese Says Opposing DEI Puts Nation ‘On the Road to Fascism’
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Teachers Union Big Cheese Says Opposing DEI Puts Nation ‘On the Road to Fascism’

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American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said Wednesday that efforts to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies threaten civil rights progress and amount to what she described as a path toward fascism.

Weingarten made the remarks during an appearance in New York on “State of New York” at 92NY while discussing her new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers.

Weingarten referenced President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI programs in the federal government.

Trump has described such programs as creating “an unlawful, corrosive, and pernicious identity-based spoils system.”

During the event, Weingarten said opponents of DEI initiatives were attempting to erase long-standing civil rights advancements.

“In the last two or three years, the behavior of some is very, very, very dangerous,” Weingarten said.

She continued, “The erasure of the civil rights movement and of equal opportunity… making [the] words diversity and inclusion toxic when there was just a civil rights survey that said, 88% of people in America believe in diversity, the attempt to Balkanize, to undermine pluralism and the attempt to stop teachers from in schools all across America, not just pre-K through 12, but in higher education from teaching, critical thinking and problem solving. To me, all of that is gets you on the road to fascism.”

Weingarten also described what she characterized as “dehumanization,” pointing to a prior exchange with Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia during a congressional hearing.

Weingarten noted that Greene apologized for earlier comments she had made.

In a separate interview in November 2023 with Julia Manchester of The Hill, Weingarten said that criticism of her leadership stemmed from homophobia and antisemitism.

The remarks come as nationwide student achievement remains below pre-pandemic levels.

According to 2024 data from the Nation’s Report Card, student test scores have not recovered from the declines that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Math and reading scores posted the steepest drop in 50 years, based on 2023 figures from the National Center for Education Statistics.

During the period in which scores fell, national teachers unions publicly supported left-leaning policy issues, including critical race theory, gun control measures and gender-related instruction in school curricula.

These efforts drew sustained objections from parents in multiple states. Weingarten also reportedly opposed President Donald Trump’s July 2020 proposal to reopen schools during the pandemic.

Weingarten’s comments at the New York event continued her criticism of those seeking to reverse DEI efforts and restrict certain instructional topics.

The interview promoted themes from her book and addressed ongoing debates surrounding civil rights, education policy and the role of classroom instruction in public schools.

Jobs Report Crushes Expectations, But It’s Even Better When You Dig Deeper
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Jobs Report Crushes Expectations, But It’s Even Better When You Dig Deeper

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The latest jobs report showed payroll growth alongside an unemployment rate of 4.4%, the highest in four years.

The rise in unemployment included an increase in Black unemployment.

The data also reflected a shift in the composition of the workforce between native-born and foreign-born workers.

According to the report, the number of native-born workers increased by 676,000 in September, following a decline of 561,000 in August.

During the same period, the number of foreign-born workers decreased by 70,000.

Month-to-month changes are affected by seasonal patterns, but the broader trend described in the employment data shows movement in workforce composition since the start of 2025.

A longer-term review of labor force figures shows that the foreign-born workforce declined from 33.7 million in March 2025 to 32.1 million in September, a decrease of 1.6 million.

During that same timeframe, the native-born workforce rose from 131.2 million to 133.2 million, marking an increase of two million and reaching a new recorded high.

Before the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the foreign-born workforce was approximately 28.7 million.

Under the previous administration, that number increased by 4.5 million.

Over those same years, the number of native-born workers decreased.

Analysts at the time attributed the decline to demographic changes and labor participation trends.

The employment report’s data reflects workforce changes that have taken place since early 2025, when the number of native-born workers began rising again following several years of little movement.

The figures also reflect the decrease in foreign-born workers during the same period.

Florida Dem Rep Plays the Race Card After Her FEMA Cash Fraud Indictment
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Florida Dem Rep Plays the Race Card After Her FEMA Cash Fraud Indictment

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Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida’s 20th Congressional District has been charged by the Department of Justice in a federal indictment alleging she and her brother stole $5 million in FEMA money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors say the funds were routed through multiple accounts, laundered, and then used in part to support her 2021 congressional campaign.

According to the DOJ release, “Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, and her brother Edwin Cherfilus, 51, both of Miramar, worked through their family health-care company on a FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract in 2021.

In July 2021, the company received an overpayment of $5 million in FEMA funds.”

“The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to steal that $5 million and routed it through multiple accounts to disguise its source,” the DOJ stated.

“Prosecutors allege that a substantial portion of the misappropriated funds was used as candidate contributions to Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign and for the personal benefit of the defendants.”

The charges also name Nadege Leblanc of Miramar.

“The indictment further alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and Nadege Leblanc, 46, of Miramar, arranged additional contributions using straw donors, funneling other monies from the FEMA-funded Covid-19 contract to friends and relatives who then donated to the campaign as if using their own money,” the statement said.

Cherfilus-McCormick responded to questions about the indictment on Wednesday.

In her statement, she said, “Well, it’s an unjust indictment, and it seems like these intimidation tactics have been pervasive. We spent all week seeing different members getting censured, all in hopes of intimidating and kind of distracting from the Epstein files, and I look forward to my day in court so I can prove myself and actually state the truth.”

“But if this is what Congress is becoming, where they’re always trying to intimidate you, scare tactics, especially attacking minorities, black and brown people, then we’re going to have to keep fighting for the district, and everybody has been giving me so much support, and we are going to keep fighting until the district gets what it needs, which is fair prices, housing, and fair representation in Congress. Thank you so much.”

The federal indictment outlines the allegations involving the FEMA-funded contract, the routing of the overpayment across several accounts, and the use of funds for campaign contributions and personal benefit.

7 Eleven Fires Clerk Who Was Choked by Violent Suspect and Shot Him in Self-Defense
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7 Eleven Fires Clerk Who Was Choked by Violent Suspect and Shot Him in Self-Defense

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A 7-Eleven clerk in Oklahoma City shot a man who allegedly attacked her after attempting to use a counterfeit $100 bill late Thursday night, according to police and local news reports.

The incident occurred just before midnight when the man entered the store and tried to purchase burritos, beef sticks, and ice cream using the fake bill, KOKH-TV reported.

The clerk refused the transaction, telling him she was calling police, KWTV-DT reported.

Gary Knight of the Oklahoma City Police Department said the clerk also refused his demand that she return the counterfeit money.

Police said the suspect then became violent and moved behind the counter.

“He came around the counter, got behind the counter where she was, and grabbed her by the throat and began choking her violently,” Knight told KWTV.

The clerk, identified by KOKH as 25-year-old Stephanie Dilyard, said the suspect threatened her.

“He threatened me, said he was gonna slice my head off, and then that’s when I tried to call the police. I realized he started throwing things at me, came behind the counter. I tried to run off, but he grabbed his hands around my neck, and pushed me out of the counter space,” she told the station.

Police said that during the struggle, Dilyard pulled out a pistol and shot the suspect.

According to officers, the man was carrying a knife at the time.

The shooting was captured on surveillance video, KWTV reported. Authorities identified the suspect as 59-year-old Kenneth Thompson.

After being shot in the stomach, Thompson fled the store and called 911, KOKH reported.

“Reporting he had been shot,” Knight told KWTV, adding that Thompson did not initially offer details to officers when they located him.

Thompson was taken to a hospital and arrested there.

According to police, he faces charges that include assault and battery, threatening acts of violence, attempting to pass a fake bill, and a felony warrant for violating parole.

He will be booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center once released from medical care.

Dilyard sustained minor injuries in the attack, police said.

Investigators told KOKH that she acted within Oklahoma’s self-defense law. She was not arrested.

Despite that determination, Dilyard told KOKH she was fired by 7-Eleven on Monday for using her firearm.

“They said that they were going to separate from employment because of a violation of policy,” she said, noting she had worked the overnight shift alone for more than two years.

According to KWTV, a clerk told the station that store employees are not permitted to carry firearms at work.

KWTV said the company has not responded to questions about whether security would be provided following the attack.

Dilyard told KOKH that she believed she had no choice but to defend herself.

“This was a situation where I felt like I was put in a corner between choosing between my job and my life, and I’m always going to choose my life because there’s people that depend on me,” she said.

“Just, I’m going home, you know. That’s my goal. I need to be here for my kids.”

She said she hopes what happened will alert other clerks, especially women, to the risks they may face.

“If I’d known that, you know, there’s a potential where somebody could be for real in taking my life away that I will do whatever it takes … I hope that … women see that, and you know, they’ll do the same thing. You have the right to defend yourself,” she told the station.

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