Author name: RVM News

Teen Girls Fight Back and Thrash Knife-Armed Pervert After Attempted Rape in Woods [WATCH]
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Teen Girls Fight Back and Thrash Knife-Armed Pervert After Attempted Rape in Woods [WATCH]

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Two teenage girls fought back against a knife-wielding suspect during an alleged attack at Kettletown State Park in Southbury, Connecticut, on Monday, helping each other escape before authorities arrested the suspect, according to state officials and court testimony, as reported by The New York Post.

The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Darius Moreno, is accused of threatening the two girls with a knife and attempting to sexually assault them inside the park, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Conservation Police.

During Moreno’s arraignment on Tuesday, Waterbury State’s Attorney Maureen Platt described the allegations presented by prosecutors, the CTPost reported.

According to Platt, Moreno approached the girls while armed with a knife and told them he was “going to [expletive] them and rob them.”

Prosecutors alleged that Moreno attempted to drag the girls into a wooded area by pulling them by the hair.

Court testimony stated that he threw one of the girls to the ground and attempted to force her head into the dirt while also trying to place the other girl into a choke hold.

“It’s a horrific scene. The girls are terrified,” Platt said during the arraignment, according to the outlet.

Despite the attack, prosecutors said the girls fought back.

According to Platt’s account in court, one of the teens managed to break free and threw a large rock that struck Moreno in the head.

Even after being hit, prosecutors said Moreno continued holding onto the other girl.

The second teen then began throwing rocks at Moreno as well. Prosecutors said the girls continued striking him until they were able to escape together and run to safety.

Authorities later arrested Moreno.

During the investigation, prosecutors said Moreno, who is from out of state and had been living in his car, apologized to officers after being taken into custody.

Prosecutors also told the court that Moreno admitted to liking aggressive pornography and stated that the assault was a “sexual fantasy for him.”

A booking photograph released after his arrest showed Moreno wearing glasses with a large bandage wrapped around his head.

Authorities charged Moreno with multiple offenses, including robbery, interfering with an emergency call, assault, strangulation, unlawful restraint, disorderly conduct, carrying a dangerous weapon, and criminal attempt at sexual assault, according to law enforcement officials.

Following Tuesday’s court appearance, Moreno was ordered held on a $250,000 bond.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Conservation Police continues to identify the incident as occurring at Kettletown State Park in Southbury.

Prosecutors credited the teenagers’ actions with helping them escape the alleged attack before officers took Moreno into custody.

Hooters Aims for Family Comeback as Servers Say the Wings and Welcome Never Changed
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Hooters Aims for Family Comeback as Servers Say the Wings and Welcome Never Changed

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Hooters, the restaurant chain known for its orange shorts and chicken wings, is trying to prove that family friendliness has always been part of the brand, not a new marketing ploy, as reported by The New York Post.

After the original founders regained control following a corporate bankruptcy, they promised to restore the chain’s roots, with a sharper focus on food, hospitality, and its trademark Florida charm.

Neil Kiefer, the current CEO and one of Hooters’ founding members, said the goal is to tone down what he called an “oversexualized” image pushed by previous management.

In recent interviews, Kiefer explained that some franchisees turned locations into what he described as “little boys’ club stores,” drifting far from the brand’s original spirit that combined casual fun, friendly service, and quality comfort food.

In South Florida, however, employees say they never got that memo because their restaurants never lost the balance in the first place.

“Here in South Florida, nothing is changing for us,” said Gracie Williams, a Hooters server of nearly six years who also appears on this year’s Hooters calendar cover.

“We are the same Hooters girls that we have been from the start.”

Her coworker, Micayla Williams, agreed. She said her two years behind the bar have shown her that Hooters never stopped being a place for everyone.

“We get families. We get elderly people. We get teenagers, even kids,” she said. “Nothing’s really changed for our locations.”

Their comments highlight a striking contrast between how the public may perceive Hooters nationally versus the reality in its home turf of Florida.

The brand has often been caricatured by activists and the usual left-wing cultural critics as outdated or objectifying.

But the workers themselves say their experience is one of community, charity, and yes, a good plate of wings for everyone.

Kiefer said the larger mission for Hooters moving forward is to reestablish that sense of broad customer appeal across all outlets.

“We’re starting to build that broad base of consumer appeal again, like we have in the original Hooters,” he told Fox News Digital.

The emphasis now is on “hospitality, food, and community involvement,” not cheap gimmicks or unrealistic expectations.

In South Florida, community involvement is nothing new. The servers described a series of local fundraisers, sports sponsorships, and events that keep the restaurants tied to their surrounding neighborhoods.

“A lot of people think regulars are just guys who come in and tip big,” said Gracie Williams.

“But here at Hooters, regulars are our family.”

One recent example includes hosting multiple youth rugby teams at a charity event where a portion of sales went to local sports programs.

These types of initiatives, the servers say, help Hooters shed the stereotype of being some kind of adult hangout.

“We’re always building an oasis for others to come,” Gracie added. “Good food, hot wings, cold beer, and of course, pretty girls.”

Micayla explained that during daytime hours, many families visit the beachfront locations to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

She said that parents often sit inside with food and conversation while their kids play on the sand.

“Obviously, we get more families during the day,” she said. “But there are also plenty of date nights here, which is pretty neat to see.”

For all the criticism the brand has endured from puritanical progressives who love to complain about “objectification,” the employees on the ground seem focused on something far simpler.

They see themselves as hosts, servers, and members of their community who just happen to wear orange shorts and smile for the customers.

The South Florida approach may well be the model for the brand’s national revival.

Instead of trying to “modernize” Hooters into something unrecognizable, the original owners are betting that authenticity, consistency, and genuine hospitality will win over a new generation of customers.

As for the women in orange and white, they seem confident that Hooters never lost its family appeal to begin with.

For them, the atmosphere is the same as it has always been, with the same mission that started in Clearwater decades ago: hot food, cold drinks, friendly faces, and a welcoming table for everyone who walks in the door.

Spencer Pratt Shreds Karen Bass Over Her Bizarre ‘Meth for Self Defense’ Claim [WATCH]
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Spencer Pratt Shreds Karen Bass Over Her Bizarre ‘Meth for Self Defense’ Claim [WATCH]

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism following remarks she made about homelessness and methamphetamine use during a press conference on Wednesday, comments that prompted reactions from political opponents and public figures, including former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt.

During the press conference, Bass discussed the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, including concerns about safety while sleeping outdoors, as reported by Red State.

In remarks that circulated widely on social media, Bass suggested that some homeless individuals use methamphetamine to remain awake because they fear being assaulted while sleeping.

After reporters asked Bass to clarify her comments, she responded, “What I said is, is that I know that people have used meth to stay awake at night, so they don’t fall asleep because they’re worried about being assaulted.”

The comments generated significant discussion online, with critics arguing that the mayor’s explanation appeared to normalize drug use instead of focusing on solutions to homelessness, addiction, and public safety.

Among those responding was Spencer Pratt, who previously ran for mayor of Los Angeles. Pratt criticized Bass on social media following her remarks.

The source material also referenced several previous statements made by Bass that have drawn public attention during her time in office.

According to the source, Bass referred to former Cuban leader Fidel Castro as “Comandante en Jefe” following his death in 2016.

The article also referenced a 2025 wildfire press conference during which Bass said, “All of this can be found at URL,” without identifying the specific website.

In addition, the source cited Bass’s response during the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral debate when she was asked whether noncitizens should be permitted to vote in local elections.

According to the source, Bass replied, “It depends. It’s not a yes or no.”

The discussion surrounding Bass’s homelessness comments coincided with another major event in the Los Angeles area.

During the early morning hours on Thursday, a large water main burst beneath Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, sending water through streets and affecting vehicles, businesses, residences, and public transportation.

Although West Hollywood is an independent city and is not governed by the City of Los Angeles, it is located within Los Angeles County.

The source noted that some critics viewed the incident as another example of broader infrastructure concerns affecting the region.

Following Bass’s clarification, discussion of her comments continued across social media platforms, with supporters and critics debating both the context of her remarks and the city’s response to homelessness.

The source also referenced additional criticism from Pratt, who previously sought the mayor’s office.

According to the source, Pratt questioned Bass’s leadership while commenting on the ongoing issues facing Los Angeles.

The article further noted that Los Angeles voters are preparing for the November general election.

Bass is expected to face Democratic Socialist candidate Nithya Raman in the mayoral contest.

Homelessness, public safety, infrastructure, and drug addiction remain central issues in Los Angeles politics.

City officials have continued to debate strategies for addressing the homeless population while responding to concerns involving public health, crime, and municipal services.

Bass’s comments have added to that ongoing discussion, drawing attention from elected officials, political candidates, and residents as the city’s leadership continues to face scrutiny over its handling of homelessness and related public policy challenges.

Troy Jackson Calls to ‘Get Rid’ of Americans Who Support ICE in Maine Senate Uproar [WATCH]
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Troy Jackson Calls to ‘Get Rid’ of Americans Who Support ICE in Maine Senate Uproar [WATCH]

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Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson is facing criticism after making remarks about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and people who support the agency, as his name continues to be mentioned as a possible Democratic candidate in Maine’s U.S. Senate race, as reported by Townhall.

According to the source material, Maine Democrats are preparing to announce their selection to replace Graham Platner in the Senate race, with Jackson among the names reportedly under consideration.

The controversy centers on comments Jackson made regarding ICE and its supporters.

During his remarks, Jackson said, “Here we go. We’re going to do something to get rid of ICE, we’re going to do something to get rid of the people who that support them,” Jackson said, “because in no world should we have to live in where you get up tomorrow and go to work and you’re murdered.”

Those comments prompted criticism from political opponents, who argued the language targeted not only the federal immigration agency but also Americans who support its mission of enforcing immigration law.

The report also claimed Jackson’s remarks allegedly preceded an incident involving a Maine media outlet, which reportedly said one of its reporter’s vehicle tires had been slashed.

The report did not establish a direct connection between Jackson’s comments and the incident.

In addition to the controversy surrounding his ICE remarks, the report referenced an earlier allegation involving Jackson and a former staff member.

According to the report, Jackson allegedly threw a water bottle during an argument with a female staffer, and it struck the employee. The report states that Jackson has denied those allegations.

No court findings or disciplinary actions related to that allegation were cited in the report.

The renewed attention comes as immigration enforcement continues to be a major political issue ahead of the 2026 elections.

President Donald Trump campaigned on increased immigration enforcement and has repeatedly called for stronger border security and expanded deportation efforts.

ICE remains one of the primary federal agencies responsible for enforcing immigration laws and carrying out deportation operations.

Supporters of the agency argue that ICE plays a critical role in public safety and the enforcement of federal immigration law.

Critics of the agency have called for major reforms or its elimination, making the issue a recurring point of political debate in Congress and in state races across the country.

Jackson’s comments have become part of that broader debate as speculation continues over whether he will become the Democratic nominee in the Maine Senate contest.

The report also noted that millions of Americans support immigration enforcement policies similar to those advocated by President Trump, making Jackson’s remarks likely to receive additional attention from voters as the campaign develops.

No additional statement from Jackson addressing the ICE comments was included in the source material beyond the quoted remarks.

Maine Democrats have not yet announced their final selection for the Senate race, but Jackson’s reported comments and the allegations referenced in the report have added another issue to the political discussion surrounding the contest.

The Senate race is expected to draw national attention as both parties compete for the seat, with immigration policy remaining one of the central issues in the campaign.

Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego Admits to Sexual Relationships With House Staffers [WATCH]
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Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego Admits to Sexual Relationships With House Staffers [WATCH]

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Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego is facing renewed public attention following a report published Thursday stating that he acknowledged having past consensual sexual relationships with two congressional staffers during his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, as reported by Trending Politics News.

According to the report, the relationships occurred while Gallego represented Phoenix in the House, before his election to the U.S. Senate.

The report states that both women worked for Democratic members of Congress from Texas and did not work directly for Gallego.

The renewed scrutiny comes several weeks after the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed a separate complaint involving Gallego that included allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations.

The committee took no disciplinary action in that matter. The newly reported relationships were not part of that complaint, according to the report.

The New York Post reported that Gallego acknowledged the relationships.

According to the outlet, sources familiar with the matter said the relationships were consensual and took place during Gallego’s decade in the House of Representatives.

The report states that one source said Gallego personally admitted to both relationships. Another individual reportedly said they independently learned about them, while a third source confirmed one of the relationships.

According to the report, one of the women was in her 20s and significantly younger than Gallego at the time.

No allegation has been made that the relationships violated any criminal law.

The report notes that critics argue romantic relationships between members of Congress and congressional staff can raise ethical concerns because of potential power imbalances, even when the staff members are employed by another lawmaker.

According to the report, one source characterized the relationships as part of a broader “pattern of mistakes and missteps and judgment calls.”

The report also cited unnamed sources who described Gallego as “very flirtatious” during his years in Congress and alleged that his interactions with women at times made colleagues uncomfortable.

Those broader characterizations were attributed to unnamed sources in the report and were not independently verified. According to the report, Gallego’s office did not publicly respond to the specific allegations.

The timing of the report follows the Senate Ethics Committee’s dismissal of a complaint filed by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.

After news of the reported relationships emerged, Luna posted on X, “‘Conspiracy theories’ right @SenRubenGallego? Time to resign. Glad people are going on record about this creep.”

According to the report, Gallego previously maintained that the allegations contained in the ethics complaint were politically motivated and said the committee’s decision demonstrated that the accusations lacked merit.

The ethics complaint addressed separate allegations involving misconduct and campaign finances, all of which Gallego denied, according to the report.

The complaint did not examine the relationships now being reported.

Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2024 after serving five terms in the House of Representatives representing the Phoenix area.

The report noted that some Democratic strategists have viewed Gallego as a potential national figure and possible contender in the 2028 presidential election.

It also stated that the latest disclosures could present additional political challenges if questions surrounding his conduct continue to receive attention.

The report comes as congressional workplace relationships have received increased scrutiny following several ethics investigations involving lawmakers from both political parties.

Those cases have contributed to continued discussion over whether Congress should adopt stricter standards governing relationships between elected officials and congressional staff, particularly in situations where differences in authority or influence may exist.

As of the publication of the report, no new ethics investigation had been announced concerning the relationships themselves.

The report also stated there have been no public allegations that the relationships were non-consensual.

The matter remains the subject of public and political discussion following the publication of the report.

Republican Candidate Arrested After Deranged Video Saying “Trump Needs Killed” [WATCH]
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Republican Candidate Arrested After Deranged Video Saying “Trump Needs Killed” [WATCH]

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A Republican congressional candidate in Florida has been arrested and charged with threatening President Donald Trump after federal authorities said he posted a video to his campaign account on X in which he repeatedly called for the president’s death, as reported by Breitbart.

U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced that federal authorities arrested William L. Upham, 35, of Jacksonville, Florida, on charges of threatening the President of the United States. If convicted, Upham faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

Following his initial court appearance in Jacksonville on Thursday, a federal judge ordered Upham to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

According to federal authorities, the charge stems from a video Upham posted to his own campaign account on X.

The video, which runs for nearly seven minutes, begins with remarks about God, country, repairing what he described as a broken system, and returning power to working Americans before shifting to statements about President Trump.

Upham is a qualified write-in candidate seeking to unseat Republican Rep. John Rutherford in Florida’s 5th Congressional District. Florida’s Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, with the general election set for Nov. 3.

During the video, Upham claimed the nation was engaged in a spiritual conflict before making a series of statements directed at President Trump.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, is the Antichrist,” Upham said. “He is a false messiah, and he is your enemy, and he must be killed.”

He concluded the remarks by stating Trump “will be killed and sent to hell.”

Federal authorities cited those statements in bringing the charge, alleging that Upham threatened the president.

Throughout the recording, Upham appeared wearing his Marine Corps uniform. At one point in the video, he recited portions of the oath he took as a Marine officer, including the pledge to defend the Constitution “against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

He then stated that those enemies included “the enemies here at home.

The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed that Upham had been medically discharged from military service on May 30, 2025.

According to the Marine Corps, Upham’s statements were inconsistent with the oath he took while serving as a Marine officer.

The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe after investigators reviewed the video that had been published on Upham’s campaign account.

The federal charge alleges that the statements constituted a threat against the President of the United States.

The case now moves into the federal court system, where prosecutors will seek to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, Upham could receive a prison sentence of up to five years under federal law.

The arrest comes during the 2026 election cycle as candidates prepare for Florida’s Aug. 18 Republican primary.

Upham had qualified as a write-in candidate challenging incumbent Republican Rep. John Rutherford in the state’s 5th Congressional District.

No additional charges were announced at the time of Kehoe’s statement.

The federal case will proceed in the U.S. District Court following Upham’s detention order issued after his initial appearance in Jacksonville on Thursday.

CBS Bails on Trump’s Election Fraud Speech as ABC and NBC Black Out Broadcast [WATCH]
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CBS Bails on Trump’s Election Fraud Speech as ABC and NBC Black Out Broadcast [WATCH]

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CBS News carried part of President Donald Trump’s prime-time address on election fraud Thursday evening before ending its live coverage several minutes before the speech concluded, while ABC and NBC chose not to air the address on their broadcast television networks, as reported by The New York Post.

Trump delivered the approximately 25-minute speech from the East Room of the White House on Thursday, July 16.

Before CBS joined the address, anchor Tony Dokoupil explained the network’s decision to carry the speech despite concerns surrounding the president’s claims.

Trump Scores Big in Alabama and Georgia but Faces Costly Defeat from Billionaire Challenger

“Much of what the President has said on [security of American elections] has been false,” Dokoupil said.

He continued, “There is an argument that it’s irresponsible to air the president’s speech tonight. But this speech will be made. It will be news. And it’s our job to cover the news.”

CBS began airing the speech after it had already started and concluded its live coverage roughly five minutes before Trump finished speaking.

The network switched away shortly after the president criticized ABC and NBC for not broadcasting his remarks and called for both networks to lose their broadcast licenses.

After ending its live coverage, Dokoupil began fact-checking Trump’s statements regarding alleged Chinese interference in the 2020 election.

News organizations are not required to broadcast presidential speeches live, and decisions on whether to carry them are generally made by network executives based on the content and news value of each address.

Earlier this year, when Trump delivered a prime-time speech regarding the war with Iran in April, the major broadcast networks carried the address live.

During Thursday’s speech, Trump accused China of working with some American journalists in an effort to discredit him.

He also criticized ABC and NBC for declining to air his remarks on their broadcast television networks.

According to Trump, the networks were aware of the subject of his speech before it began.

“They knew what it was about because of the fact that they don’t like the topic because they know how corrupt our system is, and they don’t want to reveal it,” Trump said.

He also alleged broader media involvement, stating:

“They and others in the media are part of a plot. They want to continue this fraud for whatever reason. They want to keep it going. They want to protect the radical left.”

Trump later called for regulatory action against the networks, saying, “Fraud like this should mean a revocation of their licenses.”

Although ABC and NBC did not carry the address on their over-the-air television networks, both organizations streamed the speech on their digital platforms.

NBC also aired a previously scheduled network special after the president’s remarks concluded.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung criticized the decision by ABC and NBC before the speech began.

“Cowards. NBC and ABC don’t want you to hear the truth. All they want to do is hide the facts from YOU,” Cheung wrote on X.

Coverage also varied across cable news outlets. Fox News carried the speech live in its entirety. CNN did not broadcast the address live, while MS Now aired portions of Trump’s remarks.

Unlike broadcast television networks, cable news channels do not operate under broadcast licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

The FCC has the authority to revoke or decline to renew broadcast licenses under certain circumstances.

However, any attempt to revoke the licenses of a major broadcast network would likely result in an extended legal challenge.

The differing decisions by broadcast and cable news organizations highlighted varying editorial approaches to covering the president’s address, with some networks choosing full live coverage, others providing partial coverage, and some limiting the speech to their streaming platforms.

Tillis Melts Down Over SAVE America Act, Declares War on Trump’s Election Integrity Push [WATCH]
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Tillis Melts Down Over SAVE America Act, Declares War on Trump’s Election Integrity Push [WATCH]

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Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., delivered a lengthy speech on the Senate floor Thursday criticizing the SAVE America Act and pledging to oppose the legislation if it reaches the Senate through the budget reconciliation process, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The comments came one day after the House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act as part of a national security package.

On Thursday, the House Budget Committee also advanced the SAVE and Protect America Act through the budget reconciliation process while approving a framework for a third reconciliation bill.

Under the reconciliation process, certain legislation can be considered in the Senate under rules that allow passage with a simple majority rather than the 60 votes typically needed to overcome a filibuster.

Whether individual provisions qualify for reconciliation is ultimately determined under Senate rules.

During his floor speech, Tillis argued that the legislation could not be implemented before the upcoming election and vowed to use Senate procedures to delay its progress.

“If I see a reconciliation bill come from the House with another failed attempt to confuse this election, I will use every device I have available to slow down the wheels of government until people cop a clue and do the math.”

Tillis also questioned whether the proposal could realistically be put into effect within the available timeframe.

“Don’t fool the American people into thinking you can implement something of this complexity over 60 days, my God, it needed to happen two years ago,” Tillis said.

The North Carolina senator continued by criticizing multiple versions of the legislation that have been introduced or discussed in Congress.

“I have been trying to explain for nearly a year that the SAVE Act, whether it’s the SAVE Act, the SAVE America Act, the new SAVE legislation that’s being proposed in the House, SAVE goes to Hollywood, SAVE goes to Hawaii, whatever the sequels are, all of them are fundamentally flawed and impossible to implement by this election,” Tillis said.

The House approved the SAVE America Act on Wednesday as part of a broader national security package.

The following day, the House Budget Committee advanced the SAVE and Protect America Act through the reconciliation process while also moving forward with a framework for another reconciliation package.

Supporters of using reconciliation argue that the process provides a path for legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority if it complies with Senate budget rules.

Opponents have questioned whether provisions of the legislation would qualify under those rules.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged the Senate to approve the SAVE America Act.

The White House has also expressed support for the proposal, emphasizing its voter identification requirements.

“Requirement for Voter I.D. to vote should be something that NO American should oppose. If you want to register to vote in the United States, you have to be a citizen in the United States,” the White House previously said in a statement.

The administration has also cited polling indicating that more than 70% of Americans support the SAVE America Act.

Debate over the legislation is expected to continue as the Senate considers whether to take up the measure and whether any version of the bill would qualify for consideration under reconciliation procedures.

Tillis indicated during his remarks that he intends to oppose the legislation if it reaches the Senate in its current form, arguing that implementation before the next election would not be feasible.

The House’s approval of the legislation and the Budget Committee’s action mark the latest steps in the legislative process, while the Senate is expected to determine the bill’s future in the coming weeks.

Virginia Democrat Pushes to Enshrine ‘Islamophobia’ in Law, Raising Alarms Over Free Speech
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Virginia Democrat Pushes to Enshrine ‘Islamophobia’ in Law, Raising Alarms Over Free Speech

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Virginia State Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, D-Fairfax, has introduced legislation that would define “Islamophobia” within Virginia law and require law enforcement agencies to track crimes allegedly motivated by anti-Islam bias, prompting debate over its potential impact on First Amendment protections, as reported by The Post Millennial.

Senate Bill 624 would amend Virginia’s existing assault statute by defining Islamophobia as “malicious prejudice or hatred directed toward Islam.”

The proposal would also require the Virginia State Police, acting under the direction of the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to incorporate that definition into the state’s hate crime reporting system.

According to the legislation, the purpose of the change is to assist law enforcement in identifying and classifying crimes allegedly motivated by anti-Muslim bias.

Supporters of the proposal argue that establishing a formal definition would improve the state’s ability to track offenses committed against Muslims or individuals perceived to be Muslim.

Virginia law already provides enhanced criminal penalties for assaults committed because of a victim’s race, religious conviction, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin.

Under current state law, an assault and battery that results in bodily injury and is determined to have been motivated by one of those protected characteristics may be prosecuted as a Class 6 felony.

The offense also carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of six months.

Senate Bill 624 states that it would not establish a new criminal offense, create a civil cause of action, or limit speech protected by either the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or the Virginia Constitution.

Despite those provisions, the proposal has generated objections from critics who argue that placing a state-mandated definition of Islamophobia into Virginia law could create uncertainty regarding the distinction between constitutionally protected criticism of Islam as a religion and criminal acts motivated by hatred or bias against Muslims.

Opponents contend that while violent crimes motivated by religious bias are already covered under Virginia law, codifying a specific definition of Islamophobia raises questions about how the term could be interpreted in future enforcement and reporting.

The legislation would also direct the Virginia State Police to implement the reporting requirements with guidance from the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as part of the state’s hate crime reporting process.

The proposal has also drawn criticism from elected officials outside Virginia.

Georgia Congressman Clay Fuller criticized the legislation in a post on X, arguing that the bill moves in the wrong direction.

“Another example is that radical Islam is a true and clear threat to the United States,” Fuller wrote. “We need to call it for what it is.”

The legislation remains a proposal before the Virginia General Assembly. If enacted, Senate Bill 624 would add the statutory definition of Islamophobia to Virginia law while requiring state authorities to include that definition in hate crime reporting procedures.

The measure specifies that it does not create new criminal penalties or restrict constitutionally protected speech, although debate over its potential implications for free speech is expected to continue as lawmakers consider the proposal.

Navy Backs Blue Angels After Viral Low Pass Thrills Crowds on Florida Beach [WATCH]
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Navy Backs Blue Angels After Viral Low Pass Thrills Crowds on Florida Beach [WATCH]

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Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said Thursday that no disciplinary action will be taken following the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ widely discussed low pass over Pensacola Beach during a practice event that attracted one of the largest crowds in recent years, as reported by Fox News.

The maneuver, which took place Wednesday morning during the annual “Breakfast with the Blues” event, generated widespread attention after videos circulated across social media showing two Blue Angels aircraft making a low flyover above cheering spectators gathered along the beach.

Cao announced that the Navy had completed its review of the flight and found no reason for reprimands or personnel changes.

According to Cao, the flight debrief had concluded, and there would be no reprimands or firings because there was “no problem” with the maneuver.

He later posted on X, “That’s the sound of Freedom! Semper fi and Hooyah,” after videos of the flyover spread online.

The Blue Angels’ appearance sparked mixed reactions on social media.

Many users praised the display and said they wished they had witnessed it in person, while others questioned how close the aircraft flew to beachgoers.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also commented on the controversy by posting on X, “The flyovers will continue until morale improves.”

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell joined the discussion by sharing a photograph of one of the Blue Angels aircraft during the event and writing, “Carry on Patriots.”

Eric Trump also weighed in after sharing an ABC News report about the incident on X.

He wrote, “Can’t stand the manufactured outrage by the low-T mainstream media. This was undoubtedly the highlight of these people’s day…”

The ABC News report shared by Eric Trump stated that Navy officials confirmed Blue Angels leadership was “reviewing the circumstances surrounding the maneuver and conducting a thorough safety review.”

The Blue Angels did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

The flyover occurred during the annual “Breakfast with the Blues,” an event that opens Red, White and Blues Week on the Gulf Coast.

The gathering gives spectators an opportunity to watch the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron rehearse before its public air show performances.

According to local television station WALA-TV, this year’s event attracted one of the largest crowds in recent memory.

Casino Beach and Quietwater parking lots reportedly filled by approximately 7 a.m. as thousands of spectators lined Pensacola Beach to watch the demonstration team practice for about two hours ahead of the weekend performances.

Longtime attendee Brenda Bennett said the event has grown significantly over the years.

“I’ve been coming since 1997, and this is the best kept secret, but I think the secret’s out because there’s more people here than normally,” Bennett said.

Theresa Smith and Sheri Marinovich also spoke about the large turnout, explaining they had to park farther away than in previous years because of the crowds.

Despite the longer walk, they said the experience remained worthwhile.

“They’re showing out,” the pair told the newspaper.

“They love to put on a show for the breakfast crowd. You feel like they’re just so much closer, and we get to hear them talking on the radio, and they do different maneuvers than they do for the show.”

Many attendees also told the local outlet that the event carried added significance following the recent America 250 celebrations.

Bennett said she hopes Americans continue celebrating “our freedom that we have here in the United States.”

The Blue Angels are scheduled to continue practice flights on Thursday before holding public air show performances on Friday and Saturday as Red, White and Blues Week continues in Pensacola.


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