Author name: Stephen Phelps

Left-wing extremism

North Carolina Deputy Exposed for Radical Antifa Posts Is Terminated

A North Carolina detention officer has been terminated after publicly declaring allegiance to Antifa and posting comments suggesting violent retribution against political opponents.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday that Brian Edwards, 37, was dismissed following an internal review of his social media activity.

Edwards, who had been promoted to corporal in May, made several posts on the platform BlueSky that surfaced online over the weekend.

According to the News & Observer, the posts were flagged by the X account “Mostly Peaceful Memes,” which highlighted Edwards’ statements calling for trials and punishment of those he described as “traitors.”

“I maintain that the biggest mistake the US government has ever made was letting the traitors from the civil war back into our country without punishment,” Edwards wrote, according to the screenshots shared.

“When this is over and the right wing is once again [defeated, we] will not make that same mistake.”

In another post, Edwards wrote, “There will be war crimes trials and I can’t wait to see every one of them thrown into prison for the rest of their lives. It may even be time to bring back the guillotine.”

His account also featured a photo of a guitar bearing the phrase “This Machine Kills Fascists,” a slogan popularized by folk singer Woody Guthrie.

Sheriff Charles Blackwood confirmed Edwards’ firing and stressed that public confidence in law enforcement must remain intact.

“We must maintain the public trust as we go about our mission to protect, serve, and treat everyone with dignity and respect,” Blackwood told the News & Observer.

He said Edwards had violated the agency’s standards of conduct and social media policies.

The dismissal comes amid renewed national attention on Antifa. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday on Truth Social that the organization would be formally designated a terrorist group.

“I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,” Trump wrote.

“I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.”

Antifa has been tied to violent demonstrations across the country in recent years.

The group was prominently involved in riots following the death of George Floyd in May 2020, which led to widespread property damage and confrontations with police in multiple cities.

Members were also present in Portland, Oregon, where clashes continued into January 2021.

The organization has also been linked to direct attacks on individuals. In June 2019, journalist Andy Ngo was beaten while covering a demonstration in Portland, suffering a brain injury after being assaulted by Antifa activists.

Edwards’ firing places renewed focus on the issue of extremist sympathies within law enforcement ranks.

While the Orange County Sheriff’s Office moved swiftly to terminate his employment, officials emphasized that preserving impartiality and professionalism remains central to maintaining community trust.

The case has also drawn attention to the broader political debate over Antifa’s designation and activities.

With Trump’s announcement, federal authorities may face new pressure to investigate individuals and organizations tied to the group, particularly in light of its history of involvement in violent unrest.

President Trump Isn’t Backing Down From Crushing Radical Left Violence by Red Voice News

Edwards has not commented publicly since his dismissal.

The sheriff’s office has indicated that the matter is closed with respect to his employment, but the episode has already fueled discussion about the challenges posed when law enforcement officers are found to have public ties to extremist movements.

Trans

Virginia Dem Governor Candidate Gives Word Salad Response to Boys in Girls Bathroom Question

Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, faced questions this week about her position on transgender bathroom and locker room policies, an issue now at the center of a legal battle between the Trump administration and several Northern Virginia school systems.

During an interview with WJLA News reporter Nick Minock, Spanberger was asked directly if she supports biological males who identify as female using women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, and competing in women’s sports.

Instead of giving a yes-or-no answer, Spanberger cited ongoing court cases and the need for clearer legal guidance.

“The circumstance as this legal case plays out is really one of we’ve had court cases settled or judged here in Virginia in the fourth district, the former Gavin Grimm case related to bathroom usage,” Spanberger said.

“And in fact, the argument is the assessment is there needs to be much clearer guidance in terms of what is an executive order’s binding assessment of Title IX versus what has been a decision of a court.”

Minock pressed her to state plainly whether she supports the policies, but Spanberger did not provide a direct answer.

Her response comes as the Trump administration’s Department of Education challenges policies in five Northern Virginia school districts that permit students to access bathrooms and locker rooms based on gender identity rather than biological sex. Federal officials argue that those policies violate Title IX.

The Gavin Grimm case, which Spanberger referenced, was a notable legal battle in Virginia involving a transgender student who sought access to school bathrooms aligned with gender identity.

Courts have previously ruled on aspects of the case, but disagreements over how Title IX should be interpreted continue to play out in federal court and administrative decisions.

Spanberger’s refusal to give a direct answer has drawn attention as both parties prepare for a competitive gubernatorial election.

Republicans see the issue as a vulnerability for Democrats, who risk alienating suburban voters if they appear too closely aligned with policies on transgender student access.

Republican candidate Winsome Sears, who previously served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor, has made the issue central to her campaign, repeatedly criticizing Spanberger for not taking a clear position.

Sears has argued that parents deserve transparency on where candidates stand, especially on issues involving schools and children.

The legal clash between the Trump administration and Virginia school systems is expected to intensify in the coming months.

Federal officials have said they will continue pressing their interpretation of Title IX, which bars sex-based discrimination, to argue that policies allowing bathroom and locker room access by gender identity are unlawful.

School districts maintain that their policies are designed to comply with anti-discrimination protections for students.

Spanberger’s approach reflects the challenge facing Democrats nationwide.

Public opinion polls show most voters oppose allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports and use female-designated facilities, yet Democratic candidates face pressure from progressive groups to support those policies.

The exchange highlights the growing role of cultural and education-related debates in state-level races.

With Virginia voters set to choose their next governor in 2025, the transgender bathroom and sports issue is expected to remain a flashpoint, with both parties pressing their case to suburban parents and school communities.

As the campaign continues, Spanberger has not clarified her position beyond her interview remarks.

Meanwhile, Republicans, led by Sears, are expected to keep the issue at the forefront, framing it as a matter of fairness, parental rights, and accountability in schools.

News

AZ Dem Rep Doubles Down on Representing Illegal Aliens, ‘Had to “Google” ‘Constituent’

Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona is facing criticism after declaring that illegal immigrants held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody are her “constituents.”

The freshman lawmaker made the remarks during a press conference Thursday and defended her position in comments to the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF).

Ansari, who represents a Phoenix-based district, said she considers all individuals living within her district to be her constituents regardless of immigration status.

“I didn’t realize this was such a controversy until the right-wing media started attacking me for using the word,” Ansari told reporters when asked about her comments.

“The definition of constituent is somebody who is part of a community. It doesn’t matter what their legal status is — if somebody is an asylum seeker, if somebody has a heart, if somebody is a U.S. citizen, if somebody lives in the community, I represent them.”

Ansari went further, stating that the ability to vote was not a factor in her definition.

“Constituent does not mean voter,” she continued.

“I don’t care if these, if none of these individuals can vote for me. I don’t give a shit.”

Her remarks came as she has drawn attention for her advocacy on behalf of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvador national and reputed MS-13 member facing human trafficking charges in Tennessee. Ansari has joined several Democratic lawmakers in urging his release.

In April, she traveled with Democratic Reps. Robert Garcia of California, Maxine Dexter of Oregon, and Maxwell Frost of Florida to push for Abrego Garcia’s release from custody.

Republican lawmakers quickly pushed back on Ansari’s statements.

Rep. Pat Harrigan of North Carolina criticized her comments in a post on X Thursday afternoon.

“A Member of Congress who brags she had to ‘Google’ the word constituent has no business writing laws,” Harrigan wrote.

“Constituents are hardworking American citizens, the people who elect you. Not illegal aliens. Not asylum shoppers.”

Harrigan continued, saying Ansari’s own comments revealed her priorities.

“When you say ‘I don’t care if they can’t vote for me,’ you admit it. You don’t represent Americans, you represent everyone but them,” he said.

Ansari is not the only Democrat to refer to illegal immigrants as “constituents.”

In July, Rep. Sarah Elfreth of Maryland used the same term while participating in a sit-in at a Baltimore ICE facility.

The controversy surrounding Ansari’s remarks comes as polls show immigration remains a key issue for voters.

An August Wall Street Journal survey found that voters trust Republicans over Democrats to handle immigration by a 17-point margin.

Questions remain about the scope of Ansari’s definition of “constituent.”

The DCNF reported that her office did not respond to a request for clarification on whether the congresswoman also includes illegal immigrants with criminal records in her definition.

The debate adds to growing divisions in Congress over immigration policy, enforcement, and representation.

Ansari has continued to defend her remarks, while Republican lawmakers argue her comments highlight a broader disconnect between Democratic leaders and American voters.

Illegal Immigration

JB Pritzker Lets It Slip Why He’s Worried About Trump’s Crime Crackdown in Chicago

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker raised concerns Sunday that President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement plans could impact future elections, as the White House signaled a forthcoming surge of federal assets to Chicago.

During an appearance on CBS’s Face The Nation, Pritzker alleged that the administration’s strategy to combat crime and target illegal immigration in the city carried political motives.

He claimed the deployment of federal assets amounted to “an attack on the American people” and suggested the president’s “other intentions” were linked to elections.

“This is a part of his plan to do something really nefarious, which is to interfere with elections in 2026,” Pritzker said at a separate press conference.

“He wants to have troops on the ground, to stop people from voting, to intimidate people from going to the voting booth. So, take note, that is what this is all about.”

The comments followed a weekend post from President Trump on social media in which he criticized the governor for resisting federal assistance in Chicago.

“Six people were killed, and 24 people were shot, in Chicago last weekend, and JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesn’t need help in preventing CRIME,” the president wrote.

“He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or we’re coming! MAGA. President DJT.”

Reports indicate the administration is preparing to carry out a major immigration enforcement operation in Chicago as soon as next week.

While details have not been disclosed, the president has not ruled out using National Guard personnel to assist with deportations.

Justice Department officials have said the operation will focus on targeting individuals with outstanding removal orders and violent offenders.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Pritzker in opposing the plan.

The mayor, whose approval ratings have fallen sharply in recent months, announced Saturday that he would sign an executive order directing city agencies to resist federal enforcement efforts.

According to CNN, the order instructs departments and law enforcement to “pursue all available legal and legislative avenues to resist coordinated efforts from the federal government.”

Johnson also urged Chicago residents to “rise up” against the administration’s plan.

He argued that the federal deployment would undermine local authority and vowed to challenge the move in court.

“We are not going to let Donald Trump militarize our city,” Johnson said.

The White House, however, maintains that the plan is necessary to restore order.

Administration officials have repeatedly pointed to violent crime in Chicago, as well as the city’s growing population of illegal aliens, as justification for deploying additional resources.

The legal battle over the president’s authority to mobilize federal assets may echo earlier disputes in California.

Attorney General Rob Bonta previously filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the administration from assuming control of that state’s National Guard during unrest in Los Angeles.

A federal appeals court ultimately sided with the president, ruling that he has the authority to deploy Guard personnel to address domestic crises.

With the temporary restraining order in California rejected and federal authority affirmed, legal experts note that Chicago officials face an uphill battle in preventing federal enforcement operations.

Still, both Pritzker and Johnson have pledged to continue opposing the administration’s efforts.

Federal agencies have not provided a specific timeline for the Chicago operation but confirmed preparations are underway.

The Department of Homeland Security is expected to coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal partners if the surge moves forward.

News

Liberal Dark Money Group Exposed for Bankrolling Secret Social Media Army

A major Democratic-aligned dark money group is reportedly providing financial backing for a program paying social media influencers to promote progressive messaging, according to a report published Wednesday by WIRED.

The program, known as the Chorus Creator Incubator Program, is operated by Chorus, the nonprofit arm of the influencer marketing firm Good Influence.

According to WIRED, influencers participating in the program could receive payments of up to $8,000 per month.

The program is funded by the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization that is one of the largest backers of Democratic-aligned causes.

In June, dozens of influencers with a combined audience of more than 13 million were contacted about joining the program, which was pitched as a way to “expand their reach and impact.” The Sixteen Thirty Fund, which is managed by consulting firm Arabella Advisors, reported that four anonymous donors provided nearly two-thirds of its 2023 revenue, according to tax filings.

The Heir: Inside the (Not So) Secret Network of Alex Soros

Campaign finance records show the group funneled millions of dollars into Democratic super PACs during the 2024 election cycle.

In a Zoom call with potential participants, a lawyer working with Chorus told influencers that the nonprofit model provided advantages for fundraising while limiting disclosure requirements.

“It gives us the ability to raise money from donors,” the lawyer said in a recording reviewed by WIRED.

“It also, with this structure, it avoids a lot of the public disclosure or public disclaimers—you know, ‘Paid for by blah blah blah blah’—that you see on political ads. We don’t need to deal with any of that. Your names aren’t showing up on, like, reports filed with the FEC.”

Documents reviewed by WIRED suggest influencers were restricted in how they could describe their participation.

Contracts barred participants from disclosing their relationship with Chorus or the Sixteen Thirty Fund and prohibited them from revealing they were being paid.

They also required prior written approval from Chorus before creating content explicitly supporting or opposing a political candidate or campaign.

Additionally, participants were allegedly required to inform Chorus if they independently arranged meetings with government officials or political leaders.

Influencers named in communications about the program included Olivia Julianna, a Gen Z activist who spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention; Loren Piretra, a podcaster affiliated with Occupy Democrats; Suzanne Lambert, who identifies online as a “Regina George liberal”; and Sander Jennings, the brother of reality television figure Jazz Jennings.

Chorus confirmed the program’s existence but rejected the characterization of its contracts reported by WIRED.

“Chorus is disappointed about the misinformation being posted about this program and that WIRED did not fact check a piece authored by someone with such a clear axe to grind with Chorus,” a spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

“The piece is misleading and riddled with factual inaccuracies about the program. Every creator working with Chorus has always been free and encouraged to talk about their work with Chorus if they want to do so. Creators who work with Chorus are also free to independently engage in whatever content they want or as part of any other partnership that they would like to take on.”

The statement did not address whether contracts included nondisclosure requirements as described by WIRED. Chorus did not respond to additional requests for clarification.

The Sixteen Thirty Fund also confirmed its relationship with the program, describing it as a fiscal sponsorship arrangement.

“Sixteen Thirty Fund’s work with Chorus is limited to our role as a fiscal sponsor. When Sixteen Thirty Fund (STF) fiscally sponsors a project, STF receives funding on behalf of the project and provides it with operational and administrative support,” a spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

The spokesperson added: “Chorus is doing crucial work to spread a pro-democracy message to Americans. Creators working with Chorus have always been encouraged to talk about their involvement in the program. Chorus creators are not paid to support candidates, but they are free to do so in their own time.”

The arrangement highlights the ongoing role of dark money groups in funding political messaging efforts, particularly those targeting younger audiences through online platforms.

Big Cities

Soros-Funded Philly DA Threatens to Arrest National Guard

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner sharply criticized President Donald Trump during an interview on CNN’s Early Start Tuesday, accusing him of manufacturing crises for political purposes and warning against potential deployment of the National Guard in U.S. cities.

“The only crisis here is Donald Trump, and that’s because he wants a crisis,” Krasner said.

“He wants a crisis so he can roll tanks in big cities, make it look normal. And he wants that because he intends to try to carry out a coup.”

Krasner argued that any National Guard members accused of committing crimes while deployed in local jurisdictions could face prosecution under state law.

“If Guard troops start committing local crimes, they can be prosecuted locally. They should be prosecuted locally. And here’s the big part: Donald Trump cannot pardon a National Guard person who, unjustifiably killed someone, harmed someone, detained someone in violation of state law. He can’t do it,” he stated.

During the segment, Krasner also challenged Trump’s frequent criticism of crime rates in major U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

“We’re talking about someone who lies all the time, and one of those lies is that these big cities are not doing well with public safety. In fact, as of this morning, Philly is at a 50-plus-year low in homicides. We’re down in 14 out of 18 categories and subcategories of crime,” Krasner said.

He continued, “This is just a lie. It’s a lie in D.C. It’s a lie in L.A. It’s a lie in Chicago. It’s a lie in Philly. And it’s a lie by a criminal who pardons criminals, insurrectionists, people who are basically engaging in treason against the United States.”

Krasner repeated his view that Trump’s strategy is to normalize the use of military forces in civilian settings.

“Simply put, the only crisis here is Donald Trump, and that’s because he wants a crisis. He wants a crisis so he can roll tanks in big cities, make it look normal. And he wants that because he intends to try to carry out a coup,” he said.

It is worth noting that Larry Krasner is another Soros-funded District Attorney:

CNN host MJ Lee pressed Krasner on the concern of residents in cities like Chicago or New York, who may feel that crime is a significant issue and could welcome additional enforcement.

Krasner responded by distinguishing between local law enforcement and the use of National Guard troops.

“It’s a typical Trumpian lie. It’s basically all that he does. National Guard is not law enforcement. This is not increasing law enforcement,” Krasner said.

He added that if more officers are needed, additional resources should go toward police departments and prevention programs.

“If you want to have more police in Philadelphia, Chicago, etc., then fund them, just like we should fund the safety net that prevents so much crime, which, of course, he doesn’t want to do,” Krasner said.

“But let’s not pretend that National Guard troops or U.S. military who are trained to kill the enemy are trained to be peacekeepers among the citizenry. That’s not real. We’ve seen the tragedies that can occur here, including at Kent State in the 1970s, when National Guard troops killed a bunch of students and shot a bunch of other students.”

Krasner described Trump’s approach as an effort to expand executive power.

“This is just a wannabe dictator trying to lay the groundwork so people think it’s normal to do stuff that is unconstitutional,” he said.

He further argued that constitutional protections limit what Trump could do in U.S. cities.

“D.C. is a place where Trump can get away with more because the law permits it. He cannot get away with this in big cities. It violates the 10th Amendment. It violates a variety of laws,” Krasner said.

“If those supposed anti-crime forces, which they’re not at all, if they show up and they start committing local crimes, they can be prosecuted locally. They should be prosecuted locally,” Krasner added.

“And here’s the big part: Donald Trump cannot pardon a National Guard person who, unjustifiably killed someone, harmed someone, detained someone in violation of state law. He can’t do it.”

WATCH:

News

Joe Scarborough Corners Brandon Johnson After He Dodges Police Funding Question

MSNBC’s Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough pressed Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday after Johnson repeatedly avoided answering whether he would support adding more police officers to help combat crime in the city, as reported by The Independent Journal Review.

The exchange came as President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of a federal crackdown in Chicago, including the potential deployment of the National Guard, to address violent crime.

WASHINGTON APRIL 25 Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski arrive at the White House Corespondents Association Dinner April 25, 2015 in Washington, DC

“I’m curious, would you also like to get federal funding to help put 5,000 more cops on the street in Chicago, would that help drive down crime?” Scarborough asked Johnson.

Johnson responded by saying that policing was not the “full strategy” to address violence in the city. Scarborough pushed back, clarifying his question.

“No, I understand that. You’ve talked about the other things you want, and I said those are good and important programs, but I’m asking also, would 5,000 more police officers on the street in Chicago be helpful to go along with all of those social programs that a lot of cities are engaging in and having success with?”

Johnson pointed to other funding priorities, including housing and mental health. “I believe that the city of Chicago and cities across America would be safer if we actually had affordable housing,” Johnson said.

Scarborough pressed again.

“Okay, but that’s not the question I asked. My question is, and I just need a yes or a no. Do you believe the streets of Chicago would be safer, if you got all of those extraordinary programs put back into place, which do have a history of being successful, if that’s complimented by having 5,000 more cops on the streets of Chicago?”

Johnson declined to answer directly, saying the problem could not be narrowed to just policing. “What I’m saying is policing and affordable housing, is policing and mental and behavior healthcare services, is policing and youth employment. It’s a full package,” Johnson said.

Chicago has faced rising violence in recent years, hitting a 25-year high in 2021 with 797 homicides, according to the Chicago Tribune.

As of August 26, 2025, there have been 262 homicides reported in the city — 117 fewer than at the same point in 2024. Violent crime overall fell 22 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, the Tribune reported.

Trump said Friday that he would “probably” focus next on Chicago after the federal crime crackdown in Washington, D.C. Since the federal takeover began on August 7, authorities in the capital have reported 1,007 arrests and seized 111 illegal firearms, according to U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro.

Johnson and Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker have pushed back, saying Trump would be violating the Constitution if he sent the National Guard into Chicago.

Johnson also accused the president on August 11 of spreading misinformation about Chicago crime statistics, arguing that federal intervention would “undermine” public safety rather than improve it.

Big Cities

New York City Could Be Facing a Mass Exodus if Mamdani Wins, Real Estate Experts Warn

Mother-daughter real estate brokers Dolly and Jenny Lenz are warning that New York City could face an exodus of residents if Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral race this November.

Appearing on FOX Business’ The Claman Countdown on Tuesday, Dolly Lenz said her firm has been fielding calls from clients preparing to leave the city should Mamdani take office.

“There’d be no building,” she said.

“We’re getting so many calls … from people who say, ‘Look, if [Mamdani’s] in, I’m out.’ They’re going to vote with their feet, they’re going to list their apartments, and they’re moving.”

Mamdani, who defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, has campaigned on making one of the nation’s most expensive cities more affordable.

His platform includes multi-year rent freezes and significant investment in public housing.

The Lenzes warned that such policies could effectively stall the city’s real estate market.

“They’re going to Greenwich, to New Jersey, to Florida,” Dolly Lenz said of clients preparing to relocate. “They are not going to be here.”

The pair noted that lower-tax states such as Texas and Florida remain the most popular relocation destinations for those leaving New York, while Californians are increasingly moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Jenny Lenz added, “Given all this Mamdani news, a lot of people are certainly on it.”

Mamdani’s candidacy has gained momentum in recent weeks. According to data from Interactive Brokers reviewed on Wednesday, he currently has an 81 percent chance of winning the November mayoral election.

“He’s winning by a lot,” Jenny Lenz said, highlighting his consistent lead.

Over the past week, Mamdani’s odds have held steady above 75 percent, while other candidates have struggled to gain ground.

Cuomo, who remains Mamdani’s strongest competitor, has just a 20 percent chance of victory, according to the same market data.

The Lenzes’ warnings come as housing affordability and crime continue to be central issues in the city’s political debate.

Real estate experts caution that any disruption in the market could further impact tax revenue, development, and the broader economic health of the city.

As the race moves closer to Election Day, the contest is shaping up as a referendum not only on housing policy but also on the city’s future economic stability.

With Mamdani holding a commanding lead and critics raising concerns about the potential impact of his proposals, the outcome of the election could have wide-ranging consequences for residents and businesses alike.

News

Jeanine Pirro Slams DC Court After Carjacking Suspects Let Off Easy

Judge Jeanine Pirro, recently confirmed by Congress as President Donald Trump’s U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, is continuing to weigh in on the city’s public safety challenges.

Pirro, who previously served as a district attorney and judge and hosted Fox News’ Justice With Judge Jeanine for more than a decade, joined President Trump and other officials Thursday evening at the U.S. Park Police headquarters in Anacostia.

The group met with D.C. law enforcement officers and National Guard members mobilized under the administration’s recent federal crime crackdown.

During brief remarks, Pirro assured officers that they had the full backing of the administration in carrying out arrests.

“I am making sure that we back the blue to the hilt,” Pirro said.

“Every arrest you make, we’re going to the — longest way to make sure that we charge in those cases.”

Her comments came as a recent court ruling stirred debate in Washington.

The case involves the August attack on Edward Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency employee who was assaulted while defending a woman during an alleged carjacking attempt.

Several teenagers were arrested following the incident, which drew national attention.

This week, Judge Kendra D. Briggs, who was nominated to the federal bench in 2021 by then-President Joe Biden, approved the release of two 15-year-old suspects previously held at D.C.’s Youth Services Center.

One of the teens was ordered to a youth shelter, while the other was granted home confinement.

Both remain subject to curfews, electronic monitoring, and weekly drug tests, according to NBC4 Washington.

Pirro addressed the development in a video posted to her X account, emphasizing her concerns about lenient treatment of violent offenders.

“Two 15-year-olds, out of the eight or 10 that attacked the ex-DOGE staffer and his woman friend that he was with, have been released from the family court, and they have been told that they are now on a curfew,” Pirro said.

“This is exactly what I’m talking about. This is why I want jurisdiction of these cases because, as a prosecutor, it’s time to prosecute so they understand the consequences of what they have done.”

Pirro tied the case to President Trump’s broader decision to federalize the D.C. National Guard and assume jurisdiction over certain law enforcement functions.

“I want to remind you that this pretty much began with the attack on that ex-DOGE person who was working at the White House, as part of an attempted carjacking, pretty much beaten to a pulp,” Pirro said.

She also provided updates on the results of the federal surge.

According to Pirro, D.C. has recorded zero homicides in the past eight days, compared to the city’s average of one per week.

She reported that 40 additional arrests were made Thursday night alone, along with the seizure of five more firearms.

In total, Pirro said the crackdown has so far resulted in 719 arrests and 91 firearms being taken off the streets.

The developments highlight the ongoing tension between federal authorities and the local justice system over how to handle violent crime in the District.

While President Trump and federal officials cite declining crime numbers as evidence of progress, local court decisions have sparked questions about whether youthful offenders are being held accountable.

News

Carnival Cruise Descends Into Chaos as Passengers Brawl Over Fried Chicken?

A large brawl broke out on a Carnival Cruise ship early Monday morning, reportedly sparked by an argument in a late-night food line.

The incident occurred at approximately 2 a.m. aboard the Carnival Sunshine as the ship was returning to Miami from a voyage that included stops in the Bahamas.

Footage from the scene shows about two dozen passengers engaged in a violent altercation, while others shouted for security to intervene.

In the video, one bystander can be heard yelling, “Where the f–k is security?!” as multiple passengers exchanged punches and tackled one another to the floor.

Several shoes and personal belongings were seen scattered across the area as the fight continued.

Carnival security personnel attempted to break up the melee.

At one point, an officer appeared overwhelmed, retreating from the crowd and reaching for his radio to call for additional assistance.

Bronx-based content creator Mike Terra, who was aboard the ship, filmed the incident and shared it on his social media accounts.

While recording, he turned the camera on himself and said, “Over chicken tenders is crazy.”

Terra later explained in follow-up comments that the fight was an “isolated incident” that escalated around 2 a.m.

He added that while food appeared to be at the center of the dispute, there may have been other factors involved.

Speaking with the New York Post, Terra said, “We weren’t close enough to know why [the fight] really started, we just knew they were in line for food.”

In his video caption, Terra wrote: “I always hear Carnival is ghetto/ratchet. I been cruising for years but this my 1st time seeing some action on a ship I was on. YNs was tripping.”

The footage quickly spread online, drawing attention to the disruption during what was otherwise a routine cruise.

Terra emphasized that such disturbances are rare, despite perceptions of Carnival ships as rowdy.

The Carnival Sunshine had departed Miami on Thursday and visited two destinations in the Bahamas before heading back to the United States.

The altercation occurred during the final leg of the voyage, just hours before the ship was scheduled to return to port in Miami.

As of Wednesday, Carnival had not released a public statement detailing what prompted the fight or whether any passengers faced disciplinary action.

The cruise line typically enforces strict codes of conduct for passengers, and security staff are tasked with addressing any violations on board.

No serious injuries were reported in connection with the brawl.

The company has not confirmed whether local law enforcement was contacted once the vessel returned to port.

The altercation marks the latest in a series of high-profile incidents on cruise ships that have been widely shared on social media in recent years, often drawing public scrutiny to passenger behavior and the ability of ship security to respond to large-scale disturbances.


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