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Fox’s Tarlov Calls Inflatable Animal Protests ‘Intellectual’ Amid Antifa ICE Chaos
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Fox’s Tarlov Calls Inflatable Animal Protests ‘Intellectual’ Amid Antifa ICE Chaos

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Democrat strategist and Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov sparked debate Friday after attempting to explain what she described as the “intellectual” value of anti-ICE protesters dressing in inflatable animal costumes during demonstrations in Portland, Oregon.

The comments came during Fox News’ The Five, where Tarlov addressed footage from ongoing protests outside Portland’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

The demonstrations, part of the nationwide “No Kings” rallies, featured activists dressed as cartoon and inflatable animals, including a large green frog.

Clips of the costumed protests have circulated widely across social media, drawing both ridicule and support.

“Then why are they always dressed like a furry, screaming about boys and girls?” co-host Joey Jones asked during the exchange.

“They are ridiculous.”

Tarlov responded that the protests were meant to be peaceful and symbolic, arguing that dressing up was not meant to diminish their message.

“It is an intellectual argument to say, [DHS Secretary] Kristi [Noem], ‘You’re making it up about what’s going on here at that ICE facility, because I’m dressed as Pikachu and posing no threat.’ They arrested a guy who was singing,” Tarlov said, defending one protester’s recent arrest.

Jones countered that such displays undercut the seriousness of their cause, saying that if protesters wanted to make an “intellectual argument,” then “dressing up like a unicorn and running out there and screaming every time” was not an effective approach.

Co-host Jesse Watters added humor to the segment, remarking, “His voice was terrible, Jessica,” referring to the protester Tarlov mentioned.

The demonstrations outside Portland’s ICE facility have continued for months, often devolving into clashes between Antifa-linked activists and law enforcement.

President Donald Trump ordered National Guard troops to assist local authorities earlier this year, citing ongoing assaults against federal agents and property.

Federal and local officials have reported that dozens of individuals connected to the protests have been arrested and charged with rioting, vandalism, and obstruction of justice.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that several incidents included attacks on ICE vehicles and attempts to breach the facility’s perimeter.

While Democratic leaders in Portland and across Oregon have downplayed the unrest, conservative reporters covering the events have described escalating violence from organized far-left activists.

Independent journalist Nick Sortor and Post Millennial reporter Katie Daviscourt, both of whom have extensively covered protests across the Pacific Northwest, were recently targeted while reporting from the scene.

On October 2, Sortor was arrested for “disorderly conduct” after recording video of Antifa-affiliated protesters outside the ICE facility.

In footage shared on X, an Antifa member dressed in black confronted Sortor as he attempted to cross the street.

The individual appeared to throw a punch, leading to a brief scuffle before Sortor was tackled and detained by police.

Following his release, Sortor spoke with Fox News, condemning local authorities for what he described as selective enforcement.

He argued that police were failing to address violence from left-wing agitators while cracking down on journalists documenting the unrest.

Days before Sortor’s arrest, Daviscourt was assaulted by an Antifa member while filming in the same area, leaving her with a visible black eye.

Despite identifying her alleged attacker to the Portland Police Bureau, no arrests were made.

Daviscourt has continued to report on Antifa’s activities, posting videos showing masked individuals confronting journalists and disrupting demonstrations.

The protests have reignited debates over political accountability in Democrat-led cities, particularly concerning federal immigration enforcement and public safety.

President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard units earlier this year came after repeated attacks on ICE offices and personnel nationwide.

Tarlov’s comments Friday reflected a broader divide over how the demonstrations are perceived.

While she described the protests as peaceful expressions of dissent, her co-hosts questioned whether the movement’s theatrics and growing association with violence have undermined its message.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soros Foundations Funneled M to Pro-Terror Groups: Best Selling Author Matt Palumbo
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Soros Foundations Funneled $80M to Pro-Terror Groups: Best Selling Author Matt Palumbo

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Conservative commentator Steve Bannon and author Matt Palumbo discussed ongoing federal investigations into the Open Society Foundation (OSF) and its alleged funding of violent organizations during a recent broadcast.

The conversation centered on reports that the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are probing OSF for potential money laundering and terrorist financing activities.

Bannon opened the segment by praising Palumbo’s investigative work into the Soros network.

“You wrote this amazing book on Soros. I still think the best book on Soros written and immediately told me, said, Hey, I’m going after the kid because he’s the devil’s spawn. It may actually be bigger than the old man,” Bannon said.

“Where do we stand with this now? The shocking because, hey, the Treasury Department’s got their terrorist financing group up on money laundering and terrorist financing and the IRS simultaneously. It’s a pincer move from Scott Besson. And you can tell how important this is, because the mainstream media is in total meltdown of this probably more than anything else they’re dealing with.”

Palumbo, who has authored multiple books analyzing left-wing networks, responded by detailing what he described as OSF’s efforts to obscure its activities through multiple layers of funding.

“Well, good morning, guys. Thanks for having me on. Alex and the OSF clearly are afraid. They’re in defense mode. You know, in their press releases, they’re saying they didn’t knowingly fund any violent groups, and I think the word knowingly is doing a lot of the heavy lifting in that sentence,” Palumbo said.

He continued, “But it’s also irrelevant. You know, they’re arguing that, oh, we’re not directly paying people to do violence. Doesn’t mean anything if groups have a record of doing violence. You know, the analogy I’ve given is they will hand gasoline and matches to an arsonist to then say, well, we couldn’t have possibly known was going to go on there.”

Palumbo referenced a report from the Capitol Research Center, which profiles politically active nonprofit organizations, and said the report documented millions in funding tied to violent groups.

“Alex cited a New York Times article that made that exact argument, and they had claimed that a recent report from the Capitol Research Center, which does profiles on left wing groups, had made that exact claim. There’s no evidence of any direct funding. And, you know, I read the report, and I’ll read directly from it, the Open Society Foundation, since 2016 gave $80 million to pro terror groups,” Palumbo said.

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

He further alleged that those funds were connected to organizations supporting propaganda for groups like Hamas or providing legal defense for protesters.

“And this is what we plan groups that are themselves going out and committing acts of violence, or are making light of violence, doing propaganda for groups like Hamas to downplay their atrocities, or providing legal aid, you know, free legal aid to these protesters,” he said.

Palumbo also claimed that OSF used environmental activism as a front for broader left-wing causes.

“We talked in the last show, how Alex had used environmentalist groups sort of as a front for other left wing causes, and that he had authorized over 438 million in new spending to environmental groups ever since he took over. But that’s only a small percentage of what they actually do,” Palumbo explained.

“They’re sort of a catch all for left wing activism, and a lot of the Palestinian groups he funded are in that pro terror category.”

He argued that these groups disguise anti-American activism behind humanitarian messaging.

“Regardless of your position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, even if you are you know someone on the right who is more sympathetic to the Palestinians, it’s no doubt that these left wing groups are really anti American groups, and that is just their front issue,” Palumbo said.

Palumbo claimed OSF’s funding structure is designed to obscure accountability.

“There are a number of groups that are set up basically to give plausible deniability. They are in this sort of funds, of funds category, well, where he will give $10 million to a group, and I’ll go through those social media, their YouTube, their website, there is no activity, no press releases, no news of everything that anything they’re doing, but they present themselves as active groups,” Palumbo said.

“And then you go through their financials, their public statements, and all their operations are giving money to other groups. And then you know, their expenses will be 100 bucks a year. It’s just things that don’t add up, and it’s to give. He is layering the funds so that you cannot, in those cases, directly link him to anything.”

He concluded by contrasting Alex Soros’s methods with those used by his father.

“His father had done this with the Tides Foundation for forever, basically, or the rock, you know, the Rockefeller groups. But his son is doing it to a much greater degree,” Palumbo said.

The discussion comes as scrutiny intensifies around the global network of organizations tied to the Open Society Foundation.

Bannon emphasized that the Treasury and IRS investigations could mark a turning point in exposing financial operations linked to political activism and foreign influence, calling the developments “a pincer move” that could have far-reaching implications.

WATCH:

George Santos Walks Free After Trump Commutes 87-Month Prison Sentence
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George Santos Walks Free After Trump Commutes 87-Month Prison Sentence

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Disgraced former congressman George Santos was released from federal custody late Friday after President Donald Trump commuted his 87-month sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos had served just under three months of his prison term before his release.

Santos, 37, was freed from the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, around 11 p.m., according to his attorney Joseph Murray.

“God bless President Donald J Trump the greatest President in U.S. history!” Murray wrote in a post on Santos’ X account shortly after the commutation was announced.

The former New York lawmaker, known for fabricating parts of his personal history, left the prison without media present.

A vehicle with New York license plates was observed entering the facility shortly before 10:30 p.m. and departing soon afterward, though it has not been confirmed whether Santos was inside.

Santos had faced up to 20 years in prison before accepting a plea deal on nearly two dozen charges related to campaign finance violations.

He pleaded guilty in April and began serving his sentence earlier this summer.

The former congressman had written an open letter to President Trump published Monday in the South Shore Press, pleading for clemency.

In the letter, Santos described his confinement in the Special Housing Unit at Fairton as “unlike anything most Americans could ever comprehend.” He said the isolation followed a death threat against him that was under FBI investigation.

“Life in SHU is unlike anything most Americans could ever comprehend,” Santos wrote.

“I am locked inside a small steel cage twenty-four hours a day. My only contact with the outside world is a brief phone call to my family — once every thirty days.”

Santos told Trump he was not seeking sympathy but fairness, writing, “I know I have made mistakes in my past. I have faced my share of consequences, and I take full responsibility for my actions. But no man, no matter his flaws, deserves to be lost in the system, forgotten and unseen, enduring punishment far beyond what justice requires.”

In August, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia urged the Justice Department to review Santos’ case, calling his sentence “abusive overreach by the judicial system.”

Following the announcement of the commutation, Greene posted on X: “THANK YOU President Trump for releasing George Santos!! He was unfairly treated and put in solitary confinement, which is torture!!”

Ed Martin, who serves as the Department of Justice’s pardon attorney, acknowledged Greene’s role, writing that “George had no greater friend than [Greene].”

Martin said he was “honored” to have “played a small role in [Trump] granting [Santos] clemency.”


Santos’ attorney also thanked Greene, along with Representatives Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, and former Representative Matt Gaetz, noting that “President Trump is absolutely right when he says that the U.S. is back!”

Robert Zimmerman, the Democrat Santos defeated in the 2022 race for New York’s 3rd District, sharply criticized the commutation.

“Trump is trying to put his political enemies in jail while he frees George Santos for the unconscionable crimes that he committed and the fraud he concealed,” Zimmerman said.

“For Donald Trump to erase the consequence of those crimes — simply because Santos votes Republican — should outrage each and every American who says they are for law and order.”

Santos was expelled from Congress in December 2023 after a House Ethics Committee report accused him of using campaign funds for personal expenses, including luxury travel and adult content subscriptions.

He had also fabricated details of his education, employment, and background before his 2022 election.

President Trump defended the commutation in a post on Truth Social, citing the “horrible” treatment Santos endured while incarcerated.

“George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many rogues throughout our Country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison,” the president wrote.

“At least Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN! George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time and, by all accounts, has been horribly mistreated.”

“Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!” the post concluded.

GOP Oversight Destroys Dems’ Epstein–Trump Smear, Releases ‘Receipts They Don’t Want You to See’
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GOP Oversight Destroys Dems’ Epstein–Trump Smear, Releases ‘Receipts They Don’t Want You to See’

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The House Oversight Committee on Friday released a transcript of its interview with Alex Acosta, the former U.S. attorney who negotiated a controversial plea deal with Jeffrey Epstein, alongside flight manifests from the disgraced financier’s private plane.

The interview took place in late September, with Acosta, who previously served as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, providing detailed insights into the 2008 agreement.

The released documents include flight manifests listing prominent figures such as Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, Walter Cronkite, and Richard Branson as passengers on Epstein’s private plane.

None of these individuals have been accused of any wrongdoing.

Former President Bill Clinton also appeared multiple times in the manifests, including on at least one flight in 2002 accompanied by Secret Service agents.

Clinton is not accused of any wrongdoing.Acosta’s negotiation with Epstein in 2008 resulted in a plea deal that allowed the financier to avoid federal charges.

Instead, Epstein served 13 months in jail and pleaded guilty to state charges.

As part of the agreement, he registered as a sex offender and paid settlements to victims.

During the interview, Acosta explained the decision, citing challenges with the case that could have jeopardized a conviction.

“And so in part it was influenced by that, and in large part it was also influenced by the viability of the case. Every attorney that looked at the case, from the prosecuting attorney, again, through the entire chain, looked at the evidence, and there were evidentiary issues with the victims,” Acosta said.

“Many victims refused to testify. Many victims had changing stories. All of us understood why they had changing stories, but they did. And defense counsel would have – cross-examination would have been withering.”

Acosta further elaborated on the rationale behind the plea deal, expressing concern that Epstein might have escaped jail time entirely.

“Our judgment in this case, based on the evidence known at the time, was that it was better to have a billionaire serve time in jail, register as a sex offender and pay his victims restitution than risk a trial with a reduced likelihood of success,” Acosta said.

“I supported that judgment then, and based on the state of the law as it then stood and the evidence known at that time, I would support that judgment again.”

He noted that the state attorney in Florida “had let him off entirely.”

“And so our thinking at the time was, you know, the State attorney is letting him get away with this. The State attorney is asking pre-trial diversion. Unacceptable. Entirely unacceptable. But a billionaire going to jail sends a strong signal to the community that this is not acceptable, that this is not right, that this cannot happen,” Acosta said.

During the discussion, Acosta acknowledged that Epstein’s legal team “got awfully close to the line of unethical,” adding that he “resisted” some of their tactics.

The interview shed light on the complexities of the case and the strategic considerations at play during negotiations.

In 2019, while serving as United States Secretary of Labor, Acosta defended his role in the plea deal.

“Simply put, the Palm Beach state attorney’s office was ready to let Epstein walk free, no jail time,” Acosta claimed.

“Prosecutors in my former office found this to be completely unacceptable.”

He reflected on changes over time, stating, “We now have 12 years of knowledge and hindsight and we live in a very different world.”

“Today’s world treats victims very, very differently.”

The release of the transcript and flight manifests has reignited interest in Epstein’s case, with the Oversight Committee continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the plea deal.

The documents provide a detailed record of the individuals associated with Epstein’s travels, though no allegations have been made against those named.

The committee’s efforts aim to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.

The interview with Acosta, conducted by committee members, lasted several hours and covered his tenure as U.S. attorney.

The flight manifests, spanning multiple years, offer a glimpse into Epstein’s social circle, though the focus remains on the legal proceedings that followed his arrest.

The Oversight Committee has not yet announced further actions based on the released materials.

Epstein’s plea deal, negotiated over a decade ago, has been a subject of scrutiny, especially as new information has emerged about his crimes.

Acosta’s comments during the interview provide context for the decision-making process at the time, highlighting the evidentiary challenges and the pressure to secure some form of justice.

The release of these documents marks a significant step in the ongoing review of the case.As investigations continue, the House Oversight Committee is expected to release additional findings.

The public release of the transcript and manifests occurred on October 17, 2025, just before the weekend, allowing for widespread analysis of the contents.

The committee’s work is part of a broader effort to address past handling of high-profile cases involving influential figures.

Bernie Sanders Gets ‘Wrecked on National Television’ by a College Student
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Bernie Sanders Gets ‘Wrecked on National Television’ by a College Student

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Senator Bernie Sanders engaged in a heated exchange with a Republican college student during a CNN town hall on Wednesday night, defending Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer amid mounting criticism over the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 16th day.

The confrontation took place when Rohan Naval, a student from American University and an intern with Americans for Tax Reform, challenged Sanders on Schumer’s handling of the funding standoff that has left much of the federal government partially closed.

The exchange came as public frustration grows over what has been widely described as the “Schumer Shutdown,” a political stalemate that has delayed federal paychecks and essential services nationwide.

“Senator Sanders, how do you think the Schumer Shutdown reflects on the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer?” Naval asked.

Sanders quickly shifted the blame to Republicans, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump.

“Well, I think it reflects more on Mike Johnson’s leadership and President Trump’s leadership,” Sanders responded.

“This is a leadership that said it’s okay to give a… well, how do you feel? You tell me. You think it’s a good idea to give $1 trillion in tax breaks to the richest people in the country and then make massive cuts to healthcare for working-class people?”

Naval pushed back, citing Schumer’s voting record on previous spending measures. “I think Chuck Schumer has voted for continuing resolutions 13 times in the last four years, and he has the opportunity to vote for one again, but he’s refusing to come to the table,” Naval said.

Sanders countered by arguing that Republicans were responsible for the deadlock.

“I think… look, as I have said, there are 53 Republicans in the Senate, correct? They need 60. What does that mean? It means you have to talk to the other side. Mike Johnson is not talking. John Thune is not talking. President Trump is not talking. That is the problem.”

The exchange highlighted growing partisan tensions as both parties seek to avoid blame for the funding lapse.

Democrats have accused Republicans of holding up the process by refusing to fund an Obamacare expansion in the GOP-led spending bill, while Republicans point to Schumer’s refusal to compromise on healthcare policy demands.

The funding measure, which would have extended government operations through the next fiscal year, failed in the Senate last week after Democrats filibustered the bill. Republicans say the legislation would have maintained essential services and protected military pay while negotiations continued.

As the shutdown drags on, reports indicate that federal agencies are struggling to sustain basic operations.

Thousands of federal workers have missed paychecks, and programs ranging from small business loans to national park services have been disrupted.

Meanwhile, comments by Schumer have intensified criticism of Democratic leadership.

Speaking to Punchbowl News earlier this week, Schumer appeared to celebrate the political fallout of the shutdown, suggesting it benefited his party.

“Every day gets better for us,” Schumer reportedly said.

“It’s because we’ve thought about this long in advance, and we knew that healthcare would be the focal point on Sept. 30, and we prepared for it… Their whole theory was — threaten us, bamboozle us, and we would submit in a day or two.”

Republicans have seized on Schumer’s remarks as evidence that Democrats are prioritizing political gain over governance.

With no agreement in sight, the Senate is not expected to reconvene until Monday.

Negotiations between both chambers have stalled as Schumer continues to demand the inclusion of healthcare-related provisions in any stopgap funding measure.

The standoff marks one of the longest shutdowns in recent U.S. history.

Both sides face increasing pressure from the public to reach a resolution as the fiscal standoff enters its third week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hakeem Jeffries Defends Jay Jones After Text Saying ‘Two Bullets to the Head’ About Elected Official and His Children Surfaces
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Hakeem Jeffries Defends Jay Jones After Text Saying ‘Two Bullets to the Head’ About Elected Official and His Children Surfaces

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that he continues to support Virginia Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones despite backlash over text messages in which Jones appeared to fantasize about a Republican lawmaker being shot, as reported by Breitbart.

Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Jeffries said Jones’ apology was sufficient.

“The attorney general candidate has appropriately apologized for his remarks, and I know his remarks have been condemned across the board by Democrats in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond,” Jeffries said. “And that’s the right thing to do.”

The text messages, which surfaced earlier this month, were sent on August 8, 2022, to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner. In the messages, Jones allegedly made violent comments about then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family.

“Three people, two bullets,” one of Jones’ texts read. Another stated, “Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head. Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.”

The messages immediately drew condemnation from Republicans, including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who called on Jones to withdraw from the race.

“This violent, disgusting rhetoric targeted at an elected official and his children is beyond disqualifying,” Youngkin said in a statement.

“Jay Jones said that ‘Gilbert gets two bullets to the head’ and then hoped his children would die. Read those words again. There is no ‘gosh, I’m sorry’ here. Jones doesn’t have the morality or character to drop out of this race, and his running mates Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi, and every elected Democrat in Virginia don’t have the courage to call on him to step away from this campaign in disgrace.”

Jones, who previously served as a state delegate, issued an apology shortly after the messages became public, describing his comments as “deeply inappropriate.”

“I regret my words and understand the harm they caused,” Jones said. “I take full responsibility and apologize to Speaker Gilbert and his family.”

Despite the controversy, prominent Democrats have continued to stand by Jones. During a recent debate between Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger and Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Spanberger refused to withdraw her endorsement of Jones.

“We just want to clarify — as of now, you still endorse Jay Jones as attorney general?” the debate moderator asked.

“I’m saying, as of now, it’s up to every voter to make their own individual decision,” Spanberger responded.

“I am running for governor. I am accountable for the words that I say, for the acts that I take, for the policies that I have put out. I am responsible for the policies I put out and the work I will endeavor to do tirelessly for the people.”

Spanberger said she condemned Jones’ rhetoric when the texts were first made public but stopped short of rescinding her endorsement.

Jones remains in the race as Democratic leaders, including Jeffries, continue to back his campaign despite growing criticism over his past remarks.

Prince Andrew Gives Up Duke of York Title Amid Renewed Scrutiny Over Epstein Ties
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Prince Andrew Gives Up Duke of York Title Amid Renewed Scrutiny Over Epstein Ties

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Prince Andrew announced Friday that he is relinquishing his royal title, Duke of York, following new revelations about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The move marks the latest fallout in a scandal that has shadowed the British royal family for years, as reported by The New York Post.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the 65-year-old royal said the decision came after discussions with his brother, King Charles III, and other members of the royal family.

“In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family,” Prince Andrew said.

“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.”

The announcement follows the publication of excerpts from a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein of trafficking her and claimed that she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew when she was 17.

Giuffre, who died in April at the age of 41, wrote that the encounter occurred at the London home of Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Giuffre’s memoir describes Andrew as “entitled,” alleging he behaved “as if he believed having sex with me was his birthright.” Her account revived widespread media coverage of the case, which had largely faded from the public spotlight in recent years.

Prince Andrew, who has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, reiterated his position in his statement Friday. “As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me,” he said.

Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019 after the allegations first became public and amid mounting criticism of his friendship with Epstein.

The Duke faced further backlash after a 2019 BBC interview in which he denied wrongdoing but failed to convey remorse over his association with the disgraced financier.

Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, was convicted in 2021 on federal charges of grooming and sexually abusing underage girls. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Prince Andrew’s decision to give up his title adds to ongoing efforts by King Charles to distance the monarchy from past controversies as he reshapes the royal family’s public image. Buckingham Palace declined further comment on the announcement.

Trump Says ‘Tremendous Bad Blood’ Between Zelenskyy and Putin Delaying Peace Deal
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Trump Says ‘Tremendous Bad Blood’ Between Zelenskyy and Putin Delaying Peace Deal

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President Donald Trump said Friday that lingering tension and “tremendous bad blood” between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin are delaying progress toward a peace deal in Ukraine, despite what he described as “major momentum” in his administration’s Middle East peace efforts, as reported by Fox News.

“They have tremendous bad blood. It really is what is holding up, I think, a settlement,” Trump said during remarks at the White House, where he hosted Zelenskyy for bilateral talks. “I think we are going to get it done, and we have to make it long-lasting — as I said in the Middle East, everlasting.”

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Trump pointed to the recently brokered Middle East ceasefire involving 59 countries, calling it a model for how his administration intends to approach Ukraine.

“The Middle East is a much more complicated situation. You know, we had 59 countries involved, and every one of them agreed. Most people didn’t think that was doable. This is going to be something I really believe that’s going to get done,” Trump said.

“I had a very good talk yesterday with President Putin. I think he wants to get it done.”

Zelenskyy, seated beside Trump, said he believed the U.S. president had a “big chance” to help end the conflict.

“President Trump has really showed for the world that he can manage a ceasefire in the Middle East,” Zelenskyy said. “And that’s why I hope that he will do this. And we will also have such big success. For Ukraine, it’s a big chance, and I hope that President Trump can manage it.”

During the meeting, Trump reiterated his administration’s support for continued defensive assistance to Ukraine. “We need Tomahawks, and we need a lot of other things that we’ve been sending over the last four years to Ukraine,” Trump said.

The White House meeting followed a phone call between Trump and Putin on Thursday. After the call, Trump said “great progress” was made but offered no specific details. He confirmed that he and Putin agreed to meet again soon, with Hungary being discussed as a potential location.

A conceptual photo showing U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on screen. Putin and Trump are set to discuss the Ukraine issue in Alaska. New York U.S 11.08.2025

Trump said he discussed U.S.-Russia trade relations during the call but did not confirm whether U.S. military aid to Ukraine was addressed. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov later told reporters that Putin opposed the delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.

“Vladimir Putin reiterated his thesis that Tomahawks won’t change the situation on the battlefield, but they will cause significant damage to relations between our countries, not to mention the prospects for a peaceful settlement,” Ushakov said, according to Reuters.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has pushed for greater air defense support amid Russia’s continued aerial bombardments of Ukrainian cities, infrastructure, and hospitals.

Writing on X, Zelenskyy said, “Nothing has changed for Russia — it is still terrorizing life in Ukraine. Therefore, every air defense system for Ukraine matters — it saves lives. Every decision that can strengthen us brings the end of the war closer.”

Friday’s meeting marked Zelenskyy’s third visit to the White House this year. His previous visit in February included Vice President J.D. Vance and featured what aides described as “tense but productive” discussions over long-term defense commitments and reconstruction aid.


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