The Trump campaign claims that foreign sources hostile to the United States breached its internal communications in connection with the 2024 presidential election.
The breach involves campaign documents and aligns with rising cybersecurity threats and a potential assassination plot against the former president, as Breitbart reports.
According to the Trump campaign, the internal systems hack was executed by "foreign sources hostile to the United States." Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung verified that documents were obtained illegally from these sources.
These revelations surfaced when Politico began receiving emails on July 22 from an anonymous account named "Robert," containing some of the Trump campaign’s internal documents. Among the leaked data was a detailed dossier on Sen. JD Vance, dated Feb. 23, offering information on the man who is now is Trump’s vice-presidential pick.
A portion of another document addressing Sen. Marco Rubio was also part of the communications sent to Politico. This breach has raised significant concerns about election security and foreign interference.
Cheung emphasized that the documents had been obtained illegally, attributing the act to foreign entities aiming to disrupt the 2024 presidential election and create chaos in the Democratic process. "The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House," he added.
In a connected revelation, Microsoft released a report indicating that Iranian hackers targeted a high-ranking official within a U.S. presidential campaign back in June 2024. The report highlighted that an Iranian group linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) managed to send a spear phishing email using a compromised account.
This same group also attempted to infiltrate an account belonging to a former presidential candidate but did not succeed. These cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly alarming as they coincide with rising tensions around the upcoming election.
Further escalating matters is the Department of Justice's revelation concerning a plot directed at the assassination of former President Trump and other U.S. officials. Prosecutors arrested and charged a Pakistani man purportedly connected to Iran in relation to this conspiracy.
This information regarding the assassination plot became public in July, heightening the gravity of the current cybersecurity concerns. Officials assert that the individual arrested had ties in plotting serious threats against Trump and several officials. These cascading events point towards a multifaceted attack on the U.S. political system by foreign entities. Measures to strengthen cybersecurity are now being urgently advocated.
The sequence of hacking attempts and threats underscores the vulnerability of political campaigns to cyber intrusions. The Trump campaign’s public disclosure of these threats aims to bring awareness to the serious nature of foreign interference.
Authorities continue to investigate the sources and intentions behind these incidents. Efforts to mitigate further risks to key political figures and campaigns are being amplified.
The intersection of cyber threats, leaked communications, and assassination plots presents a complex challenge as the 2024 election draws nearer. Preventative actions are deemed crucial to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of individuals involved.
An attempt on former President Donald Trump's life took place on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and new details of the day's events continue to emerge.
In the chaotic aftermath of the assassination attempt, local law enforcement officers have voiced frustration over what appears to have been a significant failure in the Secret Service's security measures and the federal agency's lack of communication with them prior to the event, as Breitbart reports.
Bodycam footage from the incident reveals the frantic moments following the assassination attempt. The video captures not only the blaring of sirens but also conversations between local officers, evident with tension.
One officer from Butler, Pennsylvania, is heard expressing that he had alerted the Secret Service days prior about the need for increased security personnel in certain areas.
The concerned officer's exact words, caught on the bodycam, reflected his exasperation. "I f*cking told [the Secret Service] they need to post a guy f*cking over here," he exclaimed, echoing his sentiments again when another officer inquired who he had reported it to. The officer clarified, "The Secret Service, I told them that f*cking Tuesday."
These revelations from the bodycam point to a potentially crucial gap in the safety protocols followed at the event. Correspondingly, a report from Breitbart News on July 16 criticized the Secret Service’s reliance on supplemental personnel for providing security to former presidents.
Reports indicate that protection details for former presidents are less comprehensive than those provided to current officeholders. This discrepancy often necessitates an augmented force, consisting of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents and local police. However, these supplemental agents may lack specialized training for such protective assignments.
The July 13 rally incident has cast a spotlight on the disparities in protection levels. Sources highlighted that the Secret Service's use of additional DHS and local police personnel to fill gaps might not offer the rigorous protection standard expected during such high-profile events. The bodycam footage has added fuel to the growing discourse regarding the effectiveness of this approach.
In a particularly striking exchange on the bodycam, the unidentified person questioned, "I thought you guys were supposed to do it," to which the Butler officer responded firmly, "No, we’re inside.” The frustration seems to root from a clearly demarcated division of responsibilities which, due to unclear communications or mismanagement, wasn’t executed as needed.
This evident security oversight, highlighted by the officer's preemptive warnings, underscores the criticality of seamless collaboration between federal and local security agencies, especially during events involving high-profile individuals like former presidents.
The Butler officer's insistence that he "told them to post f*cking guys over here," adds to the narrative of a missed opportunity to bolster necessary protective measures. As concerns about the security arrangements for former President Trump’s rally continue to draw attention, the Secret Service’s protocols are under scrutiny.
The chilling footage and the officers' reactions have galvanized further examination into why these warnings went unheeded and how such potential oversights can be prevented in the future. This rally incident might compel significant reevaluation of existing security measures for former presidents.
It is imperative that all fragments of this event are meticulously analyzed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the series of lapses that occurred. For the Secret Service, the challenge will be to restore confidence in their procedures and reinforce the imperatives of their protective mission.
Breitbart News reported that violent clashes continue to rock Venezuela as the death toll from anti-socialist protests rises to 24 following Nicolás Maduro's disputed re-election.
Nationwide protests erupted in Venezuela following Nicolás Maduro's July 28, 2023, presidential re-election, viewed by many as illegitimate, leading to brutal repression, numerous deaths, and human rights violations. The NGO Provea confirmed 24 fatalities amidst the government crackdown on dissent against the controversial election results.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) had declared Maduro the winner, sparking immediate unrest across the nation. Without releasing vote tallies or scrutinizing documents, the CNE quickly certified Maduro’s victory, claiming he received 51% of the vote. This move fueled skepticism and anger among the opposition and many Venezuelans.
The Venezuelan opposition published their own vote tallies, alleging that opposition candidate Edmundo González secured a significant win. They argued that the CNE’s results were fraudulent and manipulated in favor of Maduro.
Internationally, several countries, including the United States, have rejected Maduro’s victory and recognized González as the legitimate president. In contrast, only Maduro’s long-time allies and sympathetic regimes acknowledged his re-election. Amidst the chaos, the Maduro regime has initiated an aggressive campaign against dissidents. Over 2,000 individuals have reportedly been detained, with plans to send them to “reeducation” camps.
Protests have been particularly intense in low-income neighborhoods of Caracas and other major cities, according to Provea. Armed socialist gangs, known locally as colectivos, along with the Directorate of Strategic and Tactical Actions (DAET) of the Bolivarian National Police, have been implicated in at least 11 out of the 24 documented homicides.
The National Union of Press Workers of Venezuela (SNTP) reported the arbitrary detention of four journalists and graphic reporters, all facing terrorism charges. This crackdown on the press has raised significant concerns regarding freedom of the press and expression.
Digital platforms have been used to identify and target dissidents, with the regime relaunching Operation Tun Tun to persecute its opponents. This operation has a notorious history of human rights abuses.
Maduro’s administration has accused various regional leaders, international figures, and organizations of plotting against his rule, labeled collectively as “international Zionism.” This rhetoric has intensified the regime’s crackdown on perceived enemies.
Foro Penal, another notable Venezuelan NGO, confirmed 1,229 arbitrary detentions during the protests. Among the detained are 105 teenagers, five indigenous individuals, 16 people with disabilities, and 157 women.
Alfredo Romero, president of Foro Penal, highlighted the severe violations of legal rights, including restricted access to legal defense and lack of communication with family members. The average age of the detainees is 20, painting a grim picture of the youth's involvement in the current unrest.
Provea has also reported instances of harassment, job dismissals, and demotions of public administration employees for political reasons. Provea warns these actions could worsen, endangering more employees and their families. In a display of loyalty, the Venezuelan Armed Forces and police affirmed their commitment to Nicolás Maduro, naming him the “constitutional president” and “commander in chief.” This allegiance underscores the deepening divide within Venezuelan society.
As the death toll rises and the government’s control tightens, Venezuela remains ensnared in a spiral of violence and repression. Provea emphasized, “Denying people the human right to democracy, to electoral truth and repressing those who demand these basic principles, is a crime against human rights.”
Connie Chiume, the award-winning actress best known for her role in "Black Panther," has died at the age of 72.
The Daily Caller reported that the beloved actress passed away on August 6, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa, with tributes pouring in from family members and the government.
Her family confirmed her death through a social media announcement on her official Instagram page. Chiume, who was recovering well, according to her son Nongelo Chiume, experienced an unexpected turn of events leading to her death.
“She was recovering well, but, unfortunately, today we caught the news of her passing,” said Nongelo Chiume in a statement to Newsroom Afrika. The exact cause of her death remains unconfirmed by her son.
The Chiume family expressed their deep sorrow in an official statement:
The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress, Connie Chiume. Connie Chiume passed on at Garden City Hospital today on the 6th of August, 2024. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.
In addition to her family's sentiments, tributes from all over began to pour in, including a statement from the South African government. “Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award-winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered #RIPConnieChiume,” the government shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Fans have also taken to social media to share their expressions of grief and remembrances, celebrating her life and career.
Connie Chiume's career spanned several decades, earning her a place as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry. She was most famous for her portrayal of the tribal leader Zawavari in the 2018 blockbuster "Black Panther." She reprised her role in the 2022 sequel, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
Her talent and dedication did not go unnoticed. Chiume received two South African Film and Television Awards during her illustrious career. Her contributions to the arts have left a lasting impact on audiences both in South Africa and worldwide.
“We want her to be remembered as a person who gave her all through her talents. We want her to be remembered as someone who was selfless and someone who always wanted to see the next person doing great and believing in their God-given talents,” her son Nongelo expressed.
The news of Connie Chiume's passing has reverberated throughout the entertainment industry and her home country of South Africa. The breadth of her work and the tributes she has received highlight the depth of her influence and the love she garnered throughout her career.
Connie Chiume's life was filled with moments of greatness, and her death leaves behind a legacy worthy of celebration and remembrance. Her extraordinary journey in the acting world is a testament to her hard work, passion, and dedication to her craft.
In summary, Connie Chiume's passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from her family, the South African government, and her numerous fans worldwide. Her celebrated career, particularly her role as Zawavari in "Black Panther," and her award-winning achievements have cemented her status as a legendary actress whose legacy will endure.
According to Daily Mail, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents searched the home of Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) last Friday amidst concerns regarding his campaign finances.
Ogles publicly acknowledged the search and commented on it through his social media, stating that the FBI took possession of his phone due to concerns related to campaign financial disclosures. He made comments on a post last Friday, shedding light on the ongoing situation.
The news of the search spread when local media outlet WTVF reported about it on Tuesday. The development rapidly gained traction, particularly within Ogles' community in Tennessee. Interestingly, Ogles stated that he had already made corrections to several financial filings following mistakes.
Ogles, who won a competitive Republican primary on August 1, had previously admitted to errors in his campaign finance reports. He took steps to rectify these discrepancies as early as May by filing numerous amendments to the initial reports. These errors included misstated personal loans to his campaign totaling $320,000.
His claims of personally loaning substantial funds to the campaign were later retracted. In his statement, he noted that his pledge comprised various documented assets. He explained that only $20,000 was transferred, but the larger amount was mistakenly recorded.
The FBI's involvement in the investigation has piqued public interest, although the agency has remained tight-lipped. A spokesperson from the FBI neither confirmed nor denied the executed search, adhering to U.S. Department of Justice policy.
Adding to the intrigue, Ogles' attorney, G. Kline Preston IV, also refrained from commenting directly on the FBI's actions. Preston emphasized he could not confirm or deny any details concerning the search warrant.
While neighbors of Ogles' residence observed nothing unusual during the time of the search, it did not go completely unnoticed. One source confirmed that a search warrant was executed by the FBI within the county recently.
Throughout the ordeal, Ogles has remained transparent about the missteps in his campaign's financial reporting. “We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward,” he stated in his social media post.
The Republican representative emphasized his commitment to cooperating fully with both the FBI and the Federal Election Commission. He expressed confidence that the discrepancies were honest mistakes and that they would be resolved satisfactorily.
Ogles further assured his constituents by stating, “I have risked everything to run for the honor of representing Tennessee's Fifth Congressional District.” This included a detailed account of the assets he pledged for his campaign, highlighting his dedication to his political career.
Despite the contention surrounding his campaign finance disclosures, Ogles remains steadfast. He concluded his message by asserting that he believed all involved parties would find that the mistakes were unintentional and not indicative of any serious wrongdoing.
FBI agents searched Rep. Andy Ogles' home over concerns about his campaign finances, confiscating his phone. Ogles confirmed the search on social media, explaining it was part of an ongoing investigation into financial disclosure errors. He has been correcting these mistakes since May, including overstated personal loans to his campaign. The FBI has not commented on the search, while Ogles remains committed to compliance and transparency, assuring constituents the discrepancies were unintentional.
According to the Washington Examiner, Maryland’s Republican Senate nominee, Larry Hogan, reaffirms his refusal to support either of the major party's presidential candidates, taking issue with Vice President Kamala Harris’s policy stances.
Hogan positions himself as a centrist, setting the stage for a challenging Senate race against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, a close ally of Harris.
Hogan, former two-term governor of Maryland, has consistently criticized both ends of the political spectrum. His stance aligns him against Harris, who recently replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee, labeling her policies too extreme.
Hogan's political approach remains firmly rooted in the center, a stance that he believes sets him apart in the upcoming Senate race. "I don't plan to vote for either of the two major party candidates, and that hasn't changed at all," Hogan asserted, calling Harris's policies "disastrous, far-left policies." This perspective originates from his tenure as a centrist governor determined to distance Maryland from any semblance of "the California of the East."
Angela Alsobrooks, Hogan’s Democratic opponent, has been a significant figure in Maryland politics, closely aligning with Harris. Alsobrooks’s policies, according to Hogan, lean decidedly far-left – a stance he plans to challenge in the election for retiring Senator Ben Cardin’s seat.
Harris's record, particularly her time as San Francisco's district attorney, provides Hogan with ample material for criticism. He is a counterweight to these policies, emphasizing, "I still don't want to follow San Francisco policies, and I think that some of the policies are wrong for America."
Interestingly, Hogan had words of praise for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, whom he described as a centrist much like himself. Shapiro, a potential vice-presidential candidate alongside Harris, received acknowledgment from Hogan for his moderate political stance and governance style.
"Gov. Shapiro happens to have a lot of politics a lot like me," Hogan remarked. "He's a moderate who tries to govern from the middle." This perspective stands in stark contrast to his view of Harris and Alsobrooks, whom he considers far-left.
Despite his critique of Alsobrooks’s policies, Hogan reiterated his personal respect for her, acknowledging, "I like and respect Alsobrooks, but there's no question that her policies are far-left." He expressed concerns that Alsobrooks' policies, akin to those of Harris, do not represent the average Marylander.
Hogan's campaign faces robust attacks from Democrats, who seek to portray him as a potential enabler of Trumpism in the Senate. These allegations, however, do not align with Hogan's clear disdain for former President Donald Trump, a stance he has made no effort to conceal.
Voicing his intention to act as a “maverick” in Washington, Hogan vowed to stand up to both parties. "I think [Alsobrooks] wants the race to be about red vs. blue and just Democrat vs. Republican," he stated. "I think it's about issues that people care about, and I think it's about our records and what we say we're going to do when we get to Washington."
Amidst this partisan clamoring, Democrats have experienced a surge of excitement following Biden's exit, a period Hogan downplays as a temporary "sugar high" or "honeymoon period." He believes voter focus will sharpen after Labor Day, expressing confidence that his campaign will not waver.
Larry Hogan remains steadfast in his refusal to support major party candidates, focusing his critique on Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies. He identifies Angela Alsobrooks as a significant opponent, criticizing her alignment with Harris while operating from a self-described centrist position. Hogan’s campaign emphasizes independence and moderate politics, positioning himself as a maverick willing to challenge both political parties in Washington.
Intel's recent decision to slash 15% of its workforce has sent ripples through the tech industry.
Fox Business reported that despite receiving $8.5 billion in federal grants to boost U.S. chipmaking, Intel announced a significant reduction of around 17,000 jobs.
CEO Pat Gelsinger explained to employees that these job cuts are part of a broader cost-cutting and restructuring strategy to address the company’s weaker-than-expected revenue and challenging market conditions. The announcement has captured widespread attention and garnered criticism, particularly in light of the substantial federal subsidies the company recently obtained.
Gelsinger said the company’s financial outlook for the latter half of 2024 is grimmer than anticipated, prompting the need for bolder measures. He characterized the situation as one of the most challenging times in Intel’s history, noting that "costs are too high, and margins are too low." This sentiment underscores the necessity for significant operational changes.
Intel's workforce reduction, which equates to approximately 17,000 employees, directly responds to declining margins and insufficient revenue growth. Gelsinger's message to employees highlighted the need to align the company's cost structure with a new operational model. He reassured them that despite the tough decisions, the company remains committed to maintaining a culture of honesty, transparency, and respect.
Intel employs around 116,500 people and has been grappling with intense competition and shifting market dynamics, particularly the burgeoning demand for AI chips from rivals like Nvidia. This shift has impacted Intel’s sales, reducing them by 1% to $12.8 billion, and pushed the company into a loss of $1.6 billion compared to a profit of $1.5 billion in the preceding quarter.
The tech giant's decision to cut jobs following the receipt of $8.5 billion in federal grants under the CHIPS and Science Act, enacted in 2022, has not been without controversy. The Act aims to bolster U.S. manufacturing, supply chains, and national security by supporting research and development in the semiconductor industry. Over $52 billion was allocated for various semiconductor initiatives, part of which went to Intel.
Critics have questioned the prudence of handing substantial taxpayer funds to corporations that are now downsizing. Charles Payne, host of “Making Money,” aired his grievances online, asking for clarity on how such actions align with fairness and wisdom.
The Biden-Harris administration's strategy of empowering leading corporations through federal subsidies to sustain and enhance the semiconductor sector has been met with skepticism in light of Intel’s recent workforce reduction.
Following the announcement, Intel's stock plummeted by 26% on Friday, further reflecting investor unease about the company's future. Pat Gelsinger acknowledged the compounding effect of favorable and unfavorable market conditions, emphasizing the need for Intel to adapt financially and operationally.
Gelsinger admitted that the AI surge was more intense than he expected, necessitating the adjustment of the company's strategies. He stressed the importance of realigning Intel’s operations with the new market realities, pledging to navigate these turbulent times with integrity and transparency.
As the semiconductor landscape evolves, Intel’s transformative actions underscore a critical juncture for the company and the broader tech industry. The substantial job cuts, set against the backdrop of significant federal support, highlight the inherent complexities and challenges companies face in remaining competitive and financially viable.
Intel’s journey of restructuring in response to changing market conditions, particularly the escalating demand for AI chips, underscores its ongoing struggle to regain stability and growth. The company's narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the volatile interplay between federal support, market dynamics, and corporate strategy.
A joyous homecoming for four U.S. hostages became a source of unexpected challenges for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris late Thursday night.
Harris and Biden’s welcome ceremony for four freed hostages, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, was marred by bizarre unscripted remarks and confusing comments that, for some, exposed the vice president's inability to speak extemporaneously, as CNN reports.
Harris and Biden arrived at Joint Base Andrews shortly before midnight to greet the freed hostages, leading to the widely-criticized events that followed.
During the emotional event, Harris delivered unscripted remarks about diplomacy. She said, “This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the significance of diplomacy.”
These unscripted comments quickly drew the ire of the Republican National Committee, which mocked Harris online. In response, Harris' campaign released an edited video of her remarks, emphasizing diplomacy and family unity.
The edited version sent out by Harris's campaign presented a polished message: “This is an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and strengthening alliances. This is an incredible day and you can see it in the families and their eyes.”
President Biden also faced scrutiny for his actions and comments during the event. He climbed aboard the airplane after the hostages had already disembarked, raising eyebrows and leading to confusion among spectators.
Furthermore, Biden's speech contained confusing comments about his remaining time in office. He told the crowd, “You’re stuck with me as president for a while, kid. There’s no way out, okay? You get me for at least another hundred -- 90 days or so.”
These remarks added another layer of ambiguity, as Biden misstated the time frame of his presidency, which his team often has to correct.
The White House has previously corrected Biden’s verbal mistakes, including nine corrections to his speech to the NAACP in May. Such patterns are now becoming a point of contention and criticism among both parties.
In response to the mounting criticism, both Biden's and Harris’ teams went into overdrive to clean up the backlash from their public dealings at Joint Base Andrews. The campaign efforts underline the significance of managing public perception in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
Despite the celebratory nature of the event, the missteps by both leaders overshadowed what should have been a moment of unity and relief. Meanwhile, online platforms buzzed with mixed reactions from both critics and supporters. Biden's words and actions during such crucial moments have taken center stage, raising questions about his management of public appearances and statements.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris joined President Joe Biden at Joint Base Andrews to welcome four released hostages, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan. Harris' unscripted remarks on the significance of diplomacy elicited online ridicule, while Biden's comments and actions fostered further confusion. The responses from their respective campaigns aimed to mitigate the backlash, underscoring the high stakes of public perception in the run-up to the elections.
A New York state appeals court has upheld a gag order imposed on Donald Trump in his hush money case.
The appeals court’s decision throws out Trump's request to end the order restricting him from commenting on specific prosecutors and other involved parties until his sentencing on Sept. 18, as Just the News reports.
The Appellate Division in Manhattan rejected Trump's challenge to the gag order on Thursday. The former president was found guilty in May of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to an adult entertainer.
Justice Juan Merchan issued the gag order to prevent Trump from making public comments about the prosecutors, court staff, witnesses, and jurors involved in the case. While Merchan later lifted restrictions on witnesses and jurors after Trump’s conviction on May 30, the order still covers prosecutors and court staff.
Trump’s legal team argued that the gag order violated his First Amendment rights. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, criticized the order as “blatantly un-American.”
The five-judge panel defended Merchan’s decision, stating he acted within his jurisdiction to maintain the specific protections the order provides.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released earlier this week showed a tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, with Harris leading by just one percentage point among registered voters. This close margin underscores the political significance of the gag order and Trump's ongoing legal battles.
Following the appeals court decision, Trump’s lawyers renewed their call for Justice Merchan to recuse himself from the case. They cited potential bias due to Merchan's daughter’s employment as a Democratic political consultant.
Merchan had previously declined similar recusal requests from Trump’s legal team.
In May, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. These charges stemmed from a $130,000 payment made by Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The gag order aims to prevent what D.A. Alvin Bragg said was Trump's past conduct of making threatening statements from interfering with the judicial process. The Appellate Division noted allegations of ongoing threats to Bragg’s staff as a reason for maintaining the order.
When sentenced, Trump faces a maximum of four years in prison, though observers believe such an outcome is unlikely, given his first-offender steatus. Even so, the former president has vowed to appeal his conviction, prolonging the legal saga.
Despite attempts from Trump's legal team to argue First Amendment violations and demand recusal from Justice Merchan, the court has maintained its stance. With a tight race against Kamala Harris in recent polls, Trump remains a pivotal figure in American politics as he awaits sentencing on Sept. 18.
As reported by The Hill, the South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that executions by firing squad, along with other controversial methods, are legal if requested by the inmate.
On Wednesday, the South Carolina Supreme Court delivered its verdict, stating that death by firing squad and other methods of execution considered cruel and unusual are permissible when chosen by the inmate. The 2021 legislation was a response to ongoing difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs, which had led to botched executions.
The law passed in 2021 allows executions by firing squad and electrocution, alongside lethal injection. South Carolina faced a significant hurdle in carrying out executions due to a lack of reliable sources for lethal injection drugs. This shortage had rendered electrocution the default execution method.
Following the passage of this law, death row inmates challenged its legality. However, the state Supreme Court, which has a conservative majority, ultimately sided with state prosecutors. This ruling clears the way for the resumption of executions in South Carolina, which have been on hold since 2011.
Currently, there are 32 inmates on death row in South Carolina. The decision marks a significant development in the state's approach to capital punishment.
Justice John Few, writing for the majority, explained that the 2021 law was designed to make the death penalty less inhumane while allowing the state to enforce its laws. Few acknowledged the risk of executions being botched but argued that this risk does not render the method constitutionally cruel.
"The inescapable reality that an execution by any method may not go as planned — that it will be 'botched' — does not render the method 'cruel' under the constitution," Few stated. He emphasized that the law was a "sincere effort to make the death penalty less inhumane."
South Carolina now joins a handful of states that allow executions by firing squad. Only five states in the U.S. permit this method, and it has been used only three times since 1976, all in Utah.
Governor Henry McMaster praised the court's decision, stating, "The Supreme Court has rightfully upheld the rule of law. This decision is another step in ensuring that lawful sentences can be duly enforced and the families and loved ones of the victims receive the closure and justice they have long awaited."
The ruling has significant implications for the future of capital punishment in South Carolina. Electrocution, now the main method of execution in the state, is also legal in seven other states. This decision may influence other states facing similar challenges with lethal injection drugs.
The controversy surrounding the use of firing squads and electrocution highlights the ongoing debate over the most humane and effective methods of execution. As South Carolina prepares to resume executions, the ruling is expected to face further scrutiny and potential legal challenges.
With the Supreme Court's ruling, South Carolina is set to resume executions after a 13-year hiatus. The decision comes as the state grapples with the complexities of carrying out capital punishment amid logistical and ethical concerns.
In summary, the South Carolina Supreme Court's ruling allows executions by firing squad and other methods deemed cruel and unusual if requested by the inmate. This decision follows a 2021 law passed due to a shortage of lethal injection drugs and execution mishaps. Justice John Few emphasized that the law aims to make the death penalty less inhumane despite the potential risks of botched executions. Governor Henry McMaster praised the ruling, which is set to resume executions in the state.