The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially leveled allegations of influence peddling against Hunter Biden, indicating he was involved in a questionable overseas deal with Romanian oligarch Gabriel Popoviciu.
Hunter Biden’s involvement in the deal had previously been reported in 2018 and claims of his participation now appear to be supported by recent court filings, as Breitbart reports.
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is formally alleged by the DOJ to have been implicated in influence peddling abroad during his father's vice presidency. Details from recent court documents confirm payments were structured to bypass the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), an issue initially revealed by author Peter Schweizer in his 2018 book Secret Empires.
Gabriel Popoviciu, the Romanian businessman involved, is currently cooperating with DOJ prosecutors. The filings detail methods employed to shield Hunter Biden and an unnamed associate from FARA violations. Popoviciu hired Biden and his partner, remitting over $3 million for their services, with a third of this amount directly benefiting Hunter Biden.
While the payments and influence activities occurred during Joe Biden's tenure as vice president, Hunter Biden’s more recent activities under President Biden's administration are not implicated in these filings. The focus remains strictly on historical actions that align closely with Peter Schweizer’s prior assertions.
Investigative journalist Peter Schweizer discussed these revelations on a special edition of the The Drill Down podcast, with co-host Eric Eggers. Schweizer's investigative endeavors first brought these actions to light over six years ago, reinforcing his charges of widespread influence peddling by the Biden family during and after Joe Biden’s vice presidency. "This is an appetizer for what is going to be the main course," Schweizer said, hinting at further movements by the DOJ involving larger transactions in China, Ukraine, and Russia.
The DOJ filings present messages from Hunter Biden that acknowledge potential FARA violations. While this Romanian case implicates sums between $500,000 and $800,000, Schweizer asserts that larger activities in China ($30 million), Ukraine ($6 million), and Russia ($3.5 million) are in scope.
Schweizer noted that the protection around Joe Biden, significantly regarding his political campaign, has dissipated. This situation permits DOJ officials to pursue these cases more freely. “I think we’re going to see Joe Biden pardon Hunter Biden before leaving office,” Schweizer predicted, emphasizing the potential political consequences. He asserted that the evaporation of Joe Biden's campaign has allowed these DOJ actions to proceed with less political interference.
The recent DOJ activities underscore a broader push to investigate Hunter Biden’s international dealings as described in Schweizer’s book. The 2018 publication, Secret Empires, first documented these transactions, revealing a pattern that DOJ investigations appear to be corroborating.
The links between Hunter Biden and substantial sums in fundraising linked to significant foreign deals underline a significant narrative extending beyond the current probe. Schweizer’s proactive stance and early warnings seem vindicated by DOJ's current positioning and actions.
Hunter Biden’s alleged activities with Popoviciu involved payments aimed at influencing U.S. government actions to investigate claims against Popoviciu in Romania. This strategy of evading FARA was detailed in Schweizer's work and now surfaces in the DOJ’s legal narrative. Schweizer’s commentary predicts further DOJ actions involving monetary dealings with larger consequences. Reflecting on the Romanian deal, he notes, "The Romanian case involved between $500,000 and $800,000, but the deals in China involved $30 million."
The legal implications of these international transactions imply broader DOJ investigations that may extend beyond the Romanian episode. Schweizer’s anticipation of these developments underscores a long-term investigative trajectory that calls into question several significant foreign transactions.
Concluding this chapter, Schweizer’s observations on the ramifications for President Joe Biden indicate a politically charged intersection. The potential for pardoning Hunter Biden suggests an ongoing intertwining of legal and political dimensions.
A Pakistani national, Asif Raza Merchant, has been charged with plotting a murder-for-hire scheme targeting former President Donald Trump and other politicians despite being on a government watch list.
According to Breitbart News, Merchant gained entry to the United States under "significant public benefit parole" and traveled freely within the country before his arrest in July.
Merchant, age 46, was arrested on charges brought by the Department of Justice for allegedly orchestrating a plot to murder former President Donald Trump and other political figures.
Authorities noted that Merchant had been flagged as a "Lookout Qualified Person of Interest" in the Department of Homeland Security’s database, yet he was granted entry into the U.S.
Merchant landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, on April 13, where federal agents interviewed, fingerprinted and inspected him.
During the inspection, agents observed that Merchant had recently traveled to Iran, a location frequently associated with Islamic terrorism activities.
The Department of Homeland Security’s database marked Merchant in bright red as a person of interest who should be monitored closely.
In spite of the warnings in the DHS database, officials permitted Merchant to enter the U.S. under "significant public benefit parole," which was initially set to expire on May 11. Merchant remained in the United States even after his parole period ended, moving freely and ostensibly preparing for his plot.
Speculation suggests that federal agents may have allowed Merchant into the country hoping he would aid in investigations and help apprehend other suspects.
While in the U.S., Merchant's travel included flights from Houston to New York City, New York City to Boston, and back to New York City between April and June. Merchant's arrest on July 12 occurred just as he was reportedly attempting to leave the U.S. for Pakistan, presumably to oversee the assassination plan.
According to prosecutors, Merchant was believed to be coordinating the assassination efforts with individuals he thought were recruited to conduct the attacks, which he intended to direct from abroad. Reports suggest that the federal agents allowed Merchant to enter the country under parole to potentially turn him against other conspirators.
Asif Raza Merchant, a Pakistani national, faced charges for a murder-for-hire plot targeting former President Donald Trump and other political figures. Even though his immigration records highlighted him as a "Lookout Qualified Person of Interest," he was allowed into the United States under "significant public benefit parole." This followed an inspection at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, even though he had recently traveled to Iran.
Merchant traveled freely inside the U.S., flying between Houston, New York City, and Boston, before his arrest on July 12 as he allegedly intended to depart for Pakistan to further orchestrate the plot. It is speculated that federal agents aimed to use him to bring other suspects into custody.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's administration is under intense scrutiny following revelations of extensive financial mismanagement, including a major COVID-19 fraud scandal and massive unemployment benefit overpayments.
According to Just The News, Minnesota lost hundreds of millions of dollars under Governor Walz despite warnings about widespread failures.
The nonpartisan Office of Legislative Auditor reported that the state's losses are now approaching $1 billion since 2019. These issues have come to the forefront as Walz was recently chosen as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee for the 2024 election.
During the pandemic and border crisis, Walz's administration increased government giveaways. In February, auditors warned of pervasive noncompliance with grant management policies within the administration. The warning set the stage for a series of financial scandals that would soon come to light.
A $250 million fraud in the Feeding Our Future program was uncovered just months later. This program was intended to provide meals to children during the pandemic, but several entities were fraudulently set up to siphon off funds.
The Minnesota Department of Education faced criticism for not adequately verifying sponsorship applications from high-risk applicants. Governor Walz acknowledged a lack of due diligence but stated that no state employees were involved in illegal activities.
"There’s not a single state employee that was implicated in doing anything that was illegal. They simply didn’t do as much due diligence as they should have," Walz said.
In June, federal prosecutors secured convictions for several individuals involved in the Feeding Our Future fraud. The fraud underscored the failures in the state's grant management and oversight processes.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that Minnesota lost $430 million in overpaid unemployment benefits during the pandemic. This substantial loss added to the mounting criticism of Walz's financial management.
State House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth remarked on the prevalent pattern of fraud and waste, calling for accountability. "These are dollars that should be going to the people who truly need them, and those responsible for allowing this fraud and waste must be held accountable. Minnesotans deserve better than a governor who counts ‘not the worst’ as a victory," she said.
Former Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann criticized the administration's financial policies. "He increased spending in Minnesota in one year by almost 40% he had a surplus of $17 billion he spent every bit of that in one year, and he put Minnesota on a road toward constant tax increases," Bachmann stated.
An audit revealed that 41% of recipients from a Frontline Worker Pay program were unverifiable, with fraudulent payments also approved. The $250 million federal food program fraud could have been detected earlier if not for flawed verification processes.
Governor Walz's administration faced significant criticism due to financial mismanagement during the pandemic, including a $250 million COVID-19 fraud scandal and $430 million in unemployment benefit overpayments. Despite record-setting budgets and progressive programs, the administration struggled with pervasive issues of noncompliance and fraud. These financial controversies have become prominent as Walz was selected to be the Democratic vice-presidential nominee for the 2024 election.
In a dramatic turn of events, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., was defeated in the primary election for Missouri's 1st Congressional District.
According to Fox News, voters selected Wesley Bell, a St. Louis County prosecutor, as the Democratic nominee, opting for a more moderate approach.
Wesley Bell benefited significantly from the support of pro-Israel groups. These organizations invested millions to challenge Bush, who has been openly critical of Israel.
Bush's controversial stance on Israel following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack has been a major point of contention. She described Israel’s counteractions as "collective punishment" and labeled them a "war crime." Bell condemned Bush's remarks, calling them "wrong and offensive," which resonated with many voters in the district.
Rep. Cori Bush's loss marks the second defeat of a "Squad" member by a moderate Democrat. Previously, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., was similarly unseated in New York by a pro-Israel moderate.
The contest highlights a significant rift within the Democratic Party, particularly around U.S.-Israel relations. Bush and Bowman represented a progressive faction critical of the nation's close ties to Israel. This divide has grown since the Hamas attack last year, amplifying the internal party debates and shaping elections.
On the eve of Election Day, Bush, Bowman, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., held a virtual rally. They voiced their progressive standpoints and rallied support in their respective races.
Despite these efforts, Bush faced critical scrutiny over allegations involving campaign funds. Her husband's paid security role has drawn investigations from the Justice Department, Federal Election Commission, and House Ethics Committee.
Bush has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, attributing the accusations to "right-wing organizations" spreading falsehoods about her campaign finances.
The campaign also saw Bush and her supporters label Bell as sympathetic to the right, citing his past volunteer work for an anti-abortion Republican candidate.
Bell's platform, however, focused on critiquing Bush's comments on Israel, distinguishing himself as a pragmatic and moderate choice. His criticism of Bush's statements positioned him favorably among constituents wary of extreme views.
Bell's victory makes him the likely winner of the November House race in the heavily Democratic district. He is expected to bring a more centrist approach to the office.
Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., faced multifaceted challenges leading to her primary loss to Wesley Bell. Bell, supported robustly by pro-Israel groups, leveraged this backing effectively. Bush's contentious remarks on Israel and ongoing investigations into her campaign finances further influenced voters' preferences. This primary contest reflects broader divisions within the Democratic Party, especially concerning U.S.-Israel relations. Bell is now the favored candidate for the general election in November.
Senator J.D. Vance finds himself at the center of a controversy due to his resurfaced 2021 comments about 'childless cat ladies.'
According to Daily Mail, J.D. Vance's wife, Usha, defended his years-old 'childless cat lady' comments amidst ongoing backlash, addressing the negative press surrounding the remarks.
Sen. J.D. Vance's remarks from 2021 have reignited public debate, drawing disapproval from left-leaning individuals and some conservatives. During an interview with Tucker Carlson, Vance criticized certain demographics, calling them 'childless cat ladies.' The comments have resurfaced, causing significant criticism directed at him.
In response to the backlash, Usha Vance appeared on Fox News to defend her husband. She described the situation since J.D. Vance rose to prominence, becoming the Republican vice presidential nominee. Usha communicated that her husband never intended to offend women who were facing challenges in starting families.
Usha Vance's defense was a concerted effort to clarify the intent behind J.D. Vance's controversial remarks. She argued that J.D.'s comments were intended to convey a substantive point rather than to cause offense. "He made a quip," Usha noted, taking pains to emphasize that the intent was not malicious.
Moreover, she highlighted misconceptions about her husband that have surfaced in the wake of these old remarks. She lamented that J.D. Vance's overall message had been lost in the ensuing controversy. "Let's try to look at the real conversation that he's trying to have," she urged.
Usha also used the opportunity to address the changes their family has experienced since J.D. Vance's entry into the national political arena. She spoke about their family's resilience and how they have adapted to media attention. "We've been doing this now for a little while and I've grown accustomed to it and grown a thick skin," she remarked.
Senator J.D. and Usha Vance share three children: Ewan, 6; Vivek, 4; and Mirabel, 2. This personal aspect was highlighted to further humanize J.D. Vance as she recounted their life since meeting at Yale Law School and building a family together.
Usha was careful to acknowledge the sensitivity surrounding fertility and family planning. "J.D. absolutely, at the time and today, would never, ever, ever want to say something to hurt someone who was trying to have a family who really, you know, was struggling with that," she explained.
In her defense, Usha focused on the broader social issues that J.D. Vance's comments were trying to address. She stressed the importance of having substantive discussions about supporting families. "What can we do to make it easier to live in 2024, and live a very full life that isn't just professional, that also has this kind of rich personal life and community behind it?" she questioned.
Usha Vance also highlighted that there are valid reasons why some individuals might choose not to have families. "For those of us who do have families, for the many of us who want to have families and for whom it's really hard. What can we do to make it better?" she asked rhetorically, stressing the need for accommodating diverse lifestyles.
Despite the backlash, Usha called for a reassessment of her husband's comments in the context of broader societal challenges. She asserted that the goal was to spark a conversation on how to better support families and personal well-being, not to disparage any group of people.
To recap, Sen. J.D. Vance's 'childless cat lady' comments from 2021 have drawn renewed criticism, prompting his wife, Usha Vance, to defend him publicly. She elaborated on their family dynamics and stressed the substantive intentions behind his controversial remarks. Usha highlighted the need for meaningful conversations on supporting families and understanding diverse life choices.
The U.S. government inadvertently sent $239 million to the Taliban in the wake of inadequate vetting procedures by the State Department.
According to the Leading Report, this funding has been funneled through development assistance meant to aid Afghanistan since 2021, exacerbating concerns over the Department’s ability to effectively prevent money from benefiting terrorist groups.
A disconcerting report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) disclosed that the mishap stemmed from the Department of State's failure to properly vet the recipients of 29 grants.
The State Department’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) divisions were implicated in these lapses. These divisions are tasked with ensuring development assistance is allocated appropriately and not diverted to sanctioned entities like the Taliban.
Less than a year prior to SIGAR’s findings, reports surfaced that the Taliban had been establishing fake nonprofits to redirect millions of dollars in U.S. aid intended for Afghanistan. Such incidents underscored the vulnerabilities present in the financial distribution mechanisms.
SIGAR's investigation details how DRL and INL failed to adhere to counterterrorism partner vetting protocols. This non-compliance raises significant concerns regarding the allocation of U.S. taxpayer funds and the actual beneficiaries of these resources.
“Because DRL and INL could not demonstrate their compliance with State’s partner vetting requirements, there is an increased risk that terrorist and terrorist-affiliated individuals and entities may have illegally benefited from State spending in Afghanistan,” said the report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction.
The State Department’s vetting process is designed to identify prospective awardees with commendable business practices and to conduct thorough risk assessments. Despite having this system in place, it was reported that in over two dozen instances, the required procedures were not followed, nor were proper records maintained.
DRL failed to properly screen the recipients of seven awards, which totaled approximately $12 million. Simultaneously, the INL had documentation issues for 19 of its 22 awards, amounting to about $295 million.
The State Department acknowledged the failures. The INL cited reasons such as “employee turnover and the dissolution of the Afghanistan-Pakistan office” for not retaining necessary records. These admissions spur further concern regarding the Department’s oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Aside from creating fraudulent non-governmental organizations, the Taliban has also generated significant revenue through taxes, permit fees, and import duties. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which received $63.1 billion for foreign assistance and diplomatic engagement, is also implicated by the association.
Furthermore, the United Nations received $1.6 billion in U.S. funding earmarked for Afghanistan, with a considerable fraction potentially benefiting the Taliban. Complications arise as the U.S. government does not mandate that the UN report on costs like taxes and fees incurred on American funds in Afghanistan. The SIGAR report stated:
As State continues to spend U.S. taxpayer funds on programs intended to benefit the Afghan people, it is critical that State knows who is actually benefiting from this assistance in order to prevent the aid from being diverted to the Taliban or other sanctioned parties, and to enable policymakers and other oversight authorities to better scrutinize the risks posed by State’s spending.
In conclusion, the U.S. government’s failure to properly vet development assistance recipients has inadvertently directed $239 million to the Taliban since 2021. This occurred due to lapses in the State Department's Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, as well as the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs divisions. Previous warnings about fraudulent nonprofits further highlight the vulnerabilities in these processes. Enhanced accountability and rigorous vetting are imperative to avert such oversights in the future.
The U.S. Secret Service acknowledged a critical security lapse during former President Donald Trump's July 13 rally in Pennsylvania, leading to a horrifying shooting incident.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe admitted on Friday that the agency failed to sufficiently protect Trump from the rooftop shooter at the event, resulting in tragic casualties, as Breitbart reports.
During a press conference, Rowe faced the media to discuss the agency's shortcomings in the protection of Trump at the aforementioned rally. A shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to infiltrate security and fire on the crowd, leading to devastating outcomes.
The rally ended in tragedy when Crooks took advantage of a poorly monitored rooftop near the rally's perimeter. According to Rowe, Crooks shot Trump and took the life of one attendee, while injuring two others. The lack of adequate rooftop surveillance was highlighted as a glaring oversight in the protection strategy.
“This was a failure. We should have had better protection for the protectee,” Rowe stated. He elaborated that the building, which was close to the outer perimeter, should have had more presence and better coverage from the Secret Service’s point of view.
Rowe emphasized the need for more vigilant eyes on such critical positions, particularly rooftops, which offer strategic vantage points. The rooftop, in this case, was left inadequately covered, leaving a vulnerable spot in the security layout.
A video taken by one of the injured rally-goers surfaced, showing Crooks running on the roof in unrestricted fashion. This footage, along with a detailed timeline provided by the FBI, painted a clearer picture of the movements and actions of the shooter on that fateful day.
Rowe admitted that the Secret Service’s counter-snipers failed to detect Crooks on the roof either with or without a firearm until he opened fire. This significant lapse allowed Crooks to position himself and carry out the attack undetected. “As far as the timeline of him running back and forth, I know the FBI has provided a bit of a chronology as well. And so I’d have to go back and look at that,” Rowe noted, underscoring the complexity of reconstructing the events based on available data.
Despite the video evidence and available reports, the root cause of the failure boiled down to a lack of comprehensive surveillance, especially on vantage points such as rooftops. “But the bottom line is…this was a Secret Service failure. That roofline should have been covered. We should have had better eyes on that,” Rowe confessed.
In a direct response to a question from Sen. John Kennedy, Rowe confirmed that the counter-snipers did not spot Crooks until the shooting commenced. This critical delay in detection underscored the need for procedural and technological improvements in the Secret Service’s operational protocols.
During the press conference, Rowe's remarks highlighted the gravity of the oversight and the urgent need for corrective actions. Enhanced training, better technology deployment, and comprehensive surveillance systems on potential threat points are likely to be among the steps taken moving forward. Moreover, the tragedy has spurred discussions on the re-evaluation of security measures not only for high-profile political figures but also for public events that attract large crowds. Such measures could prevent similar incidents in the future.
Recapping the events, a shooter named Thomas Matthew Crooks exploited a lapse in the surveillance of a rooftop during Donald Trump's rally on July 13, leading to a fatal shooting. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe acknowledged the agency's failure and stressed the need for better rooftop surveillance. The incident and its aftermath highlight the importance of robust, multi-layered security measures in protecting public figures and attendees at large events.
Rowe's acceptance of responsibility marks a pivotal moment for the Secret Service, initiating a phase of intense scrutiny and potential reform. Ensuring such lapses do not recur will be paramount for the agency going forward.
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, faces sentencing for his gun crimes shortly after Americans head to the polls for the 2024 presidential election.
Hunter Biden was convicted of three felonies related to gun crimes and will be sentenced on Nov. 13, leading to speculation among some that a pardon could soon follow, as Newsweek reports.
The sentencing will take place in Wilmington, Delaware. This event comes after a jury, consisting of six men and six women, convicted Hunter Biden in June for lying about his drug use while buying a firearm in October 2018. President Biden has asserted that he will not pardon his son following these felony convictions, though that pledge was made prior to his withdrawal from his re-election campaign.
Throughout the week-long trial, the jury heard from ten prosecution witnesses who detailed Hunter Biden’s actions. Notable testimonies came from Kathleen Buhle, his ex-wife; Hallie Biden, his former lover; and Zoe Kestan, a past girlfriend.
Among other evidence, Gordon Cleveland, the gun seller, and DEA agent Joshua Romig provided significant testimonies. The jury deemed these accounts sufficient without needing confirmation that Biden was under the influence at the time of purchasing the gun.
Hunter Biden's daughter, Naomi, gave emotional testimony about his struggles with addiction. Her description of his state during the gun purchase added a poignant backdrop to the legal proceedings.
Judge Maryellen Noreika initially indicated that sentencing dates typically fall within a 120-day window following a verdict. However, Hunter Biden's sentencing date was set 52 days after verdict, for Nov. 13, a week after the presidential election.
This conviction might result in a prison term of up to 25 years. Nevertheless, it is speculated that Hunter Biden, being a first-time and nonviolent offender, may avoid incarceration altogether.
In addition to his gun crime convictions, Hunter Biden is also facing allegations of tax evasion. A trial on these charges is slated to begin on Sept. 9 in Los Angeles.
Hunter Biden maintains his innocence regarding these tax charges. His legal team has sought dismissal of the case, drawing comparisons to the dismissed classified documents case of former President Donald Trump.
The courtroom saw no visible reaction from Hunter Biden upon the delivery of the guilty verdict on June 11. The solemn environment was filled with reporters and key family figures such as first lady Jill Biden and Hunter's wife, Melissa Cohen.
These unfolding legal events could have far-reaching implications for Hunter Biden and his family's public perception.
With the presidential election in the backdrop, the upcoming sentencing date has captured substantial public attention. As the sentencing date draws closer, and with the additional trial for tax evasion on the horizon, the outcomes of these legal battles will be closely monitored.
Senate Republicans recently blocked legislation seeking to expand working families' tax benefits.
According to the Washington Post, the proposed bill, valued at $79 billion, aims to extend eligibility for the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to the lowest-income families and adjust the credit for inflation for the years 2024 and 2025. This piece of legislation also intends to strengthen business tax credits, particularly those related to research and development, interest expenses, and equipment investments.
Adjustments were needed after Trump's 2017 tax cut law limited these credits. The House passed the bill with bipartisan support, but it stalled in the Senate at 48-44, with Senator Bernie Sanders opposing it for not balancing tax cuts between families and businesses.
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer cast a strategic "no" vote to enable a future reconsideration of the legislation. This strategic move, however, was not enough to counter the strong Republican opposition.
Senate Republicans anticipate crafting a more conservative tax bill in 2025 if they secure control of Congress and the White House. Key elements of the 2017 tax law are set to expire next year, which is likely to increase individual and family taxes while preserving corporate tax breaks.
Senator Mike Crapo withdrew from negotiations due to concerns about including undocumented immigrants and the bill's work requirements for CTC recipients. Other Republicans, including Senator John Neely Kennedy, deemed waiting for a comprehensive deal in 2025 more prudent.
The Democrats are leveraging this situation to underscore Senator JD Vance's contradictory positions on the legislation. Vance had previously endorsed the bill but had a history of controversial comments regarding the U.S. birth rate and voters without children.
Vance's absence from the vote led to criticism from Democrats, who stressed the bill's benefits for families. Senator Ron Wyden questioned future Republican plans, highlighting concerns about tax relief favoring corporations and the wealthy.
Had it been passed, the legislation could have substantially benefited low-income families by allowing them to claim the CTC for multiple children. The credit adjustment in line with inflation starting in 2025 was projected to bring about a $100 increase.
Experts estimated that 400,000 children could have escaped poverty through this bill. Despite President Biden's previous expansion of the credit, Which lifted 3 million children out of poverty, this initiative expired at the end of 2021.
Business groups favored the corporate tax provisions, stressing the necessity for research and development investments. They argue that these investments are critical for maintaining competitive market dynamics and fostering innovation.
Senator Bernie Sanders expressed that the bill fell short in balancing family tax cuts with business incentives, reflecting broader concerns within the Democratic party. Senate Majority Leader Schumer urged Republicans to focus on the bill's potential to assist families rather than election benefits.
As tax policy emerges as a critical election issue, the blockade of this legislation amplifies the stakes for both parties. With major provisions of the 2017 tax law approaching expiration, the decisions made in the coming years will significantly impact American families and businesses alike.
According to the Guardian, a Pennsylvania officer spotted the would-be assassin 90 minutes before the shooting, but due to a communication failure, officials previously believed he was detected 30 minutes later.
Donald Trump was injured in an assassination attempt on 13 July in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the assailant, Thomas Matthews Crooks, was killed by government snipers. New details about the security failures and the timeline of the incident have emerged from text messages and testimony.
New information from text messages between local security units, published by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and the New York Times, sheds light on the security lapses. It appears that local law enforcement spotted Crooks 30 minutes earlier than initially reported. A countersniper observed Crooks loitering near the site 90 minutes before the shooting.
According to these messages, Crooks was seen with a rifle at 4:26 p.m. near a warehouse outside the fenced area. Photos of Crooks were circulated in a group chat at 5:38 p.m., recommending that the Secret Service be informed. By 6:00 p.m., Crooks had moved to the back of the warehouse complex, initiating the shooting from a building close to the stage at 6:11 p.m.
The attack took many by surprise, as Crooks had surveilled the rally site on 8 July, days before the incident. Notably, the Secret Service had excluded the warehouse complex from its security perimeter, a critical oversight.
Jason Woods, the lead sharpshooter on the Beaver County SWAT team, noted a lack of direct communication with the Secret Service. "We were supposed to get a face-to-face briefing with the Secret Service members whenever they arrived and that never happened," said Woods. Beaver County faced challenges in finding enough volunteers to cover security shifts, further complicating the situation.
Additionally, Crooks managed to use a drone two hours before the attack to survey the area. This suggests significant planning and preparedness on the assailant's part.
In the aftermath, authorities discovered a drone and two explosive devices in Crooks' car. His online search history included queries about the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy and various public figures, including Trump, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and President Joe Biden. Crooks also researched "major depressive disorder," indicating a potential psychological component to his actions.
In the wake of the incident, Trump initially called for unity on Truth Social, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in trying times. Trump's campaign at the Republican National Convention highlighted a message of positivity, though he later resumed his criticisms against Democrats.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi affirmed their commitment to understanding the events to prevent future incidents. "The Secret Service is committed to better understanding what happened before, during, and after the assassination attempt of former President Trump to ensure that never happens again," said Guglielmi.
FBI Director Christopher Wray commented on Crooks' interests in public figures, confirming that his motives might extend beyond targeting Trump. "It does appear he was interested in public figures more broadly," Wray noted.
Trump referenced the incident in a speech in Minnesota, indicating it might have altered his demeanor. "I want to be nice. They all say, ‘I think he’s changed. I think he’s changed since two weeks ago. Something affected him.’ No, I haven’t changed. Maybe I’ve gotten worse, actually. Because I get angry at the incompetence that I witness every single day," said Trump.
In the aftermath, Trump's calls for unity and his subsequent frustration highlight the ongoing challenges and the necessity for comprehensive security evaluations. Authorities continue to investigate and understand the full scope of the attack to prevent future incidents.