A staff member working for Sen. Cory Booker found himself in legal trouble after bringing a firearm into the U.S. Capitol complex on Monday night.
According to Fox News, Kevin A. Batts, a 59-year-old special assistant to Sen. Booker, was arrested for carrying a pistol without a license after the New Jersey Democrat escorted him around a security checkpoint at the Capitol.
The incident unfolded when Batts, a retired Newark police detective, voluntarily informed Capitol Police officers about being armed while outside the Senate Galleries. All weapons are prohibited on Capitol grounds, regardless of an individual's status as a retired law enforcement officer or possession of permits from other jurisdictions.
Batts's relationship with Booker dates back to 2006 when the senator served as mayor of Newark. The retired detective previously worked as part of Booker's security detail in Newark's executive protection unit before joining his Senate staff in 2013.
Booker's office acknowledged the situation through spokesperson Jeff Giertz, who explained that Batts serves as the senator's New Jersey-based driver. The office expressed their commitment to investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In previous years, Booker publicly praised Batts's dedication and service. The senator once shared that Batts grew up in Newark's Columbus Homes projects and served six years in the United States army reserves before joining the Newark Police Department.
The arrest highlights growing concerns about security screening procedures at the Capitol. Recent months have witnessed multiple instances where proper protocols for security inspections appeared to have been overlooked.
Capitol Police emphasized in their statement that members of Congress cannot circumvent security measures by escorting staff members around checkpoints. This incident has drawn attention to the enforcement of security protocols, even for those accompanying elected officials.
The event occurred during a significant moment for Booker, who was in the midst of delivering one of the longest floor speeches in Senate history. His marathon address has already secured him the fourth-longest speaking record in the chamber.
Booker's historic speaking engagement reached notable milestones during this security incident. His speech surpassed Sen. Robert La Follette's 1908 record of 18 hours and 23 minutes.
The New Jersey senator now approaches Sen. Ted Cruz's 21-hour and 19-minute speech against Obamacare from 2013. Should Booker continue speaking, he could potentially break Sen. Strom Thurmond's all-time record of 24 hours and 18 minutes set in 1957.
These developments have created an unusual juxtaposition between Booker's legislative achievement and his staff member's legal troubles. The timing has drawn additional scrutiny to both the security incident and the senator's office.
Kevin A. Batts faces charges for carrying a pistol without proper licensing in the Capitol complex, where weapons are strictly prohibited. The incident has exposed potential vulnerabilities in Capitol security protocols and raised questions about the practice of lawmakers escorting staff members past checkpoints. The arrest occurred despite Batts's law enforcement background and his voluntary disclosure of carrying a weapon. His status as a retired police officer did not exempt him from Capitol grounds weapons restrictions, highlighting the strict nature of security measures in place.
A violent confrontation between Tesla protesters and supporters erupted outside a dealership in Meridian, Idaho, leading to the arrest of a 70-year-old man.
According to Breitbart News, Christopher Talbot was arrested and charged with aggravated battery after allegedly striking a 49-year-old Trump and Musk supporter with his vehicle during an anti-Tesla rally on Saturday.
The incident occurred during a planned "Tesla Takedown" protest that drew approximately 30 demonstrators opposing Elon Musk's involvement in the Trump administration's federal job cuts. The anti-Tesla group was significantly outnumbered by roughly 200 counter-protesters who gathered to show support for the electric vehicle manufacturer and its CEO.
The Meridian protest is part of a larger wave of demonstrations targeting Tesla facilities across the country. These protests have intensified following Musk's appointment to a prominent position in President Trump's second administration. The controversy has led to increased vandalism and violent incidents at Tesla locations.
Recent weeks have seen multiple reports of Tesla vehicles being targeted by protesters. The demonstrations have raised concerns about public safety and the right to peaceful protest. Local law enforcement agencies have increased their presence at these events to prevent further violence.
The Meridian Police Department addressed the incident by emphasizing the importance of peaceful demonstrations. They issued a statement reminding citizens about respecting First Amendment rights without resorting to violence.
According to police reports, Talbot allegedly made an obscene gesture toward the victim before striking him with his vehicle. The incident occurred just as the counter-protester, who was driving a truck displaying pro-Trump flags, had parked and exited his vehicle.
Law enforcement officials quickly identified Talbot through his vehicle's license plate information. They located him at his residence in Meridian, where he was taken into custody. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and drove himself to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The Ada County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Talbot faces one count of aggravated battery, a felony offense. He was subsequently booked into Ada County Jail following his arrest.
In a separate but related incident, authorities recently dealt with another case of Tesla vandalism in Texarkana. Demarqeyun Marquize Cox, 33, was arrested after being caught on camera deliberately ramming his ATV into a parked Tesla, causing significant damage to the vehicle.
The incident highlighted the sophisticated security features of Tesla vehicles, as the attack was recorded by the car's built-in cameras. The footage showed Cox, described as a 5-foot-2, 449-pound individual, intentionally backing up his ATV before crashing into the Tesla's driver-side door.
Police apprehended Cox after receiving reports of a second Tesla being damaged at a nearby location. During questioning, he allegedly attempted to provide false identification but was quickly identified by officers who recognized him from the surveillance footage.
Christopher Talbot's arrest in Meridian marks a significant escalation in the ongoing protests against Tesla and Elon Musk. The incident occurred during a "Tesla Takedown" demonstration where 30 protesters gathered outside a dealership in Meridian, Idaho, to voice their opposition to Musk's role in the Trump administration's federal job cuts. The situation turned violent when Talbot allegedly struck a 49-year-old counter-protester with his vehicle, leading to his arrest and subsequent charge of aggravated battery. As Tesla continues to face increased scrutiny and demonstrations nationwide, law enforcement agencies are working to maintain public safety while protecting citizens' right to peaceful protest.
President Donald Trump's latest act of clemency involves Ozy Media co-founder Carlos Watson, who faced nearly a decade behind bars for financial conspiracy charges.
According to Daily Mail, Trump commuted Watson's sentence just hours before the media executive was scheduled to report to prison, following his conviction last year for deceiving investors and lenders through fraudulent business practices.
Watson, who held degrees from Harvard University and Stanford Law School, founded Ozy Media in 2012 with ambitious goals of providing fresh perspectives on politics and culture while amplifying minority voices. His dramatic fall from grace culminated in a conviction that highlighted the precarious nature of media startups and raised questions about transparency in digital media ventures.
Federal prosecutors demonstrated that Watson engaged in systematic deception of investors and lenders by inflating revenue figures and misrepresenting business deals. The prosecution revealed that Watson's co-founder even impersonated a YouTube executive during an investor call to create false impressions about potential partnerships.
These fraudulent activities eventually led to Ozy Media's collapse in 2021, shortly after a New York Times investigation exposed questionable business practices.
Then-Brooklyn US Attorney Breon Peace offered a scathing assessment of Watson's conduct during the trial:
Watson was a con man who told lie upon lie upon lie to deceive investors into buying stock in his company. Ozy Media collapsed under the weight of Watson's dishonest schemes.
Watson maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, characterizing the case as "a modern lynching" and suggesting he was targeted through selective prosecution. His defense team highlighted his background as the son of Jamaican immigrants who achieved success through prestigious educational institutions and professional accomplishments.
Trump's decision to commute Watson's sentence aligns with his pattern of using presidential powers to assist individuals he believes have been unfairly treated by the justice system. The commutation was confirmed by a senior White House official speaking on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The timing of Watson's commutation coincided with several other acts of clemency, including pardons for Trevor Milton, founder of electric vehicle company Nikola, and three cryptocurrency entrepreneurs from BITMEX. These actions reflect Trump's willingness to intervene in cases involving business figures facing criminal penalties.
Before its collapse, Ozy Media had established itself as a promising digital media venture, producing various content formats including TV shows, newsletters, podcasts, and cultural events. The company's programming included "Black Women OWN the Conversation," which earned an Emmy Award and aired on Oprah Winfrey's network.
Despite outward signs of success and relationships with major advertisers, internal financial struggles plagued the company after 2017. Former finance vice president Janeen Poutre testified about chronic issues meeting payroll obligations and maintaining basic operations, revealing a stark contrast between the company's public image and its private challenges.
Carlos Watson, once celebrated for founding Ozy Media, faced imprisonment after being convicted of financial fraud charges related to deceiving investors and misrepresenting his company's success. His conviction followed a detailed investigation that exposed systematic deception in business practices and financial reporting.
President Trump's decision to commute Watson's sentence came at the eleventh hour, preventing the media executive from beginning his prison term. The commutation adds to Trump's record of granting clemency to individuals he believes have received unfair treatment within the justice system, particularly in cases involving business and financial crimes.
President Donald Trump has named Sara Carter as the new director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, a role often referred to as the administration's "drug czar."
Trump announced the appointment on Friday, praising Carter's efforts in addressing border and drug issues, as Fox News reports.
The announcement was made on the social media platform Truth Social, where Trump expressed optimism about Carter's ability to "lead the charge" against drug-related problems in the United States. Known for her reporting on border issues as a former Fox News contributor and journalist, Carter is set to take on a prominent role within Trump's administration. Her prior work has focused on the impact of lax immigration policies on drug and human trafficking, particularly during the Biden administration.
Carter's background includes extensive reporting on border issues, which has made her a well-known figure in media circles. Her journalistic efforts have led her to frequently highlight problems arising from relaxed border policies and the subsequent flow of drugs and trafficked humans. Such experiences may prove valuable as she steps into her new role as drug czar, confronting the complexities of national drug policy.
Carter expressed her gratitude on the social media platform X, sharing her enthusiasm about joining Trump's team. In her post, she acknowledged the honor of serving under President Trump's administration and emphasized her dedication to placing the well-being of Americans first. "This is an opportunity not just to serve, but to effect real change," Carter stated on X. She reassured her followers that she would remain fervently committed to the cause.
President Trump's endorsement of Carter underscores his confidence in her abilities to tackle drug-related issues. In his message on Truth Social, Trump affirmed Carter's leadership ability by stating that she "will lead the charge to protect our nation" from drugs. The role of drug czar involves significant responsibility, as the person in this position presides over national strategies to curtail drug use and combat its associated harms. In appointing Carter, Trump has set expectations for a robust approach to national drug policy under her guidance.
Many political figures and public officials have expressed their support following the announcement of Carter's appointment. Sen. Marsha Blackburn congratulated Carter publicly, referring to her past dedication to border control and expressing confidence that she will "fight tirelessly" to ensure American safety.
Support extends beyond the political realm, as law enforcement personnel have also voiced approval of Carter's new position. Commenting on the appointment, Texas Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez marked it as an "excellent opportunity" for Carter to "effect change" and assist families impacted by illicit drugs.
These endorsements reflect a broad spectrum of support for Carter's appointment, hinting at a shared confidence in her ability to address the challenges posed by drug trafficking and consumption across the country. As Carter prepares to assume her new responsibilities, she brings to her role a thorough understanding of the intersection between border security and drug control efforts. By addressing these intertwined issues, she aims to implement comprehensive strategies that will safeguard American communities.
Looking ahead, Carter's work will involve balancing numerous objectives, from mitigating drug trafficking to implementing effective prevention and treatment policies. These tasks remain paramount to improving the health and safety of Americans.
Her tenure as director is expected to include initiatives that address both supply and demand aspects of drug control, striving to reduce both the availability of and desire for illegal substances. This comprehensive strategy indicates an ambitious road map for Carter's future activities.
In anticipation of her role, Carter emphasized that "America's greatest resource is our people." Her call to action included a promise to tirelessly uphold her duties and inspire others to contribute to nationwide efforts against drug-related harms.
With this appointment, Trump entrusts Carter with a crucial part of his administration's plan to curb drug issues across the states. Her leadership will likely shape the national conversation on effective drug control measures in the coming years.
In a strategic decision influenced by political dynamics, Rep. Elise Stefanik has opted to remain in the House of Representatives rather than pursuing the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
President Donald Trump personally requested Stefanik's continued presence in Congress, highlighting the need to secure a thin Republican majority and advance key political objectives, as Fox News reports, even though it means he loses his first choice for an important diplomatic post.
Trump first announced his request on Thursday, stressing the critical importance of maintaining every Republican seat in Congress. Highlighting Stefanik's significant contributions, Trump praised her as a vital ally in the GOP's efforts. This request marks a significant turn in Stefanik's career, who had previously contemplated stepping down from her Congressional role to join Trump's administration.
Concerns were amplified over New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's potential to postpone a special election, which would leave Stefanik's seat unoccupied, complicating the balance of power. Particularly, the slim Republican majority in the House played a crucial role in Stefanik's decision to remain and support the GOP's agenda from within Congress.
While Stefanik was expected to gain bipartisan support had she been nominated for the ambassadorial position, she ultimately prioritized political stability and continuity. This strategic choice to stay involved in Congressional activities reflects a coordinated effort to deliver on the so-called America First Agenda championed by Trump. Her decision was underscored by conversations with Trump, where they reinforced their commitment to fulfilling promises and delivering results for the American people. Stefanik mentioned she has been proud to act as a pivotal team player in this context.
Despite not specifying her future role in the House Leadership Team, Stefanik expressed her commitment to her constituents and the American public. Her role is seen as integral not only in promoting ideologies but also in legislative initiatives that constituents find valuable.
Stefanik communicated her perspective on the internal politics at play in New York, deeming the political climate as being faced with corruption challenges. She specifically noted attempts by state leadership to leverage her potential exit for partisan advantage. These political undercurrents further contributed to her decision to continue her congressional role.
In communicating her decision, Stefanik asserted that her active voice would remain a significant aspect of her political efforts within the House. Trump, reiterating his perspective on Truth Social, lauded Stefanik’s steadfastness and contributions to various GOP goals, while also hinting at future collaborations within his administration.
Furthermore, Trump articulated a list of key initiatives that he foresees continuing with Stefanik’s aid. These include tax reforms, job creation, economic development, border security, and energy policies -- key tenets of the Republican platform. Stefanik assured that this decision doesn’t diminish her aspirations or her dedication to representing her district’s needs with vigor, promising constituents increased engagement in the future. Her continuing role in Congress aims to ensure that these goals remain pivotal in legislative priorities.
Speaker Mike Johnson, along with other Republican leaders, welcomed the decision, anticipating Stefanik's continued contributions to House leadership. Trump expressed his delight at her reaffirmed commitment to Congress, signaling a strengthened unity among the Republican ranks.
Stefanik’s narrative is further accentuated by her long-standing alliance with Trump, characterized by concerted efforts to implement legislative achievements reflective of their shared vision for America.
While her ambitions to join the Trump administration hold potential for the future, her present focus remains sharply fixed on Congressional duties. Her decision underscores the tactical maneuvering prevalent in maintaining political equilibrium in Washington.
Ultimately, the narrative of Elise Stefanik’s decision blends strategic political foresight with a committed representation at the heart of American governance. Her presence in Congress continues to symbolize a resilient Republican effort to uphold legislative integrity amidst dynamic political landscapes.
A Department of Justice (DOJ) pardon attorney's sudden termination has sparked controversy over her opposition to restoring gun rights to actor Mel Gibson.
According to The Daily Caller, Elizabeth G. Oyer was fired from her position after she opposed restoring gun rights to Trump supporter Mel Gibson, who was previously convicted of a misdemeanor battery charge in 2011.
The dismissal came shortly after Oyer's resistance to Gibson's gun rights restoration. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche delivered the termination notice, which took immediate effect. Oyer later criticized the Trump administration in a Rolling Stone opinion piece, accusing the DOJ of bullying tactics.
Oyer's tenure as pardon attorney was marked by her strong advocacy for progressive criminal justice reform. She made history as the first public defender to hold the position, which involves reviewing clemency applications and providing recommendations.
During her time at the DOJ, Oyer openly acknowledged considering systemic racial disparities in the clemency recommendation process. She expressed these views during a 2022 address to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
In a 2021 opinion piece, she argued against using prosecution as a solution to mass incarceration and advocated for Biden to prioritize public defenders' perspectives over prosecutors in criminal justice reform matters.
Under Oyer's oversight, President Biden granted clemency to thousands of convicted criminals, including several high-profile cases that drew significant criticism.
The administration's most contentious decision came with the commutation of Leonard Peltier's sentence. Peltier had been convicted of murdering two FBI special agents at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1977. The FBI Agents Association expressed outrage at the decision.
The pardon office also oversaw clemency grants to numerous drug traffickers and financial criminals. Among them were Francesk Shkami, who led an international drug trafficking organization, and Rita Crundwell, who embezzled $53.7 million from Dixon, Illinois.
As Biden concluded his presidency, he issued a series of controversial pardons and commutations that included death row inmates and family members.
He commuted the sentences of 37 death row inmates to life imprisonment without parole. These included individuals convicted of particularly brutal crimes, such as Richard Allen Jackson, who had confessed to kidnapping, rape, and murder.
The president also granted pardons to his son Hunter Biden, his brother James Biden, and several political figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Gen. Mark Milley. Alice Marie Johnson, who received a pardon from Trump in 2020, has been selected as Trump's new pardon czar.
Elizabeth Oyer's dismissal from the DOJ pardon attorney position initially appeared to center on her opposition to Mel Gibson's gun rights restoration. However, her progressive approach to criminal justice reform and oversight of controversial clemency decisions under the Biden administration reveal a more complex situation. The Trump administration has appointed Alice Marie Johnson to take over clemency recommendations, marking a significant shift in the DOJ's approach to pardons and commutations.
Vice President JD Vance fired weapons and shared lunch with young Marines at Marine Corps Base Quantico during his Wednesday visit.
According to Fox News, the vice president celebrated the end of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the military while emphasizing a renewed focus on military excellence and patriotism.
During his visit, Vance demonstrated his familiarity with military equipment by operating various weapons, including an M27, M107, and M240B firearms, as well as handling an inert Howitzer and a drone at the base's gun range. He also took time to serve food at the base's chow hall, engaging directly with service members.
The vice president's remarks highlighted the current administration's departure from previous military policies. Vance emphasized that the armed forces would no longer implement quota systems or conduct diversity training sessions.
Speaking to the assembled Marines, Vance praised the natural diversity that emerges from recruiting service members from various backgrounds across America. He stressed that this organic representation strengthens the military more effectively than mandated diversity programs.
The lieutenants at Quantico expressed enthusiasm about having a former Marine in the White House. They noted that while significant changes were occurring in Washington, their daily military routines remained largely unchanged, except for new restrictions on social media posts.
The vice president's appearance at Quantico marked his first public engagement since the revelation of his private communications regarding Houthi strikes in the Red Sea. When reporters attempted to question him about the leaked Signal chat, he did not respond.
The leaked messages revealed Vance's concerns about U.S. involvement in protecting European shipping interests. In the group chat, which inadvertently included The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, Vance questioned the strategic value of U.S. intervention.
Pete Hegseth, another participant in the chat, acknowledged Vance's reservations while advocating for immediate action. The exchange highlighted tensions between supporting European allies and maintaining America's strategic interests.
The vice president arrived at the Marine base three hours behind schedule, attributing the delay to an extended meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office. Vance shared details of his conversation with the president regarding the importance of the Quantico visit.
The Marines demonstrated patience during the delay, maintaining their training schedules until the vice president's arrival. When Vance finally reached the base, he conveyed President Trump's messages of appreciation to the assembled service members.
During his address, Vance stated:
No more quotas, no more ridiculous mumbo jumbo, no more diversity trainings. We believe the real strength and the real diversity in the United States Marine Corps is that you all come from every walk of life, every corner of America, and you have got the strength and the purpose to win the nation's wars.
JD Vance's visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico highlighted the administration's efforts to reshape military culture by eliminating diversity quotas and DEI training programs. The vice president, a former Marine himself, spent time firing weapons, operating military equipment, and serving food at the base's chow hall while conveying President Trump's appreciation for the service members. Despite arriving late due to an Oval Office meeting, Vance used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of combat readiness and traditional military values, though he notably avoided addressing questions about recently leaked Signal chat messages regarding Houthi strikes.
A heated Senate Intelligence Committee hearing exposed deep divisions among lawmakers and officials regarding the handling of sensitive information in a Signal text chain.
According to Fox News, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) called for the immediate resignations of National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following revelations about a potential national security breach involving a Signal text chat accessible to a journalist from The Atlantic.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard faced intense questioning during the hearing about the nature of communications in the Signal chat, particularly regarding discussions about U.S. operations against Houthi forces in Yemen. She maintained throughout the proceedings that no classified information was shared in the conversations, though she declined to provide specific details about the chat's contents.
Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) pressed Gabbard repeatedly on her involvement in the group chat with senior Trump administration officials. Warner expressed frustration with what he perceived as evasive responses, emphasizing that such behavior from regular intelligence officers would result in termination.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed his participation in the group chat, defending the use of Signal's end-to-end encryption as permissible and lawful in this instance. FBI Director Kash Patel revealed he had only recently been briefed on the matter and could not provide updates about any potential investigation.
The controversy has highlighted concerns about information security practices among top government officials. Several Democratic senators expressed alarm about the potential mishandling of sensitive information and federal records.
President Trump has indicated he does not plan to remove Waltz from his position as national security advisor despite the growing controversy. This stance has intensified the partisan divide over the handling of the situation.
Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) offered a more nuanced perspective on classification authority, explaining that different department heads maintain distinct responsibilities for protecting sensitive information within their jurisdictions. This clarification came after several exchanges about who could definitively determine whether classified information had been compromised.
When questioned about specific details regarding weapons packages, targets, or timing in the Signal conversation, both Ratcliffe and Gabbard indicated they were not aware of such discussions, with Gabbard deferring to the Department of Defense for further clarification.
Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) directed pointed questions about the specific content of the Signal messages, particularly concerning military planning details. The responses from intelligence officials remained carefully measured, with most deferring to ongoing reviews by the National Security Council.
Warner's comparison of the situation to potential consequences for lower-ranking officials highlighted the broader debate about accountability standards across different levels of government. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for consistent application of security protocols regardless of position.
The combination of modern communication technologies and traditional security requirements has created new challenges for government officials. The incident has prompted calls for updated guidelines on the use of encrypted messaging apps in official communications.
The Signal text chain controversy has placed National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the center of a heated debate over information security practices within the Trump administration. Senator Wyden's call for their resignations stems from concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive operational details through unclassified channels, particularly regarding military actions against Houthi forces in Yemen. While Director of National Intelligence Gabbard maintains no classified information was compromised, the incident has triggered broader discussions about communication protocols and accountability measures for senior government officials handling sensitive national security matters.
President Trump's administrative changes continue to reverberate through Washington as another Biden-era official faces significant security modifications.
According to the New York Post, the Secret Service has confirmed that former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will no longer receive protective detail following an executive order from President Trump.
The decision affects Mayorkas's security arrangement that was initially extended by President Biden for an additional six months.
The protection would have continued until mid-July if not for Trump's intervention. A Secret Service spokesperson addressed the change in security status on Monday evening.
The removal of Mayorkas's security detail follows a pattern of similar actions targeting other prominent figures from the Biden administration. Hunter and Ashley Biden, the former president's adult children, lost their protective details last week.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who previously led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also saw his Secret Service protection terminated earlier this month under Trump's directive. These changes reflect a broader reorganization of federal security resources.
The Secret Service received notification about Mayorkas's protection termination on Friday. The agency maintains strict protocols regarding the disclosure of operational details.
The security changes extend beyond Biden administration officials to include former Trump appointees. Mike Pompeo, who served as Secretary of State during Trump's first term, has lost his protection despite facing threats from Iran.
John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, has also been stripped of his security detail. Both former officials had received protection due to credible threats against their safety from foreign entities.
The White House has not provided immediate response to requests for comment about these security modifications. Trump acknowledged the changes by sharing related headlines on his Truth Social platform.
The Secret Service's decision to withdraw Mayorkas's protection marks another significant shift in federal security arrangements under Trump's presidency. The former DHS Secretary, who faced criticism for his immigration policies, becomes the latest high-profile official to lose taxpayer-funded protection.
As confirmed by a Secret Service spokesperson, the agency will maintain its standard policy of not discussing specific security measures or methodologies. The change in protection status takes immediate effect following the presidential directive.
These modifications to security arrangements reflect evolving priorities in federal resource allocation. The Secret Service continues to adjust its operations according to executive directives while maintaining operational security standards.
A distinguished legal career comes to an unexpected end as Jessica D. Aber's death sends shockwaves through Virginia's legal community.
According to Fox News, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was found unresponsive at her residence on Saturday morning, with authorities launching an investigation into her death at age 43.
The Alexandria Police Department responded to a call about an unresponsive woman at approximately 9:18 a.m. on Saturday. While specific details about the circumstances remain limited, a family friend revealed to investigators that Aber's death was likely connected to an existing medical condition.
Aber's legal journey began after her graduation from William & Mary Law School in 2006. Her dedication and expertise in law enforcement led to her appointment as U.S. Attorney by President Joe Biden in 2021, where she served until January 20, 2025.
During her tenure, Aber managed a substantial team of approximately 300 professionals, including prosecutors, civil litigators, and support personnel. Her leadership extended across four divisions located in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News.
Upon her departure from office earlier this year, Aber expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve. She shared these words in her resignation statement:
I am deeply grateful to senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and to President Biden for the opportunity to lead this office and to Attorney General Garland for his steadfast leadership. I am proud of the work we have done with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law and build community trust.
The news of Aber's passing has deeply affected her colleagues in the legal profession. Her successor, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert, offered a heartfelt tribute to her legacy and character.
Siebert emphasized Aber's exceptional qualities as a leader and mentor, highlighting her profound impact on the Eastern District of Virginia. He praised her professionalism and legal expertise as setting the standard for others to follow.
The Alexandria Police Department has initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia will conduct necessary examinations to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Aber's commitment to justice and public service left an indelible mark on Virginia's legal landscape. Her colleagues remember her as a proud Virginian who maintained strong connections to her home state throughout her career.
The Eastern District of Virginia office continues to honor her memory through their ongoing commitment to justice. Her influence extends beyond her professional achievements to the personal impact she had on those who worked alongside her.
The legal community's response to her passing reflects the deep respect she earned during her career. Her dedication to building trust between law enforcement and the community remains a cornerstone of her legacy.
Jessica D. Aber's unexpected passing at age 43 marks the end of a distinguished legal career that began at William & Mary Law School and culminated in her role as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Alexandria Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into her death, which occurred at her residence on Saturday morning. While preliminary information suggests her death may be related to a pre-existing medical condition, officials await the medical examiner's determination of the exact cause and manner of death.