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    Republican Congressman Calls For Swift Investigation Following Disturbing Office Discovery

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    3

    Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) is calling for a full investigation after a disturbing image surfaced showing what appeared to be an altered American flag — twisted into a swastika — displayed behind one of his staffers during a virtual meeting.

    The image, first reported by Politico and amplified on social media by an Ohio blogger, quickly drew outrage. But Taylor’s office says it may not be what it appears.

    “I am aware of an image that appears to depict a vile and deeply inappropriate symbol near an employee in my office,” Taylor said in a statement. “The content of that image does not reflect the values or standards of this office, my staff, or myself, and I condemn it in the strongest terms.”

    Taylor emphasized that he acted immediately, directing Capitol Police to investigate what he described as a potentially malicious act.

    “Upon learning of this matter, I immediately directed a thorough investigation alongside Capitol Police, which remains ongoing,” the statement continued.

    A spokesperson for the congressman suggested the image might have been the result of “foul play or vandalism,” not any endorsement of the offensive imagery by his staff. The photo appeared to show Angelo “AJ” Elia, a legislative correspondent who joined Taylor’s office in January, sitting at his cubicle with the doctored flag visible behind him.

    Elia — who recently earned a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University — has not commented publicly. Taylor’s office has not said whether any personnel actions have been taken while the investigation proceeds.

    The controversy comes amid renewed scrutiny of conservative youth organizations after Politico reported on leaked Telegram messages allegedly showing racist and anti-Semitic comments from some Young Republican leaders. The timing of the leak, combined with the sudden surfacing of the photo from Taylor’s office, has raised questions among some Republicans about whether politically motivated actors are attempting to smear conservatives ahead of the 2024 election cycle.

    The image was first posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Ohio blogger DJ Byrnes, who claimed a friend had a Zoom meeting with Taylor’s office and noticed the symbol. “A friend in DC had a Zoom call with Congressman Dave Taylor’s office today … Taylor’s legislative correspondent, Angelo Elia, had what can only be described as an American swastika flag prominently displayed in his background,” Byrnes wrote Wednesday.

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    Report: New Charges Filed Against Attempted Trump Assassin

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    The state of Florida charged Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Trump at one of his Florida golf courses, with attempted felony murder, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Wednesday.

    The charge stems from Routh’s attempt to escape law enforcement following the alleged assassination attempt. Moody said that when Routh fled the scene, law enforcement shut down traffic, which caused an accident that nearly killed a young girl. 

    “As a result of that, we felt compelled to seek justice on her behalf and her family that will never be the same as they cope with her injuries,” the state attorney general said.

    In her announcement, Moody said state law enforcement received a “lack of cooperation and support” from federal officials investigating the alleged assassination attempt. She accused them of blocking access to the crime scene, evidence and witness interviews, and said when the state expressed interest in charging Routh over the girl’s injuries, it was discouraged from doing so.

    “It was made known that they intended to shut down our investigation and invoke federal jurisdiction in doing so,” she said, adding that Florida authorities decided to continue their investigation regardless.

    Routh is accused by federal prosecutors of plotting to kill Trump as he golfed earlier this year, staking out the perimeter of the president-elect’s course near its sixth hole for about 12 hours until he was noticed and fled.

    He faces five charges, including counts saying he attempted to assassinate a major political candidate while possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number despite being a convicted felon, and has pleaded not guilty.

    This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

    Nancy Mace Attacked Amid Fight To Protect Women’s Rights

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    3

    Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) revealed that she was physically attacked Tuesday evening on Capitol grounds, an alarming incident that underscores the contentious debate surrounding her efforts to protect women’s spaces.

    “I was physically accosted tonight on Capitol grounds over my fight to protect women,” Mace announced on X. “Capitol police have arrested him.” The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed the arrest of 33-year-old James McIntyre of Illinois, who now faces charges of assaulting a government official.

    The assault occurred just before 6 p.m. inside the Rayburn House Office Building, a federal government office on Capitol Hill. Capitol Police and Threat Assessment Section agents quickly apprehended McIntyre, who had entered the building after passing through routine security checks.

    While the police statement did not explicitly name Mace, her public account of the attack has reignited focus on her uncompromising legislative push. Mace has introduced a bill aimed at barring transgender women from using women’s restrooms and locker rooms on Capitol Hill, arguing it’s a necessary safeguard for biological women’s safety and privacy.

    “All the violence and threats keep proving our point,” Mace declared. “Women deserve to be safe. Your threats will not stop my fight for women!”

    Battling Backlash and Violence

    Mace’s advocacy has drawn fierce opposition from LGBTQ+ groups, who argue her legislation is discriminatory. Despite this, Mace remains steadfast, framing the debate as one about safeguarding women’s rights.

    Her resolve is deeply personal. “Look, I am a rape survivor, a survivor of sexual violence and abuse,” Mace shared in a recent interview with NewsNation. “I know how vulnerable women and girls are in private spaces. At the end of the day, the question is: do women have rights or not?”

    Mace also highlighted concerns about the Capitol’s shared spaces, noting her discomfort with the potential presence of biological men in women’s locker rooms and restrooms. “If I’m in the women’s gym in D.C., changing clothes, and a man shows up with his genitalia in the room, that’s not okay. This is about protecting privacy and safety.”

    Speaker’s Support Amid Controversy

    House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) recently affirmed Mace’s position, announcing that biological men would no longer be permitted in women’s bathrooms and locker rooms on Capitol grounds. “Women deserve women’s-only spaces,” Johnson stated, providing legislative backing to Mace’s campaign.

    The congresswoman, previously known for her socially moderate views, has drawn a definitive “red line” in this debate. “At some point, we have to draw a line with this insanity,” she stated firmly. “This is about protecting the rights and safety of women everywhere.”

    As the dust settles on this latest chapter in Mace’s fight, one thing remains clear: the debate over women’s spaces and privacy is far from over.

    READ NEXT: Matt Gaetz Reveals Major Career Move – January Will Be Huge

    Capitol Police Arrest Democrat House Staffer

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    9
    Police image via Pixabay free images

    On Monday, capitol police arrested a Congressional staffer for Rep. Joe Morelle’s (D-NY) office.

    The staffer was identified in a statement as 38-year old Michael Hopkins and he was arrested for allegedly carrying ammunition, including a high-capacity magazine, into the Cannon House Office Building.

    Chad Pergram, senior congressional correspondent for Fox News. posted a statement from Capitol police to X, formally Twitter:

    At approximately 8:45 a.m., a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening. USCP officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen. After a hand search of the bag, officers found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition. The staffer told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag. 38-year-old Michael Hopkins was arrested, and he is facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine.

    Fox5 Washington reported that Hopkins “has been a guest…several times over the years,” as a Democratic strategist on their show The Hill, and posted video of the staffer on-air.

    Morelle’s office also released a statement, saying they’re fully cooperating with the investigation:

    This morning, our office was informed that a member of our staff was arrested by Capitol Police. We are currently gathering more information regarding the circumstances of the arrest. Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation. As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all.

    Democrat Lawmaker Announces Resignation After Being Convicted on Felony Charges

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    2
    Arrest image via Pixabay

    Minnesota state Sen. Nicole Mitchell (D) said that she will resign after being convicted last week on two felony charges.

    Nicole Mitchell was convicted of felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools for breaking into her stepmother Carol Mitchell’s Minnesota home in April 2024.

    Nicole Mitchell pleaded not guilty, and during the trial, her defense argued that she was at the home to check on her stepmother, who lives with Alzheimer’s.

    Nicole Mitchell’s stepmother Carol Mitchell reportedly took the stand, saying that she felt “extremely violated” after finding Nicole Mitchell in her home.

    Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Nicole Mitchell “has gotten the due process she is entitled to and was convicted by a jury of her peers.”

    “With the clarity brought by the resolution of this case, the Senate DFL Caucus will continue to focus on issues that improve the lives of Minnesota families and communities,” Murphy said.

    GOP Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson criticized her decision to not resign immediately and blamed Democrats for “refusing to hold her accountable during session.” His caucus tried and failed to expel Mitchell from the chamber in the wake of the charges.

    “Senator Mitchell was convicted of two felonies; she doesn’t get to give the Senate two weeks’ notice. Democrats shielded Mitchell for 15 months to protect their political power, but a jury needed just three hours to confirm what was already clear: she shouldn’t be a senator,” he said in a statement.

    Gov. Tim Walz’s office is expected to announce details about a special election after Nicole Mitchell’s resignation. There is another special election set for September to fill a vacancy left by former House Speaker Melissa Hortman’s politically-motivated assassination.

    Obama Caught Red-Handed! — This is the political scandal of the century and the liberal media is ignoring it! It’s time to hold the Deep State responsible.

    DOJ Moves To Toss Charges Against Former Republican Lawmaker

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

    The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday moved to toss out charges against former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), who resigned from Congress in 2022.

    The request to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning the same charges can’t be brought again, comes as President Trump’s Justice Department has moved to end criminal prosecutions of his political allies, including those who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and Trump’s co-defendants in his federal classified documents case.

    On his Truth Social platform, Trump celebrated the end of the DOJ’s “witch hunt” against Fortenberry and claimed he was the victim of a weaponized justice system.

    “The charges were totally baseless,” Trump said. “That Scam is now over, so Jeff and his family can go back to having a great life together, and be a part of our Country’s future as we MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. I am very proud of our Department of Justice, something I have not been able to say for many years!”

    A jury in Los Angeles previously convicted him in 2022 following a federal investigation, but a federal appeals court overturned the case in late 2023. (RELATED: Appeals Court Overturns Ex-Congressman’s Conviction For Lying To FBI)

    The charges centered on statements Fortenberry gave to authorities as they investigated the $30,200 donation to the former congressman’s campaign at a 2016 fundraising event in California from Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian businessperson.

    Federal election law prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions in support of any candidate for a federal elected office in the U.S.

    That conviction was overturned by a federal appeals court in 2023, after it determined Fortenberry should have faced trial in Nebraska or Washington, D.C., instead.

    Federal prosecutors brought the case again in Washington in May, and Fortenberry was awaiting a new trial when Trump won the presidential race.

    Trump Considers Labeling Tesla Vandals As Domestic Terrorists

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    2
    Tesla

    After a string of attacks targeting Elon Musk’s Tesla company, President Donald Trump is considering labeling the vandals as domestic terrorists.

    On Wednesday, when a reporter asked Trump about the issue, saying,  “Some say they should be labeled domestic terrorists,” Trump responded. “I will do that. I’ll do it. I’m gonna stop ‘em (if) we catch anybody doing it. Because they’re harming a great American company.”

    President Trump lined Tesla vehicles up on the White House driveway as he was accompanied by Tesla CEO Elon Musk while purchasing the Tesla S.

    “Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and … you’re going to go through hell,” Trump added. “White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said “ongoing and heinous acts of violence against Tesla by radical Leftist activists are nothing short of domestic terror,” .

    Although Trump stated he was not allowed to drive while he was president, he bought a Tesla S, saying he purchased it for his staff.

    Earlier this month, authorities responded to multiple Tesla superchargers being set ablaze in Massachusetts. (RELATED: Trump Hater Accidentally Sets Himself On Fire While Trying To Destroy Tesla Station)

    A total of seven chargers were damaged, police said. 

    On Saturday, NBC News noted, “There have been at least a dozen [acts] of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, dealerships or charging stations in recent weeks, according to police and local reports.” (RELATED: Woman In Custody After Explosives Discovered At Tesla Dealership)

    The incidents come months after a Tesla cybertruck exploded in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.

    A U.S. Army soldier drove the Cybertruck, which he rented from Turo, outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Monday morning. Upon arriving, the vehicle was detonated by explosives in the car.

    Investigators found fireworks, gasoline canisters and camping fuel in the remains of the vehicle. The soldier was believed to have fatally shot himself shortly before the explosion.

    On the day of the attack, Musk commented on X that the individual “picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack” because the “Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards.”

    Trump Pardons Ex-MLB Star Darryl Strawberry

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    2

    President Donald Trump has officially pardoned former Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry, a move celebrated by supporters as another example of Trump’s commitment to second chances, redemption, and faith-driven transformation.

    Strawberry, who became one of the most electrifying sluggers of the 1980s and 1990s, played a key role in leading the New York Mets to their 1986 World Series title and later joined the New York Yankees dynasty, winning championships in 1996, 1998, and 1999. Yet, behind the fame and success, Strawberry struggled with addiction and multiple run-ins with the law, leading to three separate suspensions from Major League Baseball.

    A White House official confirmed to the Associated Press that the pardon recognizes Strawberry’s “faith in Christianity” and a decade-long commitment to sobriety. Since leaving the game, Strawberry has become a symbol of recovery and spiritual renewal. He now leads a faith-based ministry and a recovery center, helping others overcome the same challenges that nearly derailed his own life.

    “President Trump believes in forgiveness and the power of personal transformation,” the official noted. “Darryl Strawberry represents both — a man who fell, got back up, and chose to make his life a testimony of hope.”

    A Broader Effort on Clemency and Reform

    This latest pardon comes amid a renewed focus by Trump on criminal justice reform and clemency for deserving Americans, particularly those who have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation and contributions to their communities.

    In recent months, Trump has issued a series of pardons to figures who, in his view, were either wronged by the system or have since proven their reform. These include non-violent offenders, military veterans, and public figures who have turned their lives around through faith and service.

    Strawberry’s Story Resonates Beyond Baseball

    Darryl Strawberry’s transformation has become a beacon for those battling addiction and despair. His ministry work reaches into prisons, rehab centers, and churches nationwide, where he often speaks about faith, responsibility, and redemption.

    Now, with his record officially cleared by the President, Strawberry’s story stands as a powerful reminder that America remains a nation of second chances — and that faith and perseverance can lead anyone from struggle to triumph.

    READ NEXT: Trump Pardons Former Lawmaker Convicted In Corruption Probe

    Attempted Assassination Of Trump Trial Delayed

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    4

    The trial for the man accused of plotting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course has been delayed.

    Federal Judge Aileen Cannon ruled Monday that the trial for 58-year-old Ryan Routh would begin on September 8, 2025, instead of the originally scheduled February 10. Routh is facing multiple charges including the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate. 

    Cannon said that Routh’s defense team “had not meaningfully responded” to prosecutors’ requests for evidence, the Washington Examiner reported. Cannon also noted that Routh’s lawyers maintained that “mental health evaluations are ongoing” but hadn’t yet decided if they would be pursuing an insanity defense. 

    Routh’s team has until February 3 to officially announce “an insanity defense” or “note of expert evidence of a mental condition.” 

    Routh is accused of hiding in the bushes with a rifle near Trump’s golf course on September 15 allegedly with the intent of killing the then-presidential candidate. Law enforcement said Routh fled after being confronted by a Secret Service agent who shot at him after he saw a rifle barrel poking out of the bushes. 

    He also faces charges of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

    In a separate case, Florida has charged Routh with attempted murder over a car crash that occurred as he was apprehended by law enforcement. 

    Authorities Apprehend Suspect In Trump Campaign Office Burglary

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    2
    Arrest image via Pixabay

    A suspect accused of breaking into a Donald Trump campaign office outside of Washington, D.C. has been arrested, according to reports.

    Toby Shane Kessler, 39, was detained on Saturday by the University of California, San Francisco Police Department for squatting in a campus dorm, the Loudoun County sheriff’s office said in a release on Thursday. 

    Kessler was allegedly behind the break-in at a Trump campaign office in Ashburn, Va., in August. He broke in through the back door of the office and spent a “brief” period of time there before exiting, according to the Loudoun County sheriff’s office. 

    The office is also used as the Virginia 10th District Republican Committee’s headquarters.

    The sheriff’s office said that Kessler faces burglary charges, though law enforcement did not say if he took anything from the office. 

    “It is rare to have the office of any political campaign or party broken into,” Sheriff Mike Chapman said at the time the incident took place. “We are determined to identify the suspect, investigate why it happened, and determine what may have been taken as well as what may have been left behind.”

    In mid-August, the Loudoun County sheriff’s office said Kessler has a “history of criminal behavior and appears to have been in the Washington metropolitan area at least since 2018.” 

    Trump has not commented on the arrest.

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