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    FBI Deputy Director Says Agency ‘Closing In’ On Capitol Riot Pipe Bomb Suspect

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    3
    Dan Bongino via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that the agency has ramped up its investigation into pipe bombs planted in Washington, D.C. on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in 2021. 

    “I want answers on this, and I’m pretty confident that we’re closing in on some suspects,” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino told “Fox & Friends” Thursday, noting the case is a top priority.

    The FBI renewed its focus on the unsolved case earlier this year. In January, investigators released new video footage showing the person who planted the bombs outside the headquarters of both the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C.

    “We were told by partisan actors out there, this was the insurrection, the world was [going to] fall apart, and no one seemed to show any interest in this case,” he argued, adding that he and FBI Director Kash Patel have made the pipe bomb investigation a priority for their department. 

    Besides the video footage, in January the FBI also released more details about the suspect’s physical characteristics. They believe the individual to be about 5-foot, 7-inches and to have worn a grey hoodie, face mask, black gloves and Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes. 

    Investigators claim they’ve followed hundreds of leads, reviewed thousands of video files, and conducted over 1,000 interviews in the case. Bongino emphasized the importance of public involvement and said social media is a vital tool for generating new case leads. 

    “Every time I put a tweet out, we get tips. We got a fascinating tip on one of these cases. One of the three,” Bongino said, referring to three high-profile cases: the 2021 pipe bombs, the 2022 leak of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision on abortion and the cocaine discovered in the White House in 2023.

    “I don’t [want to] say which one, but I’m pretty confident that we’re going to close out one of them, hopefully, soon.”

    Although no one was injured in the 2021 pipe bomb incident, authorities say it was on the verge of catastrophe.

    Then Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was inside the DNC’s offices when the pipe bomb was discovered. Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also passed by the bomb before it was discovered and safely removed by authorities. 

    The FBI is offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

    John Cusack Compares Trump To ‘Killers Of Christ’ In Easter Post, Sparks Backlash

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    5
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Actor John Cusack, once a household name in American cinema, used Easter Sunday to compare President Donald Trump to those who killed Jesus Christ. The post, shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, quickly stirred controversy and prompted withering criticism from users across the platform.

    Cusack, who achieved A-list status in the late ’80s and ’90s with films like “Say Anything,” “High Fidelity” and “Grosse Pointe Blank,” has become better known in recent years for his political commentary than his acting work. He’s been a persistent critic of both Hollywood’s corporate culture and right-leaning political figures, often using sweeping, inflammatory language to make his points.

    Breitbart’s Warner Todd Huston provides further information and corrects the actor’s historical narrative:

    Of course, Cusack’s simple-minded framing of the death of Jesus Christ is not entirely correct. Jesus was not crucified merely for “politics.” The Jewish leaders who conspired to eliminate Jesus were incensed that he had called himself the Son of God and, therefore, a divine figure. They felt he was engaging in blasphemy. And the Romans prosecuted him for claiming to be “King of the Jews.” That was a crime in their eyes because only Caesar could be king. The question of Christ’s divinity was not as incidental as Cusack wants to make it seem.

    Certainly, Jesus also threatened the political power of the Jewish leaders. But the Romans were somewhat indifferent and did not feel he was all that much of a political threat to them. So, obviously there was a political aspect to the whole thing, but to say it was all just a “political calculation” is an oversimplification. There was also deep religious context to it all.

    The Say Anything star is a constant presence on social media where he often engages in wild-eyed, hate-filled attacks on Donald Trump and anyone else who opposes Cusack’s extremist opinions.

    Last month, for instance, Cusack once again broke out his tired “Nazi” epithets by calling Tesla chief Elon Musk a “Nazi” who is “literally killing people” for heading up Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and looking for ways to cut the bloated and out-of-control federal budget.

    Reactions on Social Media

    The reaction to Cusack’s Easter post was swift. Many users mocked the statement, calling it “unhinged” and labeling the actor a “nut job.” Others accused him of being out of touch with everyday Americans and using religion as a tool for political attacks.

    While Cusack has long aligned himself with progressive causes and anti-establishment rhetoric, critics argue that these kinds of extreme comparisons do more to alienate than persuade. Some pointed out the irony of invoking a religious holiday to make a hyperbolic political statement, particularly one that equates a democratically-elected president to biblical villains.

    A Career Shifted from Blockbusters to Activism

    Once a reliable lead in major Hollywood films, Cusack’s presence on screen has waned over the past two decades. Though he maintains a devoted fan base and occasional roles in direct-to-video flicks, his voice is now more commonly heard online, where he frequently engages in political debates and ad hominem attacks on his political opponents.

    His legacy as a cultural figure from the ’80s and ’90s remains intact, but his recent public statements continue to polarize. Whether this latest post was an attempt to spark discussion or simply another instance of performative outrage, it’s clear Cusack remains committed to using his platform, even if it means drawing fire in the process.

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    Trump And Vince Vaughn Recreate Iconic Movie Moment In Oval Office Spoof Photo

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    0

    In a lighthearted nod to the raunchy 2005 comedy “Wedding Crashers,” President Donald Trump and actor Vince Vaughn recently posed together in the Oval Office. The White House shared the moment on social media as a mock movie poster titled “White House Crashers,” featuring Vaughn standing beside a seated Trump — both smiling in front of the American flag and presidential seal.

    Vaughn, well-known for his libertarian views, has long emphasized his commitment to individual freedoms. He has maintained cordial interactions with politicians across the spectrum — including a handshake with Trump at a college football game in 2020 amid the president’s first impeachment proceedings.

    People Magazine has more details on the creative photo op:

    “White House Crashers,” the poster reads in a font similar to one used on the artwork for the 2005 buddy comedy flick, with Trump taking the place of Vaughn’s costar Owen Wilson.

    “President Donald J. Trump & Vince Vaughn in the Oval Office 🇺🇸,” the White House wrote in the post’s caption.

    Wedding Crashers follows Wilson, 55, and Vaughn as divorce mediators who spend their free time crashing wedding receptions in order to meet women. It also stars Isla Fisher, Rachel McAdams, Christopher Walken and Bradley Cooper.

    Aside from the post, the White House and the president both did not release any further information about Vaughn’s visit to Washington, D.C., nor did the actor.

    Representatives for Vaughn did not immediately respond to People’s request for comment.

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    Mel Gibson Rips Into Kamala Harris – Says Her IQ Matches A ‘Fence Post’

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    3
    Mat Weller matweller, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

    In a candid exchange with paparazzi at an airport, actor and two-time Oscar winning filmmaker Mel Gibson let it be known in no uncertain terms what he thinks about Vice President Kamala Harris. The interaction, captured in footage obtained by TMZ, shows Gibson responding to questions about his opinion on the upcoming election.

    When asked by a cameraman, “Who are you voting for?” the paparazzo quickly suggested, “I’m gonna guess. Trump.” Gibson, known for his outspoken nature, replied, “I think that’s a pretty good guess.” He then went on to critique Harris, stating, “[Kamala has a] miserable track record, appalling track record. No policies to speak of.” His criticism culminated with a jab at Harris’s intelligence, claiming she has “the IQ of a fence post.”

    Gibson began his career in the late 1970s but rose to international fame with the Mad Max series, starting with Mad Max (1979). These films established him as a charismatic action star. His role in Mad Max (1981) and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) cemented his status as a rugged and intense actor.

    Gibson gained further recognition with his role as Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon series, which started in 1987. The buddy-cop action films, known for their blend of humor and intense action, made him a certified A-list Hollywood star.

    WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

    In addition to his action roles, Gibson showed his range in films like Hamlet (1990), where he delivered a well-received performance in a dramatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. Other notable roles include Braveheart (1995), The Patriot (2000) and Signs (2002), showcasing his ability to play both intense warriors and more complex characters.

    Gibson’s transition into directing has been marked by critical acclaim. It was Braveheart (1995) that solidified his reputation as a director. The historical epic that tells the story of Scottish warrior William Wallace, who led a rebellion against English rule in the late 13th century, earned him the Best Director award, as well as Best Picture.

    In 2004, Gibson directed The Passion of the Christ, which dramatizes the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $600 million worldwide. More than two decades later, the film has had a lasting cultural impact and remains a point of discussion in religious and film circles.

    Gibson continued to explore historical and cultural themes with Apocalypto (2006), a film set during the decline of the Mayan civilization. Known for its use of native languages and visceral intensity, Apocalypto was praised for its ambitious storytelling and immersive direction.

    After a period marked by personal and professional setbacks, Gibson made a notable comeback with Hacksaw Ridge (2016). The World War II drama tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a pacifist combat medic. Doss received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his acts of valor during the Battle of Okinawa. He was the first conscientious objector to be awarded this honor, though he preferred the term “conscientious cooperator” because he did not refuse to serve—only to carry a weapon.

    Gibson is currently working on The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, a follow-up to his 2004 film The Passion of the Christ. This sequel aims to explore the events between the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The first part is in post-production and is scheduled for a 2025 release​.

    Additionally, Gibson is involved in Lethal Weapon 5, which marks his return as both director and actor, taking over the directorial role after the passing of the original series director, Richard Donner. The film will see Gibson reprising his role as Martin Riggs, with Danny Glover expected to return as Roger Murtaugh.

    This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.

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    Tulsi Gabbard is SICK of the woke mob. Help Trump defeats Kamala Harris! Will you Donate?

    Maher Sounds Alarm – Trump Could Flip Marijuana Issue On Democrats

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    2

    On Friday’s Real Time with Bill Maher, the long-time cannabis advocate gave credit where credit’s due — to Donald Trump.

    Maher acknowledged Trump’s emerging strategy to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. It’s not full legalization, but it’s a significant shift that would loosen federal restrictions and move the ball forward on reform.

    He didn’t mince words. “I’ve been telling Democrats for years, the Republicans are gonna steal pot from you as an issue,” Maher said, half-joking, half-dead-serious.

    WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

    What’s notable here isn’t just the policy — it’s who’s moving on it. Trump, once again, is positioning himself as a disruptor who knows how to cut through noise and win over voters issue by issue.

    Decider offers more information on Maher’s grudging respect for Trump’s “genius” strategy:

    He drove it home with a riff on Trump’s playbook: “He’s the master at winning votes from small groups who are passionate about one issue, picking up a couple percent here, a couple there…” until Election Night turns into something like a bizarre Y-M-C-A celebration.

    And when it comes to timing, Maher confessed—with tongue in cheek—that Trump finally swung by his own camp. “Finally, he got around to me,” he teased during his “New Rules” segment—comparing his own potential shift to that of single-issue Black voters who helped Trump make gains in key cities.

    “What did you expect?” he shrugged. “He’s the master…” And amid all of this, Trump has already said he’ll have a decision on cannabis rescheduling “in the next few weeks”—a move that would send seismic ripples through the cannabis industry and potentially benefit Maher personally, since he co-owns The Woods, a West Hollywood consumption lounge.

    Maher, who still identifies as a Democrat but often breaks ranks — especially with the woke crowd — used the moment to throw up a red flag to his own party. He warned that if Democrats keep dragging their feet, Republicans could flip the script and claim an issue long seen as their turf.

    For all his usual sarcasm, Maher’s comments carried real weight: a unenthusiastic but clear nod to Trump’s political instincts — and a warning shot to Democrats who think this base-level issue is locked up.

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    Obama’s Shadow Agenda Ends Here. Biden was just the puppet — Obama pulled the strings. Now he’s desperate for a comeback in 2026. It’s up to us to stop him cold and save the House. [DONATE NOW TO PROTECT THE MAJORITY]

    The Battle For Catholic Revival — Time For A MAGA Pope To Step Up

    By
    Paul Crespo
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    1

    Or will the increasingly conservative U.S. Catholic Church move away from Rome? I don’t know. We could get one, or we could get another liberal “reformer.” Pope Francis was often criticized from within the church as being “too woke” for his progressive stances on climate change, illegal migration, LGBT inclusion and other major issues.

    Francis was also harsh with his conservative critics, especially those in the U.S.  

    In 2023, he complained of a “very strong, organized reactionary attitude” against him in the U.S. Church, adding: “I would like to remind these people that backwardness is useless.”

    After the conservative U.S. cardinal Raymond Burke attacked him over his 2016 apostolic exhortation softening views on divorced and remarried Catholics, Francis threatened to evict him from his Vatican apartment.

    He also dismissed the Texan bishop Joseph Strickland, another vocal critic in the U.S. church, from his diocese.

    During the pope’s recent illness, Strickland told Newsmax, “Certainly, we pray for him,” “but we need the new Pope to be someone who is much clearer — really, frankly, stronger in the tradition of our Catholic faith.”

    This, and many other divisions, brought him in conflict with a more traditional U.S. Catholic Church, especially in a time of Trump.

    The concern for conservative U.S. catholics like me is that things will only get worse with another Francis-like pope.

    In an earlier piece, I delved into the Conclave that will elect our next pope. Of note, Pope Francis tried to pack the College of Cardinals with fellow liberals that will make up the Conclave.

    For example, of the 10 U.S. cardinals eligible to cast ballots in the Conclave, six were elevated to their positions by Francis and are mostly in line with his liberal vision for the church.

    Overall, of the 135 cardinals eligible to take part in choosing his successor, the late pontiff appointed about 110 of them, including some conservatives.

    Francis hoped that by packing the College he would be followed by a like-minded ‘modernist’ successor. And it could work. As The Guardian reported:

    The appointments make it “difficult for an ‘anti-Francis’ pope to emerge”, said Iacopo Scaramuzzi, a Vatican journalist with La Repubblica newspaper and author of the book Tango Vaticano. La Chiesa al Tempo di Francesco (Vatican Tango. The Church in the Time of Francis).

    “But it doesn’t mean this group is unanimous and cohesive, or that they have the same ideas. Almost all the cardinals he has chosen are pastors from great dioceses around the world.” There were conservatives as well as progressives among them, Scaramuzzi added.

    So, the questions remain. Will his efforts ensure that the recently deceased pope’s leftwing ideological imprint and direction will continue and deepen with a new pope? Or will enough traditionalists and conservative Cardinals reverse the liberal swing and elect an ‘anti-Francis’ more MAGA pope?

    Many Catholics, and others worldwide, are certainly hoping and praying for the latter, especially in the U.S. Due to President Donald Trump’s pro-Christian, pro-life and anti-transgender policies, 58% of US Catholics voted Republican in November, a stunning number.

    Trump himself, aided by close Catholic advisors and allies, including his vice president, recent Catholic convert, JD Vance, has worked hard to align his conservative MAGA movement with the church.

    Most recently, he created a task force to “eradicate anti-Christian bias” throughout the federal government, and beyond.

    More directly, before the death of Pope Francis, Trump appointed Brian Burch as U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, an outspoken critic of Francis and key leader in the effort that mobilized Catholic voters for the GOP last year.

    Francis, in turn, appointed a liberal cardinal, Robert McElroy, as the Archbishop of Washington, D.C.

    Meanwhile, Francis regularly expressed his distaste for Trump’s policies, writing in a letter to American bishops in February that deportations of illegal aliens violated the “dignity of many men and women, and of entire families.”

    That has not gone over well with most Trump voters and many U.S. Catholics.

    Coincidentally, or divinely, on Easter Sunday, hours before his death, an ailing Pope Francis managed to share a brief meeting at the Vatican with his most senior U.S. Catholic critic, JD Vance.

    For Francis, this would be a final encounter with the conservative wing of American Catholicism that is flourishing and increasingly assertive while the broader Church faces a bit of an identity crisis.

    But, as many have noted, the conservative change in the U.S. church is bigger than Trump and Vance. It is the culmination of long-term trends in a church that is shifting right. Even as many of the leaders are progressive, the younger priests and many lay members are increasingly traditional.

    The Financial Times reported that: “According to a survey published in 2023 by the Catholic Project, a research group at the Catholic University of America, more than 80 percent of priests ordained since 2020 described themselves as theologically “conservative/orthodox” or “very conservative/orthodox’.”

    The researchers added that while “progressive” and “very progressive” priests made up 68 percent of priests in the years 1965-69, that number had today “dwindled almost to zero.” This is a massive shift.

    The cultural vibe is also shifting right.

    A Catholic podcaster in Phoenix, Arizona posted on X:

    Anyone who’s soft on abortion, who has Marxist tendencies, who’s pro-homosexual – we’ve got to get rid of them. There are bishops who have marched on Pride parades … they’ve got to be fired.

    And, yes, along with electing a traditionalist pope, purging modernist leftist bishops would be a great thing for the Church. But what if that doesn’t happen and instead we get more of the same liberal modernist nonsense we have been seeing in Rome for the past decade?

    How will the American Catholic Church deal with this?

    Well, The Wall Street Journal reported:

    The appointment of a liberal successor, Faggioli warned, risked further estrangement [between the US Catholic Church and Rome]. One possibility he cited was a “liquid schism” in which the two parties don’t suffer a formal rupture but increasingly look past one another. “The fear is that it basically could become a Catholic Church that is independent from the Vatican,” Faggioli said. 

    Stephen P. White, the executive director of the Catholic Project, a research initiative at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., likened that possibility to an “Anglicization” of Catholicism—or a fracturing of the Church on national lines. “That is a problem,” White said. “The faith is supposed to be one.”

    Let’s hope and pray that this never happens. But electing a true Catholic pope, and a renewed emphasis on traditional Church values, and maybe a conservative housecleaning of leftists in the College of Cardinals, and among many bishops, may be the only way to avoid it.

    Either way, I’m ready to Make Catholicism Great Again!

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    What To Know For The Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    4
    President Donald J. Trump is presented with a 10th Combat Aviation Brigade challenge coin following an air assault and gun rain demonstration at Fort Drum, New York, on August 13. The demonstration was part of President Trump's visit to the 10th Mountain Division (LI) to sign the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019, which increases the Army's authorized active-duty end strength by 4,000 enabling us to field critical capabilities in support of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Thomas Scaggs) 180813-A-TZ475-010

    The streets of central D.C. are soon to be filled with thousands of soldiers, massive tanks and artillery, and the cacophonic rumble of Vintage warplanes and sleek Blackhawks flying overhead.

    The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a pomp-filled procession through the streets of the nation’s capital Saturday, June 14, showcasing military might in a display with few, if any, precedents.

    The date also coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

    The parade, which will feature Army equipment, flyovers, musical performances and thousands of soldiers in uniforms from the past and the present, caps off a week of programming designed to celebrate the country’s military might. Trump posted a short video address about the parade to Truth Social on Friday, June 6, inviting Americans to what he called an “unforgettable” celebration, “one like you’ve never seen before.”

    “For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America’s Army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home,” he said in the video. “This parade salutes our soldiers’ remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won’t want to miss it. Just don’t miss this one. It’s going to be good.”

    Here’s what to know about the parade and day-long celebration in Washington, D.C.

    When and where is the June 14 DC military parade?

    The military parade is slated for Saturday, June 14, in the heart of Washington, D.C., spanning six blocks and bisecting the National Mall. Organizers say the procession begins at 6:30 p.m. ET.

    What are the events and performances at the June 14 celebration?

    Celebrations and associated events are set to take place throughout the day at the Army Birthday Festival starting at 11 a.m. ET. Members of the public can visit, where there will be military demonstrations, equipment displays and live music throughout the day, Army event organizers say

    Visitors can expect kid zones, more than 50 vendors and experience booths and meet-and-greets with “Army soldiers, NFL players, influencers and celebrities,” according to the U.S. Army event page.

    Those feeling adventurous can show up early and take part in the Army’s fitness competition, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

    Where is the Army Birthday Festival?

    The festival is between 14th Street SW and the 12th Street Expressway on the lawn between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

    It is next to the Smithsonian Metro Station NW entrance, which will be closed, organizers say, though the Smithsonian Metro Station SW entrance will be open.

    Information is also available on the Army’s event website, www.army.mil/1775/.

    How to get tickets to attend in person

    Tickets for the parade are limited, but those interested in attending the parade on June 14 can RSVP here. Prospective attendees will be asked to provide their full name, phone number, email, state and zip code.

    Celebrate President Trump’s 79th Birthday — Sign His Official Card Today!
    © Great America News Desk 2022