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Attorney General Charges Three In Tesla Attacks

More to come…

Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday announced three individuals are facing federal charges for allegedly attacking Tesla properties as protests and vandalism hit Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company across the country.

Calling the charges a “warning,” Bondi said the three individuals are accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla dealerships in three different states in recent weeks.

“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” Bondi said in a Thursday statement. “Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.”

The charges come amid a wave of violent demonstrations taking place across the nation in protest of Musk’s efforts to slash the federal government and budget under President Trump’s direction.

Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, on Jan. 20, threw approximately eight Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership located in Salem, Oregon, federal prosecutors said. One vehicle was completely destroyed, and several others were damaged.

Lansky also threw a “large heavy object through the dealership window,” they said. At the time of the attack, he was armed with a suppressed AR-15 rifle.

Lucy Grace Nelson, also known as Justin Thomas Nelson, 42, was arrested in Loveland, Colorado on Jan. 29 after attempting to light Teslas on fire with Molotov cocktails, prosecutors said. 

A former high-level FBI special agent said he expects political violence in the United States to continue escalating amid the nationwide destruction of Tesla vehicles and dealerships aimed at intimidating Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk. 

Michael Tabman is the former special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office, and he said there is no doubt that recent violent attacks faced by Tesla owners and dealerships are clear cases of domestic terrorism. 

“I do fear that more violence is on its way,” Tabman told Fox News Digital. “Maybe not directly Teslas or DOGE, but just general political violence. I think it’s already here. But I think there’s more around the corner.”

Anti-Trump FBI Agent Arrested At JFK While Trying To Flee The Country

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Police image via Pixabay free images

FBI Special Agent Johnathan Buma, known for his critical stance toward the Bureau since at least President Trump’s first term, was arrested on Monday at John F. Kennedy International Airport while attempting to board an international flight. Buma, a 15-year veteran specializing in counterintelligence, faces charges of illegally disclosing classified information.

Authorities alleged he printed and shared approximately 130 confidential FBI documents in 2023. The documents included internal files related to investigations into a foreign country’s weapons of mass destruction program.

Court documents also allege that Buma shared a draft of a book about his career in federal law enforcement with colleagues, which contained sensitive information—including details about the FBI’s investigations into nuclear weapon threats emanating from overseas.

According to ABC News, federal agents apprehended the once-esteemed law enforcement official—who had accused the FBI of political bias in favor of President Trump—moments before boarding an international flight:

While the investigation into Buma appears to have begun during the Biden administration — with several news outlets reporting on an FBI raid on his home in late 2023 — Buma has been a vocal critic of how the first Trump administration handled classified information that Trump’s former personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, was the target of a Russian influence operation.

Buma has previously been involved in whistleblower activities, claiming that while the Bureau was eager to investigate Hunter Biden, his own probes into figures like Rudy Giuliani were hindered.

Federal agents arrested Buma on Monday as he was about to board an outbound international flight, charging documents show. He appeared in Brooklyn federal court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday and was released from detention.

In a controversial decision, the court ruled that releasing him on $100,000 bail was sufficient to mitigate his flight risk. Specific details about any additional conditions of his release, such as travel restrictions or monitoring requirements, have not been disclosed.

Since Buma faces charges of illegally disclosing classified information, potential penalties can be determined based on the laws under which he is prosecuted. The most relevant statutes include:

8 U.S.C. § 798 (Disclosure of Classified Information)

Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison, fines, or both.

This law applies specifically to unauthorized disclosure of classified communications intelligence or national security information.

18 U.S.C. § 793 (Espionage Act – Gathering, Transmitting, or Losing Defense Information)

Penalty: Up to 10 years per count, fines, or both.

This statute covers the improper handling or disclosure of national defense information, even without direct intent to harm the U.S.

Depending on how many counts he faces, his potential sentence could be stacked for multiple violations.

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8 U.S.C. § 641 (Theft of Government Property – Misuse of Official Documents)

Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison for theft of government property valued over $1,000.

Classified documents are considered government property under this statute.

18 U.S.C. § 1924 (Unauthorized Removal and Retention of Classified Documents)

Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison per violation.

This applies to officials who knowingly remove classified materials without authorization.

The maximum combined sentence would depend on how many charges Buma faces. If he is charged with multiple counts, he could be looking at decades in prison if convicted on all charges.

However, most cases result in lesser sentences, especially if a plea deal is negotiated.

For comparison, Jack Teixeira (the Air National Guardsman who leaked military secrets) received 15 years, while Reality Winner (the NSA leaker) got five years.

Since he was arrested attempting to board an international flight, prosecutors may push for a harsher sentence.

Buma’s case is scheduled to proceed in federal court in California.

Article Published With The Permission of American Liberty News.

Trump Names Former Fox Star As Deputy FBI Director

Gage Skidmore Flickr

Trump announced on Sunday that Dan Bongino will be the next deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Bongino is a former Secret Service agent and will serve under Kash Patel.

Bongino is a former Fox News host and well-known conservative podcaster who supported Trump throughout the 2024 election. He is a close ally of Patel and will now serve directly under him at the FBI, according to a Sunday night post made by Trump on Truth Social.

Bongino and Patel will report directly to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Dan Bongino via Gage Skidmore Flickr

On Truth Social, Trump praised Bongino for his past service in the Secret Service and “as one of the most successful podcasters in the country.” The president also pointed to Bongino’s service in the New York Police Department.

Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice! Dan Bongino, a man of incredible love and passion for our Country, has just been named the next DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI, by the man who will be the best ever Director, Kash Patel. Dan has a Masters Degree in Psychology from C.U.N.Y., and an MBA from Penn State. He was a member of the New York Police Department (New York’s Finest!), a highly respected Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, and is now one of the most successful Podcasters in the Country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve. Working with our great new United States Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and Director Patel, Fairness, Justice, Law and Order will be brought back to America, and quickly. Congratulations Dan!

In a follow-up post, Trump said, “Another aspect of the life of Dan Bongino that I think is very important. He has a great wife, Paula, and two wonderful daughters who truly love their dad. What an incredible job Dan will do!!!”

Last week, the Senate voted to confirm Patel along party lines.

During his confirmation hearing, Patel pledged to depoliticize the FBI and restore accountability within the Bureau. However, Democrats continued to vigorously criticize his close ties to President Trump and questioned his qualifications and impartiality.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) warned last week, “My prediction is if you vote for Kash Patel, more than any other confirmation vote you make, you will come to regret this one to your grave.” Other Democrats attacked Patel over his comments on the 2020 election, his defense of Jan. 6 defendants and concerns that he could lead a purge at the Bureau.

As he begins his 10-year term, Patel faces major tasks ahead, having articulated a comprehensive agenda aimed at restructuring the FBI to enhance its efficiency and public trust.

Justice Department Sues Chicago Over Sanctuary City Laws

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Gage Skidmore Flickr

On Thursday, President Trump’s Justice Department sued the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago, and local officials over laws creating a so-called “sanctuary city.” 

The lawsuit filed in Illinois, against Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and others, claimed that several state and local laws are “designed to and in fact interfere with and discriminate against the Federal Government’s enforcement of federal immigration law in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.”

“The challenged provisions of Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County law reflect their intentional effort to obstruct the Federal Government’s enforcement of federal immigration law and to impede consultation and communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement officials that is necessary for federal officials to carry out federal immigration law and keep Americans safe,” the lawsuit states.

The complaint cites Pritzker’s comments on CNN late last month, when he said he’s eager to cooperate with federal immigration officials to “get rid” of criminals but questioned the basis for targeting undocumented migrants that are “law-abiding” and have integrated into communities. 

“In rejecting congressionally authorized means of enforcing federal immigration law, including detainers and administrative warrants, these provisions constitute unlawful direct regulation of the Federal Government,” the lawsuit states. 

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

Trump Nominates Head Of His Personal Security Detail To Lead Secret Service

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President Donald Trump formally nominated Sean Curran, the head of his personal Secret Service security detail, to serve as director of the U.S. Secret Service Wednesday.

Curran, one of several agents who rushed on stage to protect Trump during a July 13 assassination attempt, was already expected to be named to the position.

In a Truth Social post Wednesday, Trump wrote that it was an “honor” to appoint Curran.

“Sean is a Great Patriot, who has protected my family over the past few years, and that is why I trust him to lead the Brave Men and Women of the United States Secret Service,” the president wrote.

Trump called Curran a “brilliant leader, who is capable of directing and leading operational security plans for some of the most complex Special Security Events in the History of our Country, and the World.

“He proved his fearless courage when he risked his own life to help save mine from an assassin’s bullet in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Trump said. “I have complete and total confidence in Sean to make the United States Secret Service stronger than ever before.”

Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following the failed assassination attempt of Donald Trump.

Cheatle herself called the Secret Service’s performance that day its “most significant operational failure in decades,” though she only begrudgingly referred to it as a “colossal failure.”

Trump announced other nominees on Wednesday, including Andrew F. Puzder, the president’s pick for U.S. ambassador to the European Union.

In a separate statement Wednesday, Trump announced that conservative writer L. Brent Bozell III has been named to run the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Trump said that “few understand the Global Media landscape in print, television, and online” better than Bozell.

“He and his family have fought for the American principles of Liberty, Freedom, Equality, and Justice for generations, and he will ensure that message is heard by Freedom-loving people around the World,” Trump wrote. “Brent will bring some much needed change to the U.S. Agency for Global Media.”

Outgoing Representative Successfully Sabotages Gaetz, Violates Oath: Report

Governor Tom Wolf from Harrisburg, PA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The top Democrat on the House Ethics Committee…

Outgoing Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), the top Democrat on the House Ethics Committee, has admitted to leaking confidential details of the panel’s investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to the press, a move that violated her sworn oath of office.

The leaks played an integral role in disrupting Gaetz’s path to becoming the Trump administration‘s attorney general. According to multiple sources, Wild was absent from the Ethics Committee’s meeting last week, after being identified as the source of the leaks that underpinned press reports on the investigation.

The Hill continues:

It remains unclear if Wild voluntarily skipped the Thursday gathering or was asked not to attend, what information she leaked and to whom, and how the panel tracked her back as being the leaker. Two sources said Wild ultimately acknowledged to the panel that she had leaked information.

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) served as acting ranking member during Thursday’s meeting, according to a source, who noted that any time a member of the panel is absent, there is an acting ranking member in their place.

It also remains unclear if the Pennsylvania Democrat, who is leaving Congress at the end of the year, will be present at Ethics Committee meetings in the future. Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.), the chair of the panel, told reporters that Thursday’s meeting was not the last for the group.

In a statement to The Hill, Wild’s chief of staff, Jed Ober, said the congresswoman skipped last week’s meeting because she was “frustrated” with how the Gaetz report had been handled, and said characterizing her absence as anything more was “inaccurate.”

“Rep. Wild was frustrated by the manner in which the report was handled and didn’t feel it was fruitful to participate in any further meetings on its ‘potential’ release. Characterizing it as anything more is inaccurate. There will be no further statement,” Ober said in curt, precise sentences.

A Leak with Consequences

The situation first came to light when The New York Times reported that an anonymous hacker had obtained transcripts containing sensitive testimony that cast aspersions on Gaetz, then President-elect Donald Trump‘s nominee for attorney general.

Amid growing scrutiny and political fallout, Gaetz voluntarily withdrew his name from attorney general consideration on Nov. 21. The decision was made in part to avoid controversy for Trump ahead of his administration’s transition to power. Gaetz later announced he would not seek a return to Congress in 2025, despite being reelected to his seat.

The fallout from the leaks coincided with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urging Senate Republicans to expedite the confirmation process for Trump’s cabinet picks. “I trust, we trust, and hope that Senate Republicans and the whole Senate will perform their constitutional responsibility to advise and consent on President Trump’s nominees and to do that in a speedy, expeditious manner,” Johnson stated.

Following Gaetz’s withdrawal, Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to serve as attorney general.

Wild’s Legacy and Exit

Wild, who has represented Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District since 2019, will leave office in January 2025 after losing her reelection bid to Republican Ryan Mackenzie. The district, a political bellwether encompassing Allentown and Bethlehem, has consistently been a pivotal battleground in presidential elections.

Notably, as the ranking member of the Ethics Committee, she would be acutely aware that all members and their staff are required to take an oath stating:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will not disclose, to any person or entity outside the Committee on Ethics, any information received in the course of my service with the Committee, except as authorized by the Committee or in accordance with its rules.”

Gaetz’s Next Chapter

Meanwhile, Gaetz is poised to transition to a new role in the media. He is set to launch The Matt Gaetz Show on One America News (OAN) in January 2025, where he will host a nightly program airing at 9 p.m.

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

READ NEXT: Female Republican Leader Attacked – Women’s Freedom Under Siege

Nancy Mace Attacked Amid Fight To Protect Women’s Rights

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

National Police Association Endorses Trump FBI Pick

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Jsg2020, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

A big win…

The National Police Association (NPA) announced on Friday its endorsement of President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for FBI director, Kash Patel.

In a statement Friday, the NPA—a nonprofit group that represents more than 240,000 U.S. police officers— praised Patel’s “distinguished career” both as a former federal prosecutor and legal liaison to the Joint Special Operations Command.

“The law enforcement community knows that effective leadership at the FBI is essential for building public trust and enhancing coordination across all levels of policing,” the group said. “Kash Patel’s proven record of leadership, expertise in counterterrorism and intelligence, and ability to navigate complex legal and operational challenges make him the ideal candidate to restore faith in the FBI’s mission and ensure it remains a steadfast ally to our nation’s police forces.

“We are confident that under his stewardship, the FBI will thrive in its vital mission to protect and serve the American people,” the group added.

Trump announced earlier this month that he plans to fire FBI Director Christopher Wray and nominate Patel as his replacement. Wray could also voluntarily vacate the position on his own before Trump’s inauguration, though he has not yet said whether he plans to do so.

“This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social announcing his plans to nominate Patel.

Patel’s nomination has also sparked criticism from some circles, who have cited his earlier vows to prosecute journalists and career officials at the Justice Department and FBI that he sees as being part of the “deep state.”

Authorities Apprehend Suspect In Trump Campaign Office Burglary

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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.

Trump DEA Nominee Withdraws From Consideration

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Simpson - https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1011806/coast-guard-cutter-dependable-drug-bust, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=127998859

Another one bites the dust…

President-elect Trump’s choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced on Tuesday he is withdrawing from consideration.

Florida’s Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a post on X Tuesday evening that he would instead tend to his current duties overseeing an area of the Sunshine State that includes Tampa Bay.

“Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister said.

“There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling,” Chronister continued. “I sincerely appreciate the nomination, outpouring of support by the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County.”

Trump just announced Chronister as his choice to lead the DEA in a Truth Social post on Saturday, tapping the local sheriff to take charge of the agency tasked with seizing illegal substances ranging from fentanyl to other opioids.

“I am pleased to nominate Sheriff Chad Chronister for Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA),” Trump wrote.

“For over 32 years, Sheriff Chad Chronister has served the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and received countless commendations and awards for keeping his community SAFE,” Trump added.

Chronister marks the second nominee to withdraw from consideration after former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration to be the next U.S. attorney general.