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Special Counsel Requests Delay In Trump Jan. 6 Trial

By
Madeleine Jackson
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1
Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

Special counsel Jack Smith requested a delay in former president Donald Trump’s election interference case.

In their Thursday filing, prosecutors cited the recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity in their request to delay several weeks.

“Although those consultations are well underway, the Government has not finalized its position on the most appropriate schedule for the parties to brief issues related to the decision,” prosecutors wrote in the filing. “The Government therefore respectfully requests additional time to provide the Court with an informed proposal regarding the schedule for pretrial proceedings moving forward.”

The request by Smith’s team is a distinct change from its typical approach since the beginning of the case which sought to expedite matters.

The Daily Caller noted that in December, Smith asked the Supreme Court to consider the presidential immunity issue before allowing the appeals court to decide, but the justices declined to take it up early.

The Supreme Court found 6-3 last month that presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts taken in office.

“Under our constitutional structure of separated powers, the nature of Presidential power entitles a former President to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions within his conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority,” the court held. “And he is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for all his official acts. There is no immunity for unofficial acts.”

The justices left lower courts to decide which allegations in Trump’s indictment are “official acts” subject to immunity.

Kamala Accepts Debate Challenge – But There’s A Catch

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    5

    Not so fast…

    Kamala Harris confirmed on Thursday her participation in one debate before this year’s election, which is two fewer than what former President Donald Trump is proposing.

    A campaign official said Harris would not agree to the September 4 presidential debate on Fox News that was floated by Trump, ABC News correspondent Selina Wang shared in a post to X.



    Earlier, Trump and his campaign revealed plans to participate in three debates next month, including the ABC and Fox events. They said the third one would be held by NBC News on September 25.

    “We have spoken to the heads of the networks and it’s all been confirmed other than some fairly minor details,” Trump said.

    “The other side has to agree to the terms,” he added, referring to the Harris campaign. “They may or may not agree. I don’t know. She hasn’t done an interview. She can’t do an interview. She’s barely competent. She can’t do an interview, but I look forward to the debates because we have to set the record straight.”

    Harris later told NBC News that she was “looking forward” to the debate on September 10, and ABC News affirmed that both parties had agreed to attend the event.

    Trump also said that CBS would host the vice presidential debate between his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), and Harris’ pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. CBS has yet to confirm a date.

    Trump Assassination Attempt: Pennsylvania Police Release Bodycam Footage

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    Gage Skidmore Flickr

    *Warning: graphic content*

    On Thursday, Pennsylvania police body cam footage obtained by Fox News shows two officers attempting to intercept Thomas Matthew Crooks on a roof seconds before he allegedly tried to assassinate former President Trump at a campaign rally last month.

    The footage is taken from two officers from the Butler Township Police Department who attempted to stop Crooks moments before he fired his AR-15 rifle striking former President Trump in the ear, killing Corey Comparatore and injuring two others.  

    “F—— this close, bro. Dude he turned around on me,” the officer who was hoisted can be heard saying in another bodycam video released Thursday.

    One officer can be seen hosting another officer onto the roof where Crooks was stationed, which is about 12 feet above the ground.

    Crooks pointed his weapon at the officer who scaled the building, before he ultimately ducks his head and loses his grip on the roof’s edge and falls about eight feet to the ground, spraining his ankle, Butler Township Manager Thomas Knights previously told Fox News Digital.

    Watch:

    The video does not capture Crooks.

    “I’m f—— p—ed. We couldn’t find him,” another officer can be heard saying in the other bodycam footage.

    “Before you motherf—–s came up here, I popped my head up there like an idiot by myself dude,” the officer who was boosted onto the roof says. “Then he turned around and I f—— dropped and I started f—— I was calling out bro, f—— on top of the roof. F—— we’re not on the same frequency?”

    Butler Township PD Lt. Matthew Pearson told a local outlet that the officer was unable to draw his weapon since he was hanging from the building.

    Seconds later, Crooks opened fire.

    This is a developing news story. Check back for updates.

    Report: J6 Defendant Arrested After Threatening Trump Judge, Prosecutor

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    2
    Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

    This week, authorities took a Jan. 6 defendant into custody over his repeated online threats against people involved in former President Trump’s legal battles, FBI agents who investigated the defendant’s case, and Supreme Court justices. 

    Charles Austin, a federal magistrate judge in Maryland, on Monday ordered Bradley Nelson be detained

    “While there is no history of prior release violations, these statements evidence an actionable threat to the community – at the least, law enforcement involved in the investigation,” Austin wrote in his order. 

    According to The Hill, prosecutors said Nelson over the past year has posted images of U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) and a Georgia state judge with apparent crosshairs drawn on their heads.  

    Court documents indicate the post about James, who brought a major civil fraud prosecution against Trump that led to a $464 million judgment, also included a threatening comment: “give every [expletive] thing I have to watch that [expletive]’s head explode, or at least the back of her head blowout.” 

    And in June, prosecutors say Nelson made a threatening post about Barrett, Trump’s final appointee to the Supreme Court. 

    The post was allegedly made roughly one hour after the Supreme Court narrowed the use of an obstruction charge levied against hundreds of Jan. 6 defendants, including Nelson. Barrett wrote the dissent, siding with prosecutors alongside two of the court’s liberals. 

    “I pray to God with all my [expletive] heart that somebody cuts your [expletive] throat from ear to ear you worthless piece of [expletive],” Nelson’s comment read, according to court documents. 

    “The Court does not, in any way, disregard or minimize statements concerning state and federal judges and attorneys general,” the judge wrote. “Those comments and rhetoric are even more offensive and violent than the agent-focused statements. Moreover, they support concerns that Nelson might resort to violence in the future.” 

    The judge added, “Yet, the Court is mindful of its directive to consider not only the nature of any alleged threats but also Mr. Nelson’s resources and capabilities.” 

    In connection with the Jan. 6 riot, Nelson faces charges like obstruction, entering a restricted building, and disorderly conduct. He pleaded not guilty. 

    Vance Accuses Harris Running Mate of Stolen Valor

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    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

    Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) of dodging his military service and misleading the country about his veteran status.

    Vance made the statement after a reporter asked him about Walz’s attempt to frame him as a member of the elite who attended an Ivy League school.

    “I came from a family where nobody in my family had ever gone to law school. I grew up in a poor family. The fact that Tim Walz wants to turn it into a bad thing, that I actually worked myself through college, through law school and made something myself –  to me, that’s the American dream. And if Tim Walz wants to insult it, I think that’s frankly pretty bizarre,” Vance said before launching into an attack on Walz.

    “As a marine who served his country in uniform when the United States Marine Corps, when the United States of America asked me to go to Iraq to serve my country, I did it. I did what they asked me to do it, and I did it honorably,” he said. “When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did? He dropped out of the army and allowed his unit to go without him, a fact that he’s been criticized for aggressively by a lot of the people that he served with.” 

    Vance continued, “I think it’s shameful to prepare your unit to go to Iraq, to make a promise that you’re going to follow through, and then to drop out right before you actually have to go.”

    Then Vance honed in on recent comments from Walz on gun control.

    “He said, ‘We shouldn’t allow weapons that I used in war to be on America’s streets.’ Well, I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war? When was this? What was this weapon that you carried into war, given that you abandoned your unit right before they went to Iraq, and he has not spent a day in a combat zone? What bothers me about Tim Walz is the stolen Valor garbage,” Vance said.

    Vance also urged reporters to hold Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris accountable. Harris has not taken questions from the press in the 17 days since President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed her.

    I, DONALD J. TRUMP, have officially accepted your nomination for President of the United States! Will you stand with me and donate to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN? The future of our beloved country depends on YOU!

    Trump Signals New Debate Against Harris

      By
      Patrick Houck
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      1
      Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

      In a Wednesday morning appearance on “Fox & Friends,” former President Donald Trump stated that he will debate Vice President Kamala Harris in the “pretty near future.” The surprise announcement has stirred considerable interest and speculation about the dynamics of this potential face-off.

      Trump’s Remarks

      During Fox News‘ morning program, Trump commented on Harris, saying, “I hear she’s sort of a nasty person, but not a good debater.” He added, “But we’ll see because we’ll be debating her, I guess, in the pretty near future.”

      The Hill reports:

      “It’s going to be announced fairly soon. But we’ll be debating her. I would like to see it on Fox, by the way,” the former president added.

      Trump indicated that other networks, such as NBC and CBS, have also been lobbying to host the event.

      “I want to debate her. I think it’s important for the country that we debate,” the GOP nominee said. “Now where it is, I’m all for Fox. I think Fox would do a really good job. But two people have to agree.”

      Debate Dilemmas: Fox vs. ABC

      The potential debate between Trump and Harris comes following a standoff between their campaigns over the choice of news networks.

      The ABC News debate, which was originally scheduled for Sept. 10, was supposed to feature both Trump and President Biden. However, Biden’s withdrawal from the race immediately cast doubt on the status of the debate. Eventually, Trump also backed away from the debate, citing his lawsuit against ABC News host George Stephanopoulos as a primary reason.

      The Harris campaign likewise rejected Trump’s proposal to appear on Fox News on Sept. 4. They claimed that the Republican nominee is “running scared” and attempting to back out of the debate he had already agreed to, allegedly hoping for more favorable coverage from Fox News instead.

      What’s Next?

      With both campaigns appearing to yield little ground, the scheduling and platform for the Trump-Harris debate remain in question. Will they find a middle ground and proceed with the debate? Only time will tell.

      Article Published With The Permission of American Liberty News.

      Report: Arizona Convicts First Individual In Fake Electors Scheme

      By
      Madeleine Jackson
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      3
      Police image via Pixabay free images

      An Arizona woman has become the first to be convicted in the state’s 2020 fake electors scheme…

      A Republican activist who signed a document falsely claiming that former President Trump won the 2020 presidential election in Arizona has pleaded guilty earlier this week.

      Court records show Pellegrino’s plea change was entered Tuesday, and she was sentenced to unsupervised probation. The details of her agreement have not yet been posted by the court. She previously faced nine felony counts. The Hill requested comment from her lawyer.

      The alternate electors scheme relied on former Vice President Mike Pence to certify slates of Trump-supporting electors in battleground states instead of the true Electoral College votes cast for Biden. Pence declined to do so on Jan. 6, 2021, the day of the election certification, after which a mob of Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol.

      On Monday, former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis’s charges were dismissed after she agreed to cooperate with state prosecutors. She faced nine felony counts including fraud, forgery and conspiracy.

      As part of the deal, Ellis agreed to testify “completely and truthfully at any time and any place,” including at a criminal trial. She also promised not to “protect any person or entity” through false information or omissions. 

      The case against the remaining defendants is set to go to trial in October.

      Report: Man With Ties To Iran Charged In Assassination Plot

      By
      Madeleine Jackson
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      4
      Police image via Pixabay free images

      A Pakistani man with ties to the Iranian government sought to carry out a political assassination in the United States targeting high-ranking officials including former President Donald Trump.

      Asif Merchant, 46, traveled to New York City and worked with a hit man to carry out the assassinations in late August or early September, federal prosecutors said in a court complaint.

      Fox News has more:

      “Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas. Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.”

      “Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this Office and the entire U.S. Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats.”

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

      Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Reverses Course To Help Arizona Prosecutors

      By
      Madeleine Jackson
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      2
      Gage Skidmore Flickr

      In a surprising turnaround, former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis has agreed to cooperate with Arizona prosecutors in their 2020 election interference case.

      Ellis previously faced nine felony counts including fraud, forgery, and conspiracy. However, in exchange for her cooperation, the charges were dismissed.

      In a statement, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) called the agreement a “significant step forward” in the case.

      “I am grateful to Ms. Ellis for her cooperation with our investigation and prosecution,” Mayes said. “Her insights are invaluable and will greatly aid the State in proving its case in court. As I stated when the initial charges were announced, I will not allow American democracy to be undermined — it is far too important. Today’s announcement is a win for the rule of law.”

      As part of the deal, Ellis agreed to testify “completely and truthfully at any time and any place,” including at a criminal trial. She also vowed not to “protect any person or entity” through false information or omissions. 

      Ellis’s charges stemmed from her false claims of election fraud and efforts to pressure the Arizona Legislature into overturning the state’s election results in Trump’s favor. 

      She was also accused of encouraging then-Vice President Mike Pence to accept slates of fake electors instead of the true electoral votes cast for President Biden. Biden won Arizona by 10,457 votes.

      Ex-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani are among the 17 total defendants with remaining charges; they were indicted in April and have pleaded not guilty. 

      Trump himself is not charged in the case but is described as “unindicted co-conspirator 1.”

      SCOTUS Rejects Bid To Stop Trump’s Criminal Sentencing

      By
      Madeleine Jackson
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      3
      Duncan Lock, Dflock, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

      On Monday, the Supreme Court rejected Missouri’s bid to block former President Trump’s criminal sentencing and gag order in his hush-money case.

      In a brief order, the justices turned away Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s (R) attempt to go straight to the Supreme Court by invoking its exclusive, original jurisdiction over disputes between two states.

      Bailey’s state of Missouri directly sued New York, accusing the Empire State of violating Missourians’ First Amendment rights and interfering with the presidential election in the state. 

      Read:

      080524zr_5hekDownload

      Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, two of the court’s leading conservatives, said they would’ve allowed Missouri to file the suit but “would not grant other relief.” No other justice publicly dissented. 

      Missouri’s lawsuit sought to block Trump’s Sept. 18 sentencing and gag order in his hush-money case until after the presidential election. 

      Trump was convicted in May on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money deal during his 2016 campaign, marking the first-ever criminal conviction of a former U.S. president.  

      AG Bailey has vowed to appeal, but Trump is scheduled to be sentenced weeks before the election.

      The Hill noted, that by suing the state directly, Bailey forced New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) to defend Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s (D) prosecution of the former president. 

      James’s office called on the justices to turn away the suit, criticizing it for containing “bare assertions of bad faith” and arguing it wasn’t an actual controversy between two states. 

      “It’s disappointing that the Supreme Court refused to exercise its constitutional responsibility to resolve state v. state disputes,” Bailey wrote on the social platform X, vowing to continue to “prosecute our lawsuit.”

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