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Court Upholds Conviction of Cowboys for Trump Founder for Capitol Trespassing

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The federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., upheld the conviction of Couy Griffin, the founder of Cowboys for Trump, on Tuesday, affirming his trespassing conviction for entering a restricted area of the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. The court ruled that rioters did not need to be aware that the Secret Service was protecting then-Vice President Mike Pence when they breached the restricted area.

This decision is significant as it strengthens the legal framework governing federal protections for public officials, clarifying the law surrounding trespassing in areas designated for the protection of these officials. “The basis of the Secret Service’s authority to prevent access to designated areas for the safety of its protectees … need not be in the mind of the trespasser,” stated D.C. Circuit Judge Nina Pillard in the court’s opinion.

Griffin, a local official from New Mexico, was convicted of two misdemeanors, including trespassing, after he jumped over a stone wall to access the inauguration stage at the Capitol. He received a sentence of 14 days in jail and a year of supervised release. The court rejected Griffin’s argument that the statute required proof that he knew a Secret Service protectee was present at the Capitol when he entered the restricted grounds.

“In [Griffin’s] view, the statute also requires proof that he knew why the Capitol grounds were so restricted when he entered or remained there,” Pillard noted. “We decline to adopt such a rule. Griffin’s approach would surely hinder the Secret Service’s capacity to handle the full range of potential threats.”

Griffin may continue to contest his conviction through further appeals, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, which has shown interest in reviewing legal interpretations related to the Capitol riot. Previously, Griffin attempted to appeal his removal from his elected position as a New Mexico county commissioner, but the Supreme Court declined to hear his case seeking reinstatement.

The three-judge panel included one dissenter, Judge Greg Katsas, a Trump appointee, who argued that prosecutors should have to demonstrate that Griffin was aware of the seriousness of the restricted area and the presence of Pence. Katsas emphasized that a trespass threatening the safety of the President or Vice President carries greater culpability than a simple trespass.

“Trespassers unaware that someone like the President or Vice President is present are much less likely to pose a threat to those officials than individuals who knowingly trespass into an area restricted to protect them,” Katsas wrote. He pointed out that among the 470 trespassing convictions secured against January 6 rioters, trial judges in D.C. have varied in their interpretations of the knowledge required regarding Pence’s presence at the Capitol.

Griffin’s case continues to reflect the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot and its aftermath.

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Trump Makes Closing Argument to Voters Amid Controversial Remarks at Pennsylvania Rally

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October 20, 2024

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LATROBE, PA — Former President Donald Trump took the stage in Latrobe on Saturday as he aimed to make a closing argument to voters ahead of the upcoming presidential election. However, the rally was marked by a series of rambling anecdotes and controversial remarks that drew mixed reactions from attendees.

After an entrance reminiscent of a pro wrestler, Trump launched into a lengthy story about golf legend Arnold Palmer, the namesake of the local airport. The anecdote, which lasted nearly 15 minutes, touched on Palmer’s wealth and even included off-color remarks about the late golfer’s physique. “Arnold Palmer was all man, and I say that in all due respect to women,” Trump stated, eliciting an unexpected response from the audience, with one rallygoer commenting, “I didn’t expect to hear that tonight.”

The former president then shifted gears, inviting controversial former Pittsburgh Steelers player Antonio Brown to the stage before criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris, referring to her as a “sh*t vice president.” He also launched an attack on mail-in voting, urging supporters to cast absentee ballots early while the screens behind him displayed reminders.

Despite the rally’s chaotic moments, Trump did attempt to deliver a substantive closing pitch. Reading from a teleprompter, he declared, “With your support, we’ll bring back our nation’s strength, dominance, prosperity, and pride. This will be America’s new golden age; 100 years from now the presidential election of 2024 will be looked upon as America’s greatest victory.” He also showed a video of Harris supporting a fracking ban, a critical issue for many voters in Pennsylvania.

However, Trump frequently interrupted his prepared remarks with unscripted comments. As he seemed poised to deliver a significant message, he paused mid-sentence, allowing the crowd to fill in the blanks with a profane expletive, highlighting the rally’s unpredictable tone.

Saturday’s event marked the beginning of a two-day campaign swing through Pennsylvania, a battleground state vital for both campaigns. Trump is scheduled to hold a town hall near Philadelphia and plans to attend a Pittsburgh Steelers game, where he intends to work as a fry cook in a move aimed at mocking Harris’ fast-food work experience.

Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, indicated that the campaign would be honing its message in the final stretch, saying, “Today’s remarks are important because it’s the beginning of that framing.” However, many of Trump’s comments bore a striking resemblance to his previous speeches, with familiar themes of criticism toward migrants and the ongoing legal challenges he faces as a former president.

This rally follows a series of recent appearances that have garnered attention for their erratic nature. Trump’s recent rally in Detroit failed to fill the venue, and he faced technical difficulties with his microphone. Additionally, he notably ended a town hall abruptly after a medical incident in the audience.

Amid the scrutiny, Trump pushed back against claims of diminishing energy. “I’ve gone 48 days now without a rest,” he asserted, despite recent criticisms from Harris and her allies about his stability and coherence.

As he addressed the crowd for nearly an hour and 40 minutes, Trump concluded by expressing his determination to finish strong. “We’ve been through so much together,” he said. “The finish line is finally in sight.”

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Capitol Hill Faces Critical Legislative Deadlines After November Elections

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3 days ago

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October 19, 2024

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Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are bracing for a series of pressing challenges as they prepare to navigate major legislative deadlines following the November elections. Among the key issues on their agenda is the urgent need to avert a federal government shutdown before the end of 2024 and to address the reinstatement of the federal debt limit in the new year.

The elections, which will determine control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, are expected to significantly alter the political landscape, creating uncertainty about how lawmakers will confront these challenges. Additionally, the fate of Republican leadership in both the House and Senate remains unknown, which will influence the dynamics of upcoming legislative negotiations.

Immediately after the elections, government funding will take precedence, with lawmakers facing a December 20 deadline during a lame-duck session—the period between the election and the swearing in of newly elected officials. This deadline follows a stopgap bill passed in late September that temporarily funded the federal government.

The need for disaster relief funding is also pressing, particularly following hurricanes Milton and Helene, which have caused widespread destruction in the Southeastern U.S. President Joe Biden and other leaders have called for swift action to replenish the dwindling disaster-relief funds, with the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program already running out of funding due to increased demand.

Looking ahead to 2025, Congress will confront the reinstatement of the federal debt limit on January 2. Addressing this limit is crucial to allow the government to continue borrowing to meet existing financial obligations. After the limit is reinstated, the Treasury Department can implement “extraordinary measures” to delay potential default. However, predicting the exact timeline of when the U.S. could face an inability to meet its financial commitments, commonly referred to as the “X date,” remains challenging. This uncertainty adds to the high stakes of upcoming negotiations.

The risk of political brinksmanship surrounding the debt limit could create a volatile atmosphere, particularly if Republicans secure significant wins in the elections. Fiscal conservatives are expected to leverage their positions to push for spending cuts in exchange for raising or suspending the debt limit, mirroring tactics used in 2023.

In addition to funding and debt issues, lawmakers will aim to finalize the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 during the lame-duck session. The NDAA is essential for outlining defense policy and authorizing spending for the Department of Defense, and lawmakers from both parties will need to reconcile their respective versions of the bill to reach a compromise.

Furthermore, Congress faces a looming deadline to renew key agriculture policies, as the current farm bill expires at the end of December. Lawmakers will need to decide whether to pass a new five-year bill or a shorter-term extension to maintain essential agricultural programs.

As Congress returns after the elections, lawmakers will be under pressure to act swiftly on these critical issues while facing an evolving political landscape that could reshape their strategies and priorities for the new session.

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US Officials Speculate on Ceasefire Dynamics Following Death of Hamas Leader Sinwar

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5 days ago

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October 17, 2024

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American officials are grappling with the implications of the recent death of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, believed to be hiding within the group’s extensive tunnel network in Gaza. For months, US diplomats have quietly considered Sinwar’s removal as a potential catalyst for breaking the deadlock in ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Sinwar’s absence may create a leadership vacuum within Hamas, which could impact the group’s approach to hostages and ceasefire talks. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously noted that “the fate of the deal” rested largely in Sinwar’s hands. Following his death, US officials are now evaluating whether a successor exists and what that could mean for negotiations.

One US official remarked, “We don’t know what this means yet,” hinting at the uncertainty surrounding the next steps in securing a ceasefire and hostage agreement. There are mixed feelings among American officials, with some believing Sinwar’s death could pave the way for a more flexible approach from Hamas, while others caution that challenges remain.

The Biden administration views Sinwar’s killing as a significant moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict, potentially altering the dynamics of a war that has become a political burden for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the upcoming elections. However, there is skepticism about whether a broader resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East can be achieved before Election Day, especially with Israel poised to respond to recent ballistic missile attacks from Iran.

Despite the potential for change, some observers remain cautious. Jonathan Panikoff, a former senior intelligence analyst, suggested that while Sinwar’s death could create new opportunities for negotiations, the nature of the new leadership within Hamas will be critical. “Whether a deal could be struck for a cessation of hostilities will depend on the new leader,” he stated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long focused on targeting Sinwar, presenting his death as an essential step toward achieving a decisive victory over Hamas. While Sinwar had been seen as an obstacle to reaching a hostage and ceasefire deal, tensions remain high, especially as the Israeli military continues its operations in Gaza.

As the US seeks to navigate these changes, Secretary Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have recently urged Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize US military assistance. With less than a month until the presidential elections, the situation remains fluid, leaving both the Biden administration and Harris’s campaign on edge.

American officials now face the task of analyzing who will step into Sinwar’s role and how this will affect Hamas’s military strategy. As the conflict enters a critical phase, the geopolitical landscape remains uncertain, and the repercussions of Sinwar’s death will reverberate through future negotiations.

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