>DOUGH
>https://twitter.com/IvanPentchoukov/status/1514054589540098048
At least 20 FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives “assets” were embedded around the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a defense attorney wrote in a court filing on April 12.
The disclosure was made in a motion seeking to dismiss seditious conspiracy and obstruction charges against 10 Oath Keepers defendants in one of the most prominent Jan. 6 criminal cases.
David W. Fischer, attorney for Thomas E. Caldwell of Berryville, Virginia, filed a 41-page motion to dismiss four counts on behalf of all Oath Keepers case defendants before U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta in Washington, D.C.
Caldwell is charged in the indictment, but is not a member of the Oath Keepers, he told The Epoch Times in March.
Photo showing Capitol Police being escorted down the Capitol steps through the crowd to safety on January 6 by members of the Oath Keepers.
Capitol Police are escorted down the Capitol steps through the crowd to safety on Jan. 6 by members of the Oath Keepers. (Courtesy of Roberto Minuta)
“At least 20 FBI and ATF assets were embedded around the Capitol on J6,” read a footnote on Page 6 of the motion. No other details were provided in the document.
The footnote said defense attorneys “combed through a mountain of discovery,” including FBI form 302 summaries of interviews conducted by FBI agents.
In addition to the information about law-enforcement assets on the ground at the Capitol, the footnote says, the Oath Keepers “were being monitored and recorded prior to J6.”
Poring over evidence turned over in discovery by prosecutors in two major Oath Keepers cases has “not found one iota of proof” that defendants “had any plan, intention, design, or scheme to specifically enter the Capitol Building on J6,” the motion said.
Fischer told The Epoch Times he could not comment on the motion or provide more details on the footnote.
Since the first arrests of Jan. 6 defendants in early 2021, there has been extensive speculation and questions from attorneys, defendants, case observers, and members of Congress about the role law enforcement played that day.
During a Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Jan. 11, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) grilled top FBI officials on the subject.
“How many FBI agents or confidential informants actively participated in the events of Jan. 6?” Cruz asked Jill Sanborn, executive assistant director of the FBI’s national security branch.
“Sir, I’m sure you can appreciate that I can’t go into the specifics of sources and methods,” Sanborn said.
Cruz replied, “Did any FBI agents or confidential informants actively participate in the events of Jan. 6, yes or no?”
“Sir, I can’t answer that,” Sanborn said.
“Did any FBI agents or confidential informants commit crimes of violence on Jan. 6?” Cruz asked.
“I can’t answer that, sir,” Sanborn replied.
Jeremy M. Brown, an Oath Keepers member from Florida who was charged with two Jan. 6-related counts but is not part of either major Oath Keepers conspiracy case, told The Epoch Times earlier this year that the FBI unsuccessfully tried to recruit him in 2020 to spy on the group.
Brown said the same agents who later arrested him for alleged Jan. 6 crimes tried to recruit him on Dec. 11, 2020, to become a confidential informant. He refused. He was arrested on Sept. 30, 2021, when dozens of federal agents swarmed his Florida property.
“When asked by me and my girlfriend to produce the warrants at the time of arrest, they refused to produce them,” Brown said. “One agent was even recorded stating, ‘We don’t know what we are looking for yet.’ They should look for a copy of the Constitution and read it.”
>At least 20 FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives “assets” were embedded around the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a defense attorney wrote in a court filing on April 12.
No Crime Stated?
The Oath Keepers, including founder Elmer Stewart Rhodes III, are charged with conspiring to enter the Capitol on Jan. 6 to prevent the certification of the Electoral College votes from the 2020 presidential election. Protests and rioting on Jan. 6 interrupted a joint session of Congress for about six hours.
“The Rhodes defendants seek dismissal of Counts 1-4 on the grounds that the indictment fails to state an offense as to each count,” Fischer wrote in his motion.
The four counts covered in the motion to dismiss all refer to obstructing a proceeding or preventing an officer from discharging duties.
Under Title 18 of the U.S. Code, the seditious conspiracy charge “requires proof that the purpose of the defendants’ seditious conspiracy was to forcibly obstruct a person authorized to execute a law, while that person was attempting to execute the particular law opposed by the defendants,” Fischer wrote.
“Per binding precedent, however, Members of Congress are constitutionally prohibited from ‘executing any law of the United States,’ ” the motion said. “Additionally, per binding precedent, the Electoral College certification process did not constitute the ‘execution of any law of the United States.’ ”
oath keepers
Members of the Oath Keepers are seen during a protest against the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jim Bourg/Reuters)
Counts 2 and 3 of the indictment are brought under 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c), but that law only applies to obstructive acts related to the destruction of evidence, the motion said.
This argument was cited in March by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols, who dismissed the same obstruction charge in two other Jan. 6 cases.
Count 4 accuses the defendants of conspiring to prevent an officer from discharging any duties.
Under binding legal precedent, the motion argues, the terms “office,” “officer” and “officer of the United States” take their meaning from the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Members of Congress are not “officers” under the Appointments Clause, Fischer wrote.
The motion described the indictment as “an obscenely one-sided, selectively edited, and inaccurate representation of [Oath Keepers’] actions and statements.”
The Oath Keepers “Quick Reaction Forces” (QRFs) described in the criminal complaint as being ready to assist in the attack on the Capitol with men and armaments were actually standing by in Virginia in case Oath Keepers in DC were attacked or threatened by Antifa, the motion said.
“… Every scrap of evidence reviewed confirms that the ‘QRFs,’ which were utilized on numerous prior dates, were intended as rescue forces in the event that the Oath Keepers were attacked by Antifa or a similar contingency, and not to attack the Capitol Building,” the filing said.
In a companion motion filed on behalf of defendant Kelly Meggs, attorney Jonathon Moseley described the notion of opposing the lawful transfer of presidential power as a “thought crime,” and the charge in the indictment as “devoid of supporting factual allegations.”
“The Constitution makes clear that it is a Constitutional impossibility to ‘oppose the transfer of presidential power.’ Not only could such a goal not be accomplished, but beyond that, it is an irrational concept lacking in any basis, in fact, law, or common sense,” Moseley wrote.
“This is not a case in which conspirators might attempt to do something they are unable to successfully achieve,” Moseley’s filing said. “It is an irrational concept like dividing by zero. There can be no such thing in law or fact.”
https://mynorthwest.com/3418651/rantz-district-awards-middle-schoolers-2000-student-drag-show/
Rantz: District awards middle schoolers $2,000 for student drag show
Middle school students at Whatcom Middle School will perform in drag in the coming weeks. And the district is paying them to do it.
Bellingham Public Schools held a contest called Think BIG. A group of judges awarded up to $2,500 in funds to club leaders pitching innovative ideas on using the funds. Students said they would build storm gardens, provide serapes to graduating seniors, and even help meet student transportation needs to and from school.
The Gender Sexuality Alliance Club (GSA) had a controversial idea: a student drag show.
Middle schoolers in drag earn cash?
Student club finalists presented their “big ideas” at a March 29 event, each earning at least $1,000 for making it so far in the process. Each club submitted written applications to a panel of judges. They had 250 words to explain how the club would use the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation funds.
GSA club members said they would use their funds, in part, for a “Drop Dead Gorgeous Drag Show.” Students, not adults, would participate.
“In their application for the contest, the WMS [Whatcom Middle School] GSA stated that, if they won any of the Foundation’s grant funds, they would use them to plan a student drag / talent show and additional outreach activities to support students, such as anti-bullying posters or campaigns,” a Bellingham Public Schools spokesperson confirms to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH.
The spokesperson said a date has not yet been set for the drag event. The club will receive $2,000 in reward money next week.
Adult judges won’t explain decision
While drag events for college students are not wholly uncommon, it is rare for 10 to 14-year-old students to participate.
The panel of judges comprised school district officials and community business leaders: Kate Di Nitto (Associate Director of Advising & Career Services at Whatcom Community College), Tony Freeland (President of Freeland & Associates, an engineering firm), Jennifer Gaer (Volunteer Coordinator at Bellingham Public Schools), Schantell Hummel (Program and Events Coordinator at Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce), Jay Jordan (Assistant Superintendent for the district), and Guy Occhiogrosso (President/CEO of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce).
The Jason Rantz Show on KTTH emailed each judge with the same question. Could they elaborate on the decision to award middle schoolers for what seemed to be an inappropriate, adult-themed event? Occhiogrosso was the only judge to respond.
“I do not have much information on your inquiry,” he wrote.
The district asked that all questions go through them.
“We have heard from most of the judges of the think big event, and they aren’t interested in commenting,” a district spokesperson explained to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH.
Is this appropriate?
Student club members offered decidedly non-controversial and worthwhile uses for the funds.
“If GSA received a fund, and was able to use that fund to spread the queer word, we know it would help awareness with bullying and homophobia, and why it isn’t ok. It would also help people know that there is a GSA, and that it is a safe space for queer and allies all around. We want to make the world a safer space for queers, and all other peers,” the students wrote in their application.
There’s certainly nothing wrong with students promoting a more respectful environment free from bullying. Homophobia and bullying are real and can have a tremendously negative impact on the well-being of students. I wish them the best of luck in pushing for civility.
But a drag show with kids or for kids is not appropriate. That’s not a criticism of the children, but of their adult enablers.
Who would step in to keep the performance from getting too sexual?
Performances are usually for adult audiences because the usual nature of drag performances is highly sexualized. Even the controversial Drag Queen Story Hour events keep the performative nature of most drag shows at bay.
Can this event avoid the hypersexualization of children? Sure. But what if it doesn’t?
Which adult will stop a child from fully committing to the performance? Activists automatically label any criticism of drag as hateful. A district school board member owns a sex shop promoted as “all ages.” This district isn’t run by reasonable adults when it comes to sex. And that adults gave the green light on funds for a drag show confirms that point. Perhaps it’s why none will even explain their decision to the media.
https://www.bellinghamschoolsfoundation.org/think-big/
https://twitter.com/HannaLiubakova/status/1513922770933014538
#Ukraine The owner of a pizzeria in Kharkiv, Pavlo, delivers pizza around the city on his own. According to him, people call from abroad and pay for orders for doctors, emergency workers and ordinary people
>At least
https://twitter.com/MapsUkraine/status/1514271630435962896
Drone footage shows how the Ukrainian marines in Mariupol City attempted a break-out yesterday, the convoy got destroyed before it could leave the city by accurate DPR artillery strikes.
“And what’re you going to do? You gonna fight. And guess what? You gonna die. ‘Cause unlike President [Volodymyr Zelensky] over in Ukraine, nobody has your back. The whole world is against you. And you’re against your f—ing self. So why should you be alive again is the f—ing question. Why should a n—er be alive on this planet? Besides to pick cotton or chop sugar cane or tobacco.”
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https://twitter.com/CanadianUkrain1/status/1514290993000067077
Address by the Commander of the #Azov Regiment, Lieutenant Col. Denys Prokopenko, and the Commander of the 36th Marine Regiment, Maj. Serhiy Volyna, regarding the operation that broke the encirclement of the 36th by #Russian forces and allowed it to join Azov
https://www.facebook.com/36obrmp/posts/1193721624498582
Dear Ukrainian people. We are the 36th Navy Brigade named after the counter-admiral Mikhail Bilinsky, left Crimea without betraying the oaths of 2014 and continued to perform the duty of defense of Ukraine. From the beginning of the exit we have been defending Mariupol for 47 days. We were bombed from airplanes, we were shot from artillery, tanks and other firematerials. We kept the defense worthy by doing the impossible. But any resources have a potential to run out. During the combat, we were once handed 50 122 guns, 20 min a little enlavs and starlink Elon Musk - spybo Elon, he had a lot of air strikes and still works. We have not been handed over any more. Without the possibility of defending themselves, the opponent gradually pushed us to the Azovmash plant, surrounded the fire and now is trying to destroy us. There was an option to bring us reserves to strengthen and boost the defense. There were options for the brigade to make a breakthrough and join their troops. We reported this to OTU East and they started planning the operation. Sodol, Delatitsky tried to do something, but their senior headquarters were closed. We reported about it in the OOS they said hold on we are working, promised a helicopter that never flew. We talked to the commander in chief who promised to unblock. We talked with a Garantee who guaranteed us either a political or military solution of the situation. For more than a month, the Marines fought without refilling ammunition, without food, without water, almost a lacquer from the puddle and died in packs. The mountain of wounded makes up almost half of the crew. Those who have unbroken limbs and can walk, return in order. Infantry all died and gunfighters are led by gunmen, zenitich, contacts of the driver and the police. Even an orchestra. Dying but fighting. Gradually we are coming to an end. Wise generals advise taking ammunition from your enemy. Probably not extinct these Sava parquettes, so many people will die for them in vain. There were chances. There were opportunities, but due to the silliness, they were not implemented. No one wants to communicate with us anymore because we are written. Today will probably be an extreme fight since there is no BC left. Next up into the palm of the hand. Further is death for some, but captivity for some. Dear Ukrainian people. I don't know what's next, but I really ask you to remember the Marines with a kind word and no matter how they develop further, do not talk badly about the Marines. They did everything possible and impossible. For we are FAITHFUL FOREVER! 11.04.2022…
>What the fuck did they say?
The defense lawyers for Michael Sussmann, in a federal pleading, are calling the Christopher Steele dossier ‘inflammatory.’
The fact that the Clinton Campaign immediately issued a tweet concerning the articles – after receiving foreknowledge of these issues from the Law Firm-1 – is probative of the defendant’s client relationship. Indeed, the Government will offer this evidence to prove, among other things, that one of the defendant’s primary goals in his work on the Russian Bank-1 allegations was to generate negative publicity concerning Trump that would benefit the Clinton Campaign. Accordingly, the tweet is admissible as non-hearsay.
https://nationalfile.com/exclusive-source-biden-daughters-diary-details-not-appropriate-showers-with-joe-as-child/
Ashley Blazer Biden wrote that she remembers “showers with my dad” that were “probably not appropriate.”
>Ashley Blazer Biden wrote that she remembers “showers with my dad” that were “probably not appropriate.”