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Thursday, August 7, 2025

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2 hours ago
Media
News

Murdoch Must Provide Trump With Health Updates in Deal Delaying Defamation Deposition.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Rupert Murdoch agreed to provide regular updates on his health to President Donald Trump as part of a legal agreement delaying his deposition in Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. President Donald Trump, Rupert Murdoch, Judge Darrin Gayles, and Dow Jones & Co.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The agreement was approved on Tuesday in Miami federal court.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Murdoch is 94 years old, has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life, is believed to have suffered recent significant health scares, and is presumed to live in New York, New York.” – President Trump’s lawyers wrote in their filing.

🎯IMPACT: Murdoch must provide health updates to Trump’s legal team, and his deposition will only proceed if the court denies a dismissal motion in the defamation case.

IN FULL

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has agreed to provide regular updates on his health as part of a legal deal with President Donald J. Trump. The agreement delays Murdoch’s deposition in Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article regarding deceased child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

The stipulation, approved on Tuesday by Judge Darrin Gayles in Miami federal court, was reached after Trump’s lawyers sought to depose Murdoch within 15 days. They argued that Murdoch’s advanced age and health issues might prevent him from testifying in person if the case proceeded to trial.

“Murdoch is 94 years old, has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life, is believed to have suffered recent significant health scares, and is presumed to live in New York, New York,” Trump’s lawyers stated.

Under the agreement, Murdoch must provide a sworn declaration about his current health within three days and continue to give updates to Trump’s legal team. If Murdoch fails to comply, he will be required to sit for an expedited deposition. However, Judge Gayles is also currently considering a motion filed by Murdoch and his co-defendants to dismiss the lawsuit, which, if successful, would render the agreement and possible deposition moot.

Trump’s defamation suit, filed in July, targets Murdoch, News Corp, and Dow Jones & Co., among others, for a Wall Street Journal article claiming Trump sent Jeffrey Epstein a “bawdy” birthday card in 2003. Trump has denied the claim, calling the article “false, malicious, defamatory, FAKE NEWS.” The lawsuit also names News Corp CEO Robert Thomson and the reporters who authored the article.

Image by Dan Farber.

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16 minutes ago
News
Politics

Sen. Marsha Blackburn Enters Race for Tennessee Governor.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn announced her candidacy for Tennessee governor.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Rep. John Rose (R-TN), and outgoing Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made on Wednesday, in Tennessee, as Blackburn prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial race.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Here in the Volunteer State, we always lead the way. And that’s why I am announcing my candidacy for governor.” – Marsha Blackburn

🎯IMPACT: If elected, Blackburn would become the first woman to serve as Tennessee governor.

IN FULL

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) officially announced her candidacy for governor of Tennessee on August 6, setting her sights on succeeding term-limited Governor Bill Lee. In a video released to launch her campaign, Blackburn declared her vision to position Tennessee as “America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.”

Blackburn opened her announcement with a confident message: “Trump is back, America is blessed and Tennessee—better than ever.” Touting her conservative credentials, she aligned herself closely with President Donald J. Trump, adding, “He’s going to need strong conservative governors who can bring that revolution home.”

A veteran of Tennessee politics, Blackburn has served in the U.S. Senate since 2019 and previously held a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than a decade. Her 2018 Senate campaign drew national headlines after pop star Taylor Swift publicly criticized her voting record. Despite the backlash, Blackburn won the race and became the first woman to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. She secured a second term in 2024.

Blackburn’s entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race sets up a Republican primary contest with Representative John Rose, who declared his candidacy earlier this year.

If successful, Blackburn would become Tennessee’s first female governor. This move also places Blackburn among a growing list of U.S. senators seeking gubernatorial office, following recent announcements by Senators Michael Bennet (D) of Colorado and Tommy Tuberville (R) of Alabama.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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60 minutes ago
Lauren Gallagher
Economy
War

India’s Tariff Rate Will Double For Purchasing Russian Oil.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Tariffs on Indian exports to the United States will increase to 50 percent by the end of August if the country continues to purchase Russian oil.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the Indian Foreign Ministry, and Russia.

📍WHEN & WHERE: United States and India, August 6, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war Machine.” — President Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump is using economic pressure to push Russia to end its war in Ukraine by targeting its oil customers, like India. Other countries that import Russian oil may now face similar tariffs as well.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced on Wednesday that tariffs on India will be doubled to 50 percent in August, in retaliation for the country’s purchase of Russian oil. According to the White House, similar trade penalties will be imposed on other nations that continue to buy Russian energy as part of President Trump’s efforts to use trade policy to pressure the Kremlin to resolve the war in Ukraine.

The new Executive Order will ensure that India faces a 25 percent tariff starting on August 27 if the country continues to purchase oil from Russia. This is in addition to the 25 percent duty that Trump announced last week, which takes effect on Thursday.

President Trump criticized the Indian government on a social media post this week for purchasing ‘massive amounts’ of Russian oil and selling it on the open market. He stated, “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war Machine.” The order also directs administration officials to “determine whether any other country is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil.”

India’s Foreign Ministry responded to Trump’s announcement late on Wednesday, stating its motives for importing Russian oil are due to the energy needed for its large population of 1.4 billion people. Indian officials signaled they did not intend to halt purchases of Russian oil. “It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the U.S. should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the ministry’s statement said.

The National Pulse reported in late July that President Trump slammed India and Russia, declaring, “They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.” He singled out India specifically for not having reached a bilateral trade agreement with the United States.

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2 hours ago
Economy
News

Jeff Bezos’s Dream Just Got One Step Closer to Becoming Reality.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. government proposed changes to rules governing drone operations, aiming to make it easier for companies to conduct flights beyond the “visual line of sight.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Amazon, and other drone industry stakeholders.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Tuesday, with public comments open for 60 days. The rule impacts drone operations across the U.S.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We are making the future of our aviation a reality and unleashing American drone dominance.” – Sean P. Duffy

🎯IMPACT: The proposal could streamline drone operations, expand their applications, and ensure the U.S. leads in drone technology innovation.

IN FULL

The U.S. government introduced new proposed regulations on August 5 aimed at expanding drone operations, a shift that could aid companies like Amazon in scaling up their delivery services. The proposal would eliminate the need for companies to obtain individual waivers to fly drones beyond the operator’s visual line of sight.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy revealed the plan, noting that the Trump administration is focused on “unleashing American drone dominance.” He emphasized that the new rules would help the U.S. surpass global competitors in drone innovation, including China.

Under the proposed changes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would allow drones to operate below 400 feet and beyond the operator’s direct view, without requiring prior approval. However, operators would still need to comply with several safety requirements: drones must have certified collision-avoidance systems, cannot exceed a weight of 1,320 pounds, and must be operated by certified individuals. Additionally, flights over large public gatherings would remain prohibited in order to mitigate security threats.

Amazon’s public policy team welcomed the proposed rules. In a post on X, they stated: “We applaud the [White House], [USDOT], [FAA] and Congress for their continued leadership in advancing a framework that supports safe, scalable drone operations like [Amazon]’s Prime Air drone delivery.”

To date, the FAA has approved 657 waivers for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, including for Amazon’s Prime Air service in College Station, Texas. Yariv Bash, CEO of drone delivery company Flytrex, praised the proposal, calling it a “foundational milestone” for expanding drone-based logistics nationwide.

Bezos’s Amazon previously contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund, a move seen by many as an effort by the technology billionaire to repair his relationship with the America First leader.

Image by Steve Jurvetson.

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3 hours ago
Crime
Politics

Pennsylvania Man Charged for Alleged Death Threats Against President Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Pennsylvania man was charged federally for allegedly threatening to kill then-President-elect Donald J. Trump before his inauguration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jacob Buckley, a 22-year-old from Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Secret Service.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The threats were made on January 16, 2025, via TikTok, according to the Justice Department.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I’m going to kill Trump,” Buckley allegedly wrote on TikTok.

🎯IMPACT: If convicted, Buckley faces up to five years in prison, supervised release, fines, and a special assessment.

IN FULL

Jacob Buckley, a 22-year-old Pennsylvania man, has been charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for allegedly threatening to kill then-President-elect Donald J. Trump. The threats, made on TikTok under the username “Jacob_buckley,” included statements such as, “I’m going to kill Trump,” and, “Bro we going into a literal oligarchy in 4 days and im going to kill Trump,” according to prosecutors.

The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation, and Buckley has been “charged by criminal information for threatening Donald Trump as the President-elect,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Department of Justice (DOJ) noted that the maximum penalty upon conviction includes up to five years in prison, supervised release, fines, and a special assessment.

This case follows a similar incident involving a Rhode Island man, Carl Montague, who was charged in July for allegedly threatening Trump and members of his administration on Truth Social. Montague’s threats, posted on June 27, 2025, included violent language directed at Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The FBI later determined that Montague did not have access to weapons or the means to carry out his threats.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, two would-be assassins made attempts on President Trump’s life. Ryan Wesley Routh, who was discovered by the Secret Service hiding with an SKS-style rifle amidst shrubbery on the edge of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, is currently facing trial. A judge recently ruled that Routh will be allowed to represent himself in his defense.

Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok.

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4 hours ago
Economy

This Tech Co. Just Pledged an Additional $100 Billion U.S. Investment After Trump Tariff Threat.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Apple announced plans to increase its U.S. investment by $100 billion, adding to its earlier $500 billion pledge.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Donald J. Trump, and the White House.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Wednesday by the Trump White House.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Today’s announcement with Apple is another win for our manufacturing industry that will simultaneously help reshore the production of critical components to protect America’s economic and national security,” said a White House spokesman.

🎯IMPACT: Analysts suggest Apple’s investment could help mitigate tariffs and align with Trump’s push for U.S.-based manufacturing.

IN FULL

Apple has announced a new $100 billion investment in the United States, adding to its previous $500 billion pledge to boost domestic manufacturing and production. The announcement comes as the company faces pressure from President Donald J.  Trump to relocate more of its supply chain to the U.S.

The White House confirmed the investment would encourage the production of Apple parts in the U.S. This follows earlier remarks from Trump, who threatened to impose higher tariffs on Apple products unless iPhone manufacturing was moved stateside. Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated the company is looking to “do more” in response to these pressures.

A White House spokesman called the announcement “another win for our manufacturing industry” and emphasized its potential to reshore production of critical components, which aligns with Trump’s broader economic and national security goals. Apple has historically manufactured most of its products in China but has been adapting its supply chain in response to U.S. tariffs.

While Apple has shifted some production to countries like India and Vietnam, analysts note that significant changes to its supply chain will take time. Shares of Apple rose over 4 percent following the announcement, signaling investor optimism about the company’s U.S.-focused strategy. Cook also highlighted Apple’s plans to invest in rare earth production and a “manufacturing academy” in Michigan.

Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian.

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By Popular Demand.
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State Representative Matt Pierce

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4 hours ago
Politics

Democratic Lawmaker Threatens ‘Knife Fight’ Prior to J.D. Vance Visit.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Indiana Democrats are warning of a potential redistricting battle as Republicans consider redrawing congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 midterms.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: State Representative Matt Pierce, Vice President J.D. Vance, Governor Mike Braun (R-IN), Congressman Frank Mrvan (D-IN), and other state and national political figures.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Indiana, with discussions and meetings taking place this week, including a visit from Vice President Vance to Indianapolis.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I’m sounding the alarm because Democrats in Indiana are in a knife fight to preserve democracy, and we better start acting like it.” – Matt Pierce

🎯IMPACT: The potential redistricting could reshape Indiana’s congressional delegation, targeting competitive districts and sparking broader national debates on gerrymandering.

IN FULL

Indiana State Representative Matt Pierce (D) says that Democrats in the state are in a “knife fight to preserve democracy” as Republicans consider redrawing congressional districts. The threat comes as Vice President J.D. Vance is set to visit Indianapolis this week to meet with Governor Mike Braun (R-IN) to discuss redistricting.

A redrawn Indiana congressional map could potentially target Democratic-leaning seats like the state’s 1st Congressional District, currently held by Congressman Frank Mrvan (D-IN), as Republicans work to solidify their 7-2 advantage in the state’s congressional delegation.

Pierce alleges that Vance is being sent by President Donald J. Trump to push Braun into calling a special session to implement “Texas-style gerrymandering.” In a Facebook video, Pierce stated, “I’m sounding the alarm because Democrats in Indiana are in a knife fight to preserve democracy, and we better start acting like it.” The Indiana Democrat continued, alleging Republicans want to “steal away seats from Democrats because they know they can’t win this election with their failed policies that harm the middle class and then give all the benefits to the wealthy.”

A spokesman for Indiana House Democrats revealed that efforts are underway to mobilize public opposition, including calls to representatives and a sit-in protest. However, Indiana’s legislative rules do not require a quorum for Republicans to pass a redistricting bill, removing a tactic used by Texas Democrats to delay similar efforts.

Governor Braun described his discussions with Vance as “exploratory” with “no commitments” yet. Meanwhile, Democrats in other states like California and Illinois are also considering retaliatory redistricting efforts to counter Republican moves in states like Texas, Missouri, and Florida. Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY) has called for legislation to ban partisan gerrymandering and mid-decade redistricting, emphasizing the need for competitive districts to improve Congress.

Image by Indiana Public Media.

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5 hours ago
News
TECH

Truth Social Has Picked an AI Partner.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) announced a partnership with Perplexity to test an AI search feature for Truth Social.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: TMTG, led by CEO Devin Nunes, and Perplexity.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced on Wednesday, currently available on the web version of Truth Social.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’re proud to partner with Perplexity to launch our public Beta testing of Truth Social AI, which will make Truth Social an even more vital element in the Patriot Economy,” said TMTG CEO Devin Nunes.

🎯IMPACT: Truth Social is set to enhance its platform with AI, joining other social media platforms incorporating AI technologies.

IN FULL

On August 6, the Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) announced the launch of a new AI search feature on Truth Social through a collaboration with Perplexity, marking the company’s entry into the growing field of AI-enhanced platforms.

“We’re proud to partner with Perplexity to launch our public Beta testing of Truth Social AI, which will make Truth Social an even more vital element in the Patriot Economy,” said TMTG CEO Devin Nunes in the official announcement.

The new search capability, called Truth Search AI, is currently accessible on the web version of Truth Social. TMTG has confirmed that mobile versions for Android and iOS are in development and will be released soon.

As part of the beta rollout, the company emphasized its focus on continuous improvement: “We plan to robustly refine and expand our search function based on user feedback as we implement a wide range of additional enhancements to the platform.”

By integrating AI into its services, TMTG follows in the footsteps of other social platforms incorporating artificial intelligence. Elon Musk’s X, for example, recently launched Grok, an AI chatbot for premium subscribers, which garnered some controversy recently after it referred to itself as “MechaHitler.”

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
Crime
News

Dershowitz Says All Epstein Material Should Come Out and Trump Should ‘Lead The Campaign.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former Epstein lawyer Alan Dershowitz criticized the credibility of Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers and called for the release of Epstein-related files, suggesting President Donald J. Trump should lead the effort.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Alan Dershowitz, Jeffrey Epstein, Virginia Giuffre, Ghislaine Maxwell, President Donald Trump, and former President Bill Clinton.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments made by Dershowitz aired Tuesday on NewsNation’s Cuomo.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Everything should come out and the president should lead the campaign and start tomorrow, saying, ‘I’m ordering my attorney general to go in front of every judge, seek everything out there.” – Alan Dershowitz

🎯IMPACT: Renewed calls for transparency over Epstein files and scrutiny of high-profile connections.

IN FULL

During an appearance on NewsNation’s Cuomo, attorney Alan Dershowitz, who previously represented convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, pushed back against allegations from several of Epstein’s accusers and called for the release of all files associated with Epstein. The retired Harvard Law School professor went so far as to suggest President Donald J. Trump should “lead the campaign and start tomorrow.”

Dershowitz insisted many of the claims against Epstein were fabricated, stating they were “all made up,” and dismissed the evidence of sex trafficking involving powerful men as “not credible.”

“I wish there were a client list. My fondest wish is that there were a client list ’cause I wouldn’t be on it. I wasn’t his client, I was his lawyer. He was my client,” Dershowitz said, refuting speculation about a supposed list of high-profile individuals connected to Epstein. He continued, “There was no client list. Only two people testified that they were trafficked. Both of them have been found to be complete liars.”

“So there’s no credible evidence basically about clients or about being passed around to people. That’s just all made up! And you know, I challenge anybody to come up with any testimony to the contrary of that,” he added.

Dershowitz advocated for the public release of files related to Epstein’s case, suggesting that sensitive information about victims could be redacted to preserve their privacy. He argued this would allow people to independently evaluate the credibility of the allegations. “Everything should come out and the president should lead the campaign and start tomorrow, saying, ‘I’m ordering my attorney general to go in front of every judge, seek everything out there,’” he said.

Addressing Epstein’s ties to former President Bill Clinton, Dershowitz acknowledged, “I can testify that Bill Clinton knew Jeffrey Epstein,” but added, “there was nothing in the files that suggests that he did anything wrong, that he was ever on the island, or that he ever had anything or did anything improper.”

Despite his own name appearing on Epstein’s flight logs, Dershowitz has long denied wrongdoing. He has admitted to receiving a massage at Epstein’s residence but described it as “therapeutic,” claiming it was performed by “an old Russian” while he remained fully clothed.

Dershowitz has also continued to defend Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking a minor. He recently called for her release. Maxwell has been speaking with the Department of Justice (DOJ), with some speculation that she is looking for a pardon from President Donald J. Trump.

WATCH:

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6 hours ago
News
War

Trump Hails ‘Highly Productive’ Witkoff-Putin Meeting.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald Trump announced a “highly productive meeting” between his special envoy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made Wednesday, following the meeting between Witkoff and Putin.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Great progress was made! Afterwards, I updated some of our European Allies. Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The meeting signals potential diplomatic progress on ending the Ukraine War, though no specific compromises were mentioned.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump praised what he called a “highly productive meeting” between his special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as part of an effort to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.

“My Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, just had a highly productive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Great progress was made! Afterwards, I updated some of our European Allies. Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In addition, Trump announced 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports to the U.S., citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The move is part of a broader strategy aimed at economically pressuring countries that maintain close energy ties with Moscow. India has sharply criticized the tariffs, calling them “unfair” and warning they could affect billions in trade.

Witkoff’s meeting with Putin, reportedly held in Moscow, lasted several hours and was described by the Kremlin as “useful and constructive.” Russian state media reported that messages were exchanged between the two leaders, but no concrete agreement has been made public. A ceasefire proposal reportedly remains under discussion, with a U.S.-imposed deadline for progress expected by the end of the week.

The meeting comes amid ongoing fighting in Ukraine, where Russian forces continue to target infrastructure with missile and drone attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his commitment to defending territory and has said any peace deal must be based on a full Russian withdrawal.

Recent battlefield developments have tilted in Russia’s favor, with gains reported in eastern Ukraine. These advances may be weakening Moscow’s interest in a quick diplomatic resolution.

Reports have surfaced that Russia may consider a partial halt to airstrikes as a show of goodwill, though there is no confirmation that such a step will be taken.

Meanwhile, India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian oil, with imports making up over a third of its crude supply. The Trump administration’s tariff decision marks a significant shift in trade relations, as U.S. officials warn that further measures could follow if Russia resists ceasefire talks.

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7 hours ago
Crime
News

Muslim Passenger Threatens to Rape, Set Light to Air Hostess.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A wealthy recruitment boss, Salman Iftikhar, was sentenced to 15 months in jail after threatening a Virgin Atlantic stewardess with gang rape and arson during a flight.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Salman Iftikhar, Virgin Atlantic stewardess Angie Walsh, and other cabin crew members.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on a flight from London Heathrow to Lahore, with Iftikhar arrested at his home in Buckinghamshire on March 16, 2024. He was sentenced to prison in August 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I was abused for eight hours and 15 minutes. It has broken me. I was doing everything in my power to protect passengers and the crew from him.” – Angie Walsh

🎯IMPACT: Angie Walsh took 14 months off work, citing trauma, while Iftikhar faced legal consequences for his actions.

IN FULL

A 37-year-old Muslim recruitment firm director in the UK has been sentenced to 15 months in jail after an unhinged rant aboard an airplane in which he threatened to gang rape a stewardess and set her on fire. Salman Iftikhar was jailed after a series of abusive and threatening actions against Virgin Atlantic cabin crew during an eight-hour flight from London Heathrow to Lahore. The incident occurred while Iftikhar, who had been drinking champagne, was traveling in first class with his wife and three children.

Prosecutors revealed that Iftikhar directed a tirade of abuse at stewardess Angie Walsh, including threats to gang rape and set her alight. He also hurled racist insults and made death threats, leaving Walsh “broken” and “traumatized.” At one point, Iftikhar threatened to blow up the floor of the Avari Lahore Hotel, where the cabin crew was scheduled to stay, and made specific references to room numbers.

The situation unfolded in front of Iftikhar’s family, including his crying children, who pleaded for him to stop. Despite intervention attempts by the crew and even the pilot, Iftikhar’s behavior escalated. Upon landing, no immediate action was taken in Pakistan, but Iftikhar was later arrested at his home in Buckinghamshire over a year after the incident.

Angie Walsh, a 37-year veteran of Virgin Atlantic, described the ordeal as life-changing: “I was abused for eight hours and 15 minutes. It has broken me. I was doing everything in my power to protect passengers and the crew from him.” She also noted that the incident forced her to take 14 months off work due to trauma, though she has since returned to her role.

Recorder Annabel Darlow KC, in sentencing Iftikhar, highlighted the severity of his actions, particularly the impact on his children and the long-lasting trauma inflicted on Walsh. Virgin Atlantic praised Walsh and the cabin crew for their professionalism and bravery, affirming their zero-tolerance policy toward disruptive behavior. A spokesman stated, “We will always work closely with the relevant authorities and will not hesitate to seek prosecution for those individuals that cause disruption onboard through unacceptable behavior.”

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