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Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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9 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Migrants Face Fines Up to $1.8 Million.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: U.S. immigration authorities are issuing fines, some as high as $1.8 million, to illegal immigrants who failed to leave the country after deportation orders.

👥 Who’s Involved: Wendy Ortiz, a Salvadoran migrant; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); Customs and Border Protection (CBP); immigration lawyers; and the Trump administration.

📍 Where & When: United States, with fines beginning to be issued in recent weeks under the Trump administration.

💬 Key Quote: “It’s not fair. Where is someone going to find that much money?” — Wendy Ortiz, fined $1.8 million.

⚠️ Impact: Illegal immigrants face steep financial penalties, potential property seizures, and legal challenges, with many unable to pay the fines for ignoring their deportation orders.

IN FULL:

U.S. immigration authorities have begun issuing substantial fines to illegal immigrants who have failed to leave the country after being ordered to do so, with penalties reaching as high as $1.8 million. Wendy Ortiz, a 32-year-old Salvadoran illegal immigrant living in Pennsylvania, was among those fined. Ortiz allegedly left her home country a decade ago.

“It’s not fair,” Ortiz told reporters. “Where is someone going to find that much money?” Her attorney, Rosina Stambaugh, has requested a 30-day extension to contest the fine, citing Ortiz’s lack of a criminal record and the supposed dangers she faces if deported. Notably, Ortiz failed to show up for her asylum hearing and later ignored a deportation order, though she claims she never received notification of either.

The fines are part of a Trump administration policy aimed at encouraging voluntary departure, or “self-deportation,” among illegal immigrants. A senior Trump official disclosed that over 4,500 migrants have been issued fines totaling more than $500 million. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been responsible for issuing the fines, while Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is tasked with handling potential property seizures.

The fines stem from a 1996 law that Trump administration immigration officials are enforcing. Under this policy, illegal immigrants can be fined $998 per day for failing to comply with deportation orders, with penalties applied retroactively for up to five years. This framework has resulted in fines as high as $1.8 million.

Immigration lawyers across the country have expressed shock at the severity of the penalties. Robert Scott, a New York-based attorney, noted that one of his clients, a low-income Mexican woman living in the U.S. for 25 years, was also fined $1.8 million. Scott—like attorneys for other illegal immigrants—claim the woman was unaware of her 2013 deportation order and is now seeking to reopen her case.

The Trump administration previously withdrew the imposition of similar fines during its first term after legal challenges but resumed issuing smaller penalties. The Biden government later dropped the fines in 2021.

By Popular Demand.
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10 hours ago
News

This Georgia Governor Candidate Couldn’t Help But Obsess Over Trump in Her Campaign Launch.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced her campaign for Georgia governor, criticizing Donald Trump in a video.

👥 Who’s Involved: Keisha Lance Bottoms, Donald Trump, current Governor Brian Kemp, Republican Attorney General Chris Carr, Democratic state Sen. Jason Esteves, and Olu Brown.

📍 Where & When: Georgia, campaign launch on Tuesday.

💬 Key Quote: “Donald Trump is a disaster for our economy and our country. From his failure to address rising prices to giving an unelected billionaire the power to cut Medicare and Social Security. It’s one terrible thing after another.” — Keisha Lance Bottoms,

⚠️ Impact: Bottoms joins a competitive race for the governorship of Georgia, with significant political and economic implications.

IN FULL:

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has officially entered the race for Georgia governor, launching her campaign Tuesday with a video that sharply criticized former President Donald J. Trump.

“Donald Trump is a disaster for our economy and our country,” Bottoms rails in the video. She accuses the America First leader of delegating powers to “an unelected billionaire” to make decisions about Medicare and Social Security, referencing Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) frontman Elon Musk. “Georgia families deserve far better than what Donald Trump and Republicans are giving us,” she complains.

Bottoms, who served as Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden for Public Engagement in 2022 and was later appointed to the President’s Export Council in 2023—but was fired by President Trump on his first day back in office—says that “expanding Medicaid” would be her “top priority” if elected. Currently, the program is already exploited by illegal aliens.

The race for Georgia’s governorship is shaping up to be highly contested. Republican Attorney General Chris Carr, Democratic state Sen. Jason Esteves, and Olu Brown, a former pastor, have also declared their candidacies. Current Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican serving his second term, is ineligible to seek re-election in 2026.

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By Popular Demand.
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11 hours ago
Immigration
NatSec

China-Linked Group Aids Illegal Migrants.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A nonprofit, the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), is under investigation by House Republicans for allegedly coaching illegal immigrants on avoiding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehension and receiving funding from Chinese government-linked entities.

👥 Who’s Involved: The CPC, House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), and Chinese government-linked organizations such as the Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

📍 Where & When: The investigation focuses on CPC operations in New York City, with alleged incidents occurring as recently as March 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I’m deeply concerned that Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars were potentially used by an NGO to help illegal aliens subvert our nation’s laws,” said Rep. Mark Green.

⚠️ Impact: CPC received $1.4 million in federal grants since 2022 and an estimated $445,969 from Chinese government-linked sources since 2018, raising questions about foreign influence and misuse of taxpayer funds.

IN FULL:

House Republicans have launched an investigation into the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), a New York-based nonprofit, over allegations of aiding illegal immigrants in evading federal immigration enforcement. The nonprofit, which has received more than $1.4 million in federal grants since 2022, is also facing scrutiny for financial ties to entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The investigation, led by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) and Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), follows the release of undercover footage reportedly showing CPC staff advising attendees on how to avoid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehension. During a March seminar, CPC’s Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer Carlyn Cowen allegedly recommended strategies such as “hardening your physical space” and “not opening the door at all” when ICE agents arrive.

A review of CPC’s financial records revealed that since 2018, the organization has received as much as $445,969 from Chinese government-linked sources, including the Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. These donations, along with federal funding, have raised concerns about potential foreign interference in U.S. immigration enforcement.

“I’m deeply concerned that Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars were potentially used by an NGO to help illegal aliens subvert our nation’s laws,” Rep. Green stated. He also expressed alarm over CPC’s alleged ties to a communist regime “committed to undermining U.S. sovereignty.”

Founded in 1965, CPC claims to be the largest Asian-American social services organization in the U.S., offering over 50 programs across New York City. However, its financial and personnel links to Chinese government-affiliated entities, including the Committee of 100 (C100), a nonprofit accused of promoting CCP interests, have drawn further scrutiny.

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By Popular Demand.
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11 hours ago
News
UK

Tommy Robinson Set for Early Release.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Tommy Robinson’s 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court has been reduced by four months by the English High Court.

👥 Who’s Involved: Tommy Robinson, Justice Johnson, Jamal Hijazi, the Ministry of Justice, and Robinson’s legal team.

📍 Where & When: High Court ruling on Tuesday; Robinson is currently held at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Woodhill, Milton Keynes.

💬 Key Quote: The Ministry of Justice stated Robinson “had a ‘mark on his head’ and would be killed by a lifer if located on a wing.”

⚠️ Impact: Robinson is expected to be released within a week.

IN FULL:

Anti-grooming gangs activist Tommy Robinson is expected to be released from prison in the coming week after the High Court reduced his 18-month sentence for contempt of court by four months. The decision was made during an appeal hearing on Tuesday, where Robinson sought to “purge” the final four months of his sentence.

Robinson had been sentenced in October for breaches of a 2021 injunction that prohibited him from defending allegations he made against Jamal Hijazi, a Syrian migrant, who previously won a libel case against him. Despite the libel case having been a civil matter, the Attorney General’s Office went out of its way to bring a prosecution for criminal contempt when Robinson produced a documentary defending his allegations against Hijazi. The judge in the case ultimately handed down a prison term longer than most pedophiles receive.

Justice Johnson, who presided over the original sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court, described the 18-month term as comprising a 14-month “punitive” portion and a four-month “coercive” portion. The High Court has now removed the latter.

Since his imprisonment, Robinson has faced challenges, including a deterioration of his mental health in isolation.

According to Ministry of Justice barristers, Robinson had “a ‘mark on his head'” and faced potential harm from other prisoners seeking “kudos and notoriety.” They said that at least two inmates were known to be plotting an assault against him.

Robinson remains incarcerated at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Woodhill in Milton Keynes as of the time of publication, but is now set for release in the coming days.

Image by Rose Morelli.

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By Popular Demand.
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12 hours ago
Economy

Major U.S. Chain Blames Fed for Slower Sales, Not Tariffs.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Home Depot reiterated its full-year sales forecast and announced it would not raise prices in response to tariffs.

👥 Who’s Involved: Home Depot, Chief Financial Officer Richard McPhail, U.S. consumers, suppliers.

📍 Where & When: United States, fiscal first quarter ending May 4.

💬 Key Quote: “We intend to generally maintain our current pricing levels across our portfolio,” said CFO Richard McPhail.

⚠️ Impact: Home Depot’s pricing strategy contrasts with competitors like Walmart, and the company reported muted sales growth amid a tough housing environment.

IN FULL:

Home Depot announced on Tuesday that it will maintain its current pricing strategy despite claims that President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs could result in higher retail costs for consumers, citing strong supplier relationships and operational efficiency. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Richard McPhail said that the company’s scale and partnerships would allow it to avoid price hikes.

“Because of our scale, the great partnerships we have with our suppliers and productivity that we continue to drive in our business, we intend to generally maintain our current pricing levels across our portfolio,” McPhail said during an interview with CNBC on Tuesday morning.

The Home Depot CFO noted earlier on Tuesday, during a company earnings call, that the tariffs provided an opportunity for the massive hardware and supply retailer to expand its market share against competitors. “It’s a great opportunity for us to take share, and it’s a great opportunity for our suppliers to take share as well,” he said.

McPhail highlighted that over half of Home Depot’s products are sourced domestically. Additionally, the company has diversified its import sources, reducing reliance on China. By next year, no single country outside the U.S. will account for more than 10 percent of its purchases, according to McPhail.

The announcement coincided with the release of Home Depot’s fiscal first-quarter results. The company missed Wall Street’s earnings expectations for the first time since May 2020 but exceeded sales forecasts. Net income for the quarter, ending May 4, stood at $3.43 billion, or $3.45 per share, down from $3.60 billion, or $3.63 per share, a year earlier. Total sales grew 2.8 percent year over year, bolstered by the acquisition of SRS Distribution, a supplier for home professionals.

Home Depot CEO Ted Decker, on the same earnings call, contended that the slower sales were because of “stubbornly high” interest rates, laying the blame at the feet of the Jerome Powell’s Federal Reserve—though he did not name the central bank directly.

Comparable sales fell 0.3 percent during the quarter, with U.S. comparable sales increasing slightly by 0.2 percent. McPhail attributed February’s decline to poor weather but noted that sales improved in March and April, with the latter seeing a 1.8 percent year-over-year increase. The company also reported a 2.1 percent rise in customer transactions, with an average ticket of $90.71.

Notably, McPhail’s comments add further evidence to the argument that many companies will attempt to maintain current price levels or mitigate increases as much as possible to maintain their market share. This appears to be especially true for suppliers and U.S. retailers who are considering shifting or even eliminating product sourcing in China.

Image by Harrison Keely.

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By Popular Demand.
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13 hours ago
Data

Voters Demand Transparency on Election Fraud, Epstein Records.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A majority of U.S. voters want President Donald J. Trump to release records related to Jeffrey Epstein’s activities and allegations of 2020 election fraud, according to a Rasmussen Reports survey.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and 1,047 likely U.S. voters surveyed by Rasmussen Reports.

📍 Where & When: Survey conducted May 6-8, 2025; Epstein records partially released in February 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The Trump administration promised to publish previously secret records about the activities of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his associates but have made little progress in doing so. How important is it to get these files into the public domain?” the Rasmussen Reports survey asked respondents.

⚠️ Impact: 67 percent of likely voters consider it important to release Epstein-related records, with 36 percent deeming it “Very Important.” Only 28 percent disagree.

IN FULL:

A new Rasmussen Reports survey reveals that a significant majority of U.S. voters believe it is important for President Donald J.  Trump to fulfill his promises of releasing records connected to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of fraud in the 2020 election.

The national telephone and online poll, conducted from May 6-8, 2025, found that 67 percent of likely voters support making previously undisclosed records about Epstein and his associates public. Of those, 36 percent consider such transparency “Very Important.” In contrast, 28 percent of respondents do not view the release of these records as important. The survey polled 1,047 likely U.S. voters and has a margin of sampling error of +/- 3 percentage points with a 95 percent confidence level.

This follows Attorney General Pam Bondi‘s February announcement of the “first phase” of records related to Epstein, who died in 2019 under controversial circumstances in a Manhattan jail. Bondi did not specify when additional records might be released, leaving many questions unanswered about Epstein’s activities and potential connections to high-profile individuals.

The survey also underscores persistent public interest in allegations surrounding the 2020 election. While the Rasmussen survey did not specify the level of importance voters place on election-related records compared to those tied to Epstein, it highlights a broader demand for government transparency on contentious issues.

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By Popular Demand.
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13 hours ago
Crime
News

Stabbing Sprees by Migrants Leave 8 Injured, Including 11-Year-Old Girl.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Two separate stabbings in Germany left eight people injured, including an 11-year-old girl. Migrants are believed to be the perpetrators.

👥 Who’s Involved: A 35-year-old Syrian asylum seeker is suspected in a Bielefeld attack, while a 46-year-old from Kosovo has been arrested in a Halle incident.

📍 Where & When: The first attack occurred the morning of May 18 in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, and the second on the same day outside an apartment block in Halle, central Germany.

💬 Key Quote:  “It’s high time for a clear turnaround: properly protect borders, consistently deport illegal immigrants, and finally make the security of its own population a priority again. Germany is on a knife-edge. Therefore: remigration now!” — Marc Bernhard, Alternative for Germany (AfD) MP.

⚠️ Impact: The incidents highlight ongoing concerns over security and migration policy in the European Union (EU), with countries like Germany facing increasing violence linked to migrants.

IN FULL:

Two separate stabbing attacks in Germany over the weekend left eight people injured, including an 11-year-old girl, with migrants reportedly identified as the suspects in both incidents.

In the first attack, five soccer fans, aged between 22 and 27, were injured outside a bar in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, on the morning of May 18. The assailant, armed with a knife and a cane sword, reportedly attacked the group indiscriminately. Four of the victims sustained serious injuries but managed to fight back, forcing the attacker to flee.

Police later discovered a bag left behind by the suspect containing multiple knives, a liquid smelling of gasoline, and identification documents indicating Syrian nationality. The 35-year-old suspect, who entered Europe via Turkey in 2023 and applied for asylum in Germany, was arrested Monday in Heiligenhaus near Düsseldorf. Authorities are investigating the case as a potential terror attack.

In a separate incident on May 18 in Halle, central Germany, three people, including an 11-year-old girl, were injured in a stabbing outside an apartment block. Witnesses reported that the violence stemmed from a dispute over children making noise. A 46-year-old migrant from Kosovo has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Responding to the incidents, Marc Bernhard, a member of Germany’s Bundestag (federal legislature) for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, criticized the government’s handling of mass migration, stating, “Even after 10 years of bloodshed, people are still talking about ‘isolated cases.’”

He added, “It’s high time for a clear turnaround: properly protect borders, consistently deport illegal immigrants, and finally make the security of [Germany’s] own population a priority again. Germany is on a knife-edge. Therefore: remigration now!”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, of the notionally center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), formerly led by Angela Merkel, had previously pledged to implement stricter immigration controls, including shutting down illegal border crossings. However, he has faced resistance from neighboring countries like Poland and has yet to deliver on promises of increased deportations.

The two attacks are part of a broader pattern of violent incidents involving migrants in Germany, with similar cases reported in cities such as Magdeburg, Munich, and Solingen in recent years.

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By Popular Demand.
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14 hours ago
News
War

America’s ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield is Underway.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump is set to announce details about the Golden Dome missile defense system.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Space Force Vice Chief of Operations General Michael Guetlein.

📍 Where & When: Announcement scheduled for 3 PM ET today.

💬 Key Quote: A U.S. official confirmed the Pentagon will reveal recommendations and plans for the satellite-based missile defense system.

⚠️ Impact: The announcement will outline the architecture and implementation of a multibillion-dollar defense project.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump is expected to reveal details about the Golden Dome missile defense system during a press conference at 3 PM Eastern Time today, according to a U.S. official.

The announcement will take place alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Operations for the United States Space Force. The focus of the event will be the Pentagon’s recommendations for the ambitious missile defense initiative.

The Golden Dome system, described as a complex satellite-based project, aims to bolster U.S. missile defense capabilities. The Pentagon’s drafted architecture and implementation plan for the system will reportedly be unveiled during the briefing.

Details about the system’s specific capabilities, timeline, and funding structure remain under wraps. However, the project is expected to represent a significant investment in national security infrastructure.

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By Popular Demand.
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15 hours ago
News

WATCH: Trump’s Hilarious ‘I’ll Run Again and I’ll Shove It Up Their A**!’ Comments.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump spoke at a Kennedy Center board dinner on Monday night, recalling his role in securing the Olympics and World Cup, while reiterating his perspectives on the 2020 election fraud and its impact on 2024.

👥 Who’s Involved: Donald Trump, Kennedy Center board members, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

📍 Where & When: Kennedy Center board dinner, Washington, D.C., Monday night.

💬 Key Quote: “I said, You know what I’ll do? I’ll run again and I’ll shove it up their ass!” – Donald Trump.

WATCH:

IN FULL:

At a Kennedy Center board dinner on Monday night, President Donald J. Trump claimed that his decision to run for office again was motivated, in part, by a desire to receive recognition for securing the Olympics and World Cup during his first term. He also took aim at his political opponents and reiterated how the 2020 election was stolen.

Speaking to attendees, Trump recounted his role in helping the United States secure the 2028 Summer Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, crediting his relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We got the Olympics and then we got through Gianni, he’s the boss, he’s a friend of mine, we got the World Cup,” Trump said, adding that he feared his contributions would be forgotten if he did not return to office.

Trump went on to say that his 2024 presidential run was partly motivated by the contested results of the 2020 election. He declared, “I said, You know what I’ll do? I’ll run again and I’ll shove it up their a**!” to the crowd’s applause.

The President also criticized the state of the Kennedy Center, where he serves as board chair. He remarked on the facility’s mismanagement of funds, stating, “They certainly didn’t spend it on wallpaper, carpet, or painting.”

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By Popular Demand.
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15 hours ago
Politics

DOJ Investigates Chicago Mayor Over Anti-White Hiring Remarks.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over suspected racial discrimination in hiring practices.

👥 Who’s Involved: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, U.S. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL), and the DOJ.

📍 Where & When: The investigation was announced this week following remarks by the Democrat mayor at a church in Woodlawn, Chicago.

💬 Key Quote: “Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern of practice of discrimination as set forth above,” Dhillon said.

⚠️ Impact: The investigation adds to ongoing legal scrutiny of Chicago, which has already faced a DOJ lawsuit over its sanctuary city policies.

IN FULL:

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), alleging racial discrimination in his hiring practices. The probe was announced this week after Johnson made remarks at a Woodlawn church, emphasizing a preference for hiring black people in his administration.

During his Sunday remarks, Mayor Johnson acknowledged potential criticism over his focus on hiring black employees. “There are some detractors that will push back on me and say, ‘The only thing the mayor talks about is the hiring of black people.’ No. What I’m saying is, when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else. We are the most generous people on the planet. I don’t know too many cultures that have play cousins,” Johnson said.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon referenced the mayor’s public comments in her announcement, stating, “Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern of practice of discrimination as set forth above.” The investigation will assess whether Johnson’s hiring practices violate the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

This investigation is the latest in a series of legal actions involving Chicago under the Trump administration. Earlier this year, the DOJ filed a lawsuit against the city and the state of Illinois over sanctuary policies that allegedly obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts. The lawsuit accuses Chicago and the State of Illinois of deliberately hindering federal officers in carrying out deportation responsibilities.

Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) has pushed back against federal scrutiny, previously denying any violations of federal law. Responding to the February lawsuit, the governor’s office complained, “Instead of working with us to support law enforcement, the Trump Administration is making it more difficult to protect the public, just like they did when Trump pardoned the convicted January 6 violent criminals. We look forward to seeing them in court.”

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By Popular Demand.
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16 hours ago
News
UK

UK Cops Taze and Mace 92-Year-Old With One Leg for Holding a Butter Knife.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A 92-year-old disabled man holding a butter knife was pepper-sprayed, tasered, and struck with a baton by police officers responding to a nursing home incident. After being hospitalized, he contracted COVID-19 and died within a month.

👥 Who’s Involved: Donald Burgess, a one-legged wheelchair user; Police Constable (PC) Stephen Smith, and PC Rachel Comotto.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred at St Leonards-on-Sea, England, on June 21, 2022. Bodycam footage was released this week.

💬 Key Quote: Prosecutor Paul Jarvis KC: “This was an elderly, vulnerable man who may not have understood what was going on. Rather than being met with understanding and sympathy, he was confronted by irritation and annoyance on the part of the defendants.”

⚠️ Impact: Mr. Burgess was hospitalized and died 22 days after the incident.

IN FULL:

Two British police officers are on trial for allegedly using excessive force against a 92-year-old disabled man at a nursing home in East Sussex. The incident, which occurred on June 21, 2022, involved Donald Burgess, a one-legged pensioner in a wheelchair, who was pepper-sprayed, tasered, and struck with a baton within seconds of officers entering his room.

Southwark Crown Court heard that Police Constable (PC) Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto were responding to an emergency call after staff reported Mr. Burgess had poked a care worker with a knife. Staff had spent 30 minutes attempting to calm Mr. Burgess after he flicked food and brandished a small butter knife, before calling police.

Prosecutors allege that the officers used “unjustified and unlawful” force. According to bodycam footage presented in court, PC Smith pepper-sprayed Mr. Burgess directly in the face, allegedly emptying the canister. Moments later, Smith struck him with a baton, and Comotto deployed her Taser, causing Mr. Burgess to cry out in pain.

Prosecutor Paul Jarvis KC told jurors that Mr. Burgess was seated in his wheelchair, holding the knife but posing no immediate threat. He stated, “It ought to have been obvious by the fact he had one leg that this was a man who wasn’t going to be mobile.”

He added, “This was an elderly, vulnerable man who may not have understood what was going on. Rather than being met with understanding and sympathy, he was confronted by irritation and annoyance on the part of the defendants.”

The court was told that the officers did not consult staff or explain their actions to Mr. Burgess before issuing commands. PC Smith warned, “Do you want to put the knife down, or you will be sprayed or tasered? Those are the options,” before discharging the spray.

Mr. Burgess, who suffered from multiple health conditions, including diabetes and carotid artery disease, was taken to the hospital after the incident. He later reportedly contracted COVID there and passed away 22 days later. Still, prosecutors say that the officers are not being held responsible for his death.

The case comes amid accusations of two-tier policing by British police, with Christians, conservatives, and white people receiving less favorable treatment. There have been many arrests and visits to people’s homes over social media posts in recent months, some of them labelled “non-crime hate incidents.”

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By Popular Demand.
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