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Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Tag: trial
July 10, 2025
William Upton
Crime

Would-Be Trump Assassin Ryan Routh Fires Lawyer, Wants to Represent Himself.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Ryan Wesley Routh, who attempted to assassinate President Donald J. Trump late last year, informed a federal court that he has fired his attorney and is requesting to represent himself.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ryan Routh, federal prosecutors, a U.S. federal court, and President Donald J. Trump.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The court was informed of Routh’s decision on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

🎯IMPACT: It remains to be seen whether the court will deem Routh competent enough to represent himself. The 59-year-old faces serious consequences should he be found guilty, as attempting to assassinate a president can carry a sentence of life in prison or even the death penalty.

IN FULL

Would-be presidential assassin Ryan Wesley Routh announced in court on Thursday that he has fired his attorney and is requesting that he be allowed to represent himself. Routh is currently facing five federal charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty, stemming from a September 2024 attempt on President Donald J. Trump’s life. The federal trial is currently slated to begin on September 8, 2025, with Routh facing state charges as well.

Last year, Routh was discovered by the United States Secret Service (USSS) hiding with a SKS-style rifle amidst shrubbery on the edge of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. At the time, Trump was just several hundred yards away playing a round of golf. After spotting Routh positioned in cover with a rifle, a Secret Service agent performing an advance sweep, several holes ahead of Trump, fired four shots at the would-be assassin, causing him to flee the scene. Subsequently, Routh was pursued by law enforcement in a high-speed chase in which a six-year-old girl was nearly killed. He was apprehended some time later in Marin County, Florida, after causing a multi-car crash on a highway, which nearly resulted in the death of the young girl.

The 59-year-old Routh’s attempt to assassinate Trump appears to have been inspired by the former’s obsession with supporting Ukraine. The would-be assassin appears to have been deeply involved with efforts to send Afghanistan military veterans to Ukraine to assist in the country’s defense against Russia Additionally, federal prosecutors have produced a letter authored by Routh in which he pledges a six-figure cash bounty on President Trump, with the text also suggesting that he was likely inspired by the anti-Trump rhetoric pushed by the Democratic Party.

A separate November 2024 letter authored by Routh and sent to the media indicates that President Trump’s firm stance against Iran’s nuclear weapons program and sponsorship of terrorism was a secondary motivation for the assassination attempt. Notably, Iran has repeatedly threatened the life of Trump and other government officials in retaliation for a January 3, 2020, drone strike, which killed Iranian Quds Forces commander Qasem Soleimani.

It remains to be seen whether the court will deem Routh competent enough to represent himself. The 59-year-old faces serious consequences should he be found guilty of the federal charges. Attempting to assassinate a president can carry a sentence of life in prison or even the death penalty.

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June 13, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Kilmar Abrego Garcia Denies Smuggling Charges in Court.

PULSE POINTS:

âť“What Happened: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, pleaded not guilty to federal human smuggling charges after being returned to the U.S. following a protracted legal fight over his deportation to El Salvador.

👥 Who’s Involved: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes, and federal prosecutors.

đź“Ť Where & When: Nashville, Tennessee; June 13, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says Abrego Garcia “abused undocumented alien females… who were under his control while transporting them,” and “solicited nude photographs and videos of a minor [and] played a role in the murder of a rival gang member’s mother.”

⚠️ Impact: The case involves allegations of human smuggling, gang affiliation, and other serious crimes, raising questions about the motivations behind the prosecution and the handling of deportation cases.

IN FULL:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national, entered a not guilty plea on human smuggling charges in a Nashville courtroom last week. His case follows a controversial deportation and subsequent return to the United States after a protracted legal battle.

Abrego Garcia, who appeared in court wearing a red jumpsuit, faces accusations of participating in a years-long conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants from Texas. A federal grand jury in Tennessee indicted him on two counts: conspiracy to transport aliens and unlawful transportation of illegal immigrants. Prosecutors have also alleged that he is a member of the MS-13 gang and has been involved in violent crimes, including murder, as well as trafficking women, children, firearms, and narcotics.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi laid out the allegations last week, stating that Abrego Garcia had “abused undocumented alien females… who were under his control while transporting them,” and “solicited nude photographs and videos of a minor [and] played a role in the murder of a rival gang member’s mother.”

The Salvadoran father was initially deported in March after being detained during a traffic stop. He spent nearly three months in a Salvadoran prison. Federal judges and the Supreme Court later ordered his return to the U.S.

Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Abrego Garcia’s wife, addressed supporters outside the courthouse on June 13. “To all the families still fighting to be reunited… Kilmar wants you to have faith,” she said. She relayed her husband’s message of perseverance and gratitude to those advocating for his case. Notably, Vasquez Sura had previously filed for a protective order against her husband in 2021, alleging that Abrego Garcia had beaten her on several occasions.

Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes will decide whether Abrego Garcia will remain in custody as he awaits trial.

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May 5, 2025
Crime
News

Jury Selection Begins in Diddy Trial.

PULSE POINTS:

âť“What Happened: Jury selection begins in Sean Combs’s federal criminal trial.

👥 Who’s Involved: Sean Combs, Cassie Ventura, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and jurors.

đź“Ť Where & When: Lower Manhattan, Monday, May 5, 2025.

đź’¬ Key Quote: “I would think the prosecution is looking for older people, I think they’re certainly looking for law and order people,” said Dr. Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, who has been consulted for dozens of jury trials.

⚠️ Impact: If convicted, Combs could face decades in prison.

IN FULL:

Jury selection is commencing today in the federal criminal trial of music mogul and Democrat ally Sean Combs (also known as Diddy, P Diddy, or Puff Daddy), taking place in Lower Manhattan. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, is facing serious charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The charges stem from allegations of transporting sex workers across state lines and coercing women into participating in sex acts at drug-fueled parties. Combs’s legal team maintains that all activities were consensual.

The 55-year-old’s legal troubles began in November 2023 when singer Cassie Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against him, alleging rape, sex trafficking, and years of physical abuse. Combs settled the civil suit swiftly, but it triggered a criminal investigation. This led to federal raids on his properties in Miami and Los Angeles, resulting in the seizure of multiple devices. Combs has been held at a Brooklyn jail since his arrest in 2024.

As jury selection gets underway, experts suggest that the prosecution will seek older jurors who are likely to favor law and order. They will also be interested in prospective jurors’ views on the Me Too movement and experiences related to sexual assault. Many legal experts note that the jury selection process could take far longer than expected during any similar trial, as finding jurors who are relatively unaware of the case could prove difficult.

Ventura is expected to testify alongside three others who will remain anonymous. They are anticipated to provide testimony about being drugged and forced into participating in what have been described as “freak offs.” The trial itself is projected to last up to eight weeks, with the outcome determining whether Combs could spend decades behind bars.

Image by Nikeush.

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February 12, 2025
Corruption
Crime
Politics

Veteran Democrat Leader Convicted in Corruption Trial.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) faced a mixed verdict in his high-profile corruption trial this week. Madigan, a Democrat who previously led the Illinois House for over three decades, was convicted on 10 counts, acquitted of seven, and jurors could not reach a decision on six other charges. The trial, centered on bribery and racketeering accusations, came after more than ten days of jury deliberation.

The case against Madigan, dubbed the “Velvet Hammer” for his influential yet low-key leadership style, relied heavily on secret recordings by a former Chicago alderman turned Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) informant. In a surprising move, Madigan took the stand, denying all allegations.

Madigan’s charges were rooted in a 23-count indictment accusing him of using his political influence to pass legislation benefiting utility companies in exchange for kickbacks and favors. Federal prosecutors presented various forms of evidence, including recordings and transcripts, to illustrate Madigan’s activities, which reportedly involved blurred lines between his political and legal endeavors as an attorney.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz described Madigan’s actions during the trial’s closing arguments as an abuse of his substantial power. The trial featured testimony from over 60 witnesses, showcasing Madigan’s operations, which often occurred in meetings held at his downtown law office.

Madigan, who retired from politics in 2021 ahead of his indictment, is said to have manipulated legislative maps and directed campaign funds throughout his tenure. Significantly, the trial also involved Michael McClain, Madigan’s close confidant and former state legislator. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the charges against McClain.

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Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) faced a mixed verdict in his high-profile corruption trial this week. Madigan, a Democrat who previously led the Illinois House for over three decades, was convicted on 10 counts, acquitted of seven, and jurors could not reach a decision on six other charges. The trial, centered on bribery and racketeering accusations, came after more than ten days of jury deliberation. show more
November 22, 2024
News

Defense Pathologist Say Jordan Neely’s Death NOT Caused by Chokehold.

A forensic pathologist has challenged previous findings regarding the death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway in May 2023. Dr. Satish Chundru, testifying in defense of Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny, stated that Neely’s death resulted from “combined effects” including a sickle cell crisis, schizophrenia, struggle and restraint, and synthetic marijuana in his system. This contradicts earlier conclusions by medical examiner Dr. Cynthia Harris, who attributed Neely’s death to neck compression from a chokehold.

Penny, charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in relation to Neely’s death, sat in court as Dr. Chundru detailed his review. Chundru, who has conducted over 9,000 autopsies, asserted that insufficient pressure was applied to Neely to cause unconsciousness. His defense suggests Neely’s existing health conditions and synthetic cannabinoids played significant roles in his death.

Earlier this month, at the start of the trial, The National Pulse reported that police body cam footage revealed that Neely was alive—having a pulse—after being released from Penny’s chokehold. The footage shows New York Police Department (NYPD) officers arriving at Fulton Station at 2:33 PM and confirming that Neely had a pulse. Although initially unconscious, Narcan was administered, and CPR was initiated at 2:38 PM. Paramedics arrived ten minutes later, but Neely was not pronounced dead until reaching Lenox Health Hospital.

The prosecution’s cross-examination of Dr. Chundru sought to question the reliability of his analysis, implying that his caseload might affect his thoroughness.

Penny says he placed Neely in a chokehold after the mentally ill man made death threats against numerous people and threw trash at them on a New York subway, acting erratic and violent. Numerous eye-witnesses confirm Penny’s account of Neely, who had a long arrest record and an active warrant for beating an elderly woman.

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A forensic pathologist has challenged previous findings regarding the death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway in May 2023. Dr. Satish Chundru, testifying in defense of Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny, stated that Neely's death resulted from "combined effects" including a sickle cell crisis, schizophrenia, struggle and restraint, and synthetic marijuana in his system. This contradicts earlier conclusions by medical examiner Dr. Cynthia Harris, who attributed Neely's death to neck compression from a chokehold. show more
November 13, 2024
NatSec
News

Jury Awards $42M to Iraqi Detainees for Abu Ghraib Abuse.

A jury in Alexandria, Virginia, has awarded $42 million to three former detainees of Abu Ghraib prison, linking their abuse to the actions of a Virginia-based military contractor. The decision holds CACI, the Reston, Virginia-based company, accountable for the mistreatment and torture the plaintiffs endured nearly 20 years ago. The verdict follows a previous jury’s failure to reach a consensus earlier in the year.

The plaintiffs—Suhail Al Shimari, Salah Al-Ejaili, and Asa’ad Al-Zubae—were each granted $3 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. They testified to experiencing beatings, sexual humiliation, forced nudity, and other forms of abuse while detained. They contended that CACI’s civilian interrogators conspired with military personnel to improperly “soften up” detainees.

CACI’s representative, John O’Connor, did not disclose whether there would be an appeal. Meanwhile, Baher Azmy, representing the Center for Constitutional Rights, highlighted this verdict’s significance to the U.S. treatment of terrorism detainees.

The trial and subsequent retrial mark the first instance in two decades where a U.S. jury considered claims from Abu Ghraib detainees. Al Shimari reported sexual abuse and beatings, while Al-Ejaili described enduring stress positions and sleep deprivation.

CACI maintained its stance that its employees bore no responsibility and attributed any potential misconduct to the Army. The jury faced challenges in deciding responsibility between CACI and the Army. Nonetheless, evidence, including reports from retired Army generals, suggested complicity by some CACI interrogators.

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A jury in Alexandria, Virginia, has awarded $42 million to three former detainees of Abu Ghraib prison, linking their abuse to the actions of a Virginia-based military contractor. The decision holds CACI, the Reston, Virginia-based company, accountable for the mistreatment and torture the plaintiffs endured nearly 20 years ago. The verdict follows a previous jury's failure to reach a consensus earlier in the year. show more
November 12, 2024
William Upton
Lawfare

NY Judge Won’t Postpone Bannon’s ‘We Build the Wall’ Trial… For Now.

New York Judge April Newbauer declined to immediately postpone former Trump White House chief strategist and War Room host Stephen K. Bannon‘s fraud trial. The trial stems from an online campaign to raise funds to build the border wall. Bannon’s attorneys are seeking to move the trial to January.

However, in her ruling, Judge Newbauer did reserve the right to move the trial date in the future—but not until after the hearing next Monday that will address additional evidence that prosecutors wish to introduce. In 2022, Bannon pleaded not guilty to charges that he defrauded donors to the “We Build the Wall” campaign—which sought to raise funds to complete President Donald J. Trump’s border wall between the United States and Mexico.

Prosecutors argue that their intention to introduce new evidence to the case would not further delay the trial, though Bannon’s attorneys contend they would need time to review and determine what course of action they should take. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, the new evidence deals specifically with a new charge that Bannon sought to personally profit from the online campaign. Bannon’s defense team asserts this is a new charge and could alter the nature of their defense.

“We don’t see it having any impact on the length of the trial from the people’s perspective,”  Jeffrey Levinson, the assistant Manhattan District Attorney, argued in court on Tuesday. He added: “The notion that this is a shock or a surprise, I think, is misplaced.”

Responding to the prosecution’s assertion, Bannon’s defense lawyer, John Carman, stated, “We may now need to offer testimony and/or evidence countering the assertion that Mr. Bannon was motivated by personal profit.” Carman also noted that any money taken by Bannon was reimbursement—which he is legally entitled to.

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New York Judge April Newbauer declined to immediately postpone former Trump White House chief strategist and War Room host Stephen K. Bannon's fraud trial. The trial stems from an online campaign to raise funds to build the border wall. Bannon's attorneys are seeking to move the trial to January. show more
November 8, 2024
Crime
News

Judge Rejects Mistrial Motion in Daniel Penny Subway Chokehold Case.

Defense lawyers for Marine veteran Daniel Penny, on trial over the death of homeless black man Jordan Neely, pushed for a mistrial on Thursday, citing testimony from a witness they deemed biased and accusing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg‘s office of promoting an anti-white narrative. They protested the characterization of Penny as a “White vigilante” and opposed witness Johnny Grima’s courtroom statement labeling Penny a “murderer” and “abuser,” despite neither murder nor domestic abuse being among the charges.

Penny, 26, was an architecture student in New York and a former U.S. Marine. Defense attorney Thomas Kenniff stated that the deceased, Jordan Neely, 30, had a history of violent and threatening behavior, including an alleged attack on an elderly woman for which he had an active warrant. This comment led to an outburst among courtroom spectators, requiring court officers to intervene.

Judge Maxwell Wiley declined the mistrial request but acknowledged the defense’s concerns.

Prosecutors argue that Penny excessively restrained Neely, who—according to multiple witness statements—was making threats and throwing trash at passengers on a Manhattan subway. Penny’s defense insists his actions were justified under the circumstances. Paul Mauro, a retired NYPD inspector, noted that the standard for conviction requires proving recklessness or negligence, which he disputed given Neely’s verbal threats.

If convicted, Penny could face up to 19 years in prison. The trial is anticipated to last six weeks, and Friday marks its twelfth day. The District Attorney’s office has yet to comment on the proceedings.

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Defense lawyers for Marine veteran Daniel Penny, on trial over the death of homeless black man Jordan Neely, pushed for a mistrial on Thursday, citing testimony from a witness they deemed biased and accusing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office of promoting an anti-white narrative. They protested the characterization of Penny as a "White vigilante" and opposed witness Johnny Grima's courtroom statement labeling Penny a "murderer" and "abuser," despite neither murder nor domestic abuse being among the charges. show more
September 25, 2024
William Upton
Election 2024

Did Kamala Ever Actually Prosecute a Case From Start to Finish? It’s Not Clear…

The Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, is facing increasing scrutiny over her record as a prosecutor, with legal critics raising questions as to whether Harris ever actually personally prosecuted a case in its entirety.

Former Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeff Clark first raised the question several weeks ago, asking social media users if anyone could find “a transcript of a case that Kamala Harris has prosecuted.” After it appeared no one would take him up on the challenge, Clark posited in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m starting to get doubtful that she EVER prosecuted a case through to trial.”

Harris’s presidential campaign has repeatedly tried framing the Democrat as a tough-on-crime prosecutor.

The question of Harris’ actual prosecutorial experience follows revelations that the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee frequently missed California Medical Assistance Commission (CMAC) meetings during her stint as an appointee on the state government board. Harris, named to the commission by her then-boyfriend Willie Brown—the powerful California Assembly Speaker—missed around 20 percent of the organization’s meetings.

Most instances of Harris’ courtroom experience pointed to by the corporate media are cases in which the California Democrat almost certainly never actually set foot in court. Clark notes that an NPR story from August, which details nine cases from Harris’s past, are all instances in which her role as district attorney or California Attorney General meant she was absent from the day-to-day work.

While Harris’s resume suggests she may have seen some trial time while working on the Alameda District Attorney’s sex offense team, there appear to be few other instances where she would have set foot in a courtroom—let alone prosecuted a case from start to finish.

Original image by Gage Skidmore.

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The Democratic Party's 2024 presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, is facing increasing scrutiny over her record as a prosecutor, with legal critics raising questions as to whether Harris ever actually personally prosecuted a case in its entirety. show more
June 6, 2024
Breaking

Steve Bannon Must Report to Jail by July 1, Says Judge.

Former Trump advisor Stephen K. Bannon, host of the War Room show, must report to jail by July 1 after losing his appeal in Washington, D.C., a judge ruled Thursday. He was sentenced to four months in prison in October 2022 for defying subpoenas from the Democrat-controlled January 6 Committee. However, the sentence was suspended pending legal appeals.

United States District Court Carl Nichols rejected a request by Bannon to stay his sentence while he attempts to push his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. In his ruling, Judge Nichols said that there is “no legal basis” for Bannon’s sentence to be delayed any further. The judge agreed with the contention made by federal prosecutors that “…there is no longer a ‘substantial question of law that is likely to result in a reversal or an order for a new trial.”

“We’re gonna win at the Supreme Court… there’s is not a jail built, not a prison built that can shut me up,” Bannon said in response to the ruling. Earlier this year, a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel rejected the former Trump advisor’s challenge to his conviction. However, he could still receive a hearing from the full court and eventually the U.S. Supreme Court.

The ruling by Judge Nichols is surprising, as he has been instrumental in the efforts of the January 6 Capitol riot defendants to oppose the Biden government’s use of Sarbanes-Oxley to enhance the charges against them. In April, the federal judge ruled in favor of early release for several of the January 6 defendants pending a ruling from the U.S Supreme Court on the matter—which is expected to be handed down this month.

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Former Trump advisor Stephen K. Bannon, host of the War Room show, must report to jail by July 1 after losing his appeal in Washington, D.C., a judge ruled Thursday. He was sentenced to four months in prison in October 2022 for defying subpoenas from the Democrat-controlled January 6 Committee. However, the sentence was suspended pending legal appeals. show more