Philadelphia&#8217;s Democrat Mayor Jim Kenney apologized after photos circulated showing him eating inside a Maryland restaurant without a mask, prompting criticism from those pointing out that indoor dining is forbidden in his city.
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Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney enjoyed a meal indoors at a Maryland restaurant on Sunday and now he’s being skewered by one of Philly’s top chefs for that dining decision. More: <a href="https://t.co/CxKX6nBXPR">https://t.co/CxKX6nBXPR</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fnxp87NT6L">pic.twitter.com/Fnxp87NT6L</a>
&mdash; NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCPhiladelphia/status/1300394627565072384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After <a href="https://twitter.com/hillary_kane/status/1300510598707412992" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">taking flak</a> for the photos that went viral on social media, Kenney issued a statement Monday, saying, &#8220;I know some are upset that I dined indoors at a restaurant in Maryland yesterday. I felt the risk was low because the county I visited has had fewer than 800 COVID-19 cases, compared to over 33,000 cases in Philadelphia. Regardless, I understand the frustration.&#8221;
&#8220;Restaurant owners are among the hardest hit by the pandemic. I’m sorry if my decision hurt those who’ve worked to keep their businesses going under difficult circumstances. Looking forward to reopening indoor dining soon and visiting my favorite spots,&#8221; he added.
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Restaurant owners are among the hardest hit by the pandemic. I’m sorry if my decision hurt those who’ve worked to keep their businesses going under difficult circumstances. Looking forward to reopening indoor dining soon and visiting my favorite spots. <a href="https://t.co/Ki3lIZV8i4">https://t.co/Ki3lIZV8i4</a>
&mdash; Jim #MaskUpPHL Kenney (@PhillyMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhillyMayor/status/1300480581000724481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kenney&#8217;s office told a local CBS affiliate, &#8220;The mayor went to Maryland earlier today to patronize a restaurant owned by a friend of his. He looks forward to expanding indoor dining locally next week.&#8221; Indoor dining in Baltimore is capped at 25% capacity, according to <a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-pol-restaurant-restrictions-20200806-t6irrnhg7jcnjjkkeiakzl63te-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Baltimore Sun</a>.
Other leaders in Pennsylvania have faced similar accusations of hypocrisy. As The Daily Wire recently <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/outrageous-pa-health-secretary-reportedly-cut-secret-deal-with-car-show-to-bypass-covid-19-restrictions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a>, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine came to a confidential agreement with a car show near Harrisburg that allowed tens of thousands to gather outdoors over four days, despite the state&#8217;s lockdown orders:
<blockquote>According to legal documents obtained by local Pittsburgh outlet <a href="https://www.wpxi.com/news/investigates/confidential-agreement-uncovered-allowed-car-show-happen-despite-covid-19-restrictions/BUN43H7C3ZDCJJ2MIIEYXRN6AU/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WPXI</a>, Dr. Rachel Levine made a confidential settlement agreement with the Carlisle Car Show near Harrisburg that allowed 20,000 people to attend their four-day event in June. According to Pennsylvania’s <a href="https://www.governor.pa.gov/process-to-reopen-pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">color-coded reopening plan</a>, outdoor gatherings are limited 250 people or less.
The apparent hypocrisy has shocked and dismayed some state lawmakers, who told WPXI the move was “outrageous,” “ridiculous,” and “not fair.” Republican state Rep. Aaron Bernstein, who represents counties in the western part of the state, described it as “despicable,” adding, “It’s not fair that eastern PA set up deals when we abide by rules.”</blockquote>
In early June, Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf marched in solidarity with hundreds of protesters in the state capital in the wake of George Floyd&#8217;s death, despite state lockdown orders limiting outdoor gatherings to 25 people at the time in Dauphin County.
Regarding why Wolf and other protesters were seemingly given a pass, Levine said, &#8220;The governor has always said that people have the right to protest and to demonstrate, and the right to free speech, and so overall, we want large gatherings such as maybe a party or some type of concert or something, to be under 250 people.”
“But, we are not restricting people’s right to protest,” Levine added. “There are all obviously significant social issues that are present, that people feel that they need to have a voice, and so the governor is always supportive of that and is participating.”
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PA Health Sec. won’t allow the state to reopen or people to gather &#8211; and the Gov. who said businesses that disobey are cowards as he marches in protests himself &#8211; actually tries to legitimize limitless protests in the street while standing by restrictions. <a href="https://t.co/4jKwJGBtpG">pic.twitter.com/4jKwJGBtpG</a>
&mdash; Chris Stigall (@ChrisStigall) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisStigall/status/1268329029159059456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/we-do-not-have-a-plan-de-blasio-admits-having-no-timeline-for-reopening-nyc-indoor-dining" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">‘We Do Not Have A Plan’: De Blasio Admits Having No Timeline For Reopening NYC Indoor Dining</a>
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Philadelphia Jim Kenney

‘I’m Sorry’: Philly Mayor Takes Heat After Being Caught Eating Inside Restaurant

Coronavirus

Maryland

Philadelphia

The woman who struck a female lector in the face during a Catholic Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter &amp; Paul in Philadelphia is not being charged with a crime, according to authorities.
The Philadelphia District Attorney&#8217;s Office, working together with the Philadelphia Archdiocese, was deferring any charges against the woman because of her mental illness, sources familiar with the situation told <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-cathedral-punch-mass-charges-suspect-woman-20200825.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Philadelphia Inquirer</a>. A spokesman for the Philadelphia district attorney said, &#8220;As this incident has not been referred to our office for prosecution, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.&#8221;
As The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/senseless-act-of-aggression-catholic-attacked-during-mass-in-philadelphia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a>, the church contacted law enforcement shortly after the incident, which happened about 32 minutes into the Mass <a href="https://vimeo.com/448399790" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">livestream</a> on Facebook.
Rev. Dennis Gill, the priest presiding over the service, said, “We immediately followed up on it off-camera and it’s important for us to do that because people are at home and continuing to participate in Mass. Nonetheless, it was very upsetting. Parishioners attending in person were shocked as were so many that watch the 11 a.m. Mass live-streamed online.”
Sarah Contrucci, the woman who was hit, told the Inquirier, &#8220;I saw somebody there that clearly seemed to be waiting there, and I was a little worried that she was going to attempt to make a scene of some sort, to disrupt the Mass. So I was thinking that I wanted to do whatever I could to keep the situation calm and respectful, and so I just wanted to get back to my pew.&#8221;
&#8220;Please join me in praying for everyone involved in today’s incident and for respect for our fellow brothers and sisters,&#8221; she added.
Regarding the incident, Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Perez said at the time:
<blockquote>During the 11:00 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter &amp; Paul, which was broadcast live via my Facebook page and the Archdiocesan Vimeo Channel, a senseless act of aggression took place. One of the lectors was punched by someone in the congregation as she left the altar.
Such behavior is unacceptable at all times, especially within the confines of a church building and during the celebration of the Holy Mass. I was saddened to learn of this incident and regret that it took place. The lector who was assaulted received immediate attention and assistance from Cathedral staff members off camera. She did not require medical attention and is doing well based on the reports I have received. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is working in conjunction with police regarding the matter and will cooperate with them fully. Please be assured that there are safety and security plans in place for the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. We welcome all visitors and work to provide for their safety. Violence has no place in our world and every life is a precious gift from God. Please join me in praying for everyone involved in today’s incident and for respect for our fellow brothers and sisters.</blockquote>
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/a-disturbing-trend-gop-congressman-asks-doj-to-investigate-alleged-anti-catholic-vandalism" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">‘A Disturbing Trend’: GOP Congressman Asks DOJ To Investigate Alleged Anti-Catholic Vandalism</a>
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Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at Philadelphia.

Woman Who Hit Churchgoer In Philly Cathedral Not Being Charged: Police

Catholicism

Pennsylvania

Religion

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is working with the Philadelphia Police Department to identify a woman who hit a female lector in the face during a Sunday morning Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter &amp; Paul.
Rev. Dennis Gill said that the church contacted authorities immediately after the incident, according to local ABC affiliate <a href="https://6abc.com/churchgoer-attacked-during-mass-in-philadelphia-%7C-video/6384901/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WPVI</a>. The video of the Mass, which was live-streamed on Facebook, depicts a woman smacking another woman who had just read from the scripture.
&#8220;We immediately followed up on it off-camera and it&#8217;s important for us to do that because people are at home and continuing to participate in Mass,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Nonetheless, it was very upsetting. Parishioners attending in person were shocked as were so many that watch the 11 a.m. Mass live-streamed online.&#8221;
Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Perez issued a statement about the incident, which read:
<blockquote>During the 11:00 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter &amp; Paul, which was broadcast live via my Facebook page and the Archdiocesan Vimeo Channel, a senseless act of aggression took place. One of the lectors was punched by someone in the congregation as she left the altar.
Such behavior is unacceptable at all times, especially within the confines of a church building and during the celebration of the Holy Mass. I was saddened to learn of this incident and regret that it took place. The lector who was assaulted received immediate attention and assistance from Cathedral staff members off camera. She did not require medical attention and is doing well based on the reports I have received. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is working in conjunction with police regarding the matter and will cooperate with them fully. Please be assured that there are safety and security plans in place for the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. We welcome all visitors and work to provide for their safety. Violence has no place in our world and every life is a precious gift from God. Please join me in praying for everyone involved in today&#8217;s incident and for respect for our fellow brothers and sisters.</blockquote>
Sources told local news that the suspect had been seen at the church before but was not a parishioner, and police said she was still at large as of Sunday.
The incident comes as Catholic churches nationwide are facing a surge of vandalism and arson. As The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/catholic-churches-across-the-country-burned-vandalized-over-the-weekend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a> last month, four Catholic churches in four states were vandalized over the course of one weekend:
<blockquote>Many of those protests are now targeting monuments. Initially, demonstrators were focused on statues of generals and other notable figures who supported the Confederacy during the civil war, but the movement has since added the Founding Fathers, former presidents, and several Catholic saints to their list of targets.</blockquote>
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hatred-of-god-lies-at-root-of-nationwide-vandalism-christian-historian-says" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">‘Hatred Of God’ Lies At Root Of Nationwide Vandalism, Christian Historian Says</a>
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Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

‘Senseless Act Of Aggression’: Catholic Attacked During Mass In Philadelphia

George Soros-<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/george-soros-billionaire-delaware-county-district-attorney-race-jack-stollsteimer-katayoun-copeland-20191025.html">backed</a> Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said in an interview published on Wednesday that he is prepared to arrest federal law enforcement officers sent by the Trump administration to quell violence in inner cities, and appeared to compare those officers to Nazis.
Under Krasner, Philadelphia <a href="https://www.phillymag.com/news/2019/06/27/larry-krasner-reforms-philadelphia/">reportedly</a> had already seen a sharp uptick in <a href="https://twitter.com/RealSaavedra/status/1161792002331045888">violent crime</a> before the coronavirus pandemic and race riots that broke out in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Statistics from June of this year <a href="https://6abc.com/philly-crime-stats-philadelphia-shootings/6260967/">showed</a> that gun violence in Philadelphia had already skyrocketed by 24% compared to last year.
&#8220;I’m going to do something — that I can tell you,&#8221; Trump said Monday. &#8220;Because we’re not going to let New York and Chicago and Philadelphia and Detroit and Baltimore and all of these — Oakland is a mess. We’re not going to let this happen in our country. All run by liberal Democrats.&#8221;
Krasner responded to Trump&#8217;s remarks by <a href="https://medium.com/philadelphia-justice/district-attorney-krasner-statement-on-trump-administration-actions-targeting-cities-f5a8add29d59">saying</a> in a statement Monday:
<blockquote>My dad volunteered and served in World War II to fight fascism, like most of my uncles, so we would not have an American president brutalizing and kidnapping Americans for exercising their constitutional rights and trying to make America a better place, which is what patriots do. Anyone, including federal law enforcement, who unlawfully assaults and kidnaps people will face criminal charges from my office. At trial, they will face a Philadelphia jury. It’s the least we can do to honor those who fought fascism, including those who are fighting it even now.</blockquote>
In an <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-22/philly-d-a-threatens-to-arrest-federal-agents">interview</a> published by Bloomberg CityLab Wednesday, Krasner said that while &#8220;there&#8217;s nothing unusual about feds being involved in law enforcement in the city,&#8221; what was &#8220;unusual&#8221; was &#8220;the politicization of a normal relationship between federal law enforcement and local law enforcement,&#8221; which he did not elaborate on.
&#8220;And what is really unusual is the apparently illegal stormtrooper tactics that have been used by federal law enforcement in Portland,&#8221; Krasner said in an apparent attempt to demonize the officers as Nazis.
Other top Democrats have also sought to demonize the officers as Nazis, including <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/federal-unit-behind-arrests-in-portland-reportedly-identified-pelosi-smears-them-makes-false-claims">House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) </a>and <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/james-clyburn-compares-federal-law-enforcement-nazi-gestapo">Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC).</a>
&#8220;We&#8217;re dealing with a shiny object that the president is waving around to distract from his outrageous failures in many other areas,&#8221; Krasner claimed. &#8220;And to try to use his usual tactics of neo-fascist division, hate, and racism to improve his almost deceased campaign.&#8221;
&#8220;If we have clear probable cause for the commission of crimes, by anyone, including law enforcement, including federal law enforcement, we will prosecute that,&#8221; Krasner continued. &#8220;We&#8217;re not going to tolerate any kidnappings and assaults going on in Philadelphia streets. We&#8217;re not going to tolerate showing up under the guise of making things safer and [instead] causing violence.&#8221;
Krasner made numerous political attacks during the interview, claiming that Trump was &#8220;perfectly willing to act like Putin.&#8221;
&#8220;He&#8217;s perfectly willing to act like some historical Argentinian dictator,&#8221; Krasner claimed. &#8220;He likes it. He likes the image of the strong man. Never mind that he avoided military service. He wants to be a strong man who is somehow going to use his singular force and not let any law or constitution get in the way to get what he wants. That&#8217;s all a bunch of crap.&#8221;
&#8220;This has nothing to do with actual law enforcement,&#8221; Krasner claimed without evidence. &#8220;It is a diversion of tax funds to try to bolster a campaign that is close to defunct. It&#8217;s just the worst kind of deception, division and hate, and we all know what happens to haters, which is they lose.&#8221;
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Philadelphia Mayor Kenney Names Danielle Outlaw As New Police Commissioner

Soros-Backed District Attorney Signals Willingness To Arrest Feds, Appears To Compare Them To Nazis

Donald Trump

George Soros

On Wednesday, Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney <a href="https://southphillyreview.com/2020/06/24/kenney-seeks-to-remove-columbus-statue-from-marconi-plaza/">issued a statement</a> in which he championed the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue at Marconi Plaza in South Philadelphia, thought to be the first publicly-funded monument to Christopher Columbus in the United States, citing his concern for “public safety.”
Kenney stated:
<blockquote>Like many communities across the country, Philadelphia is in the midst of a much-needed reckoning about the legacy of systemic racism and oppression in this country and around the world. Part of that reckoning requires reexamining what historical figures deserve to be commemorated in our public spaces. In recent weeks, clashes between individuals who support the statue of Christopher Columbus in Marconi Plaza and those who are distressed by its existence have deteriorated—creating a concerning public safety situation that cannot be allowed to continue.
We must find a way forward that allows Philadelphians to celebrate their heritage and culture while respecting the histories and circumstances of others that come from different backgrounds.</blockquote>
City officials announced on Wednesday they are initiating a process they hope to culminate in approval from the Philadelphia Art Commission for removing the statue after they offer a formal proposal on July 22. CBS Philadelphia <a href="https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/06/14/christopher-columbus-statue-marconi-plaza-south-philadelphia/">reported</a> on June 14, “A city spokesperson told Eyewitness News that there are no plans to remove the statue from Marconi Plaza any time in the future.”
A group of people had been keeping around-the-clock guard of the Columbus statue earlier this month; one member of the group stated of those people who wanted to remove the statue, “They’re doing the same Columbus did. They’re coming into our neighborhood and taking away our heritage, OK? They’re hypocrites.” Another person echoed, “The first thing that I learned in third grade — Christopher Columbus discovered America. So as an Italian immigrant, this [statue] represents something to me, my Italian history.”
The marble statue of Columbus was originally erected on October 12, 1876, for Philadelphia&#8217;s Centennial Exposition, purchased for $18,000 with money raised by Italian-Americans and the Columbus Monument Association. On June 17 city workers boarded it up with a wooden box to protect it.
Public Art Director Margot Berg stated, “Philadelphia’s public art should reflect the people and spirit of our city without dividing us as a community. As we’ve seen demonstrated here and across the country, many of the individuals that are celebrated in bronze and stone are a point of pride to some, while causing great pain for others whose ancestors were impacted by their actions and whose communities still suffer under systems of oppression. While it may seem counterintuitive, the reality is that one aspect of managing a public art collection is the occasional removal of works from public view.”
The city asked local residents to offer their opinions on an online petition which will be available through July 21.
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&nbsp;

Statue of Christopher Columbus in Marconi Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Mayor Wants Columbus Statue Removed, Cites ‘Public Safety’

Christopher Columbus

One accused arsonist learned the hard way that if you&#8217;re going to wear your new shirt to torch a cop car, you may want to think twice about leaving a product review for your new threads.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department used Instagram, LinkedIn, and a photo left in a review on the e-commerce site Etsy to locate and arrest a woman shown hurling what appears to be &#8220;flaming debris&#8221; into a Philadelphia Police Department vehicle during a May 30th protest, ostensibly honoring the memory of George Floyd, a black man who died while in the custody of Minneapolis police.
<a href="https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/instagram-etsy-sale-tattoo-how-fbi-found-woman-accused-of-torching-ppd-cars/2436832/">According to NBC Philadelphia</a>, &#8220;Lore-Elisabeth Blumenthal, 33, faces two counts of felony arson &#8230; She is accused of setting the police cars alight during the first day of protests in Philadelphia, which began peacefully but gave way to mass looting and destruction as the day wore on.&#8221;
Blumenthal was pictured gearing up to toss flaming garbage into one police car and then again battering a second vehicle with a piece of lumber. In the photos, she is wearing a shirt that says, “Keep the immigrants, deport the racists,&#8221; and is sporting several visible tattoos.
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ARRESTED FOR RIOTING: US Attorney’s Office says photos show 33yo Lore-Elisabeth Blumenthal setting <a href="https://twitter.com/PhillyPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PhillyPolice</a> car on fire. She’s also accused of torching a police SUV during City Hall riot on 5/30. Blumenthal (Philadelphia) faces federal charges, up to 10yrs in prison <a href="https://twitter.com/6abc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@6abc</a> <a href="https://t.co/gI05jhJVaA">pic.twitter.com/gI05jhJVaA</a>
&mdash; TaRhonda Thomas (@TaRhondaThomas) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaRhondaThomas/status/1273546641342070784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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An eagle-eyed FBI agent spotted both Blumenthal&#8217;s slogan shirt and her &#8220;peace sign&#8221; tattoo in footage aired on local news stations.
&#8220;FBI Special Agent Joseph Carpenter said in an affidavit of probable cause that he first saw Blumenthal holding a burning piece of a police barricade and shoving it into a Philadelphia Police Department SUV while watching aerial footage of the protests on the news,&#8221; the NBC affiliate reported. &#8220;A video posted to Vimeo and sent to the FBI by the Department of Homeland Security also allegedly captured the moment.&#8221;
A Google search turned up Blumenthal&#8217;s shirt as a sale item on Etsy, an e-commerce website devoted largely to selling handmade crafts and vintage items. Lo and behold, a shopper from Philadelphia, with the username &#8220;alleycatlore&#8221; had posted a five-star review for the shirt that read, ”Fast shipping, thanks very much!”
&#8220;Having found a person from Philadelphia, agents then searched &#8216;alleycatlore&#8217; on Google and with it found another online profile, &#8216;Lore-Elisabeth&#8217; on the online fashion store Poshmark,&#8221; a local Fox affiliate added. &#8220;With a new search term &#8216;Lore Elisabeth Philadelphia,&#8217; law enforcement officials found a LinkedIn profile for a woman who is a massage therapist in Philadelphia.&#8221;
That LinkedIn profile led to a website, which featured a video showing a suspiciously familiar woman with a peace sign tattoo giving a massage. That site had a phone number and other contact information for Blumenthal.
&#8220;Blumenthal was charged with the arson of two police vehicles and is currently in federal custody,&#8221; Fox Philadelphia reported late Wednesday.
The FBI says the system of tracking users through social media is called “open source intelligence” and can be very successful, particularly when suspects are of an age where social media use is ubiquitous.
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Philadelphia police

FBI Uses Instagram, Etsy Review To Nab Woman Accused Of Torching Philly Cop Car

George Floyd

Riots

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden struggled at times during an economic reopening event in Philadelphia on Thursday where he spoke on racial issues that have been sparked by the death of George Floyd.
At one point during the lengthy discussion, Biden said that Floyd&#8217;s death was having a bigger impact than the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
&#8220;I came back from law school when Dr. King was assassinated,&#8221; Biden said. &#8220;And when I came back, my city is the only city in America occupied by the National Guard since Reconstruction, because a significant portion was burned to the ground.&#8221;
&#8220;But even Dr. King’s assassination did not have the worldwide impact that George Floyd’s death did,&#8221; Biden continued. &#8220;Because just like television changed the Civil Rights Movement for the better when they saw Bull Connor and his dogs ripping the clothes off of elderly black women going to church and fire hoses ripping the skin off of young kids – all those folks around the country who didn’t have any black populations heard about this, but didn’t believe it but they saw it. It was impossible to close their eyes. Well, with George Floyd, what happened to George Floyd, now you got how many people around the country? Millions of cellphones. It’s changed the way everybody’s looking at this. Look at the millions of people marching around the world, the world.&#8221;
WATCH:
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Joe Biden: “Even Dr. King’s assassination did not have the worldwide impact the George Floyd’s death did.” 👀 <a href="https://t.co/b9LzB9bbNq">pic.twitter.com/b9LzB9bbNq</a>
&mdash; ForAmerica 🇺🇸 (@ForAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForAmerica/status/1271147958189330433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Former NFL player and current Republican congressional candidate Burgess Owens responded to Biden&#8217;s remarks in a tweet, writing: &#8220;Spoken like a man still fighting for segregation after Martin Luther king Jr was assassinated. Maybe it didn&#8217;t change anything in you, but Martin Luther king Jr changed the world.&#8221;
At a different point during the talk, Biden appeared to not know what &#8216;Juneteenth&#8217; was when he made remarks attacking President Donald Trump.
&#8220;He’s going down to Texas on Juneteenth, right?&#8221; Biden said. &#8220;The first major massacre, literally speaking of the Black Wall Street, right? Years ago.&#8221;
Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day, is day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. and is celebrated every year on June 19.
The Trump campaign responded to Biden&#8217;s remarks on Twitter by adding: &#8220;1. President Trump is going to Texas today, not June 19. 2. Juneteenth is about emancipation. 3. The massacre was in Oklahoma&#8221;
WATCH:
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Joe Biden doesn&#39;t know what Juneteenth is:
&quot;He’s going down to Texas on Juneteenth, right? The first major massacre &#8230; of the Black Wall Street, right?&quot;
1. President Trump is going to Texas today, not June 19 2. Juneteenth is about emancipation 3. The massacre was in Oklahoma <a href="https://t.co/vpNDQLwqBj">pic.twitter.com/vpNDQLwqBj</a>
&mdash; Trump War Room &#8211; Text TRUMP to 88022 &amp; get the APP (@TrumpWarRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1271143208282701825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Trump campaign also highlighted another portion of Biden&#8217;s talk when he was attacking Trump.
Biden said, &#8220;I think the federal government has abdicated any effective leadership role, the White House at least has abdicated that role you know, the rapidly rising, uh, um, uh, in with uh, with uh, I don&#8217;t know, uh his just inability to focus on any federal responsibility, him saying, I take no responsibility. It’s not my problem. I don’t have this responsibility.&#8221;
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Joe Biden brain freeze: &quot;You know, the rapidly rising, uh, um, uh, in with uh, with uh, I don&#39;t know, uh&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hpDOqUvaO8">pic.twitter.com/hpDOqUvaO8</a>
&mdash; Trump War Room &#8211; Text TRUMP to 88022 &amp; get the APP (@TrumpWarRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1271138917618679809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Daily Wire, headed by bestselling author and popular podcast host Ben Shapiro, is a leading provider of conservative news, cutting through the mainstream media’s rhetoric to provide readers the most important, relevant, and engaging stories of the day. Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/subscribe">member</a>.

us-politics-vote-democrats-biden

WATCH: Biden Has Bad Showing At Roundtable Reopening Event In Philadelphia

2020 Election

COVID-19

Joe Biden

At least 10 ATMs were vandalized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, overnight – and police are still looking for suspects.
WPVI <a href="https://6abc.com/atm-thefts-explosions-stealing-atms-philadelphia-news/6226433/">reported</a> that “explosions” were heard throughout the night as criminals set off explosive devices to break into the ATMs before stealing the cash. In some cases, the ATMs were stolen completely. The ATMs were located in convenience stores and mini markets.
“One such instance occurred around 11 p.m. Monday on the 1500 block of West Rockland Street. Police said the ATM was taken from inside a mini-mart at that location and the people responsible got away with an undisclosed amount of cash,” the outlet reported. “There was a similar scene at the Sunoco mini-mart at West Hunting Park and North Broad Street overnight. The windows at the gas station mini-mart were smashed and debris was left all over the gas station. Police said an unknown amount of money was taken from the ATM.”
The heists come as violent riots have broken out across the country. In multiple cities, including Minneapolis, Minnesota; Atlanta, Georgia; and New York City, rioters have smashed windows and looted businesses. They’ve also set buildings and cars on fire.
The Daily Wire’s Ryan Saavedra <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/police-officers-hit-by-cars-shot-beaten-in-numerous-cities-on-monday-night-amid-violent-riots">reported</a> Tuesday that cops have been injured in multiple cities while trying to contain the riots.
“Among the attacks, was the shooting of four police officers in Missouri amid a protest-turned-riot that broke out in response to the death of George Floyd last week,” Saavedra reported.
In Las Vegas, an officer is in “grave condition” and on life support after being shot. In Iowa, an officer was shot as he and his fellow policemen were ambushed. In Richmond, Virginia, officers responding to a report of an armed person were shot at, with two officers ending up in the hospital, though it is unclear whether this attack was connected to the riots.
In New York City, officers in the Bronx suffered some of the worst injuries. One officer was run over by a dark sedan. As The Daily Wire’s Emily Zanotti previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/federal-protective-service-officer-killed-amid-riots-in-oakland-california">reported</a>, Federal Protective Service officer Patrick Underwood was killed during the riots in Oakland, California.
“My brother, Dave Patrick Underwood, a federal officer, was murdered 5/29/20 in Oakland California, while on duty during the riots,” Underwood’s sister wrote on social media following his death. “This Violence Must Stop.”
On Monday evening, President Donald Trump took the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dominate-the-streets-trump-announces-major-crackdown-on-violent-rioters">extraordinary step</a> of announcing he was going to deploy the National Guard to stop the violence across the country.
“First we are ending the riots and lawlessness that has spread throughout our country. We will end it now,” Trump said. “Today I have strongly recommended to every governor to deploy the National Guard in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets. Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled. If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will quickly deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”
The Daily Wire, headed by bestselling author and popular podcast host Ben Shapiro, is a leading provider of conservative news, cutting through the mainstream media’s rhetoric to provide readers the most important, relevant, and engaging stories of the day. Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/subscribe">member</a>.

Philadelphia protest

Rioters In Philadelphia Blow Up ATMs, Steal Money In Overnight Heists

United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced on Thursday that Domenick J. DeMuro, a Judge of Elections in Philadelphia, has been charged with and pleaded guilty to stuffing ballot boxes over the course of several years with fraudulent votes for Democrat candidates in federal, state, and local elections.
&#8220;During his guilty plea hearing, DeMuro admitted that an unnamed political consultant gave DeMuro directions and paid him money to illegally add votes for certain Democratic candidates,&#8221; the Department of Justice said in a statement. &#8220;These candidates were individuals running for judicial office whose campaigns had hired the consultant, as well as other candidates for various federal, state, and local elective offices who were preferred by this consultant for a variety of reasons.&#8221;
The statement said that DeMuro pleaded guilty to &#8220;a two-count Information charging (1) conspiracy to deprive Philadelphia voters of their civil rights by fraudulently stuffing the ballot boxes for specific Democratic candidates in the 2014, 2015, and 2016 primary elections, and (2) a violation of the Travel Act, which forbids the use of any facility in interstate commerce (here, a cell phone) with the intent to promote certain illegal activity (here, bribery).&#8221;
In announcing the charges, McSwain highlighted the responsibilities of DeMuro&#8217;s role, which primarily centered around &#8220;overseeing the entire election process and voter activities of his or her division&#8221; and ensuring that election results are accurate and untainted.
&#8220;Our election system relies on the honesty and the integrity of its election officials,&#8221; McSwain said. &#8220;If they are corrupt, the system is corrupt, which creates opportunities for election fraud and unfortunately the counting of fake votes. Domenick DeMuro did not uphold his duties as an election official.&#8221;
&#8220;After receiving payments ranging from between $300 and $5,000 per election from the consultant, DeMuro would add fraudulent votes on the voting machines, also known as ringing up votes, for the consultant&#8217;s clients and preferred candidates thereby diluting and distorting the ballots that were cast by actual voters,&#8221; McSwain continued. &#8220;DeMuro would add these fraudulent votes to the totals during election day and then he would later falsely certify that the voting machine results were accurate. He would add the fraudulent votes by literally standing in the voting booth and voting over and over and over again as fast as he could when he thought that the coast was clear.&#8221;
&#8220;In May 2014, DeMuro stuffed the ballot box with 27 fraudulent ballots during the primary election. In May 2015, he padded the ballot box with 40 fraudulent votes. In 2016, it was 46 fraudulent votes,&#8221; McSwain said. &#8220;Now these numbers may sound relatively small, but they made up a significant percentage of the total votes that were cast at the polling place. In 2014, 118 total ballots were reported in the 36th Division of the 39th Ward. That means that DeMuro&#8217;s fraudulent votes accounted for over 22% of the total voting in that division in 2014. In 2015, his fraud accounted for over 15% of the total votes in the division. In 2016, his fraud accounted for over 17% of the votes.&#8221;
The news comes as Democrats across the country are pushing for mass-scale mail-in voting for the upcoming elections. Many top officials have serious concerns about mail-in voting due to the opportunity that it allegedly creates for fraud.
RealClearPolitics <a href="https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2020/04/24/28_million_mail-in_ballots_went_missing_in_last_four_elections_143033.html">reported</a>:
<blockquote>Between 2012 and 2018, 28.3 million mail-in ballots remain unaccounted for, according to data from the federal Election Assistance Commission. The missing ballots amount to nearly one in five of all absentee ballots and ballots mailed to voters residing in states that do elections exclusively by mail.
States and local authorities simply have no idea what happened to these ballots since they were mailed – and the figure of 28 million missing ballots is likely even higher because some areas in the country, notably Chicago, did not respond to the federal agency’s survey questions.</blockquote>
Watchdog groups say that the sheer volume of unaccounted for mail-in ballots create serious concerns about election security and being able to guarantee that elections are conducted with integrity.
In 2018, Texas law enforcement officials <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/texas-democratic-party-leader-funded-voter-fraud-ryan-saavedra">arrested</a> several women for allegedly targeting elderly voters in 2016 in a “voter fraud ring” that was funded by a Democratic Party leader.
<iframe title="U.S. Attorney William McSwain Announces Guilty Plea of Former Judge of Elections for Election Fraud" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nEKRky-Vk78?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The Daily Wire, headed by bestselling author and popular podcast host Ben Shapiro, is a leading provider of conservative news, cutting through the mainstream media’s rhetoric to provide readers the most important, relevant, and engaging stories of the day. Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/subscribe">member</a>.

Voting

BOMBSHELL: Election Official Rigged Election Results For Democrats, Constituted ‘Significant Percentage Of The Total Votes,’ DOJ Says

Democrats

Voter fraud

On Friday, a video went viral on social media showing a man being forcibly removed from a Philadelphia bus by police officers.
The Philly Transit Riders Union Twitter account first posted a video in which a male employee of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is seen demanding that several passengers “get off” a bus because they aren’t wearing face masks.
“If you do not have a mask, you cannot ride public transportation,” the SEPTA employee states. “Sir! Sir! You have to get off the bus.” The employee then exits the front of the bus and re-enters via the rear door.
“You’ve gotta get off the bus, man. I’m gonna have the cops take you off,” the employee says. “One or the other.”
Pointing to multiple individuals, the SEPTA employee repeats, “You have to get off &#8230; let’s go.”
A second video posted by the same Twitter account shows a man being removed from a bus by police officers. The two videos don’t appear to be from the same incident.
Two police officers wearing surgical masks struggle to drag a man not wearing a face-covering from the bus. One officer pulls the man’s leg, while the other grabs his arm. A struggle ensues, with the passenger yelling: “Get the f*** off my f***ing leg!”
After the man is successfully extricated from the bus, he and the officers engage in a brief tussle. Someone not in the frame yells out, “Thank you.”
“I want all y’all f***ing badge numbers, too!” the man says following the altercation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
do riders know that they might be pulled off a SEPTA bus by 10 cops for not having a mask? <a href="https://t.co/NnHXJC02E8">pic.twitter.com/NnHXJC02E8</a>
— Philly Transit Riders Union (@phillyTRU) <a href="https://twitter.com/phillyTRU/status/1248656214642262016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
The videos have a combined view count of over 2.3 million as of publication.
The majority of Twitter users commenting below the videos excoriate the employee, the officers, and the ambiguity of the alleged SEPTA mask policy.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
The man yelling at passengers not wearing a mask was NOT wearing a mask as he was yelling/spraying over the passengers sitting up front. ALSO, post signs at bus stops informing passengers that they MUST WEAR A MASK TO BOARD THE BUS.
— Ebonie (@EbonieOne) <a href="https://twitter.com/EbonieOne/status/1248672945020510213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Same type of images we had 3 months ago from China. smfh
— iceman (@live2hover) <a href="https://twitter.com/live2hover/status/1248704220578099201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
NO THEY DONT KNOW!!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/SEPTA_SOCIAL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SEPTA_SOCIAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SEPTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SEPTA</a>
Has not released any info saying riders MUST have a mask. There should at least be a release about this before cops start manhandling riders.
— Black Hokage (@reign_beau_) <a href="https://twitter.com/reign_beau_/status/1248658970362945537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
On <a href="https://twitter.com/SEPTAPHILLY/status/1247850428076822529?s=20">Tuesday</a>, SEPTA released a statement pertaining to a new “<a href="http://septa.org/covid-19/">Lifeline Service Schedule</a>” that would be implemented beginning Thursday.
Near the bottom of the statement, mask-wearing is urged:
<blockquote>New guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advise wearing a simple cloth face covering, when out in public, to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Following this guidance, we URGE all customers to wear a mask or other facial covering when traveling on SEPTA to protect customers and Operators.</blockquote>
An official SEPTA Twitter account has also posted variations of the following tweet multiple times asking that passengers wear masks:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SEPTA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SEPTA</a>’s main concern is the health and safety of our customers and employees. Consistent with new CDC guidelines, we urge customers to wear facial coverings in an effort to help prevent the spread of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>: <a href="https://t.co/6MxWOf6rDX">https://t.co/6MxWOf6rDX</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISEPTAPHILLY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISEPTAPHILLY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InItTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InItTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/H8HfkXaglM">pic.twitter.com/H8HfkXaglM</a>
— ISEPTAPHILLY (@SEPTAPHILLY) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEPTAPHILLY/status/1248713802817904640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
In a reply to a tweet on Thursday, a SEPTA social media account said that individuals “may be denied service” for not wearing a mask:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hi Lamar, people not wearing a mask or cloth covering may be denied service. Any face covering can be used, such as scarfs, bandanas, handkerchiefs or even ripped shirts. ^AS
— SEPTA_SOCIAL (@SEPTA_SOCIAL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEPTA_SOCIAL/status/1248373712300044291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
Speaking with The Daily Wire, SEPTA spokesman John Golden clarified the confusion, noting that the website previously stated that passengers were indeed “required” to wear face coverings when riding SEPTA public transportation, but that the wording on the website was later altered to “urge” passengers to “wear a mask or other facial covering.”
SEPTA also released an official statement following the brouhaha with the non-masked passenger, which they sent to The Daily Wire:
<blockquote>SEPTA’s main concern is the health and safety of our customers and employees. To that end, SEPTA yesterday started requiring customers to wear facial coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. That policy will no longer be enforced.
SEPTA urges customers to wear facial coverings in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, consistent with new CDC guidelines and strong recommendations from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. While SEPTA urges riders to cover their faces, those who refuse will not be barred entry to the system.</blockquote>
The statement concluded, speaking directly about the situation on Friday: “An incident today posted on social media regarding a passenger being removed from a bus is still under investigation. According to preliminary information, police were called in response to a disturbance involving a passenger.”

SEPTA busses

VIRAL VIDEO: Man Without Face Mask Dragged Off Of Bus By Police

An internal memo detailing changes to Philadelphia Police Department protocols in the face of the coronavirus crisis has now gone viral, and the response has compelled the police commissioner to issue a &#8220;clarification.&#8221;
Among the outlets that have reported on the city&#8217;s new protocols is the Philadelphia Inquirer, which published the <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6811943-Outlaw-Memo.html">internal memo</a> listing the now arrest-free non-violent crimes. &#8220;One day after Philadelphia courts closed until April 1 to limit the spread of the coronavirus, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw notified commanders Tuesday that police will be delaying arrests for nonviolent crimes, including drug offenses, theft, and prostitution,&#8221; the Inquirer reported.
&#8220;The City of Philadelphia has updated its posture concerning the Covid-19 pandemic,&#8221; Outlaw&#8217;s memo reads. &#8220;Beginning today (March 17, 2020), the City is suspending all public-facing services. To that end, most municipal buildings will be closed to the public, as the City tries to limit the potential for exposure to Covid-19. Patrol Districts will remain open to the public. In addition, beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, only essential employees will be required to come in to work. If you have questions about who is essential and non-essential, please consult with your supervisor.&#8221;
The commissioner then details the Police Department&#8217;s &#8220;modifications to several of our existing protocols,&#8221; including a list of offenses that will now be addressed via arrest warrant by the officer on the scene rather than actual arrest:
Effective Today (March 17, 2020), during the 4pm x 12am tour, arrests for the following offenses will be effectuated via Arrest Warrant:
<ul>
<li>All Narcotics Offenses</li>
<li>Theft from persons</li>
<li>Retail Theft</li>
<li>Theft from auto</li>
<li>Burglary</li>
<li>Vandalism</li>
<li>All Bench warrants</li>
<li>Stolen auto</li>
<li>Economic crime (bad checks, fraud)</li>
<li>Prostitution</li>
</ul>
The memo also explains the arrest warrant process:
<ul>
<li>Officers who encounter persons who would ordinarily be arrested for these offenses, and processed at a detective division immediately following arrest, will adhere to the following procedures:</li>
<li>Temporarily detain the offender for the length of time required to confirm identity (this may require the deployment of mobile fingerprint scanners).</li>
<li>Prepare all relevant paperwork (e.g., 75-48, 75-48A, etc.).</li>
<li>Release offender.</li>
<li>Submit all paperwork to the detective division of occurrence.</li>
<li>The assigned detective will prepare an arrest affidavit and submit to DACU for review. If charges are approved, the assigned detective will obtain an Arrest Warrant. The warrant will be served at a later time, as conditions dictate.</li>
</ul>
Outlaw underscores in the memo that while the above list of offenses should generally be handled with arrest warrants, officers may determine that physical arrest is required in the interest of public safety:
If an officer believes that releasing the offender would pose a threat to public safety, the officer will notify a supervisor, who will review the totality of the circumstances and utilize discretion, in the interest of public safety, in determining the appropriate course of action.
Amid reports on the new policy, Outlaw issued a &#8220;clarification&#8221; Tuesday emphasizing that &#8220;the Philadelphia Police Department is not turning a blind eye to crime&#8221;:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Clarification of PPD&#39;s temporary response model in light of Covid-19 <a href="https://t.co/8eMiUb17qD">pic.twitter.com/8eMiUb17qD</a>
&mdash; Danielle M. Outlaw (@PPDCommish) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPDCommish/status/1240132652067422208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As outlined in the memo, among the other changes the police department is implementing are the following:
<ul>
<li>Personnel from several plain-clothes specialized unites will be temporarily reassigned to uniform patrol duties.</li>
<li>The &#8220;Live Stop&#8221; vehicle impoundment program will be suspended until further notice.</li>
</ul>
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/l-a-releases-more-than-600-inmates-slashes-arrests-to-combat-coronavirus">L.A. Releases More Than 600 Inmates, Slashes Arrests To ‘Combat Coronavirus’</a>

Danielle Outlaw

Internal Memo Reveals Philadelphia No Longer Arresting People For Long List Of Crimes; Commissioner Offers ‘Clarification’

Crime

Last month, a mural in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania featuring Civil Rights icon Cecil B. Moore was defaced with racist graffiti.
Local residents were outraged at the vandalism, which feature a racial slur. Chris Jackson, who lives in the neighborhood, said he was “baffled” by the crime.
“I don’t know why they did that right there, what they did is crazy,” he said.
Jackson, however, seemed suspicious of the vandalism from the beginning, saying “The timing, it’s Black History Month. It’s a nice, black area. It’s just not adding up.”
Police began investigating the crime, speaking to witnesses and searching through surveillance video, CB 3 <a href="https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/02/15/cecil-b-moore-mural-defaced-racist-graffiti-north-philadelphia/?fbclid=IwAR1bgqH9feWCKYq_G_AZLXCWy0cMoBdivdqNZj0cli-wRQRhhoFkAafAaZw">reported</a>. As the outlet <a href="https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/02/26/philadelphia-police-release-images-of-suspect-wanted-for-spray-painting-racial-slurs-on-cecil-b-moore-mural-brightside-academy-habitat-for-humanity/">reported</a> on Friday, surveillance footage caught a suspect – a black man.
“The suspect is described as a black male, between 25 to 35 years of age, with a medium build. He was wearing a black jacket, gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, brown shoes and carrying a black duffel bag,” CBS3 reported.
The Blaze <a href="https://www.theblaze.com/news/mural-of-civil-rights-leader-vandalized-with-racist-graffiti-during-black-history-month-and-cops-have-suspect-on-video">reported</a> that the suspect was caught on camera spray painting slurs on the mural as well as the Brightside Academy and Habitat for Humanity. The incidents occurred between 6 and 7 a.m. on February 15.
MRCTV <a href="https://www.mrctv.org/blog/black-male-main-suspect-racist-defacement-philadelphia-mural-civil-rights-leader">questioned</a> why “a black man spray paint racial epithets towards other black people on a civil rights mural during Black History Month,” suggesting the suspect “either was trying to frame the people of another race of being racist towards black people or the suspect is just out of his mind.”
This is not the first time an alleged racial incident has turned out to be faked. As the Blaze reported, 58-year-old William Tucker was arrested back in 2017 for writing “Trump Rules” and “Black Bitch” on someone’s car and another person’s home.
Staging hate crimes is nothing new. The most famous current example is from ex-“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, who claimed a year ago that he was returning to a friend’s apartment at around 2 a.m. on a frigid Chicago morning when he was attacked by two white men wearing “Make America Great Again” hats and inexplicably carrying a bottle of bleach and a noose. The men allegedly yelled homophobic and racial slurs as they beat him. Police later revealed that Smollett paid two Nigerian brothers to fake the attack wearing plain red hats.
In September 2019, an ex-NFL player allegedly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ex-nfl-player-allegedly-staged-hate-crime-trashing-ashe-schow">staged a hate crime</a> by trashing his own restaurant. Edawn Louis Coughman was caught spray painting his restaurant with racial slurs and ripping the TVs off the walls. A maintenance worker reported seeing someone burglarizing the restaurant and called the police. Nearby cops saw a vehicle matching the description of the one the maintenance worker reported and pulled over the driver – who turned out to be Coughman. The “stolen” TVs were in the back of his truck.
In November 2019, Syracuse University students <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/surprise-surprise-the-latest-college-racism-claim-turns-out-to-be-a-hoax">protested</a> over a series of alleged racist incidents on campus. One of those incidents claimed a student sent a racist manifesto to multiple students, but the incident never occurred. Police couldn’t find anyone who received the manifesto and considered it to be merely a hoax rumor.

graffitti

HATE CRIME HOAX: Civil Rights Mural Defaced In Philly With Racist Language – By A Black Man

Hate Crime

Hoax

Wrongful convictions are a serious problem in America. We do not know how many people have been convicted for crimes they never committed, but we do occasionally hear the stories of those who have.
The Washington Post on Tuesday told <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/crime-law/2019/11/12/prosecutors-take-larger-role-reversing-wrongful-convictions-philadelphia-da-exonerates-men-wrongly-imprisoned-murder/">the story</a> of Terrance Lewis, who a judged ruled must have been innocent after he spent 12 years in prison for a murder charge. Even though the judge determined “the court believes that Petitioner is innocent&#8230;it is more likely than not that no reasonable juror would have convicted Petitioner,” the judge rejected Lewis’ appeal on procedural grounds. Lewis would spend another nine years in prison before he would be released thanks to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office’s newly relaunched Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU).
Lewis spent a total of 21 years in jail for a murder he didn’t commit.
As the Post reported, Philadelphia has released 10 men who were wrongly convicted of murder since the beginning of 2018.
The releases were helped by defense attorney Larry Krasner, who took over Philadelphia’s DA office and relaunched the CIU.
“You take an oath to seek justice,” Krasner told the Post. “That means innocent people go home. It also means, if you have an innocent person in jail, the guilty one got away.”
The Post also reported that seven of the 10 men released “were convicted by longtime district attorney Lynne Abraham, a tough-on-crime prosecutor who regularly sought maximum punishments and death sentences.”
More from the Post:
<blockquote>The National Registry of Exonerations counted 151 exonerations last year, 68 of them in homicide cases, and found that the exonerees had spent a total of 1,639 years behind bars, or about 11 years per person. Conviction Integrity Units in prosecutors’ offices took part in 58 of those exonerations. The registry has tallied 2,500 wrongful convictions since 1989, costing defendants more than 22,000 years incarcerated.</blockquote>
CIU’s have been launched in 49 district attorneys’ offices across the country. Michigan, New Jersey, and North Carolina also have statewide conviction review offices.
The CIU’s look for prosecutorial misconduct, corrupt cops, and bad forensic science to exonerate the wrongly convicted.
“Some cities, such as Chicago and Philadelphia, have focused on corrupt cops who manufactured cases and won false convictions,” the Post reported. “Others, such as Houston, have cleared large numbers of cases by looking at flawed drug-testing systems that resulted in dozens of wrongful convictions.”
One of the corrupt cop cases took place in Philadelphia. Homicide detective Philip Nordo had been accused of intimidation and the sexual assault of witnesses. Defense attorneys then looked into this cases, resulting in three murder convictions being overturned. One of those innocent men, Jamaal Simmons, had never been arrested until 2009, when he was accused of murder. One of the key witnesses in the case said Nordo threatened him into identifying Simmons.
“I thought people were going to go up there and tell the truth, and I’m going to be free,” Simmons told the Post. “When I got convicted, I was crushed. Sentenced to 15 to 30 years.”
Simmons was freed in 2018.

Wrongful Conviction

Philadelphia Prosecutors Release 10 Men Wrongly Convicted Of Murder

A former regional director of a Philadelphia Starbucks cafe at the center of a racially charged incident that sparked national protests of the company is now suing her former employer for racial discrimination. The company, she alleges, fired her, a white female, and unfairly punished other white employees in order to appease protesters.
Shannon Phillips, the former regional director whose region included a Center City Philadelphia Starbucks, says she was fired less than a month after one of the store&#8217;s managers called police to remove two black men who remained in the cafe after refusing to order anything.
Phillips says she was terminated &#8220;because she objected to placing the white district manager at the 18th and Spruce Streets store on administrative leave for purportedly paying lower salaries to black workers than their white counterparts,&#8221; <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/starbucks-lawsuit-manager-discrimination-black-men-arrests-philadelphia-20191031.html">The Philadelphia Inquirer</a> reported Thursday.
&#8220;Phillips, who lives in South Jersey and worked for the coffee chain for 13 years, says Starbucks&#8217; reason for disciplining the manager was &#8216;factually impossible,&#8217; as the company’s &#8216;Partner Resources&#8217; branch sets employee salaries without input from the store’s district manager,&#8221; the paper reports.
In response, Phillips has filed a <a href="https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/PHILLIPSvSTARBUCKSCORPORATIONDocketNo119cv19432DNJOct282019CourtD?1572564813">lawsuit</a> against the company alleging racial discrimination. Her attorney has asked for a jury trial.
In a statement to <a href="https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/10/31/former-center-city-starbucks-manager-suing-company-for-alleged-discrimination-against-white-people/">CBS3 Philadelphia</a>, Starbucks denied the accusation. &#8220;We deny the claims of the lawsuit and are prepared to defend our case in court,&#8221; a Starbucks spokesperson told the outlet.
The national controversy that preceded Phillips&#8217; firing began with a viral video posted by an activist and writer who now <a href="https://twitter.com/missydepino?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E984539713016094721&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fphiladelphia.cbslocal.com%2F2019%2F10%2F31%2Fformer-center-city-starbucks-manager-suing-company-for-alleged-discrimination-against-white-people%2F">describes</a> herself on Twitter as &#8220;that white lady who tweeted the Starbucks video then co-founded the [<a href="https://twitter.com/privtoprog">From Privilege to Progress</a>] movement.&#8221;
&#8220;The police were called because these men hadn’t ordered anything,&#8221; Melissa &#8220;That White Lady&#8221; DePino tweeted on April 12 of last year along with a video of police escorting two black men out of the Center City Starbucks. &#8220;They were waiting for a friend to show up, who did as they were taken out in handcuffs for doing nothing. All the other white ppl are wondering why it’s never happened to us when we do the same thing.&#8221;
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<a href="https://twitter.com/Starbucks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Starbucks</a> The police were called because these men hadn’t ordered anything. They were waiting for a friend to show up, who did as they were taken out in handcuffs for doing nothing. All the other white ppl are wondering why it’s never happened to us when we do the same thing. <a href="https://t.co/0U4Pzs55Ci">pic.twitter.com/0U4Pzs55Ci</a>
— Melissa “That White Lady” DePino (@missydepino) <a href="https://twitter.com/missydepino/status/984539713016094721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The two men, Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson, told police and the press in subsequent interviews that they were simply waiting for another business partner to arrive for a meeting before they ordered.
The manager who contacted police says she told the men when they asked to use the restroom that the store policy is that they must first order something. She says they refused to order anything and instead chose to sit down. After allegedly warning them she would have to call police, she did so, <a href="https://nypost.com/2018/04/17/police-release-recording-of-call-that-lead-to-arrest-of-black-men-at-starbucks/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_source=NYPTwitter&amp;utm_medium=SocialFlow">telling</a> police in a recorded call, &#8220;I have two gentlemen in my cafe that are refusing to make a purchase or leave.&#8221;
According to <a href="https://apple.news/AYlFb6RSpTIiXQFxA6xn6GA">Christopher Norris</a>, who interviewed the manager, she cited &#8220;a corporate policy germane exclusively to Center City Philadelphia locations prohibits excessive loitering.&#8221; If that policy is violated, Norris explained, &#8220;then management has the discretion to ensure it’s enforced, even if it means calling the police.&#8221;
When the officers arrived, they asked Nelson and Robinson to leave. After the two men refused, the officers handcuffed them and escorted them out of the cafe.
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Philadelphia PD Commissioner Richard Ross defended the actions of his officers. &#8220;It is important to emphasize and underscore that these officers had legal standing to make this arrest,&#8221; he <a href="https://defensemaven.io/bluelivesmatter/news/video-police-reveal-men-arrested-for-being-black-at-starbucks-is-a-lie-Q9m0AUa4BEeKjvEJJpuyMg/">said</a>. &#8220;Again, they were called to the scene because employees said that they were trespassing. It is important for me to say, in short, that these officers did absolutely nothing wrong. They followed policy. They did what they were supposed to do. They were professional in all their dealings with these gentlemen, and instead, they got the opposite back.&#8221;
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&#8220;I can tell you that there was a case involving one of our sergeants, probably a couple years ago, who went to Starbucks in full uniform and he was also denied access to the restroom,&#8221; said Ross. &#8220;So they are at least consistent in their policy.&#8221;
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Five days after the incident, Starbucks issued a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-to-close-stores-nationwide-for-racial-bias-education-may-29/">news release</a> announcing that the company &#8220;will be closing its more than 8,000 company-owned stores in the United States on the afternoon of May 29 to conduct racial-bias education geared toward preventing discrimination in our stores.&#8221;
&#8220;I’ve spent the last few days in Philadelphia with my leadership team listening to the community, learning what we did wrong and the steps we need to take to fix it,&#8221; Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said in a statement featured in the release. &#8220;While this is not limited to Starbucks, we’re committed to being a part of the solution. Closing our stores for racial bias training is just one step in a journey that requires dedication from every level of our company and partnerships in our local communities.&#8221;
This article has been expanded to include more details of the lawsuit.
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Starbucks Protest

Starbucks Sued For Discriminating Against White People

Racism

Starbucks

Two U.S. congressmen are asking the Philadelphia Human Relations Commission to reveal the details of its investigation into the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-kids-philadelphia-muslim-society-we-will-ryan-saavedra">April 2019 video</a> of Muslim children from a Philadelphia mosque performing anti-Semitic skits and singing violent songs.
<a href="https://www.memri.org/reports/children-philadelphia-muslim-society-we-will-sacrifice-ourselves-al-aqsa-will-chop-their">The shocking video</a> was presented by the Muslim American Society Islamic Center and Masjid A-Hidaya Mosque in Philadelphia in celebration of “<a href="https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/05/ummah_day_in_philadelphia.html#ixzz60XAmVhmX">Ummah Day.</a>” As <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-kids-philadelphia-muslim-society-we-will-ryan-saavedra">reported</a> at the time by The Daily Wire, the video featured Muslim children singing,
<blockquote>We will chop off their heads … we will lead the army of Allah fulfilling his promise, we will subject them to eternal torture … we will defend the land of divine guidance with our bodies … sacrifice our souls without hesitation.</blockquote>
Following multiple press articles, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations <a href="https://www.apnews.com/d3c30af9eb174e78a8b04ae201ac509b">announced</a> an investigation into the event.
But more than five months have elapsed — with no follow-up from the Commission regarding its findings. Recently, Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) and Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) sent a <a href="https://zeldin.house.gov/sites/zeldin.house.gov/files/09.12.2019-FINAL_0.pdf">letter</a> to the Commission’s executive director, Rue Landau, requesting an update of its findings and asking whether further investigation needs to be made by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The letter also informed Landau of the Muslim American Society’s (MAS) role as an “overt arm” of the Muslim Brotherhood and notes that “several senior members of the Muslim Brotherhood are designated as terrorists.” Perry and Zeldin also noted that, given the Muslim American Society has 50 chapters throughout the United States, the results of the Philadelphia investigation are of national importance in trying to understand the role played by the organization and similar groups in indoctrinating American Muslims children towards <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/lee-baird-recent-conference-highlights-emboldened-martha-lee">extremist Islamism</a>.
Contacted about the letter, Landau did not respond.
The disturbing video received both local and national attention at the time, but why is there only continuing interest in the results of the Commission’s investigation from a congressman from New York and a congressman from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania?
Where are the voices coming from lawmakers in Philadelphia — or the voices from local Muslim organizations purporting to be advocates for human rights?
The Philadelphia City Council has not taken action, either. While Philadelphia Councilman Curtis Jones <a href="http://legislation.phila.gov/transcripts/Stated%20Meetings/2019/sm040419.pdf">prepared a city council resolution</a> in outrage over Pennsylvania Representative Delegate Stephanie Borowicz’s references to Jesus in a State House invocation during the swearing-in of Muslim State Representative Movita Johnson-Harrell, there has been no similar resolutions or outrage over the Muslim American Society’s promotion of songs about beheading Jews. Calls and emails to Jones and other councilmen asking if they too would add their voices in requesting an update from the Commission were ignored.
The Masjid Al-Hidaya Mosque, where the video was filmed, sits in the congressional district of Congressman Brendan Boyle and neighbors the district covered by Congressman Dwight Evans. Calls to each congressman’s local office revealed no awareness of the Zeldin/Perry letter, although staffers suggested they would investigate the matter further.
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)’s Philadelphia chapter responded to MAS’ head-chopping video with a press release at the time: “<a href="http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=536562&amp;f=87515&amp;s=92595&amp;m=992797&amp;t=fb532d90aa0066a36ae360a77a2789125f87202761881ec465f4ea390c6c3700">Muslim Community Condemns Anti-Semitism</a>.” CAIR-Philadelphia executive director Jacob Bender was careful to add: “We should be careful, however, not to conflate criticism of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians with anti-Semitism. Thousands of American and Israeli Jews like myself are critical of the oppressive policies of the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.”
The CAIR-PA’s <a href="https://pjmedia.com/homeland-security/cair-philadelphias-distorted-view-of-children-singing-about-beheadings-and-of-the-san-diego-synagogue-attack/">weak response</a> is a reminder of the historic relationship between MAS and CAIR. As federal prosecutors have <a href="https://freebeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/UNITED-STATES-OF-AMERICA-Plaintiff-Appellee-v-Sabri-BENKAHLA-Defendant-A....pdf">previously argued:</a>
<blockquote>CAIR and MAS omit reference to a shared background that limits their membership to those of a particular political bent, and undercuts their credibility. The Muslim Brotherhood is a generally covert international organization whose credo is ‘Allah is our goal; the Qur&#8217;an is our constitution; the Prophet is our leader; Struggle is our way; and death in the path of Allah is our highest aspiration.’</blockquote>
CAIR-Philadelphia has a history of running substantial campaigns whenever they wish to highlight issues of concern to them. That includes a <a href="http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=536562&amp;f=87515&amp;s=92595&amp;m=996529&amp;t=fb532d90aa0066a36ae360a77a2789125f87202761881ec465f4ea390c6c3700">recent effort targeting Starbucks</a> over the name on a Muslim man’s coffee cup. But they have issued no apparent follow-up regarding the MAS video — or the remedial training CAIR was <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/video-muslim-american-society-children-violent-mosque-philadelphia-20190515.html">supposed to have provided </a>to following the incident.
The Zeldin/Perry letter seeking disclosure of the Commission’s findings regarding MAS is a worthwhile effort. It’s a shame that local officials do not seem nearly as motivated in responding to an incident that has tarred Philadelphia’s reputation and raised serious questions about growing levels of Islamist anti-Semitism in the City of Brotherly Love.
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Leonard  Getz, CPA, is an associate in Philadelphia for <a href="http://www.counterislamist.org/">the Counter-Islamist Grid (CIG)</a> and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The American Thinker, The Algemeiner, PJMedia, Lifestyles Magazine, Nostalgia Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and elsewhere.

Philadelphia skyline

GETZ: Congressmen Demand Answers About Horrifying Anti-Semitic Video In Philadelphia

Anti-Semitism

Department of Justice

Islam

Lee Zeldin

Muslims

Radical Islam

Police officers in Philadelphia were subjected to taunts and physical assault by members of the community during a tense alleged drug bust that ended with six officers being shot, all of whom are thankfully expected to recover.
In shocking video that surfaced online, which has been confirmed by Philadelphia’s CBS affiliate, residents swarm cops, taunting and laughing at them. At least one woman is captured on video shoving an officer. According to a <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/crowd-of-onlookers-taunt-police-during-philadelphia-standoff-reports">Fox News</a> report, officers were also pelted with unidentified objects.
Alexandria Hoff, a reporter at Philadelphia’s KYW-TV, said she was harassed during live coverage of the standoff and expressed her disbelief over the harassment of officers.
&#8220;I mentioned this at 10 and since I was harassed during that live shot, I’ll mention it here too,&#8221; she wrote via Twitter. &#8220;A major moment of disappointment this evening was watching a crowd of people taunt police officers, laughing and yelling at them in the midst of the gunfire.&#8221;
Hoff noted, &#8220;I should add — 98% of people here on scene were respectful and concerned. That moment was just such a startling thing to see in the middle of something so chaotic.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I should add &#8211; 98% of people here on scene were respectful and concerned. That moment was just such a startling thing to see in the middle of something so chaotic.
— Alexandria Hoff (@AlexandriaHoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexandriaHoff/status/1161856112460800005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As reported by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/50656/suspect-who-shot-six-philly-cops-arrested-james-barrett">The Daily Wire</a> on Thursday morning, the standoff closed out after a long seven hours from outside the alleged shooter’s apartment building. The perp, whom the The Daily Wire will not name as a matter of policy, was brought into police custody after reportedly calling his lawyer &#8220;in a panic.&#8221;
In the wake of the dangerous standoff, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney called for more gun control measures, both at the state and federal level. &#8220;This government — both at the federal and state level — don&#8217;t wanna do anything about getting these guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals,&#8221; he said.
However, the alleged shooter did not have a history of respecting laws at all; he had a total of six convictions and was barred from owning firearms. As noted by The Daily Wire, the suspect has &#8220;a lengthy rap sheet dating back to when he was 18 that includes gun, drug, and aggravated assault convictions and kidnapping and attempted murder charges.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yelling, screaming, and throwing things at officers that have PROTECTED YOU for 4 hours during an active shooting? Classy. WTH is wrong with you? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Philadelphia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Philadelphia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Philly?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Philly</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/phillypd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#phillypd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/philadephiapd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#philadephiapd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/philadelphiapolice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#philadelphiapolice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/phillyshooter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#phillyshooter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/phillyshooting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#phillyshooting</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/rUBmb65O9x">pic.twitter.com/rUBmb65O9x</a>
— Brooke (@BrookelynnML) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrookelynnML/status/1161796579587764224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/50656/suspect-who-shot-six-philly-cops-arrested-james-barrett">Suspect Who Shot Six Philly Cops Arrested, Identified</a>

Police Officers

WATCH: Philly Cops Taunted, Shoved After Responding To Drug Bust Where 6 Cops Were Shot

Police

After allegedly shooting six Philadelphia police officers during an over seven-hour standoff from his apartment building, the shooting suspect surrendered Wednesday night after calling his lawyer &#8220;in a panic&#8221; and was taken into police custody.
On Wednesday, police identified the suspect as a 36-year-old African-American man from Philadelphia with a lengthy rap sheet dating back to when he was 18 that includes gun, drug, and aggravated assault convictions and kidnapping and attempted murder charges (his name is here withheld due to Daily Wire policy on mass shootings).
&#8220;The standoff began Wednesday about 4:30 p.m. when a Narcotics Strike Force unit attempted to serve a search warrant at a house on the 3700 block of North 15th Street,&#8221; <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-shootings-six-shot-suspect-maurice-hill-20190815.html?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar">The Philadelphia Inquirer</a> reports. After he shot six police officers, all of whom are expected to recover, authorities spent several hours attempting to get him to surrender. He finally gave himself up at around midnight.
<a href="https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Gunman-Shoots-Police-Officer-in-Nicetown-Tioga-542724941.html">NBC Philadelphia</a> reports that around midnight, a member of the SWAT team shot tear gas into the suspect&#8217;s apartment; he soon walked out of his home and was taken into custody by police. &#8220;He had a gun on him at the time, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said,&#8221; NBC notes.
Shaka Johnson, the lawyer of the suspect, spoke with the Inquirer Wednesday night, confirming that his client was the man involved in the shootout. &#8220;My client is requesting me to come to the scene,&#8221; said Johnson.
In an interview after the suspect surrendered, Johnson told <a href="http://twitter.com/GregArgosCBS3/status/1161865269129744385">CBS</a> that his client had called him around 8:30 p.m. &#8220;in a panic.&#8221; &#8220;I told him, &#8216;You gotta surrender, man,'&#8221; Johnson told the press.
The suspect was first taken to Temple University Hospital for evaluation, before being released to police custody Thursday morning, NBC reports.
Johnson says his client is likely to be charged with six counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault.
Those charges would add to an already lengthy list of charges tracing back to 2001, when the suspect was first arrested at age 18 for possessing a gun with an altered serial number. The Inquirer provides a summary of his numerous arrests and convictions:
<blockquote>Public records show that he has been arrested about a dozen times since turning 18, and convicted six times on charges that involved illegal possession of guns, drug dealing, and aggravated assault. He has been in and out of prison; the longest sentence handed him came in 2010, when a federal judge gave him a 55-month term.
And, his record would indicate, he does not like to go to prison. In 2008, he was convicted of escaping, fleeing from police, and resisting arrest. Along the way, he beat criminal charges on everything from kidnapping to attempted murder.</blockquote>
His 2010 federal prison sentence came after he pled guilty in 2008 to federal firearms violations for illegally possessing a Smith &amp; Wesson .357 and a Taurus PT .45 semiautomatic, the Inquirer notes. He was also convicted in 2013 of perjury and given seven years probation. But even on probation, he racked up more charges, including fleeing officers on an unregistered scooter, putting pedestrians at risk, charges for which he was eventually acquitted. He arrested again in October 2014 on charges of drug possession and false imprisonment but somehow managed to &#8220;beat&#8221; those charges as well.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/50559/limbaugh-heres-why-were-going-see-gun-legislation-james-barrett">Limbaugh: Here’s Why We’re Going To See Gun Legislation This Time</a>

Philadelphia Shooting

Suspect Who Shot Six Philly Cops Arrested, Identified

Guns

Shooting

A Philadelphia man is now free from prison after spending 28 years behind bars for a murder prosecutors now say he likely didn’t commit.
Chester Hollman III was sentenced to life in prison for the 1991 killing of University of Pennsylvania student Tae-Jung Ho. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported this week that the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office found that police and prosecutors “had hidden evidence that pointed to more viable suspects.” There was no physical evidence indicating Hollman was involved in the crime, yet the testimony of two witnesses — who later recanted — helped get him convicted.
“It was pretty clear to us,&#8221; said Assistant District Attorney Patricia Cummings, “that unfortunately the Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office actually had evidence in their possession back at the time of trial [that], had they disclosed it to the defense that they’re constitutionally and ethically required to do … Mr. Hollman might not have ever even stood trial.”
Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Gwendolyn N. Bright made the recent ruling that freed Hollman, concluding he was “likely innocent” of the crime for which he was serving a life sentence. As the Inquirer reported, this was a “stunning reversal” from her ruling in 2012, in which she said Hollman would not receive a new trial. That ruling came after Deirdre Jones, a key witness for the prosecution, admitted that she lied to jurors in 1993.
“Jones had told them she had been riding in an SUV with Hollman and two others that night in 1991 when she watched two of them get out and heard a gunshot,” the outlet reported. “Jones, who was then a neighbor of Hollman’s, has since said that police had pressured her to incriminate Hollman. David Baker, the now-retired detective who took Jones’ original statement, denied in the 2012 hearing — and again in a 2017 interview with The Inquirer — that he had coerced her testimony.”
Another witness — a man — also recanted his testimony years after Hollman’s conviction, claiming police pressured him to point the finger at Hollman.
Hollman’s case was helped in 2017 by the Inquirer when it mentioned his case in an article about “the pervasive practice of lying in the criminal justice system — by suspects, witnesses, and law enforcement.” The “Undisclosed” podcast also highlighted Hollman’s case, which his appeals attorney, Alan Tauber, said helped his client.
“This is a glorious day,&#8221; Tauber said after Hollman was released from jail. “We have a flawed system and innocent people do go to jail. But we have a great system, because there is a means for correcting that.”
The Inquirer also reported that Hollman’s release “is the eighth murder conviction that the Conviction Integrity Unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has helped to reverse since Larry Krasner took over the office in January 2018.”
Not every police department has something like the Conviction Integrity Unit, and the process to overturn a conviction — especially one for a serious charge — is long and arduous. Yet Hollman’s case shows that it is possible for innocent people to get the justice they deserved. Hollman was 20 years old when he was sentenced to life in prison. He is now 48 and just getting to start living the life that was previously taken away from him.

‘LIKELY INNOCENT’: Man Released After Spending 28 Years In Prison For Murder He Didn’t Commit

Philadelphia police have released video of the July 4 incident in which a surging crowd of roughly 60 teenagers marauded through a Philadelphia Walgreens, stealing merchandise, destroying property and reportedly throwing a bottle at the head of an employee who tried to intervene.
<a href="https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/07/05/60-teens-terrorize-businesses-walgreens-attack-man-south-street-philadelphia-police-say/">CBS3 Philadelphia</a> reported, “Many of the people Eyewitness News spoke to believe the crowd originated from Penn’s Landing and traveled up South Street, gaining in size and causing nearly $7,000 in destruction, according to police. Starting around 10 p.m. Thursday, much of South Street went into lockdown … As the crowd moved west on South Street, businesses still open at the time either chose or were advised by police to lock their doors … By the time the large group of young people made it to 18th and South Street, police say it had grown to about 60 people strong.”
The <a href="http://pr.phillypolice.com/2019/07/wanted-suspects-for-commercial-robbery-in-the-17th-district-video-4/?fbclid=IwAR1wVI38wG3gj_sQM2wo9CLaYSofoJsF5jqyjEVycMIAHe1ImAzGiUdGuh8">Philadelphia police</a> described the rampage this way:
<blockquote>On July 4, 2019 at approximately 10:00 PM, a large group of approximately sixty (60) males and females stormed the Walgreens store located at 1800 South Street. Once inside, the group ran around knocking items off of the shelves and running out of the store without paying for merchandise. Some members in the group threw merchandise at store employees, resulting in injuries.</blockquote>
Philadelphia Police captain Sekou Kinebrew told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4VELPCt3uo">ABC6 Philadelphia</a>, “Yesterday was a day of celebration so large crowds and people moving around, having fun, that was certainly to be expected but this type of act was not something that we expected and not something that we will tolerate … Between the things that they stole and the property damaged inside, it’s between $6,000 and $7,000 in damage.&#8221;
Areavibes.com <a href="https://www.areavibes.com/philadelphia-pa/crime/">has noted</a>, “The overall Philadelphia, PA crime rate is 104% higher than the Pennsylvania average and is 46% higher than the national average. Looking at violent crime specifically, Philadelphia, PA has a violent crime rate that is 202% higher than the Pennsylvania average and 147% higher than the national average. For property crime, Philadelphia, PA is 86% higher than the Pennsylvania average and 30% higher than the national average.”
The <a href="https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/reality-check-philly-has-a-violence-problem/">Philadelphia Citizen</a> reported of Philadelphia’s violent crime rate in 2018:
<blockquote>Philadelphia suffered a total of 351 violent homicides in 2018, in a city of 1.6 million people. To put that in perspective: The murder rate here was 17 percent higher than<a href="https://abc7ny.com/nyc-sees-record-low-homicides-in-2018-based-on-preliminary-data/5000622/"> New York City’s 289 homicide victims</a>, its Amtrak Corridor big cousin of 8.5 million. It was 20 percent higher than<a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-ends-year-with-slight-uptick-in-homicides-13501015.php"> Houston’s official total of 279 victims</a>, a place of 2.3 million that characterized that as “an uptick.” &#8230; And Philadelphia had more homicides in 2018 than the entire Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and large parts of Maryland combined):<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/local/homicides/?utm_term=.6b0bb775697a"> 280 homicides</a> for that region of 6.2 million residents … In Philly, there are no declines, just increases—and not good ones, either. That homicide total, according to Philadelphia Police Department<a href="https://www.phillypolice.com/crime-maps-stats/"> data</a>, is the highest since a high of 391 in 2007.</blockquote>
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WATCH: Roughly 60 Teens Run Amok, Ravage Philadelphia Walgreens

On Monday’s episode of “The Andrew Klavan Show,” Klavan discusses an article by a Philadelphia based therapist who claims that addressing obesity is “shaming” people who are out of shape. Video and partial transcript below:
One of the things that you&#8217;ve noticed is the attack on shame, on the very idea of shame. That shame itself is supposed to become a problem. There is a piece in The Philadelphia Inquirer to end fatphobia. &#8220;We need to dismantle Western civilization,&#8221; says Philly therapist Sonalee Rashatwar, all right. She hadn&#8217;t planned on being a therapist as her career path, she explained; the practice she co-owns in West Philadelphia just kind of happened. You see the picture, she&#8217;s overweight. She says she endured an abusive relationship in her early 20s. After college, she started volunteering for domestic violence response teams.
She says, &#8220;All my work is better to understand what I&#8217;ve experienced.” She&#8217;s become part of what is called the &#8220;fat positivity movement.&#8221; She says Rashatwar traces contemporary fat phobia to colonial brutality and how enslaved people were treated. Citing researcher advocate Caleb Luna, Rashatwar said, &#8220;Curing anti fatness would mean dismantling society&#8217;s foundation. I love to talk about undoing Western civilization because it&#8217;s just so romantic to me.&#8221; So, in other words, instead of just not stuffing her face so maybe she can get in shape, we&#8217;re supposed to get rid of Mozart and Shakespeare and Michelangelo and all the great achievements of Western civilization.
The attack on shame is an attack on the idea that there is a moral template, a human template. That we all feel bad when we veer away from that template. We feel bad, we feel shame. Shame is a gift. Guilt is a gift; it tells us when we have lost our way. All of us veer from this template. All men know they&#8217;re supposed to be strong and courageous. All men, even Navy SEALs, know that there are ways in which they&#8217;re not as strong as they should be, not as courageous as they should be. All women know that they&#8217;re supposed to be nurturing and tender. All women know that they fail at this sometimes, that they are not the ladies they wish they were in some deep part of their mind, and there&#8217;s no getting rid of that shame.
What the Left is saying, what these people are saying, is if only we could get rid of the society then we would get rid of the shame. This woman is coming right out and saying it. If we could get rid of Western civilization, I would no longer feel bad for being fat and that, of course, is a lie. That template is built into the human system. When you believe in God and when you believe that we are not just inventing morality, we&#8217;re not just inventing these templates, we’re actually receiving them. We&#8217;re learning to see them, we have evolved to see the moral world. We&#8217;ve evolved to see these templates.
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Yeah sure they change, and good looks change and all these things but at the core, there is a moral core, a moral template, that when we veer from we feel ashamed. So, they want to destroy all these things that they feel ashamed about. Being a slut. Don&#8217;t slut-shame me. Nobody is slut-shaming; you feel bad because you know you&#8217;re not supposed to be a slut. Don&#8217;t fat-shame me. Nobody&#8217;s shaming you, you feel bad because it&#8217;s unhealthy to act that way. You&#8217;re out of control in the way you treat yourself. You need to lose a little bit of weight. They do not want to take responsibility for themselves, so they pile it on to everybody else.
Weirdly, what Trump has done has allowed that vision to come back into the public square. The reason they don&#8217;t want cheering, happy people waving American flags is because we all know that&#8217;s the way we&#8217;re supposed to be. We all know that those are the people we&#8217;re supposed to be. You can be black, you can be white, you can be gay, you can be Asian, you can be whatever you want but we all know that we&#8217;re supposed to love a country that has made us free and prosperous and powerful. We should love this country. We all know it.
Because the Left is seeking to get away from that shame, to get away from the God who has imposed those templates, who has created that moral template. They want to destroy the entire civilization rather than face the shame. I really do think that that&#8217;s at the core of it.
Donald Trump doesn&#8217;t know anything about this. He doesn&#8217;t think about this stuff. He just knows that he is not going to be taken down by their insults. He&#8217;s not going to be called racist, he&#8217;s not going to do what Joe Biden is doing. “Oh, I&#8217;m sorry I said that. I&#8217;m sorry I said this.” I mean all the Democrats do is apologize because that&#8217;s the system they&#8217;ve created. Because wherever you go that system, that moral system, is still in place and that&#8217;s what they&#8217;re attacking all the time. What we need to do is not come back at them with shame and say “oh yes you should be ashamed of being fat.” We don&#8217;t have to say that. We don&#8217;t have to say “oh yes you should be ashamed of being a coward.”
We don&#8217;t have to create recreate the culture of shame because it&#8217;s never gone away, it&#8217;s there. All we have to do is what those people did at that July 4th celebration on the National Mall. All we have to do is celebrate the good. If we celebrate the good, believe me, the left will expose themselves. They cannot stand it. It&#8217;s like a cross to a vampire. It is like sunlight to a vampire to them to see us celebrating the good because it makes them feel the shame.
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Philadelphia

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‘Senseless Act Of Aggression’: Catholic Attacked During Mass In Philadelphia

Soros-Backed District Attorney Signals Willingness To Arrest Feds, Appears To Compare Them To Nazis

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VIRAL VIDEO: Man Without Face Mask Dragged Off Of Bus By Police

Internal Memo Reveals Philadelphia No Longer Arresting People For Long List Of Crimes; Commissioner Offers ‘Clarification’

HATE CRIME HOAX: Civil Rights Mural Defaced In Philly With Racist Language – By A Black Man

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GETZ: Congressmen Demand Answers About Horrifying Anti-Semitic Video In Philadelphia

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