DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ A Capitol rioter pleaded guilty to assaulting police with a skateboard despite yelling, 'We will not concede,' on January 6
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( C. Ryan Barber | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Feds said the son hit a police officer with a skateboard emblazoned with the words "White Fang." The father was charged with fighting a police officer over a baton at the Capitol doors. Prosecutors alleged Grady Owens struck a police officer with a skateboard on the west lawn of the Capitol. Owens' father was arrested two weeks after, on April 16, in Austin, Texas, according to court records. Grady and Jason Owens each face a maximum sentence of 8 years in prison, according to the US attorney's office in Washington, DC.

GOP Sen. Ron Johnson has won re-election to a third term in Wisconsin, NBC News projects, narrowly defeating Democrat Mandela Barnes. “The votes are in,” Johnson said in an email statement that was released before NBC News and other news outlets made the call. But a successful rebrand, as well as unrelenting attacks against Barnes on crime and criminal justice issues, appeared to help Johnson's standing among voters. His campaign focused heavily on promises to protect abortion rights and Social Security benefits. In the final weeks, Johnson focused on crime in particular, unleashing a barrage of negative ads that highlighted rising crime rates and singling out things Barnes had said about criminal justice reform.

☆ Stacey Abrams spent more than $1.2 million on security leading up to her loss in the Georgia governor's race
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( C. Ryan Barber | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The firm, Executive Protection Agencies, has also worked for an Abrams-tied advocacy group. It is unclear what security services Executive Protection Agencies provided to Abrams' campaign, and neither Abrams' campaign nor Executive Protection Agencies responded to Insider's requests for comment. On its website, Executive Protection Agencies advertises its bodyguards as "current or former elite law enforcement officers." Executive Protection Agencies' other clients include Rep. Nikema Williams of Georgia and Warnock, according to disclosures. TwitterOf the more than $1.2 million Abrams' campaign paid for security, only a small sliver went to a firm other than Executive Protection Agencies.

During hours of testimony, Rhodes told jurors that going into the Capitol was "stupid" because it "opened the door for our political enemies to persecute us, and that’s what happened, and here we are." Meggs, Harrelson and Watkins went inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Rhodes said that he was "concerned" on Jan. 6 that Oath Keepers would get caught up "in all the nonsense with the Trump supporters" around the Capitol and that he sent a message on the encrypted app Signal asking Oath Keepers to gather at a spot near the Capitol for that reason. Yet as a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, Rhodes praised the "patriots" and compared their actions to those of the country's founders, according to government evidence presented at trial. Rhodes said that he and the Oath Keepers were prepared to walk the “founders' path” but that even today he hopes conflict can be avoided.

☆ Midterm election unfolds amid backdrop of assault of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband and increased threats against lawmakers
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( C. Ryan Barber | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

On the eve of Election Day, Donald Trump called House Speaker Nancy Pelosi an "animal." Trump's comment came two weeks after Pelosi's husband was violently assaulted inside his home. The assault of Pelosi's husband, Paul, early in the morning of October 28 thrust to the fore the remarkable rise in threats to lawmakers and their families in recent years. In court papers, prosecutors alleged that DePape broke into the Pelosi home in San Francisco and shouted, "Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?" Threats against public officials have increased amid a rise in violent political speech.

☆ Donald Trump calls for the release of hundreds of his supporters arrested in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-05 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Donald Trump called for the release of those arrested in connection with the Capitol riot. Trump has previously expressed sympathy for the rioters and suggested he would pardon them if re-elected. download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy PolicyFormer President Donald Trump called for the release of those arrested in connection with the Capitol riot. Trump said that the verdict "greatly set the Radical Left back" and listed various examples of what he framed as right-wing injustices. Then-US President Donald Trump greets the crowd at the "Stop The Steal" Rally on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC.

☆ A former Oath Keeper testified he was in 'freakout mode and scared' after January 6. 'I'm going to have to tell my mom.'
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( C. Ryan Barber | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A former Oath Keepers member testified at the first seditious conspiracy trial linked to January 6. Graydon Young said he was "regalvanized" by Oath Keepers founder Elmer Stewart Rhodes. Prosecutors showed text messages in which Oath Keepers planned for a revolution-like event. Within weeks of joining the Oath Keepers, in late 2020, he joined a security detail for longtime Trump ally Roger Stone. Inside the Capitol, Young testified Monday, "It was pandemonium."

☆ A timeline of threats against Nancy Pelosi — from the January 6 death threats to a claim about beheading her 'jihadist style' — that preceded the attack on her husband
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A man who violently attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband, Paul Pelosi, may have been looking for her. Nancy Pelosi has faced several threats, including some that resulted in charges or conviction. "Nancy Pelosi is apart [sic] of a satanic cult and so are the people who work closely with her. A relative had informed her of a text Meredith sent in which he threatened Pelosi, prosecutors said. "The attacker who injured Paul Pelosi was looking for Nancy Pelosi, likely wanting to finish the job."

☆ Attack on Pelosi's husband echoes threats pro-Trump rioters made on Jan. 6 while stalking the Capitol's halls
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( C. Ryan Barber | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

after breaking into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home. Paul Pelosi was hospitalized; Speaker Pelosi was in Washington, DC, with a security detail. "Where's Nancy Pelosi?" as he confronted the House speaker's husband, Paul, who was hospitalized following the violent attack. Testifying against Capitol rioter Guy Reffitt, the witness specifically remembered joking about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's head hitting the stairs on the way out of the building.

☆ Guilty: A former Capitol police officer was convicted on a charge he obstructed the January 6 investigation
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( C. Ryan Barber | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A jury found former Capitol police officer Michael Riley guilty Friday of obstructing the investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack. The jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on the charge related to his urging the rioter to remove posts. During the weeklong trial, prosecutors presented multiple messages Riley exchanged with Hiles beginning on January 7. In the first message, Riley introduced himself as a Capitol police officer and warned Hiles to delete social media posts placing him inside the Capitol on January 6. "Hey Jake, im a capitol police officer who agrees with your political stance," Riley wrote to Hiles.

☆ A judge sentenced a Capitol rioter to more than 7 years in prison, saying he'd assaulted Officer Michael Fanone like 'he was your prey'
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( C. Ryan Barber | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Calling him one of the "most serious offenders," a federal judge on Thursday sentenced Capitol rioter Albuquerque Head to more than 7 years in prison for pulling then-police Officer Michael Fanone into the pro-Trump mob during the January 6, 2021 attack. Prosecutors alleged that Head grabbed hold of a riot shield during the January 6 attack and used it against police officers protecting the Capitol. In the aftermath of the January 6 attack, Fanone has emerged as one of the highest-profile police officers who protected the Capitol that day. Ahead of Head's sentencing, prosecutors recommended that he receive an 8-year prison term. Prosecutors showed scarring on Michael Fannone's neck in a court filing recommending an 8-year prison term for Albuquerque Head.

☆ Arizona GOP Chair Kelli Ward asks Supreme Court to block release of phone records to Jan. 6 committee
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Lawrencehurley_Pic.Jpg | Lawrence Hurley | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON — Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to prevent her phone records from being disclosed to the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot. Circuit Court of Appeals, rejected Ward's arguments that the subpoena issued by the committee should be blocked. The committee is currently only pursuing Kelli Ward's records. At the Supreme Court, Ward argued the subpoena violates her right to freedom of association under the Constitution's First Amendment. Those actions have come under scrutiny by the Justice Department as well as the Jan. 6 committee.

☆ 'Loudmouth' Capitol rioter who said elected officials were 'all going to be executed' sentenced to 4 years in prison
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A Memphis man who filmed himself inside the Capitol on Jan. 6 was sentenced to 4 years in prison. Matthew Bledsoe was convicted by a jury in July on several Capitol riot charges. More than 900 people have been arrested on Capitol riot charges, and more than 400 have pleaded guilty. On Friday, US District Judge Beryl Howell sentenced Bledsoe to four years in prison on the obstruction charge, as well as multiple 12- and six-month terms on the other counts. More than 900 people have been arrested on Capitol riot charges and more than 400 have pleaded guilty thus far.

☆ Ex-Capitol Police officer charged with obstruction tells jury he is 'embarrassed' over Facebook chat with Jan. 6 rioter
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Ryan J. Reilly | Ryan J. Reilly Is A Justice Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Riley testified that he regrets reaching out to Hiles “every day” and that this has been “the worst year" of his life. Riley was charged in October 2021, and resigned from the department that month, although the details of his departure and current status have been concealed from jurors. Riley, who fishes in his free time, befriended Hiles, a boat captain with a social media following, shortly before the Capitol attack. “I was mad at myself and I was mad at Jake,” Riley testified. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara asked Riley if he had wanted Hiles charged.

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterProsecutor J.P. Cooney said at Friday's hearing that Bannon chose to "thumb his nose at Congress." Bannon, 68, served as Trump's chief White House strategist during 2017 before a falling out between them that was later patched up. "Today was my judgment day by the judge," Bannon told reporters. In addition to Bannon, prosecutors have charged former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro with contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the same committee, with a Nov. 17 trial date set. "A more egregious contempt of Congress would have been to say 'Screw you Congress, take your subpoena and shove it!'"

Prosecutors on Monday asked the judge to sentence Bannon to six months in prison, while Bannon's attorneys had sought probation. Bannon has played an instrumental role in right-wing media and has promoted right-wing causes and candidates in the United States and abroad. In addition to Bannon, prosecutors have charged former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro with contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the same committee, with a Nov. 17 trial date set. Friday's sentencing does not end Bannon's legal troubles. Trump is facing a federal criminal investigation over the removal of sensitive government records from the White House.

☆ Jan. 6 committee formally subpoenas Trump and says it has 'overwhelming evidence' that he 'orchestrated and oversaw' efforts to overturn the 2020 election
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Sonam Sheth | Lauren Frias | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The Jan. 6 committee formally subpoenaed former President Trump for documents and testimony. The committee laid out in detail Trump's multi-pronged effort to subvert the election results. Trump has until November 4 to produce the relevant documents and was called to testify on November 14. In a letter to Trump, the committee said it has assembled "overwhelming evidence" that he personally "orchestrated and oversaw a multi-part effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election and to obstruct the peaceful transition of power." The panel then laid out in detail Trump's attempts to remain in power despite losing the election to Joe Biden.

Dolan has not pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy, but three other Oath Keepers have. Dolan testified Tuesday that before the Jan. 6 attack, he was drinking — often alone and in his garage — and getting sucked into online conspiracy theories. "I think my biggest trouble is trying to convince myself to say good bye," Dolan wrote in the message to other Florida Oath Keepers. Five members of the Oath Keepers, including Rhodes, are on trial for seditious conspiracy. The government introduced photos of Dolan entering the Capitol, and Dolan testified that he was chanting “treason!” along with other members of the pro-Trump mob.

☆ The House rules chairman blocked Lauren Boebert's measure under a 'new rule' against 'lunatics'
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Rep. Lauren Boebert offered a "rational" amendment, but the House Rules Committee chairman blocked it. Rep. Jim McGovern said his committee's "new rule" is that "if you're batshit crazy, you're not getting an amendment," a new book says. His recollection is described in "Weapons of Mass Delusion: When the Republican Party Lost Its Mind." "As McGovern would recall it, his response was, 'We have a new rule in the Rules Committee. One Republican member told McGovern that, because of the riot, he would vote to uphold the election results.

☆ January 6 trial: Ex-Capitol police officer 'betrayed' his oath by warning a rioter to delete Facebook posts, prosecutors say
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( C. Ryan Barber | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Prosecutors accused a former Capitol police officer of telling a January 6 rioter to delete evidence. But the following day, prosecutors say, Riley messaged Hiles directly over Facebook to urge him to remove posts — including selfies and videos — admitting his presence inside the Capitol. Kicking off Riley's trial on Tuesday, Dohrmann displayed several messages Riley exchanged with Hiles over Facebook in the weeks after January 6. "You see, the defendant never wanted these Facebook messages to see the light of day," she said. Despite Riley's encouragement to delete his Facebook messages, Hiles never removed them, allowing them to be used as evidence against the former Capitol police officer, Dohrmann said.

☆ Kevin McCarthy called his chance of becoming House Speaker a 'silver lining' of the GOP's election lies, book says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

McCarthy partly acknowledged the trouble with Trump's refusal to accept losing the 2020 election. He told a confidant that the "silver lining" is that he has "a pretty good chance of being Speaker in two years." "'The silver lining,' Kevin McCarthy said, 'is that I have a pretty good chance of being Speaker in two years,'" Draper wrote. Trump and his supporters do, in fact, continue to deny the 2020 election results and perpetuate the lie that it was stolen. McCarthy says he's confident Republicans will win control of the House in this fall's elections.

Cummings took the witness stand in the trial of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and four co-defendants - Jessica Watkins, Thomas Caldwell, Kenneth Harrelson and Kelly Meggs. The five are accused of conspiring to try to keep Republican President Donald Trump in power after he had lost the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob charged into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and violently attacked police, but failed to prevent lawmakers from certifying Biden's victory. Prosecutors have said some of the Oath Keepers were among the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol building after he gave a speech repeating his false claims that the election had been stolen from him through widespread voting fraud. The government also alleges the Oath Keepers organized a so-called "quick reaction force" of armed members who were waiting across the Potomac River in Virginia if called upon.

- Nov. 7, 2020 text message from Rhodes to a group of Oath Keepers. - Nov. 7, 2020 in a text message from Rhodes to a group of Oath Keepers. - Jan. 7, 2021 Facebook message from Thomas Caldwell to Donovan Crowl, an Oath Keeper charged in a separate criminal case. - Stewart Rhodes in a December 2020 text discussing logistics ahead of Jan. 6 with a group of Oath Keepers. Prepare your mind, body, spirit," Stewart Rhodes, in a Nov. 5, 2020 text to a group of Oath Keepers.

☆ FBI agent who probed Oath Keepers' role in Jan. 6 Capitol riot to testify in trial
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( Sarah N. Lynch | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - An FBI agent will testify on Tuesday in the trial of the founder of the anti-government Oath Keepers group and four others accused of plotting to use force on Jan. 6, 2021, to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's election victory. FBI Special Agent Byron Cody will resume testifying about evidence the government gathered for the case, including a series of inflammatory texts, speeches and online posts by Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes. A pro-Trump mob charged into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and attacked police, but failed to prevent lawmakers from certifying Biden's victory. Prosecutors this week are expected to call two more FBI agents to testify in the trial, as well as Ernest Hancock, an Arizona-based podcaster. Rhodes is expected to take the stand in his own defense later in the trial.

☆ A cop put on a MAGA hat to save fellow officers on Jan. 6 – and an Oath Keeper helped
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-05 | by ( Ryan J. Reilly | Ryan J. Reilly Is A Justice Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +18 min

“Escorted!”The man escorting them, with the bullhorn in the Eddie Bauer jacket, was a member of the far-right Oath Keepers organization. Three other Oath Keepers — Joshua James, Brian Ulrich and William Todd Wilson — have already pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy. Johnson wasn’t aware that Nichols was an Oath Keeper, nor of who the Oath Keepers were, his lawyer said. ‘They’re being scapegoated’The Oath Keepers charged in the seditious conspiracy, according to the government’s evidence, came prepared on Jan. 6. The judge overseeing the Oath Keepers case said that the evidence can be introduced only if the defendants witnessed it directly.

Search resuls for: "Trump mob"

25 mentions found