Law Officer

BLM Protesters Bring A Shotgun To Officer’s Home & Blame Him For Pulling Trigger

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 08:38:01 GMT

On Saturday August 8, around 8pm, about 60 Black Lives Matter protesters attacked (black) Officer Joseph Mensah at his girlfriend’s residence in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin just outside of Milwaukee.

Officer Mensah and his girlfriend were assaulted and attacked by BLM protesters, who went to the residence to vandalize it, as a local BLM leader. However, one of the protesters was armed with a shotgun.

Yes, Black Lives Matter protesters went to the home of a black officer and vandalized it.

Unfortunately, the hypocrisy doesn’t end there.

BLM Leader Seems to Shift the Blame

According a BLM leader, while “peacefully” vandalizing the residence, a shotgun that one of the “peaceful” protesters was carrying somehow fired. The only resemblance of truth is that the shotgun blast barely missed Officer Mensah.

Vaun Mayes, a prominent leader of the Milwaukee Black Lives Matter movement said “protesters went to Mensah’s house to toilet paper and put crime scene tape up. But Mensah came outside,” according to a Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) article. Accordingly, it seems people should wait inside their residences until BLM protesters are done vandalizing it, so as not to disturb the peacefulness of their childish, vandalism. For the record, BLM leaders should note that Halloween usually takes place on the last day of October.

Hypocrisy: It’s the Same BLM Leader Involved in Police Station Firebomb Attempt & Witness Intimidation

But if you’re seriously trying to make sense of the logic of Black Live Matter leadership, in this case it may help to know that Mayes was recently released from jail, and still faces federal charges in a separate case related to a plot to firebomb a Milwaukee police station in 2016, according to a CBS 58 news report.

And it may also help to know that Mayes was later charged with intimidating witnesses involved in the firebomb case, as reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Never mind that BLM protesters went to an officer’s house to vandalize it. And never mind that at least one of the “peaceful” protesters had a shotgun. Mayes apparently tried to downplay the situation by saying “the gun fired.” However, Mayes failed to explain why a “peaceful” protester brought a shotgun to a police officer’s residence in the first place.

So are the citizens of Wauwatosa supposed to believe this was just a “peaceful” Black Lives Matter protest outside a police officer’s residence? Are law-abiding citizens of Wauwatosa and America supposed to believe that surrounding an officer’s residence and vandalizing it—with at least one protestor armed with a shotgun—isn’t violence?

Even More Hypocrisy: State Politician Blames Officer Mensah for Pulling Trigger

Mayes wasn’t the only so-called “leader” involved in the protests against Officer Mensah.

State Representative David Bowen wrote in a press release on State Assembly letterhead, that he was among the “passionate people” who were “peacefully” protesting outside the residence where Officer Mensah was.

And again, even though at least one “peaceful” protester was carrying a shotgun, Representative Bowen wrote that “It was Joseph Mensah that decided to pull the trigger on somebody else’s firearm.”

Wauwatosa Police officials issued a statement to the media that the evidence, which includes video recordings, does not support Bowen’s claims.

Incidentally, Representative Bowen previously spoke at a protest against Officer Mensah on June 4. And coincidentally, Vaun Mayes, the Milwaukee Black Lives Matter activist facing federal charges regarding the firebombing of a police station, also spoke during the protest.

And in what appears to be a similar attempt to shift the blame away from BLM protesters, Mayes told Heavy.com that Mensah is “taking advantage of the moment.” Mayes also said that “Mensah grabbed at one of the protesters weapons on a sling and the gun fired.” Further, Mayes expressed his disagreement with the way that Officer Mensah and his girlfriend are claiming to be “total victims.”

AN OPEN LETTER TO JONAS BROTHERS AND JAY Z, TEAM ROC

The Ultimate Hypocrisy: White City Official Wants Black Officer Fired to Fix “Racist History”

Even more unbelievably, the attack comes a few weeks after Wauwatosa Alderperson Heather Kuhl, demanded that Officer Mensah be fired to help “repair the damage” of Wauwatosa’s “racist history.” Mensah was suspended the next day.

Yes you read that right, a white city official demanded the firing of a black officer to somehow fix the city’s “racist history.”

Isn’t this the kind of “systematic” racism that everyone claims to be protesting about?

COWARDLY LEADERS HAVE CREATED CHAOS IN WAUWATOSA

It’s Time to Stop the Hypocrisy

Just so we are clear…

Are citizens of Wauwatosa and the rest of America supposed to believe that Black Lives Matter protesters hypocritically demanding that a black officer be fired just “peacefully” surrounded and vandalized the officer’s residence—and that the black police officer took “advantage of the moment” to use some “peaceful” unidentified person’s safely slung shotgun to shoot himself so he could claim to be a “victim”?

We believe the criminal investigation—and the evidence in the ensuing criminal trial(s)—will likely prove otherwise.

Defend The Heroes is a non-profit organization that helps defend law enforcement professionals and agencies from defamation and the outrageous demands of so-called “social justice.” Law Officer is a proud partner of Defend The Heroes.

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Defend Heroes

Defend The Heroes is a non-profit organization that exists to help defend law enforcement professionals and agencies from defamation, and the demands of so-called social “justice.” Law Officer is a proud partner of this important organization. Find out how you can help at: www.defendheroes.org

North Carolina man arrested after witnesses see him execute little boy next door

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 21:12:43 GMT

WILSON, N.C. — On Sunday, Darius Sessoms, 25, allegedly murdered a little boy playing next door, Cannon Hinnant, 5, in front of the boy’s two sisters.

Sessoms, who lived next door from the victim’s father, ran across the lawn to Hinnant and shot him in the head at point-black range as his two sisters, ages seven and eight, looked on, neighbors said, according to WRAL. Hinnant was in the front yard riding his bike at the time he was murdered.

The boy’s father, too distraught to speak to local news on camera, was heard screaming after the shooting, witnesses said. The man rushed out to hold his bleeding son before Hinnant was taken to a nearby medical center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Sessoms took off in a black vehicle after the shooting and was not apprehended until Monday by U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, Goldsboro police, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, according to WRAL.

The suspect has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond at the Wilson County Jail, Daily Wire reported.

HOW DID THREE MARXIST-INSPIRED WOMEN WHO BEGAN BLM DUPE AN ENTIRE COUNTRY?

During a court hearing on Tuesday morning, the report noted, Sessoms “said he planned to hire his own lawyer and rejected an attempt to have a judge appoint an attorney for him.”

“Our neighbor saw it,” one neighbor recalled, according to ABC 11 Eyewitness News. “She said he (Sessoms) just — the young man just walked up to the little boy who was just sitting on his bike.”

“I just don’t understand why he did it,” the neighbor added. “How can you walk up to a little boy point-blank and put a gun to his head, and just shoot him? How can anyone do that?”

The suspect reportedly had dinner with the victim’s family on Friday night, two nights before the shooting, according to WRAL.com, and Sessoms was at the family’s home the afternoon preceding the murder.

The report noted that the shooting was “not an accident.”

The five-year-old, according to his family, loved to ride his bike and loved animals. He was supposed to start kindergarten next week.

BLM PROTESTER BRINGS SHOTGUN TO OFFICER’S HOME, LEADERS BLAME HIM FOR PULLING TRIGGER

“Say his name,” The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh said via Twitter. “Five-year-old Cannon Hinnant was executed in cold blood while riding his bike. The accused killer is Darius Sessoms. He allegedly walked up to the boy and shot him dead in front of his sisters. Reverse the races and this is the only thing anyone talks about for a month.”

Say his name. 5 year old Cannon Hinnant was executed in cold blood while riding his bike. The accused killer is Darius Sessoms. He allegedly walked up to the boy and shot him dead in front of his sisters. Reverse the races and this is the only thing anyone talks about for a month pic.twitter.com/5V72YhAOlI

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) August 11, 2020

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Law Officer is the only major law enforcement publication and website owned and operated by law enforcement. This unique facet makes Law Officer much more than just a publishing company but is a true advocate for the profession.

K9 Mik survives gunshot wound to his face during fatal officer involved shooting

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 19:07:08 GMT

ROY, Utah – One man was shot and killed and another was taken into custody after an officer-involved shooting, according to officials with the Roy Police Department.

Police said an officer initiated a traffic stop around 2 a.m. Saturday for a traffic violation. The officer made contact and had a discussion with two occupants before they fled in the vehicle.

The officer briefly chased the vehicle before terminating the pursuit, KSL-TV reported.

However, a short time later police received reports that the vehicle had stopped in a large field near 2640 North and 1700 West in Clinton, near the city’s boundary with Roy.

“As officers approached the vehicle, they were subjected to gunfire from one of the subjects,” Roy police said. “Officers returned fire.”

Mik, who is a @RoyCityPD K9, was shot in his face but is expected to live. A Roy patrol car was also shot. The second man who was in that car is now in police custody. pic.twitter.com/m2eHtcTMaO

— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) August 8, 2020

As a result of the shooting, officials said K9 Mik was struck in the face by gunfire and was being treated at an animal hospital emergency room on Saturday.

One Roy patrol vehicle was struck by gunfire on the driver’s side of the windshield, according to police.

A spokesman for Roy Police Department told KSL-TV that one suspect was killed and the other was taken into custody.

“The length (time/distance) of the pursuit, the number of officers who fired their weapons and an exact timeline of the incident are currently under investigation,” police said on Saturday. “The officers involved will be placed on administrative leave during this investigation.”

BLM PROTESTER PULLS GUN ON DRIVER TRYING TO USE ROADWAY

Police said the suspects were identified on Saturday, but their names and ages were not released at the time of report.

Per protocol, officials from the Weber and Davis county attorney’s offices were on scene and handling the investigation, according to police.

“It’s definitely something that’s always in the backs of our minds,” said Officer Joshua Taylor with the Roy Police Department. “It’s never something anybody ever wants to go through, but we here receive a lot of training, and I think that helps us.”

In the meantime, Law Officer is happy to report that K9 Mik is recovering from emergency surgery. The police department provided encouraging information on their Facebook page Sunday.

ROY POLICE DEPARTMENT FACEBOOK POST:

***UPDATE ON K9*** After being shot in the line of duty, K9 Mik underwent life saving surgery yesterday, 08/08/20.

The following is a message from K9 Mik’s handler –

“Here are a couple pictures we were able to get of Mik coming home and relaxing.
He was expected to be in the hospital for a few more days, but was doing so well that they sent him home early. He is resting very comfortably and getting very spoiled”.

Here is a message from K9 Mik –

“Woof woof woof”
– Translation “I’m still in pain, but I am excited to get back to work and serve the people of Roy. Thank you to everyone for your support!”

K9 Mik is recovering following emergency surgery for a gunshot wound to the face. (Roy Police Department)

K9 Mik (Roy Police Department Facebook)

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Seattle Christians not intimidated by violent protesters during ‘Riot to Revival’ service

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:03:37 GMT

SEATTLE — Hundreds of Christians in Seattle turned out Monday in the area formerly dubbed Capitol Hill Organized Protest, or CHOP, and were confronted by “violent protesters” who flashed knives, shouted obscenities at local black pastors and hailed Satan, according to worship leader Sean Feucht.

Worshippers sang Gospel music, prayed and some were even baptized, said Feucht, who is the founder of “Hold the Line” ministries. The massive service at Cal Anderson Park was held amid coronavirus restrictions on large gatherings, which KING-TV highlighted.

“The worshippers in Seattle are the most courageous and bold in America!!!! THEY WIN AFTER TONIGHT!!! It was absolutely bonkers in so many ways!!” Feucht said in an Instagram post.

“Violent protestors showed up flashing knives! We had an entire satanic cult march through the worshippers the entire time yelling ‘Hail Satan!’ We had white Antifa yelling & threatening black local pastors! They yelled obscenities and cursed at my wife and kids all night long!” he said, FOX News reported.

View this post on Instagram

The worshippers in Seattle are the most courageous and bold in America!!!! THEY WIN AFTER TONIGHT!!! It was absolutely bonkers in so many ways!! Violent protestors showed up flashing knives! We had an entire satanic cult march through the worshippers the entire time yelling “Hail Satan!” We had white Antifa yelling & threatening black local pastors! They yelled obscenities and cursed at my wife and kids all night long! At one point, I had about 30 stationed body guards around myself and the band (you can see them in this vid) as they kept trying to storm the band and tackle them. They broke drums and guitar pedals! They killed our generators at one point…yet through it all…SEATTLE NEVER STOPPED SINGING!!! We saw salvations, healings, miracles and baptisms! It was on another level! THE CHURCH REFUSED TO BE INTIMIDATED AND GOD KEPT POURING OUT! Tomorrow you’ll see more proof of this!!!! But we made it out of the lions den of CHOP alive and have story after story of Gods power and might! I AM SO LIT ON FIRE BY YOUR WORSHIP SEATTLE!! WELL DONE!!!!!! [thank you to the burly bodyguards!] #LetUsWorship #Seattle

A post shared by S E A N F E U C H T (@seanfeucht) on Aug 9, 2020 at 9:39pm PDT

Feucht said he had about 30 bodyguards stationed around him to keep back protesters, who tried to disrupt the service and broke the band’s drums and guitar pedals.

“They killed our generators at one point…yet through it all…SEATTLE NEVER STOPPED SINGING!!!” Feucht said. “THE CHURCH REFUSED TO BE INTIMIDATED AND GOD KEPT POURING OUT!”

In one video purportedly taken from a protester’s livestream, crowds erupted in song and dance despite the interruptions.

“The more I yell at them… the more fun they have. The more fun they f***in’ have dude. This sh** is ridiculous,” someone says.

CARMEN BEST, SEATTLE’S TOP COP, EMAILS RESIGNATION NOTICE TO OFFICERS

One photo showed a man in black clothing and wearing a facial covering holding a sign that read: “Hail Satan.” He appeared to be alone and a group of worshippers approached him.

View this post on Instagram

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” Billy Graham Worshipping through the chaos, confusion and attacks of last night in the area formerly known as CHOP released such courage across America and the world. Seattle: You stiffened our SPINES!!!! My phone is blowing up all morning from this testimony going VIRAL! (Even the Middle Eastern church is proud!) The time for courageous Christianity is here. No more backing down and fleeing for the suburbs. Jesus is coming for the hardest parts of our cities and He’s jealous for praise, love & salvation to fill the streets. The last video (SWIPE) is from a protestor’s LIVE FEED showing his bewilderment that the church did not stop!!! It’s VERY EXPLICIT language (so don’t swipe and then be offended at me please ). Can you believe they broadcasted God moving live FOR US?!? These are REVIVAL DAYS my friends but there is A COST. So many were saved, healed and delivered last night! We can’t stop now! #LetUsWorship On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18

A post shared by S E A N F E U C H T (@seanfeucht) on Aug 10, 2020 at 8:05am PDT

Several other photos shared by Feucht showed crowds, including children smiling with their arms up or bowing their heads in prayer.

“The time for courageous Christianity is here. No more backing down and fleeing for the suburbs. Jesus is coming for the hardest parts of our cities and He’s jealous for praise, love & salvation to fill the streets,” Feucht wrote.

BLM PULLS GUN ON DRIVER TRYING TO USE ROADWAY

Under Gov. Jay Inslee’s Phase 2 restrictions for faith-based and religious services, outdoor gatherings are restricted to 100 people, must be held on or near the organization’s property, and require congregants to wear masks or facial coverings and adhere to social distancing when possible.

Yet what happens when a worship service, which is heavily restricted by the government due to fears of coronavirus, intersects with violent protests, which are overwhelmingly protected by woke government leaders? … You get Monday night in Seattle!

Monday’s service came hours before Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best emailed her resignation notice following the city council’s decision to slash the department’s budget.

SEATTLE CHIEF CARMEN BEST EMAILED HER RESIGNATION NOTICE AFTER COUNCIL ANNOUNCES DRASTIC CUTS TO POLICE BUDGET

Feucht held another “Riot to Revival” service in Portland on Saturday, with thousands of worshippers in attendance. He has also hosted “Let Us Worship” protests in California to encourage Christians to become more involved in politics and fight against the “double standard” seen in coronavirus restrictions.

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BLM Protester Brings Shotgun To Officer’s Home, Leaders Blame Him For Firing It

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:15:45 GMT

On Saturday August 8, around 8pm, about 60 Black Lives Matter protesters attacked (black) Officer Joseph Mensah at his girlfriend’s residence in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin just outside of Milwaukee.

Yes, Black Lives Matter protesters went to the home of a black officer and vandalized it.

Unfortunately, the hypocrisy doesn’t end there.

BLM Leader Seems to Shift the Blame

Hypocrisy: It’s the Same BLM Leader Involved in Police Station Firebomb Attempt & Witness Intimidation

And it may also help to know that Mayes was later charged with intimidating witnesses involved in the firebomb case, as reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Even More Hypocrisy: State Politician Blames Officer Mensah

Mayes wasn’t the only so-called “leader” involved in the protests against Officer Mensah.

Representative Bowen previously spoke at a protest against Officer Mensah on June 4. Coincidentally, Vaun Mayes, the Milwaukee Black Lives Matter activist facing federal charges regarding the firebombing of a police station also spoke during the protest.

AN OPEN LETTER TO JONAS BROTHERS AND JAY Z, TEAM ROC

The Ultimate Hypocrisy: White City Official Wants Black Officer Fired to Fix “Racist History”

Yes you read that right, a white city official demanded the firing of a black officer to somehow fix the city’s “racist history.”

Isn’t this the kind of “systematic” racism that everyone claims to be protesting about?

COWARDLY LEADERS HAVE CREATED CHAOS IN WAUWATOSA

It’s Time to Stop the Hypocrisy

Just so we are clear…

We believe the criminal investigation—and the evidence in the ensuing criminal trial(s)—will likely prove otherwise.

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BLM says $60M in Chicago property damage and looting are ‘reparations’

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:09:27 GMT

CHICAGO — Black Lives Matter members in Chicago held a rally on Monday to support the more than 100 arrested last night following widespread looting and rioting that caused at least $60 million in property damage and saw 13 police officers injured, according to a report.

The rally was organized by Black Lives Matter Chicago and was held at a police station in the South Loop where organizers say individuals are currently being held in custody. At least one organizer called the looting tantamount to “reparations.”

HOW DID THREE MARXIST-INSPIRED WOMEN WHO BEGAN BLM DUPE THE ENTIRE COUNTRY?

“I don’t care if someone decides to loot a Gucci or a Macy’s or a Nike store, because that makes sure that person eats,” said Ariel Atkins, a BLM organizer, according to NBC 5 Chicago. “That makes sure that person has clothes.”

“That is reparations,” Atkins continued. “Anything they wanted to take, they can take it because these businesses have insurance.”

The unrest was prompted by a social media post urging people to converge on Chicago’s business district after police shot a man on the South Side around 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Officers had responded to a call about a man with a gun in the Englewood neighborhood. While being pursued by police, the man, who was on foot, “turned and fired shots” at officers before being struck himself and taken to a local hospital, Law Officer reported.

COMPLETE ANARCHY OVERWHELMS CHICAGO AFTER OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

Latrell Allen, 20, was charged with attempted murder Monday after firing on officers, said Chicago police, Fox News reported. A video posted on Facebook around 6:30 p.m. falsely claimed that officers had shot and killed a 15-year-old boy.

“We do have an officer that was maced by someone in the crowd. We do have an officer that sustained a shoulder injury from the incident with the crowd. One of our vehicles, the windows were shattered by a brick,” said Chicago Police Deputy Chief Delonda Tally, reported Fox 32 Chicago.

Tally said the violent outburst from the crowd was a direct response of one agitator – a man who said he witnessed the shooting and claimed police confiscated his phone afterward. He was heard saying, “The officer shot the man again even when he told them I’m down.”

The shooting prompted hundreds of people to descend on downtown Chicago early Monday with vandals smashing the windows of dozens of businesses and making off with merchandise, cash machines and anything else they could carry, police said.

“This was not an organized protest. Rather, this was an incident of pure criminality,” Police Superintendent David Brown told reporters. “This was an act of violence against our police officers and against our city.”

MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICERS WILL NOT GET A FAIR TRIAL WITHOUT TV CAMERAS IN THE COURTROOM

Black Lives Matter Chicago issued a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times that read, “The mayor clearly has not learned anything since May, and she would be wise to understand that the people will keep rising up until the [Chicago Police Department] is abolished and our Black communities are fully invested in,” the group said in a statement.

“Police say a lot of things,” Atkins added. “Even though the Department of Justice said with the consent decree they are no longer allowed to chase people, they decided they were going to chase, and they shot this young man multiple times.”

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Seattle Chief Carmen Best emails resignation notice after drastic cuts to police budget

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:08:13 GMT

SEATTLE — Carmen Best, the Seattle police chief, emailed her resignation notice to police officers in the department late Monday hours after the City Council made good on its promise to approve sweeping proposals that would cut about 100 officers and slash the department’s budget.

Best’s email, which was obtained by Jason Rantz, a radio host in the city, said that her retirement will be effective Sept. 2.

#BREAKINGNEWS: Chief Carmen Best just emailed her resignation notice to Seattle police officers. pic.twitter.com/Y8y7etOXvU

— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) August 11, 2020

“I wanted you to hear this from me, but some media have reached this conclusion on their own,” she wrote. “This was a difficult decision for me, but when it’s time, it’s time.”

She thanked Mayor Jenny Durkan for her “her continuous support” and said that the department is “truly the best police department in the country, and please trust me when I say, the vast majority of the people in Seattle support you and appreciate you.”

Since protests, riots, and defunding police have been in vogue the past few months, Seattle’s City Council has earnestly said they would drastically reduce money going to the police department. Now they have done it, Law Officer reported.

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL DEFUNDS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, CUTS 100 COPS

Durkan and Best have urged the council to slow down its discussions about police budgets, saying the issue could be thoroughly analyzed when the 2021 city budget is considered, Fox News reported.

They also said any layoffs would disproportionately target newer officers, often hired from minority communities, and would inevitably lead to lawsuits.

During the ongoing debate, Councilmember Lisa Herbold actually recommended laying off white officers to avoid losing minorities during the sweeping cuts. While the proposal had its political allies, it was also soundly criticized for seemingly violating federal law and Supreme Court precedent barring racial discrimination, Law Officer reported.

Councilmember Lisa Herbold proposed laying off white officers. (Seattle.gov)

Brandi Kruse, a reporter for Q13 Fox, tweeted that there is a press conference set for 11 a.m. Tuesday. She said two sources told her that the announcement is imminent.

BREAKING: Seattle Police Chief @CarmenBest is going to resign, two sources familiar with her decision confirm. The announcement is imminent, I'm told. There is an 11am presser scheduled for tomorrow with the Mayor. Unclear if announcement will take place then. (THREAD) #Q13FOX pic.twitter.com/K5D7GRyfmA

— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) August 11, 2020

The City Council also cut Best’s roughly $285,000 annual salary and the pay of other top police leaders, although the final cuts to Best’s salary were significantly more modest than those approved last week. The council plan also takes officers off a team that removes homeless camps.

BLM PROTESTER PULLS GUN ON DRIVER TRYING TO USE ROADWAY

On Monday, only council member Kshama Sawant voted against the budget package, saying it does not do enough to defund the police, Fox reported.

Best, who served in the department for 28 years, ended her email that she looks forward to “seeing how this department moves forward through the process of re-envisioning public safety. I relish the work that will be done by all of you.”

Nevertheless, she will not be around as the city dramatically scales back public safety services.

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Seattle City Council DEFUNDS the police department, cuts 100 cops

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 04:07:49 GMT

The Seattle City Council approved a proposal Monday that would reduce the police department by as many as 100 officers through layoffs and attrition.

The action comes following demonstrations and riots since the killing of George Floyd.

BLM PROTESTERS SHOOT AT BLACK OFFICER AT HOME

It was opposed by Police Chief Carmen Best and Mayor Jenny Durkan.

The measure will cut around 4 million dollars from the department’s budget but the cut wasn’t enough for council member Kshama Sawant who voted against the budget package.

Black Lives Matter protesters have called for a 50% reduction.

THE JONAS BROTHERS DEMAND THE PROSECUTION OF BLACK OFFICER

The chief’s salary was also cut and the council removed officers from a unit designed to remove homeless camps.

Mayor Durkan and Chief Best said that the layoffs would disproportionately target newer officers, many of them hired from Black and brown communities.

THE COPS I KNOW

The mayor has an existing plan, outside of this measure that reduces the budget by 75 million dollars by transferring parking enforcement officers, the 911 call center and other areas out of the department.

As the Daily Mail reported, the decision came just a day after thousands of pro-police supporters attended a ‘Back the Blue’ rally at city hall.

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NHL legend shows gratitude for Massachusetts police

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 23:17:39 GMT

BARNSTABLE, Mass. — A Boston Bruins legend showed his gratitude for police officers on Cape Cod by gifting them autographed pictures of his most iconic goal.

Bobby Orr visited the Barnstable and Bourne police departments on Monday. His goal was to thank the officers for their service to the community, WCVB reported.

The Hockey Hall of Famer gave the officers signed photos of “The Goal,” which won the Bruins the 1970 Stanley Cup.

To show their amazement and appreciation, both police agencies shared a photo of Orr’s visit on their Facebook pages.

BLM PROTESTER PULLS GUN ON DRIVER TRYING TO USE ROADWAY

In April, the hockey icon wrote a thank you letter to the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, whom he called “true heroes” for their work during the coronavirus pandemic, WCVB reported.

COMPLETE ANARCHY OVERWHELMS CHICAGO AFTER OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

The 50th anniversary of Orr’s famous overtime, title-clinching goal against the St. Louis Blues was celebrated on May 10 of this year, according to the news organization.

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President Trump abruptly escorted from White House briefing room due to nearby shooting

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 22:29:49 GMT

WASHINGTON — President Trump on Monday was abruptly escorted away from the White House briefing room just a few minutes after taking the podium for a press briefing, but quickly returned to tell reporters, “There was a shooting outside of the White House.”

Telling reporters what he knew about the situation, the president said it “seems” a person was shot by Secret Service and has been taken to the hospital, FOX reported.

Several minutes after initially taking the podium, someone – who appeared to be a Secret Service agent – told the president something before Trump stopped and walked out of the room.

“Excuse me?” the president said to the agent before exiting.

While reporting on live TV, John Roberts of FOX News reported hearing the sound of gunshots outside the White House as the briefing began.

When Trump returned to the podium, reporters peppered him with questions regarding the shooting.

Trump said a shooting took place outside the premises of the White House near the fence. He said more information would be released later by the U.S. Secret Service, but there was no further threat to the Capitol or the White House.

One reporter asked if the shooting unnerved him. Calmly, he asked if he appeared bothered, while heaping praise on the security provided by the Secret Service.

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Bikers heading to Sturgis get blocked at Tribal land checkpoints

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 22:12:17 GMT

Convoys consisting of of bikers headed to a South Dakota rally are not allowed to cross Cheyenne River Sioux checkpoints on their way to the event, according to a Native American spokesman.

The spokesman said Saturday that travelers would be stopped on their way to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, in the name of preventing coronavirus from spreading any further.

The seven tribes that make up the Sioux Nation are now in a fight with federal and state officials, who deemed such checkpoints to be illegal, FOX reported.

A duty officer for the Cheyenne River Sioux told the Guardian Saturday that commercial and emergency vehicles will be allowed through the checkpoints, but nothing else. Some reservations have reportedly turned away bikers already.

BLM PROTESTER PULLS GUN ON DRIVER TRYING TO USE ROADWAY

Crowds had gathered for the start of the 10-day event on Friday, with many bikers adopting an attitude of defiance toward the COVID-19 restrictions that have drastically changed day-to-day life.

“Screw COVID,” read the design on one of the T-shirts being sold. “I went to Sturgis.”

Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, has supported the Sturgis rally, citing the fact that no infections were reported as a result of the event held by President Trump at Mt. Rushmore last month. She’s also avoided a mask mandate and highlighted the idea of personal responsibility.

For Arizona resident Stephen Sample, 66, who rode his bike to the event, the gathering is a break from the mostly monotonous routine of the last several months.

“I don’t want to die, but I don’t want to be cooped up all my life either,” he said.

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Retired police officer tracks down fugitive who shot him nearly 50 years ago

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 20:45:32 GMT

Retired Denver police officer Daril Cinquanta never forgot the man who shot him while he was on duty in 1971. So when the man, Luis Archuleta, escaped from prison in 1974, the officer kept his assailant on his mind. Now, fast forward several decades. As a retiree, Cinquanta made it his mission to track down Archuleta; and he did.

Cinquanta spent years reaching out to contacts hoping to develop leads on Archuleta’s whereabouts. In the 1980s, information led him to believe that Archuleta was in San Jose, Calif., but it was a dead end.

Moreover, Archuleta’s escape was even highlighted on the television show “America’s Most Wanted.”

Yet, Cinquanta’s persistence paid off after nearly 50 years when he got an anonymous call on June 24 suggesting that he look up a name: Ramon Montoya.

The caller believed that the fugitive who shot Cinquanta was going by that name, and provided an address in Española, N.M., about 25 miles north of Santa Fe, reported the New York Times.

Some investigative footwork discovered that Montoya had been charged in 2011 with DUI. When Cinquanta searched the arrest, the person in the booking photo looking back at him was a considerably older version of Archuleta.

BLM PROTESTER PULLS GUN ON DRIVER TRYING TO USE ROADWAY

Acting on information Cinquanta shared with the Española Police Department and the F.B.I., the authorities on Aug. 5 arrested Archuleta, 77, who also used the alias, Larry Pusateri, according to the Times report.

Lawrence Pusateri in 1973. (Photo via Santa Fe New Mexican)

Archuleta had been living under the identity of Ramon Montoya for almost 40 years, the F.B.I. said. He lived in a modest Española home that he shared with a woman, the authorities said.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that many of the people in Archuleta’s neighborhood knew little about a Ramon Montoya.

“I told people it was like a hobby,” Cinquanta, 72, said of his efforts to find his assailant. “I mean it kind of was. He shot me, he was dangerous and he was out there.”

Daril Cinquanta (Photo via Santa Fe New Mexican)

According to the New York Times, Cinquanta and Archuleta’s paths first crossed on Oct. 2, 1971, when rookie Officer Cinquanta spotted Archuleta in a car with two women.

To him, Archuleta looked “like a bad guy,” he recalled.

Indeed, five months earlier, Archuleta had been serving a sentence for burglary and drug possession convictions. However, he escaped from a California prison “after putting dummies in the form of blankets and pillows in his bed,” according to an F.B.I. affidavit.

Cinquanta initiated contact with Archuleta, requested his identification and asked him to get out of the vehicle.

The two walked to the rear of Archuleta’s car, where he pulled a gun from his waistband. Cinquanta tried to reach for the firearm as the two men struggled for control. In the process, Archuleta shot Cinquanta in the stomach and fled.

“Back in those days, we didn’t have bulletproof vests, nor did we have radios that came out of the car,” Cinquanta said. “So I had to crawl to the car to call for help.”

LOUISVILLE POLICE BAN STREET PROTESTS AFTER MONTHS OF BLM MARCHING

An F.B.I. affidavit tells a sweeping story of Archuleta’s return to Colorado, and later, his second escape from confinement, according to the Times.

Investigators tracked down Archuleta months later, after he was arrested in Mexico on drug-trafficking charges. As he was being booked, officials learned of his warrants in the United States. In 1973, he was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon of a police officer and sentenced to up to 14 years in prison.

However, his prison confinement ended nearly 17 months later when Archuleta escaped from a state hospital in Pueblo, Colo., with another inmate, Sidney Riley.

As the story goes, Archuleta and Riley, along with three other inmates, were transported to the hospital for medical appointments. Riley asked to go to the restroom multiple times when they arrived, the F.B.I. affidavit said.

Archuleta was given permission to go to the restroom but never returned. A correctional officer who went to check on him was met by Archuleta, who pointed a gun at the officer. Riley threatened another officer with a gun, and the two inmates fled in a brown sedan.

MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICERS WILL NOT GET A FAIR TRIAL WITHOUT TV CAMERAS IN THE COURTROOM

“This escape was like something out of a Hollywood movie,” Cinquanta said.

The retired Denver cop said local and state authorities exhausted their resources in searching for Archuleta and eventually sought federal help. (Riley was apprehended four days after the escape.)

After Cinquanta’s tip in June, F.B.I. agents interviewed a woman, who identified herself as Archuleta’s ex-wife, as well as Archuleta’s son. Both knew Archuleta as Ramon Montoya, according to the F.B.I. affidavit.

Federal investigators showed them a picture of Archuleta on an F.B.I. wanted poster from 1978, and the two confirmed it was the man they knew as Ramon Montoya.

His son, Mario Montoya, said his father told him that he was wanted and that his real last name was Pusateri, the affidavit said.

Now that Archuleta is back in custody, he appeared in federal court, and arrangements were being made for him to be returned to Colorado.

Cinquanta was a well-known Denver officer who chronicled his police-life in a book, “The Blue Chameleon: The Life Story of a Supercop.” Nevertheless, his career wasn’t without controversy.

COMPLETE ANARCHY OVERWHELMS CHICAGO AFTER OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

In 1989, Cinquanta and another officer were placed on unpaid leave after being charged with 17 counts for “allegedly setting up crimes to entrap suspects,” The Denver Post reported.

Cinquanta, who pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree misconduct, said the charges were “garbage,” and called the accusations untrue.

“Those felonies never stuck,” he said on Sunday. “It was ridiculous. It really was.”

However, a short time later, Cinquanta retired and started his own private investigation firm, while also spending years hoping he’d catch the man who shot him.

“It was like unfinished business,” he said. “Cops and robbers. I felt it was worthy to try to get him, and I did.”

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Law Officer

Federal officers sustained 113 eye injuries from lasers during Portland riots

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:03:20 GMT

The deputy director of the Department of Homeland Security said federal officers in Portland suffered 113 eye injuries while guarding a courthouse from activists armed with powerful lasers.

The usually green beams produce uncomfortable heat, unlike common small red pointers, Ken Cuccinelli said last week at a Senate subcommittee hearing on the clashes in Oregon, the New York Post reported.

“We’ve had a number of officers who have days-long blindness. So far they’ve all kind of come back, if you will,” Cuccinelli said. “But you also get what’s called flash blindness. Think of it as the old Kodak cameras where you get that blue spot and you can’t quite see your entire field of vision for a period.”

(Flickr)

Cuccinelli brought a high-powered laser as a prop to a Senate subcommittee hearing hosted by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) focused on Antifa violence during protests and riots. He said the devices could be purchased on Amazon.

The new laser attacks drew attention last month as President Trump deployed federal officers to bolster the besieged federal court building. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said at a briefing in July that three officers were believed to have been permanently blinded.

BLM PROTESTER PULLS GUN ON DRIVER TRYING TO USE ROADWAY

Although Cuccinelli said all officers recovered their sight, he said activists appeared to be aiming to maximize damage.

“A tactic that quickly developed among the violent participants in these activities was to cut those holes in the shields and instead of standing back at the back of a crowd and aiming at the eyes of officers, they will also now bring the shield up close and bring it right up into you. And so the intensity of the strike to the eyes of the officer is much more significant,” Cuccinelli said.

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Law Officer

Increasing Violent Crime Per Polls And University Data

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:00:34 GMT

Highlights

Violent crime is up 28 percent since 2015 per the Department of Justice.

Seventy-seven percent say they are concerned that crime is rising in the nation’s cities per Harvard CAPS/Harris poll.

Post lockdown homicides were up 37 percent, aggravated assaults rose 35 percent, and robberies increased by 27 percent, per a survey by the University of Missouri.

Cities have been especially hard hit by protests, riots, COVID-19, and challenges to law enforcement. Tax revenues have fallen considerably thus cities are not in a fiscal position to deal with increased crime.

Numerous media reports state that people are leaving cities because of COVID and crime.

Article

A full summation of crime in the US is at Violent and Property Crime Rates. I was asked to provide an update to include the recent increases in urban violence. What’s below is a portion of that assessment.

The dynamics of urban crime have changed considerably in American cities as people were released from COVID-19 lockdowns and the protests and riots after the death of George Floyd, Wikipedia.

There were reports suggesting that rates of violence and social unrest would increase dramatically after the Coronavirus restrictions were lifted. They were correct. Some suggested a fundamental shift in public attitudes post lockdown, Politico.

Crime is Increasing Considerably in Major Cities

There is no one article fully documenting the rise in urban violent crime but news reports suggest that the cities where protests and or riots have occurred are being hit the hardest, Governing.Com.

It’s the African American communities that are bearing the brunt of the violence, NBC News.

In some cities where violence decreased during the pandemic, they still had high rates of previous violent crime. Baltimore, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Chicago all have witnessed a drop of more than 30% during the lockdowns. Violent crimes such as aggravated assaults and robberies also fell substantially, probably guided by the pandemic, NPR. Yet all of the cities mentioned had high rates of violence or increased shootings and homicides post lockdowns.

For a starting point for a list of cities with increases in violence, see Fox News or the Wall Street Journal.

Some suggest that we are experiencing the fastest rise in murder rates since the late 1960s, NY Post.

Fear Of Crime

A majority of Americans say they are concerned about rising crime in U.S. cities, according to a new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll released exclusively to The Hill (the newspaper of Congress).

Seventy-seven percent of respondents say they are concerned that crime is rising in the nation’s cities, while 46 percent of respondents said they were concerned about rising crime in their own communities, The Hill.

Is America Entering a New Era of Increasing Violence?

Probably. Violent crime is increasing substantially in cities throughout the US. The accounts of struggling metropolitan areas are endless, see Most Dangerous Cities.

From 2015 to 2018, the total number of violent victimizations increased by 28% per the National Crime Survey, Bureau Of Justice Statistics.

The number of persons who had been victims of violent crime is up 17 percent from 2015-2017 per the National Crime Survey.

The latest report from the National Crime Survey states that the number of violent incidents increased from 5.2 million in 2017 to 6.0 million in 2018.

Per the National Crime Survey, the seriousness of violent crimes also increased, Serious Violence.

Per Gallup, one percent of Americans were victimized by violent crime in 2016. That tripled to three percent in 2019. 2019 is the first year where violent crime reached three percent, Gallup.

Per the FBI, reported violent crime was flat for 2017 and was down 3.3 percent for 2018 and decreased 3.1 percent for the first six months of 2019. Violent crime per the FBI increased in 2015 and 2016.

But note that the Major Cities Chiefs Association documented a rise in reported homicides and aggravated assaults for all of 2019. Aggravated assaults are, by far, more numerous than other categories of violent crime, Major Cities.

University Of Missouri-Post Lockdown Increases In Violence

At the first meeting, the Council on Criminal Justice released a study of crime during the pandemic, which reported that homicides and aggravated assaults in 27 cities rose significantly in late May and June.

Homicides were up 37 percent, aggravated assaults rose 35 percent, and robberies increased by 27 percent, per a survey by the University of Missouri.

Gun assaults went up during the same period, but the increase was not significantly higher than in previous years.

The study also found that residential burglaries, larcenies, and drug offenses fell significantly during the pandemic.

Commercial burglaries rose 200 percent during a single week in late May and early June and then decreased just as abruptly.

The big increase was likely a result of the property damage and looting at the beginning of protests against police violence after the death of George Floyd, The Crime Report.

Fundamental Question Regarding Violence

Critics insist that crime is down per recent FBI data based on crimes reported to law enforcement (most violent crimes are not reported).

Thus we have a fundamental question, which holds more importance, a 28 percent increase in all violent crime per the National Crime Survey (2015-2018), a tripling of violent crime per Gallup, a rise in homicides and aggravated assaults in 2019 per the Major Cities Chiefs Association, a considerable and recent rise in homicides, aggravated assaults and robberies by the University of Missouri, or a 3.3 percent decrease in 2018 and a 3.1 percent decrease for the first half of 2019 for reported crime from the FBI?

Critics Of This Analysis

It’s fair to state that there are people who disagree with this analysis based on historical lows in crime (which ended in 2015) and the uncertainty of the COVID-crime experience. Several will point to considerable decreases in violent crime during the COVID lockdowns.

There still are people (and organizations) who insist that crime has decreased, not increased and that the current violence in cities is overblown.

For those looking for a more nuanced analysis, VOX offers the following: The data backs up the headlines, suggesting that homicide numbers are significantly higher in at least some major US cities. But it’s not clear if this is part of a nationwide phenomenon, or if it’s something isolated to urban centers, because we don’t have good data outside the large cities. To make matters more confusing, other types of crime, including violent crime overall, appear to have decreased in many of the same cities, VOX. Also, see FiveThirtyEight.

Conclusions

Per data, most Americans are concerned about growing urban violence for good reasons.

Cities have been especially hard hit by protests, riots, COVID-19, and issues within law enforcement. Tax revenues have fallen considerably thus cities are not in a fiscal position to deal with increased crime.

Cities and states are cutting funding for law enforcement for a variety of reasons, Funding Reduced.

There are endless media reports regarding people leaving cities and firearm sales setting records.

It’s going to take an incredible amount of leadership at the local, state, and national levels to come to grips with a problem that was, before 2015, recording some of the lowest rates of violent crime in decades. Law enforcement agencies may have to alter priorities to deal with reduced funding levels, What Americans Think About Defunding.

The good news is that defunding law enforcement is only supported by 15 percent of the population (source above).

See More

preparation of the See more articles on crime and justice at Crime in America.

Most Dangerous Cities/States/Countries at Most Dangerous Cities.

US Crime Rates at Nationwide Crime Rates.

National Offender Recidivism Rates at Offender Recidivism.

The Crime in America.Net RSS feed (https://crimeinamerica.net/?feed=rss2) provides subscribers with a means to stay informed about the latest news, publications, and other announcements from the site.

Contact

My book based on thirty-five years of criminal justice public relations,” Success With The Media: Everything You Need To Survive Reporters and Your Organization” available at Amazon

Reviews are appreciated.

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Leonard Sipes

Leonard Adam Sipes, Jr. - Retired federal senior spokesperson. Thirty-five years of award-winning public relations for national and state criminal justice agencies. Interviewed multiple times by every national news outlet. Former Senior Specialist for Crime Prevention for the Department of Justice’s clearinghouse. Former Director of Information Services, National Crime Prevention Council. Former Adjunct Associate Professor of criminology and public affairs-University of Maryland, University College. Former advisor to presidential and gubernatorial campaigns. Former advisor to the “McGruff-Take a Bite Out of Crime” national media campaign. Certificate of Advanced Study-Johns Hopkins University. Aspiring drummer.

Contact: leonardsipes@gmail.com.

BLM protester pulls gun on driver trying to use roadway

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:29:39 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS — A Black Lives Matter protester is seen on video pulling a gun on a truck in Indianapolis late last week as the truck tried to use the roadway that was occupied by a mob.

According to local media, the incident appears to have happened last Thursday, Daily Wire reported.

The video showed a person draw a handgun as the vehicle tried to get around the protesters. The truck then tried to drive around to the far side of the road in an apparent attempt to get passage by them.

However, the same mob of protesters who initially confronted the driver ran to the other side of the road and prevented the driver from moving forward. The driver eventually had to reverse and turn around to leave the area.

“Come’on buddy, don’t be stupid,” someone shouts at the driver as someone else throws a water bottle at the truck.

COMPLETE ANARCHY OVERWHELMS CHICAGO AFTER OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

The Indianapolis Recorder documented the incident and its description of the vehicle matched the vehicle in the video.

“Underneath the I-65 bridge, tension mounted between several members of the protest and a driver,” the newspaper wrote. “While members of the group tried to redirect traffic, a driver in a blue truck revved the engine, sending protesters scrambling to the sidewalk. One protester, who only identified himself as ‘Icon,’ pulled a gun on the driver.”

The video does not appear to capture the truck revving its engine at protesters, only trying to get around them.

Gun-toting terrorists created by the Democrats unlawfully restrain unarmed citizens. #VoteRed like your life depends on it. pic.twitter.com/0gBMyBQOFC

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) August 10, 2020

“I was scared he was going to kill me,” the person who admitted pulling the firearm told the news organization. “I stepped in front of a little girl when he revved his engine, but, yes, I absolutely drew a gun to defend myself.”

“After a few minutes, the driver turned around, and the protesters continued toward Monument Circle,” the newspaper added. “A group of roughly 10 cars trailed behind the group heading toward Monument Circle. Some honked in solidarity with the protest, others in frustration. ”

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Law Officer

Complete anarchy overwhelms Chicago after officer involved shooting

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:02:19 GMT

CHICAGO — Videos circulating online show widespread looting and confrontation with law enforcement across Chicago’s Magnificent Mile shopping district early Monday. The chaos was sparked by an officer involved shooting hours earlier.

Social media users posted videos of hundreds of people looting stores such as Nordstrom, Walgreens, Macy’s, Coach, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Some exchanged gunfire with police at one point, although no officers were injured.

“Absolute chaos in downtown Chicago with more overnight looting and vandalism in the Loop,” tweeted Ryan Baker, an anchor for WBBM-TV. “Appears to be coordinated effort with minimal police presence.”

Looters broke into a Chicago mall and are looting the place clean tonight. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/wKJZbcvpoZ

— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) August 10, 2020

The unrest began Sunday afternoon, after officers responded to a report of a man with a gun in the city’s Englewood neighborhood. While pursuing that individual on foot, he “turned and fired shots” at officers before being struck himself. As a result, the suspect was taken to a local hospital, Deputy Chief Delonda Tally told Fox 32 Chicago.

LOUISVILLE POLICE BAN STREET PROTESTS AFTER MONTHS OF BLM MARCHING

A crowd that had gathered at the scene then faced off against police and started hurling objects at officers after getting agitated over a false rumor that the suspect – who is in his late teens or early 20s – was a child, investigators said.

“We do have an officer that was maced by someone in the crowd,” Tally told Fox 32 Chicago. “We do have an officer that sustained a shoulder injury from the incident with the crowd. One of our vehicles, the windows were shattered by a brick.”

Police later tweeted an image of a gun they said they recovered at the scene.

Offender’s firearm recovered by police after firing at Officers. Officers returned fire striking the offender. Offender transported to U of C Hospital. pic.twitter.com/UQPmfP3a35

— Tom Ahern (@TomAhernCPD) August 9, 2020

As of Monday morning, the suspect’s condition is unknown, while Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability has launched an investigation into the shooting. Three officers involved in the shooting also were taken to a local hospital for observation, Fox 32 reported.

The Chicago Police Department did not immediately respond to an email from Fox News.

MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICERS WILL NOT GET A FAIR TRIAL WITHOUT TV CAMERAS IN THE COURTROOM

Before long, the unrest developed into mass looting in the Magnificent Mile and other parts of Chicago’s downtown.

Journalist Andy Ngo took to Twitter to say “BLM-inspired rioting and looting is happening in Chicago tonight.” He wrote that police “look completely overwhelmed.”

A look at the debris and damage outside the Best Buy store on Marcey near Clybourn/North pic.twitter.com/yCCKCFuCde

— Sarah Jindra (@SarahJindra) August 10, 2020

The Chicago Tribune reported that it observed people carrying shopping bags full of merchandise in the areas where the looting was happening and at least one U-Haul van was seen pulling up.

Officials told the news organization that several arrests were made and one gun was seized in connection with the looting. A rock also reportedly was thrown at a police car while anti-cop graffiti was spotted in two locations.

THE COPS I KNOW…

The looting began around midnight, yet by around 3 a.m. police appeared to be getting it under control, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Illinois State Police told WMAQ they were called in to help block off expressway ramps going in and out of the Loop area in order to prevent looters from fleeing the scene.

Looting continues this morning. This is the Apple Store at Clybourn/North being hit again around 4:30 a.m. pic.twitter.com/xwpiHt5wDQ

— Sarah Jindra (@SarahJindra) August 10, 2020

The Chicago Transit Authority also tweeted that all bus and train service going into the city’s downtown areas was “temporarily suspended at the request of public safety officials.”

BLM PROTESTERS SHOOT AT BLACK OFFICER AT HOME

The unrest capped off another violent weekend in Chicago that included three deaths. At least 35 people were shot, Fox reported.

From Jan. 1 through the end of July, 440 homicides took place in Chicago and 2,240 people were shot, including many of those who were killed, according to statistics released Saturday by the police department.

Welcome to Chicago. It’s complete anarchy. pic.twitter.com/nuT59QmRHg

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) August 10, 2020

This compares to 290 homicides and 1,480 shootings, including people who were killed, in the first seven months of last year.

WOKE POLITICIANS PUT OFFICER’S LIFE IN DANGER

President Trump recently announced he would send federal agents to Chicago to help local authorities fight crime as part of an operation that started last year.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pushed back in a letter to the White House, writing: “We need you, as president, to take a leadership role in enacting meaningful and common-sense gun legislation, which you so far have refused to do.”

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Law Officer

Louisville police ban street protests after months of BLM marching

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 01:12:03 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Police in Louisville have said, “no more.:” The Kentucky city declared Sunday they are banning all street marches and protest caravans in the wake of a violent weekend clash with police that lead to 12 arrests.

The announcement by the Louisville Metro Police Department also comes after more than 70 days of Black Lives Matter demonstrations over the police shooting death of Breonna Taylor on March 13, when she was killed during a narcotic search warrant service, the New York Post reported.

“LMPD continues to balance the First Amendment right to protest with the public safety needs of the entire community,” the department said on Twitter. “For nearly 75 days, Louisville residents have taken to the streets to express their desire for accountability and change.”

“These caravans continue to pose serious safety risks, for protestors and the public.”

LMPD continues to balance the First Amendment right to protest with the public safety needs of the entire community. For nearly 75 days, Louisville residents have taken to the streets to express their desire for accountability and change. pic.twitter.com/2jNGO2Uayc

— LMPD (@LMPD) August 9, 2020

Effective Sunday, police said all pedestrians in the city must remain on sidewalks “following all laws for pedestrian traffic.”

“Cars and pedestrians will not be allowed to block intersections for any length of time,” the tweet continued. “Participants who refuse to comply with any law or lawful order will be eligible for citation and/or arrest.”

Twelve people were arrested Saturday night for allegedly flipping tables at a Fourth Street Live event and set trashcans on fire, the Louisville Courier-Journal said. Eight of those were on felony charges.

Police spokesman Lamong Washington told the news organization that demonstrators also fired paintballs at passing cars before marching on Jefferson Square.

IF YOU CARE ABOUT BLACK LIVES, SPEAK UP ABOUT JOSEPH MENSAH

Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was sleeping with her boyfriend when police raided her home on March 13 at 1 a.m. Officers returned fire from Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, subsequently killing her.

Walker told police he pulled out a gun — which he is legally licensed to own — not realizing the intruders were police officers. Sgt. Jon Mattingly was wounded during the gunfire that night, Law Officer reported. Walker was not.

As a result of the shooting, Officer Brett Hankison was fired June 23.

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Law Officer

The cops I know…

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 22:23:37 GMT

A friend shared this video with Law Officer. After viewing it, we had to show it to our readers, … because it’s you, … all of you, … the cops we know!

Thank you for doing what you do!

We also appreciate Mike Eveland for publishing the video. Well done!

– Law Officer Staff

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Law Officer

Minneapolis police officers will not get a fair trial without TV cameras in the courtroom

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 21:05:32 GMT

Minneapolis police officers will not get a fair trial without the presence of media cameras in the courtroom, which will give the public details that will be seen by jurors.

I’ve surprised myself by writing the opening sentence since I’ve generally not been a fan of the presence of cameras in the courtroom due to grandstanding and theatrics that can take place. But thus far, leaders in Minneapolis have done nothing to support a sense of transparency.

THE MAYOR KNEW

However, we are living in a moment in history when everything has changed. The four former Minneapolis police officers have already been convicted in the court of public opinion; not just by radicals, but the general public and many law enforcement leaders as well.

Very few people had the courage to say, “Hold on a second, let’s wait for the investigation to unfold.” No, public perception was quickly formed by an incomplete 8 minute, 46 second viral video. People couldn’t get in line fast enough; not just to condemn four Minneapolis police officers, but the entire institution of law enforcement. Now, just a few months later, irreversible changes have been made as exonerating evidence continues to become public, while violent radicals seek to destroy a nation.

HOW DID THREE MARXIST-INSPIRED WOMEN WHO BEGAN BLM DUPE THE ENTIRE COUNTRY?

So how can four cops get a fair trial with overwhelming condemnation of their actions? Once the evidence is presented, will jurors have the courage to vote “not-guilty” if that is their belief?

During the O.J. Simpson trial of the century in 1995, cameras were present in the courtroom, and the public got a firsthand chance to see a homicide trial involving a major celebrity unfold on live TV.

Heading into the trial, most citizens without knowledge of the case believed Simpson was innocent of the murder charges involving his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ron Goldman. Afterall, Simpson was a likeable public figure, and people couldn’t believe he’d be capable of such a heinous crime.

However, by the end of the trial, despite Johnny Cochran’s courtroom theatrics as well as the ultimate jury verdict of not-guilty, the public had a very different perception. Based upon evidence displayed on live TV, most of America believed Simpson was guilty; something later proven by a preponderance of evidence during civil proceedings.

The public perception case against the four former Minneapolis officers is the Simpson case in reverse; almost everyone in the country believes they are guilty. However, closely guarded exonerating evidence is beginning to come to light. Consequently, proof beyond a reasonable doubt is looking more dubious all the time. Is it a standard that will be achieved? Based upon my history as an investigator, I’d say it’s troublesome. Nevertheless, there are still a lot of details that I don’t know, so we need to wait and find out.

THE BIG LIE: THE ACQUITTAL OF CHAUVIN, LANE, KUENG, AND THAO

Yet this is my concern. Without cameras bringing it live to the American public, a not-guilty verdict will be far more burdensome for jurors if they believe the country remains convinced of the officers’ guilt.

Law Officer covered some key facts that will be difficult to overcome by a prosecutor who needs to to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd:

The body camera footage, that the State tried to hide from the public view shows that Floyd repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe well before he was ever restrained on the ground by law enforcement. (The result of narcotics in his system.)
Floyd’s autopsy and toxicology reports documented that his breathing difficulty was not by a knee on his neck or pressure on his back, but by the fact that he had a lethal dose of fentanyl in his bloodstream. In fact, the fentanyl that he had ingested was nearly four times the lethal limit.
Floyd’s blood draw at the hospital established the presence of “Fentanyl 11 ng/mL” (nanograms per mL), among other drugs.
The toxicology reports says, “Signs associated with fentanyl toxicity include severe respiratory depression, seizures,hypotension, coma and death. In fatalities from fentanyl, blood concentrations are variable and have been reported as low as 3 ng/mL.”
Similarly, the toxicology report also disclosed the presence of methamphetamine, which states, “capable of causing hallucinations, aggressive behavior and irrational reactions” as well as “restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, circulatory collapse and convulsions.”
The autopsy disclosed no physical injuries that could account for Floyd’s death.
The leaked bodycam footage corroborated signs/symptoms consistent with excited delirium. Will additional bodycam footage reveal more of the same?
While we don’t yet have all of the body camera footage, the transcriptof the video footage details a play by play of events that the prosecution will try to avoid because it exonerates the officers, including several statements that he couldn’t not breathe, way before they laid him on the ground.
Officer Lane got into the ambulance and assisted with CPR on the way to the hospital.
The first version of the autopsy report didn’t mention “law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression,” and the criminal complaintfiled by prosecutors stated that the autopsy “revealed no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation.” Why was the county report later changed?
Prior to issuing the autopsy report, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s preliminarily details found that the “autopsy revealed no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation. Mr. Floyd had underlying health conditions including coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease. The combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by the police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death.” (Intoxicants later proved to be a lethal dose.)
The preliminary HCME findings were included in the arrest warrant for Chauvin, dated May 29. The toxicology report was dated May 31. How could a prosecutor who is seeking truth file charges prior to completion of the toxicology report when there was reason to believe the cause of death would be revealed in the findings?
Michael Baden never performed an actual (second) autopsy. Therefore, his opinions are greatly influenced by his payday. Moreover, he did not have access to toxicology results, tissue samples, or some organs.
After Baden’s announcement that the case was “a homicide due to the way he was being subdued,” the Hennepin County Medical Examiner amended his report to include the reference to “complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.” How and why did this occur?
Regardless of the viral video showing Chauvin kneeling on Floyd for 8 minutes, 46 seconds, the autopsy report said there was no “conjunctival petechiae” which is a sign of possible mechanical compression of the neck and jugular veins (e.g. choking, strangulation).
The autopsy report said there was: “No injuries of anterior muscles of neck or laryngeal structures” … “No scalp soft tissue, skull or brain injuries” … “No chest wall soft tissue injuries, rib fractures (other than a single rib fracture from CPR), vertebral column in juries, or visceral injuries.”
It is true that the technique used by officers was an approved use of force measure in department policy and it was true that accompanying training discussed. What is also true is the 2018 training on excited delirium given to officers that told them the protocol if they encountered someone exhibiting behavior like Floyd’s.
So the entire case appears to rest on the perception of Chauvin’s “inhumanity” with his knee positioned on Floyd’s head/neck while Floyd was actually in the process of an overdose death.
The answer to these questions in court will likely seal Chauvin’s fate: Was he (Chauvin) actually complying with department policy? Did the department teach/advocate the procedures being used? Was Floyd’s death the result of an overdose of Fentanyl or some manner of positional asphyxia brought on by excited delirium?

Without getting into the apparent biases represented by Attorney General Keith Ellison, who insisted on taking the prosecutorial lead, will the officers get a fair trial in the absence of media cameras in court?

They should, but let’s face it, judges and juries are human. Thus far, there was an extreme rush to judgment (by almost everyone in the country). As a result, groupthink that has already occurred insists that officers be condemned to the gallows.

BLM PROTESTERS SHOOT AT BLACK OFFICER AT HOME

How archaic we have become in such a short amount of time? The practice of due process is being tested as never before! The City of Minneapolis and State of Minnesota seem to have a vested interest in ensuring the officers are found guilty. Therefore, let the cameras role, because if they are found not guilty, the entire country needs to know why!

Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill rejected requests from defense attorneys and media organizations to allow cameras in court during the pretrial hearings. Interestingly enough, prosecutors also objected to the presence of cameras. However, a ruling has not been made whether cameras will be allowed during trial.

Author information

Jim McNeff

Jim McNeff is the managing editor of Law Officer and founder of Badge 145, a ministry geared toward helping police officers and their families.

Jim worked in military and civilian law enforcement for thirty-one years. While in the USAF he flew as a crewmember aboard the National Emergency Airborne Command Post—a presidential support detail. Following his military service, he served for twenty-eight years with the Fountain Valley Police Department in Orange County, California where he retired as a lieutenant. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Southwest University and graduated from the prestigious Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute as well as the IACP course, Leadership in Police Organizations.

In addition to being a Medal of Valor recipient, Jim has authored three books: The Spirit behind Badge 145, Justice Revealed, and Jurisdiction.

Woke Politicians Put Officer’s Life in Danger

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 18:27:20 GMT

In the past weeks, we have extensively covered the unbelievable events in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

This is where (white) officials have demanded the firing of a (black) officer, to somehow fix the damage of the city’s racist past. It is where Black Lives Matter protesters celebrated and cheered when this (black) officer was suspended.

Yes, you read that correctly, BLM protesters demanded the firing of (black) Officer Joseph Mensah who has since been suspended from the Wauwatosa Police Department.

When Words Turn Deadly

Unfortunately, what started out as hateful words has now turned into deadly violence. On August 8, 2020, approximately 60 Black Lives Matter protesters swarmed around the home of Officer Mensah’s girlfriend, attacked her, and fired at Mensah with a shotgun—while chanting “Black Lives Matter.”

Failed Political Leadership Is To Blame

Make no mistake, the actions and violence against Officer Mensah are a result of failed political leadership. And the so-called leadership of Wauwatosa Mayor Daniel McBride, Alderperson Heather Kuhl, and other officials has failed to protect the reputation of Officer Mensah. And now they have failed to protect his personal safety, which they hypocritically claimed to be very concerned about. Or should everyone in Wauwatosa, the greater Milwaukee area, and the rest of America ignore how a (black) police officer was confronted and shot at by protesters shouting “Black Lives Matter”?

On behalf of Officer Mensah, his fellow officers, and law enforcement professionals throughout America—and in solidarity with the President of the Wauwatosa Peace Officers’ Association (WPOA), Officer John Milotzky—we have been demanding answers from the political leaders of Wauwatosa. However, they have chosen to remain quiet.

Milotzky sent out press releases in the past two weeks demanding answers from political leaders about Officer Mensah’s case. Except for the Dan O’Donnell Show, the rest of the local media have ignored Milotzky and the press releases.

Milotzky and Law Officer have reached out to city leaders repeatedly. But we have yet to hear from Mayor McBride or Alderperson Kuhl, or other city officials in response. And although Law Officer reached out to Jay-Z’s Team Roc, the Jonas Brothers, and members of other social justice organizations who demanded action against Officer Mensah, they too have remained oddly silent.

Perhaps ironically, they need to be reminded about how “silence causes violence.”

Speaking Out When Leaders Fail to Speak Up

And whenever political leaders choose to remain silent, all of us should speak out.

Clearly, political leaders have failed the community and citizens of Wauwatosa. They have failed the officers who protect the community as well. And the failed political leadership in Wauwatosa has clearly precipitated violence against a police officer—the same (black) officer they so eagerly wanted fired so they could fix the damage of the city’s racist history, and create a more “inclusive” community, as Alderperson Heather Kuhl bizarrely claimed in demanding the firing of Officer Mensah.

Never Mind Clarifications, We’re Demanding Resignations…

We have demanded clarifications.

But now, due to the silence and the violence that failed political leadership has caused, we will be demanding resignations.

Learn more about the case of Officer Mensah here.

Sign the petition to recall Alderperson Heather Kuhl here.