Former Republican candidate Solomon Peña has been sentenced to 80 years in federal prison for his role in a series of drive-by shootings targeting the homes of Democratic officials in Albuquerque following the 2020 election. A jury found Peña guilty of conspiracy, weapons, and other charges related to the attacks, which occurred in December 2022 and January 2023. Prosecutors argued Peña sought to terrorize officials due to his belief that the 2022 election was “rigged,” while his lawyers maintained his innocence. The attacks occurred amid rising threats and intimidation against election workers and public officials nationwide, and two other men involved in the shootings have already been sentenced.
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Vance Boelter, accused of killing Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including murder, firearms offenses, and stalking. The 58-year-old faces a potential death penalty if convicted. A revised schedule for the complex case, which involves extensive evidence, was set by the judge, though a trial date has not yet been determined. Boelter is also facing state charges for the attack, which authorities initially described as a politically motivated assassination, and the shooting of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
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In court, the defendant admitted to using “terrible words” while expressing anger. This individual, who previously worked for the FBI and later Project Veritas, faced charges for actions related to January 6. Despite the charges, including trespassing and disrupting government, they were later dropped. This pardoning, along with a senior appointment, indicates a lack of accountability and a willingness to reward individuals who incited violence.
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Texas Democrats who fled to Illinois were indeed forced to evacuate their hotel after receiving a bomb threat, a situation that has understandably sparked a lot of concern and strong reactions. It’s a scenario that evokes a mix of frustration, anger, and fear, reflecting the current political climate. The immediate reality is that these lawmakers, having left Texas in an effort to block the passage of a new congressional district map, were subjected to a direct threat of violence.
The initial report from the St. Charles Police Department in Illinois confirms the bomb threat and the subsequent evacuation of the hotel.… Continue reading
Following a politically-motivated attack in June, Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman has been moved to a rehabilitation facility to continue his recovery. The senator and his wife, Yvette, were shot in the attack, which authorities believe targeted Democrats and those connected to the abortion rights movement. Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in the spree as well. Hoffman was shot nine times, and his wife was shot eight times. Vance Boelter, the alleged shooter, was arrested and is facing multiple federal and state charges.
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Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman has been released from the intensive care unit and is now in a rehabilitation facility following a June shooting. Hoffman was shot nine times after the suspect, who claimed to be a police officer, opened fire. His wife, Yvette Hoffman, who was also injured in the attack, has already been released. The suspect, Vance Boelter, is charged with stalking and murdering another state representative, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, as well as stalking and shooting the Hoffmans.
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A recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll indicates that nearly 73% of Americans believe U.S. democracy is at risk, driven primarily by concerns over political violence and partisan divisions, reflecting a rare consensus across the political spectrum. Despite this shared concern, confidence in political leadership remains low, with varied approval ratings for both the President and Congress. The poll also reveals significant differences on immigration policy and heightened anxiety among specific demographics, particularly white college-educated women and Baby Boomers, underscoring broader unease ahead of a crucial election year. Finally, a large majority of Americans agree that presidents should obey court orders.
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The funeral of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, victims of a politically motivated assassination, was attended by former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, but not the current president. While Trump issued a statement condemning the killings, he simultaneously displayed indifference and callousness by playing golf with Republican leaders and attacking Democrats on social media. Furthermore, Trump implied Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was somehow responsible, adding weight to misinformation and attempting to politicize the tragedy. Rather than offer a unifying response, Trump’s actions underscored his tendency to treat political violence with a partisan slant, in contrast to what a responsible leader would do.
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Minnesota mourned the loss of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was laid to rest alongside her husband after a politically motivated assassination. The attack, which also targeted Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, was carried out by a man impersonating a law enforcement officer. The assailant, Vance Boelter, was apprehended after a large manhunt, and a hit list of other politicians was found in his possession. The funeral was attended by prominent political figures and served as a moment of unity as the nation grapples with increased political violence.
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The Minnesota State Capitol rotunda held a unique memorial service on June 27th for the late State Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark Hortman, and their family dog, Gilbert, who were all killed at their home on June 14th. This event marked the first instance of a woman and an animal being honored in this way at the Minnesota Capitol. Mourners, including many who brought their own dogs, came to pay their respects, reflecting the family’s love for dogs and their community involvement. The alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in connection to the shooting of the Hortmans and Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
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