In response to criticism regarding pardons granted to January 6th rioters who assaulted law enforcement, Vance asserted his continued support for these pardons. He argued that the actions of the rioters should be distinguished from what he characterized as the Department of Justice’s politically motivated prosecutions of over 1,000 individuals. This distinction, Vance implied, justified the pardons, despite the rioters’ violent acts against police. The interview highlighted a sharp disagreement over the culpability of the rioters and the fairness of the subsequent legal processes.
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The horrifying story emerging from South Africa involves illegal miners trapped deep underground in abandoned mine shafts, a situation that tragically spiraled into cannibalism due to a multifaceted failure of law enforcement and a desperate struggle for survival. The initial strategy employed by South African police to “smoke out” these hundreds of illegal miners involved cutting off their food and water supplies, hoping to force them to the surface and face arrest. This tactic, however, backfired spectacularly.
Instead of surrendering, the miners remained underground for months, a prolonged stand-off where the desperation of their situation intensified. The lack of food and water forced some miners to resort to cannibalism, a gruesome testament to their plight.… Continue reading
Ohio’s recent law allows police departments to charge up to $750 for body camera footage, sparking outrage among civil rights advocates and families of police brutality victims. This fee, slipped into an omnibus bill without public input, hinders access to crucial evidence like that which led to charges against Officer Ricky Anderson for the killing of Donovan Lewis. Advocates argue this creates a paywall to transparency and accountability, particularly impacting those already grieving and seeking justice. The law’s purported goal is to deter profit-driven content creators, but critics contend it disproportionately affects those directly impacted by police violence.
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Trump’s pardon of two Washington D.C. police officers convicted in the death of a Black man, Karon Hylton-Brown, has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The decision, announced seemingly without much fanfare, raises serious questions about justice, accountability, and the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.
The pardon itself is a stark reminder of the power vested in the presidency, especially concerning the ability to overturn criminal convictions. This power, while constitutionally granted, has historically been wielded with caution, often reserved for cases of significant extenuating circumstances or demonstrable flaws in the legal process. In this instance, the lack of transparency surrounding the pardon and the apparent lack of such justification fuels widespread public outrage.… Continue reading
Arvada reached a $2 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the 2021 police shooting of pregnant Destinee Thompson. The lawsuit, filed by Thompson’s family in 2023, followed the officer’s fatal shooting of the 27-year-old mother during a response to a reported shoplifting incident. While the District Attorney declined to file criminal charges, the city concluded the settlement in July. The settlement’s finalization was recently reflected in court records.
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Following the death of Ramy Elgaml during a police chase in November 2024, protests erupted across several Italian cities, fueled by recently released video footage of the incident. These demonstrations, organized by the Italian Anti-Racist Coordination, escalated in Bologna, where protesters vandalized a synagogue with antisemitic graffiti including the slogan “Justice Free Gaza.” The attack drew strong condemnation from Israeli and Italian officials, including the Italian Prime Minister, who denounced the violence and emphasized that the tragedy should not justify such actions. Several police officers were injured during the protests.
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Seattle Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr fired Officer Kevin Dave for violating four department policies, including unsafe vehicle operation, after he fatally struck Jaahnavi Kandula while responding to a call at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone. This decision followed an Office of Police Accountability investigation and a King County Prosecutor’s Office determination that insufficient evidence existed for felony charges. While acknowledging Dave’s good intentions, Chief Rahr cited the tragic consequences of his dangerous driving as the reason for termination. The incident, further fueled by callous remarks from another officer captured on bodycam footage, sparked widespread outrage and international attention.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report finding that Oklahoma City and its police department discriminate against individuals with behavioral health disabilities, citing unnecessary institutionalization and inappropriate police responses to mental health crises. The DOJ investigation, launched in 2022 following a complaint, revealed a pattern of escalating situations through armed intervention rather than utilizing behavioral health professionals. This often leads to avoidable use of force and unmet mental health needs. The DOJ seeks a resolution with city and state officials but may file suit to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act if necessary.
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Michael Kenyon filed a $15.5 million claim against the city of Phoenix, alleging that Phoenix police officers caused him severe third-degree burns by pinning him to scorching hot pavement for over four minutes on July 6, 2024. The claim cites a lack of officer training and unconstitutional practices, aligning with findings from a recent Department of Justice investigation. Kenyon’s injuries, which include missing flesh, resulted in over a month of hospitalization. The city is conducting an internal investigation, but has yet to release body camera footage.
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Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond dismissed felony assault charges against Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson, who was accused of breaking a 71-year-old man’s neck during a traffic stop altercation. Drummond cited the officer’s adherence to training and a lack of criminal intent, despite video evidence showing Gibson throwing the man to the ground. The decision followed outrage from the victim’s community and the District Attorney’s assertion that the force used was unreasonable. Drummond maintained that the victim’s actions initiated the escalation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood