Following public outcry and a Guardian exposé revealing misconduct, the University of Michigan terminated its contract with City Shield, a private security firm, for undercover surveillance of pro-Palestinian student groups. The university president acknowledged the investigators’ actions violated university values and directives, stating that no one should be targeted for their beliefs. At least $800,000 was paid to City Shield between June 2023 and September 2024, with some evidence collected used to charge and jail students. While the university president claims no targeting occurred, critics argue the surveillance solely focused on pro-Palestinian activists.
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Following a forceful removal of Teresa Borrenphol from a Kootenai County town hall meeting in February, six men have been charged. Paul Trouette, Russell Dunne, Jesse Jones, and Chistopher Berge face charges of battery, false imprisonment, and security violations, while Alex Trouette IV and Michael Keller face lesser security and battery charges respectively. The incident prompted the revocation of Lear Asset Management’s business license. Borrenphol’s initial battery charge was later dropped.
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The US Marshals Service has granted special deputy status to members of Elon Musk’s private security detail, expanding their authority and legal protections. This action, though unusual for private security personnel, allows Musk’s detail enhanced powers, including potentially carrying weapons on federal property, and shifts legal liability to the Marshals Service in case of incidents. The deputization stems from increased security concerns following Musk’s close association with President Trump and a perceived rise in death threats. Similar actions have been taken for other high-profile individuals, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, but the scale of Musk’s security detail has surprised some observers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker