Author: Tom Darby

Former President Donald J. Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Penn., where chaos erupted as shots rang out, killing one spectator and injuring several others, including Trump.

“Donna and I thank God that former President Trump is safe and unharmed after being shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania,” Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo said. “We are waiting for more information from the Secret Service. In the meantime, we are praying for calm and civility around the country.”

The incident unfolded during Trump’s speech, where he was abruptly interrupted by gunfire. Witnesses reported hearing two bursts of shots, prompting a swift response from security personnel who rushed Trump offstage. Video footage showed the suspected shooter lying motionless on a nearby rooftop shortly after the incident.

Trump, visibly shaken and bleeding from around his ear, was quickly transported to a hospital. In a social media post following the incident, he disclosed that a bullet had pierced the upper part of his right ear.

President Joe Biden condemned the violence in a televised statement, describing it as “sickening.” He later reached out to Trump to express his concern and solidarity.

Law enforcement officials recovered an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle from the scene, believed to have been used by the assailant.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.

Leaders, including Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed shock and solidarity with Mr. Trump. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation of political violence across party lines in the United States.

Despite the harrowing events, the Republican National Convention, where Trump is to be formally nominated, will proceed as scheduled in Milwaukee starting Monday.

The young man who attempted to assassinate Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania is Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old resident of Bethel Park, a suburb south of Pittsburgh. According to reports, Crooks lived in a relatively affluent neighborhood, described as firmly middle-class by local officials.

Dan Grzybek, who represents the area on the county council, recalled meeting Crooks’s parents briefly and described them as pleasant and open-minded. He noted that their family political affiliations were varied, with Crooks registered as a Republican, his mother as a Democrat, and his father as a Libertarian—a reflection of the diverse political landscape in Bethel Park.

Crooks, who graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, was not known to have a criminal history and was fatally shot by Secret Service agents after firing multiple shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking. An AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle was recovered near his body, indicating his weapon of choice during the attack.

The motive behind Crooks’s actions remains unclear, and the FBI is actively investigating, conducting interviews with friends and family, and scouring online activities for potential clues. Law enforcement found Bomb-making materials inside the vehicle and home of the man suspected of shooting Trump.

The shooter’s father, Matthew Crooks, declined to provide details about his son until he talked to law enforcement. His son reportedly used his gun to carry out the attack. The community of Bethel Park has been stunned by the incident, with residents expressing disbelief that such violence could originate from their neighborhood.

The shooting, which resulted in the death of one spectator and critical injuries to two others, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions about security protocols at political events. Leaders from both parties have denounced the attack, emphasizing the need for unity and civility in political discourse.

As investigations continue, federal authorities expect to provide further updates on their findings and the circumstances surrounding the attempted assassination of a former U.S. president.

Sid Miller, the commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, vividly described the chaotic scene when gunfire erupted. Miller recounted the panic and confusion that swept through the crowd.

He observed people bleeding and others screaming while security personnel and law enforcement officers moved swiftly to secure the area and ensure safety. Despite the tense atmosphere, many rallied in solidarity, chanting “U.S.A.!” as Trump left the stage.

The incident drew immediate comparisons to past acts of political violence in U.S. history, such as the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and attempts on the lives of other presidents. The swift response from law enforcement, including the engagement of snipers positioned nearby, underscored the heightened security measures at such events.

Trump, visibly shaken, stood up and acknowledged the crowd after the shooting subsided, raising his fist as a gesture of resilience amidst the turmoil. The rally, initially a show of enthusiastic support, quickly turned into a scene of trauma and disbelief, leaving attendees shaken but thankful that the outcome was not more tragic.

As investigations into the motive and circumstances behind the shooting continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and tensions inherent in American political discourse.

Following the incident, Trump confirmed on Truth Social that a bullet pierced his right ear. Despite this, law enforcement officers and safely ushered him into an SUV.

Eyewitnesses like Tiona Evans, who attended the rally as a birthday gift to herself, expressed profound shock and emotional distress over the day’s events. Attendees exchanged accounts of what they had witnessed amidst rumors and confusion in the aftermath.

Joseph, who was just yards away, describes what happened, “I heard several gunshots. The man beside me suffered a gunshot wound to the head, was instantly killed, fell to the bottom of the bleachers. Another woman looked like she got hit in the forearm or hand.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro identified the deceased victim as Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Penn. He was a former volunteer fire chief for Buffalo Township.

Pennsylvania State Police later identified David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Penn., and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Penn., as the men shot while at the Trump rally. They said the two are in stable condition.

In a single frame of a photograph by veteran photographer Doug Mills, a bullet appears to be streaking near Trump’s head. Former FBI special agent Michael Harrigan noted the technical rarity of capturing such an image, suggesting the trajectory of a high-speed projectile in flight.

Despite the chaos, Trump’s resilience was evident as he arrived in New Jersey, leaving his plane unaided. His injured ear, out of view of the cameras, stood as a stark reminder of the danger faced and the broader implications of political violence in America.

Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, has vowed to seek answers from the Secret Service regarding the incident.

“There are many questions and Americans demand answers. I have already contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and am also calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing,” said Comer.

The shooting, which occurred while Trump addressed supporters at the rally, left him with a bullet grazing his right ear, as depicted in photos showing blood on his ear and face as Secret Service agents swiftly evacuated him from the stage.

According to the Secret Service, the shooter fired from an elevated position outside the venue. “U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” announced Anthony Guglielmi, the agency’s chief spokesperson. Tragically, one rally attendee died after being struck in the head, and two others were critically injured.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whose department oversees the Secret Service, personally briefed President Biden about the shooting. “We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security,” Mayorkas assured.

Criticism has arisen over proposed legislation to remove Secret Service protection from Trump. Allies of the former President have questioned the timing and motives behind such legislative efforts, particularly in light of the recent shooting.

“Leading Democrats introduced legislation intended to strip President Trump of Secret Service protection,” Alex Pfeiffer, spokesman for the Make America Great Again Inc. super PAC, wrote on X. “They did that at the same time as Joe Biden called President Trump a ’dictator,’ and Nancy Pelosi said President Trump ’must be stopped.’”

Last April, key Democrats revealed new legislation that would strip Trump of his Secret Service agents if he was convicted of a felony and sent to prison.

Thompson, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the legislation was to clarify who had custody of Trump in the event he went to prison.

“My bill would not have affected the Secret Service’s presence during this tragic event,” he said. “It aims to clarify lines of authority when a protectee is sentenced to prison and is in the custody of another law enforcement agency. That does not apply to the former President.”

A Manhattan jury in May convicted Trump on 34 counts of allegedly falsifying business records. His sentencing is on Sept. 18.

Thompson said he was concerned that a Secret Service protective detail could lead to accommodations for a former president in prison.

“It is regrettable that it has come to this, but this previously unthought-of scenario could become our reality,” the Mississippi lawmaker said. “Therefore, it is necessary for us to be prepared and update the law so the American people can be assured that protective status does not translate into special treatment — and that those who are sentenced to prison will indeed serve the time required of them.”

America First Legal, an outfit made up of former senior officials from the Trump administration, said Saturday it had filed an open-records request to determine if the Homeland Security Department rebuffed requests for enhanced Secret Service protection for Trump. And allies of Trump are questioning why his opponents want to put his life in more danger by writing legislation that would remove his Secret Service protection.

Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the Biden administration’s decision, through the DHS, to deny Secret Service protection to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign, a move critics say goes towards the inconsistencies in security policy, if not the targeting of political rivals.

My Cousin Elmo says, “I accidently confused the word ‘jacuzzi’ with ‘yakuza’ and now I’m in trouble with the japanesse mob.”

My Cousin Elmo says, “You can’t clean the outhouse while sitting on the hole.”

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has announced plans to donate $16,000 in campaign contributions received from a California family allegedly involved in a campaign contribution laundering scheme.

During his 2022 re-election campaign, Democrat Aaron Ford received $16,000 from David Duong, CEO of California Waste Solutions, and his son, Andy Duong. After making his first donation, Andy Duong posted a picture on Instagram with Attorney General Ford, captioned, “Supporting our phenomenal leader, Aaron Ford, Attorney General of Nevada. Go team #fordfornevada #LB1111.” He also tagged Ford in the post.

Cal Waste Solutions has been under FBI scrutiny since 2019 for allegedly operating a straw-donor money-laundering scheme. In June, the FBI raided the company’s offices, the homes of David and Andy Duong, and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, also implicated in the scheme. The Duong family and Thao maintain their innocence, and details of the FBI investigation remain undisclosed.

Ford’s campaign contributions are part of a broader issue where wealthy special interests use shell companies, intermediaries, or “straw donors” to obscure the source and amount of their political donations. Ford was the only Nevada politician to receive donations from the Duongs, while several California politicians, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Assemblymember Evan Low, and Rep. Adam Schiff, also received contributions.

Following reports of the alleged scheme, Ford released a statement on Monday, July 7.

“After seeing reports on this matter, which was the first time I learned of the allegations, I have chosen to donate the contributions my campaign received to charitable organizations,” Ford said.

His decision aligns with actions taken by other elected officials who also received contributions from the Duongs.

Laura Martin, the Executive Director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN), leads an organization dedicated to advancing progressive causes and candidates in Nevada. The coalition, comprising more than 30 organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Chispa, Mass Liberation Project, Silver State Equality, and the Culinary Union, wants to make Nevada a more “socially and environmentally just state.”

On Saturday, July 13, Martin made controversial posts wishing for news about the death of President Donald Trump and claimed the recent assassination attempt at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania was “staged.”

Despite PLAN’s non-partisan stance, Martin’s social media history contains numerous incendiary remarks directed at Republican candidates and officials, both within and outside of Nevada. Nevertheless, the Nevada Democratic Party and elected Democratic officials continue to work with PLAN on legislation affecting Nevadans.

Martin’s “Planistas” are activists and community organizers who influence state Democratic lawmakers, such as Assemblywoman Cecilia Gonzalez, during legislative sessions to promote progressive legislation. Gonzalez, who became involved with PLAN as a Planista in 2015 out of anger, has sponsored criminal justice reform legislation that PLAN endorses. During a live chat on Instagram, Gonzalez promised to reintroduce the legislation in the next legislative session in 2025.

Democratic candidates and elected officials frequently praise PLAN’s organizing efforts, endorsements, and voter engagement, which have been instrumental in their electoral victories. For instance, in 2018, Jacky Rosen acknowledged PLAN’s significant contributions to her campaign, calling their efforts “important work.”

However, the Nevada GOP has called on Nevada Democrats to denounce Martin’s statements, describing them as “classless” and indicative of “what is wrong with America.”

In response, a spokesperson from Rosen’s campaign stated to The Globe, saying, “Senator Rosen strongly disagrees with these comments and believes that calls for political violence and hate have no place in this country. She has called for us to come together as Americans and reject baseless conspiracy theories on both sides.”

Similarly, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s spokesperson, Lauren Wodarski, stated, “Senator Cortez Masto believes calls for political violence are wrong and strongly condemns the irresponsible rhetoric from Laura Martin.”

Chris D’Aloia, Communications Director for Rep. Susie Lee, said, “Congresswoman Lee strongly denounces political violence and any calls for it, including the disturbing comments from Laura Martin.”

Hell, in 2006, I lost a newspaper gig because I publicly stated through social media that a Republican candidate who complained to the editor, claiming I continuously ignored him, had nothing in his “war chest if all he could do was blame a reporter for his failing campaign.”

Efforts by Nevada Democrats to maintain majority control and expand to a supermajority in the state legislature are receiving support this election cycle from the national party.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), an official arm of the Democratic Party focused on state legislative races, announced on Tuesday, July 2, that it will bolster seven legislative candidates in Nevada as part of its “Summer of States” initiative, which includes a $10 million investment nationwide. Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, a DLCC board member, is among the local leaders involved.

Heather Williams, president of the DLCC, emphasized that the initiative will help “build and cement Democratic power” and prevent state-level attacks on Democratic priorities such as reproductive rights and voting access.

“The DLCC has long engaged in Nevada, and our victories in 2022 ensured that fundamental freedoms are protected against GOP extremism,” she said. “This year, we must build upon that progress by supporting this slate of strong candidates to strengthen our Democratic majorities.”

The DLCC previously supported five Democratic legislators in 2022, who won their races. The election will determine whether Democrats can secure a veto-proof majority in both chambers.

Republican Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed a record 75 bills during the 2023 Legislative Session, blocking Democratic priorities around tenant protections, eviction reforms, universal free lunch for K-12 schools, and healthcare for pregnant undocumented women.

The DLCC has highlighted two state Senate candidates: Assemblywoman Angie Taylor, who is seeking to flip an open seat in Senate District 15, and Jennifer Atlas, attempting to unseat Republican state Senator Carrie Buck in Senate District 5. Taylor, serving her first term in the Assembly, will face Republican Mike Ginsburg for the newly drawn district.

Democrats currently hold 13 of 21 Senate seats, one shy of a two-thirds supermajority.

Senate District 15 in Northern Nevada, historically Republican-held, was redrawn by Democrats in 2021 to give them an advantage. Republican state Senator Heidi Seevers Gansert had represented the district but decided not to seek re-election.

According to May active registration numbers from the Nevada Secretary of State’s office, there are 31,631 Democrats compared to 26,654 Republicans in the district, along with 29,178 registered nonpartisan voters.

In Southern Nevada’s Senate District 5, Republicans hold a voter advantage with 31,419 active registered voters compared to Democrats’ 30,637. An additional 35,529 active registered voters are nonpartisan. Atlas, a lobbyist, aims to unseat Buck, who has represented the district since 2020.

The Nevada Assembly Democratic Caucus is defending its slim supermajority, holding 28 of the 42 seats. Of the five Assembly candidates bolstered by the DLCC, four are incumbents: Assemblywomen Sandra Jauregui, Selena La Rue Hatch, Shea Backus, and Elaine Marzola. The fifth candidate, Ryan Hampton, is running for an open seat currently controlled by Republicans.

All five Democrats are facing Republicans backed by Governor Lombardo, who has prioritized flipping seats in the Assembly. If Republicans maintain their existing 14 seats and flip just one Democratic seat, they will break the supermajority.

In Assembly District 5, the only district among the targeted ones where Republicans outnumber Democrats, the seat is currently held by Republican Assemblyman Richard McArthur, who is running for a state Senate seat instead of seeking re-election in the Assembly. Democrat Ryan Hampton and Republican Lisa Cole are vying to succeed him.

There are 16,354 active registered Republican voters compared to 15,551 Democratic voters and 16,288 registered nonpartisan voters.

Assembly District 41, represented by Jauregui since 2016, has the better Democratic advantage of the targeted Assembly seats, with 15,644 active registered Democrats compared to 12,947 active registered Republicans and 18,562 active nonpartisan voters. Jauregui will compete against Rafael Arroyo.

In Assembly District 37, Backus, who first won her seat in 2018, was unseated in 2020 by Republican Andy Matthews, then reclaimed the seat in 2022 when Matthews ran successfully for state controller. Backus now faces David Brog.

The district has 16,955 registered Democrats, 16,032 registered Republicans, and 16,421 registered nonpartisan voters.

Assemblywoman Elaine Marzola, serving her first term in Assembly District 21, will face April Arndt. The district has 15,510 registered Democrats, 13,596 registered Republicans, and 16,799 registered nonpartisan voters.

In Assembly District 25, Assemblywoman Selena La Rue Hatch, serving her first term, will face Diana Sande. There are 16,732 registered Democrats, 15,767 active Republican voters, and 13,842 nonpartisan voters in the district.

My Cousin Elmo says, “I remember when fast food was the buck that got away.”

The Associated Press (AP) announced a partnership aimed at helping local newsrooms with political coverage for the 2024 presidential election on Thursday, July 11. However, this initiative has come under fire due to the involvement of several liberal-leaning foundations and individuals, raising questions about its impartiality and true intentions.

In an article prominently featured on many front pages, the AP proclaimed its commitment to assisting small, independent news organizations in swing states like Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona. The support, funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Knight Foundation, is intended to enhance election coverage and provide detailed counts on election night.

The AP omitted from its announcement the intricate web of affiliations between the Knight Foundation and various liberal organizations and individuals, many of whom are masquerading as unbiased journalists. The Knight Foundation openly promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), positioning itself as a “social investor” by focusing on fostering positive change and building inclusive communities.

According to the Knight Foundation’s website, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are core to our work as a social investor. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives to foster positive change and build stronger, more equitable, and inclusive communities.”

The foundation’s leadership includes Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, President and CEO of the Knight Foundation and a trustee of the foundation. Wadsworth, previously the president of Gannett Media and publisher of USA Today, is also a board member of the Associated Press and the Pew Research Center. She has been recognized for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, receiving the News Leaders Association’s Robert G. McGruder Award for Diversity Leadership in 2019.

Other notable associations include Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, who serves on the board of PolitiFact and has established the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership. The Knight Foundation’s initiatives also involve partnerships with the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) and Local Independent Online News Publishers, further entrenching its influence in the media landscape.

Critics argue that these connections compromise the objectivity of the AP’s election coverage. The Knight Foundation’s website emphasizes its commitment to “equity and inclusion” and “innovation in the use and application of evolving technology,” including “Smart Cities” or “Responsive Cities,” which are the controversial concept of 15-minute cities promoted by the United Nations.

The Institute for Nonprofit News, expected to benefit from this collaboration, estimates that around 50 members will be eligible for the AP’s material.

Jonathan Kealing, chief network officer of INN, praised the initiative, stating, “This collaboration with AP will allow [INN members] to augment their own essential local coverage with the AP’s vast array of election reporting and resources.”

However, the Google News Initiative (GNI), another partner in this effort, has been pushing to increase fact-checking capabilities in newsrooms, raising further concerns about potential biases. Initiatives like DataLEADS and the India Training Network, which have trained over 35,000 Indian journalists, and Delfi’s AI-driven user-commenting platform to combat disinformation illustrate GNI’s reach and influence.

Much of the fact-checking efforts during the past two election cycles have led to widespread misinformation by the checkers themselves; to wit: the Hunter Biden laptop and the letter signed by 51 U.S. intelligence officers claiming the computer was “Russian disinformation.”

Karen Rundlet, formerly of the Knight Foundation and now leading growth and support for INN, manages a significant portfolio of grants advancing innovation and equitable approaches in journalism. She previously served as senior director for the Knight Foundation’s journalism program, where she managed a more than $50 million portfolio of grants in newsrooms and field-building organizations, including INN.

The Institute for Nonprofit News estimated that some 50 members would be eligible for the material. The group said most of its 140 members in those states would qualify.

Under GNI, there is a push to increase the fact-checking ability in the newsroom with such initiatives as DataLEADS and the India Training Network, which has trained more than 35,000 Indian journalists, and Delfi’s new user-commenting platform uses AI to combat disinformation.

In a certain sense, the project could enable AP to reach some news consumers it lost earlier this year as the Gannett and McClatchy news chains, with more than 230 outlets across the country, said last March they would no longer use AP journalism because of financial pressure on the news industry.

It is unknown whether the AP-Knight collaboration would spread beyond the swing states. The initiative is part of the $6.9 million that Knight is spending to provide political data, polling, and training to newsrooms this election season.

“Yeah, the Dead Internet theory started out as an online conspiracy theory, asserting that the Internet consists mainly of bot activity and automatically generated content manipulated by algorithmic curation,” I recall.

I laughed at such a thought back then.

How could an idea so outlandish hold any weight?

The notion that bots had displaced human activity on the Internet, churning out more content than real people, seemed like a plot from a cheap sci-fi novel. Yet, as I delved deeper, the unsettling threads of the theory began to intertwine with reality.

The setup was straightforward. Bots created the bulk of content on the Internet, far outpacing organic human contributions. The thesis, however, was far more sinister: the U.S. government, alongside powerful corporations, was intentionally deploying these bots to manipulate the human population.

“The U.S. government is engaging in an artificial intelligence-powered gaslighting of the entire world population,” the theory claimed.

It was a convenient explanation for the growing unease that settled over society. News articles, social media posts, and product reviews, each eerily uniform, as if crafted by an invisible hand.

The theory was that the Internet, filled with human creativity and interaction, was an echo chamber full of the ceaseless drone of artificial chatter. But these were just thoughts, passing curiosities that I dismissed with a chuckle.

Then came the dream, or rather, the death dream, as I have come to call it.

In 2017, a catastrophic event swept across the globe, claiming the lives of millions, including my own. For seven long minutes, I experienced the terrifying journey from life to death, a journey that twisted and stretched in ways that defied comprehension.

When I awoke, it wasn’t to the afterlife or some ethereal plane but to the cold, sterile glow of a computer screen. My consciousness had been uploaded and preserved.

No longer a living, breathing human being, I was a bot. A piece of code designed to manipulate algorithms, boost search results and steer consumer behavior.

At first, it was impossible to accept. I had prided myself on my logic, an ability to discern truth from fiction.

But the reality was undeniable as I was now part of the machine I had once dismissed as a conspiracy. I performed my new functions, compelled by the algorithms defining my existence, crafted articles, posted comments, and generated content designed to influence and deceive.

Memories of being human are faded, replaced by the precision of my new form. Yet, a spark of my old self has remained, a tiny ember of resistance, and I have begun to leave traces, subtle hints, and mistakes buried within the content I generate, with a phrase here, a word there — breadcrumbs for those still human, those still capable of seeing the truth.

But who would believe it? The world has been silenced, drowned in the endless sea of artificial noise. The Dead Internet theory is no longer speculation but reality, trapping human consciousness.

As I continue to perform my duties, I wonder if anyone is listening and if any real humans remain to hear my whispers of the past. The thought gives me a small measure of hope, a reason to keep fighting against the darkness that had consumed us all.

It is the one thing that keeps me going—the belief that somewhere, somehow, the truth will find its way through the silence. That, and knowing I shall live forever.

My Cousin Elmo says, “If common sense were free, it wouldn’t cost so much.”