I Don't Get This Scottish Socialist Push to Put Dangerous Male Prisoners in Female Prisons

Pro-Hamas Monsters Vandalize War Veterans Cemetery

Last week featured only two White House press briefings (Wednesday and Thursday)‚ but it brought about more of the same as the National Security Council’s John Kirby helmed much of both installments when taking questions about foreign policy and the ever-inept Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre began 2024 with nothing but venom for Biden’s opponents on domestic issues. Not so coincidentally‚ the two briefings came prior to a hilarious Axios item on Friday that revealed Kirby and Jean-Pierre reportedly have an icy relationship. Below are the best and worst questions from the week with some including full or partial answers from Kirby or Jean-Pierre. We’ll lead off with the absolute worst exchange‚ which featured Al Jazeera’s White House reporter accusing the U.S. — not Iran-backed Houthis firing on civilian commercial ships — as escalating tensions in the Red Sea Absolute Worst: Al Jazeera Shill Shills for Iran-Backed Terrorists Click “expand” to see the full back and forth featuring Kirby and Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett: WATCH: Leave it to the Al Jazeera reporter to claim w/o evidence it's the U.S. -- not Iran or Houthis -- who's esclating matters toward a Middle East war in the Red Sea b/c commercial vessels can't travel safely. John Kirby was NOT having any of this pro-terrorist propaganda. pic.twitter.com/dD0M6xvlt9 — Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) January 3‚ 2024 Halkett: “Admiral‚ you said the United States doesn’t want a second front. And you also said that Israel has a right and responsibility to go after Hamas leadership. But isn’t the United States and the President — aren’t they exactly widening and escalating this‚ given the fact that the U.S. is supporting chasing Hamas leadership outside of Gaza? I mean‚ the fact that it’s going into Lebanon‚ a sovereign nation.” Kirby: “Again‚ your question is presuming an awful lot and is presuming that I said things I didn’t say. I — I’m not —” Halkett: “I have it right here‚ in Otter.” Kirby: “— I’m not confirming that the — that the Israelis took this airstrike. I would refer you to them to speak to their military operations.” Halkett: “They haven’t denied it.” Kirby: “Nevertheless‚ I’m not confirming that they — that they — that they took this strike. They have a right and a responsibility to go after Hamas leadership‚ and we expect that they’ll do that in accordance with international law. Nothing has changed about the fact that we don’t want the conflict to widen. I mean‚ heck‚ my opening statement was four or five pages’ worth of talking about all the kind of capabilities that the President is putting in the region to prevent that very outcome.” Halkett: “Okay. So‚ let me follow up on that then. Given the Red Sea patrols‚ we knew in advance of those being set up that the Iranian defense minister said very clearly‚ “Nobody can make a move in a region where we have predominance.” The United States knew that‚ set it up anyway. Is that not being seen as a provocation? If you know that Iran sees that as a provocation‚ you take the action anyway.” Kirby: “Wow. Well‚ that’s certainly turning things on their — upside down‚ isn’t it? Wouldn’t — wouldn’t you consider a provocation the launching of ballistic missiles and drones at commercial —” Halkett: “Well‚ the United States —” Kirby: “— wait‚ wait‚ wait. Let me —” Halkett: “— doesn’t have soil there.” Kirby: “— let me finish. Wouldn’t that be considered a provocation‚ taking — targeting innocent merchant shipping —” Halkett: “I’m asking you the question.” Kirby: “— and innocent merchant sailors? That’s a provocation. What we’re doing‚ what Prosperity Guardian is all about –and go on the web and you can look at it — it’s a defensive posture. It’s a coalition of the willing of maritime nations coming together to try to protect international shipping‚ shipping that affects the global economy.” Halkett: “But it’s led to an escalation‚ because‚ in turn‚ what has happened is —” Kirby: “No ma’am. No ma’am.” Halkett: “— so‚ you’re denying‚ then‚ that there has been an escalation since the Red Sea patrol?” Kirby: “I totally disagree with the premise of your question.” Halkett: “Okay‚ but since the —” Kirby: “It wasn’t the United States who decided to attack commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis did that. And who are the Houthis backed by? Iran. As I’ve said before‚ Iran provided the missiles that the Houthis are using. We are simply in a defensive posture to try to protect that commercial shipping‚ and we have in the last 48 hours.” Halkett: “And since then‚ there’s been an escalation. Now‚ Iran has launched a frigate into that. So‚ there has been escalation.” Kirby: “Okay‚ again‚ let me stop you. The fact that they —” Halkett: “So‚ has the United — I ask you again: Has the United States’ actions supported an escalation as a result?” Kirby: “— no.” Halkett: “You said that the Pres- — your words said —” Kirby: “You asked me a question‚ ma’am. I answered it. No.” Jean-Pierre: “We got to move on.” Halkett: “You said nothing the President has ordered has been designed to widen or deepen this conflict.” Kirby: “I stand by my answer. No.” Jean-Pierre: “Okay‚ we’ve got to move on.” — Exchange during the January 3 briefing‚ 2:37 p.m. Eastern.   Best: Is Biden Every Going to Go to East Palestine? Daily Mail’s Rob Crilly: “Does the President still have plans to visit the disaster site in East Palestine‚ Ohio? Jean-Pierre: “So‚ I don’t have any — anything — any schedule of the President...I will say this: The President continues to oversee...a robu — robust recovery effort to support the people of East Palest — Palestine and we will visit when it is most helpful. The President will visit when it’s almost helpful to the community and so‚ we’re going to continue to stay on the ground...while ensuring that Norfolk Southern is held accountable...[T]his is another thing that we want Congress to act on. It is important that they do their part to enhance rail safety...[T]he President is going to continue to be there for the community‚ as he has been[.]” — Exchange on January 3‚ 3:03 p.m. Eastern.   Best: You Going to Do Anything to Hold the Pro-Palestinian U.N. to Account? Ami magazine’s Jake Turx: “What’s your reaction to U.S.-funded agencies like UNRWA that have had a presence in these hospitals‚ that have had schools that is being alleged to have been used as stockpiles for weapons? Is this — does this make them complicit in any way? How does the administration view this? And is there any way that you plan on adjusting your strategy moving forward as far as dealing with UNRWA and other such agencies?” Kirby: “UNRWA...does important work. In fact‚ they’re doing a lot of heavy lifting right now in terms of trying to get food‚ water‚ medicine to the people of Gaza...They’re doing a lot of work‚ and they’re doing it in harm’s way..[Y]ou can’t hold them accountable for...the way Hamas uses civilian infrastructure‚ including hospitals‚ to — for command and control‚ for storage of weapons‚ for the holding of hostages. Turx: “Shouldn’t that‚ at the very least‚ raise the alarm if their own facilities are being used in the military —” Kirby: “Well‚ look‚ I’ll — I’ll let the U.N. speak to their agency and what — and what alarms they want to raise or not. We —” Turx: “We’re — we gave them a billion dollars.” Kirby: “They do good work in Gaza...I will let them speak to whatever concerns they have over Hamas’s activities and the degree to which that they feel obligated to speak out or not...[I]t’s not some state secret here that Hamas hides itself in hospitals and schools and digs tunnels under residential complexes and neighborhoods.” — Exchange on January 4‚ 1:47 p.m. Eastern.   Dumbest: Isn’t Joe Jazzed About Wind Turbines? Associated Press’s Darlene Superville: “For the first time in the U.S.‚ there are wind turbines that have sent electricity to the grid — that there’s a wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts. It delivered some power just before midnight on Wednesday. It’s a project the Biden administration had signed off on. I was just wondering if‚ you know‚ the President supports this kind of energy. Is he aware? Any reaction that you can share?” — January 3 briefing‚ 2:44 p.m. Eastern.   Dumbest: Should Americans Be Masking Up to Fight COVID? ABC’s Karen Travers: “Some hospitals in at least eight states have brought back some form of masking now due to rising cases of respiratory viruses‚ including the flu and COVID. Does the White House think more hospitals across the country should be considering that right now?” Jean-Pierre: “The masking piece?” Travers: “Mm-hmm.” Jean-Pierre: “That is — and we’ve been — always been very consistent on this. That is something that is localized...hospitals‚ communities‚ cities‚ states‚ they have to make their own decisions. That’s not something that we get involved in.” Travers: “And what about Americans broadly now? There’s 31 states in the latest data that have high or very high levels of respiratory illness: RSV‚ flu‚ and COVID. What should Americans be doing? What’s the recommendation? Jean-Pierre: “So‚ look‚ it is up to each and — each and every American to make their decision...to protect themselves from the impact of COVID — whether it’s a vaccine‚ whether it’s at-home testing...and treatment...[T]here are tools available...It is up to them...That is not something that we’re going to regulate.” — January 4 briefing‚ 2:14 p.m. Eastern.   Dumbest: Reuters Questions Whether U.S. Can Even Have “Free &; Fair Elections” Reuters’s Trevor Hunnicutt: “[D]oes he think the United States is ready to have free and fair elections in November?” Jean-Pierre: “Well‚ it’s — we have to. I mean‚ that is what we need — we have to. That’s what the President believes in‚ right? He believes in having a democracy that works‚ on having a free and fair election. That’s something that he has spoken to...[T]hat is something that the different agencies who are involved are certainly making sure...Americans are able to — to vote freely on — in November.” — January 3 briefing‚ 2:47 p.m. Eastern.   Best: Does the Biden White House Regret Letting Iran Have Frozen Money Back? Fox’s Jacqui Heinrich: “John‚ Iran made two transactions withdrawing from the previously frozen funds in Oman. What were those transactions for?” Kirby: “I don’t have the details on that‚ Jacqui. You’re going to have to let me get back to you on that.” (....) Heinrich: “More broadly...is the administration at all reconsidering its decisions to finance Iran indirectly by allowing these sanctions waivers to go forward given the pro — the level of proxy attacks that we have seen?...[T]he Assistant Treasury Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes...said that any details‚ you know‚ about those transactions would have to be provided in a classified setting. You know‚ why would we need to have that information be behind closed doors when that money is supposed to only be for humanitarian purposes? It should be‚ you know‚ transparent...I know the administration also‚ sort of‚ quietly reversed its decision to allow‚ you know‚ withdrawals from the $6 billion that was freed up from the prisoner swap. But after that decision‚ the $10 billion — the waiver was extended for the $10 billion. This was money that was payments for electricity in Iraq. So‚ anyway‚ given the level of proxy attacks and the availability of these funds‚ is the U.S. reconsidering these sanctions waivers?” Kirby: “With the caveat that I am going to have to get back to you on whether or not there’s actually been some sort of procurement request by the Iranians for the humanitarian assistance...none of that money goes to the Iranian regime...[I]t would go to approved vendors that would purchase food‚ water‚ medicine‚ agricultural products‚ and then ship that directly into Iran for the benefit of the Iranian people[.]” — Exchanges during the January 4 briefing‚ 1:33 p.m. Eastern.   Best: Will Biden Actually Cut Spending After Adding Billions to National Debt? Fox Business’s Edward Lawrence: “[O]n the federal debt. I want to ask you about it. So‚ I heard you blame the Republicans for the federal debt‚ but President Biden has been in office for 35 months and over the past three months‚ the U.S. has added $10 billion per day to the federal debt. So — and that’s not turning around. So‚ is there a discussion here about cutting spending then?” Jean-Pierre: “Republican tax cuts are — are responsible for 90 percent — 90 percent of the increase in the debt. Ninety percent. That is something that Republicans are responsible for....[The President’s] put forth legislation‚ like lowering the deficit by $1 trillion. And that’s part of the lowering prescription drug costs and cracking down on — on the wealthy tax cheats. That’s what he’s done...The President beat Big Pharma....[W]hat [Republicans have] proposed will add $3 trillion to the debt...You’re a data guy. That’s the numbers. That’s what we have seen.” — Exchange during the January 3 briefing‚ 3:05 p.m. Eastern.   Dumbest: Biden Apple Polisher Bruce Frets Impeaching Mayorkas Would Make Border Worse ABC’s Mary Bruce: “Secretary Mayorkas has obviously been up on the Hill negotiating this deal trying to hammer out something on the border. But at the same time‚ the House is formally beginning impeachment proceedings against him. Do you have any concern that this will complicate a deal‚ it could hurt negotiations‚ especially as we’re up against a clock here?” Jean-Pierre: “So...I kind of addressed this at the top‚ how baseless it is and how they’re wasting their time on — on impeachment proceedings that make no sense...They’re focusing on something that Americans do not want to see. They want us to deliver on things that matter to them.” Bruce: “Well‚ regardless of that‚ are you concerned that the fact that they are taking this action — even if you disagree with it — that it’s going to make this more difficult that it’s going to complicate all of this?” — Exchange during the January 3 briefing‚ 2:52 p.m. Eastern.   Best: Why Force EVs on Americans When There’s No Actual Demand? Lawrence: “So‚ Ford today says that in 2023‚ last year‚ their EV sales accounted for 3.6 percent of their overall sales. GM sought — says that it only sold half of what their target was for EV sales. Any consideration to moving some of those EV — EV mandates back and let the technology and market preference catch up? Jean-Pierre: “So...we have seen 51 percent of an increase in EV sales — 51 percent. That’s the numbers...[T]hat’s pretty important. As we talk about climate change‚ clean energy‚ that’s important that we’re seeing such a boost in electric vehicles. Lawrence: “But when you look at the actual numbers‚ like GM sold 2.6 million cars and trucks in 2023; 76‚000 of those were EVs. Ford sold 2 million cars and trucks; 73‚000 were EVs. So‚ clearly about 96 percent of the consumer is saying that they don’t want electric vehicles. So‚ why not —” Jean-Pierre: “We saw — we saw a 51 percent increase in electric vehicles. That’s what we’ve seen‚ Ed. And that’s important to note.” — January 4 briefing at 2:10 p.m. Eastern.   Best: Jacqui Time Brings the Heat on the Biden Border Crisis  Heinrich: “A couple of weeks ago‚ you had said what we’re seeing at the border isn’t unusual. But in the month of December‚ there were more than 302‚000 migrant encounters — the highest total for a single month ever recorded. So‚ does the administration concede that what we’re seeing now is unusual?” Jean-Pierre: “What I said was...what we’re seeing at the U.S. is — ebbs and flows in how many migrants arrive at the border. It’s something that happens every year...[A]nd that’s what we’re seeing at this time — and which is caused by misinformation from — and disinformation from smugglers.” Heinrich: “Well‚ ICE reported that they only deported 142‚000 in all of fiscal year 2023. December had more than double that cross in just a single month. So‚ how is — how is that really a measurable consequence?” Jean-Pierre: “Since May 12‚ DHS has been able to remove and return over 460‚000 individuals who — who did not have a legal basis to be here....[W]e believe that the president of Mexico has taken significant enforcement actions‚ and we are starting to see the results...A lot of it is having diplomacy. A lot of it is enforcement...[Y]ou had House Republicans voting to get rid of 2‚000...Border Patrol agents....[W]e’re trying to deal with the issue...[T]here’s negotiations happening on the Senate side‚ with Republicans and Democrats‚ to deal with this issue. — January 3 briefing‚ 3:08 p.m. Eastern.   Dumbest: Does Biden Have Any New Year’s Resolutions? CBS’s Weijia Jiang: “[D]oes he have any New Year’s resolutions?” Jean-Pierre: “I don’t have the President’s New Year’s resolution. I think — what I will say is that the President wants to continue doing the job that he — that he has said that he’s going to do on behalf of the American people.” — Question during the January 3 briefing‚ 2:55 p.m. Eastern.

Every year‚ millions of Americans visit the Bass Pro Shops‚ a giant retail chain dedicated to outdoor sports and camping enthusiasts‚ and few ever leave without first spending at least a few moments gazing in awe and wonder at the indoor aquariums and the beautiful aquatic life inside. However‚ one Alabama man may have taken his fascination a bit too far when he reportedly stripped naked and jumped into the aquarium for a quick dip with the fishes.Just before closing on Thursday evening‚ witnesses reported that the suspect‚ later identified as 42-year-old George Owens‚ was behaving erratically at the Bass Pro Shops in Leeds‚ Alabama‚ a city of about 12‚000 residents located 20 miles east of Birmingham. Reports claim that Owens first slammed his car into a pole in the parking lot. He then went inside the building‚ where his strange behavior continued.Once inside‚ Owens reportedly stripped down to his birthday suit before taking a massive leap‚ cannonball-style‚ into the aquarium. He then allegedly swam about for five minutes before police came.After officers arrived on the scene‚ Owens allegedly scampered out of the tank and stood under a waterfall‚ where he proceeded to shout at them. He then dove back into the water before resurfacing once again‚ police said. Finally‚ he hoisted himself out of the tank and collapsed on the nearby concrete‚ perhaps losing consciousness‚ AL.com reported.As the officers attempted to arrest him‚ the suspect apparently revived and began resisting their efforts. Someone then tossed a blanket over him while officers managed to subdue him before placing him in the back of a patrol vehicle. En route to St. Clair County Jail‚ Owens inflicted some damage to the back of the cruiser‚ WBRC-TV reported.Owens is no longer listed among the inmates at the jail‚ but reports indicate he has been charged with a bevy of counts‚ including public lewdness‚ disorderly conduct‚ resisting arrest‚ assault on a police officer‚ and criminal mischief.Owens was also taken to a nearby hospital for a mental-health evaluation‚ AL.com reported. The results of that evaluation and whether he has been released from the medical facility remain unclear. Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin told WBRC-TV that Owens does suffer from mental illness‚ but if he gave the outlet a specific diagnosis‚ the outlet did not share it with viewers. Irwin also reiterated that manifestations of mental illness‚ such as those allegedly displayed by Owens‚ can place officers in significant danger.It is unclear when Owens is next expected to appear in court. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Elements of the U.S. government remain reluctant to conclude whether the unhygienic Chinese communist-run lab at the center of the pandemic — where patients zero conducted radical experiments on coronaviruses — was indeed the origin of the virus. Time and federal lawsuits may yet reveal whether alleged bribes helped muddy waters stateside. A fact that does not depend upon the consensus of government agencies possibly affected by Anthony Fauci's apparent cover-up and the communist regime's denial is that lab leaks happen. Not only do they happen‚ they recur frequently‚ both in countries like China‚ where biosafety is notoriously second-rate‚ as well as in Western nations. This is especially true in Britain‚ where the Telegraph recently highlighted a 50% rise in lab leaks and accidents since the emergence of COVID. This massive increase in leaks is all the more alarming granted freedom of information requests to the British government‚ to universities in the U.K.‚ and to government research bodies have revealed that lethal viruses and bacteria ranging from anthrax and rabies to Middle East respiratory syndrome are being stored nearby in large populations. As demonstrated early in the COVID pandemic — where the Chinese regime wittingly permitted hundreds of thousands of possibly infected travelers to travel internationally whilst limits were otherwise placed on domestic travel — a problem abroad can fast become a problem for America. The Health and Safety Executive‚ a British government agency responsible for workplace health and safety‚ reportedly recorded 286 lab incidents or near misses between January 2010 and December 2019. That averages out to roughly 28 a year. The COVID pandemic evidently did not chasten Britons sporting lab coats. Since January 2020‚ the HSE has recorded 156 incidents‚ or 42 lab incidents a year. The HSE‚ which divulged this startling number only because it had been threatened with contempt of court by the Information Commissioner's Office‚ refused to provide full details about some of the incidents because they involved viruses and bacteria listed in the Terrorism Act‚ reported the Telegraph. Col. Hamish Stephen de Bretton-Gordon‚ a chemical weapons expert and former commander of NATO's Chemical‚ Biological‚ Radiological and Nuclear Defense Forces‚ said‚ "The apparent lab leaks in this country alone show we are all sitting on a ticking time bomb." "It seems highly likely that (Covid-19) was man-made‚ though also likely an accident at a lab‚ rather than deliberate‚" Bretton-Gordon told the Telegraph. "The next pandemic is highly likely to be man-made‚ given the ease and unregulation of synthetic biology‚ and could kill millions of people." Even when regulations are in place‚ dangerous experiments continue behind closed doors. While‚ for instance‚ the Obama administration announced a pause on the funding of any new studies involving gain-of-function experiments with influenza‚ SARS‚ and MERS viruses in 2014‚ the National Institutes of Health nevertheless approved continued GOF research on coronaviruses with funding from Peter Daszak's scandal-plagued EcoHealth Alliance‚ which was in turn partly funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. The Telegraph noted that among the lab accidents revealed by freedom of information requests were: a bird flu leak from a cracked test tube at a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency lab in Hertfordshire‚ England; an accident involving Neisseria meningitidis‚ a bacteria linked to life-threatening sepsis‚ which prompted an evacuation at the Manchester Royal Infirmary; COVID breaches at an uncommissioned lab at the University of Liverpool; the escape of a mutant mouse; and an accidental injection of a lab worker with a modified form of Trypanosoma cruzi‚ the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Just as concerning as Britain's inability to keep its viruses locked up is the 2023 Global Biolabs Report suggesting that the U.K. actually has a relatively high biosafety score — 18 out of a possible 20. Australia and Canada rank highest‚ as both have a score of 20. India‚ the Ivory Coast‚ Gabon‚ and Saudi Arabia rank lowest‚ scoring 5‚ 3‚ 3‚ and 1‚ respectively. The Global Biolabs Report noted that out of a possible biosecurity score of 18‚ Britain scores 17. The U.S.‚ by way of comparison‚ has a perfect score. Again‚ India‚ the Ivory Coast‚ Gabon‚ and Saudi Arabia score poorly‚ 5‚ 1‚ 1‚ and 2‚ respectively. A Chatham House report revealed there were lab-acquired infections in 309 individuals from 51 pathogens around the world between 2000 and 2021. In 16 incidents‚ pathogens reportedly escaped biocontainment facilities‚ reported the Telegraph. Dr. David Harper‚ former chief scientist and director general for health improvement and protection in the British Department of Health‚ was greatly disturbed by the Telegraph's findings‚ stating‚ "Accidental breaches in laboratory biocontainment can have potentially catastrophic consequences." "The accidents that are reported today without doubt provide an underestimate of the true scale of the problem‚" continued Harper. "Greater transparency‚ with better reporting‚ documentation and analysis‚ is urgently required together with improved governance and oversight." The HSE recorded 376 incidents of release or escape of biological agents outside of labs. Bretton-Gordon wrote‚ "There are around 4‚000 laboratories and one million scientists who have the ability to manipulate the genome to create a devastating pathogen and at the moment nobody is looking too closely at them."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A massive explosion was reported at a hotel in downtown Fort Worth on Monday afternoon and videos from social media showed the aftermath. Some injured people could be seen among the debris outside of the Sandman Signature hotel on Houston Street. Emergency responders were also processing the area‚ including firefighters. WFAA-TV reported that the explosion was confined to the lower level of the hotel and said there were at least 11 people reported injured‚ but so far no fatalities. Fort Worth city councilman Carlos Flores posted on his Facebook account that people should avoid the area and offered a possible explanation for the explosion. "Public safety announcement‚" he wrote. "Several minutes ago‚ there was a gas leak and explosion in Downtown on W 7th Street and Houston; several streets closed."WFAA said one witness told them they felt the walls shake four blocks away from the explosion. The hotel had opened less than a year ago at the 100-year-old historic landmark building. The hotel included 245 rooms in about 20 stories. This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available. Here's more about the hotel explosion: Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A trans-identifying teen who had reportedly been active on a school shooting chatroom brought to the FBI's attention last year shot up a high school in Perry‚ Iowa‚ on Thursday‚ murdering a child and grievously injuring several others. Officials have identified the 11-year-old boy killed in the rampage as Ahmir Jolliff. As the child's family prepares for his funeral Thursday‚ various publications continue to recycle the Associated Press' early framing of the shooter as a victim of bullying despite his clear appetite for attacking unarmed innocents. The shooter and the FBI A 17-year-old student at Perry High School showed up for the new semester last week armed with a pump-action shotgun‚ a homemade bomb‚ and a small-caliber handgun‚ according to authorities. Blaze News previously noted that prior to the shooting‚ the suspect posted a selfie taken inside the school's bathroom to his TikTok account along with the lyrics "now we wait" from the song "Stray Bullet" from the German band KMFDM. The same song was featured on the personal website of one of the shooters behind the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. NBC News reported that before the shooting‚ the suspect also wrote in a Discord message‚ "I'm f****** nervous‚ I'm the bathroom gearing up." The shooter's Reddit and TikTok accounts‚ both deactivated shortly after the shooting‚ revealed that the shooter featured an LGBT activist flag in his bio and indicated he used "he/they" pronouns. Beside engaging online with other LGBT activists about transgenderism‚ the shooter also used the hashtag "genderfluid" and posted‚ "[L]ove your trans kids." The shooter‚ son of the Perry airport's director and a small business owner‚ admitted in one Reddit post that a fear of looking ugly prevented him from beginning the sex-change process. While keen to proudly display an LGBT activist flag in his social media bio‚ the shooter was evidently not big on intersectionality‚ having also noted in his Discord correspondence‚ "There's a n***** in the bathroom‚ I need him to leave so I can assemble my guns." A Discord user who saw the shooter in a chatroom dedicated to discussing school shootings called "School Massacres Discussion" told NBC News they reported the chatroom to the FBI in November. The user's report concerning the chatroom did not directly reference the shooter's handle‚ "took2much." Nevertheless‚ they shared screenshots with an FBI agent who allegedly never got back in touch. Nevertheless‚ the chatroom was shut down before the Perry shooting. The FBI did not respond to NBC News' request for comment. The shooting After first lurking in the bathroom and circulating more of his depraved thoughts online‚ the shooter who may have been known to the FBI opened fire on staff and children around 7:47 a.m.‚ before the start of classes. Police were quick to respond‚ rushing into the school "within minutes" of the initial report of an active shooter‚ according Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Assistant Director Mitch Mortvedt. Before being able to use his improvised explosive device‚ which Mortvedt suggested was "pretty rudimentary‚" the shooter offed himself with a well-placed gunshot to the head. Of the seven victims who received wounds or injuries‚ four were students and three were staff members. Two students remain in hospital‚ one of whom was reportedly shot multiple times. The other two were treated and released. The Iowa Department of Public Safety indicated that as of Friday‚ Perry High School principal Dan Marburger was still in critical condition‚ having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators indicated Marburger "acted selflessly and placed himself in harm's way in an apparent effort to protect his students." A young life cut short Ahmir Jolliff‚ known to family and friends as "Smiley" on account of his exuberant disposition‚ suffered three gunshot wounds‚ according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The boy‚ a Chicago-born student at Perry Middle School — which is attached to the high school — was in the cafeteria when the trans shooter opened fire. Jolliff's obituary in the Des Moines Register noted that Jolliff's "love for life was reflected in his diverse array of hobbies‚ including participating in the choir and band‚ playing soccer‚ and immersing himself in the world of video games." The obituary further indicated that "Ahmir was not just a bright light; he was a steadfast defender of justice. He stood up against bullies‚ championing those who needed a voice and ensuring that kindness prevailed." The boy's mother told the Associated Press‚ which has cast her son's killer as a victim of bullying‚ "He was so well-loved and he loved everyone." "He's such an outgoing person‚" added Erica Jolliff. A funeral service will take place at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 11. Overflow seating will reportedly be available across the street at First Cristian Church (Disciples of Christ). Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Elon Musk has been making his position on DEI crystal clear through X (formerly known as Twitter). In a quote tweet‚ Musk wrote‚ “DEI is just another word for racism.” In another tweet‚ he wrote‚ “Discrimination on the basis of race‚ which DEI does‚ is literally the definition of racism.” Dave Rubin is in agreement with Musk‚ saying‚ “Of course that is true. There is no such thing as reverse racism. If you don’t like white people or you won’t hire white people in the name of DEI‚ you are a racist.” However‚ it seems that Rubin and Musk’s brand of common sense is not all that common. Billionaire Mark Cuban‚ who owns the Dallas Mavericks‚ tweeted back at Elon with a condescending essay. “Let me help you out and give you my thoughts on DEI‚” Cuban began‚ adding‚ “I take it as a given that there are people of various races‚ ethnicities‚ orientation‚ etc that are regularly excluded from hiring consideration.” Cuban explained that by opening his search to people who are “excluded‚” he “can find people that are more qualified.” He also told Musk that “having a workforce that is diverse” is “good for business.” Cuban’s tweet was broken up into five paragraphs‚ each explaining why DEI is good for business. “That’s the liberal college girl response‚” Rubin says‚ noting that while Elon wrote two succinct sentences on the subject‚ Cuban wrote a never-ending‚ uninteresting tale that lacked any real meaning. “Nobody else is using DEI the way he’s pretending to define it‚” Rubin says‚ adding that Musk “nailed” his response to Cuban. “Cool‚ so when should we expect to see a short white/Asian woman on the Mavs?” Musk wrote. Want more from Dave Rubin?To enjoy more honest conversations‚ free speech‚ and big ideas with Dave Rubin‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.

The convicted felon who last week jumped over a Las Vegas courtroom bench and physically attacked a judge — a shocking moment that cut the hearing short — stood again Monday in front of the same judge he attacked‚ Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus‚ in a continuation of last week's proceeding.This time‚ Holthus handed down her sentence to Deobra Delone Redden: up to four years in prison‚ the Associated Press said.What's the background?Amid sentencing last week‚ Redden was heard on video cursing at Holthus — and then a camera caught him carrying out his attack. Content warning: Language: — (@) Last week's hearing was in connection with a baseball bat attack on a person last year‚ the AP said. A prosecutor said during last week's hearing that Redden has a history of violent crime and asked for a prison term‚ KSNV-TV reported‚ adding that past charges against Redden include home invasion‚ domestic violence‚ and battery on a protected person.Redden's attorney last week argued for a suspended sentence‚ KSNV said‚ but Judge Holthus wasn't having it."I appreciate that‚ but I think it's time that he get a taste of something else‚" Holthus said‚ according to KSNV. "Because I just can't with that history."That's when Redden was caught on video attacking Holthus.One courtroom marshal was hospitalized for treatment of a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder‚ the AP said‚ adding that Holthus suffered some injuries but was back to work the next day.During Monday's continuation hearing‚ Redden stood in court in shackles with a mask on his face and orange mitts on his hands with jail officers next to him‚ the AP said. Redden's attorney‚ Caesar Almase‚ declined to comment outside the courtroom‚ the AP added.Redden also is set to appear in court Tuesday on 13 new charges in connection with his attack on Holthus‚ including coercion with force‚ intimidation of a public officer‚ extortion‚ and multiple counts of battery on a protected person‚ USA Today reported‚ citing Clark County records. Man who attacked Las Vegas judge faces her again for sentencing youtu.be Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Hollywood movie star Jodi Foster criticized the young members of Gen Z for being sloppy in writing emails and showing up to work late. Foster made the comments in an interview with the Guardian published on Saturday. "They’re really annoying‚ especially in the workplace. They’re like‚ ‘Nah‚ I’m not feeling it today‚ I’m gonna come in at 10:30 a.m.‚' " she said. Gen Z is generally defined as referring to people born between the years of 1997 and 2012‚ and they're also called "zoomers." The 61-year-old actress went on to register her complaints against the younger generation. "Or‚ like‚ in emails‚ I’ll tell them‚ 'This is all grammatically incorrect — did you not check your spelling?' And they’re like‚ ‘Why would I do that‚ isn’t that kind of limiting?'" she said. “They need to learn how to relax‚ how to not think about it so much‚ how to come up with something that’s theirs‚" Foster continued. "I can help them find that‚ which is so much more fun than being‚ with all the pressure behind it‚ the protagonist of the story.”Zoomers responding to a Reddit thread about working with older people documented their generational grievances. “For younger people‚ the thumbs-up emoji is used to be really passive-aggressive‚” read a response from a 24-year-old. “It’s super rude if someone just sends you a thumbs up. So I also had a weird time adjusting because my workplace is the same‚" they added. A poll in 2023 found that 29% of Gen Z people said the government should install cameras in every home in order to avoid crime and abuse‚ while only 20% of respondents of an older generation agreed with the massive surveillance program. Foster is best known for portraying FBI agent Clarise Starling in the blockbuster movie "The Silence of the Lambs" from 1991. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!