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From: FBI News Briefin To: Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL) - FBI Daily News Briefing - February 16, 2024 Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2024 11:10:03 +0000 Importance: Normal View In Browser rtFederal Bureau of Investigation Seal February 16, 2024 Federal Bureau of Investigation Daily News Briefing (In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs) Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. Table of Contents IN THE NEWS • Director Wray Unveils Cyber Threat Disruptions, Highlights Risks at Munich Security Conference • FBI Informant Charged With Lying About Joe and Hunter Biden's Ties to Ukrainian Energy Company • White House Confirms Russia Is Developing Antisatellite Weapon • District Attorney in Trump's Georgia Case Pushes Back: 'I'm Not on Trial' COUNTERTERRORISM • Man Charged With Beheading Father Carried Photos of Federal Buildings, Bomb Plans, DA Says • Biden Official Pressed by Lawler Over Actblue Fundraising for Anti-Israel Group COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • Speaker Mike Johnson Forced to Delay House Vote on Controversial Surveillance Tool After GOP Mutiny Threats • Key Points of AP Report Into Missed Red Flags Surrounding Accused U.S. Diplomat-Turned-Cuban Spy CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Special Counsel Who Questioned Biden's Memory to Testify at House Hearing • White House Clashed With DOJ Over Special Counsel Report • Jim Jordan Demands Interview Recordings, Transcripts from Joe Biden's Ghostwriter • Super Bowl Parade Shooting Apparently Stemmed From Dispute Between Several People • Jury Convicts Iowa Police Chief of Lying to Feds to Acquire Machine Guns • FBI Searches Homes of Fire Dept. Chiefs in Corruption Investigation • Ex-Illinois Lawmaker Abruptly Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering, Halting Federal Trial • North Carolina Search Warrant Sheds Light on Mysterious Therapy Camp Death of 12-Year-Old Boy EFTA01655772 • FBI Working to Recover Stolen 200-Year-Old George Washington Painting • $25K Reward Offered for Info Leading to Arrest, Conviction of California Homicide Suspect • Federal Jury Indicts 17 for Smuggling Drugs Like Fentanyl Into U.S. From Mexico Using Fire Extinguishers • Ice Captures Two Suspected Venezuelan Gang Members in Connection With NYPD Assault CYBER DIVISION • Pennsylvania Courts Say No Ransom Was Paid in Cyberattack, and Attackers Never Sent a Demand • State Department Offers $10M for Information on Blackcat Ransomware Ring INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS • U.S. Charges Suspected Mexican Drug Lord Zambada With Fentanyl Crimes CAPITOL VIOLENCE NEWS • Trump Makes Final Pitch to Supreme Court as It Prepares to Rule on Presidential Immunity • Jack Smith Used Donald Trump's Own Arguments Against Him: Legal Analyst • Illinois Judge to Hear Arguments on Trump Illinois Ballot Challenge • More Than 200 Jan. 6 Defendants Say They Came to Capitol Because Trump Told Them To, Report Says • Jan. 6 Defendant Arrested at Obama's Home Hit with New Felony Charges • Man Who Made 'Video Manifesto' Charged for Role in Jan. 6 Riot • Houston Man Latest From Houston Area Accused of U.S. Capitol Insurrection Participation • Former NYC Council Candidate Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Cops During Jan. 6 Riot • Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Defendant Leaves Ameriprise. Company Says It Planned to Fire Him. OTHER FBI NEWS • Detroit Police Ramp up Security Measures for 2024 NFL Draft Following Kansas City Super Bowl Parade Shooting • New Lawsuit From Jeffrey Epstein Victims Accuses FBI of Enabling His Sex Trafficking INTERNATIONAL NEWS • Russia Using Thousands of Musk's Starlink Systems in War, Ukrainian General Says • China Revives Socialist Ideas to Fix Its Real-Estate Crisis • Israeli Forces Enter Gaza Hospital to Search for Hostages • Putin Says Russia Prefers Biden Over Trump in U.S. Election • Egypt Builds Walled Enclosure on Border as Israeli Offensive Looms • Pakistan's Voters Defy Military, Reviving a Nation's Democratic Hopes • Venezuela Orders UN Human Rights Office to Close, Accusing It of Anti-Government Activity • NATO Chief Warns Against Dividing the US and Europe or Undermining Their Joint Nuclear Deterrent • Greece Becomes First Orthodox Christian Country to Legalize Same-Sex Civil Marriage • How Russia Recruits Soldiers From Cuba to Fight in Ukraine OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Many Suicides in Prisons Could Have Been Averted, Justice Dept. Watchdog Says • U.S. Conducted Cyberattack on Suspected Iranian Spy Ship EFTA01655773 • Illegal Immigration Could Have Major Impact on House Seats, Electoral College: Experts • Biden Warns Opposing Ukraine Funding Plays 'Into Putin's Hands,' but Faces Resistance in House • Democrats Push for State Gun Limits After Electoral Win, Mass Shooting • The Federal Government Runs a College. It Has Had Eight Presidents in Six Years. • Mississippi Lawmakers Propose Measures to Oversee Police • U.S. Failed to Safeguard Many Migrant Children, Review Finds • Trump's New York Hush-Money Case Will Start March 25. It's the First of His Criminal Trials • Democrats Embrace Tougher Border Enforcement, Seeing Trump's Demolition of Deal as a 'Gift' BIG PICTURE • New York Times • Wall Street Journal • Washington Post • Financial Times • ABC News • CBS News • NBC News • Fox News WASHINGTON SCHEDULE IN THE NEWS Director Wray Unveils Cyber Threat Disruptions, Highlights Risks at Munich Security Conference Fox News (02/15, Hagstrom) reported that at the Munich Cyber Security Conference in Germany, Director Wray highlighted the significant threat posed by Chinese hackers affiliated with the CCP, stating that they have reached a "fever pitch" in their cyberattacks against the U.S. and its allies. He warned, "You might find your companies harassed and hacked, targeted by a web of corporate CCP proxies," and emphasized the presence of PRC hackers in critical infrastructure, ready to act if geopolitical lines are crossed. Director Wray noted the escalation of preparations for cyberattacks, particularly against U.S. oil and gas sectors since 2011, pointing out, "What we're seeing now is China's increasing build-out of offensive weapons within our critical infrastructure, poised to attack whenever Beijing decides the time is right." He reiterated the daily cyber threat to the U.S. in his testimony before Congress and underscored a report from the Joint Cybersecurity Advisory that revealed prolonged unauthorized access to U.S. infrastructure by Chinese hackers, highlighting the risks of significant disruptions in case of U.S.-China conflicts. The FBI posted a transcript of Director Wray's remarks at the Munich Security Conference. Director Wray Says FBI Disrupted Russian Intelligence Hacking Network CNN (02/15, Lyngaas) added that at the Munich Security Conference, Director Wray announced the disruption of a vast network of over 1,000 internet routers hacked by Russia's GRU military intelligence. According to the article, this network, or botnet, was used for espionage against the U.S. and its European allies. Through a court order, the operation successfully removed hackers from these compromised routers, effectively "locking the door behind them." The article explained that while addressing the global gathering of intelligence officials, Director Wray reiterated the longstanding concern over Russian and China-backed hacking groups infiltrating U.S. critical infrastructure, such as energy and telecommunications networks. He highlighted the potential for these adversaries to disable networks during a crisis, stating, "Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago, we've seen Russia conducting reconnaissance on the US energy sector. And that's a particularly worrisome trend because we know that once access is established, the hacker can switch from information gathering to attack quickly and without notice." Director Wray also disclosed new intelligence on Russian military developments, specifically their efforts to deploy a nuclear anti-satellite system in space, framing Russia's behavior as consistent with its history of EFTA01655774 "murder, rape, and mayhem," and cautioning against underestimating Russia's readiness to conduct cyberattacks alongside military conflicts. Direct quotes on "Operation Dying Ember" from the Press Release: • "The Justice Department is accelerating our efforts to disrupt the Russian government's cyber campaigns against the United States and our allies, including Ukraine," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "In this case, Russian intelligence services turned to criminal groups to help them target home and office routers, but the Justice Department disabled their scheme. We will continue to disrupt and dismantle the Russian government's malicious cyber tools that endanger the security of the United States and our allies." • "Russia's GRU continues to maliciously target the United States through their botnet campaigns," said Director Wray. "The FBI utilized its technical capabilities to disrupt Russia's access to hundreds of routers belonging to individuals in addition to small and home offices. This type of criminal behavior is simply unacceptable, and the FBI, in coordination with our federal and international partners, will not allow for any of Russia's services to negatively impact the American people and our allies?' • "Operation Dying Ember was an international effort led by FBI Boston to remediate over a thousand compromised routers belonging to unsuspecting victims here in the United States, and around the world that were targeted by malicious, nation state actors in Russia to facilitate their strategic intelligence collection;' said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office. "The FBI's strong partnerships with the private sector were critical to identifying and addressing this threat which targeted our national security interests here and abroad. This operation should make it crystal clear to our adversaries that we will not allow anyone to exploit our technology and networks." Additional reporting on the story was provided by Reuters (02/15, Bing), ABC News (02/15, Mallin, Barr, Thomas), UPI (02/15, Wynder), Politico Pro (02/15, Sakellariadis, Gedeon), New York Times (02/15, Sullivan), The Hill (02/15, Sforza), Bloomberg (02/15, Tarabay), CyberScoop (02/15, Vicens), Fox News (02/15, Hagstrom), and The Record (02/15, Temple-Raston). FBI Informant Charged With Lying About Joe and Hunter Biden's Ties to Ukrainian Energy Company The Associated Press (02/15, Whitehurst) and Reuters (02/15, Singh) reported that former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov was charged with making false claims about Joe and Hunter Biden's alleged involvement with Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company. According to the articles, Smirnov reported to the FBI in June 2020, fabricating a story that the Bidens received $5 million each for protection from legal troubles through their association with Burisma. The FBI, involved in documenting Smirnov's allegations through form FD-1023, saw these claims spark a House impeachment inquiry into President Biden. The articles assessed that the indictment unsealed on Thursday appeared to deal a blow to the Republican accusations that the U.S. president profited from his son's business in Ukraine. The articles also noted that Smirnov, facing up to 25 years if convicted, had only routine business dealings with Burisma in 2017 and reportedly expressed bias against Joe Biden during his presidential campaign. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Fox News (02/15, Betz, Singman), HuffPost (02/15, Delaney), Washington Post (02/15, Barrett), CBS News (02/15, Legare, Brown), CNN (02/15, Rabinowitz, Perez, Cohen), New York Times (02/15, Thrush), Bloomberg (02/15, Farrell), Axios (02/15, Falconer), ABC News (02/15, Mallin, Scott, et al.), NBC News (02/15, Reilly, Grumbach, Fitzpatrick), USA Today (02/15, Garrison), Rolling Stone (02/15, Ramirez), The Daily Beast (02/15, Fiallo), The Guardian (02/15, Staff Writer), Washington Times (02/15, Ferrechio), Forbes (02/15, Bohannon), Washington Examiner (02/15, Villalovas), The Epoch Times (02/15, Richman), The Hill (02/15, Bertsch), New York Sun (02/15, Rice), and Raw Story (02/15, Chapman). Additional analysis was provided by the Washington Post (02/15, Bump). White House Confirms Russia Is Developing Antisatellite Weapon The Wall Street Journal (02/15, Volz, Lubold) reported that the Biden administration disclosed that Russia is developing an antisatellite weapon, which is a concern but not currently a threat to public safety, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. According to the article, this announcement followed the declassification of intelligence at the request of Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), who had previously warned of a "serious national-security threat." The article noted that despite the development of this capability, which has not been deployed and lacks confirmed nuclear components, the White House aimed to reassure both lawmakers and the public, amidst ongoing confusion and concern regarding the potential implications of such technology. The New EFTA01655775 York Past (02/15, King) reported that the Pentagon confirmed that six satellites, including ones with advanced missile tracking technology, were successfully launched into orbit Wednesday — a day after alarming US intel revealed Russia wants to put nuclear weapons in space to target Western satellites. The article explained that two of those satellites will buttress the Missile Defense Agency's Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor program and the other four are configured for tracking spacecraft. "This launch represents a pivotal time for MDA as we enter a new phase of missile warning, tracking and defense," Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, director of MDA said. "These HBTSS satellites are an essential step forward in our efforts to stay ahead of our adversaries." An additional article from the New York Post (02/15, Christenson) reported that House Freedom Caucus member Andy Ogles (R- TN) asked Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Thursday to probe Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner's decision to reveal the "serious national security threat" to the American public that could involve Russian space nukes. The article noted that Ogles wrote a letter to Johnson demanding a formal inquiry of the disclosure and accusing Turner of doing so with "a reckless disregard of the implications and consequences said information would have on geopolitics, domestic and foreign markets, or the well-being and psyche of the American people." Additional reporting on the story was provided by Associated Press (02/15, Madhani, Miller), two articles from the ABC News (02/15, Flaherty, Luna, et al.), CBS News (02/15, Yilek), The Independent (02/15, O'Connell, Sommerlad, Kilander), Axios (02/15, Knutson), Barran's (02/15, Kemp), Air Force Times (02/15, Shane III), Reuters (02/15, Faulconbridge), Washington Times (02/15, Mordock, Wolfgang), The Hill (02/15, Kelly), NPR (02/15, Brumfiel, Bowman), NBC News (02/15, Smith), BBC (02/15, Debusmann Jr.), New York Times (02/15, Rogers, Demirjian), Forbes (02/15, Hart), Daily Mail (02/15, Robinson), and The Daily Beast (02/15, Olmstead). District Attorney in Trump's Georgia Case Pushes Back: 'I'm Not on Trial' The Associated Press (02/15, Brumback, Richer) reported that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis defended herself against allegations of misconduct due to her relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, which has become a focal point in Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case. According to the article, Willis vehemently denied the claims, emphasizing that the trial concerns the defendants' efforts to undermine the 2020 election, not her personal conduct. The article noted that the controversy has led to scrutiny of Willis and Wade, potentially affecting the case against Trump and others accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia. The New York Times (02/15, Fausset, Hakim) explained that if Willis is disqualified, the case would be in limbo and potentially reassigned to another Georgia prosecutor by the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, potentially impacting the prosecution of Trump and his allies for their efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. The article added that the council's executive director, Pete Skandalakis, faces a complex decision with limited options due to the case's complexity and political sensitivity, involving 15 defendants, including Trump and his former chief of staff. Additional reporting on the story was provided by the Wall Street Journal (02/15, Timms, Ramey, Fanelli), CBS News (02/15, Quinn, Kaufman, et al.), Politico (02/15, Cheney, Gerstein), two articles from The Guardian (02/15, Luscombe, Wafters), NBC News (02/15, Doyle, Alexander, Gile), New York Times (02/15, Fausset, Hakim), Washington Post (02/15, Blake), CNBC (02/15, Breuninger), USA Today (02/15, Meyer, Jansen), Reuters (02/15, Goudsward), BBC (02/15, Halpert), The Daily Beast (02/15, Melendez), The Hill (02/15, Lee), Axios (02/15, Saric, Knutson, Rubin), ABC News (02/15, Rubin, Steakin, Romero), Forbes (02/15, Bushard). An opinion article was also provided by Fox News (02/15, Turley). Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM Man Charged With Beheading Father Carried Photos of Federal Buildings, Bomb Plans, DA Says The Associated Press (02/15, Catalini) reported that Justin Mohn, 32, from suburban Philadelphia, was charged with the decapitation of his father, Michael Mohn, and faces a dozen new charges including terrorism after authorities found he had photos of federal buildings and instructions for making explosives. According to the article, Mohn recorded and posted a video online showing him holding his father's severed head, where he called for violence against the government and expressed various conspiracy theories. Upon his arrest, Mohn was found with a device containing photos of federal buildings and plans for making an explosive device. The article noted that the FBI stated that it is supporting the district attorney's investigation into this case. Additional reporting on the story was provided by USA Today (02/15, Ciavaglia), The Independent (02/15, Rey), The Daily Beast (02/15, Yen), Law and Crime (02/15, Harris), and CBS News (02/15, Dougherty). Biden Official Pressed by Lawler Over Actblue Fundraising for Anti-Israel Group EFTA01655776 The Washington Examiner (02/15, Kaminsky) reported that Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) questioned Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson during a House Financial Services Committee hearing about why the Treasury Department has not investigated ActBlue for fundraising for an anti-Israel group accused of being linked to terrorism. According to the article, the inquiry followed a request by Rep. Darrell Issa (R- CA) to the FBI and Treasury Department to review ActBlue Charities Inc.'s activities after reports emerged of the platform facilitating fundraising for the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, which is associated with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions National Committee. The article noted that despite Issa's letter sent on September 21, 2023, asking whether ActBlue raised funds for international terrorism and requesting a review, Undersecretary Nelson indicated he was not aware of any such review being conducted. Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE Speaker Mike Johnson Forced to Delay House Vote on Controversial Surveillance Tool After GOP Mutiny Threats Fox News (02/15, Elkind) reported that Speaker Mike Johnson had to postpone a House vote on renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) after a group of GOP lawmakers, led by members of the House Intelligence Committee, threatened to derail the legislation over concerns with an amendment proposed by Rep. Warren Davidson. According to the article, this amendment, which aimed to require a warrant for accessing U.S. citizens' communications and location data under FISA, was deemed "germane" after last-minute changes to the bill's text, raising concerns that it would undermine FISA's effectiveness as a national security tool. The article noted that the controversy over the amendment and the process by which the bill was altered led to a delay in the legislation, with House leadership needing to address these concerns before Section 702 expires on April 19. The article added that Rep. Darin LaHood agreed that FISA needed reforms and defended his panel's work on the matter but insisted the warrant aspect could hinder efforts to prevent threats to Americans. He said the committee's proposed emphasis on more transparency and oversight of the FISA court would "help remedy these problems and puts us on the best path forward to protect national security, and secondly, to hold the FBI accountable." Key Points of AP Report Into Missed Red Flags Surrounding Accused U.S. Diplomat-Turned-Cuban Spy The Associated Press (02/15, Goodman, Mustian) reported on the arrest of Manuel Rocha, once a U.S. diplomat, now charged as a Cuban spy since the 1970s. According to the article, this was a revelation initially met with disbelief even after a defected Cuban officer warned former CIA operative Felix Rodriguez in 2006, who then informed a skeptical CIA. The article explained that the FBI, involved in the investigation post-arrest, discovered Rocha had been closely tied to Cuba's intelligence agency since a trip to Chile in 1973, with Rocha's actions, including his interference in Bolivia's presidential election to aid a Castro ally, being scrutinized as acts of espionage. The report highlighted the missed opportunities and red flags that allowed Rocha to evade detection for decades, including a tip to the CIA in 1987 about a "super mole" within the U.S. government, potentially referring to Rocha, now considered a significant oversight by the FBI and other agencies, which have declined to comment on the ongoing case. Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Special Counsel Who Questioned Biden's Memory to Testify at House Hearing The Associated Press (02/15, Groves, Tucker) reported that House Republicans will hold a public hearing next month with the DO1 special counsel who found evidence that the president had mishandled classified information when he was out of office but who also concluded that criminal charges were not warranted. The article added that the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by conservative firebrand Rep. Jim Jordan, (R-OH), will hold a hearing with special counsel Robert Hur on March 12, according to two people familiar with the plans who spoke anonymously to discuss the yet-to-be-announced hearing. The article stated that the committee has spearheaded much of the House GOP's investigations into Biden, including the effort to impeach him. While that effort has floundered, Republicans want to hear from Hur after his report last week offered an unflattering assessment of Biden's competency and age. Fox News (02/15, Singman), the Guardian (02/15, Staff Writer), Axios (02/15, EFTA01655777 Thompson), CNN (02/15, Grayer, Reid), NBC News (02/15, Kaplan, Nobles, Richards), the Hill (02/15, Beitsch), CBS News (02/15, Legare, Kim), Politico (02/15, Camey), National Review (02/15, Bernstein), New York Post (02/15, Christenson), and the Washington Examiner (02/15, Knox), also reported on the story. White House Clashed With DOJ Over Special Counsel Report The New York Times (02/15, Savage) reported that the White House clashed with the DOJ in the run-up to the release of a special counsel report last week about President Biden's handling of classified information, previously undisclosed correspondence shows. The letters, obtained by The New York Times, show that a top DOJ official rejected complaints from Biden's lawyers about disparaging comments in the report regarding the president. The article stated that the lawyers wrote to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland the day before he released the report by the special counsel, Robert K. Hur. They raised objections to passages in the report in which Hur suggested that Biden's memory was failing and questioned some of his actions, even though the special counsel had found no basis to prosecute the president. The lawyers said Hur's comments "openly, obviously and blatantly violate department policy and practice," the letters show. According to the article, as the department was preparing to make the report public, Bradley Weinsheimer — the department's senior career official, or nonpolitical appointee, who deals with ethics complaints or appeals of department decisions — wrote back rejecting their criticism. He insisted that the comments in the report "fall well within the department's standards for public release." The article noted that Hur had permitted Biden's White House and personal lawyers to review a copy of the report before turning it in to Garland, to allow for any comments and to see whether there was anything Biden might want to assert executive privilege over. While Biden did not invoke the privilege, the review prompted the lawyers' complaints to Garland. ABC News (02/15, Bruggeman, Barr, Faulders), CBS News (02/15, Becket, Cordes, Legare), Politico (02/15, Swan), and CNN (02/15, Liptak, Lee) also reported on the story. Jim Jordan Demands Interview Recordings, Transcripts from Joe Biden's Ghostwriter The National Review (02/15, Lynch) reported that House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) is seeking interview recordings and transcripts from Joe Biden's ghostwriter. The article added that Jordan wrote a letter Wednesday to ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer demanding documents and information related to his work ghostwriting Joe Biden's memoirs, Promise Me Dad and Promises To Keep, in the wake of special counsel Robert Hur's final report on Biden's handling of classified materials. The article mentioned that Hur's investigation found Joe Biden shared classified information with Zwonitzer on at least three occasions by reading nearly verbatim from notebook entries written during his vice presidency. The article noted that Joe Biden read more classified portions of the notebook entry during a conversation with Zwonitzer two months later, Hur documented. According to the article, Jordan's request to Zwonitzer cites those portions of Hur's report and the special counsel's references to audio records and transcripts of conversations with Joe Biden. Hur suggested Zwonitzer deleted audio recordings from his computer after the classified-documents investigation began. The recordings were created during conversations for Promise Me Dad and FBI specialists ended up recovering them. Zwonitzer did turn over his laptop, an external hard drive, and transcripts of some of the tapes. The article stated that Hur opted not to bring charges against Zwonitzer for the alleged deletion of the recordings. He similarly decided against pursuing criminal charges against President Biden despite finding evidence Biden willfully retained classified documents related to Afghanistan policy and other national security matters. Super Bowl Parade Shooting Apparently Stemmed From Dispute Between Several People The Associated Press (02/15, Staff Writer) reported that the mass shooting that unfolded amid throngs of people at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl celebration, killing one person and wounding almost two dozen others, appeared to stem from a dispute between several people, authorities said Thursday. Police Chief Stacey Graves said the 22 people injured Wednesday ranged between 8 and 47 years old, with half under 16. A mother of two was killed. The article added that police said they detained three juveniles but released one who they determined wasn't involved in the shooting, leaving two in custody. No charges have been filed. Police are looking for others who may have been involved and are calling for witnesses, victims, and people with cellphone video of the violence to call a dedicated hotline. The Hill (02/15, Crisp) reported that the FBI is seeking help from the public as it works with Kansas City, Mo., authorities to investigate the deadly shooting that followed the Wednesday celebration for the city's Super Bowl-winning Chiefs. An additional Associated Press (02/15, Staff Writer) article, an additional Hill (02/15, Sforza) article, the Washington Post (02/15, Masih, Somasundaram, Ziff), New York Times (02/15, Burroughs, Fortin, Draper, Edmonds), CNN (02/15, Salahieh, Andone, Prokupecz, Campbell), USA TODAY (02/15, Cann, Osterman, Arshad, Nurse), Fox News (02/15, Nerozzi, Price), CBS News (02/15, Staff Writer), NBC EFTA01655778 News (02/15, Burke, Cohen, Kirsch, Vespa), Axios (02/15, Knutson), Independent (02/15, Graziosi, Singh, Watling), and ABC News (02/15, Winsor, Shapiro) also reported on the story. Jury Convicts Iowa Police Chief of Lying to Feds to Acquire Machine Guns The Associated Press (02/15, Dura) reported that the police chief of a small Iowa town was convicted by a federal jury Wednesday of lying to federal authorities to acquire machine guns prosecutors say he sold for his own profit. The jury convicted Adair Police Chief Brad Wendt, 47, of conspiring to make false statements to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, making false statements to the agency, and illegal possession of a machine gun. He was convicted on 11 of 15 charges. The article quoted FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel, who said, "In a stark abuse of the position of trust he held, Brad Wendt exploited his position as chief of police to unlawfully obtain and sell guns for his own personal profit, when so many law enforcement officers in our country are working to protect our communities and uphold the law, Brad Wendt did exactly the opposite." FBI Searches Homes of Fire Dept. Chiefs in Corruption Investigation The New York Times (02/15, Rashbaum, Rothfeld) reported that FBI agents early Thursday searched the homes of two senior New York Fire Department chiefs responsible for overseeing safety inspections on building projects, people with knowledge of the matter said. At the same time, city investigators searched and sealed off the chiefs' offices at the department's headquarters in Brooklyn. The article added that the coordinated searches in Staten Island and Harlem were carried out as part of a corruption investigation that was initially focused on whether the chiefs had been paid nearly $100,000 each in a scheme to help expedite or arrange building inspections. The investigation began late last summer and was being conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's office for the Southern District of New York, and the New York City Department of Investigation. CBS News (02/15, Staff Writer), and the New York Post (02/15, Celona, McCarthy, Crane) also reported on the story. Ex-Illinois Lawmaker Abruptly Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering, Halting Federal Trial The Associated Press (02/15, O'Connor) reported that former Illinois lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate William "Sam" McCann abruptly pleaded guilty on Thursday to nine felony counts of wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion, halting his federal corruption trial over misusing up to $550,000 in campaign contributions. The article added that McCann, who cut off negotiations over a plea deal last fall when he dismissed his court- appointed attorneys, made the reversal on the third day of a bench trial before U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Lawless. His latest lawyer, Jason Vincent, of Springfield, asked that he be released from custody as part of the deal, but Lawless nixed the idea, telling McCann his only option was to offer a no-strings open plea. The article noted that a state senator from 2011 to 2019, McCann formed the Conservative Party of Illinois to campaign for governor in 2018. A criminal indictment in 2021 outlined numerous schemes McCann employed to convert contributions from his campaign committees to buy vehicles, pay an overdue loan, two mortgages, credit card bills, and fund a family vacation, entertainment, and other purchases. The article mentioned that for his unsuccessful run for governor, he collected more than $3 million dollars from Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers alone. Despite being questioned four times by FBI and IRS agents in the summer of 2018 about alleged improper spending, he tore through $340,000 in leftover campaign funds for personal expenses in the year after the election. North Carolina Search Warrant Sheds Light on Mysterious Therapy Camp Death of 12-Year-Old Boy Fox News (02/16, Price) reported that new details have emerged in what authorities are calling a "suspicious" death of a 12-year-old boy at a North Carolina wilderness therapy camp for troubled teens. The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office executed two search warrants as part of its investigation into the boy's death at Trails Carolina less than 24 hours after he enrolled. The warrants include affidavits revealing the shocking scene first responders encountered when they arrived on Feb. 2. Transylvania County Sheriff's Office Det. John Nicholson said Trails Carolina "has not completely cooperated" with the investigation, although the camp insists it has done everything it can do. The article added that when responders arrived at the camp, the boy was lying face up in a CPR mask on the floor of a bunk house. His knees were bent, his arms were on his chest and his body was "cold to the touch," the warrant stated. He was wearing a hoodie and T-shirt, but his pants and underwear lay next to his shoulder. Detectives also noted discoloration of the boy's skin and possible bruising near the eyes. Camp counselors told detectives they didn't know why the boy wasn't wearing pants or underwear. The article stated that the FBI is assisting the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office with the investigation, a spokeswoman confirmed. The case is being investigated as possible manslaughter. EFTA01655779 FBI Working to Recover Stolen 200-Year-Old George Washington Painting The Washington Examiner (02/15, Gentile) reported that the FBI is working with local law enforcement in Colorado to recover a missing 200-year-old George Washington painting that was purportedly stolen from a storage unit last month. The article added that it is unclear if the criminals who stole the early 1800s painting knew it was in the storage unit. The article noted that a reward of up to $2,000 has been offered by Crime Stoppers for any information and anonymous tips that can lead to the painting's recovery, according to a release. ABC News (02/15, Video), and the Independent (02/15, Neath), also reported on the story. $25K Reward Offered for Info Leading to Arrest, Conviction of California Homicide Suspect CBS News (02/15, Downs) reported that the FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect connected to a 2013 deadly shooting in Fairfield. The FBI said Mario Guadalupe Vasquez is suspected of shooting and killing Jesus Adrian "Jessie" Gutierrez Amaya during an attempted robbery on Hayes Street on February 1, 2012, in Fairfield. The article added that Vasquez was charged with homicide in March 2023 in Solano County court. The FBI also obtained a federal arrest warrant for Vasquez in 2022, alleging he took off to avoid prosecution. Federal Jury Indicts 17 for Smuggling Drugs Like Fentanyl Into U.S. From Mexico Using Fire Extinguishers Fox News (02/15, Wehner) reported that a federal grand jury in California has indicted 10 men for allegedly smuggling fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin into the U.S. from Mexico, by packing the narcotics into fire extinguishers and concealing the devices in loads of scrap metal. The article added that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California said a two-year investigation called Operation "Smoke Jumpers" resulted in 13 seizures including 680,992 fentanyl pills, 3 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 17 kilograms of heroin, and 10,418 pills containing methamphetamine. The operation ran from Feb. 8 - 12, during which nine defendants were arrested. There are also seven additional suspects who federal agents believe are in Mexico. The article noted that the FBI led the investigation and was assisted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the South Gate Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and several other federal, state, and local agencies. Ice Captures Two Suspected Venezuelan Gang Members in Connection With NYPD Assault Fox News (02/15, Ruiz) reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)officers have arrested two suspected Venezuelan gang members in connection with the shocking assault of two New York City police officers last month. The article added that Kelvin Servita-Arocha, 19, and Wilson Omar Juarez-Aguilarte, 21, are both illegal immigrants being held without bail in ICE custody, authorities said. They were arrested on Tuesday in connection with a pair of immigration warrants. Juarez-Aguilarte was named in a final order of removal nearly a year ago. The article quoted an ICE spokesperson, who said, "Both unlawfully present Venezuelan citizens have been charged in conjunction with the violent gang assault carried out on two NYPD officers and are currently detained without bond in ERO New York City custody, both noncitizens have been identified as members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) transnational criminal organization." According to the article, the group has transplanted its theft pattern from Caracas to U.S. soil — where the group has now been blamed for scooter and moped robberies as well as retail theft. The FBI is monitoring the group for potential "emerging threats." Back to Top CYBER DIVISION Pennsylvania Courts Say No Ransom Was Paid in Cyberattack, and Attackers Never Sent a Demand The Associated Press (02/15, Levy) reported that Pennsylvania's state courts agency said Thursday that it never received a ransom demand as part of a cyberattack that briefly shut down some of its online services earlier this month and prompted a federal investigation. The attack called a "denial of services" attack, on the website of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts disabled some online portals and systems that were all fully restored this week, officials said. The attack didn't compromise any data or stop the courts from operating on a normal schedule, officials said. The article noted that a court agency spokesperson said officials there never received a ransom demand from the attackers, never had any communication with the attackers, and never paid anything to meet any sort of demand. According to the article, the state Supreme Court's chief justice, Debra Todd, said a federal investigation was continuing. Neither the courts nor the FBI or the federal government's lead cybersecurity agency, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, have identified the attacker. There have been no EFTA01655780 apparent claims of responsibility. The FBI and CISA have confirmed their involvement in investigating the matter but said Thursday they had no other information to give about the investigation. State Department Offers $10M for Information on Blackcat Ransomware Ring UPI (02/15, Wynder) reported that the U.S. State Department announced Thursday a reward of up to $10 million for information about anyone who holds a key leadership position in the ALPHV or Blackcat ransomware group. The State Department also is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of anyone involved in Blackcat ransomware attacks. The article added that the Blackcat group has targeted over 1,000 entities globally since its inception, including networks that support critical United States infrastructure, such as government facilities, health care, emergency services, and manufacturing. The FBI in December disrupted Blackcat's operations through a decryption tool that enabled over 500 victims to restore their computer systems, saving them from ransom demands totaling about $99 million. The article quoted FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate, who said in December, "Helping victims of crime is the FBI's highest priority and is reflected here in the provision of tools to assist those victimized in decrypting compromised networks and systems,". Back to Top INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS U.S. Charges Suspected Mexican Drug Lord Zambada With Fentanyl Crimes Reuters (02/15, Staff Writer) reported that U.S. federal prosecutors charged Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, the co- founder of Mexico's notorious Sinaloa drug cartel, with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, prosecutors in New York said on Thursday. Zambada founded the Sinaloa Cartel along with now-jailed drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, and U.S. prosecutors allege he continues to lead the organization from hiding. Thursday's fentanyl-related charges add to a litany of indictments for crimes relating to drug trafficking and organized crime. A DOJ press release quoted FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge of the Washington Field Office David Sundberg, who said, "As alleged, Zambada Garcia has, for decades, overseen the trafficking of tens of thousands of pounds of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the U.S. along with scores of related violence, this superseding indictment is yet another example of our commitment to bringing cartel leaders to justice. We vow to continue to work with our domestic and foreign partners to dismantle violent transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel." Back to Top CAPITOL VIOLENCE NEWS Trump Makes Final Pitch to Supreme Court as It Prepares to Rule on Presidential Immunity The Washington Examiner (02/15, Deese) reported that former President Donald Trump appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking to pause his trial over 2020 election subversion charges, asserting that former presidents should have immunity for actions taken in office. According to the article, Special Counsel Jack Smith countered, arguing against delaying Trump's pretrial proceedings before U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, emphasizing the urgency of proceeding with the trial months before the 2024 election. The Supreme Court faces a decision on Trump's request, which challenges the lower federal courts' rejection of his immunity claim and the notion of double jeopardy in relation to his impeachment and acquittal by the Senate for the same allegations. The article noted that the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, including two judges appointed by President Biden and one by a Republican president, had previously dismissed Trump's claim of absolute immunity. Jack Smith Used Donald Trump's Own Arguments Against Him: Legal Analyst Newsweek (02/15, Dobkin) reported that Special Counsel Jack Smith challenged former President Donald Trump's appeal for presidential immunity in the Supreme Court, regarding charges stemming from Trump's actions related to the January 6 Capitol riot. Smith argued against delaying Trump's trial, emphasizing the serious nature of the allegations and the public's interest in a quick resolution. The article noted that legal analyst Lisa Rubin noted on MSNBC that Smith effectively turned Trump's arguments on their head, asserting that the gravity of Trump's alleged actions to subvert the democratic process warrants prioritizing the trial over Trump's claims of political motivation and potential harm to his supporters. Illinois Judge to Hear Arguments on Trump Illinois Ballot Challenge EFTA01655781 Patch (02/15, Meadows) reported that an appellate judge rejected former President Donald Trump's emergency motion to delay a Cook County court case aimed at disqualifying him from the Illinois ballot due to his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. According to the article, oral arguments will proceed as planned, focusing on a challenge to an Illinois State Electoral Board decision. The challenge is based on the claim that Trump is ineligible to run for the White House again under the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause. The election board's hearing officer previously found evidence of Trump's ineligibility but stated the board lacks authority for constitutional determinations. The article noted that legal director Ron Fein, representing the voters challenging Trump's candidacy, plans to appeal, arguing that Illinois law supports disqualifying Trump based on the Constitution. More Than 200 Jan. 6 Defendants Say They Came to Capitol Because Trump Told Them To, Report Says Law & Crime (02/15, Buchman) reported that a report by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) found that around 210 defendants charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot claimed they were incited by former President Donald Trump's calls. According to the article, the report, which utilized public records, court documents, and congressional reports, aimed to demonstrate that the riot was a result of Trump and his allies' efforts to stop the certification of the 2020 election. Examples cited include communications among Oath Keepers and Proud Boys members showing coordination with Trump's campaign, and individual rioters who said they participated in the violence because they believed Trump was asking for help or had invited them to the Capitol. The article noted that this evidence was part of CREW's broader analysis, supporting the claim that Trump's actions and words directly influenced the individuals who stormed the Capitol. Jan. 6 Defendant Arrested at Obama's Home Hit with New Felony Charges NBC News (02/15, Reilly) reported that Taylor Taranto, previously identified by online sleuths and arrested near former President Barack Obama's home with weapons in his van, has been charged with five new felony counts, including obstruction of an official proceeding for his actions during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. According to the article, Taranto, also involved in a civil wrongful death lawsuit for contributing to the suicide of Officer Jeffrey Smith post- riot, was arrested after reposting a Trump social media post that included Obama's address and threatening explosive action at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The article noted that his trial is set for July, amidst concerns over his mental health treatment and recent behavior, as part of over 1,250 charges filed in connection with the Jan. 6 attack, leading to more than 900 convictions. Man Who Made 'Video Manifesto' Charged for Role in Jan. 6 Riot The New York Times (02/15, Hauser) reported that Thomas J. Method from Framingham, Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, facing felony charges for obstruction of an official proceeding among other misdemeanors. According to the article, federal prosecutors highlighted Method's "video manifesto" made en route to Washington, D.C., where he expressed a desire for "mayhem, chaos, and pandemonium" to keep Trump in the presidency. The article noted that investigations traced Method's presence inside the Capitol through his cellphone and email, and he was seen in video footage entering the Capitol with a crowd aiming to overturn the 2020 election results. Houston Man Latest From Houston Area Accused of U.S. Capitol Insurrection Participation Houston Public Media (02/15, Zuvanich) reported that Nathan Mackie from Magnolia, his brother Brandon Mackie of Weatherford, Texas, and their friend Daniel Hatcher of Arkansas were arrested and charged with four federal crimes related to their participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. According to the article, they spent approximately two minutes inside the Capitol, during which a violent crowd sought to obstruct the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. The FBI was tipped off about their involvement, leading to their identification through surveillance footage, publicly sourced videos, and Google account data. The article noted that in interviews with the FBI, Hatcher and Nathan Mackie admitted to their presence at the Capitol, with Hatcher even requesting a photo of himself with riot police inside the building. Former NYC Council Candidate Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Cops During Jan. 6 Riot The New York Post (02/15, Land) reported that Mitchell Bosch, a former New York City Council candidate from Brooklyn, was arrested for his alleged involvement in assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6 riot. According to the article, charged with felony offenses of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding authorities, Bosch was identified in video footage opposing police, pushing against officers, and encouraging others to resist. According to an affidavit, Google records and a post on Instagram suggested Bosch's presence at the Capitol, where he remarked about facing FBI attention for his actions. The article noted that Bosch, who had previously been EFTA01655782 arrested at anti-vaccine protests, did not qualify for the city council ballot and expressed frustration over federal focus on the Jan. 6 events over issues like Afghanistan. Patch (02/15, Burns) also reported on the story. Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Defendant Leaves Ameriprise. Company Says It Planned to Fire Him. Barron's (02/15, Corbin) reported that Lee Giobbie, an Ameriprise financial advisor and franchise owner facing charges for his alleged participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, resigned before Ameriprise could terminate him due to violations of the firm's code of conduct related to his federal indictment. According to the article, Ameriprise had previously suspended Giobbie and was conducting an investigation when he left the company on February 14. The FBI identified Giobbie through photos from the riot and his social media, with charges including felony civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding. The article explained that Giobbie used a bullhorn to amplify Trump's speech before joining the mob that breached the Capitol. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS Detroit Police Ramp up Security Measures for 2024 NFL Draft Following Kansas City Super Bowl Parade Shooting Fox News (02/15, Thompson) reported that the shooting that occurred at the Kansas City Chiefs' victory rally near Union Station on Wednesday has prompted a city farther north to address safety concerns ahead of its own major NFL event. The article added that Detroit hosts the 2024 NFL Draft in late April, and the downtown area will see gun-free zones, Police Chief James White said. This announcement from the police chief comes after one person died and 22 others were injured, including 11 children, following a dispute in Kansas City at the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade. The article stated that there will also be security measures the public won't notice, as undercover officers and a Detroit police real-time crime center will be set up. The article mentioned that White said Detroit police will have help from the Michigan State Police, the FBI, Wayne County Sheriff's Office, and the ATF. Police dogs and aerial units will also assist. New Lawsuit From Jeffrey Epstein Victims Accuses FBI of Enabling His Sex Trafficking The Independent (02/15, Reinstein) reported that twelve anonymous Jeffrey Epstein victims have filed a new lawsuit against the FBI, which they accuse of "repeated and continued failures" that allowed their abuser to run his sex trafficking operation for more than 20 years. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in the Southern District of New York, alleges that the FBI turned a blind eye to evidence of Epstein's crimes since the 1990s. The article noted that between 1996 and 2006, the FBI received "reports, complaints and tips concerning the illegal sex trafficking of women and underage minors, sex abuse and human rights violations committed by Jeffrey Epstein and associates," the lawsuit claims. According to the article, the FBI allegedly "had photographs, videos and interviews and hard evidence of child prostitution" but failed to conduct a thorough investigation. The Guardian (02/15, Helmore), Fox News (02/15, Ruiz), and UPI (02/15, Hughes) also reported on the story. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL NEWS Russia Using Thousands of Musk's Starlink Systems in War, Ukrainian General Says • Wall Street Journal: Russia Using Thousands of Musk's Starlink Systems in War, Ukrainian General Says China Revives Socialist Ideas to Fix Its Real-Estate Crisis • Wall Street Journal: China Revives Socialist Ideas to Fix Its Real-Estate Crisis Israeli Forces Enter Gaza Hospital to Search for Hostages • Wall Street Journal: Israeli Forces Enter Gaza Hospital to Search for Hostages Putin Says Russia Prefers Biden Over Trump in U.S. Election • Wall Street Journal: Putin Says Russia Prefers Biden Over Trump in U.S. Election EFTA01655783 Egypt Builds Walled Enclosure on Border as Israeli Offensive Looms • Wall Street Journal: Egypt Builds Walled Enclosure on Border as Israeli Offensive Looms Pakistan's Voters Defy Military, Reviving a Nation's Democratic Hopes • Wall Street Journal: Pakistan's Voters Defy Military, Reviving a Nation's Democratic Hopes Venezuela Orders UN Human Rights Office to Close, Accusing It of Anti-Government Activity • Associated Press: Venezuela Orders UN Human Rights Office to Close, Accusing It of Anti-Government Activity NATO Chief Warns Against Dividing the US and Europe or Undermining Their Joint Nuclear Deterrent • Associated Press: NATO Chief Warns Against Dividing the US and Europe or Undermining Their Joint Nuclear Deterrent Greece Becomes First Orthodox Christian Country to Legalize Same-Sex Civil Marriage • Associated Press: Greece Becomes First Orthodox Christian Country to Legalize Same-Sex Civil Marriage How Russia Recruits Soldiers From Cuba to Fight in Ukraine • Wall Street Journal: How Russia Recruits Soldiers From Cuba to Fight in Ukraine Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Many Suicides in Prisons Could Have Been Averted, Justice Dept. Watchdog Says • New York Times: Many Suicides in Prisons Could Have Been Averted, Justice Dept. Watchdog Says • ABC News: New Watchdog Report Looks at Issues Connected to Federal Prison Suicides • CNN: DOJ Watchdog Report Finds Chronic Failures by Bureau of Prisons Contributed to the Deaths of Hundreds of Inmates • Fox News: Watchdog Report Paints Picture of Bureau of Prisons in Crisis • NBC News: Bureau of Prisons Failed to Prevent Nearly 200 Deaths by Suicide, DOJ Watchdog Finds U.S. Conducted Cyberattack on Suspected Iranian Spy Ship • Reuters: U.S. Conducted Cyberattack on Suspected Iranian Spy Ship Illegal Immigration Could Have Major Impact on House Seats, Electoral College: Experts • Fox News: Illegal Immigration Could Have Major Impact on House Seats, Electoral College: Experts Biden Warns Opposing Ukraine Funding Plays 'Into Putin's Hands,' but Faces Resistance in House • Associated Press: Biden Warns Opposing Ukraine Funding Plays 'Into Putin's Hands; but Faces Resistance in House Democrats Push for State Gun Limits After Electoral Win, Mass Shooting • Wall Street Journal: Democrats Push for State Gun Limits After Electoral Win, Mass Shooting The Federal Government Runs a College. It Has Had Eight Presidents in Six Years. • Wall Street Journal: The Federal Government Runs a College. It Has Had Eight Presidents in Six Years. Mississippi Lawmakers Propose Measures to Oversee Police EFTA01655784 • New York Times: Mississippi Lawmakers Propose Measures to Oversee Police U.S. Failed to Safeguard Many Migrant Children, Review Finds • New York Times: U.S. Failed to Safeguard Many Migrant Children, Review Finds Trump's New York Hush-Money Case Will Start March 25. It's the First of His Criminal Trials • Associated Press: Trump's New York Hush-Money Case Will Start March 25. It's the First of His Criminal Trials Democrats Embrace Tougher Border Enforcement, Seeing Trump's Demolition of Deal as a 'Gift' • Associated Press: Democrats Embrace Tougher Border Enforcement, Seeing Trump's Demolition of Deal as a 'Gift' Back to Top BIG PICTURE New York Times • Israelis Breach Hospital In Gaza That Was Refuge • Trump's Scorn For Alliances Isn't His Alone • Ethnic Studies Collides With Israel-Hamas War • Cancer Doctor Is in Spotlight Over Bad Data • Sparks Fly as D.A. in Georgia Is Grilled on Her Relationship • Olympic Reprieve for a Living Symbol of Paris Wall Street Journal • Tensions Build Between Netanyahu And Biden • Defiant Trump Prosecutor Gives Rebuttal Over Office Romance • Ukraine Says Russia Is Using Starlink In Big Way • China Revives Socialist Ideas To Fix Its Real-Estate Crisis • Migrant Influx Brings Economic Benefits • Your Cat Up a Tree? Climbers Branch Out, Swing to the Rescue Washington Post • Biden's Lawyers Bashed Report • Impending Attack Will Test Israel's Alliances • Sad Repetition of Tragedy in a U.S. Public Square • Trial for Trump, Tribulation for DA • In Myanmar, Reports of a Fracturing Military Rebel Offensive Taking Toll on Myanmar Military's Cohesion • New York Hush Money Case Will Be First Trump Criminal Trial, Set for March Financial Times • White House Discloses 'Troubling' Anti-satellite Advance by Russia • U.S. Investors in Emerging Markets Switch to ETFS That Exclude China • Trump Georgia Prosecutor Hits Back at Misconduct Claims During Hearing ABC News • Fulton County DA Takes Stand in Misconduct Hearing; Chiefs Parade Shooting Stemmed From Personal Dispute: Police; White House Confirms Russia Developing 'Anti-satellite Capability'. CBS News EFTA01655785 • At Least 1 Dead, Several Wounded in Shooting Near Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade; Wounded Gaza Boy Who Survived Israeli Airstrike Undergoes Surgery in u.s. NBC News • Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' Heated Testimony Over Romantic Relationship; Former President Donald Trump's Bid to Dismiss Criminal Charges Denied; Two Teens in Custody After Deadly Kansas City Super Bowl Rally Shooting. Fox News • Kansas City Police Say They've Detained Two Juveniles for Questioning After Shooting; Fani Willis Has 'Damaged Her Reputation': Byron York; White House Confirms Russia's Possible Nuclear Capability in Space. Back to Top WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Biden • 1:10 PM: The President departs the White House en route to Joint Base Andrews • 1:30 PM: The President departs Joint Base Andrews en route to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 2:00 PM: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 2:25 PM: The President arrives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 4:20 PM: The President receives an operational briefing from officials on the continuing response and recovery efforts • 4:45 PM: The President delivers remarks on how the Administration is holding Norfolk Southern accountable for the derailment and is working with state and local officials to support the community as it moves forward • 7:35 PM: The President departs Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania en route to Dover, Delaware • 8:45 PM: The President departs Dover, Delaware en route to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware • 9:05 PM: The President arrives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Vice President Harris • No events scheduled. US Senate • No events scheduled. US House of Representatives • No events scheduled. Cabinet Members • Secretary of State Blinken meets with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov in Munich, Germany at 12:30 PM. EFTA01655786 • Secretary Blinken meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Munich, Germany at 1:45 PM. • Secretary Blinken attends Vice President Harris' remarks at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany at 2:30 PM. • Secretary Blinken meets with People's Republic of China Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Munich, Germany at 3:30 PM. • Secretary Blinken meets with German Vice Chancellor Dr. Robert Habeck in Munich, Germany at 5:45 PM. • Secretary Blinken meets with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Munich, Germany at 6:15 PM. Visitors • No events scheduled. General Events • Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: U.S. Policy and the Israel-Hamas War: A Conversation with Ambassador David Satterfield — Friday, February 16, 2024. Location: Online Event, 10:00 AM. As the Israel- Gaza war enters its fifth month, the humanitarian situation for 2.3 million Gazans is increasingly dire. A grinding process of inspections of trucks has slowed delivery of aid, while Israel's ground campaign in southern Gaza—where an estimated 1.9 million displaced Palestinians now reside—makes using predictable and reliable corridors for transport extremely difficult. What is the future for Palestinians in Gaza? How does the Biden administration envision the proverbial day after? And what are the prospects for converting this crisis into a better pathway to a two-state solution and closer ties between Israel and the Arab world? Join Aaron David Miller as he sits down with Ambassador David Satterfield, the State Department special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues, to discuss these and other issues. • Atlantic Council: The Bahamian foreign minister on shaping US-Caribbean ties — Friday, February 16, 2024. Location: Atlantic Council, 4:15 PM. As The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean face rising electricity prices and the worsening effects of climate change, significant financial support and strong partnerships will be critical to effectively addressing the region's challenges. By reinforcing ties with global actors such as the United States, The Bahamas and other Caribbean nations can set themselves up for long-term resilience and prosperity. Please join the Caribbean Initiative at Atlantic Council's Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center on its rescheduled date, February 16, at 4:15 p.m. ET for an in-person conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Frederick A. Mitchell at the Atlantic Council Headquarters, 1030 15th St. NW, 12th floor, Washington, DC. • The Hudson Institute: Standards and Technological Leadership: Why Foreign Regulatory and Legal Developments Matter — Friday, February 16, 2024. Location: Online Event, 12:00 PM. As governments across the world seek to establish their nations as technological leaders, several recent regulatory and legal developments outside the United States might significantly affect Western companies' ability to compete at a global level. The proposed regulation in the European Union on standardized technologies is the most recent—and most prominent—example. Join Hudson for a discussion on this proposed regulation and its potential impact on the race for global technological leadership in the twenty-first century. Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. EFTA01655787