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Mobile version and searchable archives available at fbi.bulletinintelligence.com
<https://fbi.bulletinintelligence.com?d=200804&auth=t90176qmok> .
<https://fbi.bulletinintelligence.com?d=200804&auth=t90176qmok>
DATE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 6:30 AM EDT
TODAY'S TABLE OF CONTENTS
Leading the News
• FBI And Justice Department Say FISA Errors Did Not Influence Court's Decisions.
Protests
• US Charges Oregon Man With Bombing Federal Courthouse.
• FBI Probing Fire Outside Louisville, Kentucky's Hall Of Justice.
• Artist Who Posted Philadelphia Protest Photos Is Arrested For Vandalism.
• Scope, Effectiveness Of Operation LeGend Questioned After Kansas City Arrests.
• Leaked Body Camera Video Shows George Floyd's Arrest.
• Kentucky State Police Probe Of Barbeque Cook's Shooting During Protests Is Complete.
• Louisville Lawmakers Authorize Subpoenas After Officials Decline To Testify In Taylor Probe.
• Trump: Protesters Would Have Burned Down Courthouse Without Federal Intervention.
• House Panel Launches Investigation Into DHS Intel Office.
• Morgenstern: Democrats' Push To Defund Police Will Make Nation Less Safe.
• Conway: Cities Seeing Protests Have "Strictest Gun Control Laws In The Country."
• New York City Shootings Surpass 2019 Total.
• Minneapolis Mayor: Governor Was Slow To Deploy National Guard During Riots.
• Armed Secret Service Confronts Two Black Mothers, Children On National Mall.
• Police Officers In Colorado Mistakenly Detain Black Family.
• "Back The Blue" Mural Painted Outside Tampa Police Headquarters.
• WPost Calls For Congress To Mandate US Park Police Wear Body Cameras.
Counter-Terrorism
• US Attorney Mulls Appeal Of Tsamaev Ruling.
• ISIS Attacks Eastern Afghan Prison, Frees Nearly 400 Prisoners.
• Israel Says It Killed Militants Planting Bombs Inside Its Border With Syria.
Counter-Intelligence
• China Accuses US Of Harassing Chinese Students, Researchers.
• New FBI Documents From Mueller's Russia Investigation Revealed Following FOIA Lawsuit.
• Hemingway: Media Is Silent As Steele Shown Not To Be Master Spy.
• Op-Ed: Roger Stone On How His Sentence Was Commuted.
• UN Report Says North Korea Has "Probably" Developed Nuclear Devices To Fit Ballistic Missiles.
• NRO Chief Sees Growing Opportunities For Agency To Use Small Satellites.
Criminal Investigations
• Federal Judge Recounts Shooting Of Son, Husband.
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• Ninth Circuit Throws Out Oregon Man's Confession About Pointing Laser At Police Plane.
• Trump Again Says He Wishes Ghislaine Maxwell Well.
• Drugs Scheme Leads To More Prison Time For Man Connected To FBI Agent's Murder.
• Defendant Gets 14-Year Federal Prison Sentence After Pleading Guilty To Drug Charges.
• Detective Describes Unearthing Of Idaho Children's Remains.
• FBI Leads Law Enforcement Operation In Indianapolis.
• NJ State Senator Nicholas Scutari Says Mayor Lied To Spark Investigation For Political Ends.
• Wheeling, WV Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Produce Child Pornography.
• Police Investigate Shooting Outside Washington State Casino.
• Suspect Arrested In Death Of Susie Zhao.
• FBI Seeks Information About Boca Raton Bank Robber.
• Judge Restricts Principals In Atkinson Case From Talking About It Outside Of Court.
• GA Man Pleads Guilty For His Role In Cocaine Conspiracy Stretching From El Paso, Texas To Buffalo.
• New Report Claims NYPD Grilled Pop Smoke About Crips Before His Death.
• Saipan Casino Contractor Executives Indicted In Alleged Illegal Worker Scheme.
• FBI Investigating Racist Vandalism At AME Church In North Highlands.
• Suspect Out Of Prison Just One Year Before Bank Robbery.
• FBI, Sheriff Take Another Look At Cold Murder Case In New Mexico.
Financial Crime & Corporate Scandals
• Los Angeles Councilman Pleads Not Guilty In Corruption Probe.
• Texas Woman Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud, Identity Theft.
• Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty To Fraud, Money Laundering Scheme.
• Kentucky Man Sentenced For Role In Fake Investment Scheme.
Cyber Division
• Trump Says He Does Not Oppose Microsoft Buying TikTok.
• DHS, Commerce Department Collaborate To Combat Botnets.
• US Issues Alert About Malware Used By Chinese Government.
• University of Texas Warns Donors, Contacts Possibly Affected By Ransomware Attack.
• CISA Chief Wants Younger, More Experienced Hackers In Federal Government.
• Pentagon Considers Adopting Zero-trust Security Approach.
• CISA Releases Updated TIC 3.0 Network Security Guidance.
• Op-Ed: Congress Has A Shot At Correcting Trump's Central Mistake On Cybersecurity.
• NSA Reports On New Cyber Vulnerability In Computers.
Law Enforcement Services
• FBI Warns Of COVID-19 Tests From Texas Facility.
• Gun Background Checks Rose 79% In July.
Other FBI News
• Shelby Moving FBI Staff And Resources To Alabama Facility.
• Man Charged With Scaling Fence At Boston FBI Headquarters, Damaging Property.
Other Washington News
• Deal On Coronavirus Relief Package Remains Elusive As Trump Mulls Direct Action.
• Trump Objects To Birx's "Pathetic" Comments After Pelosi Criticized Her.
• Trump: US Has Tested More People Than Any Other Country.
• Trump, Pence Tout Administration's Coronavirus Response.
• White House Implements Random Coronavirus Testing.
• WPost Report: State Officials Say Administration Unprepared To Distribute COVID Vaccine.
• Navarro Rejects Giroir And Others On Hydroxychloroquine.
• In Campaign Email, Trump Urges Supporters To Wear Facemasks.
• US COVID Case Count Nears 4.9M, Deaths Near 159K.
• Some People Recovered From COVID Feel More Confident About Resuming Activities.
• Thirteen St. Louis Cardinals Players And Staff Test Positive.
• Manhattan DA May Be Probing Trump Actions Apart From Alleged "Hush Money" Payments.
• Judge Rules Schiff's Impeachment Subpoenas Can Remain Concealed.
• Trump Signs Another Executive Order Restricting H1B Visas.
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• Federal Judge Blocks DOL Rule Restricting Paid Sick Leave.
• Isaias Regains Hurricane Strength As It Makes Landfall In North Carolina.
• Fauci Says Most Schools Should Reopen, But Not In Some Hot Spots.
• Congress Demands Universities Provide Records Of Foreign Donations.
• Trump Seeks To Replace TVA Chair Over Hiring Of Foreign Workers.
• Aides Say Trump Is Pleased With Wolf's Performance At DHS.
• Departing USAID Official Slams "Rampant Anti-Christian Sentiment" At Agency.
• House Panel Subpoenas Pompeo Aides Over IG's Firing.
• Democrats Object To Tata's Pentagon Appointment.
• Hokason Becomes Member Of Joint Chiefs Of Staff.
• Trump Blasts Nevada's Move To Universal Mail-In Voting, Threatens Court Battle.
International News
• Trump: We Will "Never Forget" Coronavirus "Was Sent To Us By China."
• Latin America Tops 5M Confirmed COVID Cases.
• Iran Sanctions Former Bolton Aide.
• WSJournal: Administration's Iran Policy Aiding Peace Progress In Yemen.
• US Firm Secures Deal With Kurds For Syrian Oil.
• Trump Says He Did Not Discuss Russian Bounties On US Troops With Putin.
• Trump Says 4,000-5,000 US Troops Will Be In Afghanistan By Election Day.
• Brownback: NBA "Coming Around" To Oppose Chinese Rights Abuses.
• Politico Analysis: Trump Has Allowed Rubio To Shape His Latin America Policies.
• European Diplomats: Turkish Aggression Is NATO's "Elephant In The Room."
• Former Spanish King Flees Country Amid Financial Scandal.
The Big Picture
• Headlines From Today's Front Pages.
Washington's Schedule
• Today's Events In Washington.
Leading the News
FBI And Justice Department Say FISA Errors Did Not Influence Court's Decisions.
The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/aug/3/fisa-errors-did-not-influence-
court-decisions-trumf> (8/3, Mordock, 492K) reports the Justice Department and FBI "said an investigation into
29 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court warrant applications found to be riddled with mistakes by a Justice
Department watchdog concluded that the errors did not influence how the court ruled." In a filing with the FISA
court unsealed Monday, the Justice Department and FBI "admitted to minor errors in the applications to spy on
US citizens and foreign agents suspected of wrongdoing." They "say the mistakes did not affect the court's
decisions on whether to approve surveilling the targets of the applications." They said, "The government believes
the errors identified in this docket were not capable of influencing the court's probable cause determination and
therefore did not render invalid, in whole or in part, electronic surveillance and physical search authorized by the
court."
Politico <https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/03/doj-fbi-review-of-surveillance-applications-finds-almost-
all-errors-are-minor-391101> (8/3, Gerstein, 4.29M) reports, "A review by the Justice Department and FBI of
their practices for seeking approval of intelligence-related surveillance found that nearly all of the inaccuracies
and omissions identified in a scathing internal watchdog report issued late last year were minor or involved
paperwork problems." According to Politico, "The review of a set of 29 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court
applications flagged by Inspector General Michael Horowitz's office in an alarming alert last December
identified a total of 203 false statements or omissions, but the Justice Department and the FBI concluded that
only two of those were "material," according to a court submission released on Monday. Those two
instances...were deemed by the law enforcement agencies not to have been so serious that they `invalidated' the
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secret surveillance warrants the court issued based on that information, wrote Melissa MacTough, the deputy
assistant attorney general for national security wrote."
DOJ Defends Its Use Of FISA. The Washington Examiner <https://www.washingtonexaminer.corn/news/doj-
review-should-instill-confidence-in-fbi-use-of-fisa> (8/3, Dunleavy, 448K) reports that the Justice Department
"defended" its use of FISA, "arguing its deep-dive review of 29 FISA applications should increase trust in the
process while suggesting the surveillance of Carter Page was uniquely problematic." Assistant Attorney General
for National Security John Demers said Monday, "We are pleased that our review of these applications
concluded that all contained sufficient basis for probable cause and uncovered only two material errors, neither
of which invalidated the authorizations granted by the FISA Court.... These findings, together with the more
than 40 corrective actions undertaken by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Security Division,
should instill confidence in the FBI's use of FISA authorities."
Protests
US Charges Oregon Man With Bombing Federal Courthouse.
The Oregonian <https://www.oregonlive.corn/crime/2020/08/another-18-year-old-man-accused-of-igniting-
explosive-tossing-it-into-federal-courthouse-in-portland-injuring-us-marshal.html> (8/3, Bernstein, 1M) reports,
"An 18-year-old man is accused of tearing plywood off the front glass panes of the federal courthouse in
downtown Portland and then lighting a fuse on an explosive before tossing it through the broken glass early on
July 22, injuring a deputy U.S. marshal, according to federal prosecutors." Isaiah Jason Maza Jr. "made his first
appearance in the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse Monday afternoon on allegations of assault on a
federal officer using a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal government property. He's the second 18-
year-old since Friday who is accused of federal charges stemming from a firework or other explosive ignited at
the federal courthouse during recent demonstrations." Assistant US Attorney Gary Sussman "described Maza as
a 'very dangerous man,' who was caught on video lighting the fuse, dropping the hand-sized explosive device
inside the lobby of the courthouse `and then watching with his cellphone for the explosion."'
FBI Probing Fire Outside Louisville, Kentucky's Hall Of Justice.
WLKY-TV <https://www.wlky.com/article/fbi-investigating-fire-outside-louisvilles-hall-of-justice/33501379>
Louisville, KY (8/3, 79K) reports from Louisville, Kentucky, "Multiple fires were seen near downtown's main
protest area overnight and now the FBI is investigating." The Louisville Metro Police Department "released
video showing flames both right outside the Hall of Justice downtown and on a nearby street. Sgt. Lamont
Washington said a group `attempted to set the Hall of Justice on fire, unsuccessfully.' The Hall of Justice "is
across the street from Jefferson Square Park where people have been protesting for months in response to the
death of Breonna Taylor."
The Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal <https://wvvw.courier-journal.corn/story/news/2020/08/03/fire-attempted-
louisville-hall-justice-near-protest-site/5571269002/> (8/3, Tobin, 368K) reports, "A group of roughly 30 people
attempted to set the Hall of Justice on fire Sunday night, according to Louisville Metro Police. The incident
occurred at the south side of the Hall of Justice's main entrance shortly before midnight, according to Louisville
Metro Police Department spokesman Lamont Washington, who added that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the
building. He declined to provide additional information on how many were thrown." The Courier-Journal adds,
"Louisville's FBI Office is leading the investigation, Washington said. FBI spokesman Tim Beam said the
Louisville office `is currently working with the Louisville Metro Arson Bureau to identify those responsible for
these criminal acts.'
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Artist Who Posted Philadelphia Protest Photos Is Arrested For Vandalism.
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/nation/2020/08/03/philadelphia-arrest-protest-photos/>
(8/3, Shepherd, 14.2M) reports, "After weeks of photographing protests in Philadelphia, artist and activist
Sammy Rivera declared last month that he would no longer post his work on Instagram to shield protesters who
might be targeted by police investigating property damage and disorder during the city's massive
demonstrations." The Post adds, "Less than a week later, 23-year-old Rivera was arrested along with five other
people, including a teenager, for allegedly vandalizing state police vehicles on May 30. After investigators set
out to find the people who had set fire to the vehicles, the FBI said it obtained photos showing six people
attacking the state troopers' cars, and then compared those photos to social media posts to identify the suspects."
Scope, Effectiveness Of Operation LeGend Questioned After Kansas City Arrests.
ICMBC-TV <https://wvvw.lanbc.corn/article/operation-legend-s-scope-effectiveness-questioned-after-
arrests/33503452> Kansas City, MO (8/3, Flener, 205K) reports from Kansas City, Missouri, "Nearly three
weeks into a federal and local law enforcement partnership named Operation LeGend in Kansas City, the
operation is receiving mixed reviews about its scope and effectiveness from community members." Operation
LeGend "brought 225 federal agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF and U.S. Marshals Service to work with Kansas
City police on both past unsolved cases and new crimes." US Attorney Tim Garrison "announced Friday that 97
arrests were made by local and federal law enforcement officers since the start of the operation." KMBC-TV
adds, "Kansas City attorney and community activist Stacy Shaw continues to question the overall direction of the
operation after Garrison's announcement about arrests for mainly drug and gun crimes. 'If they came in here for
drug raids, they should've told us, "We're coming in here to do drug raids, and gun raids in Kansas City,"' Shaw
said."
Leaked Body Camera Video Shows George Floyd's Arrest.
NBC Nightly News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corriTha9630019a6e43428443a2d8cc77c7ca?
pubid=fbi> (8/3, story 7, 2:05, Holt, 6.23M) reported, "More than two months after the death of George Floyd,
tonight the clearest picture yet of what led up to the deadly confrontation from police body cam videos that have
been leaked." NBC's Gabe Gutierrez added, "Seconds after rookie Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane
approaches George Floyd's vehicle, he's already drawn his gun. These body camera videos were viewed in
person by NBC News last month, but had not been distributed publicly. DailyMail.com says it obtained a leaked
copy, apparently recorded off of a computer screen." For the first time, the videos "show how a call about an
alleged fake $20 bill on Memorial Day escalated into a deadly encounter that would ignite global outrage."
On the CBS Evening News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/ffif079530cfd44a1b3755963aaabbd34?
pubid=fbi> (8/3, story 8, 2:05, O'Donnell, 4.37M), Jeff Pegues reported, "For the first time, two leaked body
camera videos show the encounter with George Floyd from the officer's perspective. In one, officer Thomas
Lane confronts Floyd, trying to get him out of an SUV, a gun aimed in his direction. Later in the footage, Floyd
drops to the ground as officers lead him toward a squad car." George Floyd: "I'm claustrophobic, man. Please,
man." Pegues: "The other video...appears to come from body cam worn by rookie officer Alexander Keung. It
shows Floyd resisting officers trying to place him in the squad car. You hear him pleading." Floyd: "God, I'm
claustrophobic, man. Can I get in the front?" Pegues: "There is now an investigation into the leak of that body
camera video."
Kentucky State Police Probe Of Barbeque Cook's Shooting During Protests Is Complete.
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The AP <https://wwvv.usnews.corn/news/us/articles/2020-08-03/probe-of-kentucky-barbecue-cooks-fatal-
shooting-completed> (8/3) reports from Louisville, Kentucky, "A Kentucky State Police investigation into the
fatal shooting of a Louisville barbecue cook during street protests against racism has been completed and handed
over to prosecutors." The AP adds, "Investigators turned over the findings in David McAtee's May 31 shooting
death to the Commonwealth's Attorney in Louisville for review, said J. Michael Brown, secretary of the state's
executive Cabinet. Brown said the file would be shared with the FBI, which is conducting a separate
investigation. `There's nothing to suggest, from the evidence collected so far, that there's any significant
difference between the sequence of events and actions that were previously reported or captured on videos,'
Brown said during a governor's news briefing Monday."
The Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal <https://www.courier-journal.cornistoiy/news/loca1/2020/08/03/david-
mcatee-ksp-tum-over-investigation-into-louisville-shooting/5576751002/> (8/3, Ladd, 368K) reports, "The
McAtee file isn't closed, Brown said, adding there is "nothing to suggest" in the evidence that there is
`significant difference' between what has been reported and shown in videos from the night McAtee was shot."
McAtee, 53, "who often fed police at YaYa's BBQ, was fatally shot by the Kentucky National Guard in the
doorway to his West End business at about 12:15 a.m. on June 1. Louisville Metro Police and the Guard were
sent to disperse a crowd after curfew in the parking lot at 26th Street and Broadway next to YaYa's BBQ, where
McAtee worked and lived. The curfew was in place because of protests - some marred by violence — over the
police shooting of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman who died in her South End apartment."
WHAS-TV <https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/david-mcatee-investigation-substantially-
complete/417-7b527778-773b-47f5-9fa2-002915d63763> Louisville, KY (8/3, Daniels, 99K) reports, "Brown
said the findings were not different from what they revealed in June. He confirmed the popular barbecue
business owner was killed by a bullet from the gun of a Kentucky National Guardsman. Despite the forensics,
they may not be able to determine which guardsman fired the fatal shot. He said McAtee did have a gun during
the incident and had gunshot residue on his hands."
Louisville Lawmakers Authorize Subpoenas After Officials Decline To Testify In Taylor Probe.
The Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal <https://www.courier-jounial.corn/stoiy/news/politics/metro-
govemment/2020/08/03/metro-council-committee-subpoenas-police-and-public-safety-chiefs/5575840002/>
(8/3, Costello, 368K) reports, "The Metro Council committee investigating Mayor Greg Fischer's handling of
the Breonna Taylor case and ongoing racial justice protests authorized its first subpoenas on Monday, after
administration officials declined to testify in open session." The Courier-Journal adds, "Louisville's chief of
public safety and interim police chief appeared in person for Monday's special hearing, but their attorneys said
both would be unable to testify unless the committee went into closed session, citing a recently filed federal
lawsuit and state law around open meetings. That legal argument didn't convince many committee members,
with the chairman, Councilman Brent Ackerson, D-26th District, suggesting the mayor's administration was
trying to hide behind the lawsuit."
Trump: Protesters Would Have Burned Down Courthouse Without Federal Intervention.
Asked in an interview with Axios on HBO
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.cornibcc70cea4ab8461e968d6fD8c85225ee?pubid=fbi> (8/3) about the
federal response to protesters in Portland, President Trump said, "For 59 days, these people were anarchists and
agitators and some protesters. But these were anarchists. These people were beating the hell out of the city. They
were beating up our federal buildings and federal courthouse. We told the police to stop it. And the police
wouldn't do it.... If we didn't have people at our courthouse — and they're strong, tough people and they don't
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want — they try and be very good. believe me. But if we didn't have people there, you would have your federal
courthouse, $600 million building, you would have that thing burned to the ground right now."
Portland Police Chief: Officers Committed To Protecting City. Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell writes in the
New York Times <https://vvww.nytimes.com/2020/08/03/opinion/portland-protests-police-chief.html> (8/3,
18.61 M) that "Portland is a beautiful and vibrant city with smart, progressive people, and I am hopeful we can
come together to move beyond the unrest and refocus on critical issues." The Portland Police, he adds, "remains
committed to protecting life and responding to events as appropriate. I am proud of our efforts in extreme
circumstances few in the country have faced." Lovell adds, "I have confidence in our community and the people
who have dedicated their lives to building relationships with police. They have stood up and said no more
violence. I stand with them with a servant's heart, committed to being leaders in police reform."
McGurn Credits Trump With Reduction In Violence. Wall Street Journal <https://wvvw.wsj.corn/articles/trump-
wins-in-portland-11596495197> (8/3, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) columnist William McGurn writes in a
piece titled "Trump Wins In Portland" that the reduction in violence in Portland over the weekend is not because
— as some have claimed — federal agents left the city. McGurn argues the violence has reduced because state and
local police have stepped up under a deal reached with federal officials last week.
House Panel Launches Investigation Into DHS Intel Office.
Reuters <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-race-protests-probe/u-s-house-panel-investigates-dhs-office-
over-portland-other-protests-idUSKCN24Z2GR> (8/3, Chiacu, Hosenball) reports the House Intelligence
Committee launched an investigation on Monday into "the Department of Homeland Security's intelligence
office, including its actions in Portland, Oregon, and its involvement in other anti-racism protests across the
country." In a letter to top DHS officials, Chairman Adam Schiff wrote, "The reporting regarding the monitoring
of peaceful protesters, creating and disseminating intelligence reports about journalists and protesters, and
potential exploitation of electronic devices is deeply troubling." In his letter, Schiff "requested detailed
intelligence reporting documents that informed a recommendation by the then-chief of the DHS intelligence
operation on July 25 requesting that DHS reports on anarchist-related Portland protesters refer to them as
`Violent Antifa Anarchists Inspired.'"
Morgenstem: Democrats' Push To Defend Police Will Make Nation Less Safe.
Deputy White House Communications Director Brian Morgenstern said on the John Fredericks Show
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/00affc89463240c782de2e8463490f45?pubid=fbi> (8/3), "People
want their communities to be peaceful and we're seeing around the country that is not the case and how does Joe
Biden and his party respond? It is defund the police. It is take away the force that is going to help people to feel
safe and be safe? ... This whole debate over whether redirecting money from the police is the same thing as
defunding the police, it sort of makes your brain hurt doesn't it? If you are redirecting your salary out of your
pocket, I think you would call that defunding wouldn't you?"
Conway: Cities Seeing Protests Have "Strictest Gun Control Laws In The Country."
White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway was asked on Fox News Outnumbered Overtime
<https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6177753396001?playlist_id=5588990584001fisp=show-clips> (8/3) about Sen.
Tammy Duckworth's (D-IL) call for President Trump to push for gun control legislation. Conway said that
"some of these cities have the strictest gun control laws in the country, and this is what is happening. ... So, the
President has said that he would be happy to send in the feds. The feds have been in some of these cities, and
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what has happened? Some of these mayors get in a petty, peevish Twitter spat with the President about it. Others
just refuse to allow them. What do we have in Portland? We are in the third month of nightly violence. These are
peaceful protesters. I think peaceful protesters have every right under the First Amendment. But we, long ago,
left that pretense. You can't help but see what all these cities have in common, which is strict gun control laws
and Democratic mayors."
NYTimes Analysis: Anti-Gun Youth Absent From Protests. The New York Times
<https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/03/us/politics/gun-control-voters.html> (8/3, Russonello, 18.61M) reports
that after the mass shooting in 2018 at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, "the
massacre's young survivors converted their outrage into political organizing." However, since then "Congress
passed no gun legislation," and "now, with the country swept up in a reckoning over racial justice driven largely
by young protesters, the youthful voices that propelled a movement just two years ago find themselves less
squarely focused on issues around gun violence." Polls, the Times notes, show that racial justice, the coronavirus
pandemic and the economic downturn "far outpace guns as top issues of concern for young people."
New York City Shootings Surpass 2019 Total.
The Washington Free Beacon <https://freebeacon.corn/policy/new-york-shootings-2019-total/> (8/3, Nester,
78K) reports New York City "has already had more shootings this year than in all of 2019, with the city's 777th
shooting this weekend." Last year's total of 776 shootings "was eclipsed Saturday night as a wave of gun
violence continues to hit New York City. By Sunday night, the city's total shooting incidents for the year rose to
784."
NYPD Commissioner Blasts De Blasio's Law Enforcement Policies. The New York Times
<https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/08/03/nyregion/police-shea-de-blasio-nyc.html> (8/3, Al, Fitzsimmons,
18.61 M) reports the "criticism of Mayor Bill de Blasio's law enforcement policies was stinging. A law banning
the use of chokeholds and similar types of restraints by police officers was `insane.' Agreeing to cut the Police
Department budget was a 'bow to mob rule.' Those who failed to 'stand up for what's right' were 'cowards."'
The "outspoken critic," however, was de Blasio's own police commissioner, Dermot F. Shea, "a trusted ally who
went rogue in media interviews and in a private address to police brass." To the Times, "the commissioner's
comments — and the fact that he still has his job — speak to the fraught relationship that Mr. de Blasio has
maintained with the Police Department throughout his tenure."
Minneapolis Mayor: Governor Was Slow To Deploy National Guard During Riots.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune <https://wvvw.startribune.com/mayor-frey-gov-walz-was-slow-to-deploy-national-
guard-during-minneapolis-riots/571999292/> (8/3, Bjorhus, Navratil, 1.04M) reports that "Jacob Frey has been
cast as the mayor who lost control of his city, enduring criticism from the state's governor that the Minneapolis
response to rioting in May over the police killing of George Floyd was an `abject failure.' Now Frey is speaking
out, saying Gov. Tim Walz failed to take his requests for help seriously until it was too late." In an interview
Monday, Frey "said that Walz hesitated to send in the National Guard to quell the growing violence, and then
blamed him for allowing the city to burn." Said Frey, "Through an extremely difficult situation, I told the truth. I
relayed information as best I could to state partners. And we did what was demanded for the sake of our city."
Armed Secret Service Confronts Two Black Mothers, Children On National Mall.
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/locaUlegal-issues/two-black-moms-took-their-kids-to-
the-mall-secret-service-confronted-them-with-guns-they-said/2020/08/03/be4dfa8c-d4fl -11ea-9c3b-
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dfc394c03988_story.html> (8/3, Mettler, 14.2M) reports that during a visit to the National Mall with "their
babies," India Johnson, 26, and Yasmeen Winston, 25, parked on Constitution Avenue near the White House.
After returning to their car, a "Secret Service cruiser had driven into their front left bumper, Winston told The
Washington Post. Within seconds, Winston recalled, a uniformed Secret Service officer was pointing a rifle at
them, yelling `Get out!' and `Put your hands in the air!' More officers surrounded them with guns pulled, the
women said." Over the next hour, "Winston and Johnson said, they were handcuffed without reason, separated
from their crying babies, and handled by police who, at first, did not wear masks to protect against" the
coronavirus. In a statement to The Post, the Secret Service said it is "looking into the matter and "has no further
comment at this time."
Police Officers In Colorado Mistakenly Detain Black Family.
ABC World News Tonight <hftps://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/2918213046234f76a31a4e7c92723fbe?
pubid=fbi> (8/3, story 8, 1:30, Muir, 7.08M) reported on "new allegations against the Aurora, Colorado Police
Department. Officers now accused of confronting a Black family, mistakenly believing they were in a stolen
vehicle. Children forced to the ground." ABC's Clayton Sandell added, "Tonight, confusion and questions about
why police in Aurora, Colorado, responding to reports of a stolen vehicle, approached a Black family in their car,
handcuffing several children on the pavement. Police say a license plate scanner alerted them that Brittany
Gilliam's car was stolen. ... But the department now says Gilliam's license plate had the same number as the real
stolen vehicle, but that was a motorcycle from another state." The department is "already under fire for several
high profile cases."
"Back The Blue" Mural Painted Outside Tampa Police Headquarters.
WTVT-TV <https://www.foxl3news.cornMews/back-the-blue-mural-painted-outside-tampa-police-
headquarters> Tampa, FL (8/3, Holton, 51 K) reports that a "Back the Blue" street mural painted over the
weekend outside the Tampa Police Department's headquarters "is drawing praise and criticism." Organizers say
they "want to show their support for law enforcement," but "critics say the mural flies in the face of the Black
Lives Matter movement."
WPost Calls For Congress To Mandate US Park Police Wear Body Cameras.
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/us-park-police-at-work-shooting-an-unarmed-
man-clubbing-protesters-resisting-body-cameras/2020/08/03/198c3bda-d37a-llea-8d32-
lebf4e9d8e0d_story.html> (8/3, 14.2M) editorializes that "given its execrable recent record, you'd think the Park
Police would be doing everything in its power to regain the public's trust and confidence." The Post argues that
"body-worn cameras, standard equipment at many major police departments across the country, would be a
useful first step to signal that the Park Police is determined to make itself accountable for its actions. A bill to
mandate their use for all federal police officers is included in a legislative police package introduced in the
House of Representatives. Its passage would be a tonic — whether or not the Park Police thinks it is 'in a position'
to comply."
Counter-Terrorism
US Attorney Mulls Appeal Of Tsamaev Ruling.
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The Boston Herald <https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/08/03/second-trial-would-be-heartbreaking-for-boston-
marathon-victims-us-attorney-mulls-appealt> (8/3, Tiernan, 410K) reports, "The day after President Trump
called for a 'do-over' in seeking the death penalty against convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar
Tsamaev, the U.S. attorney said his office is still mulling an appeal." US Attorney Andrew Letting "said his
office is continuing to review a federal appellate court's Friday decision to toss out the death sentence and would
'have more information in the coming days and weeks.' The government has two weeks to file a petition for an
appeal, but could request an extension." The Herald adds, "The ruling ripped open old wounds for the families of
the three people who died and the more than 260 who were injured in the April 15, 2013, twin bombings on
Boylston Street at the end of the Boston Marathon route."
ISIS Attacks Eastern Afghan Prison, Frees Nearly 400 Prisoners.
The AP <https://apnews.corn/a6e54b22ba067b2d0fc89e9be4c27fbl> (8/3, Gul, Faiez) reports that "militants
affiliated with the Islamic State group stormed a prison in eastern Afghanistan in a daylong siege that left at least
39 people dead, including the assailants, and freed nearly 400 of their fighters before security forces restored
order." The AP adds "the attack underscored that the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan is still a formidable
presence, and it highlighted the challenges ahead as U.S. and NATO forces begin to withdraw following
Washington's peace deal with the Taliban." The AP also reports "the peace accord aims to recruit the Taliban to
battle the militants from IS, which US officials have told The Associated Press is the Americans' biggest foe in
Afghanistan." The AP describes the Taliban and ISIS as "staunch rivals."
Reuters <https://wwvv.reuters.corn/article/us-afghanistan-islamic-state/hundreds-of-prisoners-flee-before-afghan-
forces-end-islamic-state-jail-siege-idUSKBN24Z0C7> (8/3, Sultan, Sediqi) reports Afghan security forces
"killed at least 10 Islamic State fighters who had taken control of [the] prison in the eastern city of Jalalabad,
ending a siege in which hundreds of prisoners escaped." Reuters adds, "More than 300 prisoners were still at
large, Attaullah Khugyani, spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar province, said. Of the 1,793 prisoners,
more than 1,025 had tried to escape and been recaptured and 430 had remained inside. 'The rest are missing,' he
said."
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/08/03/world/asia/afghanistan-prison-isis-taliban.html>
(8/3, Ghazi, Mashal, 18.61 M) reports that Gen. Yasin Zia, "the chief of the Afghan army who arrived in the city
to lead the last stretch of the operations, said ten assailants were involved in the attack and all were killed." The
assault, "which left much of the prison's security barriers destroyed and brought the city to a standstill, was one
of the most complicated operations claimed by the Islamic State's chapter in Afghanistan." The Times reports
that "as its territory has been constricted significantly by a campaign of military operations over the past couple
of years, the group has largely turned to gruesome attacks on soft-targets, such as civilians with little protection."
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/world/islamic-state-attack-on-an-afghan-prison-
stretches-into-its-second-day-with-21-dead/2020/08/03/69e7146e-d556-11ea-a788-2ce86ce81129_story.html>
(8/3, George, Hassan, 14.2M) reports that "the attack began just hours before a three-day cease-fire between the
Taliban and Afghan government forces was set to expire," and "a Taliban spokesman quickly tweeted a brief
statement denying responsibility," although "the target choice and complexity of the attack mirrored past Taliban
assaults."
Trump Says He "Took Out" ISIS. President Trump said in an interview with Axios on HBO
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/ 1 c3413a67ca34aebac547155e21f8308?pubid=fbi> (8/3), "In Syria,
we took out ISIS, 100% of the caliphate. When i took over, Obama, it was totally rampant. ISIS was all over the
place. we took them out. we captured them. we killed them. ... We took out Soleimani. We took out al-Baghdadi.
We took out people that nobody thought possible."
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Israel Says It Killed Militants Planting Bombs Inside Its Border With Syria.
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/03/world/middleeast/israel-syria-border.html> (8/3,
Kershner, 18.61M) reports that Israeli soldiers "ambushed four militants as they planted bombs along Israel's
boundary with Syria around midnight.... The militants, whose identity or affiliation were not immediately
known, were assumed to have been killed on the spot by a combination of ground and air fire, said Lt. Col.
Jonathan Conricus, an army spokesman." According to the Times, "Israeli forces have been on elevated alert in
the north in recent weeks, and particularly over the past week, after Israel said it had thwarted a raid by a
Hezbollah `terrorist squad' armed with assault rifles in a disputed area along its northern border with Lebanon."
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/world/middle_east/israel-says-it-thwarted-an-attack-on-
its-northern-border-with-syria/2020/08/03/d9670354-d555-11ea-a788-2ce86ce81129_stoiy.html> (8/3, Eglash,
Dadouch, 14.2M) reports that "overnight Sunday, Israel said it struck targets in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip to the
south, following rocket fire into its territory that caused damage in the Israeli town of Sderot. "
Reuters <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-syria-violence/israeli-aircraft-hit-syria-after-squad-tried-to-
bomb-border-fence-military-says-idUSICBN24Y0RP> (8/2) reports an Israeli military statement "said Monday's
strikes hit Syrian observation posts, intelligence collection systems, anti-aircraft batteries and command-and-
control bases." Syrian state media "said Israeli helicopters fired at Syrian checkpoints in al-Qunaitra, on the
Golan Heights, causing material losses." The Israeli military "said it was responding to an attempt by a group of
four people to plant explosives on a patrolled fence along the Golan armistice line between Israel and Syria."
Counter-Intelligence
China Accuses US Of Harassing Chinese Students, Researchers.
The AP <https://www.usnews.corn/news/us/articles/2020-08-03/china-accuses-us-of-harassing-chinese-students-
researchers> (8/3) reports, "China on Monday accused the United States of `monitoring, harassing and willfully
detaining' Chinese students and researchers in the U.S." According to the AP, "Foreign ministry spokesperson
Wang Wenbin's comments follow the denial of a bail request in California for a university researcher accused of
lying about her ties to China's military and governing Communist Party to gain access to the United States.
Wang also criticized the Trump administration for imposing sanctions on a major paramilitary organization in the
country's western Xinjiang region and on two officials for alleged human rights abuses against ethnic and
religious minorities." Wang "said China had no intention of helping Juan Tang escape from the United States, but
did not otherwise comment directly on the accusations against her," but "he said China urges the U.S. to `handle
the case fairly in accordance with the law and ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests' due to Tang."
New FBI Documents From Mueller's Russia Investigation Revealed Following FOIA Lawsuit.
BuzzFeed News <https://wvvw.buzzfeednews.corn/article/jasonleopold/new-fbi-documents-from-muellers-russia-
investigation-reveal> (8/3) reports a new cache of "witness interview summaries from special counsel Robert
Mueller's two-year probe into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election was released Monday in
response to FOIA lawsuits by BuzzFeed News and CNN." The documents include "five pages of Jared
Kushner's FBI interview summary — but all five are completely redacted." The FBI's notations "indicate that
much of the material relates to an ongoing law enforcement investigation." Interview summaries for "former
deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland, former White House lawyer and senior Justice Department
official James Burnham, and former Stone associate Randy Credico are also almost entirely redacted."
McFarland and Credico's summaries include "markings that indicate redacted information relates to ongoing
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investigations." A chunk of the 412 pages of interview summaries "relates to the special counsel's investigation
of Roger Stone."
Hemingway: Media Is Silent As Steele Shown Not To Be Master Spy.
Mollie Hemingway writes for The Federalist <https://thefederalist.cotn/2020/08/03/media-silent-as-christopher-
steele-hero-spymaster-narrative-crumbles/> (8/3, 126K) that the media repeatedly "assured Americans that the
dossier alleging treasonous collusion between Donald Trump and Russia was based on the scrupulous work of a
mastermind British ex-spy," Christopher Steele, "and his vast network of credible and well-connected sources
spread throughout Europe. It wasn't true." Hemingway argues that the media "have a problem, then, given that
they repeatedly led viewers and readers to believe Steele was a master spy. ... As the sophisticated fabrication
continues to unravel, the media that won Pulitzers and acclaim for hyping it are strikingly silent."
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Fox News' Hannity
<https://video.foxnews.corn/v/61778624510017playlist_id=930909813001fisp=show-clips> (8/3, 535K),
"Instead of retracting those stories, they won Pulitzers of those stories of the Washington Post and the New York
Times for lying about the witch hunt against the President of the United States. They were dead wrong but they
don't apologize. They don't give back the Pulitzers as they should."
Op-Ed: Roger Stone On How His Sentence Was Commuted.
In an op-ed in the Daily Caller <https://dailycallencorn/2020/08/03/roger-stone-call-from-trump-commute-
sentence> (8/3, 716K), former Trump campaign manager Roger Stone writes, "The tragic death of Herman Cain
reminded me how closely I myself came to what I believe would have been my demise. The controversy over
President Trump's courageous decision to commute my sentence so I could avoid immediate incarceration in a
COVID-19 infested prison was a humanitarian act of both mercy and justice, but at the same time it blocked out
news of my own efforts to avoid this peril and the extraordinary lengths to which the government went to give
me `special treatment."' He concludes, "I wrote this piece to demonstrate that the courageous act of commuting
my prison sentence saved me from near certain death in a COVID-I9 infested prison and preserved my right to
live long enough to appeal an unjust verdict."
UN Report Says North Korea Has "Probably" Developed Nuclear Devices To Fit Ballistic Missiles.
Reuters <https://www.reuters.corrilarticle/us-northkorea-sanctions-un/north-korea-has-probably-developed-
nuclear-devices-to-fit-ballistic-missiles-un-report-says-idUSKCN2422PO> (8/3, Nichols) reports that, according
to a confidential UN report, North Korea is "pressing on with its nuclear weapons program and several countries
believe it has `probably developed miniaturized nuclear devices to fit into the warheads of its ballistic missiles."
The report by an independent panel of experts monitoring UN sanctions "said the countries, which it did not
identify, believed North Korea's past six nuclear tests had likely helped it develop miniaturized nuclear devices."
Pyongyang has not "conducted a nuclear test since September 2017." The interim report "was submitted to the
15-member UN Security Council North Korea sanctions committee on Monday." The report said, "The
Democratic People's Republic of Korea is continuing its nuclear program, including the production of highly
enriched uranium and construction of an experimental light water reactor. A Member State assessed that the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea is continuing production of nuclear weapons."
NRO Chief Sees Growing Opportunities For Agency To Use Small Satellites.
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Space News <https://spacenews.com/scolese-nro-sees-growing-opportunities-to-use-small-satellites/> (8/3,
Subscription Publication) reports NRO director Christopher Scolese "said the agency is becoming more reliant
on small satellites for fast and low cost experiments." Scolese said August 3 on a live webcast at the 2020 Small
Satellite Conference which is a virtual event this year, "Cubesats allow us to respond more quickly. Smallsats
can provide lots of opportunities to do science, to provide information for the intelligence community and to
allow us to develop technologies and capabilities. At the NRO, satellite systems of all sizes are important to us,
large and small. Ultimately, physics determines how big, how many, and where a satellite is located." Scolese
"said he could not discuss specific plans to develop a `hybrid architecture' of government and commercial
remote sensing satellites, but insisted the agency wants to take advantage of privately funded innovation and
intends to procure more data from the commercial sector."
Criminal Investigations
Federal Judge Recounts Shooting Of Son, Husband.
NBC Nightly News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/dc4ff57eca054a4aba7f79c9c6d42348?
pubid=fbi> (8/3, story 6, 2:10, Holt, 6.23M) reported, "Two weeks after a gunman shot and killed the son of a
federal judge in New Jersey, and wounded her husband, that judge is now speaking out in a powerful and heart-
breaking video statement." NBC (Thompson) added, "Painfully, angrily, federal judge Esther Salas describes the
weekend she and her husband Mark Anderl celebrated their son Daniel's 20th birthday and lost him." Salas:
"And Daniel said, 'Mom, let's keep talking. I love talking to you, mom.' And it was at that exact moment that the
doorbell rang. And Daniel looked at me and said, `Who is that?' And before I could say a word, he sprinted
upstairs. Within seconds, I heard the sound of bullets and someone screaming, `No!' But Daniel being Daniel,
protected his father, and he took the shooter's first bullet directly to the chest. The monster then turns his
attention to my husband and began to shoot at my husband, one shot after another."
The CBS Evening News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/ebe032d2f2984bf89043ad570d2d0c9e?
pubid=fbi> (8/3, story 10, 1:45, O'Donnell, 4.24M) reported, "Her husband was also shot, but lived. Her son
died." Salas: "We are living every parent's worst nightmare, making preparations to bury our only child." CBS
(Axelrod) added, "Salas also demanded better protection for judges, but her extraordinary poise and strength
seemed, remarkably, focused on gratitude."
ABC World News Tonight <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/5d019ec6938f400cb1805c9ec2df2111?
pubid=fbi> (8/3, story 7, 1:50, Muir, 7.2M) reported, "Police say the alleged gunman, self-described anti-
feminist Manhattan attorney Roy den Hollander, killed himself the next day." Salas: "In my case, the monster
knew where I lived, and what church we attended, and had a complete dossier on me and my family. At the
moment, there is nothing we can do to stop it, and that is unacceptable." ABC (Llamas) added that , "the threats
against judges are real. The US marshals say they are increasing every year, and Judge Salas' family is proof
sometimes these threats become a reality."
Ninth Circuit Throws Out Oregon Man's Confession About Pointing Laser At Police Plane.
The Oregonian <https://www.oregonlive.cotn/crime/2020/08/federal-appeals-court-throws-out-gresham-mans-
confession-about-pointing-laser-at-portland-police-plane.html> (8/3, Bernstein, 1M) reports that the 9th Circuit
Court of Appeals "has thrown out a Gresham man's confession to Multnomah County sheriff's deputies that he
shined a laser at a police plane, finding they violated his Fourth Amendment rights by not telling him he was
under arrest and questioning him without giving him Miranda warnings. Eight months later, an FBI agent arrived
at the Gresham man's door, saying he was there to ask `follow-up' questions about the laser incident, which led
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to an indictment." The appeals court "found that the constitutional violations from the Gresham man's first
encounter with sheriff's deputies tainted the second encounter with the FBI agent. The court said all of the
Gresham man's statements to investigators should have been suppressed." The Oregonian notes that "in July
2019, Nikolay P. Bocharnikov was sentenced to three years of federal probation for aiming the laser pointer at an
aircraft."
Trump Again Says He Wishes Ghislaine Maxwell Well.
President Trump was asked in an interview with Axios on HBO
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/82983d2a134e4122bcd6c33c5afe9583?pubid=ibi> (8/3) why he said
he wishes Ghislaine Maxwell — who faces charges of enticement of minors and sex trafficking of children — well.
Trump said, "Her friend or boyfriend was either killed or committed suicide in jail. She's now in jail. Yeah, I
wish her well. I'd wish you well. I'd wish a lot of people well. Good luck. Let them prove somebody was
guilty.... And I do wish her well. I'm not looking for anything bad for her. I'm not looking bad for anybody."
Drugs Scheme Leads To More Prison Time For Man Connected To FBI Agent's Murder.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette <https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/08/03/Robert-Korbe-
cocaine-drug-dealer-sentenced-four-more-years-prison/stories/202008030083> (8/3, Ove, 616K) reports,
"Robert Korbe, whose drug dealing operation led to the murder of" FBI Agent Sam Hicks during a 2008 raid
operation, "will spend another four years behind bars for dealing drugs inside the prison where he's been held."
On Monday, US District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan said Korbe will serve that time after his current, 25-year
sentence ends. The KDICA-TV <https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2020/08/03/robert-korbe-additional-jail-time-
drug-traffickine> Pittsburgh (8/3, 144K) website also covers this story.
Defendant Gets 14-Year Federal Prison Sentence After Pleading Guilty To Drug Charges.
The Fayetteville (NC) Observer <http://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2020/08/03/investigation-uncovers-
cocaine-operation-run-fayetteville-man/5576166002/> (8/3, Brown-Peyton, 151K) reports Elbert Tojuan
McNeill has been sentenced "to 14 years in federal prison." The FBI was involved with the investigation that led
to Monday's sentence, which came after McNeill pleaded guilty "to charges of conspiracy to distribute and
possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack
cocaine; and possession of a firearm for trafficking in drugs."
Detective Describes Unearthing Of Idaho Children's Remains.
The CBS Evening News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/e45c4406b6554efbb472b79f3da75a0f?
pubid=fbi> (8/3, story 11, 0:25, O'Donnell, 4.24M) reported, "Raw emotion today in an Idaho courtroom. A
detective described in painful detail how the remains of two children, one wrapped in duct tape, were unearthed
on the property of Chad Daybell, who recently married their mother. The children's grandparents wept during the
testimony. A judge is deciding whether to hold Daybell for trial. He and wife Lori Vallow-Daybell are accused of
concealing evidence in connection with the deaths and will likely face additional charges."
The AP <https://www.abqjournal.com/1482152/idaho-hearing-could-offer-new-details-in-missing-kids-
case.html> (8/3, Ridler, Boone) reports from Boise, Idaho, "A detective Monday described in excruciating details
how investigators unearthed the remains of two children who had been missing for months while searching the
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rural Idaho property of a man charged with concealing evidence." According to the AP, "The testimony came
during a preliminary hearing where a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to hold Chad Daybell
for trial. He and the children's mother face charges related to the hiding of the remains of 17-year-old Tylee Ryan
and 7-year-old Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, although authorities have yet to say how the two died, or whether homicide
charges will be filed in the case that has attracted worldwide headlines."
Inside Edition <https://www.insideedition.cotn/chad-daybell-hearing-3-fbi-agents-forensic-expert-to-testify-in-
court-monday-61026> (8/3, 342K) reports, "Three FBI agents from the bureau's Salt Lake City division —
Special Agent Benjamin Dean, Special Agent Steven Daniels and Agent Gary Lyu — have been called to testify
during Chad's preliminary hearing Monday and Tuesday, according to court documents. A member of the Idaho
State Police Forensic Services team, Rylene Nowlin, has also been subpoenaed. Authorities believe the children
were killed shortly after they were last seen and buried in Chad's yard by their uncle, Alex Cox. Cox himself
died on Dec. 12. An Arizona medical examiner ruled that he died of natural causes, but Cox's death remains
under investigation." Courthouse News <https://www.courthousenews.corn/doomsday-dad-hearing-reveals-
gruesome-fate-of-missing-kids/> (8/3, McCullough, 2K) also reports.
FBI Leads Law Enforcement Operation In Indianapolis.
WXIN-TV <https://fox59.corn/news/police-serve-federal-warrants-across-indianapolis-for-drugs-other-criminal-
activity/> Indianapolis (8/3, 434K) reports from Indianapolis, "Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) SWAT
teams, backed by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) detectives and agents from multiple
federal agencies, armed with more than a dozen arrest warrants, conducted several raids at dawn Monday across
Indianapolis." According to WXIN-TV, "A source said the raids were a result of a wiretap investigation by the
FBI Safe Streets Task Force which includes IMPD officers and likely targeted individuals and criminal
enterprises dealing in drugs, cash and weapons. One source told FOX59 two men were taken into custody at a
house and car storage yard in the 5300 block of Massachusetts Avenue where investigators discovered guns and
ammunition. Another raid was conducted on a house in the 2300 block of North Arsenal Avenue and at a third
location."
The Indianapolis Star <https://www.indystancorn/story/news/crime/2020/08/03/fbi-indianapolis-conducting-
coordinated-raids/5571094002/> (8/3, 633K) reports, "Federal, state and local police began serving warrants in
the Indianapolis area Monday morning. `The FBI and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners are
conducting a series of coordinated raids around Indianapolis,' FBI spokesperson Chris Bavender said in an email
to IndyStar."
WRTV-TV <https://www.theindychannel.cotn/news/local-news/crime/fbi-and-police-carrying-out-drug-raids-
across-indianapolis> Indianapolis (8/3, 182K) reports, "An FBI spokesperson said the Monday morning raids in
Indianapolis are related to drug activity. `The FBI and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners are
conducting a series of coordinated raids around Indianapolis,' the spokesperson said." WTHR-TV
<https://vvww.wthr.com/article/news/crime/federal-drug-raids-indianapolis/531-da053a5e-4e3e-4cb3-83e2-
85ee5eb78264> Indianapolis (8/3, 465K) and WTTV-TV <https://cbs4indy.corn/video/fbi-local-agencies-
conduct-raid-in-indianapolis/5729210/> Indianapolis (8/3, 37K) also report on their websites.
NJ State Senator Nicholas Scutari Says Mayor Lied To Spark Investigation For Political Ends.
NJ News <https://www.nj.com/politics/2020/08/senator-accused-in-no-show-job-charges-mayor-lied-to-spark-
investigation-for-political-ends.html> (8/3, Sherman, 1.72M) reports state Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D) — who has
been under fire for allegedly being a frequent no-show in his job as a municipal prosecutor — on Monday accused
the city of Linden of lying about his role to initiate a criminal investigation for political gain. Scutari "said the
city passed a policy in 2005 that specifically called for the municipal prosecutor to pay for his or her own
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substitute if unable to be in court." He said that Mayor Derek Armstead (D), "who has long been at odds with
Scutari, was a member of the Linden City Council at the time." Armstead, in "responding to Scutari, said the
document cited did not give a municipal prosecutor a free pass not to show up for his job." The issue has
"reportedly become the focus not only of a state grand jury investigation, but the city has also been asked to
provide the FBI and U.S. Attorney's office with some of the same information subpoenaed by the state,
according to two sources familiar with the request."
Wheeling, WV Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Produce Child Pornography.
WOAY-TV <https://woay.com/wheeling-man-pleads-guilty-to-conspiracy-to-produce-child-pornographyt>
Bluefield, WV (8/3, Barker) reports Randall Lee Peggs, 56, of Wheeling, WV pled guilty on Monday to
conspiring with another person to produce child pornography, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart."
Randall Lee Peggs, 56, pled guilty to conspiracy to produce child pornography." Peggs "admitted that he began
talking with codefendant Elizabeth Haway, of Princeton, on Facebook in November 2018." Peggs "faces a
mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison when sentenced on November 9, 2020."
Meanwhile, Haway is awaiting trial. This case "was investigated by the Mercer County Sheriff's Department, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the FBI's Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force."
Police Investigate Shooting Outside Washington State Casino.
The AP <https://wwvv.sfgate.com/news/article/Police-investigate-shooting-outside-Washington-15454752.php>
(8/3) reports police on Sunday "were investigating the shooting death of a man outside the Emerald Queen
Casino in Tacoma, Washington." Tribal police "said a male suspect fled on foot from the scene and that the
incident doesn't appear to have been a robbery." Officials are "working to gather video evidence from nearby
businesses and have contacted the FBI to aid in the investigation."
Suspect Arrested In Death Of Susie Zhao.
MLive (MI) <https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/08/suspect-arrested-in-death-of-pro-poker-player-found-
burned-at-michigan-park.html> (8/3, 925K) reports a 60-year-old Pontiac man was arrested on Friday in the
investigation of the homicide death of Susie Zhao. White Lake Township Police "obtained search warrants on
Thursday, July 30, WXYZ reports." Detectives and an FBI task force assigned to the case "began to search for a
suspect vehicle, which was located on Friday morning."
FBI Seeks Information About Boca Raton Bank Robber.
WPLG-TV <https://www.local10.com/news/local/2020/08/03/fbi-seeks-information-about-boca-raton-bank-
robbed> Miami (8/3, Batchelor, 223K) reports the FBI is asking for the public's help to obtain information about
a man who robbed a bank in Boca Raton back in January. The FBI "re-released surveillance images Monday of
the Jan. 31 bank robbery that occurred at a BB&T Bank branch" location in Boca Raton. According to "FBI
spokesman Jim Marshall, the robber entered the bank shortly before 1 p.m., handed an employee an empty back
pack and demanded that the employee fill it with money."
WPEC-TV <https://cbs12.coin/news/local/fbi-seeking-info-about-bank-robbery-in-boca-raton> West Palm
Beach, FL (8/3, Lob, 97K) reports that "Palm Beach County deputies, the South Florida Violent Crime and
Fugitive Task Force and the FBI are still investigating."
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Judge Restricts Principals In Atkinson Case From Talking About It Outside Of Court.
The Brownsville (TX) Herald <https://www.brownsvilleherald.corn/2020/08/03/judge-orders-principals-
atkinson-case-not-talk-outside-courd> (8/3, Sheridan, 37K) reports a federal judge last week "signed a protective
order restricting Sylvia Atkinson, her attorneys, and government prosecutors from making certain statements
outside the court concerning her federal bribery case pending trial." The court ruled that the dissemination of
certain information to the public could prejudice Atkinson's right to a fair trial before an impartial jury. In the
order, Rodriguez "wrote that the `local community and local media have demonstrated an interest in this case
that is significantly greater than in a typical criminal proceeding.'" An indictment "handed down by a federal
grand jury in December accused Atkinson of soliciting and accepting a $10,000 bribe from an undercover FBI
agent posing as an employee of local film production and advertising company Pink Ape Media."
GA Man Pleads Guilty For His Role In Cocaine Conspiracy Stretching From El Paso, Texas To Buffalo.
AllOnGeorgia <https://allongeorgia.com/georgia-public-safety/ga-man-pleads-guilty-for-his-role-in-cocaine-
conspiracy-stretching-from-el-paso-texas-to-buffalo/> (8/3) reports, "U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr.
announced last week that Adrian Grier, 44, of Jackson, Georgia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John
L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 500 grams or more of cocaine."
The FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, assisted in the investigation.
New Report Claims NYPD Grilled Pop Smoke About Crips Before His Death.
ABC News Radio <http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/8/3/new-report-claims-nypd-grilled-pop-
smoke-about-crips-before.html> (8/3) reports two men and two teens "have been charged in the murder of
Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke, who was fatally shot during a home invasion." A new report "claims that the 20-
year-old rapper was pressured by authorities to turn informant on a local gang." The New York Post reports "that
the NYPD had `hounded' Pop" — whose real name is Bashar Jackson — "regarding two shootings that happened
in the city." After being arrested for allegedly being in possession of a stolen Rolls Royce Wraith, ABC News
Radio reports Jackson was unwilling to cooperate with police. When Jackson was arrested, following enhanced
federal charges, "by the FBI at John F. Kennedy International Airport, he was again grilled by NYPD about the
local Crips chapter in relation to another shooting." But again he did not cooperate.
Saipan Casino Contractor Executives Indicted In Alleged Illegal Worker Scheme.
The Guam Pacific Daily News <https://www.guampdn.corn/stoty/newillocaU2020/08/03/saipan-casino-
contractor-executives-indicted-alleged-illegal-worker-scheme/5579325002/> (8/3, 58K) reports Chinese
executives of Imperial Pacific International and MCC International Saipan who were "contracted to build a large
hotel and casino in Saipan," are facing "multiple criminal charges in federal court, which were made public on
Tuesday." Federal prosecutors "allege Liwen Wu, aka Peter Wu, Jianmin Xu and Yan Shi used criminal labor
practices during the construction of the Grand Mariana Casino Hotel and Resort and transferred over $24 million
to the United States to promote their illegal activity." The US Attorney's Office "asked anyone with information
about this matter to call the FBI Saipan office."
FBI Investigating Racist Vandalism At AME Church In North Highlands.
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The Los Angeles Times <https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-07-31/pastor-discovers-racist-
vandalism-defacing-her-ame-church-again-fbi-investigating> (7/31, 4.64M) reported the FBI is investigating
racist vandalism at Murph-Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in North Highlands outside
Sacramento. Racist epithets and threats were "scratched onto her church's silver rooftop air conditioning unit."
Suspect Out Of Prison Just One Year Before Bank Robbery.
The Okemah (OK) News Leader <https://www.okemahnewsleader.corn/2020/08/01/suspect-out-of-prison-
barely-one-year-before-bank-robbery> (8/1) reported the man accused of "robbing BancFirst in Paden at
gunpoint last month spent much of the last decade behind bars and had been out of federal prison for less than 13
months when the robbery occurred." Bobby Ray Scott III, 42, of Shawnee "was indicted by a federal grand jury
last week on charges of bank robbery and, if convicted, faces life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both."
The indictment alleges that in the course of the robbery, Scott "did assault and put in jeopardy the life of another
person by the use of a dangerous weapon, that is a firearm."
FBI, Sheriff Take Another Look At Cold Murder Case In New Mexico.
The Albuquerque (NM) Journal <https://www.abqjoumal.com/1481593/fbi-sheriff-give-another-look-to-cold-
murder-case.html> (8/1, Byres, 196K) reported that in efforts "to solve a 45-year-old cold-case homicide, the
Sandoval County Sheriff's Office partners with the FBI to ask the public for help." In a press conference "at the
13th Judicial District Court, the FBI and sheriff's office discussed the investigation of 21-year-old Mary `Molly'
Aleta Sparks' murder."
Financial Crime & Corporate Scandals
Los Angeles Councilman Pleads Not Guilty In Corruption Probe.
The Los Angeles Times <https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-08-03/jose-huizar-los-angeles-city-
councilman-plea-corruption-case> (8/3, 4.64M) reports, "Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar pleaded not
guilty on Monday to bribery, money laundering and an array of other charges, his first public response to the
allegations in the corruption probe since prosecutors began securing guilty pleas from others in the case."
According to the Times, "Prosecutors announced last week that Huizar had been indicted on 34 felony counts,
including wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion and giving false statements to investigators, which follow a
previous allegation that he had been heading a criminal enterprise involving real estate developers, City Hall
supplicants and an assortment of bribes." Huizar "entered his plea while appearing before a federal judge by
video conference."
KTTV-TV <https://www.foxla.com/news/suspended-la-councilman-jose-huizar-pleads-not-guilty-to-federal-
charges-in-alleged-pay-to-play-scheme> Los Angeles (8/3, 24K) reports, "Huizar is charged in a 34-count
federal grand jury indictment — handed down last Thursday — which alleges over 400 overt acts, including
bribery, honest services fraud and money laundering, that the city councilman and co-defendants are accused of
committing to further their criminal enterprise. Huizar, the central figure in the five-year City Hall corruption
probe, is accused of accepting at least $1.5 million in bribes from developers in exchange for his support of
downtown building projects. He was suspended from the council following his arrest in June."
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KCET-TV <https://www.kcet.org/shows/socal-connected/suspended-la-councilman-pleads-not-guilty-to-federal-
charges> Los Angeles (8/3, I K) reports, "In addition to a previously charged racketeering conspiracy count, the
indictment charges Huizar with a dozen counts of honest services wire fraud, two counts of honest services mail
fraud, four counts of traveling interstate in aid of racketeering, six counts of bribery, five counts of money
laundering, and one count each of structuring cash deposits to conceal bribes, making a false statement to a
financial institution, making false statements to federal law enforcement, and tax evasion."
City News Service (CA) <https://spectrumnewsItotn/cafia-westrnews/2020/08/03/suspended-la-councilman-
pleads-not-guilty-to-federal-charges> (8/3) reports that Huizar "was stripped of all his committee assignments in
November 2018, following FBI searches of his home and offices, and had scaled back his legislative activity
before his suspension. During the search of his home, agents seized $129,000 in cash that was stashed in
Huizar's closet and which, according to the indictment, he received from a Chinese billionaire and another
businessperson seeking favors from him."
Texas Woman Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud, Identity Theft.
The San Antonio Business Journal <https://www.bizjournals.corn/sanantonio/news/2020/08/03/fonner-
employee-admits-to-stealing-money.html> (8/3, Santana, Subscription Publication, 835K) reports, "A former
employee of Schertz-based Stone Care of Texas flooring company admitted to stealing funds via wire fraud."
Deanna Wehde "pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on July 30, according to
a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Texas. She admitted to stealing
$470,000 while she managed the company, said U.S. Attorney John Bash and Christopher Combs, FBI special
agent in charge of the San Antonio Division." Wehde "admitted that she defrauded the company by using
company credit cards issued in the names of former employees for business-related travel, and to make
unauthorized purchases and cash withdrawals for her own personal use and benefit while employed by Stone
Care of Texas between May 2016 and September 2018."
Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty To Fraud, Money Laundering Scheme.
KSDK-TV <https://www.ksdk.corn/article/news/crime/washington-missouri-woman-guilty-plea-fraud/63-
fb1203b7-1b73-474c-8997-61e214a4737a> St. Louis (8/3, Cole, 493K) reports from Washington, Missouri, "A
Washington, Missouri, woman entered a guilty plea to several charges related to defrauding her former
employer." KSDK-TV adds, "According to the United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Missouri,
Christen Diane Schulte pleaded guilty on Monday to wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering charges
related to a scheme to defraud her former employer, several individuals associated with her former employer, the
Berger Levee District of Franklin County, and several financial institutions. Schulte appeared in federal court
before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who accepted the plea and set her sentencing date for
Nov. 10."
Kentucky Man Sentenced For Role In Fake Investment Scheme.
The AP <https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article244680802.html> (8/3) reports from London,
Kentucky, "A Kentucky man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for using fake investment
schemes to bilk people out of $2.4 million." Rodney Scott Phelps, 58, of Somerset, Kentucky, "was also ordered
in federal court last week to pay restitution. Prosecutors said Phelps and a co-defendant convinced investors to
pour money into an oil venture opportunity involving the government of Belize. Another scheme involved
investing in various commodities markets and a third convinced victims to invest in a Mississippi casino
purchase," but "instead, Phelps and Jason Castenir used the money for operating expenses for their private-
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equity firm, paid themselves and made Ponzi payments to other investors, prosecutors said." Phelps "was
convicted of one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud and 12 counts of wire fraud."
Cyber Division
Trump Says He Does Not Oppose Microsoft Buying TikTok.
The CBS Evening News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/lae4cbd25f69446eb53f897043df4a17?
pubid=fbi> (8/3, story 6, 0:20, O'Donnell, 4.37M) reported that on Monday, President Trump "appeared to back
off his threat to ban the popular Chinese-owned video app TikTok, as long as an American company were to
purchase it by the middle of next month." Trump: "So it will close down on September 15 unless Microsoft or
somebody else is able to buy it and work out a deal." Reuters <https://wvvw.reuters.corn/article/us-usa-tiktok-
trump/trump-says-he-does-not-mind-if-microsoft-buys-tiktok-idUSKCN24Z2BS> (8/3) reports that Trump
"said...he does not mind if Microsoft Corp buys the Chinese-owned short-video app TikTok." But, the
Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/aug/3/trump-says-hes-given-microsoft-until-
sept-15-buy-t/> (8/3, Boyer, 492K) reports that Trump said "he would shut down the popular Chinese-owned
video app by Sept. 15 if a sale isn't completed by then."
Politico <https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/03/trump-tiktok-ban-threat-390961> (8/3, Oprysko, Nylen,
4.29M) says Trump "noted that he believes Microsoft should try to purchase the entire app rather than just its
U.S. operations." Trump said, "Who's going to get the name? ... The name is hot, the brand is hot. Who's going
to get the name? How do you do that if it's owned by two different companies? My personal opinion was you're
probably better off buying the whole thing rather than buying 30% of it."
In a separate story, Reuters <https://www.reuters.corn/article/us-usa-tiktok-navarro/trump-u-s-should-get-
substantial-portion-of-tiktok-operations-sale-price-idUSKBN24Z1SM> (8/3, Shepardson, Mason) reports that
Trump "said...the U.S. government should get a `substantial portion' of the sales price of the U.S. operations of
TikTok." Trump said, "I did say that if you buy it, whatever the price is that goes to whoever owns it, because I
guess it's China essentially ... I said a very substantial portion of that price is going to have to come into the
Treasury of the United States because we're making it possible for this deal to happen." The Washington Post
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/08/03/trump-microsoft-tiktok-treasury/> (8/3, Stein, Lerman,
I4.2M) says it is "unclear how the president would require TikTok to pay a portion of its sale into the U.S.
Treasury, beyond the normal collection of tax revenue by the Internal Revenue Service." The Wall Street Journal
<https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-says-u-s-should-get-slice-of-tiktok-sale-price-11596479818> (8/3, Leary,
Subscription Publication, 7.57M) provides similar coverage of Trump's comments.
The New York Times <https://vvww.nytimes.com/2020/08/03/technology/trump-tiktok-microsoft.html> (8/3,
Swanson, Isaac, 18.61M) reports that "several China hawks in the Trump administration, including the White
House trade adviser Peter Navarro, argued against the sale, seeing the moment as an opportunity to take more
sweeping action to ban TikTok and other Chinese-run intemet services like Tencent's WeChat." Navarro on
Monday "doubled down on that approach, suggesting that Microsoft should be required to divest any business it
had in China if it were to buy TikTok." Navarro said on CNN
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/47dc4a591e904f16bd84cc8c83b793e7?pubid=fbi> (8/3, 881K), "The
issue with Microsoft is this. Microsoft is one of four or five American technology companies...who helped China
originally build their great firewall of China which is used to surveil, track, monitor, sensor and imprison the
Chinese people. One of the few surviving search engines in China is Bing, and Microsoft owns that. So you
know there's some fishy stuff going on there. Plus, if you're in China doing a Skype call, which is another
Microsoft product, the CCP is listening in.... Maybe Microsoft could divest its Chinese holdings?" Navarro also
appeared on Fox News <https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6 177685969001/?playlist_id=938973798001#sp=show-
clips> (8/3, 27.59M) and the Axios <https://www.axios.com/peter-navarro-tiktok-19ba01a8-8368-4c25-bb2f-
13fc09e71d13.html> (8/3, Axios, 521K) RE: CAP podcast Monday.
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A Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/opinions/trumps-anti-china-strategy-at-home-will-hurt-
us-companies-around-the-world/2020/08/03/b0f6cbcc-d5bc-11ea-930e-d88518c57dec_stoty.html> (8/3, 14.2M)
editorial says that while "having an experienced U.S. firm control" TikTok "is preferable to shutting it down or
accepting the current security risks," Trump "has in essence conducted a shakedown, threatening a shutdown and
then providing his blessing to a private business deal once it pleased him." The Post calls this "an affront to free
enterprise generally," and "an affront to the American enterprise of preserving an open outlook toward the world
— and encouraging other nations to welcome U.S. investors."
NYTimes Analysis: Trump Has Intervened In Companies' Affairs More Than His Predecessors. A New York
Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/08/03/business/economy/trump-tiktok-china-business.html> (8/3,
Swanson, Shear, 18.61M) analysis says Trump "had the right to sign off on a plan to mitigate any risks TikTok
posed. But the events followed a pattern that Mr. Trump set early on in his presidency, in which some of the
world's most powerful companies have found themselves at his whims." The Times adds, "Unlike his
predecessors, Mr. Trump has frequently waded in to berate or praise executives and try to influence their
operations." Previous GOP administrations "disapproved of government intervention in the market," but Trump
"has had no qualms about taking a heavier hand, favoring industrial policy and a more managed approach to
trade."
US Demand For Chinese Firm To Sell TikTok's US Operations Sparks Concern In China. The Wall Street
Journal <https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsofls-talks-to-buy-tiktoks-u-s-operations-raise-concerns-in-china-
11596465664> (8/3, Lin, Yang, Xiao, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports in a separate story that the US
demand that Bytedance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, sell the app's US operations or be banned is crystallizing
concerns in China that the US is seeking to disrupt its technology and raising concerns about what such a sale
could mean for other Chinese companies looking to sell around the world amid souring US-China relations.
DHS, Commerce Department Collaborate To Combat Botnets.
MeriTalk <https://www.meritalk.corn/articles/dhs-commerce-team-to-tackle-botnetsi> (8/3, Weingarten) reports
DHS and Commerce Department "released an update to their ongoing work to address botnets, automated and
distributed attacks on the internet, which threaten the nation's intemet infrastructure." The president "issued
Executive Order (EO) 13800, 'Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure,'
in May of 2017." The EO "called for 'resilience against botnets and other automated, distributed threats' and
directed the Secretaries of Commerce and Homeland Security to lead a process in line with this effort."
According to the update, the National Institute of Standards and Technology issued "guidance for Internet of
Things (IoT) device manufacturers...which define baseline cybersecurity capabilities that manufacturers can
voluntarily adopt for IoT devices." The status update said, "Botnets remain a significant threat. Current
malicious applications of botnets remain relevant, and attackers continue to devise novel nefarious applications."
US Issues Alert About Malware Used By Chinese Government.
Bloomberg <https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-03/u-s-issues-new-alert-about-malware-used-
by-chinese-government> (8/3, Sebenius, 4.73M) reports the US government "issued an alert Monday that a type
of malware seen frequently by security researchers in the last decade is tied to the Chinese government, the latest
in a series of American warnings about China's cyber capabilities this summer." According to the alert, DHS'
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, and DOD "identified a malware variant used
by Chinese government cyber-actors, which is known as Taidoor." The purpose of the alert, "which contained no
information about the prevalence of the malware or who has been targeted, is to 'enable network defense and
reduce exposure to Chinese government malicious cyber-activity.' According to a US Cyber Command official,
who requested anonymity as is the agency's policy, "the Chinese government continues to leverage it in ongoing
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espionage to gain intelligence."
CyberScoop <https://www.cyberscoop.corn/taidoor-malware-report-china-cisa-dod-fbi/> (8/3, Vavra) reports it
wasn't "immediately clear if Taidoor was being used in any recent or ongoing espionage campaigns from
China." But of the four malware samples Cyber Command "shared on VirusTotal, only two are detected by any
engines." Even in the cases "where the private sector does have protections related to Taidoor campaigns, the
protections aren't widespread — only FireEye and BitDefender protect against some parts of the Taidoor upload."
A CISA official "told CyberScoop the announcement was made to enhance defenses against Chinese hacking."
The CISA official told CyberScoop, "CISA, FBI, and DOD are publishing this malware analysis report about the
Taidoor variant to enable network defense and reduce exposure to Chinese government malicious cyber activity."
ZDNet <https://www.zdnet.corn/article/cisa-dodibi-expose-new-chinese-malware-strain-named-taidoort> (8/3,
Cimpanu, 299K) reports US Cyber Command "said the malware has been around and silently deployed on
victim networks for at least 12 years, since 2008." Also providing similar reporting on the story is Fortune
<https://fortune.corn/2020/08/03/malware-china-government/> (8/3, 3.91 M).
University of Texas Warns Donors, Contacts Possibly Affected By Ransomware Attack.
The Austin (TX) American Statesman <https://www.statesman.cominews/20200803/ut-warns-donors-contacts-
possibly-affected-by-may-ransomware-attack?rssfeed=true> (8/3, Choi, Subscription Publication, 343K) reports
University of Texas officials "said Monday that the university recently learned of a security breach that affected
some of the school's donors and fundraising contacts." According to a post on the university's website,
Blackbaud, a company that "provides fundraising software to nonprofits, universities and other organizations,
was the target of a ransomware attack in May." University of Texas officials "said some of its donors and
contacts were told about the breach on Monday, and informed them that their information could have been
accessed because of the cyberattack." University officials said in the memo, "Publicly available information such
as names, addresses, phone numbers, emails and birthdays may have been accessed. No credit card information,
bank information, or social security numbers were accessed by the cybercriminal or compromised."
CISA Chief Wants Younger, More Experienced Hackers In Federal Government.
Federal Computer Week <https://fcw.corn/articles/2020/08/03/johnson-krebs-younger-cyber-staff.aspx> (8/3,
Johnson, 263K) reports Chris Krebs, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency "said
federal agencies could do much to improve their cybersecurity talent pool if they moved away from restrictive
General Schedule hiring practices and were more open to bringing on younger candidates." During an August 3
online discussion, former Rep. Jane Harmon (D-CA) "asked Krebs...if CISA had the staffing it needed to `stay
ahead of the 17-year-olds."' Krebs "argued that in the digital domain, practical experience quickly outstrips age
and even credentials in importance." He said, "You know at this point, particularly in cyber, I'm not sure it
matters if you're 45 or 17, which speaks to the ways that we need to evolve our hiring practices."
Pentagon Considers Adopting Zero-trust Security Approach.
C4ISR & Networks <https://www.c4ismet.com/cyber/2020/08/03/pentagon-wrestles-with-adopting-zero-trust-
security-approach> (8/3, Eversden) reports the telework environment "caused by the coronavirus pandemic has
accelerated conversations about implementing zero-trust network architectures at the Department of Defense." In
recent weeks, several top IT officials "have said on virtual events that their departments are discussing concrete
steps to move toward zero-trust architectures and away from using the phrase as just buzzword for
cybersecurity." Zero-trust is a "network architecture that inherently distrusts the user and continuously verifies
the identity of the user accessing data." Vice Adm. Nancy Norton, director of the Defense Information Systems
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Agency, which manages and secures DOD networks across the globe, said, "The need for zero-trust has been
highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic." She announced July 15 a" plan to release a zero-trust framework by
the end of the year." Conversations about "implementing zero-trust network architectures have been facilitated in
part by the hundreds of thousands of DOD employees using the department's remote collaboration platform,
known as the Commercial Virtual Remote Environment."
CISA Releases Updated TIC 3.0 Network Security Guidance.
ExecutiveGov <https://www.executivegov.com/2020/08/cisa-releases-updated-tic-30-network-security-
guidance> (8/3, Rivers) reports the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has "issued an
update to its Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) guidance along with documents containing a security
capabilities catalog, a program guidebook and reference architecture." CISA "said Friday the TIC 3.0 core
guidance incorporates public input on the draft documents released in December." According to CISA, TIC 3.0
includes "use cases as well as recommendations on pilot program execution, implementation approaches and
other strategies for remote work settings." CISA plans to issue "final versions of documents such as the Use Case
Handbook, Overlay Handbook, Branch Office Use Case and Traditional TIC Use Case later this summer."
Op-Ed: Congress Has A Shot At Correcting Trump's Central Mistake On Cybersecurity.
In an op-ed in The Hill <https://thehill.corniopinionicybersecurity/510304-solarium-commission-leaders-offer-
congress-a-shot-at-correcting-trumps> (8/3, 2.98M), Charlie Mitchell, co-founder and editor of
InsideCybersecurity.com, writes, "Coordination is king in cyber, and yet that's what the Trump White House
decided to do without in 2018, when then-National Security Advisor John Bolton abolished a White House
cybersecurity coordinator position as a bureaucratic redundancy...it was Bolton's call to eliminate the cyber post
after former coordinator Rob Joyce decided he wanted to leave the Trump White House." He notes, "The
National Cyber Director provision is in the House version but didn't make the cut in the Senate." He concludes,
"With negotiations underway on the final version of the must-pass national defense bill, lawmakers have one
more chance this year to position the US for confronting a cybersecurity challenge that grows more dangerous at
every turn...Creating a national cyber director is about as close to a consensus recommendation among cyber
experts as we're likely to see."
NSA Reports On New Cyber Vulnerability In Computers.
ExecutiveGov <https://www.executivegov.com/2020/08/nsa-reports-on-new-cyber-vulnerability-in-computers/>
(8/3, Martin) reports NSA has "issued a report on a new cyber vulnerability that threatens certain systems present
within DOD and other organizations." NSA "said Thursday the BootHole vulnerability allows cyber actors to get
through the Secure Boot security standard that makes devices boot only with software trusted by original
manufacturers." Cyber terrorists may use "this vulnerability to tamper with a device's boot process." Devices
running "on Linux or Windows 8 and above may be affected by this vulnerability." NSA provided "two
mitigation options in the 'Mitigate the GRUB2 BootHole Vulnerability' report for users of Linux, an operating
system that uses the Grand Unified Bootloader 2 or GRUB2 affected by BootHole." The report "advises Linux
users to update the boot components of endpoints."
Law Enforcement Services
FBI Warns Of COVID-19 Tests From Texas Facility.
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KTSA-AM <https://www.ktsa.comabi-looking-for-people-tested-for-covid-19-at-a-new-braunfels-facility/> San
Antonio (8/3, 3K) reports from San Antonio, Texas, "The FBI is looking into coronavirus tests recently
administered in New Braunfels." The FBI "believes the tests given out at Living Health Holistic Healthcare in
the past several weeks shouldn't have been used. The bureau wants to hear from anybody who was tested there
either by calling 210-225-6741 or at this link to the FBI's website."
The San Antonio Express-News <https://www.mysanantonio.com/coronavirus/article/New-Braunfels-clinic-
may-have-been-giving-faulty-15454543.php> (8/3, 762K) reports, "Officials with the FBI reported Saturday
they have reason to suspect the tests performed at Living Health Holistic Healthcare in New Braunfels 'should
not have been used to diagnose or rule out an active COVID-19 infection.'
Gun Background Checks Rose 79% In July.
The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/aug/3/gun-background-checks-jump-79-
july-amid-coronaviruk (8/3, Sherfinski, 492K) reports gun background checks "surged 79% in July compared to
last year amid national unrest, protests and rioting, according to data released Monday by the FBI." The Bureau
"ran more than 3.6 million checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) last
month — a 79% increase compared to July 2019." According to the Times, the 3.6 million figure is also "the
third-highest monthly total ever recorded, behind the 3.9 million checks in June and the 3.7 million checks in
March."
CNN <https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/03/politics/gun-background-checks-fbi/index.html> (8/3, Campbell,
83.I6M) reports, "Background checks associated with the sale, transfer or permitting of firearms set an all-time
record in June when the FBI conducted more than 3.9 million checks, followed by March 2020 when the agency
saw 3.7 million checks. One other enduring pattern in 2020 has been the order of states topping the list, with
Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, Florida and California continually seeing the most background checks for the sale,
transfer, or licensing of guns."
The Hill <https://thehill.corn/policy/finance/510369-gun-sales-surge-during-pandemic-with-july-seeing-record-
background-checks> (8/3, Folley, 2.98M) reports, "The FBI has been performing background checks on
potential gun buyers through its National Instant Criminal Background Check System since its launch in 1998.
The system carries out the checks, which looks at the buyer's criminal history and other qualifications required
for eligibility, when a person attempts to purchase a firearm from a seller with federal firearms licenses. The
sales surge comes as the nation continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic as well as ongoing protests
against racism and police brutality following the police killings of multiple African Americans."
Other FBI News
Shelby Moving FBI Staff And Resources To Alabama Facility.
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2020/08/03/trumps-latest-effort-new-fbi-
headquarters-falls-flat-shelby-moves-parts-bureau-alabama> (8/3, Al, O'Connell, Werner, 14.2M) reports that as
Trump's efforts to build a new FBI headquarters in Washington has run up against resistance and has essentially
been removed from stimulus measure debate, Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby has continued to
move FBI functions to the Redstone Arsenal complex in his home state of Alabama. The Huntsville facility "will
welcome 1,500 of the bureau's headquarters staff from the Washington region next year and probably thousands
more in coming years."
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Man Charged With Scaling Fence At Boston FBI Headquarters, Damaging Property.
The Boston Herald <https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/08/03/man-scales-fence-at-boston-fbi-hq-damages-
property-authorities/> (8/3, 410K) reports, "A man accused of scaling the perimeter fence of the Boston FBI
headquarters in Chelsea and repeatedly throwing a rock against a door has been arrested by FBI special agents,
authorities said on Monday." Brian Ricardo Dennis, 52, of Everett, Massachusetts, "has been charged by
criminal complaint with injuring or depredating government property. Following an initial appearance on
Monday, Dennis was detained pending a probable cause and detention scheduled for Wednesday." The Herald
adds, "At around 1:20 a.m. on Friday, Dennis scaled the fence at the Boston FBI headquarters, authorities said in
a statement. According to video surveillance, Dennis climbed over the perimeter fence, approached a door,
banged on the door with his hands, then grabbed a large rock and repeatedly threw the rock against the door —
shattering the glass on the door. Dennis then climbed back over the perimeter fence and left the area, police
said."
The Boston Globe <https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/08/03/metro/everett-man-charged-with-damaging-fbi-
building-chelsea/> (8/3, Fox, 972K) reports, "He allegedly confessed the acts to local police who found him later
with significant injuries to his hand."
Other Washington News
Deal On Coronavirus Relief Package Remains Elusive As Trump Mulls Direct Action.
The AP <https://apnews.com/286874ea989dc54654f74d24e087a419> (8/3, Taylor) reports, "Negotiators on a
huge coronavirus relief bill reported slight progress after talks resumed Monday afternoon in the Capitol, with
issues like food for the poor and aid to schools struggling to reopen safely assuming a higher profile in the talks.
Multiple obstacles remain, including an impasse so far on extending a $600-per-week pandemic jobless benefit,
funding for the Postal Service, and aid to renters facing eviction." On NBC Nightly News
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/e9fdd40247364331b4dc8d589a3c1e8d?pubid=fbi> (8/3, story 5,
0:30, Holt, 6.23M), Geoff Bennett said "the White House [is] still unable to reach a deal on a new coronavirus
relief plan to extend eviction protections and the $600 boost in unemployment benefits.... There's a new urgency
to the negotiations, with some 30 million jobless Americans now left in limbo, without that critical assistance."
Reuters <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-democrats/pelosi-says-coronavirus-aid-
talks-with-mnuchin-meadows-to-continue-tuesday-idUSKCN24Z2J2> (8/3, Lawder) reports the three chief
negotiators — Chief of Staff Meadows, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, and House Speaker Pelosi — are scheduled to
meet again Tuesday. CNBC <https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/03/coronavirus-stimulus-updates-relief-bill-talks-
hinge-on-unemployment-insurance.html> (8/3, Pramuk, 3.62M) reports on its website that Meadows and
Mnuchin met with Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Schumer "for more than two hours at the Capitol," and
"following the meeting, Pelosi told reporters the discussions were `productive,'" although she added, "we...still
have our differences." The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/coronavirus-stimulus-talks-to-
resume-after-jobless-aid-lapses-11596470044> (8/3, Hughes, Restuccia, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) says
both sides expressed cautious optimism, though significant differences remain.
Meanwhile, the New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/08/03/us/politics/congress-jobless-aid-talks-
trump.html> (8/3, A1, Haberman, Cochrane, Tankersley, 18.61M) reports under the headline "With Jobless Aid
Expired, Trump Sidelines Himself In Stimulus Talks," as his "top advisers met with Democratic leaders to try to
hash out a compromise," the President "hurled insults at Democrats and mused aloud about short-circuiting the
talks and acting on his own." According to the Times, "while White House officials say that he is interested in
EFTA00136450
the talks and closely monitoring them," the President "has not sought to use the full powers of his office to prod
a deal, and more often he has complicated the already sensitive negotiations." The Washington Post
<https://vvwvv.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2020/08/03/congress-stimulus-coronavirus-trump/> (8/3, Al,
Werner, Stein, I4.2M) reports that when "asked why he wasn't taking part in the talks, Trump insisted that he
was involved but didn't need to be physically on Capitol Hill to participate. 'I'm totally involved, I'm totally
involved,' Trump said."
On Monday, the New York Post <https://nypost.com/2020/08/03/trump-vows-to-stop-evictions-due-to-covid-19-
by-executive-orded> (8/3, Nelson, Bowden, 4.57M) reports, Trump "said he will take executive action to halt
evictions if Congress doesn't quickly pass coronavirus relief legislation." Trump told reporters, "A lot of people
are going to be evicted. But I'm going to stop it because I'll do it myself if I have to. I have a lot of powers with
respect to executive orders. And we're looking at that very seriously right now." Breitbart
<https://www.breitbart.corn/politics/2020/08/03/donald-trump-crazy-nancy-pelosi-blocking-coronavirus-aid-
radical-left-bailouts/> (8/3, Spiering, 673K) reports Trump faulted Pelosi and Democrats, saying, "What the
Democrats want, they're slow-rolling it and all they're really interested in is bailout money to bail out radical left
governors and radical left mayors."
White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway said on Fox News' Outnumbered Overtime
<https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6177753396001?playlist_id=5588990584001fisp=show-clips> (8/3), "Last week,
the Republicans put on the table that the White House is willing to go for an additional $600 benefit for one
week, because that was expiring July 31. Lo and behold, the Democrats said no, because their eye is not on your
rent or mortgage payment this month. Their eye is on November 3 and the elections, and they want this to be
cudgel." Nexstar <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/8c 15956740584198ad4e82a35b47bccb?pubid=fbi>
(8/3, 20K) showed a clip of Conway saying, "For the Democrats now to say, 'Oh, the Republicans got in the
way,' that's just a flat-out lie."
Politico <https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/03/senate-faces-crucial-week-on-coronavirus-relief-talks-
390907> (8/3, Bresnahan, Levine, 4.29M) says White House officials have also "floated for days that Trump
could take executive acti