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From: FBI News Briefing < To: "FBINewsBriefing" Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] - FBI Daily News Briefing - July 25, 2025 Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:15:06 +0000 Importance: Normal View in Browser Federal Bureau of Investigation Seal July 25, 2025 Federal Bureau of Investigation Daily News Briefing (In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs) Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. Table of Contents IN THE NEWS • Continued Reporting: Rock-Throwing Illegal Immigrant Nabbed Near Border After Being Linked to Attack During Anti-ice Riot • DOJ Expected to Interview Epstein Associate Ghislaine Maxwell in Florida on Thursday • DOJ Forms Russiagate 'Strike Force' to Investigate Declassified Obama-Era Evidence • Trump Administration Sues New York City Over 'Sanctuary City' Policies COUNTERTERRORISM • Neo-Nazi's Vile Bomb Threats Against Jewish Hospitals Land Him Five Years in Prison • Law Enforcement Surveilled Nevada Lithium Mine Protesters, According to Records COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • Woman Learns Fate After DOJ Guilty Plea Admitting She Helped North Korean Tech Workers Infiltrate U.S. Companies CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Georgia Man Sentenced for Threatening Former FBI Director Christopher Wray • Georgia Woman Sentenced for Introducing Methamphetamine Into a Federal Prison • New Haven Attorney Gives Up Law License After Passing Synthetic Cannabis To Clients In Rhode Island Prison • Five Arrested in Crackdown on Mexican Mafia Across SoCal • Walz Administration Faces More Scrutiny as FBI Investigates Fraud in Another State Program • California Man Charged With Conspiracy for Alleged Role in Anti-ICE Protest • Florida Man Threatened to Kill Politicians Over Epstein Client List, FBI Says EFTA00163724 • Former Deputy Sentenced To 16 Months In Prison For Beating Inmate In Georgia • FBI Agent Found Guilty of Rape Charges in Maryland • FBI Operation Targeting Violent Crimes in the Summer Months • New Mexico Man Charged With Stabbing Victim In Abdomen • Washington D.C. Woman Charged With Assaulting FBI Agent During Altercation at Detention Facility • New York Individual Pleads Guilty In Connecticut To Child Exploitation Charge • Detroit Border Agent Arrested for Allegedly Soliciting Sex From Officer Posing as 13-Year-Old CYBER DIVISION • FBI Says Thousands of People Involved in 'The Com' Targeting Victims With Ransomware, Swatting • Cybercriminals Are Targeting U.S. Businesses With Malicious USB Drives • Continued Reporting: FBI Warns Arkansans of Rising Scam Threats Amid Al Advancements • Continued Reporting: What We Know About the Microsoft Sharepoint Attacks • Continued Reporting: Fake Chrome Updates Used to Spread Malware OTHER FBI NEWS • Wrongfully Imprisoned Maryland Man Who Spent 32 Years Behind Bars Sues Former Authorities • Britt Lauds FBI Redstone Role in National Security During Judiciary Committee Hearing INTERNATIONAL NEWS • Mass Starvation Stalks Gaza as Deaths From Hunger Rise • U.S. Cuts Short Gaza Ceasefire Talks and Accuses Hamas of Lacking 'Good Faith' • Syria Is Secretly Reshaping Its Economy. The President's Brother Is in Charge • Russian Plane Crashes in Russia's Far East, Nearly 50 People on Board Feared Dead • The Religious Minority at the Heart of Israel's Standoff With Syria • Thailand and Cambodia Exchange Fire in Deadly Border Clash • France Will Recognise Palestinian State, Macron Says • Battle Over the Black Sea: Russia, Ukraine Strike Top Resort Cities • U.K., Canada and 23 Other Countries Slam Israel Over Gaza, Say War 'Must End Now' OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Trump to Visit Fed as White House Ramps up Pressure on Powell • UnitedHealth Confirms Civil and Criminal Justice Department Probes • Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed at Making It Easier to Remove Homeless People From the Streets • Deported Venezuelan Imprisoned In El Salvador Files Formal Complaint Against U.S. • Trump Signs Order Seeking Guardrails On College Athlete Payments • Alina Habba Is Named Acting U.S. Attorney In New Jersey • Judge Weighing Disciplinary Referral For DOJ Lawyers In Venezuela Deportations Case • New Idaho College Murders Documents Show Some Victims Were 'Unrecognizable; Fought Back • Trump Signs Executive Order Laying Out New Rules for NIL Deals and Money in College Sports • Boom Fades for U.S. Clean Energy as Trump Guts Subsidies • Columbia's Deal With Trump Preserves Autonomy on Admissions, Academic Speech • With His Suit Against Murdoch, Trump Signals: No One Is Safe • Charges Dropped Against More Than 120 Defendants in Massachusetts Because They Can't Get Attorney EFTA00163725 WASHINGTON SCHEDULE IN THE NEWS Continued Reporting: Rock-Throwing Illegal Immigrant Nabbed Near Border After Being Linked to Attack During Anti-ice Riot The Washington Times (07/24, Delaney) reported that Elpidio Reyna, a 41-year-old illegal immigrant, was captured at the U.S.-Mexico border after being linked to an attack on immigration agents in Paramount, California. According to the article, Reyna allegedly hurled rocks at federal vehicles during a riot against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles. The FBI said one federal agent was injured in the caught-on-camera assault. He faces up to eight years in prison if convicted, and his arrest is part of a larger effort to hold accountable those who committed crimes during the riots, which resulted in over 550 arrests. Director Patel posted the following on X: If you harm a law enforcement officer, we will find you and hold you accountable. The FBI will never tolerate violence against those who serve and protect this country. Deputy Director Bongino also pasted on X: You may remember Elpidio Reyna, a subject who allegedly threw rocks at federal officers during immigration operations in California on June 7. We got him. He was arrested today at the U.S.-Mexico border. Well done @FBILosAngeles @CBP and all federal partners. More to come. Those who attack America's police officers can run, but they can't hide. Additional reporting on the story was provided by New York Past (07/24, Crane), NewsNation (07/24, Delandro), Patch (07/24, Haro), Hoodline (07/24, Kim), Orange County Register (07/24, Staff Writer), and NTD (07/24, Acenas). DOJ Expected to Interview Epstein Associate Ghislaine Maxwell in Florida on Thursday The New York Times (07/24, Thrush, Feuer) reported that Justice Department officials interviewed Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's associate, in a Florida prison as part of an effort to address criticism over the handling of Epstein's case. According to the article, Maxwell answered all questions posed by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who will meet with her again, and her responses will be shared at a later time. The interview is related to the department's attempt to quell criticism over the concealment of details about Epstein's crimes and interactions with high-profile figures, including President Trump. The Washington Times (07/24, Ferrechio) reported that AG Bondi informed President Trump in May that his name was among hundreds of people identified in the Jeffrey Epstein files that the president's MAGA base and Democrats want released to the public. The news, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, fueled accusations by Democrats that Trump is concealing the files to protect himself. The article stated that Trump told reporters on July 15 that AG Bondi did not tell him his name was in the files. "Trump told the press he was not informed that his name was in the Epstein files. Now we learn that this was a lie," Sen. Adam B. Schiff, California Democrat, posted on X. AG Bondi indicated that Trump's name, among many others, was not the focus of any criminal investigation and was not associated with wrongdoing. She said the files contained "unverified hearsay about many people, including Trump, who had socialized with Epstein in the past," an unnamed official told the newspaper. ABC News (07/24, O'Brien, Pecorin, et al.) reported that Senate Republicans are facing pressure to address President Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein after recent reports highlighted their past friendship. Several GOP senators, including Lindsey Graham and Josh Hawley, are calling for transparency and the release of Epstein files, with Graham advising Trump to "get it all out". Democrats, such as Senator Richard Blumenthal, are also pushing for the release of files and demanding that AG Bondi testify about her discussions with Trump regarding the Epstein case. Raw Story (07/24, Pengelly) reported that Epstein believed Trump was the "rat" who informed the FBI about his activities, leading to his 2006 arrest. According to Trump biographer Michael Wolff, Epstein thought Trump used his knowledge of Epstein's actions against him after they fell out over a money laundering scheme in 2004. The article highlighted that on Wednesday, Wolff repeated his description of compromising photographs of Trump and Epstein with young girls, which he says Epstein showed him and which Wolff says would presumably have been confiscated by the FBI in 2019. Additional reporting on the story was provided by BBC (07/24, Halpert), The Guardian (07/24, Betts), Al Jazeera (07/24, Staff Writer), CNN (07/24, Collins, Shelton), CNBC (07/24, Mangan), USA Today (07/24, Bagchi) (2), The Hill (07/24, Fields), ABC News (07/24, Katersky, Hill, et al.), Newsweek (07/24, Bickerton), CBS News (07/24, Rosen, Quinn), The Independent (07/24, Rissman), and United Press International (07/24, Stark). DOJ Forms Russiagate 'Strike Force' to Investigate Declassified Obama-Era Evidence EFTA00163726 Fox News (07/24, Singman) reported that the DOJ has formed a "strike force" to investigate declassified evidence related to the origins of the Trump-Russia collusion narrative, which suggests that Obama administration officials "manufactured" intelligence to support the claim. According to the article, the investigation will review evidence declassified by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, including documents that allegedly show Obama-era officials laying the groundwork for the Trump-Russia probe after the 2016 election. The article noted that the DOJ's National Security Division will be involved in the investigation, which will examine potential wrongdoing by former Obama officials, including John Brennan, James Comey, and others, with AG Bondi stating that the DOJ will "investigate these troubling disclosures fully and leave no stone unturned to deliver justice". The article highlighted that Director Patel has opened an investigation into Brennan and Comey. The full scope of the criminal investigations into Brennan and Comey is unclear, but two sources described the FBI's view of the duo's interactions as a "conspiracy," which could open up a wide range of potential prosecutorial options. The Associated Press (07/24, Tau, Richer) reported that DNI Gabbard declassified documents claiming to prove an "anti-Trump conspiracy" by the Obama administration, but the documents do not support her claims. The declassified emails and reports actually affirm the conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to sow chaos and influence public opinion, with the goal of helping Donald Trump and denigrating Hillary Clinton. The article noted that Gabbard's claim that the Steele dossier was used as the basis for the FBI's investigation into potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia is incorrect, as the Justice Department's inspector general found that the dossier was not the basis for the investigation, and that the FBI primarily relied on a CIA human source close to the Kremlin for its conclusion that Putin wanted to help Trump and hurt Clinton. The article explained that although the Steele dossier was used in part to obtain surveillance warrants to eavesdrop on the communications of a former Trump campaign adviser, many of Steele's claims have since been discredited or denied, and the FBI's reliance on the dossier has been criticized, with then-CIA Director John Brennan objecting to its inclusion in the classified version of the intelligence community assessment. The New York Times (07/24, Thrush, Barnes) reported that Gabbard's actions have put AG Bondi in a difficult position, as she must investigate the claims without committing to a potentially unpredictable and politically charged investigation. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Washington Times (07/24, Ferrechio, Picket), The Guardian (07/24, Tait), CBS News (07/24, Gazis), Fox News (07/24, Heavey), The Hill (07/24, Beitsch), The Daily Beast (07/24, Brancolini), New York Post (07/24, Christenson), and MSNBC (07/24, Benen). Trump Administration Sues New York City Over 'Sanctuary City' Polides The Wall Street Journal (07/24, Morphet) and the Washington Times (07/24, Dinan) reported that the DOJ has filed a lawsuit against New York City Mayor Eric Adams over the city's sanctuary policy, which limits cooperation with federal deportation authorities. According to the articles, the policy bars city officials from holding migrants for pickup or notifying ICE before release, resulting in a drop in cooperation between city law enforcement and ICE. The articles noted that the lawsuit claims that the policy has led to the release of thousands of criminals, including violent offenders, and seeks to shut down the city's sanctuary policies. The Washington Post (07/24, Jacobs) quoted a statement from AG Bondi announcing the lawsuit: "New York City has released thousands of criminals on the streets to commit violent crimes against law-abiding citizens due to sanctuary city policies." Additional reporting on the story was provided by Associated Press (07/24, Staff Writer), ABC News (07/24, Ma'lin), Fox News (07/24, Casiano), The Hill (07/24, Crisp), Just the News (07/24, Severi), Law360 (07/24, Varona), New York Law Journal (07/24, Lee), The National Desk (07/24, Tedesco), Axios (07/24, Habashian), NBC News (07/24, Atkins, Kosnar, Egwuonwu), New York Times (07/24, Nerkar, Ferre-Sadurni), New York Post (07/24, King, Troutman), Bloomberg (07/24, Wang, Vilensky), Washington Examiner (07/24, Hallas), Salon (07/24, Galbraith), Courthouse News (07/24, Pullano), Daily Caller (07/24, Hopkins), Reuters (07/24, Stempel, Hesson), Politico (07/24, Wendler, Coltin, et al.), and Newsmax (07/24, Thomas). Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM Neo-Nazi's Vile Bomb Threats Against Jewish Hospitals Land Him Five Years in Prison Hoodline (07/24, Decker) reported that Domagoj Patkovic, an Oregon man, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for making antisemitic bomb threats against Jewish hospitals in New York. The article explained that Patkovic initiated at least six separate hoax calls to New York hospitals, asserting that explosive devices were set to detonate. In one severe instance, a hospital on Long Island faced partial evacuation and lockdown due to his EFTA00163727 threats, as sourced from court filings. Although no actual devices were found, these threats resulted in substantial police response and bomb sweeps, wasting resources and heightening tensions amongst hospital staff and patients. The article added that the FBI has shown no tolerance for such crimes, highlighted by Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office: "Domagoj Patkovic will spend significant time in prison for his targeting of Jewish hospitals across the New York metro area with hoax bomb threats. These hoax threats, motivated by Patkovic's insidious antisemitic views, wasted law enforcement resources and put innocent lives at risk. The FBI will continue to bring to justice individuals who utilize swatting and false bomb threats to cause panic and unrest in our communities." JFeed (07/24, Fleming) also reported on the story. Law Enforcement Surveilled Nevada Lithium Mine Protesters, According to Records High Country News (07/25, Olalde) reported that law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have been surveilling protesters opposing the Thacker Pass lithium mine in northern Nevada, with over 10 agencies involved in monitoring their activities. The protesters, who are largely Indigenous activists, have been tracked on social media and have had their movements monitored, with some being labeled as potential domestic terrorists. The surveillance has been criticized by experts, including Andrew Ferguson, who calls it "chilling" and notes that it could have a broad impact on activists' ability to organize and express themselves, with concerns that it may be an attempt to suppress their rights and silence their opposition to the mine. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have been surveilling protesters, including Native American activists like McKinney, who are opposing the development of a lithium mine at Thacker Pass in Nevada. Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE Woman Learns Fate After DOJ Guilty Plea Admitting She Helped North Korean Tech Workers Infiltrate U.S. Companies Fox News (07/24, D'Abrosca) reported that Christina Marie Chapman, a 50-year-old Arizona woman, has been sentenced to 102 months in prison for helping North Korean tech workers infiltrate U.S. companies. According to the article, Chapman's scheme, which generated over $17 million, involved stealing the identities of 68 Americans and helping North Korean residents pose as U.S. citizens to get remote IT jobs at 309 American companies. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and will also forfeit $284,556 and pay a judgment of $176,850. "The North Korean regime has generated millions of dollars for its nuclear weapons program by victimizing American citizens, businesses, and financial institutions," stated FBI Assistant Director of Counterintelligence Roman Rozhaysky. "However, even an adversary as sophisticated as the North Korean government can't succeed without the assistance of willing U.S. citizens like Christina Chapman, who was sentenced today for her role in an elaborate scheme to defraud more than 300 American companies by helping North Korean IT workers gain virtual employment and launder the money they earned. Today's sentencing demonstrates that the FBI will work tirelessly with our partners to defend the homeland and hold those accountable who aid our adversaries." The press release quoted FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Janke: "The sentencing today demonstrates the great lengths to which the North Korean government will go in its efforts and resources to fund its illicit activities. The FBI continues to pursue these threat actors to disrupt their network and hold those accountable wherever they may be." Bloomberg (07/24, Ratliff) also reported on the story. Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Georgia Man Sentenced for Threatening Former FBI Director Christopher Wray The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (07/24, Aaro) reported that John Woodbury, a 35-year-old man from Roswell, Georgia, was sentenced to 17 months in prison for threatening former FBI Director Christopher Wray. Woodbury pleaded guilty to transmitting threats to injure Wray in 2023, which he posted on the website along with Wray's home address. "The functioning of our democracy requires that our country's public servants be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives," FBI Atlanta Special Agent Paul Brown said in a statement. "The sentencing of John Woodbury is yet another example of the FBI's commitment to holding those accountable who threaten public EFTA00163728 officials." Additional reporting on the story was provided by Atlanta News First (07/24, Staff Writer) and WXIA (NBC-11) (07/24, Staff Writer). Georgia Woman Sentenced for Introducing Methamphetamine Into a Federal Prison WCTV (CBS-6) (07/24, Staff Writer) reported that Tanita Ellis, a 46-year-old woman from Georgia, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for attempting to smuggle meth into the Tallahassee Federal Correctional Institution. According to the article, Ellis was caught with a 2.5-inch-long piece of methamphetamine when officers searched her after a visit with family members. Special Agent in charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division, Jason Carley, said that correctional staff at FCI Tallahassee are "aggressively" pursuing inmates who carry and introduce contraband into the facility. "The FBI is committed to working with the correctional staff at FCI Tallahassee to aggressively pursue inmates who introduce and possess contraband in the facility," said Carley in the press release. "This sentencing should serve as a stark warning to all inmates that possessing drugs in prison, whether for personal use or for distribution, is not worth the added prison time." New Haven Attorney Gives Up Law License After Passing Synthetic Cannabis To Clients In Rhode Island Prison The Stamford Advocate (07/24, Ikramuddin) reported that a New Haven attorney who federal officials say provided synthetic cannabis to clients in a Rhode Island detention center, then lied to corrections officers, has agreed to surrender his license to practice law in order to avoid prosecution. Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island Sara Miron Bloom said in a news release on Thursday that Jonathan Einhorn was charged with willfully and knowingly making a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation. Einhorn has entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement, which includes an understanding that he will not seek to renew his law license for 10 years. Bloom said Einhorn visited with several clients who were detained at the Wyatt Detention Center on May 21st, 2023, and, as he entered the facility, he signed a document that certified he was aware that he was not allowed to bring contraband into the facility or to pass any contraband to a detainee. When asked if he would be passing anything to a detainee by a correctional officer, Einhorn responded, "No, not today." The Wyatt's Professional Standards Unit saw Einhorn pass paperwork to at least two detainees, and officials who seized the documents found that eight pages were discolored and "highly stained." Bloom stated, "The paperwork was sent to an FBI Laboratory for testing and was shown to be contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids." Five Arrested in Crackdown on Mexican Mafia Across SoCal Patch (07/24, Houck) reported that the FBI announced the arrest of 5 people associated with the Mexican Mafia prison gang in Southern California. The arrests were part of a multi-agency investigation led by the FBI's San Diego Field Office, which also resulted in the seizure of guns, drugs, and alleged criminal proceeds. The suspects will face federal charges, including operating an illegal gambling establishment, money laundering, and importation of methamphetamine, according to the FBI. "Removing violent criminals from our streets and seizing their resources is a top priority for the FBI and paramount to our mission of protecting the American people," said Mark Dargis, special agent in charge of the San Diego Field Office. "Today's successful operation is another example of what we can accomplish by working closely with our law enforcement partners on the shared goal of safer communities." Walz Administration Faces More Scrutiny as FBI Investigates Fraud in Another State Program The Minnesota Star Tribune (07/24, Faircloth) reported that the Tim Walz administration is facing scrutiny after the FBI launched an investigation into fraud in Minnesota's Housing Stabilization Services program, which uses Medicaid funds to help older adults and people with disabilities. According to the article, the investigation is the latest in a series of fraud cases in state programs, including a separate investigation into Medicaid fraud at state autism treatment centers and a pandemic-era fraud scheme at Feeding Our Future. The article explained that federal investigators last week searched five housing service provider sites as they investigated what they called a "massive scheme" to defraud Minnesota's Housing Stabilization Services program, which uses Medicaid funds to help find and maintain housing for older adults and people with disabilities, including mental illness and substance use disorder. The article noted that the raids came just seven months after the FBI searched state autism treatment centers in a separate investigation into Medicaid fraud, and more than three years after federal investigators raided the offices of Feeding Our Future, a St. Anthony nonprofit that was at the center of one of the country's largest pandemic-era fraud schemes. Axios (07/24, Oot) also reported on the story. California Man Charged With Conspiracy for Alleged Role in Anti-ICE Protest EFTA00163729 The Press Democrat (07/24, Barber) reported that Bajun Mavalwalla II, a Petaluma native and former Army Ranger, has been charged with conspiracy for his alleged role in a protest in Spokane. The protest turned violent, with demonstrators surrounding a van, slashing its tires, and spray painting its windshield, and officers firing smoke canisters and pepper balls. Mavalwalla ll's family has a history of military service and peaceful protest, and his father, Bajun Mavalwalla I, is struggling to reconcile his son's arrest with their family values and his son's past heroic actions, including helping Afghans flee their country after the U.S. withdrawal. The article highlighted that on July 15, he got a knock at the door of his Spokane home at 6 a.m. Ten FBI agents were on hand to take him into custody. Florida Man Threatened to Kill Politicians Over Epstein Client List, FBI Says Bradenton Herald (07/24, Moore Jr.) reported that Terrell Bailey-Corsey, a Palmetto man, was arrested by the FBI for threatening to kill politicians and others tied to a rumored "client list" connected to Jeffrey Epstein. According to the article, the threats were made in a series of social media posts on X and Facebook, where Bailey-Corsey allegedly called for the murder of public officials he believed were connected to the Epstein conspiracy. Bailey- Corsey admitted to making the posts, expressed remorse, and was ordered to remain in custody pending trial after a hearing in Tampa. Former Deputy Sentenced To 16 Months In Prison For Beating Inmate In Georgia WTLV (NBC-12) (07/24, Casapao) reported that a former deputy sheriff and jail corporal in Camden County will spend 16 months in prison for his role in the beating of a pretrial detainee in 2022 that garnered national attention. Ryan Robert Biegel pleaded guilty on January 28 to one count of using unreasonable force against Jarrett Hobbs, who was detained at the Camden County Jail on traffic violation and drug possession charges. All the charges against Hobbs were dropped after a settlement was reached with the Camden County Sheriff's Office. The article detailed that Biegel and two other correctional officers entered Hobbs' holding cell before pushing him against a wall and restraining him on September 3, 2022. Biegel admitted to punching Hobbs five times in the back of the head, and hitting him an additional 22 times in the head and body with his fists and knees. WJAX (CBS-47) (07/24, Staff Writer) specified that the FBI Brunswick and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated the assault. The story was also reported on by WJXT (CW-4) (07/24, Mazeke). FBI Agent Found Guilty of Rape Charges in Maryland Fed Agent (07/24, Staff Writer) reported that Eduardo Valdivia, an FBI supervisory special agent, was found guilty of rape charges in Montgomery County, Maryland. According to the article, Valdivia was convicted of luring victims to tattoo parlors with false promises and raping them, using aliases such as "Lalo Brown" and posing as a modeling agency CEO. The article noted that he faces a maximum of 122 years in prison after being found guilty of six counts of second-degree rape and two counts of fourth-degree sexual offense. FBI Operation Targeting Violent Crimes in the Summer Months WLBT (Fox-2) (07/24, Staff Writer) reported that the FBI has launched "Operation Summer Heat" to combat violent crimes in the summer months, partnering with law enforcement in Starkville, Louisville, and Winston County. According to the article, the operation has resulted in the arrest of 10 men in Winston County for alleged involvement in a fentanyl and methamphetamine conspiracy, with Quinton McWilliams of Louisville still at large. The article noted that authorities emphasize the importance of collaboration and community involvement, including parental presence in children's lives, to prevent young people from getting involved in crime. FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff says collaboration is key to having operations like this be successful. "It goes to show the importance of communicating with us. What you're seeing, what you're experiencing, and then for us at the partner level to make sure that we are bringing together the best of our resources holistically for the benefit of the communities," Eikhoff said. New Mexico Man Charged With Stabbing Victim In Abdomen Los Alamos Daily Post (07/24, Clark) reported that Adrian Cheama, a 36-year-old Zuni man, has been charged in federal court for allegedly stabbing a victim in the abdomen without provocation. Cheama is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon, and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Multiple witnesses placed Cheama at the scene and described him carrying a backpack and a baton-like object before and during the attack. The investigation revealed that Cheama had previously made statements suggesting he was looking for the victim. The FBI's Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case. Washington D.C. Woman Charged With Assaulting FBI Agent During Altercation at Detention Facility EFTA00163730 Hoodline (07/24, Johnson) reported that Sydney Lori Reid, a 44-year-old woman from Washington, D.C., has been charged with assaulting an FBI agent during an altercation at the DC Central Detention Facility. The incident occurred while two alleged 18th Street gang members were being transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Reid's actions resulted in an FBI agent sustaining "bloody lacerations," and she now faces charges of "assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees". New York Individual Pleads Guilty In Connecticut To Child Exploitation Charge WTIC (FOX-61) (07/24, Zbierski) reported that an individual from New York waived the right to be indicted and pleaded guilty on Thursday. A report from the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut said that 24- year-old Pelham, New York, resident Sasha May, who used to be known as Owen May, pleaded guilty to possession and access with intent to view child pornography. On October 16th, May could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Court statements and documents note that between December 2023 and May 2024, May participated in online conversations with an undercover law enforcement officer on the messaging platforms Kik and Whisper. During those conversations, May expressed sexual interest in children in detail and distributed child pornography. May was arrested on a criminal complaint on August 26th, 2024, and was released on a $100,000 bond. The case has been investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, the Greenwich Police Department, and the Pelham Police Department in New York. Detroit Border Agent Arrested for Allegedly Soliciting Sex From Officer Posing as 13-Year-Old WJBK (Fox-2) (07/24, Staff Writer) reported that Harry Marvelle Peless, Ill, a 51-year-old Customs and Border Protection agent in Detroit, was arrested by the FBI for allegedly soliciting sex from an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. Peless sent obscene material and requested the undercover officer to run away with him and have sex through an online messaging application. The article noted that the FBI investigation found that Peless accessed the chat account used for the communication while he was at work, and the case will continue to be investigated. Back to Top CYBER DIVISION FBI Says Thousands of People Involved in 'The Corn' Targeting Victims With Ransomware, Swatting The Record (07/24, Greig) reported that the FBI has warned about a cybercriminal organization known as "The Com" that consists of thousands of people, primarily English-speaking minors, engaging in various cybercrimes. According to the article, the group's activities include ransomware attacks, swatting, extortion, and cryptocurrency theft, with motivations ranging from financial gain to notoriety. The article noted that The Com has multiple subgroups, such as Hacker Com and IRL Com, which focus on specific cybercrimes, and the organization recruits minors to avoid longer sentences or stiffer penalties for their crimes. "Cryptocurrency theft is the primary motivator for many Com actors, which often leads to internal conflicts and Com members themselves becoming the targets of SIM swaps and other cyber-related crime. Perceived slights, membership in a rival group, or boasts about cryptocurrency balances can provoke Com actors to attack each other." CyberNews (07/24, Naprys) also reported on the story. Cybercriminals Are Targeting U.S. Businesses With Malicious USB Drives Finextra (07/24, Siciliano) reported that the FBI has warned U.S. businesses about a cybercriminal group called FIN7 from Eastern Europe, which is sending malicious USB drives to infiltrate corporate networks. According to the article, these USB drives, known as "BadUSB" attacks, can mimic keyboard commands, download malware, and grant remote control to attackers when plugged into a computer. The article noted that the FBI emphasized that even a non-administrative account compromise can lead to significant breaches, as the attackers can then conduct reconnaissance and move laterally within the network to gain access to more critical systems. The author noted that the resurgence of physical media attacks highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the need for businesses to educate their employees on the dangers of plugging in any unsolicited external devices. Continued Reporting: FBI Warns Arkansans of Rising Scam Threats Amid Al Advancements KATV (ABC-7) (07/24, Spivey) reported that the FBI is warning Arkansans of rising scam threats, particularly those using artificial intelligence to exploit victims. According to Alicia Corder, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, over 4,000 Arkansans reported falling victim to scams in 2024, resulting in 550 million in losses, EFTA00163731 with cryptocurrency scams being especially prevalent. Corder advises individuals to verify the legitimacy of requests and report suspected scams to law enforcement immediately, as prevention is key, and reporting within a 72-hour window increases the chances of recovering lost funds. Continued Reporting: What We Know About the Microsoft Sharepoint Attacks CyberSecurityDive (07/24, Jones) reported that a wave of cyberattacks is targeting Microsoft SharePoint, with at least 300 confirmed compromises reported by the Shadowserver Foundation. According to the article, the attacks, attributed to China-backed nation-state actors Linen Typhoon and Violet Typhoon, as well as Storm-2603, have affected government agencies, critical infrastructure providers, and other SharePoint customers worldwide. CISA has been investigating reports that the hacks have compromised multiple federal agencies and state and local government entities. "CISA has been working around the clock with Microsoft, impacted agencies, and critical infrastructure partners to share actionable information, apply mitigation efforts, implement protective measures, and assess preventative measures to shield from future attacks," a DHS spokesperson told Cybersecurity Dive on Thursday. It was previously reported that the FBI is investigating the attacks. Continued Reporting: Fake Chrome Updates Used to Spread Malware digwatch (07/24, Staff Writer) reported that the FBI warned Windows users about fake Chrome update installers that distribute malware when downloaded from unverified sites. These counterfeit updates can bypass security defenses, installing malicious software that can steal data or give attackers access to infected machines. The article noted that to reduce risk, the FBI recommends enabling auto-updates, dismissing urgent manual download pop- ups, and only using Chrome software sourced directly from Google's official site or the browser's automatic updater. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS Wrongfully Imprisoned Maryland Man Who Spent 32 Years Behind Bars Sues Former Authorities The Associated Press (07/24, Witte) reported that John Huffington, a 62-year-old Maryland man, is suing former law enforcement officials after being wrongfully imprisoned for 32 years for a double murder he did not commit. According to the article, Huffington was pardoned by former Gov. Larry Hogan in 2023 due to prosecutorial misconduct and received $2.9 million in compensation. The article noted that the lawsuit names several defendants, including former officials who have since passed away. The article highlighted that questions about evidence in the case arose when The Washington Post uncovered an FBI report in 2011 that found the FBI agent who analyzed hair evidence in Huffington's case may not have used reliable science, or even tested the hair at all. The Washington Post (07/24, Jackman) and The Baltimore Banner (07/24, Davis) also reported on the story. Britt Lauds FBI Redstone Role in National Security During Judiciary Committee Hearing Yellow Hammer News (07/24, McLaughlin) reported that Sen. Katie Britt highlighted the crucial role of FBI Redstone in combating drone threats during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. According to the article, Michael Torphy, FBI unit chief, emphasized the importance of collaborations with the Department of Defense and other entities at Redstone Arsenal in countering drone technological advancements. Torphy stated that granting detection capabilities to state, local, and tribal law enforcement would be essential in addressing the increasing drone threats. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL NEWS Mass Starvation Stalks Gaza as Deaths From Hunger Rise Washington Post, New York Times, BBC U.S. Cuts Short Gaza Ceasefire Talks and Accuses Hamas of Lacking 'Good Faith' Associated Press, Fox News Syria Is Secretly Reshaping Its Economy. The President's Brother Is in Charge Reuters EFTA00163732 Russian Plane Crashes in Russia's Far East, Nearly 50 People on Board Feared Dead Reuters The Religious Minority at the Heart of Israel's Standoff With Syria Wall Street Journal Thailand and Cambodia Exchange Fire in Deadly Border Clash Wall Street Journal France Will Recognise Palestinian State, Macron Says BBC Battle Over the Black Sea: Russia, Ukraine Strike Top Resort Cities Fox News U.K., Canada and 23 Other Countries Slam Israel Over Gaza, Say War 'Must End Now' NBC News Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Trump to Visit Fed as White House Ramps up Pressure on Powell Reuters, ABC News, CNN, BBC, NBC News, Fox News, Wall Street Journal UnitedHealth Confirms Civil and Criminal Justice Department Probes Wall Street Journal, ABC News, CNBC, Reuters, CNN Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed at Making It Easier to Remove Homeless People From the Streets CBS News, Washington Post, Fox News, USA TODAY, Reuters Deported Venezuelan Imprisoned In El Salvador Files Formal Complaint Against U.S. Associated Press, ABC News, Reuters, New York Times, Al Jazeera Trump Signs Order Seeking Guardrails On College Athlete Payments Bloomberg, Associated Press, CNN, Fox News, ESPN Alina Habba Is Named Acting U.S. Attorney In New Jersey New York Times, Politico, Reuters, Washington Post, Washington Examiner Judge Weighing Disciplinary Referral For DOJ Lawyers In Venezuela Deportations Case Reuters, Fox News, Washington Post New Idaho College Murders Documents Show Some Victims Were 'Unrecognizable,' Fought Back ABC News, Fox News Trump Signs Executive Order Laying Out New Rules for NIL Deals and Money in College Sports CBS News Boom Fades for U.S. Clean Energy as Trump Guts Subsidies Reuters Columbia's Deal With Trump Preserves Autonomy on Admissions, Academic Speech Washington Post With His Suit Against Murdoch, Trump Signals: No One Is Safe Washington Post Charges Dropped Against More Than 120 Defendants in Massachusetts Because They Can't Get Attorney Associated Press Back to Top EFTA00163733 WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Trump • 7:00 AM: Out-of-Town Travel Pool Call Time • 7:30 AM: In-Town Pool Call Time • 8:00 AM: The President departs the White House en route Turnberry, Scotland • 3:20 PM: The President arrives Turnberry, Scotland Vice President Vance • No official presidential schedule released or announced. US Senate • No events scheduled. US House of Representatives • Hearing: Field Hearing: The One Big Beautiful Bill Delivering for American Workers Las Vegas Nevada. — 10:00 AM — Host: Committee on Ways and Means • Hearing: Oversight: Beyond the City Limits: Delivering for Rural Veterans — 10:00 AM — Host: Committee on Veterans' Affairs Cabinet Members • Secretary of Defense Hegseth hosts an enhanced honor cordon and quadrilateral meeting welcoming the Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur, the Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Spr0ds, and the Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Dovile akaliene, at 9:30 AM. • Secretary of State Rubio meets with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister lshaq Dar at the Department of State at 11:00 AM. Visitors • No events scheduled. General Events • Rebalancing and Reform featuring Indermit Gill - Betting on America — Friday, July 25, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. On July 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET, Indermit Gill, Chief Economist & Senior Vice President for Development Economics at the World Bank Group, joins Navin Girishankar on Betting on America for a wide- ranging conversation on global growth prospects as well as challenges and opportunities for developing countries. Indermit shared his insights on the causes of persistent trade imbalances, the role of international financial institutions, economic reforms amid rising populism, as well as the potential for technology to drive U.S. exports while spurring growth in the Global South. • Atlantic Council: Pakistan's foreign minister on tensions with India and the future of US ties — Friday, July 25, 2025. Location: Online event, 2:30 PM. Pakistani Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar joins the Atlantic Council for a timely conversation on India-Pakistan tensions, regional stability, and the future of US-Pakistan relations. EFTA00163734 • Hudson Institute: Gazan Humanitarian Foundation Chairman Johnnie Moore on How Food Distribution Could Determine Hamas's Fate — Friday, July 25, 2025. Location: Online event, 8:00 AM. As reports emerge of widespread starvation in Gaza and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Witkoff works to negotiate the creation of a humanitarian corridor, Nina Shea will interview Reverend Johnnie Moore, the executive chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The foundation, backed by both Israel and the United States, has been distributing food aid to Gazans since May. Notably, GHF staff have denied the media narrative that Israeli Defense Forces personnel have killed Gazans seeking aid at its distribution points. Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. EFTA00163735