EFTA Document EFTA01655247

From: FBI News Briefing To: "FBINewsBriefing" Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL) - FBI Daily News Briefing - July 8, 2025 Date: Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:20:08 +0000 Importance: Normal View in Browser Federal Bureau of Investigation Seal July 08, 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 • Epstein 'Client List' Doesn't Exist, Justice Department Says, Walking Back Theory AG Bondi Had Promoted • Man With An Assault Rifle Killed After Shooting At A Border Patrol Facility In Texas • FBI Agent Accused Of Raping Clients In His Tattoo Parlor Goes On Trial • Continued Reporting: 10 Arrested After Ambush on Texas ICE Detention Facility, Officials Say • Continued Reporting: Texas Flash Flooding Disaster Raises Questions About Rescue and Recovery Efforts COUNTERTERRORISM • 'My Laptop Is a Bomb': Passenger Tells Others, Forces Emergency Landing • Charter Communications Calls LA Fiber Cuts 'Domestic Terrorism' • Pittsburghers Join National Emergency Mission to D.C. Amid Rising Antisemitism COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • Italian Police Arrest Chinese National Wanted by FBI for Alleged Industrial Espionage • Chinese National Arrested in Texas for Spying in the U.S. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Federal Judge Recommends Case Against Milwaukee Judge Who Allegedly Helped Undocumented Man Evade Arrest Continue • Travis Decker Search: Father Accused of Murdering Three Daughters Possibly Spotted in Idaho by Campers • Cleveland FBI Seeks Tips on International Fugitive Accused of Smuggling Guns in Used Cars EFTA01655247 • FBI, Indiana State Police Go Door to Door to Try to Solve Fatal 2016 Flora Fire • FBI Searching for Man Who Fled a Colorado Courtroom Nearly 30 Years Ago • FBI, State Police Arrest Illinois Man Accused of Having Child Sex Abuse Material • Repeat Sex Trafficker Is Sentenced To 27 Years In Prison • FBI Presence Reported in Montgomery County, Ohio for Second Time in a Week CYBER DIVISION • Continued Reporting: FBI Urged to Step Up Protection of Government Officials From Mobile Cyber Threats • Continued Reporting: Salt Typhoon 'Largely Contained' in Telecom Networks • Continued Reporting: FBI Warns of Phishing Scams Targeting Health Care Data • Continued Reporting: FBI Warns Airline and Transportation Sectors About Scattered Spider • Opinion: The FBI's Dangerous Failure to Adapt to the Digital Age OTHER FBI NEWS • Using Al to Go After Health Care Fraud • Grassley Investigating DOJ, FBI Over Trump Indictments • Editorial: Exposing Obama's Role in the Russia Hoax INTERNATIONAL NEWS • Switzerland Indicts Two Men on Terrorism-Related Charges • Trump to Resume Sending Weapons to Ukraine • Houthis Attack Ship in Red Sea for First Time Since Trump Announced Truce • Russia Confirms Death of Minister Hours After Kremlin Dismissed Him • Trump and Netanyahu Meet as New Mideast Tests Loom • Australian Woman Is Convicted of Murder in Mushroom Poisoning Case • 'Hallmarks of Institutional Racism' Found in Police Killing of Aboriginal Man • How 'El Diablo, a Corrupt Mexican Lawman, Helped Create a Narco-State • An Apartheid-Era Torture Method Endures Among South African Police • Iran Carries Out Mass Expulsion of Afghan Refugees OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • U.S. to Revoke Terrorist Designation on Syrian Group HIS • U.S. Will Try To Deport Abrego Garcia Before His Trial, Justice Department Attorney Says • Migrants Who Were Sent to CECOT Are the Responsibility of U.S., El Salvador Tells UN • '16 and Pregnant' Star Arrested for Involuntary Manslaughter • A Day Before Trial, Alleged Accomplice of Alexander Brothers Is Cleared • Trump Administration Adds 60 Facilities for Detained Migrants • LA Mayor Karen Bass Denounces, Interferes With ICE During Sweep of Illegal Immigrants • U.S. Veterans Affairs Will Cut Nearly 30,000 Jobs, Far Fewer Than Planned • U.S. Physician Groups Sue Kennedy Over Vaccine Policy WASHINGTON SCHEDULE EFTA01655248 IN THE NEWS Epstein 'Client List' Doesn't Exist, Justice Department Says, Walking Back Theory AG Bondi Had Promoted The Associated Press (07/07, Tucker, Richer) reported that the DOJ has stated that Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain a "client list" of individuals to whom underage girls were trafficked. Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously suggested that such a document existed and was being reviewed, but the department has now walked back this claim. After the first release of Epstein documents in February, AG Bondi stated that officials were poring over a "truckload" of previously withheld evidence she said had been handed over by the FBI. In a March TV interview, she claimed the Biden administration "sat on these documents, no one did anything with them," adding: "Sadly these people don't believe in transparency, but I think more unfortunately, I think a lot of them don't believe in honesty." The article noted that the DOJ will not release any further files related to Epstein's sex trafficking investigation, citing the need to protect victims and prevent the spread of unfounded theories. The article highlighted that Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino recently insisted in television and podcast interviews that the evidence was clear that Epstein had killed himself. The Washington Post (07/07, Stein) noted that the White House on Monday defended AG Bondi's handling of the Epstein investigation. The White House and the Justice Department said AG Bondi was not referring to a client list in the Fox News interview but rather to the entire investigatory file, which could include private jet flight logs and people associated with Epstein. "Yes, she was saying the entirety of all of the paperwork, all of the paper in relation to Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. That's what the attorney general was referring to. And I'll let her speak for that," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday. The Justice Department "committed to an exhaustive investigation," she added. "That's what they did, and they provided the results of that. That's transparency." Fox News (07/07, Oliver) detailed that when asked for comment, a DOJ spokesperson pointed to Leavitt's remarks and said the Trump administration has been more transparent than its predecessor. "We've delivered more transparency in 6 months than the Biden administration did in 4 years," the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The Wall Street Journal (07/07, Gurman) added that DOJ spokesman Chad Gilmartin said Monday that AG Bondi was referring to the Epstein files more broadly during the Fox interview, namely the flight manifests and address book that were included in the first release. The FBI referred other questions to the Justice Department, which referred them to the White House. The New York Post (07/07, King) pointed out that tech billionaire Elon Musk launched into a meme-based social media tirade early Monday over the Justice Department's reported conclusion that notorious sex predator Jeffrey Epstein's much-hyped client list doesn't actually exist. Through a flurry of memes and terse replies to various users, Musk, S4, insinuated that the federal government was protecting the late pedophile's associates and threw shade at AG Bondi. "This is the final straw," the world's richest man ominously replied to a post from user "Autism Capital" who alluded to AG Bondi's claims in February that she had the client list "sitting on my desk right now to review." Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (07/07, Faulders, Hill, Mallin), BBC (07/07, Debusmann), CBS News (07/07, Quinn, Rosen), France24 (07/07, Staff Writer), Hindustan Times (07/07, Sen), HuffPost (07/07, Moye), NPR (07/07, Lucas), Newsweek (07/07, Royston), New York Times (07/07, Barrett, Goldstein), Palm Beach Post (07/07, Baltz), People (07/07, Henni), Scripps News (07/07, Landers), Telegraph (07/07, Kelly), The Guardian (07/07, Helmore), The Hill (07/07, Waldvogel) (2) (Bertsch), The Times (07/07, Ensor), USA Today (07/07, Garrison), Washington Post (07/07, Stein). Man With An Assault Rifle Killed After Shooting At A Border Patrol Facility in Texas The Associated Press (07/07, Gonzalez, Cline) reported that a man with an assault rifle fired dozens of rounds at federal agents and a U.S. Border Patrol facility in Texas on Monday, injuring a police officer, before authorities shot and killed him. Authorities identified the shooter as Ryan Louis Mosqueda, believed to be 27, who they said shot at agents exiting the building, which is near the U.S.-Mexico border. McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said Mosqueda had a "utility vest" in addition to the rifle when federal agents returned fire. Hours before the attack in McAllen, Mosqueda's father was stopped by Weslaco police around 2:30 a.m. for a traffic violation, according to police spokesperson Heriberto Caraveo. The father told police that he was looking for his son, who he said had psychological issues and was carrying weapons in his car, Caraveo told the outlet. Police say the white two-door sedan that Mosqueda drove to the facility had letters painted — possibly in Latin — on the driver's side door. "What it means, or whether or not it is an underlying reason for him being here, I do not know," Rodriguez said when asked about the graffiti. After Mosqueda was killed, law enforcement found other weaponry, ammunition and backpacks inside the vehicle. Rodriguez said his department received a call about the shooting around S:S0 a.m. One officer who responded to the shooting, a 10-year veteran, was injured after being struck in the knee. EFTA01655249 Rodriguez said it was unclear if the injury was from shrapnel or a bullet. Police say Mosqueda was linked to a Michigan address, but was reported missing from a Weslaco, Texas, address around 4 a.m. Monday. The exact details of the missing person report were not immediately shared with the media. Rodriguez said there is no ongoing threat to the public, but it is unknown if any other people were involved in the attack. He said the motive and events leading up to the attack are part of the ongoing investigation, which the FBI is taking the lead on. NBC News (07/07, Alsharif, Strickler, et al.) clarified that according to the OHS, the suspect opened fire at the entrance of the federal government building, and Border Patrol agents and local police "helped neutralize the shooter." A Border Patrol employee and two officers were injured, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said, adding that one of them was shot in the knee. All were taken to a hospital. Fox News (07/07, Pinedo) revealed that in a statement emailed to the outlet, a spokesperson for FBI San Antonio said that McAllen police received calls of shots being heard by a local Border Patrol facility near the McAllen International Airport at approximately 5:53 a.m. The spokesperson said the armed suspect, who they did not identify as Mosqueda but rather an "adult male," "engaged the law enforcement officers responding to the scene and officers returned fire." The FBI representative said there is "currently no threat to public safety that we are aware of" and that the investigation is ongoing. Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (07/07, Villarreal, Barr), Axios (07/07, Habeshian), Daily Mail (07/07, Torres), Forbes (07/07, Roeloffs, Ogburn), Hindustan Times (07/07, Kukreti), KRGV (ABC-5) (07/07, Lucero), Los Angeles Times (07/07, Gonzalez), Michigan Advance (07/07, Garcia), Newsmax (07/07, Mack), New York Post (07/07, Taer), New York Times (07/07, Hauser, Walker), People (07/07, Quinn), Reuters (07/07, Staff Writer), Texas Tribune (07/07, Garcia), The Hill (07/07, Fortinsky), Washington Post (07/07, Kaur, LeVine), Washington Times (07/07, McLaughlin). FBI Agent Accused Of Raping Clients In His Tattoo Parlor Goes On Trial The Washington Post (07/07, Morse) reported that on a witness stand three years ago, FBI agent Eduardo Valdivia's testimony hit home with jurors. Yes, he shot an unarmed panhandler while commuting to work aboard a moving Metro train. But it was an act of self-defense and not attempted murder, Valdivia said, because the man had backed him into a corner and was a threat to take his gun. The agent was acquitted on all counts and resumed active duty. On Monday, Valdivia returns to the same courthouse in Montgomery County, Maryland, for an entirely new case. Prosecutors say the 41-year-old raped three women — one who had just turned 18 — inside an off-hours tattoo operation he quietly ran under the alias "Lalo Brown." Valdivia lured them in with offers of free tattoos and possible modeling work, according to prosecutors, and video-recorded at least some of the assaults. His defense for this trial: Yes, he engaged in sexual activity with the three women, but everything was consensual. Jury selection is scheduled to start Monday and last two days, owing in part to concerns about finding impartial jurors given extensive media coverage, according to recent court filings. The trial itself is scheduled to last eight days. Valdivia, who has been jailed since his arrest last year and is currently suspended by the FBI, had recently worked on domestic terrorism cases from the FBI's Washington headquarters, Bonsib said. If convicted of all charges, including eight counts of second-degree rape, he could be sentenced to decades in prison. WTOP-FM (07/07, Augenstein) also reported on the story. Continued Reporting: 10 Arrested After Ambush on Texas ICE Detention Facility, Officials Say ABC News (07/07, Slovin) reported that 10 people were arrested for a "planned ambush" on the Prairieland Detention Facility, an ICE detention center in Alvarado, Texas, over the Fourth of July holiday. The individuals, charged with attempted murder of a federal officer, allegedly shot at the facility and a responding police officer, who is expected to recover. The suspects, who were found with weapons, body armor, and other items, were charged with multiple counts, including attempted murder and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, according to the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Nancy Larson. The article highlighted that that the FBI is working alongside local and state law enforcement on this investigation. Additional reporting on the story was provided by CBS News (07/07, Jenkins, Hurst), Dallas Morning News (07/07, Charles), Fox News (07/07, Parks), KXAS (NBC-5) (07/07, Guerrero, Yeomans), Star-Telegram (07/07, Mantas), and UPI (07/08, Coote). Continued Reporting: Texas Flash Flooding Disaster Raises Questions About Rescue and Recovery Efforts ABC News (07/07, Mihalek, Frankel) reported that the Texas flash floods have claimed at least 90 lives and displaced families, with officials emphasizing the need for improved disaster management and understanding of terms like response, rescue, and recovery. According to the article, the Incident Command System (ICS) is being used to manage the disaster response, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump declaring disasters at the state and federal levels, respectively. The recovery efforts will involve debris removal, damage assessments, EFTA01655250 and rebuilding, with mental health support teams and investigators working to address the trauma and determine the cause of deaths, and officials urging Texans to be prepared for future weather emergencies. The article highlighted that crisis counselors, FBI and state victim support specialists and grief support services should be available and will be a key part of the long-term response. The Associated Press (07/07, Vertuno, Lathan, Seewer), CBS News (07/07, Chau), BBC (07/07, Casas), Reuters (07/08, Flores, Garcia), Fox News (07/07, Hagstrom), and NBC News (07/07, Alsharif) also reported on the story. Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM 'My Laptop Is a Bomb': Passenger Tells Others, Forces Emergency Landing USA TODAY (07/07, Wong) reported that an Allegiant Air flight made an emergency landing after passenger Taj Malik Taylor, 27, claimed his laptop was a bomb to other passengers. According to the article, the flight was rerouted back to its origin, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, where Taylor was taken into custody by law enforcement, and no bomb was found. The article highlighted that Taylor is under investigation by the FBI. Additional reporting on the story was provided by WSET (ABC-13) (07/07, Slaughter), WISP (CBS-10) (07/07, Bruton), The Independent (07/07, Rohrlich), Tampa Bay (07/07, Sickler), Roanoke.com (07/07, Staff Writer), Hoodline (07/07, Collins). Charter Communications Calls LA Fiber Cuts 'Domestic Terrorism' Inside Towers (07/07, Stimson) reported that Charter Communications suffered a network infrastructure attack on June 15, with 13 fiber cables severed, affecting over 50,000 residential and 500 business customers in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Van Nuys. The outage, described as an "act of domestic terrorism" by Charter President/CEO Chris Winfrey, impacted emergency services, including 911 communication, and other critical institutions. The article noted that the FBI is investigating the incident, but no suspect has been identified, with Winfrey calling for federal and state legislation to classify such attacks as a felony and for swift prosecution of those responsible. Pittsburghers Join National Emergency Mission to D.C. Amid Rising Antisemitism The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle (07/07, Tabachnick) reported that a delegation of Pittsburghers joined a national emergency mission to Washington, D.C. to address rising antisemitism in the U.S. The mission, organized by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, aimed to discuss security needs with congressional representatives and staff. The article highlighted that the focus of the mission includes strengthening the FBI and federal law enforcement's ability to investigate and prevent hate crimes and domestic terrorism, with a particular focus on threats targeting religious communities. Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE Italian Police Arrest Chinese National Wanted by FBI for Alleged Industrial Espionage Reuters (07/07, Staff Writer) reported that Italian police arrested Xu Zewei, a 33-year-old Chinese national, at Milan's Malpensa airport on a U.S. arrest warrant as part of an FBI investigation. Xu is wanted by U.S. authorities for alleged industrial espionage, including attempts to access a COVID vaccine project at the University of Texas. He faces charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and unauthorized access to protected computers, with an extradition hearing in Milan scheduled. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Bleeping Computer (07/07, Abrams) and European Conservative (07/07, Gyari). Chinese National Arrested in Texas for Spying in the U.S. KNUE-FM (07/07, Staff Writer) reported that a Chinese national, Liren "Ryan" Lai, was arrested in Houston, Texas, for alleged spy operations in the United States. Lai, along with another suspect, Yuance Chen, a legal U.S. resident, is charged with overseeing and carrying out clandestine intelligence tasks for the Chinese government's Ministry of State Security. The article noted that the investigation and operation was a combined effort by the FBI in Houston, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, and the Counterintelligence Division. Back to Top EFTA01655251 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Federal Judge Recommends Case Against Milwaukee Judge Who Allegedly Helped Undocumented Man Evade Arrest Continue The Associated Press (07/07, Bauer) reported that a federal magistrate judge recommended Monday that the case proceed against a Wisconsin judge who was indicted on allegations that she helped a man who is in the country illegally evade U.S. immigration agents seeking to arrest him in her courthouse. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested in April and indicted on federal charges in May. She pleaded not guilty. According to the article, Dugan filed a motion in May to dismiss the charges against her, saying she was acting in her official capacity as a judge and therefore is immune to prosecution. She argued that the federal government violated Wisconsin's sovereignty by disrupting a state courtroom and prosecuting a state judge. U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph on Monday recommended against dropping the charges. The ultimate decision is up to U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman, who can accept the other judge's recommendation or reject it. ABC News (07/07, Hill) also reported on the story. Travis Decker Search: Father Accused of Murdering Three Daughters Possibly Spotted in Idaho by Campers The Associated Press (07/07, Staff Writer) reported that federal authorities in Idaho are following up on a possible sighting over the weekend of a Washington state man wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters. According to the article, the U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force said it had received a tip Saturday from a family recreating near a camping area in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest that they saw a man whose description was consistent with that of Travis Decker. Decker has been wanted since June 2, when a sheriff's deputy in Washington found his truck and the bodies of his three daughters. Authorities in Washington on June 10 said they believed they'd spotted Decker, a former soldier, near a remote alpine lake in a popular backpacking area in the Cascade Range. Tracking teams followed up on a tip from hikers who reported seeing a lone hiker who appeared to be ill-prepared for the conditions. The article added that Eric Toms, supervisory deputy U.S. Marshal with the District of Boise, said the agency was receiving more tips from the public following the statement the task force released Sunday. Toms in an email said the agency was evaluating each tip and that a search team involving the marshals service, the U.S. Forest Service and the Camas County Sheriff's Office set out Monday. He said authorities planned to speak with local residents and people camping or recreating in the area. He said Decker has a history of hitchhiking and encouraged motorists to not pick up any hitchhikers. Toms said search efforts Monday were being conducted by air and on the ground, including by dirt bike. People (07/07, Longmire), New York Post (07/07, Pollina), Spokesman Review (07/07, Cabeza), ABC News (07/07, Forrester), and NBC News (07/07, Stelloh) also reported on the story. Cleveland FBI Seeks Tips on International Fugitive Accused of Smuggling Guns in Used Cars WOIO (CBS-19) (07/07, Staff Writer) reported that federal investigators are renewing their push for tips from the public to help track down a former North Olmsted man who is accused of smuggling guns overseas by hiding them in used vehicles. According to FBI Cleveland, George Nakhle Ajaltouni is a native of Lebanon and became a United States Citizen in 2009. Nearly a decade later, records show he was charged with naturalization fraud and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest after investigators found he lied on his citizenship and passport applications. Ajaltouni, who is now 50 years old, is also facing more serious charges in a separate federal case. The article noted that between 2011 to 2014, records show he used cash to buy large quantities of pistols and rifles at gun shows and from private sellers. According to the FBI, Ajaltouni would then buy used cars and hide the weapons in the doors and body panels. The vehicles were later shipped to Lebanon with the smuggled guns concealed inside, records show. The FBI believes he is now living in Lebanon and may travel to Cyprus and France. Investigators say Ajaltouni is an associate of Nakhle Nader, who is also wanted by the FBI. FBI, Indiana State Police Go Door to Door to Try to Solve Fatal 2016 Flora Fire The Lafayette Journal & Courier (07/07, Wilkins) reported that the FBI and Indiana State Police are renewing efforts to investigate the 2016 Flora house fire that killed four girls. Authorities are asking residents to share any information they may have, even if seemingly insignificant. According to the article, the fire, initially undetermined, was later ruled arson, and a $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Despite local skepticism about the case ever being solved, officials maintain it remains an active investigation. FBI agents and Indiana State Police detectives will go door to door in and around Flora to try to find new information or jar people's memories of something that might be the break in the case. Chris Bavender, FBI spokeswoman for the EFTA01655252 Indianapolis FBI division, said detectives are not talking about this week's push to find evidence. "Even if residents were already interviewed or believe the information they have has already been provided, we are asking that they share that again," Bavender said in a news release. "Something they remember — even if they believe it is small — can help. It could be something they saw, heard, or were told at the time of the fire — or since. We ask they come forward and allow us to evaluate the information." WTHR (NBC-13) (07/07, Cox, Potter), WISH (CW-8) (07/07, Fisher), WLFI (CBS-18) (07/07, Essex), WLFI (CBS-18) (07/07, Video), and WXIN (Fox-59) (07/07, Adams) also reported on the story. FBI Searching for Man Who Fled a Colorado Courtroom Nearly 30 Years Ago The Denver Post (07/07, Seaman) reported that the FBI is looking for a man with ties to Colorado who fled after he was found guilty of first-degree assault nearly 30 years ago, the agency said Saturday. Francisco Molina-Neave, 52, is wanted for assault and prohibited use of a weapon, according to the FBI. According to the article, a jury found Molina-Neave guilty of first-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault, prohibited use of a weapon and third- degree assault on Jan. 21, 1999, according to the FBI. But when the verdict was read, Molina-Neave fled the courtroom. KDVR (Fox-31) (07/07, Willard) also reported on the story. FBI, State Police Arrest Illinois Man Accused of Having Child Sex Abuse Material WIFR (CBS-23) (07/07, Staff Writer) reported that a 46-year-old Dixon man accused of having and sending child sexual abuse materials could spend decades behind bars. Heath Knipple is charged with six counts of felony dissemination of child pornography, each of which carry a sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Knipple was arrested July 2 after investigators from the FBI, Illinois State Police and Illinois attorney general's office searched his home in Dixon. Repeat Sex Trafficker Is Sentenced To 27 Years In Prison WCNC (NBC-36) (07/07, Zhang) reported that a man was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sex trafficking a minor by force, fraud or coercion, according to the DOJ. Yusef Reynolds, 34, used Facebook to exploit a 16-year-old, lured her to Delaware from North Carolina, then trafficked her through websites advertising commercial sex. Reynolds forced the minor to commit sexual acts and collected the money earned in the encounters from December 2021 to January 2022. The article mentioned that in 2012, Reynolds committed a similar crime. He contacted a 15-year-old on Facebook, lured her to him, then trafficked her and a 20-year-old to "prostitution customers," according to FBI records. The investigation was performed by the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force with assistance from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Gaston County Sheriff's Office. A DOJ press release quoted James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, who said, "After serving federal prison time for sex trafficking an underage girl, Yusef Reynolds went right back to his predatory ways. Once again, he lured a victim through social media and exploited her for his own profit. The FBI will continue to work with our partners and prioritize punishing those who abuse children." WYFF (NBC-4) (07/07, Rainey) and Queen City News (07/07, Woodhouse) also reported on the story. FBI Presence Reported in Montgomery County, Ohio for Second Time in a Week The Dayton Daily News (07/07, Spicker) reported that the FBI was in Dayton Monday as part of an investigation, marking at least the second time agents were in Montgomery County in the last week. Todd Lindgren, public affairs specialist for the FBI's Cincinnati office, confirmed agents and law enforcement partners were conducting court- authorized law enforcement activity in Dayton Monday. On Wednesday, agents were also on Graystone Drive in Trotwood conducting law enforcement activity. According to the article, Lindgren said Monday's activity is part of an ongoing investigation, so additional details cannot be released. WDTN (NBC-2) (07/07, Mathis) also reported on the story. Back to Top CYBER DIVISION Continued Reporting: FBI Urged to Step Up Protection of Government Officials From Mobile Cyber Threats Federal News Network (07/07, Sandiford) reported that Sen. Ron Wyden is urging the FBI to increase protection for government officials from mobile cyber threats, as current spyware guidance is insufficient. According to the article, spyware has been found on the phones of dozens of government employees, highlighting the need for EFTA01655253 improved defenses. Wyden's letter to the FBI emphasizes the importance of strengthening defensive cyber advice to counter advanced cyber tools. Continued Reporting: Salt Typhoon 'Largely Contained' in Telecom Networks FedScoop (07/07, Staff Writer) reported that the Chinese hackers behind the massive telecommunications sector breach are "largely contained" and "dormant" in the networks, "locked into the location they're in" and "not actively infiltrating information," Brett Leatherman, the top FBI cyber official, stated. According to the article, Leatherman said in a recent interview that that doesn't mean the hackers, known as Salt Typhoon, no longer pose a threat. The article explained that while there's been some debate about whether Salt Typhoon should be getting more attention than fellow Chinese hackers Volt Typhoon — whom federal officials have said are prepositioned in U.S. critical infrastructure, poised for destructive action in the event of a conflict with the United States — Leatherman said the groups aren't as different as some think. The number of telecommunications companies victimized in the United States stands at nine, according to Leatherman. Continued Reporting: FBI Warns of Phishing Scams Targeting Health Care Data WGAL (NBC-8) (07/07, Roche) reported that the FBI issued a warning about phishing scams targeting health and financial information. According to the article, scammers are impersonating fraud investigators from health insurance companies through emails and text messages to steal sensitive data. The article explained that to protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited messages, use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and verify messages directly with your health insurance provider. Continued Reporting: FBI Warns Airline and Transportation Sectors About Scattered Spider JDSupra (07/07, Freedman) reported that the FBI warned the airline and transportation sectors about cyber attacks from the Scattered Spider criminal ring, which uses social engineering techniques to gain access. According to the article, Scattered Spider targets large corporations and third-party IT providers by impersonating employees or contractors and bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA). The article noted that to defend against these attacks, organizations can take proactive steps such as training help desk staff and deploying phishing-resistant MFA. CyberScoop (07/07, Kapko), digwatch (07/07, Staff Writer), and Tech Republic (07/07, Abdullahi) also reported on the story. Opinion: The FBI's Dangerous Failure to Adapt to the Digital Age An opinion piece published by Lawfare Media (07/07, Landau) reported that the FBI has failed to adapt to the digital age, leaving agents and informants vulnerable to threats from adversaries who exploit technology, as seen in cases where Hezbollah and Iranian hackers used surveillance to target U.S. interests. A report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DIG) found that the FBI's handling of ubiquitous technical surveillance (UTS) is "disjointed and inconsistent", with inadequate training for personnel, including a 45-minute UTS course that is repeated every two years. The article assessed that the FBI's failure to adapt to the digital age is a long-standing issue, with past attempts to update systems, such as the Automated Case Support system, failing due to a lack of understanding of the fundamental shift in investigative processes, and the bureau's opposition to end-to-end encryption has been misguided, as demonstrated by the Chinese government's Salt Typhoon cyber exploit. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS Using Al to Go After Health Care Fraud Politico (07/07, Nguyen) reported that the federal government is using artificial intelligence to crack down on health care fraud schemes. The AI-powered crackdown provides the federal government with a tool to stay ahead of fraudsters and hasten the investigation process. According to the article, the effort, orchestrated by the Justice Department, the FBI and HHS's Office of the Inspector General, has led to criminal charges against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other medical professionals for alleged participation in health care fraud schemes. The article mentioned that Health care scams can be a significant drain on the healthcare system, and the Trump administration has emphasized that it aims to go after this. Grassley Investigating DOJ, FBI Over Trump Indictments EFTA01655254 Radio Iowa (07/07, Henderson) reported that Republican Senator Chuck Grassley says, as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he's making it a priority to work with whistleblowers to get information about people who worked on federal indictments against President Trump. The article added that Grassley has said before that he's concerned the FBI and Department of Justice conducted "politically-charged" investigations of Trump. "I'm going to make sure that everybody is exposed and the documents prove it for the eight years that the opposition was trying to put President Trump in prison," Grassley said last Thursday. Editorial: Exposing Obama's Role in the Russia Hoax An editorial by the Washington Times (07/07, Editorial) stated that an analysis released last week by the Central Intelligence Agency admits the intelligence community's December 2016 assessment of Russian interference in the election was the product of political manipulation. The author mentioned that on Dec. 6 that year, President Barack Obama ordered his intelligence team, then CIA Director John Brennan, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and FBI Director James Comey, to create the highly confidential paper that concluded Vladimir Putin aspired to help Trump become president. Three days later, this "top secret" appraisal appeared in the pages of the New York Times and Washington Post. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL NEWS Switzerland Indicts Two Men on Terrorism-Related Charges Associated Press, UPI, EuroNews Trump to Resume Sending Weapons to Ukraine Wall Street Journal, CNN, Reuters, The Guardian Houthis Attack Ship in Red Sea for First Time Since Trump Announced Truce Wall Street Journal, CNN, Washington Post Russia Confirms Death of Minister Hours After Kremlin Dismissed Him New York Times, The Guardian, Reuters, New York Post Trump and Netanyahu Meet as New Mideast Tests Loom Wall Street Journal, New York Times Australian Woman Is Convicted of Murder in Mushroom Poisoning Case New York Times, CNN 'Hallmarks of Institutional Racism' Found in Police Killing of Aboriginal Man New York Times, The Guardian How 'El Diablo, a Corrupt Mexican Lawman, Helped Create a Narco-State Los Angeles Times An Apartheid-Era Torture Method Endures Among South African Police New York Times Iran Carries Out Mass Expulsion of Afghan Refugees New York Times Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS U.S. to Revoke Terrorist Designation on Syrian Group HTS Politico, Reuters, CNN, BBC, The Hill, CBS News, Washington Post, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg, Fox News U.S. Will Try To Deport Abrego Garcia Before His Trial, Justice Department Attorney Says Associated Press, CBS News, Reuters, Washington Post, ABC News, Fox News, CNN, The Hill, Washington Examiner, Law & Crime EFTA01655255 Migrants Who Were Sent to CECOT Are the Responsibility of U.S., El Salvador Tells UN ABC News, Associated Press, New York Times, Rolling Stone, Newsweek '16 and Pregnant' Star Arrested for Involuntary Manslaughter New York Post, Deadline, E Online, Breitbart, Today A Day Before Trial, Alleged Accomplice of Alexander Brothers Is Cleared New York Times Trump Administration Adds 60 Facilities for Detained Migrants Bloomberg LA Mayor Karen Bass Denounces, Interferes With ICE During Sweep of Illegal Immigrants Fox News U.S. Veterans Affairs Will Cut Nearly 30,000 Jobs, Far Fewer Than Planned Reuters U.S. Physician Groups Sue Kennedy Over Vaccine Policy Reuters Back to Top WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Trump • 8:45 AM: In-Town Pool Call Time • 11:00 AM: The President participates in a Cabinet Meeting Vice President Vance • No official presidential schedule released or announced. US Senate • Closed business meeting to consider pending calendar items• to be immediately followed by a closed briefing on certain intelligence matters. — 3:00 PM — Host: Intelligence • Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026. - 4:30 PM — Host: Armed Services • Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026. — 5:45 PM — Host: Armed Services • Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026. - 6:00 PM — Host: Armed Services • Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026. — 6:15 PM — Host: Armed Services US House of Representatives • Markup: Markup on: H.R.2605 Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act H.R.3400• the Territorial Response and Access to Veterans Essential Lifecare Act• H.R.3643 VA Data Transparency and Trust Act. H.R.3726 Fisher House Availability Act of 2025• H.R.3767 HPSP Improvement Act of 2025• H.R.3855 To amend title 38 United States Code to prohibit smoking on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration and for EFTA01655256 other purposes• H.R.3863 VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act. — 10:15 AM — Host: Committee on Veterans'Affairs • Markup: Markup on: H.R. 3123 Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act H.R. 3627 Justice for Americas Veterans and Survivors Act of 2025• H.R. 3833 Veterans Caregiver Appeals Modernization Act of 2025• H.R. 3834 Protecting Veterans Claim Options Act H.R. 3835 Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2025• H.R. 3854 Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act H.R. 3983 Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2025• H.R. 3951 Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act — 1:00 PM — Host: Energy and Natural Resources Cabinet Members • Secretary of State Rubio is on travel to Malaysia from July 8-12, 2025 • Secretary of State Rubio attends a Cabinet meeting at the White House. Visitors • No events scheduled. General Events • CSIS: Army Air Defense in Action — Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. Please join the CSIS Missile Defense Project for a conversation on recent U.S. Army air defense operations, including the largest-ever Patriot engagement during Iran's attack on Al Udeid Air Base. The discussion will explore these recent engagements, Golden Dome developments, and the evolving role of Army air defenders in countering complex aerial threats. • CSIS: Denmark's Role in European and Transatlantic Security , — Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 12:00 PM. Please join the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program on Tuesday, July 8 at 12pm noon EDT for a public event on European security featuring Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Denmark and Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. • CSIS: China's New London "Super Embassy": Soft Power Hub or Security Risk? — Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 2:00 PM. China's new "super embassy" in central London sits directly above sensitive communication and fiber-optic cables that connect the city's major financial hubs. The compound will likely include multiple underground rooms and a tunnel that could enable cable tapping, as well as multistory buildings that could support line-of-sight signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection of important surrounding buildings. • Carnegie: America at Home and Abroad: A Conversation with Nicholas Kristof — Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 2:00 PM. From covering the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and South Sudan, to examining America's evolving status on the global stage under the Trump Administration, to mounting concerns about American democracy, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and New York Times opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof has had plenty to cover over the first half of 2025. Kristof's columns always inspire discussion and debate about the most pressing issue of our time. • CATO Institute: What Would Online Age Verification Mean for Speech Privacy and Youth Online Safety? — Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 12:00 PM. A new wave of age-verification laws for app stores and internet services like social media have been proposed at both state and federal levels. These laws raise pressing constitutional concerns about privacy, free speech, and the proper role of government in regulating online behavior. • Atlantic Council: Boosting security through resilience amid new threats — Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 2:00 PM. Task force members explain why resilience is must be a key tenet of national security. Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. EFTA01655257