1 Impeachment Trial Eve Arrives
The team of lawyers defending President Trump has finally responded to the impeachment trial, which will begin in earnest tomorrow. In their first document filing, they call the House case against him “fatally flawed” and “constitutionally invalid.” As you recall, the House alleges that the President abused the powers of his office and obstructed Congress in its dealings with Ukraine and the aftermath. One of the members of Trump's impeachment defense team is also defending the conduct that led to the upcoming trial. On ABC's “This Week,” Alan Dershowitz said the President shouldn't be removed from office even if House Democrats present a compelling case with factual arguments and evidence. Dershowitz noted that the case against the President is like a grand jury that indicts somebody for a crime, which actually doesn't amount to a criminal offense. Meanwhile, House impeachment managers have also filed additional documents. In their brief filed over the weekend, the team argues the Senate must eliminate the threat President Trump poses to America's national security. In their 100-page document, the managers claim the President tried to use his office to force Ukraine to announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden to benefit Trump politically. They also argue that unlike every other president in history, he refused to turn over even one subpoenaed document or allow anyone to testify. Those who did testify, did so over the objections of the White House.
2 Honolulu Police: Two Officers Killed In Shootout
In a scene that is best described as apocalyptic, two police officers in Hawaii are dead – and a neighborhood has been decimated. Official say that two officers – now identified as Tiffany Enriquez(a seven-year veteran of the force) and Kaulike Kalama(a nine-year veteran of the force) – came under fire while responding to a call that a suspect stabbed his landlord. Apparently, the landlord reportedly had just served 69-year-old Jerry Hanel with an eviction notice. After the shooting, the suspect's home caught fire and those flames spread to at least six neighboring structures. Police Chief Susan Ballard says the fire has been put out, but that three people, including the suspect, are still unaccounted for. Police will continue to search for the suspect until it's confirmed that his remains are in the burned building. “On behalf of the men and women of the Honolulu Police Department, our deepest condolences go out to the families," she said, holding back tears. “The HPD ohana grieve along with you.”
3 Police: Seven Shot, Two Dead In San Antonio Club Shooting
Police in Texas say two people are dead after a shooting inside a music venue in San Antonio. Apparently, five others were hurt in the shooting at the Ventura on San Antonio's River Walk. Police Chief William McManus said the shooting stemmed from an argument inside the club. It’s been confirmed that one of the victims died at the scene, while the other died on the way to the hospital. Police do not have a suspect in custody at this time.