Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Report: Saudi Operatives Who Killed Khashoggi Trained In U.S.
The four Saudis who participated in the 2018 killing of “Washington Post” journalist Jamal Khashoggi [[kha-SHOW-gee]] apparently received training in the U.S. The “New York Times” is reporting it was part of a State Department contract to give the operatives paramilitary training. That unit has been accused of an extensive campaign of kidnapping, detention and torture of Saudi citizens in an effort to eliminate dissent in that nation. They were trained by an Arkansas company, Tier One Group. The company claims they focus on defensive training, including safe marksmanship and countering an attack – though the “Times” also notes that "The training continued during at least the first year of former President Donald J. Trump's term." According to other reports, Trump also once boasted that he protected the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman from consequences resulting from Khashoggi’s death.
2 Biden Will Address Violent Crime Today
President Biden will address violent crime in a speech today, including the alarming rise in homicides. Among other things, he will unveil his administration's anti-crime strategy – which will reportedly include a ‘strike force’ deploying to several cities around the country. At a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said there will be a focus on gun violence as she noted that gun violence is a "central driver" in many violent crimes. As for the strike force deployment, it will reportedly be focused on “significant gun trafficking corridors” including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, DC. The President is also expected to make another plea for passage of a police reform bill in the Senate. Bipartisan negotiations are continuing.
3 Senate Republicans Block Sweeping Democratic Voting Rights Bill
Senate Democrats needed 60 votes – and they didn’t get them. Now, Senate Republicans are being tagged as blocking a sweeping Democratic voting rights bill. On one side of the aisle, Democrats call the measure an effort by Republicans to prevent access to voting. On the other side, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called the Democratic bill a partisan power grab and an infringement on states' rights. Either way, the bill was stopped in its tracks and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says the GOP state efforts are restrictive and suppressive. Vice President Kamala Harris says the Biden administration will keep pushing for voting reform.