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From:
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Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] - FBI Public Affairs News Briefing Thursday, September 03, 2020
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Mobile version and searchable archives available at fbi.bulletinintelligence.com
<https://fbi.bulletinintelligence.com?d=200903&auth=tz2v8qnq5a> .
<https://fbi.bulletinintelligence.com?d=200903&auth=tz2v8qnq5a>
TO: THE DIRECTOR AND SENIOR STAFF
DATE: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 6:30 AM EDT
TODAY'S TABLE OF CONTENTS
Leading the News
• Trump Moves To Defund New York City, Other Cities.
Protests
• Barr: DOJ Received Reports Of People Flying To DC To Exploit Protests.
• Investigators Release Images Of Those Sought In Kenosha Arson Cases.
• Reuters/Ipsos Poll: Public Supports BLM Protests, Doesn't See Crime As Top Issue.
• Meadows: Rioters Are Committing Acts Of Terror.
• Barr: Idea Of "Epidemic" Of Police Violence Against Blacks Is A "False Narrative."
• Administration Officials Criticize Portland Mayor's Handling Of Violence.
• Biden Says Portland Victim Was "Inciting Responses."
• Biden To Visit Kenosha Thursday, Will Meet With Members Of Blake's Family.
• Barr Says Blake Was Armed And "In The Midst Of Committing A Felony."
• Chicago Alderman Urges National Guard Deployment In City.
• GOP Lawmakers Call On Bowser To Answer For Protester Violence In DC.
• Republican State AGs: Democrats Have "Capitulated To Criminals Run Amok."
• After High-Profile Uses Of Force, Police Chiefs Call For New Tactics.
• Antifa Leader Armed With Flamethrower Bursts Into Tears Upon Being Arrested In Wisconsin.
• Chauvin's Lawyers Say Police Manual Teaches Officers To Place Knee On Suspect's Neck.
• Police Body Cam Footage Of Man's Death Sparks Protests In Rochester.
• Police Held Black Jogger For Two Days After Mistaking Him For A Suspect.
Operation LeGend
• Florida Man Suspected Of Missouri Homicide Is Captured In Operation LeGend.
• US Charges Indiana Man With Straw-Purchasing Guns For Chicago Felon.
• Morgan: Operation Legend Exemplifies How Trump Is "Committed To Public Safety."
Counter-Terrorism
• Texas Man Pleads Guilty To Helping ISIS.
• Appeals Court Finds NSA Phone Data Collection Program Illegal.
• Sudanese Government, Citizens Differ On US Deal To Remove Terrorism Label.
• Trial Of Alleged Accomplices In 2015 Attacks Opens In Paris.
Counter-Intelligence
• Draft DHS Bulletin Warning Foreign Actors Targeting Biden, Trump Health Not Released.
• Barr Says Durham Investigation Won't Affect 2020 Election.
• FBI Notes From Mifsud Interview Made Public.
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• Hunter Biden Holds Stake In Chinese Firm Sanctioned For Human Rights Violations.
• Maltese Professor Denied Making Offer To Papadopoulos In FBI Documents.
• U Of North Texas Cancels Visas For Chinese Researchers.
• Arrested Texas A&M Professor Linked To Chinese Firm.
• Rubio: SSCI Will Continue To Get In-Person Briefings.
• White House Condemns Poisoning Of Navalny.
• IAEA: North Korea Enriching Uranium, But Has Not Reprocessed Plutonium In Past Year.
• Former CIA Assistant Director: South Korean National Police "Not Geared To Catching The North's Spies."
• Colombia Arrests Three Venezuelans "Tied To Anti-Maduro Plot."
Criminal Investigations
• New York Town Asks FBI To Probe Racist Hate Mail Sent To Ex-School Superintendent.
• Four Arrested In New York Drug Bust.
• Two South Carolina Men Sentenced On Drug, Money Laundering Charges.
• Montana Woman Sentenced For Running Meth Ring.
• US Charges Pittsburgh Man With Shooting ATF Agent During Drug Raid.
• Man Pleads Guilty To Making False Bomb Threat To "Endanger Wife's Citizenship" Application.
• California Man In Plea Discussions Over Alleged School Threats.
• Former UN Official Charged With Lying To The FBI.
• Massachusetts Police Officers Charged With Overtime Fraud.
• Continuing Coverage: FBI Supporting Investigation Into Texas Bomb Threat.
• Continuing Coverage: FBI Identifies Second Body Found In Washington State.
• Colorado Man Convicted On Gun Crime Charge.
• FBI Investigating Whistleblower Deaths In Missouri.
• FBI Charges New Jersey Residents With Felony Drug Possession.
• Continuing Coverage: FBI Sting Results In 10 Arrests For Solicitation Of Minors.
• Missouri Man Sentenced In Connection To Planned Parenthood Arson Incident.
• Four Alabama Residents Charged In Connection To Homicide.
• New York Charges Six In Connection To Burned Bodies.
• Georgia Man Sentenced For Methamphetamine Trafficking.
• Two Men Sentenced To Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty In Drug Case.
• After Pleading Guilty In Meth Case, Montana Resident Sentenced To Eight Years In Prison.
• Man Pleads Guilty To Drug Charge In Latin Kings Case.
• Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty To Drug, Firearm Charges.
Financial Crime & Corporate Scandals
• Utah Man Pleads Guilty To PPP Fraud.
• Michigan Man Facing PPP Fraud Charges.
• Sentencing Of Former Atlantic City, New Jersey Mayor Delayed For Sixth Time.
• Another Charged In College Admissions Probe.
• Oregon Couple Who Scammed Elderly Victims Sentenced To Federal Prison.
• US Charges Two In $12M Scheme Targeting Investors In Puerto Rico.
• Trial Of Chicago Alderman Burke Could Be Delayed To 2020 Amid Pandemic.
• Louisiana Man Sentenced For Running Ponzi Scheme.
• Three Missouri Men Charged With Scamming Women Out Of $500K In Cash, Electronics.
• Continuing Coverage: FBI Investigating Hurricane Recovery Fraud.
• New Jersey Man Charged In Money Laundering Scheme.
• Iowa Man Sentenced For Bank Fraud.
• Texas Man Pleads Guilty To Mail Fraud.
• Florida Grand Jury Indicts Businessman Over College Admissions Investigation.
• Robinhood Markets Faces Civil Fraud Investigation.
Cyber Division
• Experts Say Schools Are Particularly Vulnerable To Cyber Attacks.
• FBI Has Revamped Hacking Response, Speed.
• Colorado Man Sentenced For Moderating Dark Web Marketplace.
• Potential TikTok Bidders Consider Four Acquisition Options.
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• European Officials Targeted By Chinese Phishing Attacks.
• CISA Orders Increased Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reporting.
• Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Places "First Class Of New Feds."
• ODNI Waivers For Huawei, ZTE Rule Expected To Be Rare.
• Jewish Federation Of Greater Washington Reports Endowment Cyberattack.
Laboratory
• FBI Experts Testify At Homicide Trial Of Pennsylvania Man Whose Wife Vanished In 2012.
Law Enforcement Services
• Law Enforcement In Ohio Aims To Curb Gun Violence With Operation Red-Zone.
• More Nebraska Police Departments Participating In FBI Use-Of-Force Database.
International Relations
• Mexican Officials Say Missing Los Angeles Firefighter Likely Victim Of Kidnapping.
Other FBI News
• FBI Documents Reveal New Details Around Comey Firing.
Other Washington News
• Trump Honors Veterans, Slams "Violent Mobs" In Visit To North Carolina.
• CDC Asks Governors To Prepare For Vaccine Delivery By November 1.
• Fauci, Bin Dismiss Claims Administration Pursuing "Herd Immunity."
• Azar, Slaoui: Operation Warp Speed Is "Working" And Will Likely Succeed.
• WPost Analysis Details Criticisms Of Navarro's Role In Pandemic Response.
• Another FDA Appointee Ousted Amid Fallout Over Convalescent Plasma Announcement.
• Federal Funding Helps New Virus Tests Come To Market.
• More Police Officers Have Died From COVID This Year Than All Other Causes Combined.
• Pelosi Refuses To Apologize, Says Hair Salon Owes Her An Apology.
• Ernst Backtracks After Suggesting Coronavirus Figures Are Inflated.
• Coronavirus Cases Rising In Midwest.
• First Coronavirus Death Tied To Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Reported In Minnesota.
• Health Officials Urge Americans To Take Precautions Over Labor Day Weekend.
• Depression, Anxiety Rising Sharply During Pandemic, Research Indicates.
• State Education Officials Push Back On Trump Effort To Teach "American Exceptionalism."
• Fauci: College Students Should Stay On Campus.
• Superintendent Expresses Concern As Texas School Reopens.
• USPS Has Paid DeJoy's Former Company $286M Over Past Seven Years.
• Wolkoff Says First Lady Used Personal Email For Official Business.
• Morgenstern: "No Merit" To Reports Trump Suffered Mini-Strokes.
• Controversial Drilling Projects Among Those Fast Tracked Following Trump Order.
• Air Force Moves Toward Creating A Supersonic Air Force One.
• Barr: Mail-In Voting "Fraught With The Risk Of Fraud And Coercion."
International News
• US To Contribute Funds For Some WHO Programs Despite Withdrawal.
• US Consulting Firm With Ties Chinese Communist Party Received PPP Loan.
• South Korea Struggling With Second Wave Of Coronavirus Infections.
• Soldier To Receive Medal Of Honor For Rescuing Hostages From ISIS.
• US Sanctions International Criminal Court Officials.
• Afghanistan To Include Mother's Names On National ID Cards.
• Biegun Warns Putin Against Deploying Troops To Belarus.
• State Department Imposes New Restrictions On Chinese Diplomats In US.
• Kushner To Meet With British Foreign Minister In London On Thursday.
• Issue Of West Bank Annexation Looms Over Israel-UAE Deal.
• Saudis Allow Israeli Flights To Access Their Airspace For First Time.
• US Suspends Aid To Ethiopia Due To Dispute Over Nile Dam With Egypt.
• Analysts: US Pullback Creates Power Vacuum In Mediterranean.
• WSJournal, NYTimes Give Analyses Of Abe's Legacy.
The Big Picture
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• Headlines From Today's Front Pages.
Washington's Schedule
• Today's Events In Washington.
Leading the News
Trump Moves To Defund New York City, Other Cities.
The New York Post <https://nypost.corn/2020/09/02/trump-orders-review-to-defund-nyc-other-anarchist-cities>
(9/2, Nelson, 4.57M) reports President Trump is beginning "the process of defunding New York City and three
other cities where officials allowed `lawless' protests and cut police budgets amid rising violent crime." A five-
page memo Trump signed on Wednesday orders "all federal agencies to send reports to the White House Office
of Management and Budget that detail funds that can be redirected." The Post adds, "New York City,
Washington, DC, Seattle and Portland are initial targets as Trump makes `law and order' a centerpiece of his
reelection campaign after months of unrest and violence." Trump says in the memo, "My Administration will not
allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones." The Post says the
memo "twice mentions New York Mayor Bill de Blasio by name."
The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/sep/2/trump-orders-anarchist-
jurisdictions-funding-slash/> (9/2, Dinan, Boyer, 492K) says Trump directed Attorney General Barr "to come up
with a list of communities that have forbidden police to step in to stop violence, have declared no-go zones for
officers, or pursued `Defund Police' policies. Mr. Barr is also to look at communities that have rebuffed Mr.
Trump's offers of federal law enforcement." The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/us-
policy/2020/09/02/trump-memo-funding-cities/> (9/2, Stein, 14.2M) says the memo "comes as the president
seeks to intensify his attacks on Democratic mayors of cities that have faced civil unrest amid protests against
police brutality."
In a tweet <https://twitter.corn/realDonaldTrump/status/1301315810485579776> Wednesday evening, Trump
wrote, "My Administration will do everything in its power to prevent weak mayors and lawless cities from
taking Federal dollars while they let anarchists harm people, bum buildings, and ruin lives and businesses. We're
putting them on notice today. @RussVought45"
The New York Times <https://vvww.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/us/politicskrump-funding-cities.html> (9/2,
Haberman, McKinley, 18.61M) reports that the move "is almost certain to face legal challenges, and Democrats
and city officials reacted furiously." Politico <https://vvww.politico.cornMews/2020/09/02/trump-federal-money-
police-408116> (9/2, Choi, 4.29M) says Senate Minority Leader Schumer "quickly denounced the Wednesday
memo as a `foolish stunt,' urging the president to focus on the coronavirus pandemic instead of threatening
federal funding for some of the country's largest cities."
Cuomo: Trump Would Need An Army To Walk NYC Streets. Politico New York
<https://www.politico.com/states/new-yorlc/city-hall/story/2020/09/02/cuomo-trump-would-need-an-army-with-
him-if-he-walked-new-york-citys-streets-1315077> (9/2, Mahoney) reports that in response to Trump's threat "to
withdraw federal funds from `anarchist' municipalities" like New York City, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) launched
his "harshest attack yet on his fellow Queens native, saying he is `persona non grata' in the city of his birth."
Cuomo said, "He can't have enough bodyguards to walk through New York City.... Forget bodyguards, he better
have an army if he thinks he's going to walk down the streets in New York. ... He is persona non grata in New
York City, and I think he knows that, and he'll never come back to New York, because New Yorkers will never
forget how gratuitously mean he has been." A spokesperson for Cuomo "later clarified that Cuomo did not mean
that the president would literally need such additional protection, but was simply illustrating how unwelcome he
would be in the city."
Shootings In NYC More Than Doubled In August. The New York Times
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<https://www.nytimes.coin/2020/09/02/nyregion/nyc-shootings-murders.html> (9/2, Zaveri, 18.61 M) reports that
New York City "recorded 242 shootings in August, up from 91 last year, continuing a summer spike in gun
violence that has become an issue in the presidential race." The "steep rise in gun violence...continued at an
alarming rate in August, as shootings more than doubled over the same period last year and murders rose by
nearly 50 percent, the police said." The Times says Trump "has seized" on the increase as he has "tried to shift
the public's attention away from his response to the pandemic to what he depicts is out-of-control crime in New
York City and other urban areas. He has tried to blame the rise in violence on local Democratic leaders."
Protests
Barr: DOJ Received Reports Of People Flying To DC To Exploit Protests.
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/us/politics/barr-trump-protest-violence.html> (9/2,
Benner, 18.61M) reports that in an interview with CNN
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/08e44ee661cd447a8bcc0538211)75568?pubid=fbi> Wednesday,
Attorney General Barr "sidestepped questions...about President Trump's incendiary conspiracy theory about a
plane `loaded with thugs' headed to Washington over the weekend." Barr said that he did not know "what the
president was specifically referring to," but that the F.B.I. was investigating reports that outsiders had traveled to
the city to cause trouble. Barr "said the Justice Department had received reports that people from the West Coast
and other parts of the country had flown to Washington to exploit protests for racial justice as opportunities to
attack law enforcement and damage property." Barr said, "We received numerous reports of individuals coming
from Portland, Washington — Seattle — and several other cities to come into Washington for the specific purpose
of causing a riot.... I think there were many on planes."
A USA Today <https://www.usatoday.corn/story/news/politics/elections/2020/09/02/2020-election-donald-trump-
wades-deeper-into-conspiracy-theories/569 I534002/> (9/2, Collins, Fritze, Jackson, 10.31M) analysis says
Trump "has long embraced conspiracy theories as a way to attack his critics or divert attention from events that
reflect poorly on him or his administration. But the dizzying pace in which he has given oxygen to outlandish
tales that are typically the domain of Internet trolls or fringe groups like QAnon suggests the practice has now
become a central part of his reelection strategy."
WTimes Review Finds Rioters Are Often Local. The Washington Times
<https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/sep/2/outside-agitators-rioters-are-often-homegrown-probt>
(9/2, Dinan, 492K) reports that while officials in the District of Columbia, Portland, and Kenosha Wisconsin
blamed the violence in their cities on people coming in from other areas, "a Washington Times review of data"
shows that claim is "not particularly accurate." Portland police arrests "from Aug. 21 to Aug. 31 showed nearly
two-thirds of those charged were listed as from Portland, and that ratio grows even higher when close-in suburbs
like Beaverton and Vancouver, Washington, are counted."
Investigators Release Images Of Those Sought In Kenosha Arson Cases.
The Kenosha News <https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-atf-releases-images-of-persons-of-
interest-in-kenosha-arson-fires/article_0118e680-7b12-5e92-906b-34aabac05144.htmlfitracking-source=home-
top-story> (9/2, Smith, 63K) reports investigators have released "photos and video of several people sought in
arson fires" in Kenosha last week. A statement from the Milwaukee field office of the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives "stated that investigators are 'seeking to speak to at least seven persons of
interest' in the fires set to businesses and vehicles in the unrest that followed the shooting of Jacob Blake" on
August 23.
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Kenosha County Ends Curfew. The Kenosha News <https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/localikenosha-county-
ends-curfew-effective-immediately/article_f2f06a8a-87da-5a6b-8662-19bb75681ea3.html#tracking-
source=home-top-story-1> (9/2, 63K) reports Kenosha County, Wisconsin "has ended its State of Emergency
Curfew. That decision was announced today after local officials consulted with law enforcement and community
leaders." USA Today <https://vvww.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/09/02/lawsuit-kenosha-authorities-
selectively-enforced-curfew/5696 I75002/> (9/2, Vielmetti, 10.31M) reports four people arrested in Kenosha
during demonstrations "have sued the city and Kenosha County, claiming discriminatory curfew enforcement
that violates the First Amendment."
Reuters/Ipsos Poll: Public Supports BLM Protests, Doesn't See Crime As Top Issue.
Reuters <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-poll/no-bounce-in-support-for-trump-as-americans-see-
pandemic-not-crime-as-top-issue-reuters-ipsos-poll-idUSKBN25TH3> (9/2, Kahn) reports that President
Trump's "attempt to make civil unrest a central theme of his re-election campaign has yet to boost his political
standing, as most Americans do not see crime as a major problem confronting the nation and a majority remain
sympathetic to anti-racism protests, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday." The poll "showed
the majority — 78% — remain `very' or 'somewhat' concerned about the coronavirus," and "nearly 60% said
Trump is at least partly responsible for the protracted school and business closures due to the virus.... By
contrast, most Americans do not see crime as a major priority and do not think it is increasing in their
communities, the poll showed." Moreover, "53% of American adults said they remain sympathetic to people out
protesting against racial inequality, nearly unchanged from 52% in a similar poll that ran in late July."
Meadows: Rioters Are Committing Acts Of Terror.
Appearing on Fox News' Fox & Friends <https://video.foxnews.com/v/618692067100I?
playlist_id=930909787001#sp=show-clips> (9/2, 831 K), Chief of Staff Meadows was asked, "Do you agree with
the President's characterization of rioters as 'domestic terrorists?"' Meadows said, "Without a doubt. You know,
what a terrorist does is try to instill fear....You don't have to go any further than perhaps even the roads outside
the White House here where we have a number of these rioters trying to instill fear just in everyday Americans'
lives. So whether you see it here or as the President was talking about in Kenosha, Wisconsin, this is a President
that has been very clear. ... It's amazing when you stand up for safer communities and support law and order —
and, more importantly, our law enforcement officers — how people of all parties come together."
Barr: Idea Of "Epidemic" Of Police Violence Against Blacks Is A "False Narrative."
Axios <https://www.axios.corn/barr-police-brutality-black-people-7ad I3aac-3e0f-412a-a791-
ea818a266690.html> (9/2, Axios, 521K) reports that in an interview with CNN
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/16b1lcaf9bf440c296ef973ad6dc5732?pubid=fbi> Wednesday,
Attorney General Barr "denied...that there are 'two justice systems' for Black and white people in the U.S." Barr
argued that the idea that there is an "epidemic" of police shooting unarmed Black men is "simply a false
narrative." Barr said, "I did say that I do think that there appears to be a phenomenon in the country where
African Americans feel that they're treated, when they're stopped by police, frequently, as suspects before they
are treated as citizens. I don't think that that necessarily reflects some deep-seated racism in police departments
or in most police officers. I think the same kind of behavior is done by African American police officers."
Administration Officials Criticize Portland Mayor's Handling Of Violence.
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Acting Deputy DHS Secretary Ken Cuccinelli said on Fox Business' Varney & Co.
<https://video.foxbusiness.com/v/6186948514001/?playlist_id=933116618001#sp=show-clips> (9/2, 64K), "The
first responsibility in these communities is state and local for policing, but we're seeing Portland intentionally
not, and willfully, not police to the extent needed to stop the violence. You compare it to Kenosha. We saw the
formula for a quick stop to violence and that was with a Democrat mayor and a Democrat governor. Partisanship
shouldn't have anything to do with this. This is straight law enforcement."
Acting CBP Commissioner Morgan said on Fox News' Bill Hemmer Reports that Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's
"solution is to sit back and burn itself out. Literally that's what has happened. The city will bum itself to the
ground. That's his strategy. It's outrageous and absurd and putting politics above public safety."
Acting DHS Secretary Wolf said on Fox News' Daily Briefing <https://video.foxnews.com/v/6187045752001?
playlist_id=5588812415001#sp=show-clips> (9/2) that "we see some District Attorneys taking a very strange
approach and posture" to charging protesters. He said, "For instance, the District Attorney in Portland has
advertised a series of crimes that he's not going to prosecute, and that involves interfering with a law
enforcement officer, I would say, criminal trespassing, and others. And that sets a very dangerous precedent, it
fosters this environment that the violence is okay, and it draws people to those communities."
Barr: At Some Point, Federal Government Has To Step In. Attorney General Barr said on CNN
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/la8508c89ad9442e9a97c42501310680?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 2.25M) that
"what we're trying to do is make clear that it's the state's responsibility and the locality to provide protection. If
they are unable or unwilling to do that, at some point, things could reach a state where the federal government
has to step in." He said, "It's very easy to maintain peace in these cities, in any city where the mayor backs the
police, the police chief is doing his job, and the governor's willing to provide backup support, there will be peace
on the streets and there has been peace on the streets."
Portland Mayor Moving After Rioters Target His Condo Complex. The Washington Free Beacon
<https://freebeacon.corrildemocrats/portland-mayor-to-move-after-rioters-target-his-condo-building/> (9/2,
Nester, 78K) reports Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) said Tuesday that he intends to move "after anti-police
rioters repeatedly targeted" his condominium complex. The announcement comes after "a massive demonstration
outside of the 114-unit high-rise on Monday, where more than 200 rioters gathered around the building,
vandalized it with spray paint, and threw burning objects inside." In an email to his neighbors, Wheeler wrote, "I
want to express my sincere apologies for the damage to our home and the fear that you are experiencing due to
my position.... It's unfair to all of you who have no role in politics or in my administration." Breitbart
<https://vvwvv.breitbart.corn/politics/2020/09/02/portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-looking-to-move-after-protesters-
target-his-condo-buildinp (9/2, Bleau, 673K) provides similar coverage of Wheeler's announcement.
President Trump reacted to Wheeler's announcement in a tweet
<https://twittercorn/realDonaldTrump/status/1301253108404613121> Wednesday afternoon. Trump wrote,
"Mayor Wheeler just got harassed out of his own home in Portland by so-called 'friendly protesters'. The
Anarchists, Agitators and Looters treat him HORRIBLY, even though he is so nice and respectful to them.
Criminals only understand strength!"
Federal Prosecutors Charge Portland Man For Ramming Federal Officers With SUV. The Washington Times
<https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/feds-charge-man-attacking-federal-police-suv-portU> (9/2,
Dinan, 492K) reports federal prosecutors have announced charges against Lonnie Vantewa Albert, "a Portland
man they say targeted federal police officers for an attack, smashing his SUV into their vehicle then trying to run
them down." The officers "were on their way back to their hotel early Sunday when they say an SUV began
hounding them in their rental car. The SUV tried to block them in, and as they swerved, it smashed them,
spinning out in the process. When one of the officers got out to check for injuries, the man drove at the officer,
then swerved away and fled, prosecutors said." When the officers "followed the SUV into a hospital parking lot,
it rammed into their rental car again." Albert "was charged with assault."
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US Marshals Deputize Oregon State Troopers. The New York Post <https://nypost.com/2020/09/02/us-marshals-
deputize-oregon-state-police-amid-portland-riots/> (9/2, Fitz-Gibbon, 4.57M) reports that the US Marshals
Service has deputized Oregon state troopers "to help local police quell riots in Portland, authorizing troopers to
charge protesters under federal law, according to reports." The troopers will also have "law enforcement
authority on federal property." The Post adds, "The deputized troopers can make arrests that are prosecuted by
Oregon US Attorney Billy Williams rather than Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt."
Washington Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Making Bomb Threat At Portland Police Precinct. Fox News
<https://www.foxnews.corn/us/seattle-man-arrested-on-suspicion-of-making-bomb-threat-claiming-explosives-
planted-at-police-precinct-in-portland> (9/2, Givas, 27.59M) reports, "A Seattle man was arrested on Wednesday
for threatening to destroy a police precinct in Portland, Ore., and also stands accused of using an online
communication system to claim he'd planted explosives inside the building." US Attorney Brian Moran
"announced the charges against the 36-year-old suspect, Kyle Robert Tornow, who appeared in U.S. District
Court following his arrest, according to a press release from the Department of Justice. Case files state Tornow
allegedly used the city Police TracklT system to send a message, claiming he'd planted a bomb at one of the
nearby police precincts. He used the alias TORNOW and claimed to have set a device that was `undetectable' to
canine units. He also claimed if he was caught that, `others will take my place and immediately detonate the
bomb.'
Biden Says Portland Victim Was "Inciting Responses."
Joel B. Pollak writes on Breitbart <https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/09/02/joe-biden-claims-without-
evidence-portland-victim-incited-his-own-death/> (9/2, 673K) that Joe Biden "suggested Wednesday that the
victim of a shooting in Portland, Oregon, was killed because he and other pro-Trump demonstrators had been
`inciting responses." Biden said, "I think what happened in Portland, where a — one of the Trump guys riding
along in vans, inciting responses, shooting rubber bullets, I guess, or paintballs, apparently there was someone
shot by someone in the crowd, with a bullet. Killed. I think that person should meet the legal requirements,
whatever that calls for, be investigated, and it should follow through on what needs to be done. Let the judicial
system work. Let's make sure justice is done." Pollak adds that Aaron "Jay" Danielson "was killed after the pro-
Trump caravan was over, as he was walking down the street. The reported suspect, Michael Forest Reinoehl, is a
supporter of Black Lives Matter and Antifa, according to the Oregonian."
Biden To Visit Kenosha Thursday, Will Meet With Members Of Blake's Family.
On ABC World News Tonight
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/344e2e14233740abb67f11861.38b9cbc?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 5,
2:15, Llamas, 6.93M), Mary Bruce reported Joe Biden "is stepping up his travel," planning to visit Kenosha,
Wisconsin on Thursday. Bruce said Biden will be meeting with members of Jacob Blake's family, which
President Trump did not do during his visit on Tuesday. Peter Alexander said on NBC Nightly News
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/23aa5703c1b4436abc351b5bcb31152f?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 3,
2:15, Jackson, 5.53M) that Biden will visit "the scarred city of Kenosha." Ed O'Keefe of the CBS Evening News
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/92cffb76c2364cd0ab26841d7d95400e?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 4,
2:40, O'Donnell, 4M) said Biden is "really ramping up" his travel, with plans to also visit Pennsylvania next
week.
The Chicago Sun-Times <https://chicago.suntimestorn/politics/2020/9/2/21418369/joe-jill-biden-visit-kenosha-
jacob-blake-donald-trump?tpcc=email-breaking> (9/2, Sweet, 875K) reports, "The campaign said Biden
hold a community meeting in Kenosha to bring together Americans to heal and address the challenges we face.
After, Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden will make a local stop." Politico
<https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/02/joe-jill-biden-to-visit-kenosha-407726> (9/2, Korecki, 4.29M)
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reports Democrats "have been critical of Biden for not having visited the state sooner, and some feared the recent
unrest would boost Trump if Biden didn't take a tough stand against violence that came after the unrest."
The AP <https://apnews.com/64f37850b73c647eaelc2652838B3ee> (9/2, Barrow) reports Biden "said he wants
to help 'heal' a city reeling from another police shooting of a Black man. The wounding of Jacob Blake and
subsequent demonstrations have made the political battleground state a focal point for debate over police and
protest violence, as well as the actions of vigilante militias." The Washington Examiner
<https://vvww.washingtonexaminer.cornMews/overwhelming-requests-biden-says-hell-be-a-positive-influence-
in-kenosha-wisconsin> (9/2, Lim, 448K) reports Biden told reporters, "There's been overwhelming requests that
I do come. Because what we want to do is we've got to heal, we've got to put things together, bring people
together. My purpose in going is to do just that, to be a positive influence." The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
<https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/09/02/joe-biden-visit-kenosha-
thursday/5690685002/> (9/2, Beck, 632K) reports, "It's the first visit to Wisconsin by Biden this year, and the
first to the state by a Democratic presidential nominee since 2012."
Bloomberg <https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-02/biden-to-visit-kenosha-site-of-civil-unrest-
after-trump?smd=premium&sref=3IOEzKok> (9/2, Pager, 4.73M) reports Biden has already "spoken with
Blake's family, [and] said Wednesday that the officer should face charges for the incident." Trump "declined to
speak with Blake's mother because she wanted lawyers to monitor the conversation." The New York Times
<https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/us/politics/biden-ads-trump.html> (9/2, Goldmacher, Haberman,
18.61 M) reports that the Biden campaign has also "unveiled a new television ad condemning the rioters and
looters that have vexed some American cities as he races to cut off President Trump's efforts to define the
Democrats as the party of lawlessness."
White House Deputy Press Secretary Brian Morgenstem said on Fox News' America's Newsroom
<https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6186997322001?playlist_id=903354961001fisp=show-clips> (9/2, 896K), "It's
too little, too late. I mean, it's unfortunate that violence and rioting and the President, President Trump, taking
that seriously is finally what will get a Democratic presidential candidate to visit the people of Wisconsin." RNC
Chair Ronna McDaniel said on Fox News' Bill Hemmer Reports <https://video.foxnews.com/v/6187078151001?
playlist_id=1652733257164085878#sp=show-clips> (9/2), "Joe Biden doesn't know how to lead, so I'm glad
he's following in the President's footsteps."
Townhall <https://townhall.corn/tipsheet/reaganmecarthy/2020/09/02/biden-to-visit-kenosha-n2575525> (9/2,
McCarthy, 177K) says that after Trump "demonstrated leadership for the people of Kenosha, who have
experienced the devastation first-hand, Biden is now reversing course and plans to visit Kenosha on Thursday."
The Kenosha News <https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/locaUbiden-to-visit-kenosha-on-
thursday/article_ca7eea5c-dcd4-51bb-9701-1964ef40af36.htmlfitracking-source=home-top-story-1> (9/2, Lee,
63K) reports, "Both Trump and Joe Biden have condemned the physical damage done to the city while also both
saying they support non-destructive demonstrations." Bloomberg
<https://www.bloomberg.corn/news/articles/2020-09-02/biden-calls-for-charges-against-officer-who-shot-jacob-
blake?smd=premium> (9/2, Epstein, 4.73M), Politico <https://www.politico.corn/news/2020/09/02/joe-jill-
biden-to-visit-kenosha-407726> (9/2, Korecki, 4.29M), and the CNBC <https://www.cnbc.corn/2020/09/02/joe-
biden-to-visit-kenosha-wisconsin-on-thursday.html> (9/2, 3.62M) website are among the other outlets covering
Biden's planned visit.
Former Owner Of Store Attended Trump Roundtable After Current Owners Refused. USA Today
<https://vvwvv.usatoday.cotn/story/news/politics/2020/09/02/kenosha-camera-store-owners-refused-participate-
trump-visit/5689324002/> (9/2, Cummings, Beck, Glauber, 10.31M) reports the owners of Rode's Camera Shop
in Kenosha declined to meet with Trump during his visit. Paul Willette told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "I
didn't want anything to do with President Trump. If it were any other president I would, but not this one." Co-
owner Tom Gram "was surprised to see on TV that Trump was instead joined by" the store's former owner John
Rode, who sold it to his two former employees nine years ago, who "was very supportive of the president." The
President described Rode as the owner of the business during a roundtable discussion.
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"Antifa.com" Redirects To Biden Site. The New York Times
<https://www.nytimes.coin/2020/09/02/us/elections/visitors-to-antifacom-are-redirected-to-bidens-website-his-
campaign-is-not-happy.html> (9/2, Epstein, Alba, 18.61M) reports that Antifa.com redirects to Biden's campaign
website. The Times says "the switch is a prank, one that ties [Biden] to a largely online, far-left activist network
to which President Trump has falsely sought to link" Biden. Several weeks ago, "right-wing influencers began
tweeting about the website forwarding," and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) shared the link Tuesday in a since-deleted
tweet.
Barr Says Blake Was Armed And "In The Midst Of Committing A Felony."
The New York Post <https://nypost.corn/2020/09/02/bill-barr-claims-jacob-blake-was-committing-a-felony-and-
armedk (9/2, Tacopino, 4.57M) reports Attorney General Barr said Wednesday that Jacob Blake "was
committing a felony and armed when a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin shot him seven times in the back."
Contrasting the case with the death of George Floyd, Barr told CNN, "Floyd was already subdued, incapacitated
in handcuffs and was not armed. In the Jacob case, he was in the midst of committing a felony and he was
armed." Attorneys for Blake "said that Barr was simply `misinformed' on the facts of the case."
Chicago Alderman Urges National Guard Deployment In City.
Fox News <https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-alderman-national-guard-gang-targeting-police> (9/2, Kaplan,
27.59M) reports on its website that Chicago Alderman Anthony Napolitano called on city officials "to request
the National Guard be deployed to the city Wednesday" Napolitano told Fox News' Outnumbered Overtime
<https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6187029261001?playlist_id=5588990584001#sp=show-clips> that "we need
help." Napolitano's call comes as "the Chicago Police Department has confirmed to Fox News that the FBI has
sent out an intelligence alert warning area law enforcement of a pact among street gangs" to "shoot on-sight any
cop that has a weapon drawn on any subject in public." Napolitano said, "This anti-police movement, this defund
the police movement has created a brazen attitude with criminals in the city of Chicago. ... We knew that
criminals were going to be so emboldened to put bounties on police officers. We saw this coming and we warned
people of it and it fell on deaf ears and now we're dealing with this just ridiculous ideology to defund the police,
asking to take money away from the police."
GOP Lawmakers Call On Bowser To Answer For Protester Violence In DC.
The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/sep/2/house-republicans-demand-dc-
mayor-muriel-bowser-atil> (9/2, Mordock, 492K) reports Republican members of the House Judiciary and
Oversight committees demanded District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) "answer for the increased
protester violence plaguing the nation's capital, including the angry mob that swarmed people attending
President Trump's nomination speech." Reps. James Comer (R-TN) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) wrote a letter to
Bowser Wednesday "questioning why more wasn't done to confront the agitators." They wrote, "Your choice to
surrender the streets of D.C. to violent left-wing extremists and agitators so that they can intimidate, coerce, and
assault innocent people places at risk all who live, work and patronize businesses in the District.... You must
restore order and peace to the District before left-wing violent extremism gets further out of hand." The
lawmakers "asked the mayor to turn over all documents and communications outlining the city's response to
'violent left-wing agitators harassing peaceful individuals' between June I and the present."
Republicans Blast Bowser Over List Calling For Renaming, Removing Monuments. The Washington Post
<https://www.washingtonpost.comflocal/dc-politics/bowser-trump-renamings/2020/09/02/3a4253c8-ed24-11ea-
ab4e-581edb849379_story.html> (9/2, Zauzmer, Brice-Saddler, 14.2M) reports that as President Trump "has
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picked fights with liberal mayors of American cities, [Bowser] gave him ammunition Tuesday" by "publishing a
sweeping list of historical figures whose names should be removed from public property or `contextualized.'
Among the sites mentioned were the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial." The White House
"lashed out," and Bowser "quickly retreated, modifying the document to remove specific federal properties over
which the District has no control." Congressional Republicans "castigated Bowser for the report.... Many
pointed to the page that Bowser removed from the document, which listed eight federal sites that the mayor
could consider asking the federal government to `remove, relocate, or contextualize.' The list included the statue
of Confederate Gen. Albert Pike that the District has long endorsed removing...but also world-famous sites such
as the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument — both named for presidents who owned enslaved
people."
Bernhardt : DC Monuments Will Not Be Removed Or Renamed. Interior Secretary Bernhardt was asked on Fox
News' The Story <https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6187184761001?playlist_id=5410209611001fisp=show-clips>
(9/2) to respond to Bowser's comments after the Administration rejected a list of recommendations for removing,
relocating, or renaming national monuments. Bernhardt said that "no one will be removing or renaming the
Washington Monument or the Jefferson Memorial, none of that is going to happen." He added, "Each of these
great individuals did great things. No one is saying that each of these individuals was a perfect human being."
Republican State AGs: Democrats Have "Capitulated To Criminals Run Amok."
The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/republican-attorneys-general-call-
democrats-condernk (9/2, Mordock, 492K) reports, "The Republican attorneys general of 26 states on
Wednesday marked the 100th day of protests in Portland, Oregon, by calling on Democratic officials to condemn
the violence escalating in city streets across the nation." The Times adds that "in a press call with reporters,
members of the Republican Attorneys General Association said Democratic politicians have `capitulated to
criminals run amok.'" Said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, "It is unacceptable that the attorney general
of any state would stand idly by and watch their own cities burn around them. We must restore stability and order
to end this lawlessness." The Federalist <https://thefederalist.com/2020/09/02/gop-attorneys-general-condemn-
riots-after-100-days-of-liberal-lawlessness/> (9/2, Davidson, 126K) indicates "the group of attorneys general
pushed back on the narrative that these riots are `perfectly peaceful,' claiming that in order for them to ensure
peoples' first amendment rights, there must be clear enforcement of the rule of law."
After High-Profile Uses Of Force, Police Chiefs Call For New Tactics.
NBC Nightly News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/lca3a0d9a41a49bcb88d06dbd4c03a28?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 8, 2:10, Jackson, 5.53M) reported, "In Kenosha, Wisconsin, police say Jacob Blake was
not obeying commands, so their use of force quickly escalated from tasers to gunshots. In Minneapolis, George
Floyd died after a police officer's continued physical force. Studies show that police use some kind of force at
least half a million times a year. Often amping it up for failure to immediately comply with an order. But the
recent deadly encounters has many police chiefs telling their recruits that's outdated thinking ... Jeff Wexler of
the Police Executive Research Forum has long advocated training in deescalation. He says leaders should review
videos like the Jacob Blake shooting and ask, how would I handle that?"
WPost Analysis: White Male Police Departments Have Not Changed To Reflect Their Communities. A
Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/national/elijah-mcclains-death-reflects-failures-of-white-
suburban-police-departments/2020/09/02/8750a726-e3e4-11ea-9dd2-95be2a2bef2e_story.html> (9/2, Wilson,
I4.2M) analysis says "Being Black...has proved dangerous" in "many of the nation's suburbs where
predominantly White, male police departments, once a fair facsimile of their communities, have failed to change
as rapidly as the places they are charged with protecting." Black men "have been killed by suburban police
officers in Ferguson, Mo., in Falcon Heights, Minn., and in Vallejo, Calif., where police officers are being
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investigated for allegedly bending a prong on their star badges to proudly signify that they have killed someone
on duty." The Post story focuses particularly on the death of Elijah McClain in Aurora, CO, where "a tradition of
impunity for police officers, a cumbersome hiring process and a changing population have resulted in deep
public mistrust of the police force and numerous legal complaints against the department in recent years."
Antifa Leader Armed With Flamethrower Bursts Into Tears Upon Being Arrested In Wisconsin.
The New York Post <https://nypost.com/2020/09/02/antifa-commander-with-flamethrower-cried-when-he-was-
arrested/> (9/2, Brown, 4.57M) reports, "An Antifa leader known as Commander Red was busted carrying a
flamethrower to a Wisconsin Black Lives Matter rally — and `dropped into the fetal position and began crying'
when stopped by cops, officials said." The Post adds that according to WBAY-TV
<https://vvww.wbay.com/2020/08/31/neenah-man-arrested-at-green-bay-protest-has-ties-to-antifak Green Bay,
WI (9/2, 113K), "Matthew Banta, 23, is `known to be a violent Antifa member who incites violence in otherwise
relatively peaceful protests.'" When he was arrested, "he was carrying stickers and a flag for the controversial
group...along with `military-grade 5-minute' smoke grenades, fireworks rockets, and a flamethrower," according
to the Green Bay (WI) Press-Gazette <https://www.greenbaypressgazette.cotn/story/news/2020/08/31/neenah-
man-charged-bringing-smoke-grenades-green-bay-rally-accused-pointing-rifle-police-waupaca/3448722001/>
(9/2, Mathew, 124K). The Daily Caller <https://dailycaller.com/2020/09/02/antifa-leader-wielding-flamethrower-
cries-tears-arrest/> (9/2, Devlin, 716K), and Townhall
<https://townhall.corthipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2020/09/02/antifa-fetal-position-n2575505> (9/2, Barkoukis,
177K), among other news outlets, also report the story.
Chauvin's Lawyers Say Police Manual Teaches Officers To Place Knee On Suspect's Neck.
Katie Pavlich writes on Townhall <https://townhall.corn/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2020/09/02/new-evidence-in-the-
george-floyd-case-that-could-change-everything-n2575428> (9/2, 177K) that former Minneapolis Police Officer
Derek Chauvin's lawyers "are requesting the dismissal of murder and manslaughter charges against him for the
death of George Floyd. They're using the police training manual as justification." In the Minneapolis Police
Department training manual, "officers are shown how to subdue violent or resisting suspects by placing their
knee on the neck." Pavlich adds, "Newly released court documents show Floyd had a `fatal level' of fentanyl in
his system when he died. He also resisted arrest before being placed on the ground by officers."
Police Body Cam Footage Of Man's Death Sparks Protests In Rochester.
ABC World News Tonight <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/914e60d0195a4ad7957dce68eae22a I c?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 7, 1:55, Llamas, 6.93M) reported there is "growing anger" in Rochester, New York "after
the release of body cam video of a police encounter ruled a homicide. Police and protesters facing off, then
clashing this afternoon." The conflict stems from an incident last March in which "a mentally troubled man
[was] handcuffed and pinned down in the street. Officers not noticing at first that he had stopped breathing."
ABC (Norma) added that in the body cam footage, "an officer holds [Daniel] Prude's head down for more than
two minutes as his yells become whimpers, and then he appears to stop breathing.... Prude died seven days later.
The medical examiner calling his death a homicide." Prude's "family is calling for the officers involved to be
fired and charged." The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/nyregion/rochester-cops-put-
hood-on-man-dies.html> (9/2, Closson, Shanahan, 18.61M) reports New York State Attorney General Letitia
James "and the Rochester police chief said they were conducting inquiries into the death. The officers involved
are still on the force."
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Police Held Black Jogger For Two Days After Mistaking Him For A Suspect.
ABC World News Tonight <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/b2081332 I 044d4a13bef292c50b56f565?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 8, 0:40, Llamas, 6.93M) reported that in San Antonio, Texas "a Black jogger [is] speaking
out after he was confused by police for a suspect in a family violence case and spent two days in jail. Body
camera video shows police stopping Matthias Ometu who refused to tell them his name, which people have the
right to do in Texas." Ometu was handcuffed and put in a police car. The victim "said he was not the suspect, but
police booked him for assaulting a peace officer." ABC added, "The charges have been dropped, but Ometu says
the unfair treatment he received must still be addressed."
Operation LeGend
Florida Man Suspected Of Missouri Homicide Is Captured In Operation LeGend.
The Kansas City (MO) Star <https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article245434205.html> (9/2,
Cronkleton, 549K) reports, "A Florida man suspected in a homicide that occurred during a home invasion
robbery in Tallahassee has been caught by federal agents in Jackson County. The department of justice touted the
presence of Kansas City's Operation LeGend in the success of his arrest." US Marshals arrested Yuri Harris, 24,
Monday "at Longview Lake in the southeastern part of the Kansas City metro area on a warrant from Leon
County, Florida, U.S. Marshal Mark S. James announced Tuesday in a news release. `Mr. Harris definitely chose
the wrong place to come to with the additional resources in town for Operation LeGend,' James said. `We were
able to put a lot of manpower towards his capture.'" Harris "was charged in the Aug. 27 killing in which the
victim was fatally shot during a home invasion robbery."
US Charges Indiana Man With Straw-Purchasing Guns For Chicago Felon.
The Chicago Sun-Times <https://chicago.suntimestoinkrime/2020/9/2/21418297/hammond-man-charged-
straw-purchasing-guns-chicago-felon-beverly> (9/2, Wilusz, 875K) reports, "A northwest Indiana man is facing
federal charges for allegedly straw-purchasing guns in Indiana for a felon in Chicago." Brian Haywood, 24, "is
charged with one count of knowingly selling and disposing of a firearm to a convicted felon, according to a
statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. On July 30, Aug. 5 and Aug. 20,
Haywood allegedly bought guns from stores in Hammond, Indiana, and signed forms indicating he was the
actual buyer, prosecutors said. He was actually purchasing them for someone from Chicago whom he knew was
prohibited from owning firearms because of a felony conviction, according to the U.S. attorney's office." The
charges "were filed as part of Operation Legend."
Morgan: Operation Legend Exemplifies How Trump Is "Committed To Public Safety."
Acting CBP Commissioner Morgan said on Fox News' Bill Hemmer Reports that "this President is committed to
public safety and protecting American citizens. Operation Legend...represents exactly the way it should be done.
Local, state and federal authorities joining together to work together to address and reduce violent crime in their
cities."
Counter-Terrorism
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Texas Man Pleads Guilty To Helping ISIS.
The AP <https://www.usnews.corn/news/us/articles/2020-09-02/north-texas-man-pleads-guilty-to-helping-
islamic-state-group> (9/2) reports from Dallas, Texas, "A North Texas man pleaded guilty Wednesday to
supporting the Islamic State group, federal prosecutors said." Omer Kuzu "pleaded guilty in federal court in
Dallas to conspiring to provide material support to terrorism, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's
office." Kuzu, of Plano, Texas, "said in plea papers that he and his brother left home in 2014 for Syria, where he
spent five years providing communications support for front-line Islamic State fighters and working in the
Caliphate's technology center. Kuzu, who is a U.S. citizen, was captured by Syrian forces in early 2019, turned
over to the FBI and returned to Texas to face charges."
The Hill <https://thehill.corn/regulation/court-battles/514806-repatriated-isis-fighter-pleads-guilty-to-terrorism-
charge> (9/2, Moreno, 2.98M) reports, "Kuzu admitted that he left Texas with his brother, Yusuf, for Turkey in
2014 and was then picked up by an `ISIS taxi,' according to court documents. They then stayed in several
`waiting houses' before ending up in Mosul, Iraq. There, he and 40 others allegedly underwent five days of
physical and weapons training led by ISIS instructors." Kuzu "was one of 1,500 suspected ISIS fighters that
were captured in March 2019 by Syrian Democratic Forces. He was handed over to the FBI and was charged
with conspiring to provide material support material to ISIS."
Appeals Court Finds NSA Phone Data Collection Program Illegal.
Reuters <https://wwvv.reuters.corn/article/us-usa-nsa-spying/u-s-court-mass-surveillance-program-exposed-by-
snowden-was-illegal-idUSKRN25T3CK> (9/2, Satter) reports that a ruling Wednesday from the US Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit "said the warrantless telephone dragnet that secretly collected millions of
Americans' telephone records violated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and may well have been
unconstitutional."
Politico <https://www.politico.cotn/news/2020/09/02/court-rules-nsa-phone-snooping-illegal-407727> (9/2,
Gerstein, 4.29M) reports the NSA program that "swept up details on billions of Americans' phone calls was
illegal and possibly unconstitutional, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday." However, the "unanimous three-
judge panel" also "said the role the so-called telephone metadata program played in a criminal terror-fundraising
case against four Somali immigrants was so minor that it did not undermine their convictions." Judge Marsha
Berzon's opinion, "which contains a half-dozen references to the role of former NSA contractor and
whistleblower Edward Snowden in disclosing the NSA metadata program," concludes that the "bulk collection"
of such data violated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Politico says the release of the opinion "is
another reminder of the exceedingly slow pace of some 9th Circuit appeals, particularly those involving
classified information or FISA surveillance."
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/national-security/phone-records-surveillance-edward-
snowden/2020/09/02/97f26498-ed67-11ea-99a1-71343d03bc29_story.html> (9/2, Barrett, 14.2M) reports the
court also ruled "that claims made by FBI and other national security officials in defense of the program were
not accurate." The ruling "will not have much immediate effect on the program it criticizes, because that record-
gathering effort ended in 2015, replaced by a different method for searching phone records that was also
eventually shut down." The judges also "ruled that government prosecutors must tell criminal defendants when it
plans to use evidence gathered or derived from surveillance done overseas." The court also "rejected the Justice
Department's argument that the call records were properly obtained because they were relevant to a terrorism
investigation." That argument, they wrote, "depends on an after-the-fact determination of relevance: once the
government had collected a massive amount of call records, it was able to find one that was relevant to a
counterterrorism investigation." The judges wrote the FISA act "required the government to make a showing of
relevance to a particular authorized investigation before collecting the records."
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CNET News <https://vvww.cnet.corn/news/appeals-court-finds-nsas-bulk-phone-data-collection-was-unlawful/>
(9/2, Hautala, 1.99M) reports Berzon wrote, "The metadata collection exceeded the scope of Congress's
authorization." Business Insider <https://wwvv.businessinsidencom/nsa-phone-snooping-illegal-court-finds-
2020-9> (9/2, Holmes, 3.67M) reports there is "zero evidence the NSA's phone records program stopped a terror
attack, contradicting the public statements of US intelligence officials following Snowden's revelation, Judge
Marsha Berzon said in the ruling." She added, "To the extent the public statements of government officials
created a contrary impression, that impression is inconsistent with the contents of the classified record."
Fox News <https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-appeals-court-nsa-metadata-illegal> (9/2, O'Reilly,
27.59M) reports the NSA last year "reportedly recommended that the White House abandon the controversial
surveillance program, claiming the legal and logistical burdens of maintaining it outweigh its benefits to the
intelligence community."
Among outlets also reporting are The Hill <https://thehill.corn/policy/national-security/514854-court-rules-nsas-
bulk-phone-data-collection-illegal> (9/2, Neidig, 2.98M), Axios <https://www.axios.com/federal-court-nsa-
phone-data-collection-illegal-5532dee6-1f4d-4dbl-a941-97911b2c26c0.html> (9/2, Knutson, 521K), Law360
<https://www.law360.corn/publicpolicy/articles/1306878> (9/2, Subscription Publication, 8K), and San Diego
(CA) Union-Tribune <https://www.bakersfield.corn/ap/national/appeals-court-rules-nsa-spying-program-illegal-
but-upholds-terror-convictions/article_b4d6a3db-6a72-55a3-8967-1d2c3719c6c0.html> (9/3, Kristina Davis The
San Diego Union-Tribune (TNS), 755K).
Sudanese Government, Citizens Differ On US Deal To Remove Terrorism Label.
The Christian Science Monitor <https://www.csmonitoncom/World/Middle-East/2020/0902/US-offers-a-way-
off-terrorism-list.-Is-price-right-for-Sudanese> (9/2, Luck, 246K) reports Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
recently "offered to lift the U.S. terrorism label off post-revolution Sudan" in exchange for $330 million in
compensation for "Al Qaeda attacks from over two decades ago." Sudan's transitional government "reportedly
favors the US offer," but among Sudanese citizens "mired in recession and lingering poverty, a legacy of ousted
dictator Omar al-Bashir's destructive 30-year rule, the proposal is encountering resistance." The US has "already
lifted sanctions from Sudan in 2017," but the terrorism designation "has continued to deter investment in the
country." The civilian-led transitional government "believes that by honoring the previous regime's debts and
paying compensation for his crimes — and ridding the country of the terrorism list designation and stigma — the
subsequent access to international financial relief and foreign investment will save Sudan's economy." The hope
is the benefits "will outweigh any immediate costs several-fold."
Trial Of Alleged Accomplices In 2015 Attacks Opens In Paris.
The New York Times <https://vvww.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/world/europe/charlie-hebdo-trial-france.html>
(9/2, Breeden, Meheut, 18.61 M) reports that on Wednesday, France "began revisiting one of the worst chapters
in its modern history...as a landmark trial opened in Paris for the January 2015 terrorist attacks that killed 17
people in and around the French capital." According to the Times, "Over at least the next two months, before the
glare of the world's media and under tight security, the court is expected to meticulously examine three
harrowing days that traumatized France, starting with a daytime assault on the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a
satirical magazine that Islamic extremists targeted after it published cartoons lampooning Islam." The Times
adds, "The killings were followed by a string of deadly jihadist attacks, culminating with assaults in November
that year in and around Paris that killed 130 people, vaulting France into a yearslong state of emergency."
The AP <https://apnews.com/24ce9b4aaablcce042010585b4c9dd03> (9/2, Hinnant, Vaux-Montagny) reports
that "those on trial in France's terrorism court are accused of buying weapons, cars, and helping with logistics in
EFTA00136621
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the January 2015 attacks." According to the AP, "Most say they thought they were helping plan an ordinary
crime. Three, including the only woman accused, are being tried in absentia after leaving to join Islamic State."
Counter-Intelligence
Draft DHS Bulletin Warning Foreign Actors Targeting Biden, Trump Health Not Released.
Jonathan Karl reported on ABC World News Tonight
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.cornflebf22262916448fa299a55dfaeb47f37pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 6, 2:25,
Llamas, 6.93M) that a draft DHS intelligence bulletin "alerting local, state and federal law enforcement to a
Russian scheme to damage Joe Biden's campaign by spreading misinformation that Biden isn't mentally fit to be
president" was withheld. According to "an email obtained by ABC News, the bulletin was supposed to go out on
July 9, but it never did. The Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf put the brakes
on, writing, `Please hold on sending this one out until you have a chance to speak to AS1.' AS1 is Acting
Secretary Wolf. That was nearly two months ago, and the bulletin still has not gone out." Reuters
<https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-biden-russia/u-s-agency-defends-decision-to-withhold-report-
on-russian-claims-about-bidens-health-idUSICBN25T33C> (9/2, Hosenball, Hesson) reports that the draft
bulletin "also said that Iranian and Chinese media had published materials questioning the mental health" of
President Trump.
Geoff Bennett said on NBC Nightly News
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/80d852ae98084689ae84ca479b28151a?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 4,
1:55, Jackson, 5.53M), "The unclassified report <https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dhs-withheld-july-intelligence-
bulletin-calling-russian-attackk published by ABC News is titled `Russia Likely to Denigrate Health of US
Candidates to Influence 2020 Election.' It does not cite intelligence, but rather stories critical of Biden that aired
on Russian state media." Jeff Pegues of the CBS Evening News
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/4b6fbcefad8642bfa073cc9e6fea7065?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 5, 2:05,
O'Donnell, 4M) reported Wolf said Wednesday that "the document didn't meet his standards." Wolf: "The report
that you referenced was, at the end of the day, a very poorly written report." Pegues: "But the Democrats are
concerned the Trump Administration is blocking the flow of key intelligence on election interference to benefit
the President." The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/us/politics/trump-biden-russia-
election.html> (9/2, Kanno-Youngs, 18.6IM) reports that that officials from "the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis briefed" Wolf "on the document sometime this summer, the department said in a statement."
Wolf was asked on Fox News' Daily Briefing <https://video.foxnews.com/v/6187045752001?
playlist_id=5588812415001#sp=show-clips> (9/2) to respond to accusations that DHS withheld the report. Wolf
said, "What we do at the department every day regarding election security in our cybersecurity and infrastructure
security agency has been hard at work on this for the last four years. We saw two years ago a very safe and
secure election, we're continuing to work very hard at this leading up to November."
Attorney General Barr was asked about Russian interference in the 2020 election on CNN
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/d97d7defe3c340f3a3c27aca21b98dfe?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 2.25M). Barr
said, "There is some preliminary activity that suggests they may try again," and "it wouldn't surprise me if
Russia tries something again of the same general genre of before."
CNBC <https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/02/biden-blasts-trump-over-homeland-security-report-on-russians-
health.html> (9/2, Mangan, 3.62M) and NBC News <https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/dhs-has-
delayed-intel-report-foreign-powers-trying-raise-doubts-n1239067> (9/2, Dilanian, 6.14M), among several
others, also report on the issue.
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Barr Says Durham Investigation Won't Affect 2020 Election.
The Washington Examiner <https://wwvv.washingtonexaminercom/news/barr-says-durham-investigation-wont-
disrupt-2020-election> (9/2, Dunleavy, 448K) reports that in an interview with CNN
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/ccfaf7ba471b4d59981f68c65aa26036?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 2.25M)
Wednesday, Attorney General Barr "denied that he is being pressured by President Trump in his handling of U.S.
Attorney John Durham's inquiry into the Russia investigation and claimed that any actions taken won't affect the
2020 election." Barr "stressed that the Durham review will abide by Justice Department guidelines. He also
reiterated that, despite urging from Trump, former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe
Biden, who is now the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee, are not under criminal investigation." Barr said, "I
will handle these cases as appropriate.... And I do not think anything that we do in the Durham investigation — I
assume that's what you're talking about — is going to be affecting the election."
FBI Notes From Mifsud Interview Made Public.
The Washington Examiner <https://nbulletinintelligence.com/5371b7643fe6484985575e233dbc6e8f> (9/2,
Dunleavy, 448K) reports that FBI's notes from its interview with Maltese professor Joseph Mifsud "were made
public Tuesday, showing denials from a key Trump-Russia inquiry figure who special counsel Robert Mueller
says lied to investigators yet was never charged." The notes indicate that "the FBI's Feb. 11, 2017, interview
with Mifsud in the lobby of the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., was a brief and cursory one in the
grand scheme of the investigation."
Hunter Biden Holds Stake In Chinese Firm Sanctioned For Human Rights Violations.
The Washington Free Beacon <https://freebeacon.corn/2020-election/hunter-biden-holds-stake-in-chinese-
company-sanctioned-for-human-rights-abuses/> (9/2, Goodman, 78K) reports Hunter Biden holds a stake in the
Chinese surveillance company Megvii, which is "under U.S. sanctions for human-rights violations, complicating
his father Joe Biden's campaign promise to crack down on American businesses with financial ties to China's
humanitarian abuses." The investment firm Bohai Harvest RST Shanghai Equity, in which Hunter Biden owns a
stake, initially invested in Megvii "in 2017, according to the company's website. The firm holds a nearly 2
percent stake in Megvii through two holding companies, according to a prospectus filed by Megvii as part of its
application for a listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange last year." Last year, the Commerce Department
"added Megvii to its list of sanctioned entities that were `implicated in human-rights violations and abuses in the
implementation of China's campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, and high-technology surveillance
against Uighurs, ICazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups.'"
Maltese Professor Denied Making Offer To Papadopoulos In FBI Documents.
Fox News <https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mysterious-maltese-professor-denied-making-offer-to-
papadopoulos-new-docs-show> (9/2, DeMarche, 27.59M) reports Maltese professor Joseph Mifsud, "who ex-
FBI Director James Comey referred to as a `Russian agent' in an op-ed, denied any advance knowledge that
Russia had dirt on Hillary Clinton and told investigators he never made any offers to George Papadopoulos, the
former Trump campaign strategist, according to newly released FBI documents."
U Of North Texas Cancels Visas For Chinese Researchers.
EFTA00136623
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The Denton (TX) Record-Chronicle <https://dentonrc.corn/education/law-enforcement-briefed-unt-before-
chinese-visa-decision/article_6655839d-e47a-5aab-96d7-dda0ea95b132.html> (9/2, Reid, 32K) reports, "Law
enforcement briefings played a role in the Aug. 26 decision to cancel visas for Chinese researchers working at
the University of North Texas. All 15 researchers, none of whom have been publicly identified, were in the
country through their affiliation with the Chinese Scholarship Council." UNT spokesperson Jim Berscheidt "said
Wednesday, `UNT took this action based upon specific and credible information following detailed briefings
from federal and local law enforcement.' He declined to specify which agencies conducted the briefings, and he
did not clarify what kept him from answering further questions." The Record-Chronicle adds, "Many of the FBI
warnings around Chinese researchers in the United States revolve around China's Thousand Talents Program,
though nobody contacted for this article Wednesday was willing or able to connect that program to the 15
researchers UNT sent home."
Arrested Texas A&M Professor Linked To Chinese Finn.
The Dallas Morning News <https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2020/09/02/arrest-of-texas-am-
professor-raises-concems-over-chinas-efforts-to-steal-intellectual-property/> (9/2, Krause, Jaramillo, 946K)
reports, "The arrest last week of a Texas A&M University professor on charges of conspiracy, making false
statements and wire fraud illustrates the threat apparently posed by China against intellectual property and
independent institutions in a liberal democracy." Zhengdong Cheng, 53, "led a team of engineers and researchers
that received almost $750,000 in grants from NASA. According to the criminal complaint filed by the FBI,
Cheng engaged in a seven-year scheme to gain access to `the unique resources of the International Space
Station,' to leverage NASA grant resources for Chinese institutions and to enrich himself to the tune of $86,876."
The Morning News adds, "According to the complaint, Cheng maintained a position as research director of an
institute in Guangdong, China, and a separate position with a Chinese company, all while working on NASA
research."
Rubio: SSCI Will Continue To Get In-Person Briefings.
Politico <https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/02/rubio-intel-election-briefing-ratcliffe-407755> (9/2,
Desiderio, 4.29M) reports that Acting SSCI Chair Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the panel will "continue to
receive in-person briefings from top U.S. intelligence officials about election-security issues, despite the Trump
administration's recent directive to effectively cut off the congressional intelligence panels." DNI Ratcliffe,
according to Rubio, "had pledged to continue briefing the panel even as its Democratic-led counterpart in the
House saw a previously scheduled briefing scrapped."
Axios <https://www.axios.cornfrubio-senate-in-person-election-security-briefings-be22946f-f089-4bd8-b409-
15226fee2d00.html> (9/2, Ayesh, 521K) reports that Rubio told Spectrum News, "We are going to continue to
schedule these briefings, as we do on a regular basis throughout the year, and we expect them to come in and
provide us that information and answer our questions in person." Rubio added, "They can't tell us they're not
coming in to talk to us. I don't care what a letter says. They can't do that, and they're not going to do that is what
I've been told."
Nunes: Democratic Leaks Justify Ratcliffe Move. The Washington Examiner
<https://www.washingtonexaminercom/news/devin-nunes-leaks-intelligence-adam-schiff> (9/2, Chaitin, 448K)
reports that Rep. Devin Nunes, the ranking member on House Intelligence, on Tuesday said that leaks have
become a serious problem, justifying the move by Ratcliffe to limit election-security briefings. Nunes told Fox
Business' Lou Dobbs, "We know that someone on the Democratic side is a leaker, and they've been leaking a
really long time, not to mention they also like to go through our telephone numbers and release them to the
public." Nunes added, "We're very concerned about this. We have relayed those concerns to the intelligence
EFTA00136624
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agencies."
Two House Democrat Call On ODNI To Reveal Foreign Actors Exploiting Race Issues. The Daily Beast
<https://www.thedailybeast.com/intel-dems-demand-trumps-top-spy-reveal-foreigm-actors-exploiting-us-racism?
ref=home> (9/2, Brodey, 1.39M) reports that in a September 1 letter, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Val
Demings (D-FL), both members of House Intelligence, "thank" DNI Ratcliffe "for his response to their inquiry
on `how foreign adversaries are heightening and exploiting tensions and social unrest in American communities
to further foreign interests.'" However, they argued that the information needed to be declassified so that the
public can better assess the impact on the elections.
More Commentary. Peter Grier writes for the Christian Science Monitor
<https://www.csmonitor.corn/USA/Politics/Politics-Watch/2020/0902/Why-intelligence-briefings-don-t-read-the-
same-only-on-paper> (9/2, 246K) that the decision to provide written intelligence products instead of in-person
briefings is "hardly" a "dry bureaucratic change." Written documents "are not a good substitute for in-person
discussion when it comes to congressional oversight of the executive branch, say some experts. In person,
members can gauge tone, ask questions, push for answers, and raise side issues. This is particularly important in
intelligence oversight, where outside sources of information are scanty at best."
In a Lawfare <https://www.lawfareblog.corn/lawfare-podcast-briefings-schmiefings> (9/2) podcast, Benjamin
Wittes discusses the decision to end broad election security briefings with David Priess, "a former CIA briefer
who used to do briefings like this, and Margaret Taylor, a former congressional staffer who used to consume
briefings like this."
White House Condemns Poisoning Of Navalny.
Axios <https://www.axios.corn/nalvany-poisoning-white-house-world-leaders-russia-0486f97f-If46-4c46-9ab8-
04dc2c66f147.html> (9/2, Perano, 521K) reports, "The White House on Wednesday joined other world
governments to condemn the apparent poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny." White House
National Security Council spokesperson John Ullyot said, "The United States is deeply troubled by the results
released today. Alexei Navalny's poisoning is completely reprehensible." Ullyot continued, "We will work with
allies and the international community to hold those in Russia accountable, wherever the evidence leads, and
restrict funds for their malign activities." He added, "The Russian people have a right to express their views
peacefully without fear of retribution of any kind, and certainly not with chemical agents." Other global leaders
have condemned the attack, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who tweeted, "I utterly condemn the use
of a military-grade nerve agent, which makes it even more urgent that Russia conducts full & transparent
investigation."
Reuters <https://wwvv.reuters.corn/article/us-russia-politics-navaly-usa/poisoning-of-russian-opposition-leader-
completely-reprehensible-white-house-idUSKEN25T2RO> (9/2, Landay, Hosenball) reports a US government
source "familiar with U.S. intelligence reporting said there was no reason to doubt the German finding that a
Novichok nerve agent was used to poison Navalny, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin."
ABC World News Tonight <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/d3dcca4debd84c05a94c47a8c8d3bd18?
pubid=fbi> 's (9/2, story 9, 1:25, Llamas, 6.93M) Ian Pannell reported, "The White House is saying it's going to
work with allies to hold those in Russia accountable."
Merkel: Navalny Was Poisoned With Nerve Agent. Reuters <https://www.reuters.corn/article/us-russia-politics-
navalny-germany/putin-critic-navalny-was-poisoned-with-novichok-nerve-agent-says-merkel-
idUSKBN25T272> (9/2, Nasr, Osborn) reports that according to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, "Kremlin
critic" Alexei Navalny, "who is in intensive care in a Berlin hospital, was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok
nerve agent in an attempt to murder him." Reuters say Merkel indicated that her government "now expected
EFTA00136625
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Moscow to explain itself and that Germany would consult its NATO allies about how to respond, raising the
prospect of new Western sanctions on Russia." According to Reuters, "The Russian foreign ministry said
Germany's assertion was not backed by evidence and complained about the way Germany had chosen to release
information about Navalny." A US government source "familiar with US intelligence reporting and analysis said
the use of the Novichok family of nerve agents showed Putin was willing to be `bold' in targeting individuals he
found threatening or irritating." Ivan Zhdanov, a "close Navalny ally, said on Twitter that Novichok could be
administered only by Russia's intelligence agencies."
However, the New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/world/europe/navalny-poison-
novichok.html> (9/2, Eddy, 18.61M) reports the German government said there is "unequivocal evidence" the
nerve agent was used, which has "provided the strongest indication yet that the Kremlin, which has denied
involvement, was behind the poisoning, as Western intelligence agencies have assessed that only the Russian
government would likely have access to such a dangerous weapon." Merkel is quoted as saying, "Mr. Navalny
has been the victim of a crime. It raises very serious questions that only the Russian government can and must
answer." The Times goes on to report that Novichok is "a Soviet-era weapon invented for military use," and
"was used against Sergei V. Skripal, a former Soviet spy, and his daughter in a 2018 attack in Salisbury, England,
that the British government attributed to Russia's military intelligence arm, the G.R.U."
The AP <https://apnews.corn/96d8002d210d311fedld6d4ba2a0534e> (9/2, Moulson) reports that "the Berlin
hospital treating the dissident said he remains on a ventilator though his condition is improving," but "it expects
a long recovery and still can't rule out long-term effects on his health from the poisoning." On NBC Nightly
News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/de534816d8924702aa4189e22a012439?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story
5, 1:40, Jackson, 5.53M), Richard Engel reported, "Navalny's supporters say this was Putin exacting revenge and
that using Novichok was like leaving a calling card to tell other critics no one is safe." On the CBS Evening
News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/0e793b56d574406ca0lccbc8a766e814?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story
7, 1:45, O'Donnell, 4M), Charlie D'Agata reported, "The Navalny poisoning comes amid a crackdown on
Kremlin critics, including the beating of a prominent activist earlier this week."
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/navalny-novichok-poisoning-
russia/2020/09/02/8ab99f10-ed23-11ea-bd08-1b10132b458f story.html> (9/2, Dixon, Morris, 14.2M), The AP
<https://vvwvv.usnews.corn/news/world/articles/2020-09-02/germany-says-soviet-era-nerve-agent-used-on-
russias-navalny> (9/2, Moulson), USA Today <https://www.usatoday.corn/stoty/news/world/2020/09/02/putin-
critic-navalny-poisoned-soviet-era-nerve-agent-novichok/5690880002/> (9/2, Hjelmgaard, 10.31M), Politico
<https://vvww.politico.com/news/2020/09/02/alexei-navalny-was-poisoned-with-novichok-nerve-agent-germany-
says-407710> (9/2, Posaner, 4.29M), and The Hill <https://thehill.corn/policy/internationaUrussia/514762-
kremlin-critic-navalny-was-poisoned-with-same-nerve-agent-used-on> (9/2, Axelrod, 2.98M), The Guardian
(UK) <https://www.theguardian.corn/world/2020/sep/02/using-novichok-against-navalny-is-a-russian-message-
of-menace> (9/2, Harding, 4.19M), The Sun (UK) <https://www.thesun.co.uldnews/12563340/novichok-found-
russia-alexei-navalny-poison-boris-johnson/> (9/2, 712K) are among outlets that have more on the German
findings regarding Navalny's apparent poisoning. The New York Times
<https://vvww.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/world/europefkremlin-putin-navalny-poisoning-russia.html> (9/2,
Higgins, 18.61M), in an article on Russian president Vladimir Putin's treatment of Navalny, points out that
"during more than 20 years in power, Mr. Putin has never publicly uttered the name of his most high-profile
opponent." The Times adds, "When he did say his name after prodding from an American interlocutor during a
private event in 2013, it became a national news story."
CNN <https://us.cnn.com/2020/09/02/europe/alexey-navalny-novichok-russia-analysis-intl/index.html> 's (9/2,
83.I6M) Nathan Hodge writes in an analysis that the "brazenness of Navalny's poisoning is precisely the point,
by sending a message of impunity."
WPost: Putin Fears No Pushback From Trump As He Poisons Rivals. The Washington Post
<https://www.washingtonpost.corn/opinions/global-opinions/its-no-wonder-putin-thinks-he-can-get-away-with-
poisoning-his-adversaries/2020/09/02/771028de-ed38-11ea-b4bc-3a2098fc73d4_story.html> (9/2, 14.2M)
editorializes Russian President Vladimir Putin has learned from previous attacks on his political rivals that he
EFTA00136626
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faces little repercussions, which "no doubt" played "a part of the Kremlin's calculations" in the poisoning of
Navalny. The Post says that "whether there are more concerted consequences will depend in part on whether
President Trump is willing to work with Germany and other allies." Pointing to past instances that show Trump's
reluctance in standing up to Putin, the Post concludes that "to all appearances," Putin "has the president of the
United States in his pocket."
WSJoumal: Putin Should Face Repercussions For Poisoning Navalny. In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal
<https://www.wsj.corn/articles/the-poisoning-of-alexei-navalny-11599088894> (9/2, Subscription Publication,
7.57M) urges the US and Europe to stop accommodating Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Journal argues
that Putin's attacks on his political opponents means he doesn't deserve a seat at the G-7.
IAEA: North Korea Enriching Uranium, But Has Not Reprocessed Plutonium In Past Year.
Reuters <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-nuclear-iaearno-sign-north-korea-reprocessed-
plutonium-in-past-year-still-enriching-uranium-iaea-says-idUSICHN25TIJW> (9/2, Murphy) reports there is no
sign North Korea "reprocessed spent fuel from its main nuclear reactor into plutonium in the past year, but it
seems to have continued to enrich uranium, the other potential fuel for atom bombs, the U.N. atomic watchdog
said." The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not had access "to North Korea since the secretive
communist state expelled its inspectors in 2009," and since has been "monitoring North Korea's activities from
afar, including with satellite imagery." It is "almost certain" the experimental 5-megawatt reactor "at the
Yongbyon nuclear complex, which is widely believed to have produced plutonium for weapons, has been shut
down since early December 2018, the IAEA said in an annual report here dated Sept. 1 and posted online." There
has, however, "been no telltale steam at the plutonium reprocessing lab there, suggesting the last batch of spent
fuel stayed in the reactor building."
The AP <https://www.sfchronicle.corn/news/article/UN-atomic-watchdog-N-Korea-still-enriching-
15537397.php> (9/2, Dineen) reports the agency also "said that its observations of cooling units at the Yongbyon
nuclear fuel rod fabrication plant and vehicular movements there `were consistent with the production of
enriched uranium at the reported centrifuge enrichment facility.' North Korea's "nuclear activities remain a
cause for serious concern," the agency said.
Bloomberg <https://www.bloomberg.cotn/news/articles/2020-09-02/north-korea-isn-t-making-new-plutonium-
for-weapons-iaea-reports> (9/2, Tirone, 4.73M) reports IAEA inspectors "did observe indications that North
Korea is manufacturing enriched uranium, as well as mining and milling more of the heavy metal that is the key
ingredient for reactors and bombs."
Former CIA Assistant Director: South Korean National Police "Not Geared To Catching The North's Spies."
In an op-ed for The Hill <http://thehill.corn/opinionrnational-security/514396-south-koreas-world-class-national-
police-force-is-not-geared-to> (9/2, 2.98M), former assistant director of the CIA for Korea John Finbarrr writes,
who notes that South Korea "recently stripped its sprawling National Intelligence Service (NIS) of
counterintelligence responsibilities," and as a result the "responsibility for the hunting of North Korean spies
inside South Korea now rests with the Korean National Police (KNP)." Finbarr writes his "concern is that the
KNP, bereft of close guidance and supervision from NIS counterintelligence professionals, will stumble when a
South Korean MI5-like construct, under the KNP but with a degree of independence and some connective tissue
back to the NIS, would better suit their needs." He concludes installing an "experienced hand from NIS, suitably
divorced from his former agency, would send a message of clear intent to get the counterintelligence mission
done right."
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Colombia Arrests Three Venezuelans "Tied To Anti-Maduro Plot."
The AP <https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/Colombia-arrests-3-Venezuelans-tied-to-15538882.php>
(9/2, Goodman) reports police in Colombia have arrested "three Venezuelans who were part of a failed plot
organized by a former U.S. Green Beret to sneak across the border and oust President Nicolas Maduro, The
Associated Press has learned." All three lived "for months in rustic camps along Colombia's Caribbean coast
where Jordan Goudreau, an American war veteran, was helping organize a volunteer army for a rapid cross-
border strike against Maduro." It was not clear "if US officials played any role in Wednesday's arrests," but for
months "the FBI has been interviewing associates of Goudreau as part of their own investigation into whether he
violated U.S. laws that require any U.S. company supplying weapons or military equipment, as well as military
training and advice, to foreign persons to seek State Department approval."
Criminal Investigations
New York Town Asks FBI To Probe Racist Hate Mail Sent To Ex-School Superintendent.
The Riverhead (NY) Local <https://riverheadlocal.com/2020/09/02/riverhead-asks-fbi-to-investigate-racist-hate-
mail-sent-to-forrner-school-superintendent/> (9/2, Civiletti) reports, "Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Aguiar said
yesterday she has referred the racist hate mail received by the former Riverhead school superintendent to the
Federal Bureau of Investigation." The Local adds, "Aguiar made the announcement during the town board
meeting after questions and comments about the incident from two community members. She condemned the
acts as `despicable' and said they would not be tolerated." According to the Local, "In the week before former
Riverhead school superintendent Dr. Aurelia Henriquez abruptly resigned from her position June 30, she
received three handwritten notes containing ethnic and racial slurs and hate speech, according to documents
obtained from the Suffolk County Police Department through a Freedom of Information Law request."
Four Arrested In New York Drug Bust.
The Putnam (NY) Daily Voice <hftps://dailyvoice.corn/new-york/putnam/police-fireffour-nabbed-in-area-bust-
targeting-drug-dealing/793568/> (9/2, Coulter) reports, "Four City of Newburgh residents, one a juvenile, were
arrested after area police and FBI agents connected them to numerous complaints about open-air narcotics sales;
a fourth man was arrested on an active warrant from the state of New Jersey in the process of the investigation."
Damaire Forrest, 18, Milton Delvalle, 48, Lamel Johnson, 41, "and a juvenile were all charged with two counts
each of felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Monday, Sept. 1. DayShawn Brown,
who is wanted on several violent felony warrants from Atlantic County in New Jersey, was charged as a Fugitive
of Justice." The Daily Voice adds, "City of Newburgh Police were assisted in their investigation by the New
York State Police, the Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and members of the FBI."
Two South Carolina Men Sentenced On Drug, Money Laundering Charges.
CN2 (SC) <https://www.cn2.corn/two-rock-hill-men-sentenced-to-federal-prison-on-drug-money-laundering-
charges/> (9/2) reports from Columbia, South Carolina, "Two Rock Hill men are facing drug and laundering
charges, per the Department of Justice." US Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., "announced Tuesday that Brandon
Marquis Kimble, 30, and Cravelyn Squilla Davis, 25, were sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to
conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and money laundering. Kimble was
sentenced to 11 years and Davis was sentenced to 12 years." CN2 adds, "Evidence presented to the court showed
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that this case stemmed from a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Rock Hill
Police Department into individuals who were obtaining large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine and
marijuana from a distributor in Southern California."
Montana Woman Sentenced For Running Meth Ring.
The Fairfield (MT) Sun Times <https://www.fairfieldsuntimes.corn/news/state/billings-woman-sentenced-to-8-
years-for-running-major-meth-ring/article_392127be-78a4-5b3a-a548-416b2bfle637.html> (9/2) reports, "A
Billings woman who admitted heading a large methamphetamine distribution ring after investigators seized six
pounds of the drug at her home and another location was sentenced to eight years in prison and five years of
supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said." Jamie Juwann Ady, 42, "also known as Jamie Ady Alatorre,
pleaded guilty in October to possession with intent to distribute meth. Ady admitted in an interview to being a
meth distributor and said that she and another person had just returned from Las Vegas and Phoenix where they
picked up four bundles of meth, each containing about 1.5 pounds, from a source." The Sun Times adds, "This
case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime.
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to
2018."
US Charges Pittsburgh Man With Shooting ATF Agent During Drug Raid.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette <https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/09/02/Dion-Williams-
Uptown-charged-accused-shooting-ATF-agent-drug-raid-11-Hunnit-gang/stories/202009020093> (9/2, Ove,
616K) reports, "Federal authorities have charged a Pittsburgh man with shooting a federal agent during an
Uptown raid in June." Dion Williams "is accused of shooting a U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives agent in an early-morning sweep on Marion Street on June 18 that targeted members of an alleged
drug gang with ties to slain rapper Jimmy Wopo. The agent, whose name has not been released, was treated at
the scene by ATF medics and taken to a hospital. ATF said he is recovering." According to the Post-Gazette,
"Authorities had not previously named the alleged shooter, but said the incident happened at the address of
Williams, 44, of 1 Marion Street, who was among 12 people indicted under seal on June 16. The case was
unsealed two days later as agents swept in to make arrests. Williams is charged with assault on a federal
employee and violations of federal gun laws."
KDICA-TV <https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.corn/2020/09/02/pittsburgh-uptown-raid-atf-agent-shooting-suspect-
indictment/> Pittsburgh (9/2, 144K) reports, "Police say Williams alleged shot the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives special agent in the doorway of a home on Marion Street Uptown in the early morning
hours of June 18. The ATF said the agent was tended to by on-scene ATF medics for his injuries and went to the
hospital in stable condition. The agent did survive the shooting."
Man Pleads Guilty To Making False Bomb Threat To "Endanger Wife's Citizenship" Application.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune <https://www.startribune.com/man-pleads-guilty-to-false-claim-that-his-wife-
planned-to-bomb-mall-of-america/572299992/> (9/2, Furst, 1.04M) reports a man who made a "bogus allegation
that his wife was planning to bomb the Mall of America pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of making a
false bomb threat." Vincent Togbe Konney entered his "guilty plea before US District Judge Nancy Brasel in St.
Paul." In his plea and documents "filed with the court, Konney admitted that on August 13, 2018, he wrote a
letter falsely accusing his wife of being part of a plot to bomb the mall in Bloomington." Konney sent the letter
to USCIS "to harm his wife, who was in the naturalization process at the time, the US Attorney's Office said."
Using a false name, "Konney claimed in his letter that while he was riding a bus, he overheard two women
EFTA00136629
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discussing a plot to blow up the Mall of America." The case was investigated "by the FBI and prosecuted by
Assistant US Attorney John Docherty."
WCCO-AM <https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/09/02/richfield-man-pleads-guilty-to-making-a-false-mall-of-
america-bomb-threat/> Minneapolis (9/2, 14K) reports the act was in "retaliation against his wife who was in the
naturalization process at the time." Officials "say Konney enclosed a photocopy of his wife's real Permanent
Resident Card and urged the government to halt a `terroristic threat' by deporting his wife."
KSTP-TV <https://kstp.com/minnesota-newskichfield-man-pleads-guilty-to-making-false-bomb-threat-at-mall-
of-america-to-deport-wife-september-2-2020/5849436/> Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN (9/2, 249K) reports his
sentencing date "will be set at a later time."
California Man In Plea Discussions Over Alleged School Threats.
The Charlottesville (VA) Daily Progress <https://dailyprogress.corn/news/locaUcrime-and-courts/federal-
prosecutors-defense-attomeys-look-for-agreement-in-school-threat-case/article_dd7296d4-49d3-53be-b283-
1f77dlaa62ec.html> (9/2, McKenzie, 94K) reports, "Federal prosecutors are working on a possible plea
agreement with the attorneys of a former Charlottesville man charged this summer with threatening to blow up
city schools if teachers were forced to go back into the classroom this fall." Lucas Isaiah Newton-Grant, 27, of
Rancho Mirage, California, "the son of a local school teacher, is currently free on $10,000 unsecured bond,
granted by the court at an Aug. 11 hearing, according to records in the U.S. District Court, Western District of
Virginia. Newton-Grant was slated to be indicted by Aug. 27 on the charge of communicating interstate threats,
but a federal judge granted a request from both the U.S. District Attorney's office and Newton-Grant's attorney
to continue the indictment requirement until Sept. 23."
Former UN Official Charged With Lying To The FBI.
The AP <https://wwvv.sfgate.corn/news/article/Forrner-UN-official-charged-with-lying-about-rape-
15538839.php> (9/2) reports former UN telecommunications specialist Karim Elkorany "was arrested
Wednesday on two counts of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents." He "resigned from the
U.N. in early 2018, a few months after FBI agents questioned him outside his home about a woman who accused
Elkorany of drugging and raping her in Iraq in 2016." The New York Times
<https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/nyregion/karim-elkorany-united-nations.html> (9/2, Weiser, 18.61M)
reports that the indictment said Elkorany "sexually assaulted or tried to sexually assault at least six women in
Iraq, Egypt and the United States, among other locations."
NJ News <https://www.nj.corn/news/2020/09/nj-man-lied-to-fbi-to-cover-alleged-drugging-and-sexual-assault-
of-women-feds-say.html> (9/2, 1.72M) reports that during a voluntary interview in November 2017, Elkorany
"told the agents that the statements made by the woman to the UN were false and that he had not used drugs with
the woman or provided them to her."
WNBC-TV <https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/fonner-un-employee-charged-with-
making-false-statements-to-cover-up-sexual-assaults-feds/2598446/> New York (9/2, 344K) reports that each
charge "carries a maximum sentence of five years each in prison."
Massachusetts Police Officers Charged With Overtime Fraud.
The Boston Herald <https://www.bostonherald.corn/2020/09/02/9-boston-police-officers-charged-with-stealing-
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200000-in-overtime-fraud-scheme/> (9/2, 410K) reports that nine current and retired Boston police officers
"have been charged with stealing $200,000 in a multi-year overtime fraud scheme, the FBI and US attorney's
office announced Wednesday." US Attorney Andrew E. Letting said in a statement, "These officers are charged
with stealing taxpayer money, year after year, through fraud. Beyond the theft of funds, this kind of official
misconduct also erodes trust in public institutions, at a time when that trust is most needed."
The Boston Globe <https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/02/metro/nine-forrner-current-boston-police-officers-
charged-with-overtime-fraud-us-attorney-lelling-says/> (9/2, 972K) reports that each officer "collected between
$16,000 and $42,000 in alleged fraudulent overtime pay over the three-year scam," and they "face up to 10 years
in prison on charges including conspiracy to commit theft, and embezzlement, aiding and abetting."
Continuing Coverage: FBI Supporting Investigation Into Texas Bomb Threat.
Reuters <https://wwvv.reuters.com/article/us-kindermorgan-pipeline/police-investigating-bomb-hoax-at-texas-
pipeline-construction-site-idUSKRN25T38E> (9/2, Seba) reports that the FBI is supporting a Texas investigation
into a device "made to look like a bomb placed at a construction site for a controversial natural gas pipeline" on
Tuesday. The bomb technicians "determined the device to be a fake."
Continuing Coverage: FBI Identifies Second Body Found In Washington State.
The San Jose (CA) Mercury News <https://www.mercurynews.corn/bodies-idd-of-men-missing-since-trip-to-
2019-concert-3> (9/2, 456K) reports that the FBI announced the successful identification of two bodies found in
Washington state last year. Jon Joseph Cleary and Josiah Michael Hilderbrand "disappeared in June 2019 as they
were driving through Yakima County in southern Washington to see the newest iteration of the Grateful Dead in
concert."
The AP <https://wwvv.usnews.corn/news/best-states/washington/articles/2020-09-02/bodies-idd-of-men-missing-
since-trip-to-2019-concert> (9/2) reports that the FBI "is investigating the cause of death," which local officials
"are treating...as a homicide."
Colorado Man Convicted On Gun Crime Charge.
The Pueblo (CO) Chieftain <https://www.chieftain.com/news/20200902/pueblo-man-guilty-of-gun-crime?
rssfeed=true> (9/2, 61 K) reports that a jury has "found Maximillian Zeferino Esquibel, of Pueblo, guilty of a gun
crime." He "was charged with being a felon in possession of a gun, a loaded AR-15 rifle."
FBI Investigating Whistleblower Deaths In Missouri.
The Daily Beast <https://vvww.thedailybeast.corn/james-bethel-and-gerrit-strydom-found-dead-on-route-66-road-
trip-after-quitting-enrc?ref=home> (9/2, 1.39M) reports that the FBI is investigating the deaths of James Bethel
and Gerrit Strydom, who "were found dead in their rooms at La Quinta Inn in Springfield in 2015." Local
authorities "announced at the time that the cause of death was cerebral malaria; however, the case was never
formally closed."
FBI Charges New Jersey Residents With Felony Drug Possession.
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The Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record <https://vvww.recordonline.corn/story/news/2020/09/02/police-
newburgh-respond-drug-dealing-complaints-community/5690341002/> (9/2, 147K) reports that the FBI Hudson
Valley Safe Streets Task Force announced Tuesday felony drug charges against Damaire Forrest, Dayshawn
Brown, Milton Delvalle, and Lamel Johnson. Police "said the operation was a response to community
complaints about open-air drug dealing."
Continuing Coverage: FBI Sting Results In 10 Arrests For Solicitation Of Minors.
The Bloomington (IL) Pantagraph <https://www.pantagraph.corn/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-
courts/sting-yields-10-accused-of-seeking-sex-with-minors/article_342af2ab-5b5a-53d3-8b41-
53bff2af6881.html> (9/2, 135K) reports that a FBI online sting operation "resulted in the weekend arrests of 10
men charged with attempted enticement of a child to engage in sexual activity." The suspects "used social media
to contact people they believed to be minors under age 18 with the intent of the meeting them to engage in sexual
activity," but no children "were involved."
Missouri Man Sentenced In Connection To Planned Parenthood Arson Incident.
KRCG-TV <https://krcgtv.corn/news/locaUsuspect-in-arson-at-columbia-planned-parenthood-sentenced-five-
years-in-prison> Jefferson City, MO (9/2, Smaltz) reports Wesley Brian Kaster "was sentenced in federal court
Wednesday for maliciously using explosive materials to damage a building owned by an organization that
receives federal financial assistance, and one count of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act."
The investigation said that he "had broken the glass front door of the clinic about 2:30 in the morning of Feb. 10,
2019, and thrown a `Molotov cocktail-type device inside the building.'"
Four Alabama Residents Charged In Connection To Homicide.
WAFF-TV <https://vvww.waff.com/2020/09/02/hartselle-police-set-release-update-anthony-sheppard-homicide-
wednesday/> Huntsville, AL (9/2, 39K) reports that the Hartselle Police Department has "announce[d] charges
against" Jaclyn Elaine Skuce, Aaron Carter Howard, Lajuhn Smart, and Logan Delp in connection to the death of
Anthony Larry Sheppard. The arrests "took investigators more than five weeks and they say the investigation
isn't finished."
New York Charges Six In Connection To Burned Bodies.
WENY-TV <https://www.weny.corn/story/42578465/six-arrested-in-24-count-indictment-following-
investigation-of-bumed-bodies-found-in-buffalo> Elmira, NY (9/2, 1K) reports Jariel Cobb, James Reed, Jahaan
McDuffie, Destenee Bell, Deandre Wilson, and Deshema Clark "have been indicted in connection to the case of
a 3-year-old boy found in a box on a Buffalo porch last September." The indictments "states that Cobb, Wilson,
and Reed are accused of obstruction of justice for burning the bodies of Miguel Anthony Valentin-Colon and
Nicole Marie Merced-Plaud, and mutilating and burning the body of Dhamyl Roman-Audiffred."
Georgia Man Sentenced For Methamphetamine Trafficking.
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WGXA-TV <http://wpa.tv/news/locaUcordele-man-sentenced-to-over-12-years-in-prison-for-meth-trafficking>
Macon, GA (9/2, Garrett, 656) reports DeMarcus Bell "was sentenced to serve twelve and a half years in prison
after pleading guilty in federal court" to charges of methamphetamine trafficking. The case "was investigated by
the Byron Police Department, Peach County Sheriff's Office, Perry Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff's
Office, DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and the FBI."
Two Men Sentenced To Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty In Drug Case.
The Rock Hill (SC) Herald <https://www.heraldonline.com/newillocal/crime/article245410625.html> (9/2, Dys,
89K) reports South Carolina residents Cravelyn Squilla Davis and Brandon Marquis Kimble have been
sentenced to 12 and 11 years, respectively, in federal prison. The sentences come after both men "pleaded guilty
to conspiracy to possess and distribute" fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as money laundering.
The DEA was involved with the investigation of this case, according to the Herald article and a similar CN2
(SC) <https://www.cri2.com/two-rock-hill-men-sentenced-to-federal-prison-on-drug-money-laundering-
charges> (9/2) report.
After Pleading Guilty In Meth Case, Montana Resident Sentenced To Eight Years In Prison.
The Fairfield (MT) Sun Times <https://www.fairfieldsuntimes.com/news/state/billings-woman-sentenced-to-8-
years-for-running-major-meth-ring/article_392127be-78a4-5b3a-a548-416b2bfle637.html> (9/2) reports
Montana resident Jamie Juwann Ady, who "pleaded guilty in October to possession with intent to distribute"
methamphetamine, has been "sentenced to eight years in prison." The Sun Times highlights that "the Eastern
Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force" was involved with the investigation that led to Ady's
sentence.
Man Pleads Guilty To Drug Charge In Latin Kings Case.
The New Bedford (MA) Standard-Times <https://www.southcoasttoday.com/news/20200902/forrner-leader-of-
new-bedford-latin-kings-pleads-guilty-to-narcotics-charge> (9/2, Standard-Times, 53K) reports FBI Special
Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta announced on Wednesday that Xavier Valentin-Soto pleaded guilty to a
conspiracy to distribute cocaine charge. The article says the "FBI North Shore Gang Task Force" was involved in
the investigation of the case against Valentin-Soto, who "admitted that he conspired with other Latin Kings
members and leaders to distribute cocaine and cocaine base in and around New Bedford." The Boston Globe
<https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/02/metrofformer-leader-new-bedford-latin-kings-pleads-guilty-drug-
conspiracy-charges/> (9/2, Stoico, 972K), the Springfield (MA) Republican
<https://www.masslive.corn/boston/2020/09/xavier-valentin-soto-a-former-latin-kings-leader-in-new-bedford-
pleads-guilty-to-drug-charges-in-federal-court.html> (9/2, Hanson, 395K), and the WBSM-AM
<https://wbsm.com/new-bedford-latin-kings-lieutenant-topples-in-federal-court/> Fairhaven, MA (9/3, 771)
website also cover this story.
Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty To Drug, Firearm Charges.
The East Haven (CT) Patch <https://patch.com/connecticut/easthaven/east-haven-man-24-pleads-guilty-drug-
gun-charges-feds> (9/2, 1.03M) reports Connecticut resident Jesus Manual Valle "pleaded guilty in federal
court" to "one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack, which carries a maximum
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term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking
crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentenced of at least five years." The Valle "case was investigated
by the DEA Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task
Force and the East Haven Police Department."
Financial Crime & Corporate Scandals
Utah Man Pleads Guilty To PPP Fraud.
The Gephardt Daily (UT) <https://gephardtdaily.cornflocaUsalt-lake-city-man-pleads-guilty-to-fraud-in-
connection-with-getting-ppp-loank (9/2) reports, "A Salt Lake City resident pleaded guilty to charges in a five-
count Felony Information in U.S. District Court Friday in connection with fraudulent representations he made to
get a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program." Michael Leroi Douros, 64, "was charged with two counts of
bank fraud, two counts of making a false statement to a bank, and money laundering in the Felony Information,
said a news release from the FBI Salt Lake City." The Daily adds, "According to court documents filed as a part
of his plea agreement, Douros made false representations to two banks in an effort to get a PPP loan for his
business, Epic Rentals UT LLC."
Michigan Man Facing PPP Fraud Charges.
MLive (MI) <https://www.mlive.corn/news/2020/09/michigan-man-allegedly-lied-to-obtain-31m-in-covid-relief-
funds.html> (9/2, 925K) reports that Michigan man Antonio George "is facing fraud charges for allegedly
stealing $3.1 million from a federal program meant to provide economic relief to small businesses during the
COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic." A criminal complaint "filed in the Eastern District of Michigan alleges that
he submitted false applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, which are provided by the Small
Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act."
Hometown Life (MI) <hftps://wwvv.hometownlife.com/story/newillocal/novi/2020/09/02ffeds-novi-man-netted-
millions-covid-money/5689615002/> (9/2, Vela, 67K) reports that George "was arrested Tuesday, when a
criminal complaint alleging a wire fraud count against him was unsealed in U.S. District Court, federal
prosecutors said in a report. The complaint alleges George successfully applied for COVID-Relief funding from
financial institutions on behalf of 19 different companies." Prosecutors "allege he would present false and
misleading documents about the companies' respective operations and payroll expenses." The Oakland (MI)
Press <https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/oakland-county-man-charged-by-feds-with-covid-19-relief-
scam/article_3a997b7a-ed16-11ea-a9ef-9ff1052d4193.html> (9/2, 95K) reports, "The case was investigated by
the Small Business Administration's Office of Inspector General and the FBI."
Sentencing Of Former Atlantic City, New Jersey Mayor Delayed For Sixth Time.
The Press of Atlantic City (NJ) <https://pressofatlanticcity.corn/news/local/former-atlantic-city-mayors-federal-
sentencing-delayed-for-sixth-time/article_34bda608-56c7-5278-a5b9-e43cacc9abfb.html> (9/2, Danzis, 177K)
reports, "A sentencing hearing for Frank Gilliam Jr. has been delayed a sixth time, without explanation, since the
former Atlantic City mayor pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud in October. Gilliam's sentencing has been
rescheduled for Nov. 11, according to court documents." The Press adds, "After pleading guilty to a single count
of wire fraud in federal court Oct. 3, Gilliam was originally scheduled to be sentenced in January. His sentencing
date has been postponed six times since then, and no official explanation has been given as to why. His most
recent sentencing date was Sept. 9." Gilliam "pleaded guilty to defrauding a youth basketball program out of
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more than $87,000. He resigned as mayor the same day, his position filled by former City Council President
Marty Small Sr."
Another Charged In College Admissions Probe.
The AP <https://www.latimes.corn/califomia/story/2020-09-02/more-charges-college-admissions-scandal> (9/2)
reports, "Another wealthy parent was charged Wednesday with trying to bribe his child's way into an elite
university as a fake athletic recruit, a day after two former college coaches caught up in the nationwide
admissions bribery scandal were hit with additional charges." Amin Khoury, 54, of Palm Beach, Florida and
Mashpee, Massachusetts, "in May 2014 paid $200,000 to get former Georgetown University tennis coach
Gordon Ernst to designate his daughter as a tennis recruit even though her `tennis skills were below that of a
typical Georgetown tennis recruit,' the U.S. attorney's office in Boston said in a statement." Khoury "is the 57th
person charged in the nationwide investigation. He's charged with mail fraud and bribery."
Reuters <https://www.reuters.corn/article/us-usa-education-cheating/b-e-aerospace-founders-son-charged-in-us-
college-admissions-scandal-idUSKBN25T2L5> (9/2, Raymond) reports that Ernst "has pleaded not guilty to
charges that he accepted bribes to help wealthy parents' children win admission to Georgetown as purported
tennis recruits. Khoury's attorney, Eoin Beirne, said he looked forward to rebutting the government's claims.
`His child's college application was completely accurate and contained no misrepresentations about being a fake
athlete or anything else,' he said."
CNN <https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/02/us/khoury-indicted-college-admissions-scatn/index.html> (9/2, Moghe,
83.I6M) reports, "Nancy Sterling, a spokeswoman for Khoury, said he had nothing to do with William `Rick'
Singer, the mastermind of the scheme who has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the federal investigation.
`There was no test or class cheating. His child's college application was completely accurate and contained no
misrepresentations about being a fake athlete or anything else. We look forward to this process to rebut the
government's claims,' Sterling said." Khoury "is the son of billionaire Amin J. Khoury."
Oregon Couple Who Scammed Elderly Victims Sentenced To Federal Prison.
The Oregonian <https://www.oregonlive.coinkrime/2020/09/happy-valley-couple-who-scammed-elderly-
victims-sentenced-to-federal-prison.html> (9/2, Bernstein, 1M) reports, "A Happy Valley couple who scammed
an elderly Tigard couple out of millions of dollars and then used the ill-gotten money to fund a lavish lifestyle of
travel, gambling, custom-tailored clothes, high-end cars and expensive cigars were sentenced Wednesday to
federal prison." Assistant US Attorney Donna Maddux "led the court through a photo and video display of the
couple's social media postings that showed them attending the Kentucky Derby, New Year's Eve parties in Las
Vegas and photos of their closets filled with designer brand shoes, suits, dresses and handbags." US District
Judge Michael W. Mosman "sentenced Ronnie Stevens, 51, to five years and 11 months, and Tina Ephrem, 44, to
five years in prison after they had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud."
US Charges Two In $12M Scheme Targeting Investors In Puerto Rico.
The AP <https://www.usnews.corn/news/us/articles/2020-09-02/2-accused-in-12m-scheme-targeting-puerto-rico-
us-investors> (9/2) reports from San Juan, Puerto Rico, "Two men who founded what authorities say was a fake
financial services company in Florida that raised more than $12 million from at least 150 investors in Puerto
Rico and beyond have been arrested, officials said Wednesday." Gary Steven Wykle, 72, and Alejandro Cones
Lopez, 58, "face charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of a 14-count federal indictment
following an FBI investigation." US Attorney Stephen Muldrow "said the suspects falsely told clients their
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investments in promissory notes would provide loans for companies including hotels and resorts in the
Dominican Republic and elsewhere. Muldrow and the Securities and Exchange Commission said more than $1.2
million of that money was used to finance Wykle's personal expenses, including shopping, travel, rent, food and
entertainment."
Trial Of Chicago Alderman Burke Could Be Delayed To 2020 Amid Pandemic.
The Chicago Tribune <https://www.chicagotribune.corn/news/criminal-justice/ct-edward-burke-corruption-
charges-trial-delay-20200902-m3fgepntn25gs5hvy4hopbjfouq-story.html> (9/2, Meisner, 2.65M) reports, "The
sweeping racketeering charges against Chicago Ald. Edward Burke may not go to trial until 2022 due to the
ongoing pandemic and what Burke's lawyers call a `staggering' amount of evidence yet to be turned over to the
defense." Burke "was indicted in May 2019 on 14 counts including racketeering, bribery and extortion
conspiracy alleging a variety of schemes where he used his powerful public office to pressure others into giving
business to his private law firm. A trial for Burke and his two co-defendants — 14th Ward operative Peter J.
Andrews and real estate developer Charles Cui — had tentatively been scheduled for mid-2021," but "during a
status hearing Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Dow as well as attorneys for both sides agreed that setting
a firm date for such a large-scale trial seemed pointless with so many ongoing issues yet to resolve. `I'd like to
give you all a trial date, but I'd like to give you one we think will stick,' Dow said."
Louisiana Man Sentenced For Running Ponzi Scheme.
The Monroe (LA) News Star <https://www.thenewsstar.corn/story/news/2020/09/02/donnie-laing-jr-sentenced-
ponzi-scheme-investment-fraud/5697142002/> (9/2, 64K) reports, "A Youngsville man received a three-year
sentence for a million-dollar Ponzi scheme orchestrated through a limited liability company." Donnie Laing, Jr.,
40, was sentenced by US District Judge Teny A. Doughty "on a charge of wire fraud. Laing received 36 months
in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $918,531 in restitution to the
victims of this scheme." Laing "pled guilty in March 2020 to wire fraud in connection with a million-dollar
Ponzi scheme that he orchestrated through his limited liability company, Capital Energy Investments, LLC."
Investors "were led to believe that Capital would use their money to invest in oil and gas equipment, and then
lease such equipment to companies engaged in oil and gas exploration activities for a profit, promising investors
high rates of return on their investments. Instead, Laing used the victims' investments for his own personal use."
Three Missouri Men Charged With Scamming Women Out Of $500K In Cash, Electronics.
KSDK-TV <https://wwvv.ksdk.corn/article/news/local/romance-scam-indictment/63-90b80ae5-6a2f-41a7-87f1-
8a34d262c787> St. Louis (9/2, Martinez, 493K) reports from St. Louis, "Three St. Louis men have been charged
with scamming women all over the country out of thousands of dollars in cash and electronics." KSDK-TV adds,
"A federal grand jury indicted 41-year-old Ovuoke Frank Ofikoro, 27-year-old Bonmene Sibe, and 27-year-old
Trenice Hassel Wednesday, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen's office. Ofikoro and
Sibe face several charges, which include conspiracy to defraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft, the
release said. Sibe and Hassel face charges of making false statements to a federal agency." According to KSDK-
TV, "Between May 2019 and July 2020, Ofikoro, Sibe, and other individuals ran a scam in which they pretended
to be high-ranking military officials who were deployed overseas, according to court documents. They preyed on
women between 45 and 82 years old."
Continuing Coverage: FBI Investigating Hurricane Recovery Fraud.
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WMBB-TV <https://www.mypanhandle.corn/news/fbi-bcso-question-springfield-leadersk Panama City, FL
(9/2) reports about the FBI and the Bay County Sheriff's Office investigation into hurricane recovery funding
fraud following Hurricane Michael. The investigation "has already resulted in five guilty pleas in connection to
corruption."
New Jersey Man Charged In Money Laundering Scheme.
The New Jersey Herald <https://www.njherald.corn/news/20200902/newton-man-charged-in-money-laundering-
scheme> (9/2, Comstock, 30K) reports, "A Sussex County man is facing time in state prison after authorities say
he laundered more than $75,000 in criminal proceeds from unknowing victims and deposited them in multiple
bank accounts in China." Robert J. Herburger, 60, of Newton, New Jersey, "was released from the Morris
County Jail on Aug. 28 by Sussex County Judge Michael Carlucci on the condition he not commit any new
offenses. His release came two days after detectives with the state Attorney General's Office's Division of
Criminal Justice were spotted at Herburger's York Street home for several hours. He is facing charges including
money laundering and receiving stolen property."
Iowa Man Sentenced For Bank Fraud.
KCAU-TV <https://www.siouxlandproud.com/newillocal-news/norfolk-cattle-feedlot-owner-sentenced-for-
bank-fraud> Sioux City, IA (9/2) reports Max Kant "was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison and will
serve a three year supervised release after his release from his initial prison term." The investigation began after
he "submitted to Security National Bank a fraudulent Live Cattle Purchase Contract between MK Feedlots and
what has been identified in the Indictment as Company A, wherein Company A purported to agree to purchase
4,000 head of cattle from MK Feedlots in June 2016."
Texas Man Pleads Guilty To Mail Fraud.
KTVT-TV <https://dfw.cbslocal.corn/2020/09/02/dallas-fraudster-pleads-guilty-ponzi-schemek Dallas (9/2)
reports from Dallas, Texas, "A Honduran man who conned investors out of roughly $2 million has pleaded guilty
to mail fraud following an investigation by the FBI's Dallas Field Office, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District
of Texas Erin Nealy Cox announced Wednesday." Jose Anibal Linares, 42, "was charged in October with one
count of mail fraud and two counts of wire fraud. He pleaded guilty to the mail fraud charge via video
teleconference on Tuesday." KTVT-TV adds, "According to plea papers, Linares admitted to running a Ponzi-
type scheme, luring investors into handing over `principal' that he later deposited in bank accounts at Wells
Fargo, Bank of America and Legacy Texas, then paying them `interest' from other investors' principal
payments."
Florida Grand Jury Indicts Businessman Over College Admissions Investigation.
The South Florida Business Journal <https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/09/02/varsity-blues-
jury-indicts-ma-exec.html> (9/2, Subscription Publication, 855K) reports that a federal grand jury "has indicted a
Palm Beach businessman as part of an ongoing college-admissions scandal." Amin C. Khoury "has been hit with
conspiracy and bribery charges, with prosecutors saying he sought to designate his daughter as a tennis recruit
for Georgetown University." Prosecutor "said the younger Khoury is the 57th person to be charged in the college
admissions scandal, which the FBI has dubbed `Operation Varsity Blues.'"
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Robinhood Markets Faces Civil Fraud Investigation.
The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/robinhood-faces-sec-probe-related-to-deals-with-high-
speed-traders-11599074891> (9/2, Michaels, Osipovich, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports that
Robinhood Markets Inc. is facing a civil fraud investigation from the Securities and Exchange Commission over
not fully disclosing its system of selling clients' orders to high-speed trading firms. If it settles with the SEC
probe, Robinhood could have to pay a fine over $10 million.
Cyber Division
Experts Say Schools Are Particularly Vulnerable To Cyber Attacks.
NBC Nightly News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/9b19a2200f394bd0bd2b4777d9f82881?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 7, 2:10, Jackson, 5.53M) reported that the Miami-Dade Public School system, "one of the
biggest school systems in the country," was "battling a cyber attack for the third day in a row" on Wednesday.
NBC (Sanders) added that these types of hacks are "a growing problem. Since August 4, EdTech Strategies has
tracked 56 new cyber security incidents at schools across the country. In the last four years, more than 950 cyber
attacks." According to experts, "schools are especially vulnerable because in this ramp up to virtual learning,
little money was earmarked for security." NBC added that "the FBI's cyber crimes unit has launched an
investigation," in to the Miami-Dade attack. They are "looking for digital fingerprints that could lead to a
suspect."
The AP <https://www.usnews.corn/news/best-states/florida/articles/2020-09-02/floridas-largest-school-district-
under-siege-by-cyberattack> (9/2) reports from Miami, "Florida's largest school district is still under siege by
cyberattacks that began Monday as students returned to school remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic."
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho "said in a tweet on Wednesday morning
that multiple attempts to disrupt online education have been made Wednesday morning, following two previous
days of cyberattacks. Carvalho said they haven't managed to penetrate the district's servers. He said the district's
security and safeguard measures have been successful so far and that the 200,000 students who've logged onto
the system have been asked to remain logged on." The FBI and Secret Service "have been called in to probe the
cyberattacks. They subpoenaed the school district's Internet provider."
Politico <https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2020/09/02/cyberattackers-target-miami-dade-students-
1314977> (9/2, Atterbury, 4.29M) reports, "The attacks began around 8 a.m. Monday, the first day of classes,
and continued throughout Tuesday, Carvalho said. The cyberattacks were still under way as of Wednesday
morning, but 200,000 students were able to log into classes." Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell on Wednesday
"requested an immediate briefing on the cyberattacks. 'We must secure the ability of our students to receive their
education, and it is imperative that I remain continuously informed on developments on the manner,' Mucarsel-
Powell wrote in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray."
WPLG-TV <https://www.local I 0.com/news/loca1/2020/09/02/miami-dade-schools-cyber-attack-investigated-by-
multiple-law-enforcement-agencies/> Miami (9/2, Vela, Solomon, 223K) reports, "More law enforcement
agencies are getting involved into investigating what and how the system was breached and who is responsible.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation told Local 10 they are assisting Miami-Dade Schools Police. We've also
learned that the United States Secret Service is involved."
FBI Has Revamped Hacking Response, Speed.
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Wired <https://wvvw.wired.com/sto/y/fbi-hacking-victim-notifications/> (9/2, Greenberg, 3.49M) reports the FBI
and the "community of incident response security professionals who often work with the bureau's agents says
the FBI has significantly changed how it communicates with hacking victims" since 2016. In interviews with
WIRED, FBI officials "described a bureau that has revamped its practices to warn hacking targets faster, and at a
higher level of the targeted organization." The improvements go "beyond warnings to state officials, says Mike
Herrington, the section chief of the FBI's cyber division." Herrington said, "I see a key change in practice and
emphasis, getting our special agents in charge keyed up to gain the full cooperation of potential victims." In
some cases, "says special agent Tyson Fowler, the FBI has developed a so-called `emergency lead notification'
process that bypasses the bureau's usual internal consultations and immediately notifies a cybersecurity-focused
agent in a field office who can warn a victim, hopefully before the hackers deliver their ransomware payload."
Colorado Man Sentenced For Moderating Dark Web Marketplace.
The AP <https://www.chron.com/news/article/Colorado-man-sentenced-for-moderating-dark-web-
15538356.php> (9/2) reports from Aurora, Colorado, "A Colorado man was sentenced to federal prison for
serving as a moderator on a global dark web marketplace that peddled guns, drugs and stolen identities." Bryan
Herrell, 26, of Aurora "was sentenced to 11 years by a U.S. District Court Judge in California Tuesday for his
role in operating AlphaBay." The Justice Department "said the now-shuttered online bazaar operated on the Tor
network and became the most expansive intemet market for drug sales. AlphaBay launched one year after the
FBI shut down the similar Silk Road network. Herrell used the online monikers Penissmith and Botah to referee
arguments between sellers and buyers and watch for scams, federal officials said."
Potential TikTok Bidders Consider Four Acquisition Options.
Reuters <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tiktok-bytedance-exclusive/exclusive-aspiring-tiktok-buyers-
pursue-four-options-in-effort-to-revive-tallcs-idUSKBN25T2IG> (9/2, Wang, Roumeliotis, Hu) reports TikTok's
prospective buyers are discussing "four ways to structure an acquisition from its Chinese owner ByteDance,
which include buying the app's US operations without key software, after Beijing stalled a deal which could be
worth $30 billion, sources said." Other options being considered, three sources say, "include asking for Chinese
approval to pass TikTok's algorithm on to the acquirer of the short video app's U.S. assets, licensing the
algorithm from ByteDance," or negotiating a "transition period of up to a year with the Committee on Foreign
Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which is overseeing the deal talks, the sources said. It is not clear
whether China's new rules would allow this in the time frame required." The fourth scenario involves
"ByteDance's licensing the algorithm to the buyer of the TikTok assets, the sources said. However, this could
worry CFIUS, which wants ByteDance to forego any relationship it has with TikTok in the United States."
The Christian Science Monitor <https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2020/0902/App-wars-TikTok-
aside-Trump-WeChat-ban-could-be-bigger-deal> (9/2, Tyson, 246K) reports that the specifics on how the US
government will carry out an executive order issued by President Trump banning WeChat's transactions in the
US "remains to be seen."
European Officials Targeted By Chinese Phishing Attacks.
Bloomberg <https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-02/chinese-hackers-targeted-european-officials-
in-phishing-campaign> (9/2, Drozdiak, 4.73M) reports a Chinese hacker group targeted "European government
officials, diplomats, non-profits and other global organizations in a phishing campaign designed to gather
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intelligence about global economies reeling from the pandemic, according to cybersecurity experts." In March,
hackers from a "group known as APT TA413 sent phishing emails mimicking the World Health Organization's
Covid-19 guidance in an attempt to lure victims into clicking on an attachment containing malicious code, the
cybersecurity firm Proofpoint Inc. said in a report Wednesday." It said the malicious email was sent to
"numerous entities involved with economic policy and forecasting within Europe." The same strain of malware
"was discovered in a phishing campaign in July targeting Tibetan dissidents, which the TA413 hacker group is
best known for targeting, Proofpoint said." The campaign's focus on "economic, diplomatic and legislative
entities in Europe suggests a momentary realignment for the Chinese hackers `to collect information on global
economies cast into upheaval as a result of Covid-19,' according to the report."
CISA Orders Increased Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reporting.
The Hill <https://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/514891-dhs-cyber-agency-issues-order-boosting-
cybersecurity-vulnerability> (9/2, Miller, 2.98M) reports DHS's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency (CISA) on Wednesday "issued a final directive requiring all federal agencies to develop and publish
cyber vulnerability disclosure policies." The directive, which is the "finalized version of a draft order published
by CISA in November, is intended to make it easier for the public to disclose cybersecurity vulnerabilities to
federal agencies and what types of communication to expect after reporting the issue." In a statement, CISA
Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Bryan Ware said, "Cybersecurity is strongest when the public is given the
ability to contribute, and a key component to receiving cybersecurity help from the public is to establish a formal
policy that describes how to find and report vulnerabilities legally."
Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Places "First Class Of New Feds."
Federal Times <https://www.federaltimes.com/management/hr/2020/09/02/cyber-talent-program-places-its-first-
class-of-new-feds/> (9/2, Bur, 118K) reports the Partnership for Public Service "announced Sept. 2 that its
response to the cyber talent deficit in the federal government has placed its first class of cyber-trained experts in
federal service." The Cybersecurity Talent Initiative has placed ten graduates "in positions across government for
a two year stint, after which those employees can apply for positions at the private company and become eligible
for student debt reimbursement." The program received 437 applications. The program is also "intended to
promote diversity in federal ranks and cybersecurity as a whole." The cohort is 60 percent African-American and
30 percent female. The first cohort partnered with the CIA, "Departments of Defense, Energy, Health and
Human Services, and Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Federal Election Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Office of Naval
Intelligence to place applicants in the first cohort, as well as Mastercard, Microsoft and Workday as private
sector partners."
ODNI Waivers For Huawei, ZTE Rule Expected To Be Rare.
National Defense Magazine <https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2020/9/2/regulators-issue-
huawei-zte-interim-rule> (9/2, Burnette, Cassidy, Clark, 163K) reports the Federal Acquisition Regulatory
Council recently "released an interim rule governing Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the 2019 National Defense
Authorization Act." The rule bans federal agencies from contracting with users of "all telecomm equipment or
services produced and provided by Huawei or ZTE, and video surveillance and telecommunications equipment
or services produced and provided by Hytera, Hikvision, or Dahua, or any subsidiaries or affiliates." This
prohibition applies "to all U.S. government prime contractors, whether domestic or international, including those
selling commercially available off-the-shelf items." The outlet says that where a contractor "sells the same
products or services to multiple agencies, the contractor must initiate the waiver request with the contracting
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officers in each agency responsible for the potential contract." Although Section 889 allows "an entity to receive
a national security waiver from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, we expect those waivers to be
rare."
Jewish Federation Of Greater Washington Reports Endowment Cyberattack.
The Washington Post <https://vvww.washingtonpost.com/local/jewish-federation-of-greater-washington-reports-
75-million-hack/2020/09/02/d894417c-ed3d-Ilea-b4bc-3a2098fc73d4_stoty.html> (9/2, Davies, 14.2M) reports
the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington reported a "hack that drained $7.5 million from its endowment
fund and funneled the money into international accounts." CEO Gil Preuss announced the hack "to employees in
a virtual call Wednesday morning, saying the initial attack targeted an employee using a personal computer while
working from home." The FBI is assisting "in an ongoing investigation of the incident, according to Joy Jiras, a
spokeswoman for the agency's field division in Baltimore." The attack targeted an agency "fund within the
federation's endowment, said Preuss, who declined to identify the agency, at its request." As of Wednesday, the
federation's "internal investigation had found that other agency funds and donor information remained
unscathed."
Laboratory
FBI Experts Testify At Homicide Trial Of Pennsylvania Man Whose Wife Vanished In 2012.
The Harrisburg (PA) Patriot-News <https://vvwvv.pennlive.cotri/news/2020/09/dna-traces-and-a-last-phone-call-
fbi-experts-testify-at-homicide-trial-of-man-whose-wife-vanished-in-2012.html> (9/2, Miller, 427K) reports,
"The DNA of a Cumberland County woman who disappeared in March 2012 was detected in blood stains on a
carpet, a rug and a knife police found in the home she shared with her husband, who is accused of killing her, an
FBI specialist testified Wednesday." According to the Patriot-News, "Examiner Charity Davis said male DNA
also was found on the knife along with the DNA of Rabihan Seiders. However, she said there was too little male
DNA present to identify the donor. Davis was among several FBI forensics specialists who testified during the
sixth day of the homicide trial of Hap Seiders, 66." Chief Deputy District Attorney Courtney Hair LaRue "claims
Hap Seiders killed his 53-year-old wife and burned her body in the fireplace of their Silver Spring Township
home. He was charged with homicide last year."
Law Enforcement Services
Law Enforcement In Ohio Aims To Curb Gun Violence With Operation Red-Zone.
The Toledo (OH) Blade <https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2020/09/02/law-enforcement-double-
down-gun-violence-toledo-operation-red-zonestories/20200902138> (9/2, Mester, Snyder, 88K) reports,
"Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are banding together in a concerted effort to reduce gun
violence through the Labor Day holiday weekend, but some residents are wary that the move could do more
harm than good." The Blade adds, "The campaign announced by Justin Herdman, U.S. attorney for the Northern
District of Ohio, and Toledo police Chief George Kral on Wednesday afternoon is a move designed to bring
federal charges against individuals illegally carrying guns. Anyone prohibited under federal law from possessing
a firearm who is found with one will be prosecuted in federal court pursuant to that effort, Mr. Herdman said,
and anyone who commits a violent crime or drug-trafficking offense while possessing a firearm will also be
charged federally."
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WTOL-TV <https://www.vvtol.com/article/newillocalkoledo-police-joined-by-fbi-atf-dea-to-combat-illegal-gun-
possession-labor-day-weekend/512-6dbcbf87-ac32-4498-b019-73621059eb84> Toledo, OH (9/2, Strock, 76K)
reports, "Toledoans can expect to see a large police presence over the holiday weekend, as the city has seen a
recent uptick in gun violence. Toledo Police Chief George Kral joined U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman at a press
conference Tuesday afternoon, with a stem warning for perpetrators of violent crime. `To the criminals and those
who seek to commit acts of violence in the city, if you continue to break the laws and abuse your fellow men and
women for your own selfish purposes you will soon find yourself behind bars in federal prison for a very long
time,' Herdman said." The city "will begin `Project Red Zone' this weekend. The aim is to crack down on gun
violence by first tackling the issue of illegal gun possession. Herdman explained that if you are prohibited from
having a gun and you possess one anyway, you'll be in the `red zone' and could face federal charges."
WEWS-TV <https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/operation-red-zone-will-bring-federal-agents-
to-pursue-gun-crimes-over-labor-day-weekend> Cleveland (9/2) reports that the operation "will take place in
Toledo, Youngstown and Canton over the Labor Day holiday weekend. `It's no secret that violent crime is up,'
Herdman said. ATF, U.S. Marshals, FBI, DEA agents will be out in force this weekend. `Be aware, if you choose
to use firearms to commit crimes, ATF and our law enforcement partners will be there, working to hold you
accountable for those acts,' said Roland Herndon, ATF Special Agent in Charge." WTOL-TV
<https://www.wtol.corn/video/news/local/tpd-federal-agents-crack-down-on-illegal-gun-possession-over-labor-
day-weekend/512-3f70a3dd-1520-49e7-b0a4-82463212e0dc> Toledo, OH (9/2, 76K) posts a video report on its
website.
More Nebraska Police Departments Participating In FBI Use-Of-Force Database.
KMTV-TV <https://www.3newsnow.corn/news/investigations/the-fbi-and-nebraska-now-track-use-of-force-
participation-is-optional> Omaha, NE (9/2, Van Sant) reports, "The FBI wanted to release its first ever
nationwide use-of-force database last month. But participation is too low." The program "is designed to track the
most serious use-of-force incidents by police: shootings and those that end in death or serious injury to a suspect.
'The opportunity to study use-of-force incidents and discuss their cause is hindered by the lack of enough data to
compile nationwide statistics,' says an FBI video promoting the program." KMTV-TV adds, "The Omaha Police
Department was one of the first on board, participating in the FBI's pilot program in 2018. OPD was the only
Nebraska agency that participated in 2019, according to the FBI. That's changed since Jan. 1, when the Nebraska
Crime Commission began collecting data that it passes along to the FBI. Since then, 109 agencies have
participated in the Crime Commission program."
International Relations
Mexican Officials Say Missing Los Angeles Firefighter Likely Victim Of Kidnapping.
The Los Angeles Times <https://ktla.corn/news/local-news/lafd-firefighter-reported-missing-in-baja-california-
likely-victim-of-violent-kidnapping-mexican-officials-say/> (9/2, 4.64M) reports, "A Los Angeles Fire
Department firefighter who has been missing for nearly two weeks is likely the victim of a 'violent kidnapping,'
according to the head prosecutor of Baja California, Mexico." Frank Aguilar, 48, "was last heard from on the
night of Aug. 20, when he went down to check on the condo the family rents out through Airbnb, according to
his two daughters." The FBI "got involved in his disappearance six days later." The Times adds, "Investigators in
Baja California say there were signs of violence at the condo. `We are working with technical personnel to
establish his last instance when his freedom was taken,' Hiram Sanchez, the head prosecutor, said. `We have
found a lot of evidence that leads us to believe this was an act of violence, nevertheless we have not determined
for sure this is what happened to him.'"
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Other FBI News
FBI Documents Reveal New Details Around Comey Firing.
Fox News <https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-comey-email-address-firing-fbi-document> (9/2,
Blitzer, 27.59M) reports, "New FBI documents from former special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia
investigation revealed details of the circumstances surrounding President Trump's firing of FBI Director James
Comey." The documents, "released in response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit from BuzzFeed News
and CNN, include redacted copies of `302' records, which detail interviews conducted by federal investigators.
Among them was an interview with an unidentified supervisory special agent who recalled the events of May 9,
2017. The agent recalled that at approximately 4:51 p.m. the White House asked for Comey's email address.
Events moved swiftly from that point on. `Upon being asked whether the Director's unclassifed or classified
email was needed, the White House representative advised [redacted] "it doesn't matter, just give us his email
address."' In response, Comey's unclassified, secret and top-secret addresses were sent over, the agent said."
Other Washington News
Trump Honors Veterans, Slams "Violent Mobs" In Visit To North Carolina.
President Trump's visit to Wilmington, NC, garnered largely favorable local coverage but received scant
attention from national outlets. Moreover, national coverage sidestepped Trump's message and focused narrowly
— and critically — on his suggestion to the crowd that they attempt to vote twice to test the security of the state's
election procedures.
The Wilmington (NC) Star News <https://www.stamewsonline.com/news/20200902/trump-in-wilmington-
president-honors-veterans-city-in-speech> (9/2, Nunn, 154K) reports "Trump said he was honored to be in the
presence of heroes on Wednesday afternoon as he stood in front of the Battleship North Carolina, speaking to a
group that included more than a dozen veterans of World War II." Said Trump, "We stand in awe of your service.
... In America we don't tear down the past, we celebrate our heroes," Trump said. "It is my tremendous honor to
officially designate Wilmington, North Carolina as our nation's very first World War II heritage city.
Congratulations to you all." The Star News adds "the group of veterans and other invited guests, including local
and state elected officials, stood as they clapped," and "it was not the only time a standing ovation was given
during the speech."
The Raleigh (NC) News & Observer <https://www.newsobserver.corninews/politics-
govemmentiarticle245421065.html> (9/2, Doran, Murphy, 425K) indicates the President "spoke for about 10
minutes, railing against `violent mobs' of protesters during recent Black Lives Matter protests and musing that he
could use the force of the federal government to put down those protests." The Washington Post
<https://www.washingtonpost.comielections/2020/09/02/trump-biden-live-updatesilffiidc-
2IOFVBH2ABCFXJLR5Q5FMOVC34> (9/2, Wagner, Sonmez, 14.2M) also reports the President "briefly
touched on the nationwide protests against racism and police violence." WWAY-TV
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/0c3e887a40a2467e886ea5eebc0fbe0d?pubid=fbi> Wilmington, NC
(9/2, 8K) showed Trump saying, "American warriors did not defeat fascism and oppression overseas only to
watch our freedoms be trampled by violent mobs here at home." WITN-TV
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/337ablebdfle46e994d4744ac3c419bb?pubid=fbi> Greenville, NC
(9/2, 24K) noted Trump also said, "We're not ashamed of our country. we're proud of our country, prouder than
we are of anything else. Our country is great. and we're gonna keep it that way, we're gonna keep our country
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great. Together we will remember America's towering victories."
Along similar lines, WRAL-TV
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/0ac9f7b1b8aa4ad4b2bd95ecflddcf9f?pubid=fbi> Raleigh, NC (9/2,
139K) indicated that the President "talked about other kinds of conflicts, the ones we're dealing with inside our
country today. He referenced American veterans when taking shots at those who do not stand for the flag, the
removal of statues, and recent destructive demonstrations." Trump was shown saying, "These people only know
one thing, and that's strength. That's all they know, strength. And we have strength."
To WGHP-TV <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/78aaed69eed54c3fb I 54632d7228c8f9?pubid=fbi>
Greensboro, NC (9/2, 32K), Trump "mainly talked about the role Wilmington and North Carolinians played in
World War II and honored veterans in the crowd and highlighted the pride he has for our country." Said Trump,
"With this designation we proudly declare that in America, we don't tear down the past, we celebrate our heroes,
we cherish our heritage, we preserve our history, and we build the future. This mighty vessel and this
magnificent town will forever tell that story with this designation. So, I want to just congratulate North Carolina
and Wilmington."
WECT-TV <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/908b4da2387f499085a328630c461034?pubid=fbi>
Wilmington, NC (9/2, 6K) also showed "a bit of what...Trump said to the crowd." Trump was shown saying
"There's no better place to mark this profound World War II anniversary than right here in Wilmington, North
Carolina. The people of this city and this state — and it's an incredible state-- and I want to thank you for being so
nice to me. You've been very nice. So very, very nice. Every time we've asked for something. But I've been nice
to you, also, I have to say that. But you made the extraordinary contributions to the war effort."
WJZY-TV <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/496123df4c644ec4b595d63cf890b8d1?pubid=fbi>
Charlotte, NC (9/2, 7K) reported that Trump's visit was "also an unofficial campaign stop. North Carolina a
battleground state with just two months left before the election." WTVD-TV
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/c14ef551147c4b7097e0988a8da7a3f8?pubid=fbi> Raleigh-Durham,
NC (9/2, 33K) reported, "North Carolina is expected to play a pivotal role in the presidential race.... I can tell
you that White House officials say...Trump will be coming here to North Carolina several more times leading up
to the election."
The AP <https://apnews.corn/89fIdebb5ce92997137255d733e52610c> (9/2, Freking) reports that in Wilmington,
Trump lauded "American strength and managing to squeeze in a swipe at" Joe Biden. White House Press
Secretary Kayleigh McEnany "had insisted earlier this week that there was no 'political purpose' to Trump's visit
to North Carolina. But when the president landed in Wilmington, Trump lost no time in criticizing Biden."
Trump Says He Is Winning North Carolina, Touts "Super-V" Economic Recovery. In an interview, WECT-TV
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/30dd9fa3c54a44de947987c6H271f7d?pubid=fbi> Wilmington, NC
(9/2, 16K) asked the President what he needs to do to win North Carolina again in 2020. Trump said, "I do
believe we are winning. I think we can say that without question you had the best year you've ever had in the
economy last year. We're now back. We had to close it up, we saved millions of lives. We're now back to a `V.'
Everybody said it couldn't be a `V.' It's more than a `V.' It is a `super-V.' The jobs are coming back. Nine million
last quarter, a record in the history of our country."
Trump Appears To Suggest Biden Less "Sharp" Than 97-Year-Old WWII Vet. The New York Post
<https://nypost.corn/2020/09/02/trump-claims-wwii-veteran-turning-97-is-sharper-than-joe-bident> (9/2, Nelson,
4.57M) reports "Trump on Wednesday said Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is less `sharp' mentally
than a nonagenarian World War H veteran." Referring to Wold War II veteran Hershel "Woody" Williams, the
President said, "I promised him I would not tell that he's 97 years old, I promised. I'll tell you, he's 100% sharp.
He's 100% sharp. I know a 78-year-old that's not so sharp, but he's 97, and he's 100%, because has nothing to do
with that — 78 is young. Depends who's 78, that's all."
NYTimes, Politico, WPost, USA Today, Axios Reports: Trump Urges North Carolinians To Vote Twice. Under
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the headline "Trump Encourages People In North Carolina To Vote Twice, Which Is Illegal," the New York
Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/us/politics/trump-people-vote-twice.html> (9/2, Haberman,
18.61 M) focused its reporting on the fact that "Trump on Wednesday suggested that people in North Carolina
stress-test the security of their elections systems by voting twice — an act that constitutes the kind of voter fraud
the president has railed against." The President "encouraged people to send in an absentee ballot and then go
vote in person on Election Day," saying, "Let them send it in and let them go vote, and if their system's as good
as they say it is, then obviously they won't be able to vote.... If it isn't tabulated, they'll be able to vote."
Politico <https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/02/trump-vote-twice-voter-fraud-408007> (9/2, Montellaro,
4.29M) headlines its story on Trump's trip to Wilmington "Trump Seemingly Encourages North Carolina
Residents To Try To Vote Twice," and notes the President "was responding to a question from a reporter who
noted that as many as 600,000 people could vote absentee in the state, asking whether he was confident in the
system." The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-vote-twice-
wilmington/2020/09/02/d5633260-ed73-11ea-ab4e-581edb849379_story.html> (9/2, Itkowitz, 14.2M) says
"intentionally voting twice is illegal, and in many states, including North Carolina, it's a felony," and USA Today
<https://www.usatoday.corn/story/news/politics/elections/2020/09/02/trump-suggests-north-carolina-residents-
try-vote-twice-test/5699548002/> (9/2, Santucci, 10.31 M) that "doing so deliberately is an example of the very
kind of voter fraud that Trump has spent months railing against."
To Axios <https://vvww.axios.com/trump-suggests-vote-twice-mail-in-system-test-nc-164276de-6fc8-45dc-9a59-
3832bdd6c9cd.html> (9/2, Falconer, 521K), "Trump's comments have shock value not only because he is a
siding president encouraging Americans to violate the law but because Trump himself has made such a talking
point out of his fears that mail-in voting could be susceptible to fraud."
Star News Analysis: "Some Wondering" Why Democrats Not Sending "Big Guns" To North Carolina. In a story
headlined "As Trump Crisscrosses North Carolina, Where Are The Democrats?" the Wilmington (NC) Star News
<https://www.stamewsonline.corn/news/20200902/as-trump-crisscrosses-north-carolina-where-are-democrats>
(9/2, McGrath, 154K) reports that Wednesday's "was Trump's second visit to the Tar Heel State in two weeks,
and third in three months.... Vice President Mike Pence also is no stranger to North Carolina, having made
several visits in recent months — and will be back on Thursday." The Star News adds "the GOP's full-court press
in recent weeks has left some wondering why the Democrats aren't deploying some of their `big guns' to
galvanize their base and drum up support for...Biden."
CDC Asks Governors To Prepare For Vaccine Delivery By November 1.
McClatchy <https://www.mcclatchydc.corn/news/coronavirus/article245406245.html> (9/2, Wilner, 19K) reports
CDC Director Redfield "sent a letter last week to the nation's governors with an urgent request" asking "them to
do everything in their power to eliminate hurdles for vaccine distribution sites to be fully operational by Nov. 1."
The letter "asked governors to fast-track permits and licenses for new distribution sites." The Washington
Examiner <https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/cdc-asks-states-to-prepare-for-vaccine-distribution-
before-election-day> (9/2, Morrison, 448K) notes Redfield wrote, "CDC urgently requests your assistance in
expediting applications for these distribution facilities...and, if necessary, asks that you consider waiving
requirements that would prevent these facilities from becoming fully operational by November 1, 2020."
Politico <https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/02/cdc-states-vaccine-distribution-407783> (9/2, Owermohle,
4.29M) reports "that timeline appears more optimistic than the one set by vaccine-makers," as "three
pharmaceutical companies have recently entered the final stage of clinical trials, which can take months," and
"definitive results about whether the shots work aren't expected until the end of the year." Axios
<https://vvww.axios.com/cdc-requests-states-covid-19-vaccine-distribution-9c609399-2d68-4f5f-bf5b-
45aa211e5ec8.html> (9/2, Fernandez, 521K) points out, however, that FDA Commissioner Hahn "said earlier
this week he would be willing to fast-track the vaccine approval process with an emergency use authorization
before phase 3 trials are over."
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The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/health/covid-19-vaccine-cdc-plans.html> (9/2,
Kaplan, Wu, Thomas, 18.61M) also reports that over the past week, both NIAID Director Fauci and Hahn "have
said in interviews with news organizations that a vaccine could be available for certain groups before clinical
trials have been completed, if the data is overwhelmingly positive."
In its lead story last night, ABC World News Tonight
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/3912fldbf9694a78b8d5db082 I cb483b?pubid=fbi> (9/2, lead story,
1:55, Llamas, 6.93M) sounded a skeptical note about the letter, saying it was "dated on the same day the
President promised a vaccine at the Republican convention." ABC added that "critics worry a vaccine might be
rushed, but the White House says the timing has nothing to do with the election." ABC World News Tonight
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/98c35bce9c214e57987fd49d8f71557e?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 4,
0:40, Victor Orquendo, 6.93M) later said "there's no evidence that a vaccine will be ready by November 1."
NBC Nightly News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/a974d992a1934118bef956091455dc9b?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 2, 0:30, Jackson, 5.53M), meanwhile, briefly mentioned the story at the tail end of a
segment about the "threat" of new infections over the Labor Day weekend. Said NBC, "The threat comes as the
CDC asked states like California to identify possible vaccine distribution sites, trying to get ahead of red tape
like permits in case a vaccine is developed this year." The Wall Street Journal
<https://www.wsj.corn/articles/trump-administration-asks-states-to-be-ready-for-vaccine-by-november-
11599075477> (9/2, Armour, Subscription Publication, 7.57M), New York Post
<https://nypost.corn/2020/09/02/cdc-tells-states-to-be-ready-to-distribute-covid-19-vaccine-by-nov-1/> (9/2,
Feis, 4.57M) and The Hill <https://thehill.corn/policy/healthcare/514815-cdc-asks-states-to-have-vaccine-sites-
ready-by-nov-1> (9/2, Wilson, 2.98M), among other news outlets, also report the story.
Fauci Predicts "Safe And Effective" Vaccine By End Of 2020. Fox News
<https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fauci-coronavirus-vaccine-end-of-year> (9/2, Phillips, 27.59M) reports on
its website that Fauci "predicted the US will have a 'safe and effective' coronavirus vaccine by the end of 2020."
Fox adds Fauci told <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.com/a8a93879edda485b8e199af64b4544-48?
pubid=fbi> NBC's Today, "I believe that by the time we get to the end of this calendar year that we will feel
comfortable that we do have a safe and effective vaccine." Breitbart
<https://vvww.breitbart.corn/clips/2020/09/02/fauci-cautiously-optimistic-well-have-coronavirus-vaccine-by-end-
of-2020/> (9/2, Key, 673K) reports, meanwhile, that Fauci also "said
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/5bfad3d57acf4762a61595ee4ef030bc?pubid=fbi> Wednesday on
MSNBC's 'Andrea Mitchell Reports' that by November or December, there could be a 'safe and effective
vaccine' for coronavirus."
In its lead story, the CBS Evening News
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.cofn/b87f45cad144475ab25776dfl ecba97rpubid=fbi> (9/2, lead story,
2:35, Carter Evans, 4M) cast Fauci as "sounding optimistic," and showed him saying, "I would not be
comfortable with a vaccine unless it was shown in a clinical trial clearly to be safe and effective."
Democrats To Hold Hearing On "Possible Political Interference." ABC World News Tonight
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/98c35bce9c214e57987fd49d8f71557e?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 4,
0:40, Victor Orquendo, 6.93M) reported that upon learning of the letter to the nation's governors, "Senate
Democrats are calling on the heads of the FDA and the CDC to urgently testify and answer questions about
possible political interference."
Along those lines, the Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/health/2020/09/02/fda-coronavirus-
vaccine-emergency-authority> (9/2, McGinley, Johnson, 14.2M) says "a fierce debate has erupted over whether
the Food and Drug Administration should use its emergency authority to clear a coronavirus vaccine before it is
formally approved — a move opponents warn could pose safety dangers and inflame anti-vaccination sentiment
but others say could save thousands of lives by speeding protection from the virus." The Post adds "Trump's
repeated promise to deliver a safe and effective vaccine this year, 'or maybe even sooner,' has become central to
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his reelection campaign and has sparked concerns in the scientific community in particular that the White House
could pressure regulators to cut corners."
Fauci, Birx Dismiss Claims Administration Pursuing "Herd Immunity."
Politico <https://www.politico.cotn/news/2020/09/02/anthony-fauci-rejects-herd-immunity-407747> (9/2,
Forgey, 4.29M) reports that on Wednesday, MAID Director Fauci "argued...that the United States should not
pursue herd immunity in its fight against the coronavirus — even as a top White House adviser has reportedly
advocated the strategy and President Donald Trump himself invoked it this week." According to Politico, "The
remarks from Fauci, who had been sidelined from most public appearances for two weeks following vocal cord
surgery, come amid Trump's elevation of a new health adviser," Scott Atlas, who is described by Politico as "a
physician with no expertise in infectious diseases or epidemiology."
Fauci was asked on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/652e2efff79040c2b867f5lee9a2cd03?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 1.2M) about
the Administration's policy toward herd immunity as a strategy to combat coronavirus. Fauci said, "That's not a
fundamental strategy that we're using. The fundamental strategy that we clearly articulate and go by through the
task force is to try to prevent as many infections as you possibly can prevent."
Reuters <https://www.reuters.corn/article/us-health-coronavirus-binc/white-houses-binc-denies-herd-immunity-
policy-under-consideration-idUSICBN25T2X9> (9/2, Klayman) reports that also on Wednesday, White House
Coronavirus Task Force coordinator Deborah Birx "dismissed the notion that the Trump administration was
considering a strategy of allowing Americans to become infected with coronavirus in order to reach `herd
immunity.'" At a briefing at a hospital in Michigan, Birx said, "Neither I, nor anybody in the Administration, is
willing to sacrifice American lives for herd immunity. We'll get to herd immunity through a vaccine and that's
the right way to do it." Reuters says Birx was "responding to news reports that [Atlas] had advocated for the
Trump administration to lift all social and business restrictions aimed at stopping infections from spreading."
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/us/politics/trump-scott-atlas-coronavirus.html>
(9/2, Weiland, Stolberg, Shear, Tankersley, 18.61M) profiles Atlas, who the Times says "has argued that the
science of mask wearing is uncertain, that children cannot pass on the coronavirus and that the role of the
government is not to stamp out the virus but to protect its most vulnerable citizens as Covid-19 takes its course."
According to the Times, "Ideas like these, both ideologically freighted and scientifically disputed, have propelled
the radiologist and senior fellow at Stanford University's conservative Hoover Institution into President Trump's
White House, where he is pushing to reshape the administration's response to the pandemic." The Times reports
that the President "has embraced" Atlas, as has Chief of Staff Meadows, "even as he upsets the balance of power
within the White House coronavirus task force with ideas that top government doctors and scientists like" Fauci
and Bin "find misguided — even dangerous — according to people familiar with the task force's deliberations."
Azar, Slaoui: Operation Warp Speed Is "Working" And Will Likely Succeed.
HHS Secretary Azar and Moncef Slaoui, chief scientific advisor to Operation Warp Speed, write in USA Today
<https://www.usatoday.cotn/story/opinion/2020/09/02/covid-19-developing-vaccine-operation-warp-speed-alex-
azar-column/5681364002/> (9/2, 10.31M), that "so far" the Operation Warp Speed (OWS) "strategy is working,"
and "it is...increasingly" likely to succeed. The strategy is to select "a diverse portfolio of vaccine candidates,"
conduct clinical trials, and manufacture "the vaccine candidates while still conducting the clinical trials." Two of
the vaccines, they add, "are already being manufactured at scale," while the other candidates "will soon begin
manufacturing" and "three OWS-supported candidates are in Phase 3 trials in the United States, and more are
expected...by the end of September." Azar and Slaoui conclude, "We are immensely encouraged by the progress
so far."
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WPost Analysis Details Criticisms Of Navarro's Role In Pandemic Response.
In a 2,900-word article titled "Tactics Of Fiery White House Trade Adviser Draw New Scrutiny As Some Of His
Pandemic Moves Unravel," the Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-
policy/2020/09/02/navarro-pandemic-coronavirus/> (9/2, Lynch, Leonnig, Stein, Dawsey, 14.2M) reports that
"amid the Trump administration's troubled response to the coronavirus pandemic," Director of Trade and
Manufacturing Policy Navarro has "refashioned himself as a powerful government purchasing chief, operating
far beyond his original role." However, according to the Post, Navarro's "harsh manner and disregard for
protocol have alienated numerous colleagues, corporate executives and prominent Republicans." The Post also
reports that "in a previously undisclosed incident, the White House Counsel's Office in 2018 investigated
Navarro's behavior in response to repeated complaints and found he routinely had been verbally abusive toward
others." Nevertheless, the Post says Navarro "remains unbowed, scorning critics inside and outside the White
House as disloyal and leaning heavily on his one true ally: Donald Trump."
Another FDA Appointee Ousted Amid Fallout Over Convalescent Plasma Announcement.
The AP <https://apnews.com/fe123eaff5652cb5c4cbb5f50558ec77> (9/2, Perrone, Foley) reports, "A second
Trump administration appointee has been ousted at the Food and Drug Administration in the wake of the
agency's botched announcement about an experimental therapy for COVID-19, which medical experts said
damaged the health regulator's credibility with the public." An FDA spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed
"that John `Wolf' Wagner, a political appointee installed by the White House earlier this summer, is no longer
heading the agency's office of external affairs." The FDA's announcement that it had granted emergency
authorization to convalescent plasma "triggered a backlash last week" after FDA Commissioner Hahn "was
forced to correct misstatements that inflated the potential benefits of the therapy." Medical experts and "former
FDA officials say Hahn tarnished the agency's reputation at the moment it's needed most: as agency scientists
prepare to decide whether upcoming coronavirus vaccines are effective and safe to be given to millions of
Americans."
NIAID Director Fauci was asked on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/652e2efff79040c2b867f5lee9a2cd03?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 1.2M) about
whether the Emergency Use Authorization on convalescent plasma to treat coronavirus was rushed. Fauci said,
"There was a lot of concern in the press that there was conflict between the guidelines that came out from the
NIH and the EUA, and as a matter of fact, if you read the EUA word for word carefully and read the guidelines,
they say the same thing, that there really isn't enough evidence for or against to recommend it, that it is not
considered the standard of care, and that you should be using clinical trials to ultimately get the definitive
answer."
Lamas: Insufficient Clinical Data For Efficacy Or Safety Of Convalescent Plasma. In an op-ed for the New York
Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/opinion/coronavirus-convalescent-plasma.html> (9/2, 18.61M),
Daniela J. Lamas, a critical care doctor, questions the Food and Drug Administration's "emergency use
authorization for convalescent plasma despite inadequate evidence." Lamas writes that possible treatments must
undergo clinical trials; "they are the gold standard to test a treatment's efficacy but have been scarce in the
pandemic." Lamas also criticizes the FDA's announcement because it makes clinical trials unfeasible, pointing
out that "if convalescent plasma is widely available and hailed as a major breakthrough, who is going to sign up
for a trial where a roll of the dice might leave the patient with a placebo?"
Federal Funding Helps New Virus Tests Come To Market.
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The New York Times <https://vvww.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/us/politics/covid-testing.html> (9/2, Lafraniere,
Wu, 18.61M) reports, "With the pandemic still raging as fall approaches, the government's efforts to support
development and deployment of a variety of testing methods are a rare if belated bright spot amid widespread
failures to contain the virus." The National Institutes of Health "said on Wednesday that it was providing nine
more companies with $123.3 million from a $2.5 billion pot of money allocated last spring by the stimulus bill to
support testing." However, "even as the government helps rush new tests to market, the administration continues
to issue conflicting — and sometimes flatly contradictory — messages about how many and what types of tests are
needed, when they should be administered and to whom."
More Police Officers Have Died From COVID This Year Than All Other Causes Combined.
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/business/2020/09/02/coronavirus-deaths-police-
officers-20201> (9/2, Ingraham, 14.2M) reports, "As of Sept. 2, on-the-job coronavirus infections were
responsible for more officer deaths than all other causes combined, including gun violence and car accidents,
according to the Officer Down group, which received a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for its work."
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund "reported a nearly identical number of covid-related
law enforcement deaths." The NLEOMF "also noted that fatalities due to non-covid causes are actually down
year-over-year, undermining President Trump's claims that law enforcement has become the target of a
dangerous assault by the radical left."'
Pelosi Refuses To Apologize, Says Hair Salon Owes Her An Apology.
The San Francisco Chronicle <https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Speaker-Pelosi-calls-salon-visit-a-
set-up-15538247.php> (9/2, Kopan, Swan, 2.67M) reports House Speaker Pelosi "declined to apologize
Wednesday for her visit to a San Francisco hair salon that was supposed to be closed under the city's coronavirus
pandemic rules, and suggested the business had tricked her." Pelosi "said she took responsibility for falling for
the `setup' to have her hair done inside the salon Monday. But the San Francisco Democrat said that if anyone
owes an apology, it's the salon." Said Pelosi, "I think that this salon owes me an apology, for setting me up."
Newsweek <https://www.newsweektoin/pelosi-says-salon-owes-her-apology-setting-me-after-footage-leaks-
her-indoor-appointment-1529293> (9/2, Roos, 1.53M) recounts that "when a reporter asked Pelosi if she
believed she owed the service industry an apology, Pelosi responded, 'I don't.'"
Two major network newscasts covered the story last night. ABC World News Tonight
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/bf209bf7b7f24d1384ff0919395c5868?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 13,
0:30, Llamas, 6.93M) reported Pelosi is being "accused of a double standard" after she was "seen getting her hair
down inside a salon in San Francisco, despite COVID restrictions keeping them closed. The owner releasing the
video." ABC added "critics say Pelosi getting her hair done while businesses are closed is an insult to struggling
owners." The AP <https://apnews.corn/869738c0741058eel2baaald946f3294> (9/2) recounts that "footage aired
by Fox News Channel shows Pelosi, her mask around her neck rather than on her face, walking through the
establishment." NBC Nightly News
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/4b362a5a12ce4d4d9d40f6772f982072?pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 6,
1:55, Kasey Hunter, 5.53M) showed Pelosi saying, "I just had my hair washed. I don't wear a mask when I'm
washing my hair. Do you wear a mask when you're washing your hair? I always have a mask. I always have a
mask."
The CBS Evening News did not report on the controversy last night, but on CBS This Morning
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/9b999255550841cc918a91178c742alb?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 2.37M),
Jamie Yuccas covered it as a humorous episode, saying Pelosi had a "bad hair day." However, Gayle King said,
"The optics don't look good."
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At any rate, the story generated significant coverage on local TV newscasts across the country. For example,
WBBH-TV <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/f030d6cb I 3d141feb90be26d3 f3cbd71?pubid=fbi> Fort
Myers, FL (9/2, 32K) reported Pelosi "has some explaining to do" after Fox News "released a photo of her
violation of the city's coronavirus lockdown."
WGHP-TV <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/6670bb7ac86c4a9fad234c36fd3fde9e?pubid=fbi>
Greensboro, NC (9/2, 29K) reported that Pelosi is "facing backlash after being seen not wearing a mask at a hair
salon. Security footage released shows Pelosi walking from room to room at the San Francisco salon, which was
supposed to be closed, while not wearing her mask. Reports say Pelosi's staff insisted she wear one while getting
her hair done but not while getting her hair washed. We're told the salon owner called Pelosi not wearing a mask
quote...'a slap in the face."'
WFMZ-TV <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/4109fd98b0a44958bd1324592723eee5?pubid=fbi>
Allentown, PA (9/2, 22K) said Pelosi is "taking some heat" over the incident. WFMZ added, "Under San
Francisco's COVID restrictions, salons can only cut and style hair outdoors. The video phone footage is
circulating of Pelosi inside the salon and she appears to have her mask pulled down not covering her nose or
mouth."
WJW-TV <hftps://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/b607168258a543c78fa2ae9b3900df07?pubid=fbi>
Cleveland (9/2, 74K) reported Pelosi "says it was all a setup." Pelosi was shown saying, "There is more to this
that I am not going into as to the motivation of a salon to say to me, yes come in and then they go from there. It
was clearly a set up. I take responsibility for falling for a set up by a neighborhood salon that I have gone to for
years, and that's really what it is."
CNN <https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/02/politics/pelosi-salon-visit-set-up/index.html> (9/2, Foran, Barrett,
Zaslav, 83.16M) reports on its website, "Fox News reported that the owner of the salon, Erica Kious, was angry
that Pelosi had broken the rules requiring such hair treatments to be done outdoors because of the pandemic."
The New York Post <https://nypost.com/2020/09/02/nancy-pelosi-refuses-to-apologize-for-salon-jaunt-says-she-
was-set-up/> (9/2, Feis, 4.57M) says that "in fact, it remains against San Francisco regulations for hair salons to
allow customers indoors, though they are free to conduct business outside.... Whether outdoors or indoors, both
clients and workers must wear masks at all times — a rule Pelosi was clearly caught on video blowing off"
Reuters <https://wwvv.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-politics-pelos/u-s-republicans-criticize-
pelosi-over-hair-appointment-idUSKBN25T3BM> (9/2, Zengerle) says that "under strict rules to combat the
coronavirus pandemic, hair salons in San Francisco were still prohibited from admitting customers on Monday,
when Pelosi had her appointment, although salons elsewhere in the state and across much of the country were
already open." USA Today <https://www.usatoday.corn/story/news/politics/2020/09/02/nancy-pelosi-says-she-
fell-setup-salon-amid-covid-restrictions/5696234002/> (9/2, Santucci, 10.3IM) indicates, meanwhile, "San
Francisco's coronavirus restrictions on salons and other similar businesses was amended on Tuesday, allowing
for hair appointments to be conducted outdoors only, with one customer at a time who must wear a mask (ear
loops rather than ties are recommended so as not to interfere with hair services)." Salons, however, "were still
closed on Monday."
To The Federalist <https://thefederalist.com/2020/09/02/mask-less-nancy-pelosi-visits-hair-salon-joins-long-list-
of-democrats-blowing-off-lockdowns/> (9/2, Justice, 126K), "Pelosi was exposed for attending a shut-down hair
salon in San Francisco Monday without a face mask while the business remains closed to the public." Pelosi
"joins a long list of Democratic politicians blowing off the very lockdown orders they've imposed on the
American people." Townhall <https://townhall.corn/tipsheet/guybenson/2020/09/02/pelosi-hair-salon-n2575476>
(9/2, Benson, 177K) reports that "sometimes, an image is so self-explanatory that it transcends the need for
extensive commentary," and "the footage of a mid-blowout Nancy Pelosi walking maskless through an empty
hair salon in San Francisco, where such salons are mandated to be closed due to the pandemic, truly speaks for
itself." The Fox News <https://vvww.foxnews.com/politics/pelosi-fights-back-the-salon-owes-me-an-apology-
for-setting-me-up> (9/2, Singman, 27.59M) website, The Hill <https://thehill.com/homenews/house/514856-
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pelosi-claims-she-was-set-up-by-san-francisco-salon> (9/2, Marcos, 2.98M), and the Washington Times
<https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/sep/2/nancy-pelosi-says-she-was-set-san-francisco-salonk (9/2,
Mufioz, 492K), among other news outlets also report the story.
Under the headline "Gall Of Nancy Pelosi: Salon For Me, Lockdown For You," David Marcus writes in the New
York Post <https://nypost.com/2020/09/02/gall-of-nancy-pelosi-salon-for-me-lockdown-for-youk (9/2, 4.57M),
"It turns out that one of the most serious side effects of the coronavirus lockdowns is abject hypocrisy." In an
editorial, meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.com/articles/madame-speaker-gets-a-haircut-
11599088944> (9/2, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) casts the Pelosi-hair salon saga as an exemplifying
wealthy liberals' elitist attitude toward the rest of the population.
NBC Nightly News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/4b362a5a12ce4d4d9d40f6772f982072?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 6, 1:55, Kasey Hunter, 5.53M) reported Republicans are "accusing Pelosi of hypocrisy."
Chief of Staff Meadows was shown saying, "They preach to the American people that it should be one way. Yet,
in private, when the cameras are not rolling, and in this case, I guess the cameras were rolling. It shows a very
different story."
Under the headline "Trump And His Allies Seize On Pelosi's Salon Visit," Politico
<https://vvwvv.politico.com/news/2020/09/02/trump-and-his-allies-seize-on-pelosis-salon-visit-407664> (9/2,
Forgey, 4.29M) reports that President Trump "piled onto...Pelosi on Wednesday, criticizing her for appearing on
video without a mask at an otherwise shuttered San Francisco salon where she got her hair done." The President
took to Twitter <https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1301145978096025601> to write, "Crazy Nancy
Pelosi is being decimated for having a beauty parlor opened, when all others are closed, and for not wearing a
Mask — despite constantly lecturing everyone else. We will almost certainly take back the House, and send
Nancy packing! ... <https://twitter.corn/realDonaldTrump/status/1301150012194332672> The Beauty Parlor
owner must really dislike Crazy Nancy Pelosi. Turning her in, on tape, is a really big deal. She probably treats
him like she treats everyone else...And she strongly supported a Kennedy who just lost in, of all places,
Massachusetts!"
White House Deputy Press Secretary Brian Morgenstem was asked on Fox News' America's Newsroom
<https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6186997322001?playlist_id=903354961001#sp=show-clips> (9/2, 896K) to
respond to the video of Pelosi, and he said, "It's the hypocrisy that is really offensive to people and she got
caught red-handed. The people know that people who say one thing and do another probably shouldn't be trusted
too much."
Salon Owner Reveals She's Receiving Death Threats. The Washington Examiner
<https://vvww.washingtonexaminer.coin/news/hurtful-san-francisco-salon-owner-decries-pelosi-accusation-that-
she-was-set-up> (9/2, Soellner, 448K) reports that Erica Kious, owner of eSalon, said
<https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6 18719077800 Pplaylist_id=5198073478001fisp=show-clips> in an interview
with Fox News host Tucker Carlson that Pelosi was not "set up," calling the charge "absolutely false." Kious
also said, "This isn't even political. I mean, she's been coming in there. It's the fact that she actually came in and
didn't have a mask on, and I just thought about my staff and people not being able to work and make money and
provide for their families." Kious also said, "I've been in that community for 12 years. Since this happened, I
have received nothing but hate text messages, death threats, they're going to burn my hair salon down. ... My
Yelp page is just unbelievable with bad reviews.... So that's hurtful, but yeah, I think I'm pretty much done
now." The Daily Caller <https://dailycaller.com/2020/09/02/erica-kious-tucker-carlson-esalon-nancy-pelosi-
lockdownk (9/2, Morefield, 716K) also reports the story.
San Francisco Chronicle: Pelosi Should Have Apologized. In an editorial titled "Pelosi's Salon Visit Was Not A
Good Look For The Speaker," the San Francisco Chronicle
<https://vvwvv.sfchronicle.corn/opinion/editorials/article/Editorial-Pelosi-s-salon-visit-was-not-a-good-
15538753.php> (9/2, 2.67M) writes that "of course," Pelosi "would prefer to change the subject. An apology and
an acknowledgment that few if any of her constituents not named Nancy Pelosi would have been invited into the
salon in violation of city rules - setup or not — might have helped calm the kerfuffle. Instead, she kept it alive for
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another news cycle."
Ernst Backtracks After Suggesting Coronavirus Figures Are Inflated.
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/us/politics/Joni-ernst-Covid-deaths.html> (9/2,
Gabriel, 18.61 M) reports Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on Monday "echoed a debunked conspiracy theory that Covid-
19 deaths were being greatly inflated and suggested that health care providers had a financial motive to falsify
cases." Ernst "said she was `so skeptical' of the government's national statistics about virus fatalities during a
visit on Monday to Waterloo, a city in northeast Iowa." On Wednesday, Ernst backtracked on "her skepticism
over the death toll." She said, "Over 180,000 Americans have died because of COVID-19. What matters is that
we are getting the resources to Iowa that are needed to fight this virus and continuing to support our health care
workers on the front lines, and that's what I'm focused on."
Coronavirus Cases Rising In Midwest.
On the CBS Evening News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/87aa341bbcba48959790399e9e5be2c5?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 2, 1:20, O'Donnell, 4M), Carter Evans reported that "coronavirus cases are surging out of
control" in South Dakota and in Iowa. And "even states where numbers are declining are seeing a disturbing
trend."
First Coronavirus Death Tied To Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Reported In Minnesota.
The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/09/02/sturgis-rally-death-coronavirus/>
(9/2, Shammas, Sun, I4.2M) reports, "A Minnesota biker who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has died of
covid-19 — the first fatality from the virus traced to the 10-day event that drew more than 400,000 to South
Dakota." The victim was "in his 60s, had underlying conditions and was hospitalized in intensive care for several
weeks after returning from the rally, said Kris Ehresmann, infectious-disease director at the Minnesota
Department of Health." According to the Post, a little over two weeks "after the conclusion of the rally, the
Midwest and the Dakotas in particular are seeing a spike in coronavirus cases even as infections decline or
plateau in the rest of the country."
Health Officials Urge Americans To Take Precautions Over Labor Day Weekend.
ABC World News Tonight <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/af7f6b18633640c5bdae6481095f4ed8?
pubid=fbi> 's (9/2, story 3, 0:35, Llamas, 6.93M) Victor Oquendo reported, "As the country heads into Labor
Day weekend, doctors are warning about the risks." NBC Nightly News
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/d1b4e05ddb7f47768a87d51ed022ca6b?pubid=fbi> (9/2, lead story,
2:05, Jackson, 5.53M) reported that Labor Day presents "a possible turning point" in the battle against the
coronavirus, as "experts predict if people don't follow the precautions this weekend, our progression against the
pandemic might evaporate with an end-of-summer spike." NBC's Miguel Almaguer added that ahead of the
holiday weekend, US health officials are "sounding the alarm." White House Coronavirus Task Force
coordinator Deborah Bin and NIAID Director Fauci were shown "warning Americans need to take personal
responsibility before making plans for Labor Day."
Fauci said on NBC's Today <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/7980ac070bda431e93e948668eb6fc7b?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, I.49M) that "when you have a holiday like Labor Day, we have seen after the Fourth of July,
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we saw after Memorial Day, a surge in cases. Wear a mask, keep social distancing, avoid crowds. You can avoid
those kind of surges. You don't want to be someone who's propagating the outbreak. You want to be part of the
solution, not part of the problem." He said, "What I would really like to see is kind of a full court press to get us
way down as a baseline, so that when you get these cases in the fall, they won't surge up. They'll be
controllable."
Fauci said on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/652e2efff79040c2b867f5lee9a2cd03?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 1.2M) that
"we're right around 40,000 new cases, that's an unacceptably high baseline, we've got to get it down. I'd like to
see it 10,000 or less — hopefully less." He said, "We've got to impress upon people, and I'd like to do that now,
that it's not only an individual responsibility, it's a societal responsibility" and "if we do that, I think that we can
get through this weekend without seeing a surge."
On the CBS Evening News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/0237e8d67ec9492bb774f229bbb3687f?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 3, 0:45, O'Donnell, 4M), Carter Evans reported that "to make matters worse, a massive
heat wave is expected to hit southern California this weekend. That means even more people will head to the
coast to cool off" Santa Cruz is "already closing beaches for the holiday weekend" and Los Angeles County is
"also prepared to close beaches."
Depression, Anxiety Rising Sharply During Pandemic, Research Indicates.
The AP <https://apnews.corn/208872f1d9fa3a3f3b50a4a902132124> (9/2, Tanner) reports a new study by
researchers at Boston University indicates that "half of U.S. adults surveyed reported at least some signs of
depression, such as hopelessness, feeling like a failure or getting little pleasure from doing things." That
response is "double the rate from a different survey two years ago." The findings "echo research from China
early in the outbreak, and studies done during the Ebola and SARS crises and after major hurricanes and 9/11,
said lead author Dr. Sandro Galea, a BU public health expert." The research was published in JAMA Network
Open.
State Education Officials Push Back On Trump Effort To Teach "American Exceptionalism."
The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/trump-american-exceptionalism-
history-plan-knocked/> (9/2, Al, Vondracek, 492K) reports that while President Trump "is advocating for the
teaching of `American exceptionalism' is U.S. classrooms," education officials "in states such as Virginia and
California are pushing back with curricula in high schools that examine the country's troubled past with slavery,
American Indian conflicts, anti-Semitism and Latin immigration. The opposing viewpoints set the scene for a
battle over what is taught in American history classes, and how — given that education has long been the province
of state and local authorities, not the federal government."
Fauci: College Students Should Stay On Campus.
ABC World News Tonight <hftps://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/75ecb86c898847b89dd7d06f7d38df28?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 2, 1:10, Oquendo, 6.93M) reported, "Colleges are quarantining thousands of students
across the country." While some schools, "like North Carolina State and James Madison are sending students
home," NIAID Director Fauci "warns it's the wrong approach."
Fauci said in a taped interview shown on NBC's Today
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/3073b1dc05c94e7d8a0ce7e928fcb6d0?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 3M), "It's
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the worst thing you could do. Keep them at the university in a place that's sequestered enough from the other
students, but don't have them go home. Because they could be spreading it in their home state." Fauci said on
MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/652e2efff79040c2b867f5lee9a2cd03?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 1.2M) that
"we don't want to see college students who get infected get sent home to essentially seed the infection in the
community where they live."
Superintendent Expresses Concern As Texas School Reopens.
The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/texas-school-reopens-coronavirus-11599072008> (9/2,
Al, Hobbs, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) cites the public charter school International Leadership of Texas-
College Station, which was one of the first schools in the country to reopen to in-person learning of the
difficulties of reopening during the pandemic. The Journal outlines safety steps the school has taken including
temperature checks, social distancing, a mask requirement, but adds that the Superintendent Eddie Conger still
says he is concerned.
USPS Has Paid DeJoy's Former Company $286M Over Past Seven Years.
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/us/politics/louis-dejoy-usps-paid.html> (9/2,
Broadwater, Edmondson, 18.61M) reports, "The United States Postal Service has paid about $286 million over
the past seven years to XPO Logistics, the former employer of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy." He continues
to hold "at least a $30 million stake in the company, which has ramped up its business with the Postal Service
since he took the helm at the agency." The numbers, "obtained by The New York Times from a public records
request, shed new light on the extent to which the company where Mr. DeJoy was a top executive — and in which
he still has a substantial amount of money invested — is intertwined with the agency he now runs, fueling
questions about a potential conflict of interest."
Wolkoff Says First Lady Used Personal Email For Official Business.
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/us/politics/melania-trump-emails.html> (9/2,
Shear, 18.61M) reports that Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who served as First Lady Melania Trump's senior
adviser and "had previously been a close friend," alleges that the First Lady "used a personal email account and
encrypted messaging apps like Signal to conduct government business." Wolkoff claims she and the First Lady
"did not use official White House email accounts when they communicated frequently about official topics."
Morgenstern: "No Merit" To Reports Trump Suffered Mini-Strokes.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Brian Morgenstern was asked on Fox News' America's Newsroom
<https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6186997322001?playlist_id=903354961001#sp=show-clips> (9/2, 896K) to
respond to reports that President Trump suffered mini-strokes and received treatment at the Walter Reed Medical
Center. Morgenstern said, "It's amazing what certain people will stoop to, to just make up events that didn't
happen," adding "There's literally no merit to this notion that the President was suffering from any difficulties."
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/us/politics/trump-health.html> (9/2, Baker,
18.61 M) reports in an analysis that "recent questions about [Trump's] mental and physical condition have sent
him into paroxysms of pique. They have complicated his own efforts to question the health of his challenger and
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fellow septuagenarian, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr." The Times says that in "denying that he had
`mini-strokes' last year," Trump "only raised more questions when he could not keep his explanations for that
hospital visit straight."
Controversial Drilling Projects Among Those Fast Tracked Following Trump Order.
The Hill <https://thehill.corn/policy/energy-environment/514809-major-drilling-projects-among-dozens-fast-
tracked-after-trump-order> (9/2, Beitsch, Frazin, 2.98M) reports that "controversial oil drilling projects in
Alaska's pristine reserves" benefited from President Trump's June order "waiving environmental reviews to
speed construction." The Hill says oil development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and National
Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) are among "the 21 fossil fuel and mining projects the Interior Department
has forwarded with reduced environmental scrutiny due to the June order." In a statement, Interior spokesperson
Conner Swanson said projects have been "needlessly paralyzed by federal red tape. ... The Trump Administration
has taken significant steps to improve the federal government's decision-making process, while also ensuring
that the environmental consequences of proposed projects are thoughtfully analyzed."
Air Force Moves Toward Creating A Supersonic Air Force One.
The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/pentagon-takes-first-step-toward-
building-superson/> (9/2, Wolfgang, 492K) reports that the Air Force has "awarded a contract to the aviation
firm Exosonic to begin developing a presidential aircraft that can travel at supersonic speeds." The award, which
is reportedly worth $1 million, "will fund work to `modify' Exosonic's existing plans for a supersonic
commercial plane into a proposal for a presidential-grade aircraft." According to Boeing, the current version of
Air Force One, a Boeing 747-200B series aircraft, "can travel at a maximum speed of .84 mach, according to
Boeing. Dramatically increasing that speed could fundamentally change the nature of presidential travel and
make international trips much quicker and easier."
Barr: Mail-In Voting "Fraught With The Risk Of Fraud And Coercion."
Attorney General Barr said on CNN
<https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/bdb829518ee344198498b1879196521d?pubid=fbi> (9/2, 2.25M)
that "the fundamental problem" with mail-in voting "is the bipartisan committee chaired by Jimmy Carter and
James Baker said back in 2009 that mail-in voting is fraught with the risk of fraud and coercion." Barr said,
"Since that time, there have been in the newspapers, academic studies saying it is open to fraud and coercion.
The only time the narrative changed is after this Administration came in."
NYTimes Examines "Democrats' Doomsday Scenario." Trip Gabriel writes in the New York Times
<https://www.nytimes.coln/2020/09/02/us/politics/voting-election-day.html> (9/2, 18.61M) about "Democrats'
Doomsday Scenario for Election Night" — early results showing President Trump ahead, leading him to declare
victory "before heavily Democratic mail-in votes, which he has falsely linked with fraud, are fully counted."
Twelve states currently "do not allow mail-in ballots to be processed before Election Day, including the
battlegrounds of Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin."
The CBS Evening News <https://playvideo.bulletinintelligence.corn/2317401307aab4cacbc5792583d2e890d?
pubid=fbi> (9/2, story 6, 0:40, O'Donnell, 4M) reported, "The potential for unrest around the election is a
concern for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. In an exclusive interview with Gayle King, Zuckerberg warns
what could happen if one candidate declares victory prematurely." Zuckerberg: "We're going to take this
seriously and make sure that people aren't declaring victory and saying that any ongoing counting of votes is
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evidence of a rigged election or anything like that."
Rich Lowry of Politico <hftps://vvww.politico.corn/news/magazine/2020/09/02/democrats-mail-in-voting-
407939> (9/2, 4.29M) writes, "Mail-in voting has, like many things in our politics, taken on the aspect of tribal
warfare.... Trump shouldn't be trying to delegitimize the process, a point that journalists have often made,
rightly. Yet there hasn't been enough focus on the other side of equation: Does it make sense for Democrats to be
such fervent boosters of a process that may lead to a historic number of votes cast in a presidential election not
counting?" Karl Rove writes in the Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/what-could-go-wrong-on-
election-day-11599087053> (9/2, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) that several days without a clear victor in the
presidential race could result in extended controversy and doubts about the legitimacy of the ultimate winner.
Groups Plan Campaign To Bolster Faith In Integrity Of Results. Reuters <https://www.reuters.corn/article/us-
usa-election-contested-exclusive/exclusive-bipartisan-campaign-aims-to-reassure-u-s-voters-as-trump-questions-
election-integrity-idUSICBN25T1HV> (9/2, Reid) reports, "At least a dozen groups are planning a large-scale,
bipartisan public relations campaign to counter any attempt" by President Trump to "cast doubt on the integrity
of the November election or dispute the result should he lose." The National Task Force on Election Crises "is
contacting leading politicians from both major parties, military figures, star athletes, faith leaders and business
executives, asking them to reassure voters about the integrity of the election result if chaos ensues."
Audit: 68,000 Pieces Of Election Mail "Sat Untouched" At Baltimore Facility Before Primary. The Baltimore
Sun <https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-postal-service-baltimore-audit-20200902-
23yhohiebnaw3ipzpgi57qoqpu-story.html> (9/2, Opilo, I.33M) reports an audit of US Postal Service
performance during the Maryland primary election season "has found 68,000 pieces of political mail sat
untouched at a Baltimore mail processing facility for five days ahead of the June 2 primary. The audit published
Monday says the mail, sent on May 12, `sat unprocessed' for five days before being discovered by management
at the facility."
International News
US To Contribute Funds For Some WHO Programs Despite Withdrawal.
Bloomberg <https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-02/u-s-will-fund-some-who-programs-despite-
trump-s-withdrawal?smd—premium> (9/2, Wadhams, 4.73M) reports President Trump has "agreed to contribute
$108 million to the World Health Organization to fight Covid-19, polio, flu and other diseases in vulnerable
countries, even as the U.S. prepares to withdraw from the institution he blames for early missteps in the
coronavirus pandemic." The decision "represents a victory for administration moderates who had argued the U.S.
would imperil the lives of millions of people and undercut its own national security interests if it followed
through with Trump's order, made in April, to halt all funding for the WHO." The move is "a recognition that no
other group has the infrastructure or government relationships to fight polio or coronavirus in the countries at
risk."
WPost: Trump's Refusal To Join Global Vaccine Effort Leaves America "Isolated And Weak." The Washington
Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/opinions/trumps-refusal-to-join-a-global-vaccine-effort-epitomizes-an-
america-thats-isolated-and-weakJ2020/09/02/f64c23c6-ed44-11ea-99a1-71343d03bc29_stouy.html> (9/2, 14.2M)
editorializes that President Trump's "refusal to join a global vaccine effort organized in part by the World Health
Organization is yet another example of America isolated and weak." In the past, the United States would "gladly
embrace such a program as an expression of leadership and lofty ideals — why generations looked to America as
a beacon of hope." But Trump's "America First" is "a prescription for retreat from the world, an approach that
leaves the United States more isolated and vulnerable than ever before."
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US Consulting Firm With Ties Chinese Communist Party Received PPP Loan.
The Daily Caller <https://dailycaller.com/2020/09/02/coronavirus-ppp-china-propagandak (9/2, Ross, 716K)
reports, "An American consulting firm that serves as a propagandist for Beijing received loans of up to $350,000
each under the coronavirus relief program, government documents show." An analysis of a federal database
shows that BLJ Worldwide received a loan worth between $150,000 and $350,000 through the Paycheck
Protection Program. The firm "received $144,000 from the Chinese embassy and $313,200 from the China-U.S.
Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) from Jan. 1 through June 30, according to a disclosure BLJ Worldwide filed
with the Justice Department this week under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which was enacted in
1938 to counter Nazi propaganda."
South Korea Struggling With Second Wave Of Coronavirus Infections.
The New York Times <hftps://www.nytimes.com./2020/09/02/world/asia/south-korea-covid-19.html> (9/2, Sang-
Hun, 18.61M) reports "South Korea is struggling with a second wave of [coronavirus] infections, and its strategy
seems as precarious as ever." A new wave of the virus "is spreading from the populous Seoul metropolitan area
and through people deeply suspicious of President Moon Jae-in's epidemiological efforts." Further complicating
the situation, "some of the government's strongest allies in the fight against COVID-19, young doctors, have
turned against Mr. Moon...unhappy with his medical reform program." Moon said recently, "Our quarantine
strategy, once considered a model to follow in the rest of the world, is suddenly faced with a crisis. ... The whole
nation is in a difficult situation. The people's lives are crumbling."
Soldier To Receive Medal Of Honor For Rescuing Hostages From ISIS.
The AP <https://apnews.corn/Ofd2ac443f7efa26ff99484d1d3d28ca> (9/2, Laporta) reports, "An American soldier
who helped rescue about 70 hostages set to be executed by Islamic State militants in Iraq has been approved to
receive the Medal of Honor for actions during a daring 2015 raid ... Sgt. Maj. Thomas `Patrick' Payne, a Ranger
assigned to the US Army's Special Operations Command, will receive the US military's highest honor for valor
in combat in a White House ceremony set to be held on the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks."
US Sanctions International Criminal Court Officials.
Reuters <https://www.reuters.corn/article/us-usa-icc-sanctions/u-s-blacklists-icc-prosecutor-over-afghanistan-
war-crimes-probe-idUSKEN25T2DX> (9/2, Psaledakis, Nichols) reports the US on Wednesday imposed
sanctions "on International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said,
over her investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan." Pompeo also "said
Phakiso Mochochoko, the head of the ICC's Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division, had also
been blacklisted under sanctions authorized by President Donald Trump in June that allow for asset freezes and
travel bans." Pompeo also "said that individuals and entities that continue to materially support Bensouda and
Mochochoko would risk exposure to sanctions as well." The ICC has dismissed the measures as "another attempt
to interfere with the court's judicial and prosecutorial independence" and said in a statement that it stands by the
work of its staff.
CNN <https://www.cnntotn/2020/09/02/politics/us-icc-sanctions/index.html> (9/2, Hansler, 83.16M) reports the
sanctions are the Trump Administration's "most aggressive move yet to try to deter an ICC investigation into
possible war crimes by US military and intelligence officials." Pompeo said, "Additionally, the State Department
has restricted the issuance of visas for certain individuals involved in the ICC's efforts to investigate US
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personnel."
The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/u-s-imposes-sanctions-on-international-criminal-court-
officials-11599073486> (9/2, Talley, McBride, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports the Treasury
Department added the two ICC officials to its blacklist under a June executive order saying the ICC's work
threatens US officials and national security.
Afghanistan To Include Mother's Names On National ID Cards.
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/world/asia/afghanistan-id-mothers-names.html>
(9/2, Mashal, Rahim, 18.61M) reports, "Afghan citizens will soon have their mothers' names printed along with
their fathers' on their national identification cards, the government said on Tuesday, after years of campaigning
by activists to do away with the shame associated with female names in public." The move is "seen as a small
boost for women's rights at a time when the future of women's role in Afghan society hangs in the balance amid
imminent government negotiations over a power-sharing deal with the Taliban." However, "while Afghan social
media has been full of celebration since Tuesday over the announced change, many also feared that its
introduction would deter people in conservative rural areas from registering for the national identity cards."
Biegun Warns Putin Against Deploying Troops To Belarus.
The Washington Examiner <https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/pompeo-
aide-warns-putin-of-substantial-consequences-if-russian-forces-enter-belarus> (9/2, Gehrke, 448K) reports,
"Russian President Vladimir Putin will face `substantial consequences' if he deploys forces into Belarus to help
beleaguered autocrat Alexander Lukashenko control the mass protests against his rule, a top American diplomat
warned." Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said, "There would be substantial consequences for the
relationship between Russia and the United States, between Russia and Europe. The last four years has been very
challenging for US-Russian relations, but it is possible that it could be worse."
State Department Imposes New Restrictions On Chinese Diplomats In US.
Reuters <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-diplomats/u-s-to-require-approvals-on-work-of-chinese-
diplomats-in-america-idUSKBN25T2CY> (9/2, Pamuk, Brunnstrom) reports that on Wednesday, the State
Department announced that the US "would now require senior Chinese diplomats to get State Department
approval before visiting U.S. university campuses and holding cultural events with more than 50 people outside
mission grounds." According to Reuters, the Trump Administration "cast the move as a response to what it said
was Beijing's restrictions on American diplomats based in China." Reuters adds that it also "comes as part of a
Trump administration campaign against alleged Chinese influence operations and espionage activity." Secretary
of State Pompeo is quoted as saying, "We're simply demanding reciprocity. Access for our diplomats in China
should be reflective of the access that Chinese diplomats in the United States have, and today's steps will move
us substantially in that direction."
Politico <https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/02/state-restrictions-chinese-diplomats-407728> (9/2,
Oprysko, 4.29M) says Pompeo told reporters at the State Department that China utilizes "a system of opaque
approval processes designed to prevent American diplomats from conducting regular business, attending events,
securing meetings and connecting with the Chinese people." The AP
<https://apnews.corn/c336fb7d027e69808c45666a0eafb310> (9/2, Lee) reports that Pompeo also indicated that
the State Department "would act to ensure that the social media accounts of Chinese officials be identified as
belonging to the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party."
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Pompeo said on Fox News' Hannity <https://video.foxnews.com/v/6187210782001?
playlist_id=930909813001fisp=show-clips> (9/2, 535K) that "we took the simple action of telling Chinese
diplomats working here in the United States that the free ride is over, their ability to conduct espionage here in
the United States has, the time has passed, and so we've put restrictions on them.... These are the kinds of
restrictions they've had on us, our diplomats in China, and now we've got a reciprocal arrangement." He said,
"For 40 years...the United States took a knee, it bent a knee to the Chinese Communist Party and President
Trump has said enough, whether it's on trade, or on their stealing of intellectual property and trade secrets,
destroying jobs here in the United States. We're simply not going to take it anymore."
Chinese FM Pressed On A Host Of Issues While Touring Europe. The Washington Post
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-europe-relations-us/2020/09/02/63d963e0-ecel-
Ilea-bd08-1b10132b458f story.html> (9/2, Shih, I4.2M) says that on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang
Yi "headed home...from a five-stop European tour that had been designed to mend fences with European
governments — or at least wage a charm offensive" after Pompeo called for a "Cold War-style alliance of Western
democracies to counter China." However, according to the Post, "the reception in Europe was decidedly chilly."
The Post reports that in Rome, Wang "was pressed on the question of autonomy and freedoms in Hong Kong," in
Paris, he was "asked about Beijing's treatment of the Muslim minority Uighurs," and "in Berlin, he was
chastised by the German foreign minister for making threatening remarks toward European officials." The Post
says the EU "has been viewed by Beijing as a more pragmatic and potentially pliable partner than overtly hostile
Washington."
Kushner To Meet With British Foreign Minister In London On Thursday.
Politico <https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/02/kushner-to-hold-talks-with-uk-foreign-secretary-in-london-
on-thursday-407695> (9/2, Wickham, Toosi, 4.29M) reports that White House senior adviser Jared Kushner will
hold talks with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in London on Thursday. According to Politico, "On the
agenda will be Kushner's attempts over the last few days to broker a show of peace between Israel and other
Middle East leaders before the U.S. election, and create a coalition of nations aimed at countering Iranian
influence in the region." Politico says Raab "previously welcomed President Donald Trump's 'peace plan' for the
Middle East conflict, describing the proposals in January as `serious, reflecting extensive time and effort'
Issue Of West Bank Annexation Looms Over Israel-UAE Deal.
Reuters <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-emirates-usa-communique/stop-or-suspend-west-bank-
annexation-devil-in-the-detail-for-israel-uae-deal-idUSICBN25T2FE> (9/2, Al-Mughrabi, Williams) reports, "A
difference between English and Arabic versions of a trilateral statement after an historic flight from Israel to the
UAE has been seized upon by Palestinians to suggest the Gulf state has overstated Israeli readiness to drop West
Bank annexation plans." The English version of the statement by the United Arab Emirates, Israel and the United
States in Abu Dhabi "on Monday said the accord had 'led to the suspension of Israel's plans to extend its
sovereignty". In contrast, "the Arabic version, carried by the UAE state news agency WAM, said 'the agreement
... has led to Israel's plans to annex Palestinian lands being stopped.'" Jamal Al-Musharakh, "chief of policy
planning and international cooperation at the UAE foreign ministry, said the difference in wording was merely a
translation issue." However, "Hanan Ashrawi, a senior PLO official, said it was a `forked tongue' attempt to
influence public opinion in the Arab world."
Pompeo: Israel-UAE Deal Shows Trump's "Vision For Peace Beginning To Come To Fruition." Secretary of
State Pompeo was asked on Fox News' Hannity <https://video.foxnews.corn/v/6187210782001?
playlist_id=930909813001#sp=show-clips> (9/2, 535K) about the UAE-Israel agreement. Pompeo said, "A
historic peace agreement where we've had this long history of the Arab states not recognizing Israel as the
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Jewish homeland and, as it ought to be, a nation has a right to exist. President Trump, his vision for peace is
beginning to come to fruition."
Saudis Allow Israeli Flights To Access Their Airspace For First Time.
The New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/09/02/world/middleeast/saudi-airspace-israel-uae.html>
(9/2, Specia, 18.61M) reports that on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia announced that it "would allow any flights going
to and from the United Arab Emirates to fly over its territory, a move that would give Israel access to some of the
kingdom's airspace for the first time." The Times says the Saudis' announcement, "made at the request of the
United Arab Emirates, came days after the first direct flight from Israel to the emirates — a symbolic move as the
two nations begin normalizing relations." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "in a video statement
delivered while standing in front of a map of the region, called the announcement a `tremendous breakthrough.'"
The AP <https://apnews.com/4973a233f3dc8bcda1918f70a20cb20d> (9/2, Debre) reports that Saudi Foreign
Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud posted on Twitter "that the kingdom's `firm and established position toward
the Palestinian cause and people will not change."' However, "he did not name Israel in his tweet."
US Suspends Aid To Ethiopia Due To Dispute Over Nile Dam With Egypt.
The AP <https://apnews.corrince2f2374leed4886a09e39c0064b894> (9/2, Anna) reports, "On the guidance of
President Donald Trump, the State Department said Wednesday the US is suspending some aid to Ethiopia over
the `lack of progress' in the country's talks with Egypt and Sudan over a massive, disputed dam project it is
completing on the Nile River." A State Department spokesperson said the measures are temporary, and that the
decision "reflects our concern about Ethiopia's unilateral decision to begin to fill the dam before an agreement
and all necessary dam safety measures were in place."
Analysts: US Pullback Creates Power Vacuum In Mediterranean.
The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/sep/2/russia-turkey-israel-vie-
mediterranean-resources/> (9/2, Taylor, 492K) reports that the Mediterranean "is emerging anew as a sea of
division and instability, with powers including Russia, China, Turkey and Israel jostling aggressively for
influence, natural resources and military advantage ... Analysts generally agree that NATO is failing to ease
regional tensions. The US, despite multiple interests, lacks leverage in many of the disputes, with President
Trump accelerating a US pullback begun under President Obama that opened a power vacuum that others are
now scrambling to fill."
WSJoumal, NYTimes Give Analyses Of Abe's Legacy.
In an analysis, the Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-world-turns-inward-shinzo-abes-japan-
has-turned-outward-11599066608> (9/2, Ip, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports that despite outgoing
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's nationalist intentions when he assumed the position, he has proven to be a
greater force for Japanese globalization than could have been expected.
NYTimes: Shinzo Abe's Successor Has A Legacy Of Change To Build On. A New York Times
<https://vvwvv.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/opinion/shinzo-abe-japan.html> (9/2, 18.61 M) editorial argues that
Japan's next prime minister "will lack Mr. Abe's greatest asset — the political power he amassed by simply
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staying in office longer than any of his immediate predecessors.... Mr. Abe has left a legacy of change to build
on. The Liberal Democrats' choice of the next leader ought to be an unambiguous signal that this is exactly what
it intends to do."
The Big Picture
Headlines From Today's Front Pages.
Wall Street Journal:
Saudi Aramco Slows Diversification Plans Amid Industry Downturn <https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-
ararneo-slows-diversification-plans-amid-industry-downturn-11599054505>
US Debt Is Set To Exceed Size Of The Economy Next Year, A First Since World War II
<https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-debt-is-set-to-exceed-size-of-the-economy-for-year-a-first-since-world-war-ii-
11599051137>
Blackstone, GIP Make Takeover Bid For Kansas City Southern <https://www.wsj.com/articles/blackstone-gip-
make-takeover-bid-for-kansas-city-southern-11599073239>
A Texas School Reopens And Everyone Holds Their Breath <https://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-school-
reopens-coronavirus-11599072008>
This Year's Big Online Scam — Puppies <https://www.wsj.com/articles/this-years-big-online-scam-puppies-
covid-pandemic-pets-11599062896>
Covid-19 Deaths Significantly Reduced By Use Of Steroids, Analysis Says
<hftps://vvwvv.wsj.corn/articles/covid-19-deaths-significantly-reduced-by-use-of-steroids-analysis-says-
11599055201>
New York Times:
CDC Tells States How To Prepare For Covid-19 Vaccine By Early November
<https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/health/covid-19-vaccine-cdc-plans.html>
A New Coronavirus Adviser Roils The White House With Unorthodox Ideas
<https://www.nytimes.cotn/2020/09/02/us/politicshrump-scott-atlas-coronavirus.html>
This Is Democrats' Doomsday Scenario For Election Night
<hftps://www.nytimes.cotn/2020/09/02/us/politics/voting-election-day.html>
Tom Seaver, Pitcher Who Led `Miracle Mets' To Glory, Dies At 75
<hftps://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/obituaries/tom-seaver-dead.html>
Aleksei Navalny Was Poisoned With Novichok, Germany Says
<https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/worldieurope/navalny-poison-novichok.html>
Federal Borrowing Amid Pandemic Puts US Debt On Path To Exceed World War II
<https://www.nytimes.cotn/2020/09/02/business/us-federal-debt.html>
Washington Post:
`Why Were You Attacking Me?' <http://www.washingtonpost.cominationaUelijah-mcclains-death-reflects-
failures-of-white-suburban-police-departments/2020/09/02/8750a726-e3e4-11ea-9dd2-
95be2a2bef2e_stoty.html>
Biden Blames School Closures On Trump's Management <http://www.washingtonpost.corn/politics/biden-
schools-coronavirus/2020/09/02/8aft37058-ed34-11ea-99a1-71343d03bc29_story.html>
Harris Ramps Up Efforts To Connect With Black Voters <http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-
campaign-deploys-harris-as-ambassador-to-black-activists/2020/09/02/bfla6552-ec68-11ea-ab4e-
581edb849379_stoty.html>
New Scrutiny For Navarro As Pandemic Deals Unravel <https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-
policy/2020/09/02/navarro-pandemic-coronavirusk
DC Monuments Report Has Some Questioning Bowser's Timing <http://www.washingtonpost.corrillocaUdc-
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politics/bowser-trump-renamings/2020/09/02/3a4253c8-ed24-11ea-ab4e-581edb849379_story.html>
Politics Cloud Potential Early Vaccine Approval <https://www.washingtonpost.cornthealth/2020/09/02/fda-
coronavirus-vaccine-emergency-authority/>
Financial Times:
Charlie Hebdo Accused Go On Trial In Paris <https://www.ft.corn/content/b34876cf-d4e0-4c71-a743-
44980a844e06?FTCamp=engage/CAPI/emaiUChannel_BulletingB2B>
Alexei Navalny Poisoned With Nerve Agent Novichok, Says Germany <https://www.ft.com/content/5d9aeac2-
3ff4-4e91-ba2f-ec43fde2a794?FTCamp=engage/CAPI/email/Channel_Bulletin//B2B>
Battle Lines Drawn As Australia Takes On Big Tech Over Paying For News
<https://www.ft.cotn/content/0834d986-eece-4e66-ac55-f62e13311717?
FTCamp=engage/CAPUemaiUChannel BulletitY/B2B>
FBI Investigates Deaths Of Mining Executives In UK Corruption Probe <https://vvww.ft.cotn/content/b457c294-
fd09-40e1-ab40-96679188abOf?FTCamp=engage/CAPI/emaiUChannel_Bulletin//B2B>
Washington Times:
`Cities On Fire': Chaos Takes Toll On Biden, Democrats As Race Tightens
<https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/joe-biden-undercut-protests-violence-race-tightensk
Trump Now Favored To Win As `Law And Order' Message Resonates, Draws Biden From Basement
<https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/donald-trump-favored-beat-joe-biden-bookies-say-la/>
Sea Of Troubles: Tensions Flare Across Mediterranean As World Powers Jockey For Power
<https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/russia-turkey-israel-vie-mediterranean-resources/>
Blue States Rebel Against Trump's Bid To Teach 'American Exceptionalism'
<https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/trump-american-exceptionalism-history-plan-knockedt>
'Outside Agitators'? Rioters Are Often A Homegrown Problem, Review Finds
<https://vvww.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/outside-agitators-rioters-are-often-homegrown-probt>
'Not On My Watch': DC Backs Off Talk Of Removing US Monuments
<https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/2/muriel-bowser-reverses-bid-remove-dc-monumentst>
Story Lineup From Last Night's Network News:
ABC: Coronavirus-Vaccine; Coronavirus-Schools; Coronavirus-Holiday Weekend; Coronavirus-Vaccine Details;
Biden-WI; DHS-Russian Election Interference; New York-Black Man Asphyxiated By Police; Texas-Black Man
Jogging Confused For Suspect; Alexei Navalny-Poisoned; Severe Weather; Wall Street; Ohio-Children Rescued
From Car Crash; Pelosi-Hair Salon; Indianapolis-4th Grader Raises Money For Local Hospital.
CBS: Coronavirus-Vaccine; Coronavirus-Schools; Coronavirus-Holiday Weekend; Biden-WI; DHS-Russian
Election Interference; Facebook-Election Precautions; Alexei Navalny-Poisoned; New Jersey-Program Combats
Food Insecurity; Prince Harry & Meghan-House Hunting; Arizona-David Blaine Floats With Helium Balloons;
NYC-Woman Saved From Burning Apt.
NBC: Coronavirus-Holiday Weekend; Coronavirus-Vaccine; Biden-WI; DHS-Russian Election Interference;
Alexei Navalny-Poisoned; Pelosi-Hair Salon; Cyber Attacks on School Systems; Police Tactics in America; Ice
Bucket Challenge; Chicago-Teens Set Up Farmers Market For Community.
Network TV At A Glance:
Biden-WI — 7 minutes, 10 seconds
Coronavirus — 6 minutes, 35 seconds
DHS-Russian Election Interference — 6 minutes, 25 seconds
Coronavirus-Vaccine — 5 minutes, 0 seconds
Alexei Navalny-Poisoned — 4 minutes, 50 seconds
Story Lineup From This Morning's Radio News Broadcasts:
ABC: Trump-Defunding Cities; Rochester, NY-Protests Over Death of Daniel Prude; Biden-WI; Alexei Navalny-
Poisoned; Cyber Attacks on School Systems.
CBS: Trump-Defunding Cities; NY-Protests Over Death of Daniel Prude; Fmr. NY Mets Tom Seaver Dies of
COVID; Eviction Moratorium; FEMA-PPE; Weather Report; Wall Street.
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FOX: Trump-Defending Cities; Biden-WI; Coronavirus-Vaccine; Fmr. NY Mets Tom Seaver Dies of COVID.
NPR: Coronavirus-Vaccine; Coronavirus-Cases; San Francisco-Police Use of Deadly Force; Biden-Fundraising;
CBO-Deficit.
Washington's Schedule
Today's Events In Washington.
White House:
* President Trump — Receives his intelligence briefing; has lunch with the Secretary of State; delivers remarks
live from Pennsylvania
* Vice President Pence — Visits North Carolina, with agenda including visit to the Gateway Women's Care,
where he participates in a roundtable discussion; remarks at Christ Baptist Church highlighting `the
administration's steadfast support for the Right to Life'; and accepting the endorsement of the Southern States
Police Benevolent Association and speaking on `the administration's commitment to never defend the police and
always support the men and women serving in law enforcement'
US Senate:
* Senate on recess from 7 Aug — 8 Sep
US House:
* House of Representatives on recess from 31 Jul - 7 Sep
Cabinet Officers:
* No public schedules released
Visitors:
* No visitors scheduled
This Town:
* Arms Control Association webinar on the Trinity Explosion — '75 Years After the Trinity Explosion: The Taboo
Against Nuclear Testing and the Legacy of Past Nuclear Tests' Arms Control Association and Rockefeller
College of Public Affairs and Center for Policy Research at the University at Albany, SUNY, online discussion,
on discuss current threats to the global test ban, strategies to resolve accusations of cheating, and how nuclear
testing by the Soviet Union and the United States has affected downwind populations. Speakers include Kazakh
Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. Erzhan Kazykhanov, Nur-Sultan Center for International Security and Policy
Director Alimzhan Akhmetov, Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium co-founders Tina Cordova, Republic of
the Marshall Islands National Nuclear Commission Researcher Desmond Doulatram, Arms Control Association
Executive Director Daryl Kimball, and Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation International
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Organizations and Non-Proliferation Program Director Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova; 9:30 AM
* Competitive Enterprise Institute online discussion on 'streamlining regulations and clearing regulatory sludge'
— 'Repeal for Resilience: #NeverNeeded and the Digital Divide' Competitive Enterprise Institute online
discussion, on 'how streamlining regulations and clearing regulatory sludge at the federal, state, and local levels
can address broadband access inequities and better prepare Americans for the new normal', with Federal
Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai and Competitive Enterprise Institute President Kent Lassman;
12:00 PM
* Dem Sen. Chris Murphy discusses his new book with Brookings - Brookings Institution holds a book event on
'The Violence Inside Us: A Brief History of an Ongoing American Tragedy' with author Democratic Sen. Chris
Murphy; 2:00 PM
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