A 78-year-old inmate sentenced to life behind bars for the murders of three women in the United States, recently confessed to 90 homicides between 1970 and 2005, the FBI said.

If confirmed, this number of murders would make Samuel Little one of the most prolific serial killers in US history.

Little was arrested in September 2012 at a homeless shelter in Kentucky and extradited to California, where he was wanted for drug crimes.

Once in Los Angeles, authorities linked his DNA to that found in the murders of three women between 1987 and 1989. In all three cases, the victims were beaten, strangled and then their bodies dumped in an alley, a dumpster and a garage.

Little was sentenced to three terms of life imprisonment for those three crimes, but police wanted to share his DNA and details of his modus operandi with the FBI so that a deeper investigation could be undertaken.

What the FBI found was an "alarming pattern and compelling links to many more murders," mostly "marginalised and vulnerable women who were often involved in prostitution and addicted to drugs."

"Their bodies sometimes went unidentified and their deaths uninvestigated," the FBI statement added.

A lead on a case then took the FBI to Texas: "We found a case out of Odessa, Texas, that sounded very much like him, and we could place him passing through the area around the same time," said ViCAP Crime Analyst Christina Palazzolo in the statement.

Accompanied by the Texas Rangers, the FBI decided to question Little last spring in a California prison, where he agreed to cooperate in exchange for a prison transfer.

"He went through city and state and gave Ranger Holland the number of people he killed in each place. Jackson, Mississippi - one; Cincinnati, Ohio - one; Phoenix, Arizona - three; Las Vegas, Nevada - one," Palazzolo explained.

Little remembered his victims and the murders with great detail and he was even able to draw the faces of some of his victims.

In total, Little confessed to 90 murders over a 35-year period, with the killings being committed all over the country. Of those 90, 34 have already been confirmed.

A 78-year-old inmate sentenced to life behind bars for the murders of three women in the United States, recently confessed to 90 homicides between 1970 and 2005, the FBI said.

A 78-year-old inmate sentenced to life behind bars for the murders of three women in the United States, recently confessed to 90 homicides between 1970 and 2005, the FBI said. If confirmed, this number of murders would make Samuel Little one of the most prolific serial killers in US history. Little was arrested in September 2012 at a homeless shelter in Kentucky and extradited to California, where he was wanted for drug crimes. Once in Los Angeles, authorities linked his DNA to that found in the murders of three women between 1987 and 1989. In all three cases, the victims were beaten, strangled and then their bodies dumped in an alley, a dumpster and a garage. Little was sentenced to three terms of life imprisonment for those three crimes, but police wanted to share his DNA and details of his modus operandi with the FBI so that a deeper investigation could be undertaken. What the FBI found was an "alarming pattern and compelling links to many more murders," mostly "marginalised and vulnerable women who were often involved in prostitution and addicted to drugs." "Their bodies sometimes went unidentified and their deaths uninvestigated," the FBI statement added. A lead on a case then took the FBI to Texas: "We found a case out of Odessa, Texas, that sounded very much like him, and we could place him passing through the area around the same time," said ViCAP Crime Analyst Christina Palazzolo in the statement. Accompanied by the Texas Rangers, the FBI decided to question Little last spring in a California prison, where he agreed to cooperate in exchange for a prison transfer. "He went through city and state and gave Ranger Holland the number of people he killed in each place. Jackson, Mississippi - one; Cincinnati, Ohio - one; Phoenix, Arizona - three; Las Vegas, Nevada - one," Palazzolo explained. Little remembered his victims and the murders with great detail and he was even able to draw the faces of some of his victims. In total, Little confessed to 90 murders over a 35-year period, with the killings being committed all over the country. Of those 90, 34 have already been confirmed.

Convict confesses to killing 90 women, could be 'most prolific serial killer' in US history

Donald Trump's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-aide-paul-manafort-is-first-to-go-on-trial-in-russia-probe-155733">former campaign chairman Paul Manafort</a> lied to the special counsel investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, breaching his plea agreement, according to a court filing on Monday.

Manafort said in the same filing he disagreed with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's assertion that he lied to investigators.

Both the special counsel and Manafort's attorneys agreed there was no reason to delay his sentencing and asked the court to set a date for that.

Mueller, who is also probing possible collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign, said in the filing that after signing a plea agreement: "Manafort committed federal crimes by lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Counsel’s Office on a variety of subject matters."

Mueller said in the filing that those lies breached Manafort's plea agreement.

Manafort's attorneys said in the same filing submitted to U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington that Manafort had met with the government on several occasions and provided information "in an effort to live up to his cooperation obligations."

They said Manafort disagreed with the characterization that he had breached the agreement.

The breakdown in the plea deal raises the prospect that Manafort is seeking to protect others who worked on Trump's campaign and to curry favour with the president, said former federal prosecutor David Weinstein.

"It seems to me he’s angling for the pardon," he said.

Manafort, a longtime Republican political consultant who made tens of millions of dollars working for pro-Kremlin politicians in Ukraine, ran the Trump campaign as it took off in mid-2016.

He attended a meeting at Trump Tower in June 2016 with a group of Russians offering damaging information on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who lost in an upset to Trump in the presidential vote that November.

Russia denies U.S. allegations it hacked Democratic Party emails and ran a disinformation campaign, largely on social media. Trump denies any campaign collusion and calls the investigation a political witch hunt.

Manafort had started cooperating with Mueller's prosecutors in September this year after pleading guilty to conspiracy against the United States - a charge that including a range of conduct from money laundering to unregistered lobbying, and to attempting to tamper with witnesses.

The deal required him to cooperate completely with the government, including testifying before any grand juries or at any trials. In return, Mueller promised to argue for leniency at sentencing.

The agreement pertains to one of two cases against Manafort. He was convicted by a jury in August on tax and bank fraud charges in the other case in Virginia.

Rudy Giuliani, who represents Trump in the Russia investigation, told Reuters in October that he had periodically spoken with Manafort's lawyer, Kevin Downing, and that he believed Manafort had not provided any information to prosecutors that was damaging to the president.

Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied to the special counsel investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, breaching his plea agreement, according to a court filing on Monday.

Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied to the special counsel investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, breaching his plea agreement, according to a court filing on Monday. Manafort said in the same filing he disagreed with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's assertion that he lied to investigators. Both the special counsel and Manafort's attorneys agreed there was no reason to delay his sentencing and asked the court to set a date for that. Mueller, who is also probing possible collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign, said in the filing that after signing a plea agreement: "Manafort committed federal crimes by lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Counsel’s Office on a variety of subject matters." Mueller said in the filing that those lies breached Manafort's plea agreement. Manafort's attorneys said in the same filing submitted to U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington that Manafort had met with the government on several occasions and provided information "in an effort to live up to his cooperation obligations." They said Manafort disagreed with the characterization that he had breached the agreement. The breakdown in the plea deal raises the prospect that Manafort is seeking to protect others who worked on Trump's campaign and to curry favour with the president, said former federal prosecutor David Weinstein. "It seems to me he’s angling for the pardon," he said. Manafort, a longtime Republican political consultant who made tens of millions of dollars working for pro-Kremlin politicians in Ukraine, ran the Trump campaign as it took off in mid-2016. He attended a meeting at Trump Tower in June 2016 with a group of Russians offering damaging information on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who lost in an upset to Trump in the presidential vote that November. Russia denies U.S. allegations it hacked Democratic Party emails and ran a disinformation campaign, largely on social media. Trump denies any campaign collusion and calls the investigation a political witch hunt. Manafort had started cooperating with Mueller's prosecutors in September this year after pleading guilty to conspiracy against the United States - a charge that including a range of conduct from money laundering to unregistered lobbying, and to attempting to tamper with witnesses. The deal required him to cooperate completely with the government, including testifying before any grand juries or at any trials. In return, Mueller promised to argue for leniency at sentencing. The agreement pertains to one of two cases against Manafort. He was convicted by a jury in August on tax and bank fraud charges in the other case in Virginia. Rudy Giuliani, who represents Trump in the Russia investigation, told Reuters in October that he had periodically spoken with Manafort's lawyer, Kevin Downing, and that he believed Manafort had not provided any information to prosecutors that was damaging to the president.

Ex-Trump campaign chairman Manafort lied to FBI: Mueller

Hate crimes surged 17 per cent in the United States in Donald Trump's first year as president, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a new report Tuesday.

The FBI said that 7,175 hate crimes were reported during 2017, compared to 6,121 in 2016.

Hate crimes of all types -- based on race, religion, gender and sexual orientation -- were higher.

African-Americans were the leading target of crimes based on race, and Jews were the most-targeted group by religion, according to the FBI.

The total number of hate crimes was the highest since 2008.

The FBI did not explain the increase, which came amid a perceived general rise in social and political tensions across the country marked by the election of the divisive Trump.

But it did note that more law enforcement jurisdictions were reporting hate crimes than previous years.&nbsp;

The report came after the country was shocked in recent weeks by two mass shootings, including one in which 11 Jewish worshippers were killed in a Pittsburgh synagogue by an anti-Semitic gunman, and a series of pipe bombs sent to foes of Donald Trump by a Florida supporter of the president. None of the bombs exploded.

"This report is a call to action -- and we will heed that call," said Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker in a statement.

"The Department of Justice's top priority is to reduce violent crime in America, and hate crimes are violent crimes.... I am particularly troubled by the increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes," he said.

Hate crimes surged 17 per cent in the United States in Donald Trump's first year as president, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a new report Tuesday. The FBI said that 7,175 hate crimes were reported during 2017, compared to 6,121 in 2016.

Hate crimes surged 17 per cent in the United States in Donald Trump's first year as president, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a new report Tuesday. The FBI said that 7,175 hate crimes were reported during 2017, compared to 6,121 in 2016. Hate crimes of all types -- based on race, religion, gender and sexual orientation -- were higher. African-Americans were the leading target of crimes based on race, and Jews were the most-targeted group by religion, according to the FBI. The total number of hate crimes was the highest since 2008. The FBI did not explain the increase, which came amid a perceived general rise in social and political tensions across the country marked by the election of the divisive Trump. But it did note that more law enforcement jurisdictions were reporting hate crimes than previous years. The report came after the country was shocked in recent weeks by two mass shootings, including one in which 11 Jewish worshippers were killed in a Pittsburgh synagogue by an anti-Semitic gunman, and a series of pipe bombs sent to foes of Donald Trump by a Florida supporter of the president. None of the bombs exploded. "This report is a call to action -- and we will heed that call," said Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker in a statement. "The Department of Justice's top priority is to reduce violent crime in America, and hate crimes are violent crimes.... I am particularly troubled by the increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes," he said.

US hate crimes surged in Trump's first year: FBI

Facebook Inc blocked about 115 user accounts after US&nbsp;authorities tipped it off to suspicious behavior that may be linked to a foreign entity, the company said in a blog post on Monday, hours before US&nbsp;voters head to the polls.

The social network said it needed to do further analysis to decide if the accounts are linked to Russia's Internet Research Agency or another group. The US&nbsp;has accused the Russian government body of meddling in US&nbsp;politics with social media posts meant to spread misinformation and sow discord.

Eighty-five of the removed accounts were posting in English on Facebook's Instagram service, and 30 more were on Facebook and associated with pages in French and Russian, the post said.

Some accounts "were focused on celebrities" and others on "political debate," it added.

The tip came from the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Sunday night, Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy, wrote in the post.

The company announced its actions earlier in its investigation than typical "given that we are only one day away from important elections in the US," he added.

This year's contest has been portrayed as crucial by both Republicans and Democrats because both chambers of Congress, and the accompanying ability to pass or reject President Donald Trump's agenda, are up for grabs.

"Americans should be aware that foreign actors, and Russia in particular, continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord," including through social media, federal authorities said in a statement on Monday.

Social media companies say they are now more vigilant against foreign and other potential election interference after finding themselves unprepared to tackle such activity in the US&nbsp;presidential election two years ago.

Facebook Inc blocked about 115 user accounts after US authorities tipped it off to suspicious behavior that may be linked to a foreign entity, the company said in a blog post on Monday, hours before US voters head to the polls.

Facebook Inc blocked about 115 user accounts after US authorities tipped it off to suspicious behavior that may be linked to a foreign entity, the company said in a blog post on Monday, hours before US voters head to the polls. The social network said it needed to do further analysis to decide if the accounts are linked to Russia's Internet Research Agency or another group. The US has accused the Russian government body of meddling in US politics with social media posts meant to spread misinformation and sow discord. Eighty-five of the removed accounts were posting in English on Facebook's Instagram service, and 30 more were on Facebook and associated with pages in French and Russian, the post said. Some accounts "were focused on celebrities" and others on "political debate," it added. The tip came from the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Sunday night, Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy, wrote in the post. The company announced its actions earlier in its investigation than typical "given that we are only one day away from important elections in the US," he added. This year's contest has been portrayed as crucial by both Republicans and Democrats because both chambers of Congress, and the accompanying ability to pass or reject President Donald Trump's agenda, are up for grabs. "Americans should be aware that foreign actors, and Russia in particular, continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord," including through social media, federal authorities said in a statement on Monday. Social media companies say they are now more vigilant against foreign and other potential election interference after finding themselves unprepared to tackle such activity in the US presidential election two years ago.

Facebook blocks 115 accounts after FBI tip on eve of US election

The 56-year-old Florida man accused of mailing 15 pipe bomb packages to high-profile critics of President Donald Trump will appear at a pretrial detention hearing in Miami on Friday morning.

Cesar Sayoc, a former male stripper, pizza delivery driver and DJ who lived in a white van festooned with right-wing political images supporting Trump and lambasting his critics, will appear before a federal magistrate.

Sayoc faces five charges and a maximum penalty of 48 years in prison for bombs sent to targets including former President Barack Obama, ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, other prominent political figures and CNN.

Prosecutors said more charges were likely.

Investigators said they had evidence that Sayoc began planning his attacks in July.

If presiding US Magistrate Edwin Torres agrees with prosecutors from the Southern District of New York, Sayoc will not be allowed bail on Friday and after the hearing would be transferred to New York to face charges.

The pipe bomb story dominated US news for much of last week, ending when federal agents arrested Sayoc in the parking lot of an auto parts store in a Fort Lauderdale suburb.

The hearing comes during the closing days of highly charged political campaigns across the country leading up to Nov. 6 U.S. midterm elections. The result will determine the balance of power in Congress, currently controlled by Trump's Republican Party.

Sayoc was arrested days after the first of the pipe bombs inside padded manila envelopes was discovered in the mailbox of billionaire and Democratic donor George Soros north of New York City.

No one has been injured, but investigators with the FBI have said that at least some of the pipe bombs could have caused great harm. All of the bombs were sent through the US&nbsp;Postal Service.

"The evidence of the defendant's terror campaign is still being collected but is already overwhelming," wrote Geoffrey Berman, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, in a letter to Torres dated Tuesday.

The 56-year-old Florida man accused of mailing 15 pipe bomb packages to high-profile critics of President Donald Trump will appear at a pretrial detention hearing in Miami on Friday morning.

The 56-year-old Florida man accused of mailing 15 pipe bomb packages to high-profile critics of President Donald Trump will appear at a pretrial detention hearing in Miami on Friday morning. Cesar Sayoc, a former male stripper, pizza delivery driver and DJ who lived in a white van festooned with right-wing political images supporting Trump and lambasting his critics, will appear before a federal magistrate. Sayoc faces five charges and a maximum penalty of 48 years in prison for bombs sent to targets including former President Barack Obama, ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, other prominent political figures and CNN. Prosecutors said more charges were likely. Investigators said they had evidence that Sayoc began planning his attacks in July. If presiding US Magistrate Edwin Torres agrees with prosecutors from the Southern District of New York, Sayoc will not be allowed bail on Friday and after the hearing would be transferred to New York to face charges. The pipe bomb story dominated US news for much of last week, ending when federal agents arrested Sayoc in the parking lot of an auto parts store in a Fort Lauderdale suburb. The hearing comes during the closing days of highly charged political campaigns across the country leading up to Nov. 6 U.S. midterm elections. The result will determine the balance of power in Congress, currently controlled by Trump's Republican Party. Sayoc was arrested days after the first of the pipe bombs inside padded manila envelopes was discovered in the mailbox of billionaire and Democratic donor George Soros north of New York City. No one has been injured, but investigators with the FBI have said that at least some of the pipe bombs could have caused great harm. All of the bombs were sent through the US Postal Service. "The evidence of the defendant's terror campaign is still being collected but is already overwhelming," wrote Geoffrey Berman, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, in a letter to Torres dated Tuesday.

US mail bomb suspect faces pretrial hearing in Miami court

James "Whitey" Bulger, who lived a double life as one of Boston's most notorious mobsters and as a secret FBI informant before going on the run for 16 years, was killed at a federal prison in West Virginia, sources said on Tuesday.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was looking into Bulger's death and a prison employee briefed on the matter said it was being investigated as a homicide. A U.S. Bureau of Prisons statement had earlier confirmed Bulger had died and said the FBI was investigating.

Bulger, who was 89, had been transferred a day earlier to the high-security prison in a wheelchair, the prison employee said.

Two men were seen on surveillance footage entering his cell, the prison employee said.

Bulger's body was discovered wrapped in a sheet, the employee said, and the notorious gangster had been beaten so badly that blood had come out of his ears.

Federal officials did not give a cause of death, but the Bureau of Prisons said no other inmates or staff were injured.

The prisons bureau had said in its statement that Bulger's body was found on Tuesday. The prison employee said it was discovered when he did not appear for breakfast, indicating he was killed early morning or overnight.

Henry Brennan, a defence lawyer for Bulger, said in an email he could not confirm or deny the reports.

Bulger was convicted in August 2013 of 11 murders, among other charges and sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years.

Prison had been something Bulger had gone to great lengths to avoid - killing potential witnesses, cultivating corrupt lawmen and living as a fugitive for 16 years. It all ended when a tip from a former Icelandic beauty queen led to his capture in June 2011 in Santa Monica, California, where he was living with a long-time girlfriend.

Bulger and his Winter Hill gang had operated for more than two decades in the insular Irish-dominated South Boston neighbourhood, engaging in loan sharking, gambling, extortion, drug dealing and murder. They did so with the tacit approval of an FBI agent who looked the other way when it came to Bulger's crimes so that he would supply information on other gangsters.

Bulger, portrayed by Johnny Depp in the 2015 film "Black Mass," was feared for his short temper and brutality. Prosecutors said he strangled two women with his hands and tortured a man for hours before shooting him in the head with a machine gun.

"We took what we wanted," Kevin Weeks, a former Bulger lieutenant who would eventually testify against him, wrote in "Brutal," his memoir. "We made millions through extortion and loansharking and protection. And if someone ratted us out, we killed him. We were not nice guys."

Bulger was born Sept. 3, 1929, and grew up in South Boston. He was called "Whitey" because of his light blond hair but was said to detest the nickname and preferred being called Jimmy. As a teenager he joined a gang known as The Shamrocks, compiled an arrest record for assault and armed robbery and ended up in a juvenile reformatory.

Bulger was a bank robber early in his criminal career, which landed him in prisons such as the infamous Alcatraz, located on an island in San Francisco Bay.

Upon his release in 1965, he eventually fell in with the Irish mob in South Boston and worked his way through the ranks as a bookie and loanshark. He survived a gang war between two Irish mobs and was a leading figure in Boston's underworld by the early 1970s.

His career was boosted by his relationship with rogue FBI agent John J. Connolly, who Bulger had known since they were boys. Connolly was supposed to be in charge of getting information out of him and Bulger did provide information that helped the FBI go after his main rival, New England's Italian Mafia, as well as local criminals.

In return, Connolly let Bulger know about working investigations while Bulger and close associate Steve "The Rifleman" Flemmi carried on with impunity. After he retired from the FBI, Connolly tipped off Bulger about a coming indictment, sending the mobster on the run in 1995.

Connolly was convicted in 2008 of racketeering, taking bribes and second-degree murder for his role in the slaying of an accountant who Bulger and Flemmi feared would testify against them.

'A BAD, BAD, BAD GUY'

Bulger's former associates turned on him while he was at large and their information led to a 2000 indictment that originally charged him with 19 murders.

"The guy is a sociopathic killer," Tom Foley, who worked on Bulger cases for the Massachusetts State Police, told CNN. "He loved that type of life. He's one of the hardest and cruellest individuals that operated in the Boston area. He's a bad, bad, bad guy."

When Bulger fled, he first took Teresa Stanley, his girlfriend of 30 years, with him. After a few weeks at large, however, Stanley wanted to go home so Bulger dropped her off in the Boston area. He picked up another of his girlfriends, Catherine Greig, and disappeared again.

Bulger spent his final years of freedom in No. 303 of the Princess Eugenia apartment complex in Santa Monica with Greig.

One of their neighbours, Anna Bjornsdottir, a former U.S. television actress and Miss Iceland of 1974, earned a $2 million reward for turning in Bulger. She was watching a television news report about the Bulger manhunt when she recognised the man she knew by the name Charlie Gasko and notified the FBI.

At first he denied his identity but eventually told authorities, "You know who I am. I'm Whitey Bulger." More than $800,000 in cash and a cache of weapons was found hidden in the walls of his apartment.

Greig was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined $150,000 for helping Bulger evade capture. She is scheduled for release in September 2020.

Bulger's two-month trial for murder, extortion and drug dealing in 2013 was sometimes raucous. A parade of former associates testified against him, giving brutal details about how Bulger would kill enemies and then take a nap.

Sometimes Bulger sat silently at the defendant's table and at other times he engaged in profane shouting matches with witnesses such as Flemmi.

Bulger, who denied ever being an FBI informant, refused to testify on the grounds that the trial was a sham.

The U.S. Justice Department paid more than $20 million in damages to families of people killed by Bulger on the grounds that he was operating under government supervision while killing.

While Bulger was robbing banks and killing people, his younger brother Billy was acquiring political notoriety and power.

Billy served in the Massachusetts legislature for 35 years, including several years as president of the state Senate, after which he was president of the University of Massachusetts. He was forced to resign the latter job in 2003 after it was learned that eight years earlier he had spoken by phone with his brother, who at the time was a federal fugitive, and did not report it to authorities.

James "Whitey" Bulger, who lived a double life as one of Boston's most notorious mobsters and as a secret FBI informant before going on the run for 16 years, was killed at a federal prison in West Virginia, sources said on Tuesday.

James "Whitey" Bulger, who lived a double life as one of Boston's most notorious mobsters and as a secret FBI informant before going on the run for 16 years, was killed at a federal prison in West Virginia, sources said on Tuesday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was looking into Bulger's death and a prison employee briefed on the matter said it was being investigated as a homicide. A U.S. Bureau of Prisons statement had earlier confirmed Bulger had died and said the FBI was investigating. Bulger, who was 89, had been transferred a day earlier to the high-security prison in a wheelchair, the prison employee said. Two men were seen on surveillance footage entering his cell, the prison employee said. Bulger's body was discovered wrapped in a sheet, the employee said, and the notorious gangster had been beaten so badly that blood had come out of his ears. Federal officials did not give a cause of death, but the Bureau of Prisons said no other inmates or staff were injured. The prisons bureau had said in its statement that Bulger's body was found on Tuesday. The prison employee said it was discovered when he did not appear for breakfast, indicating he was killed early morning or overnight. Henry Brennan, a defence lawyer for Bulger, said in an email he could not confirm or deny the reports. Bulger was convicted in August 2013 of 11 murders, among other charges and sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years. Prison had been something Bulger had gone to great lengths to avoid - killing potential witnesses, cultivating corrupt lawmen and living as a fugitive for 16 years. It all ended when a tip from a former Icelandic beauty queen led to his capture in June 2011 in Santa Monica, California, where he was living with a long-time girlfriend. Bulger and his Winter Hill gang had operated for more than two decades in the insular Irish-dominated South Boston neighbourhood, engaging in loan sharking, gambling, extortion, drug dealing and murder. They did so with the tacit approval of an FBI agent who looked the other way when it came to Bulger's crimes so that he would supply information on other gangsters. Bulger, portrayed by Johnny Depp in the 2015 film "Black Mass," was feared for his short temper and brutality. Prosecutors said he strangled two women with his hands and tortured a man for hours before shooting him in the head with a machine gun. "We took what we wanted," Kevin Weeks, a former Bulger lieutenant who would eventually testify against him, wrote in "Brutal," his memoir. "We made millions through extortion and loansharking and protection. And if someone ratted us out, we killed him. We were not nice guys." Bulger was born Sept. 3, 1929, and grew up in South Boston. He was called "Whitey" because of his light blond hair but was said to detest the nickname and preferred being called Jimmy. As a teenager he joined a gang known as The Shamrocks, compiled an arrest record for assault and armed robbery and ended up in a juvenile reformatory. Bulger was a bank robber early in his criminal career, which landed him in prisons such as the infamous Alcatraz, located on an island in San Francisco Bay. Upon his release in 1965, he eventually fell in with the Irish mob in South Boston and worked his way through the ranks as a bookie and loanshark. He survived a gang war between two Irish mobs and was a leading figure in Boston's underworld by the early 1970s. His career was boosted by his relationship with rogue FBI agent John J. Connolly, who Bulger had known since they were boys. Connolly was supposed to be in charge of getting information out of him and Bulger did provide information that helped the FBI go after his main rival, New England's Italian Mafia, as well as local criminals. In return, Connolly let Bulger know about working investigations while Bulger and close associate Steve "The Rifleman" Flemmi carried on with impunity. After he retired from the FBI, Connolly tipped off Bulger about a coming indictment, sending the mobster on the run in 1995. Connolly was convicted in 2008 of racketeering, taking bribes and second-degree murder for his role in the slaying of an accountant who Bulger and Flemmi feared would testify against them. 'A BAD, BAD, BAD GUY' Bulger's former associates turned on him while he was at large and their information led to a 2000 indictment that originally charged him with 19 murders. "The guy is a sociopathic killer," Tom Foley, who worked on Bulger cases for the Massachusetts State Police, told CNN. "He loved that type of life. He's one of the hardest and cruellest individuals that operated in the Boston area. He's a bad, bad, bad guy." When Bulger fled, he first took Teresa Stanley, his girlfriend of 30 years, with him. After a few weeks at large, however, Stanley wanted to go home so Bulger dropped her off in the Boston area. He picked up another of his girlfriends, Catherine Greig, and disappeared again. Bulger spent his final years of freedom in No. 303 of the Princess Eugenia apartment complex in Santa Monica with Greig. One of their neighbours, Anna Bjornsdottir, a former U.S. television actress and Miss Iceland of 1974, earned a $2 million reward for turning in Bulger. She was watching a television news report about the Bulger manhunt when she recognised the man she knew by the name Charlie Gasko and notified the FBI. At first he denied his identity but eventually told authorities, "You know who I am. I'm Whitey Bulger." More than $800,000 in cash and a cache of weapons was found hidden in the walls of his apartment. Greig was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined $150,000 for helping Bulger evade capture. She is scheduled for release in September 2020. Bulger's two-month trial for murder, extortion and drug dealing in 2013 was sometimes raucous. A parade of former associates testified against him, giving brutal details about how Bulger would kill enemies and then take a nap. Sometimes Bulger sat silently at the defendant's table and at other times he engaged in profane shouting matches with witnesses such as Flemmi. Bulger, who denied ever being an FBI informant, refused to testify on the grounds that the trial was a sham. The U.S. Justice Department paid more than $20 million in damages to families of people killed by Bulger on the grounds that he was operating under government supervision while killing. While Bulger was robbing banks and killing people, his younger brother Billy was acquiring political notoriety and power. Billy served in the Massachusetts legislature for 35 years, including several years as president of the state Senate, after which he was president of the University of Massachusetts. He was forced to resign the latter job in 2003 after it was learned that eight years earlier he had spoken by phone with his brother, who at the time was a federal fugitive, and did not report it to authorities.

Boston gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger killed in prison

CNN president Jeff Zucker<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-investigate-suspicious-package-found-at-de-niros-restaurant-report-173407"> said today that another suspicious</a> package was found and intercepted at the Atlanta office in the US today.

"All mail at all CNN domestic bureaus being screened," Zucker said, adding that all mails were being screened at an off-site facility since last Wednesday so it wouldn't have come to the CNN centre directly.

The Time Warner Center in New York, where CNN's New York headquarters is located, was evacuated last Wednesday after a suspicious package was found.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Another suspicious package addressed to CNN has been intercepted. This time in Atlanta. All mail is being screened off site. Note from Jeff: <a href="https://t.co/I6TXSkoluQ">pic.twitter.com/I6TXSkoluQ</a>
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNPR/status/1056913518367260674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Cesar Sayoc, 56, who was arrested last Friday on suspicion of mailing home-made bombs to prominent Democrats including ex-president Obama and Hillary Clinton was due to appear in court on Monday.

US authorities had seized a vehicle belonging to Sayoc which was reportedly plastered with pro-Trump stickers. However, FBI had warned that other packages may still be in transit.

Sayoc was charged with five felony counts, including interstate transportation and illegal mailing of explosives, threatening a former president, making threatening interstate communications and assaulting federal officers.

If convicted, Sayoc could be sentenced up to 48 years in prison.

The fourteenth package was found on Friday at a post office outside San Francisco addressed to another wealthy contributor to the Democratic Party and liberal causes, Tom Steyer, another package had turned up at near billionaire Democratic donor George Soros home in Katonah, New York.

Sayoc who openly broadcast his views on social media had several arrests against his name for domestic violence, theft and once reportedly threatened to blow up a company.

On Friday, packages turned up at US Senator Democrat Cory Booker of New Jersey, ex-US director of national intelligence James Clapper and US Senator Democrat Kamala Harris of California.

CNN president Jeff Zucker said today that another suspicious package was found and intercepted at the Atlanta office in the US today. "All mail at all CNN domestic bureaus being screened," Zucker said, adding that all mails were being screened at an off-site facility since last Wednesday so it wouldn't have come to the CNN centre directly.

CNN president Jeff Zucker said today that another suspicious package was found and intercepted at the Atlanta office in the US today. "All mail at all CNN domestic bureaus being screened," Zucker said, adding that all mails were being screened at an off-site facility since last Wednesday so it wouldn't have come to the CNN centre directly. The Time Warner Center in New York, where CNN's New York headquarters is located, was evacuated last Wednesday after a suspicious package was found. Another suspicious package addressed to CNN has been intercepted. This time in Atlanta. All mail is being screened off site. Note from Jeff: pic.twitter.com/I6TXSkoluQ — CNN Communications (@CNNPR) October 29, 2018 × Meanwhile, Cesar Sayoc, 56, who was arrested last Friday on suspicion of mailing home-made bombs to prominent Democrats including ex-president Obama and Hillary Clinton was due to appear in court on Monday. US authorities had seized a vehicle belonging to Sayoc which was reportedly plastered with pro-Trump stickers. However, FBI had warned that other packages may still be in transit. Sayoc was charged with five felony counts, including interstate transportation and illegal mailing of explosives, threatening a former president, making threatening interstate communications and assaulting federal officers. If convicted, Sayoc could be sentenced up to 48 years in prison. The fourteenth package was found on Friday at a post office outside San Francisco addressed to another wealthy contributor to the Democratic Party and liberal causes, Tom Steyer, another package had turned up at near billionaire Democratic donor George Soros home in Katonah, New York. Sayoc who openly broadcast his views on social media had several arrests against his name for domestic violence, theft and once reportedly threatened to blow up a company. On Friday, packages turned up at US Senator Democrat Cory Booker of New Jersey, ex-US director of national intelligence James Clapper and US Senator Democrat Kamala Harris of California.

Another suspicious package found at CNN's Atlanta office

US President Donald Trump on Friday praised the "incredible job" of law enforcement after a suspect was detained in Florida in connection with 12 suspicious packages and pipe bombs sent to Democratic figures.

"These terrorizing acts are despicable and have no place in our country," Trump said from the White House. "I've instructed authorities to spare no resource or expense in finding those responsible and bringing them to swift and certain justice."

"We must never allow political violence to take root in America," Trump added. "We must show the world that we are united together in peace, love and harmony as fellow American citizens."

US President Donald Trump on Friday praised the "incredible job" of law enforcement after a suspect was detained in Florida in connection with 12 suspicious packages and pipe bombs sent to Democratic figures.

US President Donald Trump on Friday praised the "incredible job" of law enforcement after a suspect was detained in Florida in connection with 12 suspicious packages and pipe bombs sent to Democratic figures. "These terrorizing acts are despicable and have no place in our country," Trump said from the White House. "I've instructed authorities to spare no resource or expense in finding those responsible and bringing them to swift and certain justice." "We must never allow political violence to take root in America," Trump added. "We must show the world that we are united together in peace, love and harmony as fellow American citizens."

Trump hails 'incredible job' by law enforcement over bomb alerts

Authorities found two more suspicious packages on Friday addressed to US&nbsp;Senator Cory Booker and James Clapper, the former US&nbsp;director of national intelligence, amid a manhunt for the person who sent bombs to prominent Democrats and critics of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

The 11th package was found at a mail sorting facility in Florida and was addressed to Booker, the Democratic senator from New Jersey, the FBI said on Twitter. A 12th package was addressed to James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence, and sent to CNN, the cable network reported.

Meanwhile, a local police bomb squad and canine units joined federal investigators on Thursday to examine a sprawling US&nbsp;mail distribution center at Opa-Locka, northwest of Miami, Miami-Dade County police said.

US&nbsp;Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said that Florida appeared to be the starting point for at least some of the bomb shipments.

"Some of the packages went through the mail. They originated, some of them, from Florida," she said during an interview with Fox News Channel on Thursday. "I am confident that this person or people will be brought to justice."

Authorities called the parcel bombs an act of terrorism. They were sent less than two weeks before national elections that could alter the balance of power in Washington.

No one has claimed responsibility for the bombs, and the public was asked to report any tips.

All the people targeted were frequently maligned by right-wing critics. They included Democratic Party donor George Soros, former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, and former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has said that at least five of the packages bore a return address from the Florida office of US&nbsp;Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a former chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Authorities believe the packages, which were intercepted before reaching their intended recipients, all went through the US&nbsp;Postal Service at some point, a source said. None detonated and no one has been hurt.

The devices were thought to have been fashioned from bomb-making designs widely available on the internet, a federal law enforcement source told Reuters.

Still, investigators are treating the devices as "live" explosives, not a hoax, said James O'Neill, the New York City police commissioner. Two of the parcels surfaced there.

"It does remain possible that further packages have been or could be mailed," William Sweeney, assistant director of the FBI, told a news conference in New York.

Investigators have declined to say whether the devices were built to be functional. Bomb experts and security analysts say that based on their rudimentary construction it appeared they were more likely designed to sow fear rather than to kill.

The parcels each consisted of a manila envelope with a bubble-wrap interior containing "potentially destructive devices," the FBI said. Each was affixed with a computer-printed address label and six US&nbsp;"Forever" postage stamps, the agency said.

Others who received the bombs were former Attorney General Eric Holder, former CIA director John Brennan, US&nbsp;Representative Maxine Waters of California, and actor Robert De Nero. Two packages were sent both to Waters and Biden.

Brennan's package was sent in care of the New York bureau of CNN, where he has appeared as an on-air analyst.

The episode sparked an outcry from Trump's critics, who charged that his inflammatory rhetoric against Democrats and the press has created a climate for politically motivated violence.

After first calling for "unity" and civil discourse on Wednesday, Trump lashed out again Thursday at the "hateful" media. His supporters accused Democrats of unfairly suggesting the president was to blame for the bomb scare.

"Funny how lowly rated CNN, and others, can criticize me at will, even blaming me for the current spate of Bombs and ridiculously comparing this to September 11th and the Oklahoma City bombing, yet when I criticize them they go wild and scream, “it’s just not Presidential!” Trump said on Twitter at about 3:15 a.m. EST (0715 GMT) on Friday.

Authorities found two more suspicious packages on Friday addressed to US Senator Cory Booker and James Clapper, the former US director of national intelligence, amid a manhunt for the person who sent bombs to prominent Democrats and critics of US President Donald Trump.

Authorities found two more suspicious packages on Friday addressed to US Senator Cory Booker and James Clapper, the former US director of national intelligence, amid a manhunt for the person who sent bombs to prominent Democrats and critics of US President Donald Trump. The 11th package was found at a mail sorting facility in Florida and was addressed to Booker, the Democratic senator from New Jersey, the FBI said on Twitter. A 12th package was addressed to James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence, and sent to CNN, the cable network reported. Meanwhile, a local police bomb squad and canine units joined federal investigators on Thursday to examine a sprawling US mail distribution center at Opa-Locka, northwest of Miami, Miami-Dade County police said. US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said that Florida appeared to be the starting point for at least some of the bomb shipments. "Some of the packages went through the mail. They originated, some of them, from Florida," she said during an interview with Fox News Channel on Thursday. "I am confident that this person or people will be brought to justice." Authorities called the parcel bombs an act of terrorism. They were sent less than two weeks before national elections that could alter the balance of power in Washington. No one has claimed responsibility for the bombs, and the public was asked to report any tips. All the people targeted were frequently maligned by right-wing critics. They included Democratic Party donor George Soros, former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, and former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has said that at least five of the packages bore a return address from the Florida office of US Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a former chair of the Democratic National Committee. Authorities believe the packages, which were intercepted before reaching their intended recipients, all went through the US Postal Service at some point, a source said. None detonated and no one has been hurt. The devices were thought to have been fashioned from bomb-making designs widely available on the internet, a federal law enforcement source told Reuters. Still, investigators are treating the devices as "live" explosives, not a hoax, said James O'Neill, the New York City police commissioner. Two of the parcels surfaced there. "It does remain possible that further packages have been or could be mailed," William Sweeney, assistant director of the FBI, told a news conference in New York. Investigators have declined to say whether the devices were built to be functional. Bomb experts and security analysts say that based on their rudimentary construction it appeared they were more likely designed to sow fear rather than to kill. The parcels each consisted of a manila envelope with a bubble-wrap interior containing "potentially destructive devices," the FBI said. Each was affixed with a computer-printed address label and six US "Forever" postage stamps, the agency said. Others who received the bombs were former Attorney General Eric Holder, former CIA director John Brennan, US Representative Maxine Waters of California, and actor Robert De Nero. Two packages were sent both to Waters and Biden. Brennan's package was sent in care of the New York bureau of CNN, where he has appeared as an on-air analyst. The episode sparked an outcry from Trump's critics, who charged that his inflammatory rhetoric against Democrats and the press has created a climate for politically motivated violence. After first calling for "unity" and civil discourse on Wednesday, Trump lashed out again Thursday at the "hateful" media. His supporters accused Democrats of unfairly suggesting the president was to blame for the bomb scare. "Funny how lowly rated CNN, and others, can criticize me at will, even blaming me for the current spate of Bombs and ridiculously comparing this to September 11th and the Oklahoma City bombing, yet when I criticize them they go wild and scream, “it’s just not Presidential!” Trump said on Twitter at about 3:15 a.m. EST (0715 GMT) on Friday.

Police find packages sent to ex-US intel chief Clapper, US Senator Booker

America's Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) confirmed today that California Democratic Representative Maxine Waters also received a suspicious package after several Democratic leaders including Hillary Clinton, ex-US president Barack Obama, Eric Holder, the attorney general under Obama and ex-CBI director John Brennan.

The CNN bureau in New York also received a package addressed to Brennan leading the New York police to evacuate the Time Warner building in Manhattan.

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In addition to the five packages referenced in our earlier statement, we have now confirmed two additional packages, both addressed to Rep. Maxine Waters, that are similar in appearance.
— FBI (@FBI) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI/status/1055268474954625024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The FBI said all packages contained "potentially destructive devices". The FBI said it will commit full resources towards the investigation to "identify and arrest" whoever was responsible for sending the packages.

The suspicious parcels were intercepted before it reached the intended recipients.

The packages were all similar in appearance and contained potentially destructive devices, the investigating agency said.

"The packages were mailed in manila envelopes with bubble wrap interior. The packages were affixed with computer-printed address labels and six Forever stamps," the FBI declared.

"All packages had a return address of Debbie Wasserman," it added.

"The package addressed to former Attorney General Holder did not reach its intended destination, but was rerouted to the return address in Florida," the US investigating agency informed.

"It is possible that additional packages were mailed to other locations," the FBI cautioned.&nbsp;

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If you have info that could assist the FBI's investigation of suspicious packages, call 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324) or go online to <a href="https://t.co/iL7sD5efWD">https://t.co/iL7sD5efWD</a>. If you observe suspicious activity that requires an immediate response, call 911 or contact local law enforcement immediately.
— FBI (@FBI) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI/status/1055247618840903680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, President Trump told a political rally in Wisconsin that his government would conduct "an aggressive investigation."&nbsp;

"Any acts or threats of political violence are an attack on our democracy itself," Trump said, adding, "We want all sides to come together in peace and harmony."

The US president added that the media had a responsibility "to stop the endless hostility and constant negative and oftentimes false attacks and stories."

The first package, which turned up on Monday, was addressed to billionaire financier George Soros, a Democratic Party donor.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tamL6y9DBws" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

America's Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) confirmed today that California Democratic Representative Maxine Waters also received a suspicious package after several Democratic leaders including Hillary Clinton, ex-US president Barack Obama, Eric Holder, the attorney general under Obama and ex-CBI director John Brennan.

America's Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) confirmed today that California Democratic Representative Maxine Waters also received a suspicious package after several Democratic leaders including Hillary Clinton, ex-US president Barack Obama, Eric Holder, the attorney general under Obama and ex-CBI director John Brennan. The CNN bureau in New York also received a package addressed to Brennan leading the New York police to evacuate the Time Warner building in Manhattan. In addition to the five packages referenced in our earlier statement, we have now confirmed two additional packages, both addressed to Rep. Maxine Waters, that are similar in appearance. — FBI (@FBI) October 25, 2018 × The FBI said all packages contained "potentially destructive devices". The FBI said it will commit full resources towards the investigation to "identify and arrest" whoever was responsible for sending the packages. The suspicious parcels were intercepted before it reached the intended recipients. The packages were all similar in appearance and contained potentially destructive devices, the investigating agency said. "The packages were mailed in manila envelopes with bubble wrap interior. The packages were affixed with computer-printed address labels and six Forever stamps," the FBI declared. "All packages had a return address of Debbie Wasserman," it added. "The package addressed to former Attorney General Holder did not reach its intended destination, but was rerouted to the return address in Florida," the US investigating agency informed. "It is possible that additional packages were mailed to other locations," the FBI cautioned. If you have info that could assist the FBI's investigation of suspicious packages, call 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324) or go online to https://t.co/iL7sD5efWD. If you observe suspicious activity that requires an immediate response, call 911 or contact local law enforcement immediately. — FBI (@FBI) October 25, 2018 × Meanwhile, President Trump told a political rally in Wisconsin that his government would conduct "an aggressive investigation." "Any acts or threats of political violence are an attack on our democracy itself," Trump said, adding, "We want all sides to come together in peace and harmony." The US president added that the media had a responsibility "to stop the endless hostility and constant negative and oftentimes false attacks and stories." The first package, which turned up on Monday, was addressed to billionaire financier George Soros, a Democratic Party donor.

Suspicious package also sent to California Democratic Representative Maxine Waters, confirms FBI

The FBI's report on sexual misconduct allegations against US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh neared completion late on Wednesday as the battle over his selection by President Donald Trump approached a new turning point.

The Senate was expected to receive the report either late on Wednesday or early on Thursday and senators were to be granted access to review it during the day on Thursday, a person briefed on the situation said.

While the report`s conclusions were as yet unknown, there was already a partisan battle over it as Trump and the Senate Republican leadership battled to corral enough support for a majority vote for Kavanaugh in the days ahead. Democrats were in near unanimity against Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor on Wednesday that "we will not be intimidated" by opponents who have tried to derail Kavanaugh`s nomination.

"It`s time to put this sickening display behind us," the Republican said. "The Senate will vote on this nomination this week."

Several people with information related to allegations against Kavanaugh told Reuters they had not heard from the FBI, suggesting its report may be narrower than was desired by some of the lawmakers who demanded it just days ago.

Christine Blasey Ford, a college professor from California who accused Kavanaugh of assaulting her in 1982 when they were high school students, has not been contacted by the FBI, her attorneys said.

As Senate Republican leaders marched toward a final vote on Kavanaugh`s nomination, perhaps over the weekend, the three Republicans who could be key to whether Kavanaugh is confirmed - Senators Jeff Flake, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski -criticised Trump for his remarks about Ford at a political rally in Mississippi on Tuesday.

Ford, who testified last week at an extraordinary Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, said she could not remember the precise date or location of the alleged assault or how she got home later, but offered a detailed account of the incident. She said a drunken Kavanaugh pinned her down, tried to remove her clothing and covered her mouth when she screamed.

Imitating Ford's testimony, Trump, who was himself accused during the 2016 presidential race of sexual misconduct with numerous women, said: "What neighborhood was it in? I don't know. Where's the house? I don't know. Upstairs, downstairs, where was it? I don't know. But I had one beer. That's the only thing I remember."

"And a man's life is in tatters," Trump added.

Flake told NBC's "Today" show that "there`s no time and no place for remarks like that, that discuss something this sensitive at a political rally ... It`s kind of appalling."

Collins told reporters: "The president`s comments were just plain wrong." She did not respond when asked if his comments would affect her vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation.

Asked whether Trump`s comments would affect her vote, Murkowski told reporters: "I am taking everything into account. The president`s comments yesterday mocking Dr. Ford were wholly inappropriate and, in my view, unacceptable."

A day after the hearing, Trump had called Ford "a very credible witness" who provided "very compelling" testimony.

Kavanaugh has denied Ford`s accusation as well as allegations by two other women, all dating from the 1980s, while accusing Democrats of a political "hit."

'Clearly a Reason'

Flake was instrumental last Friday in getting Trump to order an FBI investigation into the allegations against Kavanaugh, nominated by Trump for a lifetime job on the top US court.

Trump limited the investigation to no more than a week.

Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, complained in an interview with Reuters that the White House had not responded to requests for documents detailing its instructions to the FBI about the scope of its investigation of Kavanaugh.

“There`s clearly a reason for that and I assume the administration doesn`t want members of Congress and the public to see it,” Durbin said.

It was not immediately clear whether the FBI report, which will be made available to senators, would be released to the public.

Trump`s fellow Republicans control the Senate by a 51-49 margin. If all the Democrats oppose Kavanaugh, Trump cannot afford to lose the support of more than one Republican for his nominee, with Vice President Mike Pence casting a tiebreaking vote. No Republicans have said they will vote against Kavanaugh.

Opposition among Americans to Kavanaugh has increased since last week`s hearing, Reuters/Ipsos polling data showed on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In the latest seven-day average in a survey of 4,057 US adults, 41 per cent of respondents opposed Kavanaugh, 33 per cent supported him and 26 per cent said they did not know. Opposition to Kavanaugh grew 4 percentage points after the hearing, apparently driven by people who previously were undecided.

In a Twitter post on Wednesday, Trump did not back away from his rally comments, instead of attacking Kavanaugh's Democratic critics. Trump said when he goes to political rallies, which are organised by Republicans, he sees that voters are angry at the "vicious and despicable" way Democrats are treating his nominee.

At a White House briefing, Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders defended his remarks in Mississippi and said he was not concerned the comments may have jeopardized the votes of key senators. "The president was stating the facts" about the gaps in Ford`s recollection of the alleged incident, Sanders said.

The FBI's report on sexual misconduct allegations against US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh neared completion late on Wednesday as the battle over his selection by President Donald Trump approached a new turning point.

The FBI's report on sexual misconduct allegations against US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh neared completion late on Wednesday as the battle over his selection by President Donald Trump approached a new turning point. The Senate was expected to receive the report either late on Wednesday or early on Thursday and senators were to be granted access to review it during the day on Thursday, a person briefed on the situation said. While the report`s conclusions were as yet unknown, there was already a partisan battle over it as Trump and the Senate Republican leadership battled to corral enough support for a majority vote for Kavanaugh in the days ahead. Democrats were in near unanimity against Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor on Wednesday that "we will not be intimidated" by opponents who have tried to derail Kavanaugh`s nomination. "It`s time to put this sickening display behind us," the Republican said. "The Senate will vote on this nomination this week." Several people with information related to allegations against Kavanaugh told Reuters they had not heard from the FBI, suggesting its report may be narrower than was desired by some of the lawmakers who demanded it just days ago. Christine Blasey Ford, a college professor from California who accused Kavanaugh of assaulting her in 1982 when they were high school students, has not been contacted by the FBI, her attorneys said. As Senate Republican leaders marched toward a final vote on Kavanaugh`s nomination, perhaps over the weekend, the three Republicans who could be key to whether Kavanaugh is confirmed - Senators Jeff Flake, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski -criticised Trump for his remarks about Ford at a political rally in Mississippi on Tuesday. Ford, who testified last week at an extraordinary Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, said she could not remember the precise date or location of the alleged assault or how she got home later, but offered a detailed account of the incident. She said a drunken Kavanaugh pinned her down, tried to remove her clothing and covered her mouth when she screamed. Imitating Ford's testimony, Trump, who was himself accused during the 2016 presidential race of sexual misconduct with numerous women, said: "What neighborhood was it in? I don't know. Where's the house? I don't know. Upstairs, downstairs, where was it? I don't know. But I had one beer. That's the only thing I remember." "And a man's life is in tatters," Trump added. Flake told NBC's "Today" show that "there`s no time and no place for remarks like that, that discuss something this sensitive at a political rally ... It`s kind of appalling." Collins told reporters: "The president`s comments were just plain wrong." She did not respond when asked if his comments would affect her vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation. Asked whether Trump`s comments would affect her vote, Murkowski told reporters: "I am taking everything into account. The president`s comments yesterday mocking Dr. Ford were wholly inappropriate and, in my view, unacceptable." A day after the hearing, Trump had called Ford "a very credible witness" who provided "very compelling" testimony. Kavanaugh has denied Ford`s accusation as well as allegations by two other women, all dating from the 1980s, while accusing Democrats of a political "hit." 'Clearly a Reason' Flake was instrumental last Friday in getting Trump to order an FBI investigation into the allegations against Kavanaugh, nominated by Trump for a lifetime job on the top US court. Trump limited the investigation to no more than a week. Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, complained in an interview with Reuters that the White House had not responded to requests for documents detailing its instructions to the FBI about the scope of its investigation of Kavanaugh. “There`s clearly a reason for that and I assume the administration doesn`t want members of Congress and the public to see it,” Durbin said. It was not immediately clear whether the FBI report, which will be made available to senators, would be released to the public. Trump`s fellow Republicans control the Senate by a 51-49 margin. If all the Democrats oppose Kavanaugh, Trump cannot afford to lose the support of more than one Republican for his nominee, with Vice President Mike Pence casting a tiebreaking vote. No Republicans have said they will vote against Kavanaugh. Opposition among Americans to Kavanaugh has increased since last week`s hearing, Reuters/Ipsos polling data showed on Wednesday. In the latest seven-day average in a survey of 4,057 US adults, 41 per cent of respondents opposed Kavanaugh, 33 per cent supported him and 26 per cent said they did not know. Opposition to Kavanaugh grew 4 percentage points after the hearing, apparently driven by people who previously were undecided. In a Twitter post on Wednesday, Trump did not back away from his rally comments, instead of attacking Kavanaugh's Democratic critics. Trump said when he goes to political rallies, which are organised by Republicans, he sees that voters are angry at the "vicious and despicable" way Democrats are treating his nominee. At a White House briefing, Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders defended his remarks in Mississippi and said he was not concerned the comments may have jeopardized the votes of key senators. "The president was stating the facts" about the gaps in Ford`s recollection of the alleged incident, Sanders said.

FBI report on Kavanaugh nears completion: Sources

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday the reaction to decades-old allegations of sexual assault against his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh makes it "a very scary time" for young men in the United States.

His remarks came as he responded to questions about allegations against the conservative jurist by three women who say Kavanaugh drunkenly sexually abused or harassed them when they were students in the 1980s.

"It's a very scary time for young men in America, where you can be guilty of something that you may not be guilty of," Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House.

Trump said Kavanaugh -- who denies the allegations and is adamant he did not drink to the point of blacking out, despite enjoying beer in his younger years -- has been treated unfairly.

"My whole life, I've heard you're innocent until proven guilty. But now you're guilty until proven innocent," Trump said.

The FBI is conducting a Senate-requested probe into the sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh, whom Trump described as "a great judge" who "has been very brutally treated."

Trump was more prudent however when asked about the outcome of the upcoming Senate vote on whether to approve Kavanaugh for the highest US court.

That "is going to depend on what comes back from the FBI," Trump said. "The FBI is working very hard and let's see what happens."

In an extraordinary Senate hearing on Thursday, Kavanaugh said the confirmation process had become a "national disgrace," adding that the accusations had "destroyed my family and my good name."

Senators, including Republican Jeff Flake, struck a deal the following day that gives the FBI one week to conduct an investigation and deliver a report. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday the reaction to decades-old allegations of sexual assault against his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh makes it "a very scary time" for young men in the United States.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday the reaction to decades-old allegations of sexual assault against his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh makes it "a very scary time" for young men in the United States. His remarks came as he responded to questions about allegations against the conservative jurist by three women who say Kavanaugh drunkenly sexually abused or harassed them when they were students in the 1980s. "It's a very scary time for young men in America, where you can be guilty of something that you may not be guilty of," Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House. Trump said Kavanaugh -- who denies the allegations and is adamant he did not drink to the point of blacking out, despite enjoying beer in his younger years -- has been treated unfairly. "My whole life, I've heard you're innocent until proven guilty. But now you're guilty until proven innocent," Trump said. The FBI is conducting a Senate-requested probe into the sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh, whom Trump described as "a great judge" who "has been very brutally treated." Trump was more prudent however when asked about the outcome of the upcoming Senate vote on whether to approve Kavanaugh for the highest US court. That "is going to depend on what comes back from the FBI," Trump said. "The FBI is working very hard and let's see what happens." In an extraordinary Senate hearing on Thursday, Kavanaugh said the confirmation process had become a "national disgrace," adding that the accusations had "destroyed my family and my good name." Senators, including Republican Jeff Flake, struck a deal the following day that gives the FBI one week to conduct an investigation and deliver a report.

'Very scary time' for young American men, says Trump

A one-time classmate of President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee said Monday that Brett Kavanaugh was a habitual heavy drinker, challenging the judge's Senate testimony to the contrary. &nbsp;

The comments came days after the FBI opened a Senate-requested probe into allegations by three women that a drunken Kavanaugh sexually abused them or engaged in sexual misconduct while they were students in the 1980s.

"I can unequivocally say that in denying the possibility that he ever blacked out from drinking and in downplaying the degree and frequency of his drinking, Brett has not told the truth," Chad Ludington told reporters.

The North Carolina State University professor, who said he had contacted the FBI with his information, indicated in a statement Sunday that Kavanaugh was "belligerent and aggressive" when he drank.

Earlier, Trump had defended his pick but admitted that the appeals court judge has had a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-kavanaugh-had-bit-difficulty-alcohol-168862">"bit of difficulty" with alcohol</a>.

In a White House press conference, the US president sought to excuse excessive drinking by teenagers, while going beyond Kavanaugh's own testimony on his past use of alcohol to the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.

"I was surprised at how vocal he was about the fact that he likes beer," the president said.

"He's had a little bit of difficulty. He talked about things that happened when he drank. This is not a man that said... he was perfect with respect to alcohol."

He also questioned why investigators needed to examine the 53-year-old Kavanaugh's high school record.

"I think it's very unfair to bring up things like this," Trump said.

"I graduated from high school and while I did not drink, I saw a lot of people drinking," he said.

"They drink beer and go crazy and they were in high school... Does that mean that they can't do something they want to do in their life?" &nbsp;

He returned to the theme during a campaign rally in Tennessee, where he accused opposition Democrats of being motivated by politics.&nbsp;

"They have been blind in a blind rage ever since they lost the 2016. They have gone loco," he told supporters.

'I like beer'

In Thursday's extraordinary hearing, Kavanaugh vehemently denied the sexual abuse allegations, and also aggressively challenged suggestions he had a drinking problem at the time.

"I drank beer with my friends. Sometimes I had too many beers," he told the panel. &nbsp;

"Yes, we drank beer. I liked beer. I still like beer," he said.

"If every American who drinks beer or every American who drank beer in high school is suddenly presumed guilty of sexual assault, it will be an ugly, new place in this country."

The New York Times also reported that Kavanaugh was questioned but not charged by police after a 1985 bar fight in New Haven, Connecticut where he was accused of throwing ice on a fellow patron.&nbsp;

A witness said that a friend of Kavanaugh's then threw a glass that hit the same patron in the ear, causing bleeding.

US media meanwhile reported that the FBI had begun their interview of Mark Judge, Kavanaugh's former best friend and a key figure in the misconduct allegations leveled by Christine Blasey Ford.

Judge's interview started but "has not been completed," his attorney said in a statement quoted by Fox News.

In last week's hearing, Blasey Ford said Judge witnessed Kavanaugh's alleged assault and jumped on top of them as it happened, sending all three tumbling and allowing her to escape.

Clock ticking&nbsp;

Trump meanwhile said the White House would not restrict the new FBI probe, requested by senators before they take a final vote on Kavanaugh.

"I think the FBI should do what they have to do to get to the answer," Trump said.

"I want it to be comprehensive... With that being said, I would like to go quickly," he added.

"We don't want to go on a witch hunt, do we?"

Senators, including Republican Jeff Flake, struck a deal Friday that gives the FBI one week to conduct its investigation and deliver its report.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate, made up of 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats, will be "voting this week" on advancing the Kavanaugh nomination, setting up a possible final confirmation vote this weekend or early next week.

"The time for endless delay and obstruction has come to a close," McConnell said.

Last week, Flake expressed eagerness to see Kavanaugh confirmed but said he wanted a "better process" for assessing the allegations. Flake said over the weekend that he would vote for Kavanaugh unless the FBI finds something in its investigation.

A one-time classmate of President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee said Monday that Brett Kavanaugh was a habitual heavy drinker, challenging the judge's Senate testimony to the contrary.

A one-time classmate of President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee said Monday that Brett Kavanaugh was a habitual heavy drinker, challenging the judge's Senate testimony to the contrary. The comments came days after the FBI opened a Senate-requested probe into allegations by three women that a drunken Kavanaugh sexually abused them or engaged in sexual misconduct while they were students in the 1980s. "I can unequivocally say that in denying the possibility that he ever blacked out from drinking and in downplaying the degree and frequency of his drinking, Brett has not told the truth," Chad Ludington told reporters. The North Carolina State University professor, who said he had contacted the FBI with his information, indicated in a statement Sunday that Kavanaugh was "belligerent and aggressive" when he drank. Earlier, Trump had defended his pick but admitted that the appeals court judge has had a "bit of difficulty" with alcohol. In a White House press conference, the US president sought to excuse excessive drinking by teenagers, while going beyond Kavanaugh's own testimony on his past use of alcohol to the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. "I was surprised at how vocal he was about the fact that he likes beer," the president said. "He's had a little bit of difficulty. He talked about things that happened when he drank. This is not a man that said... he was perfect with respect to alcohol." He also questioned why investigators needed to examine the 53-year-old Kavanaugh's high school record. "I think it's very unfair to bring up things like this," Trump said. "I graduated from high school and while I did not drink, I saw a lot of people drinking," he said. "They drink beer and go crazy and they were in high school... Does that mean that they can't do something they want to do in their life?" He returned to the theme during a campaign rally in Tennessee, where he accused opposition Democrats of being motivated by politics. "They have been blind in a blind rage ever since they lost the 2016. They have gone loco," he told supporters. 'I like beer' In Thursday's extraordinary hearing, Kavanaugh vehemently denied the sexual abuse allegations, and also aggressively challenged suggestions he had a drinking problem at the time. "I drank beer with my friends. Sometimes I had too many beers," he told the panel. "Yes, we drank beer. I liked beer. I still like beer," he said. "If every American who drinks beer or every American who drank beer in high school is suddenly presumed guilty of sexual assault, it will be an ugly, new place in this country." The New York Times also reported that Kavanaugh was questioned but not charged by police after a 1985 bar fight in New Haven, Connecticut where he was accused of throwing ice on a fellow patron. A witness said that a friend of Kavanaugh's then threw a glass that hit the same patron in the ear, causing bleeding. US media meanwhile reported that the FBI had begun their interview of Mark Judge, Kavanaugh's former best friend and a key figure in the misconduct allegations leveled by Christine Blasey Ford. Judge's interview started but "has not been completed," his attorney said in a statement quoted by Fox News. In last week's hearing, Blasey Ford said Judge witnessed Kavanaugh's alleged assault and jumped on top of them as it happened, sending all three tumbling and allowing her to escape. Clock ticking Trump meanwhile said the White House would not restrict the new FBI probe, requested by senators before they take a final vote on Kavanaugh. "I think the FBI should do what they have to do to get to the answer," Trump said. "I want it to be comprehensive... With that being said, I would like to go quickly," he added. "We don't want to go on a witch hunt, do we?" Senators, including Republican Jeff Flake, struck a deal Friday that gives the FBI one week to conduct its investigation and deliver its report. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate, made up of 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats, will be "voting this week" on advancing the Kavanaugh nomination, setting up a possible final confirmation vote this weekend or early next week. "The time for endless delay and obstruction has come to a close," McConnell said. Last week, Flake expressed eagerness to see Kavanaugh confirmed but said he wanted a "better process" for assessing the allegations. Flake said over the weekend that he would vote for Kavanaugh unless the FBI finds something in its investigation.

Kavanaugh lied about his drinking habits, claims former classmate of Trump's court nominee

The FBI is free to investigate any sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh that it deems credible, two White House spokeswomen said on Sunday, rebuffing reports that the administration has tried to limit the probe.

"The White House is not micromanaging this process," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in an interview with "Fox News Sunday."

"The Senate is dictating the terms," she said. "The FBI, this is what they do. And we're out of the way and letting them do exactly that."

However, White House adviser Kellyanne Conway added, "It's not meant to be a fishing expedition."

Trump bowed to pressure from moderate Senate Republicans and ordered an<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-fbi-probe-kavanaugh-senate-delays-final-vote-168336"> FBI investigation</a> after Christine Blasey Ford, a California university professor, detailed her claims at a Senate hearing on Thursday that Kavanaugh tried to rape her in 1982 when the two were high school teenagers.

Kavanaugh has denied Ford's accusation, as well as those of two other women that emerged afterward.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-rage-us-court-nominee-kavanaugh-faces-first-vote-168318">Lawmakers rage as US supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-rage-us-court-nominee-kavanaugh-faces-first-vote-168318">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-rage-us-court-nominee-kavanaugh-faces-first-vote-168318"> vote</a>

In a stunning reversal on Friday, the Senate Judiciary Committee asked the Trump administration to order the FBI to investigate the misconduct allegations - but only after the panel sent Kavanaugh's nomination to the full Senate for a final vote.

The move followed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-swear-god-assault-charges-against-me-are-not-true-kavanaugh-us-senate-judiciary-committee">emotional testimony from Ford and Kavanaugh</a> at a committee hearing on Thursday that further roiled emotions and outrage surrounding the nomination for a lifetime appointment to the high court.

Senate Republicans, who hold a narrow 51-49 majority, were forced by dissent within their ranks to slow down the confirmation process.

As a result, the Supreme Court will begin a new term on Monday with the court ideologically deadlocked with four conservatives and four liberals.

Republicans, who are trying to retain control of the US&nbsp;Congress in November elections, seek to balance their desire to have a conservative judge on the Supreme Court with sensitivity in how they handle the sexual misconduct allegations amid the reverberations of the #MeToo movement.

Media outlets including NBC News, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that the White House was controlling the investigation, giving the FBI a list of witnesses and limiting its parameters.

Trump said the NBC report was incorrect. "Actually, I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion. Please correct your reporting!" he wrote on Twitter.

The FBI and a spokesman for the Senate Judiciary Committee did not immediately return requests for comment about the Times report.

Four witnesses

The New York Times said the FBI planned to question four witnesses about three sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh.

The FBI will question Deborah Ramirez, who said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party when both were students at Yale University.

The others include Mark Judge, a friend of Kavanaugh who Ford said witnessed the assault and Leland Keyser and P.J. Smyth, who she said were at the gathering.

Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for a third Kavanaugh accuser, Julie Swetnick, said Sunday his client has not been contacted by the FBI. The Times and the Journal reported that investigators did not intend to question Swetnick.

The White House asked the FBI to share its findings after the four initial interviews, then Trump and his advisers will decide whether the accusations should be investigated further, the New York Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

A senior administration official told the Times that Don McGahn was leading the White House effort to help direct the scope of the background check.

Senate Democrats expressed concern about the reports of White House control of the FBI probe, including Judiciary Committee member Amy Klobuchar, who said she believed the FBI should interview Swetnick.

"The White House should not be allowed to micromanage a FBI investigation," Klobuchar said on CNN. "I just want this conducted in a fair way.

Sanders said she was "not aware" whether McGahn had given the FBI directions on who to interview or what to investigate. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway also said she had not discussed the matter with McGahn.

Conway told CNN's "State of the Union" that she was only aware of the parameters the Senate set on the probe. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday said the FBI's supplemental background investigation "would be limited to current credible allegations" and must be completed in a week.

"The White House is not getting involved in the FBI investigation in that way," she added. "They should be looking at anything they think is credible within this limited scope."

The FBI is free to investigate any sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh that it deems credible, two White House spokeswomen said on Sunday, rebuffing reports that the administration has tried to limit the probe.

The FBI is free to investigate any sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh that it deems credible, two White House spokeswomen said on Sunday, rebuffing reports that the administration has tried to limit the probe. "The White House is not micromanaging this process," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in an interview with "Fox News Sunday." "The Senate is dictating the terms," she said. "The FBI, this is what they do. And we're out of the way and letting them do exactly that." However, White House adviser Kellyanne Conway added, "It's not meant to be a fishing expedition." Trump bowed to pressure from moderate Senate Republicans and ordered an FBI investigation after Christine Blasey Ford, a California university professor, detailed her claims at a Senate hearing on Thursday that Kavanaugh tried to rape her in 1982 when the two were high school teenagers. Kavanaugh has denied Ford's accusation, as well as those of two other women that emerged afterward. Also read: Lawmakers rage as US supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faces first vote In a stunning reversal on Friday, the Senate Judiciary Committee asked the Trump administration to order the FBI to investigate the misconduct allegations - but only after the panel sent Kavanaugh's nomination to the full Senate for a final vote. The move followed emotional testimony from Ford and Kavanaugh at a committee hearing on Thursday that further roiled emotions and outrage surrounding the nomination for a lifetime appointment to the high court. Senate Republicans, who hold a narrow 51-49 majority, were forced by dissent within their ranks to slow down the confirmation process. As a result, the Supreme Court will begin a new term on Monday with the court ideologically deadlocked with four conservatives and four liberals. Republicans, who are trying to retain control of the US Congress in November elections, seek to balance their desire to have a conservative judge on the Supreme Court with sensitivity in how they handle the sexual misconduct allegations amid the reverberations of the #MeToo movement. Media outlets including NBC News, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that the White House was controlling the investigation, giving the FBI a list of witnesses and limiting its parameters. Trump said the NBC report was incorrect. "Actually, I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion. Please correct your reporting!" he wrote on Twitter. The FBI and a spokesman for the Senate Judiciary Committee did not immediately return requests for comment about the Times report. Four witnesses The New York Times said the FBI planned to question four witnesses about three sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh. The FBI will question Deborah Ramirez, who said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her at a party when both were students at Yale University. The others include Mark Judge, a friend of Kavanaugh who Ford said witnessed the assault and Leland Keyser and P.J. Smyth, who she said were at the gathering. Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for a third Kavanaugh accuser, Julie Swetnick, said Sunday his client has not been contacted by the FBI. The Times and the Journal reported that investigators did not intend to question Swetnick. The White House asked the FBI to share its findings after the four initial interviews, then Trump and his advisers will decide whether the accusations should be investigated further, the New York Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter. A senior administration official told the Times that Don McGahn was leading the White House effort to help direct the scope of the background check. Senate Democrats expressed concern about the reports of White House control of the FBI probe, including Judiciary Committee member Amy Klobuchar, who said she believed the FBI should interview Swetnick. "The White House should not be allowed to micromanage a FBI investigation," Klobuchar said on CNN. "I just want this conducted in a fair way. Sanders said she was "not aware" whether McGahn had given the FBI directions on who to interview or what to investigate. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway also said she had not discussed the matter with McGahn. Conway told CNN's "State of the Union" that she was only aware of the parameters the Senate set on the probe. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday said the FBI's supplemental background investigation "would be limited to current credible allegations" and must be completed in a week. "The White House is not getting involved in the FBI investigation in that way," she added. "They should be looking at anything they think is credible within this limited scope."

White House says not 'micromanaging' FBI probe of Kavanaugh

US President Donald Trump ordered a new FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court pick Friday, as the Senate delayed a vote on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to make way for the probe.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just started, tonight, our 7th FBI investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. He will someday be recognized as a truly great Justice of The United States Supreme Court!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1045832351211835392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-rage-us-court-nominee-kavanaugh-faces-first-vote-168318">Lawmakers rage as US supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faces first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-rage-us-court-nominee-kavanaugh-faces-first-vote-168318"> vote</a>

After a dramatic day-long hearing at which a university professor accused Kavanaugh of pinning her down and assaulting her at a party in the 1980s, the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier Friday approved his nomination in a preliminary vote along party lines.

But committee chair Chuck Grassley then bowed to intense pressure from inside and outside Congress and announced he was asking Trump to order the new background review that "must be completed no later than one week from today." Trump, who repeatedly blasted Democratic opposition to Kavanaugh as a political "con-job," agreed.

"I've ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh's file. As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week," the president said in a statement.

Trump's order and the decision to put off a final vote came after a key Republican senator, Jeff Flake, threatened to break ranks with his party because of the clouds hanging over Kavanaugh's head.

At least three women have now accused the 53-year-old conservative judge of sexual misconduct while drunk, as a high school and later a university student.

Democrats have repeatedly demanded those charges be assessed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine if he is suitable for the lifetime high court appointment.

Flake's stunning 11th-hour move played out on national television amid heated partisan debate and raucous protests in the halls of the Capital, where one woman cornered the Arizona senator in an elevator demanding he oppose Kavanaugh, citing her own experience with sexual assault.

"This country's being ripped apart," said Flake. "And we have to ensure that we do due diligence here." His move earned the endorsement of another Republican seen as wavering on the nomination, Lisa Murkowski.

With the Republicans holding a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate, that placed pressure on Trump to order the FBI probe.

Republicans see Kavanaugh as pivotal to their gaining control of the nine-member Supreme Court bench. Trump nominated him to replace Anthony Kennedy, who for years was a swing vote between four conservative and four liberal justices.

US President Donald Trump ordered a new FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court pick Friday, as the Senate delayed a vote on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to make way for the probe.

US President Donald Trump ordered a new FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court pick Friday, as the Senate delayed a vote on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to make way for the probe. Just started, tonight, our 7th FBI investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. He will someday be recognized as a truly great Justice of The United States Supreme Court! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 29, 2018 × Lawmakers rage as US supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faces first vote After a dramatic day-long hearing at which a university professor accused Kavanaugh of pinning her down and assaulting her at a party in the 1980s, the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier Friday approved his nomination in a preliminary vote along party lines. But committee chair Chuck Grassley then bowed to intense pressure from inside and outside Congress and announced he was asking Trump to order the new background review that "must be completed no later than one week from today." Trump, who repeatedly blasted Democratic opposition to Kavanaugh as a political "con-job," agreed. "I've ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh's file. As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week," the president said in a statement. Trump's order and the decision to put off a final vote came after a key Republican senator, Jeff Flake, threatened to break ranks with his party because of the clouds hanging over Kavanaugh's head. At least three women have now accused the 53-year-old conservative judge of sexual misconduct while drunk, as a high school and later a university student. Democrats have repeatedly demanded those charges be assessed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine if he is suitable for the lifetime high court appointment. Flake's stunning 11th-hour move played out on national television amid heated partisan debate and raucous protests in the halls of the Capital, where one woman cornered the Arizona senator in an elevator demanding he oppose Kavanaugh, citing her own experience with sexual assault. "This country's being ripped apart," said Flake. "And we have to ensure that we do due diligence here." His move earned the endorsement of another Republican seen as wavering on the nomination, Lisa Murkowski. With the Republicans holding a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate, that placed pressure on Trump to order the FBI probe. Republicans see Kavanaugh as pivotal to their gaining control of the nine-member Supreme Court bench. Trump nominated him to replace Anthony Kennedy, who for years was a swing vote between four conservative and four liberal justices.

Trump orders FBI probe of Kavanaugh as Senate delays final vote

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's lead attorney said that if the special counsel investigating Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 US&nbspelection were to subpoena the president, it would set off a legal battle, according to an ABC News report on Saturday.

Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who became Trump's lead lawyer in April, said the two sides would go to court if US&nbspSpecial Counsel Robert Mueller attempts to subpoena the president.

"If Mueller tries to subpoena us, we're going to court," Giuliani told ABC News.

In addition to fighting a subpoena, Giuliani told ABC that Trump's legal strategy as detailed in a January letter to Mueller and published by the New York Times on Saturday still stands.

Trump's lawyers had argued in the January letter that the president could not have obstructed the probe given the powers granted to him by the US&nbspConstitution, the Times report said.

In the letter penned by Trump lawyers John Dowd and Jay Sekulow, it was argued that president has the power to "order the termination of an investigation by the Justice Department or FBI at any time and for any reason."

In the letter to Mueller, Trump's lawyers had contended that the Constitution gives the president the power to "terminate the inquiry, or even exercise his power to pardon," and that meant he could not illegally obstruct the investigation, the Times reported.

The 20-page letter was a response to repeated requests by Mueller's office asking to interview Trump. Negotiations between Trump's lawyers and the special counsel on a possible interview have continued ever since.

As part of his investigation, Mueller is looking into the possibility the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow and that Trump subsequently tried to obstruct the probe.

Russia has denied any interference and Trump has repeatedly said there was no collusion or obstruction of justice.

Giuliani did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mueller's office declined to comment, while the White House and the two attorneys who wrote the letter - Sekulow and Dowd - did not reply to requests for comment. Dowd left the president's legal team in March.

Giuliani said last month that he wanted any interview of Trump to be limited in scope and length, suggesting it to be only 2-1/2 hours and not under oath.

If the president does not consent to an interview with the special counsel and Mueller does subpoena him, the interpretation by Trump's lawyers of broad executive powers would likely be tested in court if they decided to fight the subpoena.

In arguing that Trump has the power to end an investigation or pardon people, his lawyers left open the possibility that they were referring only to a probe into his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and not necessarily an investigation of the president, the Times said.

In an earlier tweet, Trump took what appeared to be a pre-emptive swipe at the Times report shortly before it ran that questioned whether Mueller's office or the Justice Department leaked letters from his lawyers.

"When will this very expensive Witch Hunt Hoax ever end?" Trump tweeted earlier on Saturday.

Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who became Trump's lead lawyer in April, said the two sides would go to court if US Special Counsel Robert Mueller attempts to subpoena the president

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's lead attorney said that if the special counsel investigating Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 US&nbspelection were to subpoena the president, it would set off a legal battle, according to an ABC News report on Saturday. Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who became Trump's lead lawyer in April, said the two sides would go to court if US&nbspSpecial Counsel Robert Mueller attempts to subpoena the president. "If Mueller tries to subpoena us, we're going to court," Giuliani told ABC News. In addition to fighting a subpoena, Giuliani told ABC that Trump's legal strategy as detailed in a January letter to Mueller and published by the New York Times on Saturday still stands. Trump's lawyers had argued in the January letter that the president could not have obstructed the probe given the powers granted to him by the US&nbspConstitution, the Times report said. In the letter penned by Trump lawyers John Dowd and Jay Sekulow, it was argued that president has the power to "order the termination of an investigation by the Justice Department or FBI at any time and for any reason." In the letter to Mueller, Trump's lawyers had contended that the Constitution gives the president the power to "terminate the inquiry, or even exercise his power to pardon," and that meant he could not illegally obstruct the investigation, the Times reported. The 20-page letter was a response to repeated requests by Mueller's office asking to interview Trump. Negotiations between Trump's lawyers and the special counsel on a possible interview have continued ever since. As part of his investigation, Mueller is looking into the possibility the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow and that Trump subsequently tried to obstruct the probe. Russia has denied any interference and Trump has repeatedly said there was no collusion or obstruction of justice. Giuliani did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mueller's office declined to comment, while the White House and the two attorneys who wrote the letter - Sekulow and Dowd - did not reply to requests for comment. Dowd left the president's legal team in March. Giuliani said last month that he wanted any interview of Trump to be limited in scope and length, suggesting it to be only 2-1/2 hours and not under oath. If the president does not consent to an interview with the special counsel and Mueller does subpoena him, the interpretation by Trump's lawyers of broad executive powers would likely be tested in court if they decided to fight the subpoena. In arguing that Trump has the power to end an investigation or pardon people, his lawyers left open the possibility that they were referring only to a probe into his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and not necessarily an investigation of the president, the Times said. In an earlier tweet, Trump took what appeared to be a pre-emptive swipe at the Times report shortly before it ran that questioned whether Mueller's office or the Justice Department leaked letters from his lawyers. "When will this very expensive Witch Hunt Hoax ever end?" Trump tweeted earlier on Saturday.

Trump's lawyer says will fight Russia probe subpoena: Report

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday escalated his attacks on the Justice Department, suggesting that the FBI may have planted or recruited an informant in his 2016 presidential campaign.

Trump stopped short of accusing the FBI of spying on his campaign, instead citing unnamed reports that at least one FBI representative was "implanted" for political purposes into his campaign.

"If true - all time biggest political scandal!" Trump said in a tweet.

Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, now one of Trump's personal attorneys, almost immediately undercut Trump's speculation about an informant. "I don't know for sure, nor does the president, if there really was one," he told CNN.

"For a long time we've been told there was some kind of infiltration," Giuliani said. "At one time, the president thought it was a wiretap."

Neither Trump nor Giuliani provided any evidence of government infiltration into Trump's presidential campaign.

With Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigating possible collusion between Trump's election campaign team and Russia, Trump and some of his allies have alleged that elements inside the Justice Department are seeking to undermine his administration.

Trump has denied any collusion with Russia and repeatedly called Mueller's investigation a "witch hunt." Russia has denied meddling in the U.S. presidential election.

Glenn Simpson, who heads a consulting firm in Washington and hired former British spy Christopher Steele to investigate Trump's dealings with Russia prior to the campaign, testified last August to the Senate Judiciary Committee that some of what he collected was "human source intelligence."

Simpson, however, did not tell the committee anything that could substantiate suggestions that U.S. authorities might have inserted an informant into the Trump campaign.

The FBI declined to comment on Friday.

CNN reported that U.S. officials said, "The confidential intelligence source was not planted inside the campaign to provide information to investigators."

Nevertheless, some Republicans are demanding classified documents related to the alleged informant. The Justice Department has refused to provide them.

The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner, warned members of Congress against publicly outing FBI sources.

"It would be at best irresponsible, and at worst potentially illegal, for members of Congress to use their positions to learn the identity of an FBI source for the purpose of undermining the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in our election," Warner said in a statement.

FBI Director Christopher Wray, a Trump appointee, on Wednesday cited the need to protect people who cooperate with law enforcement or intelligence officials.Trump's allies also charge that Mueller has exceeded the bounds of his authority by investigating the financial dealings of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort.

Mueller so far remains undeterred by attempts to discredit the investigation or distract attention from it, according to one source familiar with the probe.

His office has negotiated a plea agreement with Manafort's former son-in-law, Jeffrey Yohai, that requires him to cooperate with other probes, Reuters reported on Thursday.

Trump stopped short of accusing the FBI of spying on his campaign, instead citing unnamed reports that at least one FBI representative was 'implanted' for political purposes into his campaign

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday escalated his attacks on the Justice Department, suggesting that the FBI may have planted or recruited an informant in his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump stopped short of accusing the FBI of spying on his campaign, instead citing unnamed reports that at least one FBI representative was "implanted" for political purposes into his campaign. "If true - all time biggest political scandal!" Trump said in a tweet. Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, now one of Trump's personal attorneys, almost immediately undercut Trump's speculation about an informant. "I don't know for sure, nor does the president, if there really was one," he told CNN. "For a long time we've been told there was some kind of infiltration," Giuliani said. "At one time, the president thought it was a wiretap." Neither Trump nor Giuliani provided any evidence of government infiltration into Trump's presidential campaign. With Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigating possible collusion between Trump's election campaign team and Russia, Trump and some of his allies have alleged that elements inside the Justice Department are seeking to undermine his administration. Trump has denied any collusion with Russia and repeatedly called Mueller's investigation a "witch hunt." Russia has denied meddling in the U.S. presidential election. Glenn Simpson, who heads a consulting firm in Washington and hired former British spy Christopher Steele to investigate Trump's dealings with Russia prior to the campaign, testified last August to the Senate Judiciary Committee that some of what he collected was "human source intelligence." Simpson, however, did not tell the committee anything that could substantiate suggestions that U.S. authorities might have inserted an informant into the Trump campaign. The FBI declined to comment on Friday. CNN reported that U.S. officials said, "The confidential intelligence source was not planted inside the campaign to provide information to investigators." Nevertheless, some Republicans are demanding classified documents related to the alleged informant. The Justice Department has refused to provide them. The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner, warned members of Congress against publicly outing FBI sources. "It would be at best irresponsible, and at worst potentially illegal, for members of Congress to use their positions to learn the identity of an FBI source for the purpose of undermining the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in our election," Warner said in a statement. FBI Director Christopher Wray, a Trump appointee, on Wednesday cited the need to protect people who cooperate with law enforcement or intelligence officials.Trump's allies also charge that Mueller has exceeded the bounds of his authority by investigating the financial dealings of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mueller so far remains undeterred by attempts to discredit the investigation or distract attention from it, according to one source familiar with the probe. His office has negotiated a plea agreement with Manafort's former son-in-law, Jeffrey Yohai, that requires him to cooperate with other probes, Reuters reported on Thursday.

Trump suggests FBI may have infiltrated his campaign

The Department of Justice and the FBI have started investigating the data mining firm Cambridge Analytica which had announced its shut down last month due to the Facebook scandal.&nbsp;

As per reports, the investigation is in the primary stages and no details have yet been given out about the firm's involvement in the 2016 presidential elections.&nbsp;

Prosecutors have sought to question former Cambridge Analytica employees and banks that handled its business, the newspaper said, citing an American official and others familiar with the inquiry,&nbsp;

The investigation is also looking into the company’s financial history, in particular, its relationship to certain banks, and how it may have used the data it gathered from Facebook and other online sources, reports say.&nbsp;

Cambridge Analytical announced its shut down amid reports of providing ad targeting expertise for Trump's campaign based on data it got from Cambridge psychology professor Aleksandr Kogan, who gathered the data on as many as 87 million Facebook users using a quiz app.&nbsp;

Kogan thereafter sold the data - violating Facebook's terms and services.&nbsp;

Cambridge Analytica said earlier this month it was shutting down after losing clients and facing mounting legal fees.&nbsp;

Cambridge Analytica was created around 2013, initially with a focus on US&nbsp;elections, with $15 million in backing from billionaire Republican donor Robert Mercer and a name chosen by future Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon, the New York Times has reported. Bannon left the White House on August 2017. 
&nbsp;

As per reports, the investigation is in the primary stages and no details have yet been given out about the firm's involvement in the 2016 presidential elections

The Department of Justice and the FBI have started investigating the data mining firm Cambridge Analytica which had announced its shut down last month due to the Facebook scandal. As per reports, the investigation is in the primary stages and no details have yet been given out about the firm's involvement in the 2016 presidential elections. Prosecutors have sought to question former Cambridge Analytica employees and banks that handled its business, the newspaper said, citing an American official and others familiar with the inquiry, The investigation is also looking into the company’s financial history, in particular, its relationship to certain banks, and how it may have used the data it gathered from Facebook and other online sources, reports say. Cambridge Analytical announced its shut down amid reports of providing ad targeting expertise for Trump's campaign based on data it got from Cambridge psychology professor Aleksandr Kogan, who gathered the data on as many as 87 million Facebook users using a quiz app. Kogan thereafter sold the data - violating Facebook's terms and services. Cambridge Analytica said earlier this month it was shutting down after losing clients and facing mounting legal fees. Cambridge Analytica was created around 2013, initially with a focus on US elections, with $15 million in backing from billionaire Republican donor Robert Mercer and a name chosen by future Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon, the New York Times has reported. Bannon left the White House on August 2017.

US Department of Justice, FBI begin investigating Cambridge Analytica following its shutdown

United States President Donald Trump has branded the lawsuit filed by the Democratic Party a "good news" and has sought the documents held by the "Pakistani mystery man", DNC Server, Debbie Wasserman Schultz Servers and Clinton emails to counter it.

"This can be good news in that we will now counter for the DNC Server that they refused to give to the FBI, the Wendy Wasserman Schultz Servers and Documents held by the Pakistani mystery man and Clinton Emails," President Trump, a Republican, said in a tweet.

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Just heard the Campaign was sued by the Obstructionist Democrats. This can be good news in that we will now counter for the DNC Server that they refused to give to the FBI, the Debbie Wasserman Schultz Servers and Documents held by the Pakistani mystery man and Clinton Emails.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/987470932989050881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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President Trump's Pakistani mystery man is Imran Awan, who along with his brother Abid Awan, and five other family members and associates, is at the heart of the brewing IT Scandal which has put Congressional Data at risk.

Awan, a former IT aide to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who investigators concluded, made "unauthorized access" to House servers.

They worked as shared IT employees for 44 House Democrats and had access to the House members' sensitive data, including emails, calendars, constituents' data, and personal files, despite having little to no IT experience, according to the local media reports.

Awan's father Haji Ashraf Awan was giving data to Pakistan, alleged the father's ex-business partner, adding that Imran bragged he had the power to "change the U.S. president," the New York based Epoch Times reports.

Imran began working for the House of Representatives in 2004. The Epoch Times reports that most members of his immediate family are also working as IT aides to Democrats in the House of Representatives.

According to the report, inspector general, Michael Ptasienski, testified this month that "system administrators hold the 'keys to the kingdom' meaning they can create accounts, grant access, view, download, update, or delete almost any electronic information within an office. Because of this high-level access, a rogue system administrator could inflict considerable damage."

The president's tweet came hours after the DNC filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the Russian government, the Trump Campaign and the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks.

That lawsuit alleges that the defendants conspired to disrupt the 2016 presidential election and undermine Hillary Clinton's Campaign by hacking the DNC's servers and disseminating stolen information.&nbsp

United States President Donald Trump has branded the lawsuit filed by the Democratic Party a 'good news' and has sought the documents held by the 'Pakistani mystery man', DNC Server, Debbie Wasserman Schultz Servers and Clinton emails to counter it

United States President Donald Trump has branded the lawsuit filed by the Democratic Party a "good news" and has sought the documents held by the "Pakistani mystery man", DNC Server, Debbie Wasserman Schultz Servers and Clinton emails to counter it. "This can be good news in that we will now counter for the DNC Server that they refused to give to the FBI, the Wendy Wasserman Schultz Servers and Documents held by the Pakistani mystery man and Clinton Emails," President Trump, a Republican, said in a tweet. Just heard the Campaign was sued by the Obstructionist Democrats. This can be good news in that we will now counter for the DNC Server that they refused to give to the FBI, the Debbie Wasserman Schultz Servers and Documents held by the Pakistani mystery man and Clinton Emails. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 20, 2018 × President Trump's Pakistani mystery man is Imran Awan, who along with his brother Abid Awan, and five other family members and associates, is at the heart of the brewing IT Scandal which has put Congressional Data at risk. Awan, a former IT aide to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who investigators concluded, made "unauthorized access" to House servers. They worked as shared IT employees for 44 House Democrats and had access to the House members' sensitive data, including emails, calendars, constituents' data, and personal files, despite having little to no IT experience, according to the local media reports. Awan's father Haji Ashraf Awan was giving data to Pakistan, alleged the father's ex-business partner, adding that Imran bragged he had the power to "change the U.S. president," the New York based Epoch Times reports. Imran began working for the House of Representatives in 2004. The Epoch Times reports that most members of his immediate family are also working as IT aides to Democrats in the House of Representatives. According to the report, inspector general, Michael Ptasienski, testified this month that "system administrators hold the 'keys to the kingdom' meaning they can create accounts, grant access, view, download, update, or delete almost any electronic information within an office. Because of this high-level access, a rogue system administrator could inflict considerable damage." The president's tweet came hours after the DNC filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the Russian government, the Trump Campaign and the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks. That lawsuit alleges that the defendants conspired to disrupt the 2016 presidential election and undermine Hillary Clinton's Campaign by hacking the DNC's servers and disseminating stolen information.

Trump seeks 'documents held' by Pakistani man to counter Democrats' lawsuit

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's longtime personal lawyer whose offices and home were raided last week will ask a judge to limit federal prosecutors'&nbspability to review seized documents at a hearing which adult film star Stormy Daniels is expected to attend.

Michael Cohen, who prosecutors revealed last week is under criminal investigation, has asked the court to give his own lawyers the first look at the seized materials so they can identify documents that are protected by attorney-client privilege.&nbsp

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, plans to attend Monday's hearing, her lawyer Michael Avenatti, said on Sunday. She is engaged in a legal battle with Cohen over a $130,000 agreement for her to keep quiet about a 2006 sexual encounter she says she had with Trump.

In a court filing Sunday night, lawyers for Trump asked to be allowed to review documents that in any way relate to the president.&nbsp

Lawyers for Cohen appeared without their client at a hearing Friday before US&nbspDistrict Judge Kimba Wood in Manhattan federal court. The judge ordered that Cohen himself be present Monday so that he could answer questions about his clients.

In a court filing Monday morning, Cohen's lawyers argued that Cohen should not be required to turn over the names. They said that Cohen had at least 10 clients in 2017 and 2018, and that he did "traditional legal tasks" for three of them, including

Trump, Republican fundraiser Elliott Broidy and a third who asked not to be named.

Cohen arranged a $1.6-million payment to secure the silence of a former Playboy model who said she became pregnant by Broidy, a person familiar with the matter said Friday.

Cohen did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp

Last week's raids came after a "months-long" investigation of possible crimes related largely to Cohen`s business dealings, rather than his work as a lawyer, prosecutors said in a court filing on Friday.

A source familiar with the raids said last week that the information FBI agents were seeking included information about payments to Daniels.&nbsp

The raids were based partly on a referral by the Office of Special Counsel, Robert Mueller who is investigating possible collusion between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, according to court filings.

Trump has called Mueller's probe a "witch hunt" and denied any collusion.

Todd Harrison, a lawyer for Cohen, said at Friday`s hearing that "thousands" of documents seized were likely privileged, and that many related to clients other than Trump.

Prosecutors have asked that the seized documents be reviewed for attorney-client privilege by a "filter team" of lawyers within their own office, who would be walled off from the main prosecution team. The use of filter teams is standard in federal criminal investigations.

Wood ordered Cohen`s lawyers to be ready with a list of Cohen`s clients on Monday to support their argument.

Wood is also expected to hear from a lawyer representing Trump. Joanna Hendon appeared for the president at Friday`s hearing, telling Wood that Trump had "an acute interest" in the handling of the seized materials. She argued in Sunday`s court filing that a Chinese wall in the prosecutor`s office was not enough in the "highly politicized, even fevered, atmosphere" around the probe.

Avenatti, Daniels'&nbsplawyer, said at Friday`s hearing that he had "every reason to believe" that some documents seized from Cohen related to his client. Cohen has acknowledged paying Daniels $130,000 in 2016.&nbsp

Michael Cohen, who prosecutors revealed last week is under criminal investigation, has asked the court to give his own lawyers the first look at the seized materials so they can identify documents that are protected by attorney-client privilege

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's longtime personal lawyer whose offices and home were raided last week will ask a judge to limit federal prosecutors'&nbspability to review seized documents at a hearing which adult film star Stormy Daniels is expected to attend. Michael Cohen, who prosecutors revealed last week is under criminal investigation, has asked the court to give his own lawyers the first look at the seized materials so they can identify documents that are protected by attorney-client privilege. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, plans to attend Monday's hearing, her lawyer Michael Avenatti, said on Sunday. She is engaged in a legal battle with Cohen over a $130,000 agreement for her to keep quiet about a 2006 sexual encounter she says she had with Trump. In a court filing Sunday night, lawyers for Trump asked to be allowed to review documents that in any way relate to the president. Lawyers for Cohen appeared without their client at a hearing Friday before US&nbspDistrict Judge Kimba Wood in Manhattan federal court. The judge ordered that Cohen himself be present Monday so that he could answer questions about his clients. In a court filing Monday morning, Cohen's lawyers argued that Cohen should not be required to turn over the names. They said that Cohen had at least 10 clients in 2017 and 2018, and that he did "traditional legal tasks" for three of them, including Trump, Republican fundraiser Elliott Broidy and a third who asked not to be named. Cohen arranged a $1.6-million payment to secure the silence of a former Playboy model who said she became pregnant by Broidy, a person familiar with the matter said Friday. Cohen did not respond to a request for comment. Last week's raids came after a "months-long" investigation of possible crimes related largely to Cohen`s business dealings, rather than his work as a lawyer, prosecutors said in a court filing on Friday. A source familiar with the raids said last week that the information FBI agents were seeking included information about payments to Daniels. The raids were based partly on a referral by the Office of Special Counsel, Robert Mueller who is investigating possible collusion between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, according to court filings. Trump has called Mueller's probe a "witch hunt" and denied any collusion. Todd Harrison, a lawyer for Cohen, said at Friday`s hearing that "thousands" of documents seized were likely privileged, and that many related to clients other than Trump. Prosecutors have asked that the seized documents be reviewed for attorney-client privilege by a "filter team" of lawyers within their own office, who would be walled off from the main prosecution team. The use of filter teams is standard in federal criminal investigations. Wood ordered Cohen`s lawyers to be ready with a list of Cohen`s clients on Monday to support their argument. Wood is also expected to hear from a lawyer representing Trump. Joanna Hendon appeared for the president at Friday`s hearing, telling Wood that Trump had "an acute interest" in the handling of the seized materials. She argued in Sunday`s court filing that a Chinese wall in the prosecutor`s office was not enough in the "highly politicized, even fevered, atmosphere" around the probe. Avenatti, Daniels'&nbsplawyer, said at Friday`s hearing that he had "every reason to believe" that some documents seized from Cohen related to his client. Cohen has acknowledged paying Daniels $130,000 in 2016.

Trump lawyer Cohen expected at court hearing, Stormy Daniels to attend

Former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by US President Donald Trump last year, will release his highly anticipated memoir on Tuesday. Some US media organizations have already been reporting excerpts from the book.

"A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership", comes almost a year after Comey's dismissal, which raised questions about whether Trump tried to interfere with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe into Russia's alleged meddling with the US presidential election.

Russia denies any interference, and Trump has denied collusion with Russia and interfering with the investigation.

In addition to reflections on Comey's interactions with Trump last year, the book will feature anecdotes from his role in leading an investigation into the use of a private email server by Democrat Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign.

Comey's announcement that the FBI was reopening the Clinton email investigation days before the November election led to accusations by some Democrats that he was unfairly influencing the outcome. The FBI eventually closed the probe without taking any action.

Comey said his assumption that Hillary Clinton would win the 2016 presidential election was a factor in opening an inquiry into her emails, according to part of an ABC interview broadcast on Saturday.

The controversy involved Clinton’s use of a private email server for official correspondence when she was secretary of state under then-President Barack Obama, including for messages that were later determined to contain classified information.

Although the FBI ultimately decided not to refer Clinton’s case for prosecution, Democrats said Comey’s announcement damaged her with voters right before the election, and he faced complaints that his moves were politically motivated.

"I don’t remember consciously thinking about that, but it must have been because I was operating in a world where Hillary Clinton was going to beat Donald Trump, and so I’m sure that it was a factor,” Comey said in an excerpt of an interview aired on Saturday.

"I don’t remember spelling it out, but it had to have been, that she’s going to be elected president and if I hide this from the American people, she’ll be illegitimate the moment she’s elected, the moment this comes out," Comey added.

Trump, who criticized Comey repeatedly before and after he fired him, denounced him on Twitter on Friday: "James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR," he said.

"I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His "memos" are self-serving and FAKE!" Trump tweeted.

Trump fired Comey last May, setting off a firestorm, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation was probing possible connections between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia's meddling in the American elections.

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Unbelievably, James Comey states that Polls, where Crooked Hillary was leading, were a factor in the handling (stupidly) of the Clinton Email probe. In other words, he was making decisions based on the fact that he thought she was going to win, and he wanted a job. Slimeball!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985483513704124416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The big questions in Comey’s badly reviewed book aren’t answered like, how come he gave up Classified Information (jail), why did he lie to Congress (jail), why did the DNC refuse to give Server to the FBI (why didn’t they TAKE it), why the phony memos, McCabe’s $700,000 & more?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985487209510948864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I never asked Comey for Personal Loyalty. I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His “memos” are self serving and FAKE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985496023555608576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985504808646971392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In addition to reflections on Comey's interactions with Trump last year, the book will feature anecdotes from his role in leading an investigation into the use of a private email server by Democrat Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign

Former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by US President Donald Trump last year, will release his highly anticipated memoir on Tuesday. Some US media organizations have already been reporting excerpts from the book. "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership", comes almost a year after Comey's dismissal, which raised questions about whether Trump tried to interfere with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe into Russia's alleged meddling with the US presidential election. Russia denies any interference, and Trump has denied collusion with Russia and interfering with the investigation. In addition to reflections on Comey's interactions with Trump last year, the book will feature anecdotes from his role in leading an investigation into the use of a private email server by Democrat Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign. Comey's announcement that the FBI was reopening the Clinton email investigation days before the November election led to accusations by some Democrats that he was unfairly influencing the outcome. The FBI eventually closed the probe without taking any action. Comey said his assumption that Hillary Clinton would win the 2016 presidential election was a factor in opening an inquiry into her emails, according to part of an ABC interview broadcast on Saturday. The controversy involved Clinton’s use of a private email server for official correspondence when she was secretary of state under then-President Barack Obama, including for messages that were later determined to contain classified information. Although the FBI ultimately decided not to refer Clinton’s case for prosecution, Democrats said Comey’s announcement damaged her with voters right before the election, and he faced complaints that his moves were politically motivated. "I don’t remember consciously thinking about that, but it must have been because I was operating in a world where Hillary Clinton was going to beat Donald Trump, and so I’m sure that it was a factor,” Comey said in an excerpt of an interview aired on Saturday. "I don’t remember spelling it out, but it had to have been, that she’s going to be elected president and if I hide this from the American people, she’ll be illegitimate the moment she’s elected, the moment this comes out," Comey added. Trump, who criticized Comey repeatedly before and after he fired him, denounced him on Twitter on Friday: "James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR," he said. "I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His "memos" are self-serving and FAKE!" Trump tweeted. Trump fired Comey last May, setting off a firestorm, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation was probing possible connections between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia's meddling in the American elections. Unbelievably, James Comey states that Polls, where Crooked Hillary was leading, were a factor in the handling (stupidly) of the Clinton Email probe. In other words, he was making decisions based on the fact that he thought she was going to win, and he wanted a job. Slimeball! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2018 × The big questions in Comey’s badly reviewed book aren’t answered like, how come he gave up Classified Information (jail), why did he lie to Congress (jail), why did the DNC refuse to give Server to the FBI (why didn’t they TAKE it), why the phony memos, McCabe’s $700,000 & more? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2018 × I never asked Comey for Personal Loyalty. I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His “memos” are self serving and FAKE! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2018 × Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2018 ×

His memos are self-serving and fake: Trump fires James Comey over memoir

The White House insisted Tuesday that Donald Trump has the power to fire special prosecutor Robert Mueller, stoking fears that the president may try to kill an investigation inching ever-closer to the Oval Office.

After months of denying Mueller's removal is under consideration, the change in tone came as Trump reacted furiously to an FBI raid of his private lawyer's offices on Monday.

Special counsel Mueller was appointed in May to investigate Russian efforts to tip the 2016 presidential election in Trump's favor.

Over the last year, he has increasingly dug into evidence of alleged money laundering, fraud and obstruction of justice inside Trump's inner circle.

Four Trump aides -- including his 2016 campaign chair Paul Manafort and former national security advisor Michael Flynn -- have already been indicted or pleaded guilty.

Now, Trump's longtime lawyer Michael Cohen -- who holds secrets about many of the president's personal and financial dealings -- is in the crosshairs.

"We have been advised that the president certainly has the power to make that decision," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said of the possibility to remove Mueller.

"I think that the president has been clear that he thinks that this has gone too far."

Trump hunkered down at the White House, canceling a first trip to Latin America that was due to start Friday and stewing on a move that could throw America into a constitutional crisis.

At the same time, Trump faced a momentous decision about whether to carry out military strikes in Syria.

Total witch hunt

Trump has pledged to decide by the end of Tuesday how to respond to a suspected chemical weapons attack in the rebel-held suburbs of Damascus, blamed on the Syrian regime and its allies.

But while much of his national security team debated whether strikes would be effective in deterring future chemical attacks, and how to limit the risk of escalation, Trump met his lawyers Jay Sekulow and Ty Cobb to discuss the Cohen raid.&nbsp

His anger showed no signs of abating.

"A TOTAL WITCH HUNT!!!" the president blasted on Twitter amid news that FBI agents had seized documents pertaining to his dealings with Cohen. "Attorney–client privilege is dead!"

In a phone call with CNN, Cohen admitted the raid was "upsetting to say the least."

Asked if he was worried, Cohen said: "I would be lying to you if I told that I am not. Do I need this in my life? No. Do I want to be involved in this? No."

On Capitol Hill, Republican and Democratic lawmakers urged Trump to allow Mueller to do his work.

Democrats wanted to go one step further and pass legislation protecting the Republican former FBI director.

"If the president is thinking of using this raid to fire Special Counsel Mueller or otherwise interfere with the chain of command in the Russia probe, we Democrats have one simple message for him: don't," top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said.

"The investigation is critical to the health of our democracy, and must be allowed to continue."

Trump's fellow Republicans said that would not be necessary, with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley stating it would be "suicide" for the president to fire Mueller.

The raid on Cohen's offices came amid allegations he paid porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 shortly before the election to keep a tryst with Trump quiet.

After months of silence, Trump last week offered a flat "no" when asked if he knew about the payment.

Plans dashed

Trump's decision to scrap his trip to Colombia and Peru surprised even some White House staff.

"The president will remain in the United States to oversee the American response to Syria and to monitor developments around the world," Sanders said.

Trump had already cut the visit short -- from five days, to three and, finally, to none.&nbsp

The combative US president had been expected in Peru for the Summit of the Americas, where he was likely to face protests and awkward meetings with leaders who have bristled at his repeated portrayal of Latino immigrants as rapists and thugs.

Vice President Mike Pence will represent the United States in Lima instead, his aide Jarrod Agen said, adding that he would also meet Venezuelan dissidents. &nbsp

Trump is still expected to travel to his Mar-a-Lago holiday home in Florida on Monday, where a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will go ahead.

&nbsp

'We have been advised that the president certainly has the power to make that decision,' White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said of the possibility to remove Mueller

The White House insisted Tuesday that Donald Trump has the power to fire special prosecutor Robert Mueller, stoking fears that the president may try to kill an investigation inching ever-closer to the Oval Office. After months of denying Mueller's removal is under consideration, the change in tone came as Trump reacted furiously to an FBI raid of his private lawyer's offices on Monday. Special counsel Mueller was appointed in May to investigate Russian efforts to tip the 2016 presidential election in Trump's favor. Over the last year, he has increasingly dug into evidence of alleged money laundering, fraud and obstruction of justice inside Trump's inner circle. Four Trump aides -- including his 2016 campaign chair Paul Manafort and former national security advisor Michael Flynn -- have already been indicted or pleaded guilty. Now, Trump's longtime lawyer Michael Cohen -- who holds secrets about many of the president's personal and financial dealings -- is in the crosshairs. "We have been advised that the president certainly has the power to make that decision," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said of the possibility to remove Mueller. "I think that the president has been clear that he thinks that this has gone too far." Trump hunkered down at the White House, canceling a first trip to Latin America that was due to start Friday and stewing on a move that could throw America into a constitutional crisis. At the same time, Trump faced a momentous decision about whether to carry out military strikes in Syria. Total witch hunt Trump has pledged to decide by the end of Tuesday how to respond to a suspected chemical weapons attack in the rebel-held suburbs of Damascus, blamed on the Syrian regime and its allies. But while much of his national security team debated whether strikes would be effective in deterring future chemical attacks, and how to limit the risk of escalation, Trump met his lawyers Jay Sekulow and Ty Cobb to discuss the Cohen raid. His anger showed no signs of abating. "A TOTAL WITCH HUNT!!!" the president blasted on Twitter amid news that FBI agents had seized documents pertaining to his dealings with Cohen. "Attorney–client privilege is dead!" In a phone call with CNN, Cohen admitted the raid was "upsetting to say the least." Asked if he was worried, Cohen said: "I would be lying to you if I told that I am not. Do I need this in my life? No. Do I want to be involved in this? No." On Capitol Hill, Republican and Democratic lawmakers urged Trump to allow Mueller to do his work. Democrats wanted to go one step further and pass legislation protecting the Republican former FBI director. "If the president is thinking of using this raid to fire Special Counsel Mueller or otherwise interfere with the chain of command in the Russia probe, we Democrats have one simple message for him: don't," top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said. "The investigation is critical to the health of our democracy, and must be allowed to continue." Trump's fellow Republicans said that would not be necessary, with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley stating it would be "suicide" for the president to fire Mueller. The raid on Cohen's offices came amid allegations he paid porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 shortly before the election to keep a tryst with Trump quiet. After months of silence, Trump last week offered a flat "no" when asked if he knew about the payment. Plans dashed Trump's decision to scrap his trip to Colombia and Peru surprised even some White House staff. "The president will remain in the United States to oversee the American response to Syria and to monitor developments around the world," Sanders said. Trump had already cut the visit short -- from five days, to three and, finally, to none. The combative US president had been expected in Peru for the Summit of the Americas, where he was likely to face protests and awkward meetings with leaders who have bristled at his repeated portrayal of Latino immigrants as rapists and thugs. Vice President Mike Pence will represent the United States in Lima instead, his aide Jarrod Agen said, adding that he would also meet Venezuelan dissidents. Trump is still expected to travel to his Mar-a-Lago holiday home in Florida on Monday, where a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will go ahead.

Trump can fire Russia prosecutor Mueller, says White House

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-raid-on-michael-cohens-office-an-attack-on-our-country-trump-129466">FBI raid on Michael Cohen's office an attack on our country: Trump</a>

The Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) today raided the New York offices of US President Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-bus-accident-10-year-old-makes-miraculous-escape-pm-modi-anguished-129477">Himachal bus accident: 10-year-old makes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-bus-accident-10-year-old-makes-miraculous-escape-pm-modi-anguished-129477">miraculous</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-bus-accident-10-year-old-makes-miraculous-escape-pm-modi-anguished-129477"> escape PM Modi anguished</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned the bus accident in Himachal Pradesh which led to loss of lives of 30 people including 27 children.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-beefed-up-across-nation-following-anti-quota-bandh--129468">SC/ST Act strike: Home ministry issues </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-beefed-up-across-nation-following-anti-quota-bandh--129468">advisory</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-beefed-up-across-nation-following-anti-quota-bandh--129468">, security forces on alert nationwide</a>

The Home Ministry has directed a nationwide advisory to make sure that sufficient security is deployed to ensure that things don't go out of control during the strike-call today against the policy of caste-based reservation in education and jobs.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/raazi-trailer-alia-bhatts-spy-act-looks-intriguing--129483">Raazi trailer: Alia Bhatt's spy act looks intriguing</a>&nbsp;

Alia Bhatt surely knows how to choose her films. Her last release- Badrinath Ki Dulhania- was a complete commercial film. Her latest, Meghna Gulzar's Raazi presents Alia in a very different role. The actress plays an Indian spy in the thriller which is based on a real-life story.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-rajasthans-roi-on-ben-stokes-against-hyderabad-was-rs-1785714-129472">IPL: Rajasthan's ROI on Ben Stokes against Hyderabad was Rs 1,785,714 per ball</a>

Rajasthan marked a return to the IPL after serving a two-year ban but failed to light up the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League as they lost the opening match against Hyderabad.

FBI raid on Michael Cohen's office an attack on our country: Trump The Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) today raided the New York offices of US President Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen. Himachal bus accident: 10-year-old makes miraculous escape PM Modi anguished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned the bus accident in Himachal Pradesh which led to loss of lives of 30 people including 27 children. SC/ST Act strike: Home ministry issues advisory, security forces on alert nationwide The Home Ministry has directed a nationwide advisory to make sure that sufficient security is deployed to ensure that things don't go out of control during the strike-call today against the policy of caste-based reservation in education and jobs. Raazi trailer: Alia Bhatt's spy act looks intriguing Alia Bhatt surely knows how to choose her films. Her last release- Badrinath Ki Dulhania- was a complete commercial film. Her latest, Meghna Gulzar's Raazi presents Alia in a very different role. The actress plays an Indian spy in the thriller which is based on a real-life story. IPL: Rajasthan's ROI on Ben Stokes against Hyderabad was Rs 1,785,714 per ball Rajasthan marked a return to the IPL after serving a two-year ban but failed to light up the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League as they lost the opening match against Hyderabad.

WION Morning news brief, April 10, 2018

A furious Donald Trump blasted the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller as a "disgrace" and a "witch hunt" Monday after FBI agents raided the New York offices of the president`s longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen.

Agents seized files relating to Cohen's work, which included making a $130,000 payment before the 2016 election to an adult film actress who says she had a tryst with the Trump.&nbsp

Cohen's own attorney Stephen Ryan said agents were working in part on the request of Mueller, the independent prosecutor investigating links between Russia and the Trump campaign.

At the White House, Trump angrily denounced the raid on Cohen, whom he called "a good man."

"It's a disgraceful situation. It's a total witch-hunt, I have been saying it for a long time," he told reporters.

"It's an attack on our country in a true sense. It's an attack on what we all stand for," he said.

The raid came as Mueller's probe intensifies its focus on Trump's inner circle. Mueller's team is examining possible collusion between Trump's campaign and Moscow, allegations of corrupt behavior by Trump campaign lieutenants, and of White House efforts to obstruct the investigation.

So far 19 people have been indicted, including the chairman of Trump's campaign and his former national security advisor.

Trump accused Mueller Monday of overseeing a biased investigation staffed by Democrats, "a pure and simple witch-hunt." After having turned over what he called a million pages of documents, Trump said the investigation is "now getting ridiculous. They found no collusion whatsoever with Russia."&nbsp

"This is the most biased group of people, these people have the biggest conflicts of interest I've ever seen. Democrats all, or just about all."

Asked if he wants to fire Mueller, Trump replied: "Many people have said you should fire him. Again they found nothing and in finding nothing that`s a big statement," he said. "So we'll see what happens."

The veteran prosecutor, a former FBI director, is seeking to interview Trump, but has not said the president is a target in the investigation.

The raid on Cohen though takes the probe close to the Oval Office. Cohen has been Trump's personal lawyer and confidant for years, helping him on real estate and personal matters, as well as informally advising him since he became president.

He is also known as a rough-and-tumble "fixer" for Trump, dedicated to protecting his boss's interests. US media said documents seized in the raid related to the surreptitious payment Cohen made to porn actress Stormy Daniels that, according to Daniels, aimed to keep her quiet about her earlier relationship with Trump.

The Washington Post reported that Cohen is under examination for possible bank fraud and campaign finance violations.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, is one of several women who claim to have had affairs with Trump in the past and were pressured or paid to keep quiet about them.

Last month Daniels told 21 million TV watchers that she had unprotected sex with Trump after meeting with him at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, California in July 2006. That was shortly after Trump`s wife Melania gave birth to their son.

Trump has skirted questions about the relationship, and last week denied any knowledge of Cohen's $130,000 payment, which was made to secure Daniels's signature in October 2016 on a secret agreement to not talk about the affair.&nbsp

But since then media reports have made it public, and last month she sued in a California court to have the hush deal annulled. Cohen countersued, demanding some $20 million in penalties for her violating the non-disclosure pact.

Cohen has said that neither the Trump Organization, the president`s real estate group, nor the Trump campaign was a party to the transaction with Daniels.

"Neither reimbursed me for the payment, either directly or indirectly," Cohen said.

After the raid Monday, Cohen`s attorney Ryan accused prosecutors of seizing privileged communications between Cohen and his clients.

"The decision by the US attorney`s office in New York to conduct their investigation using search warrants is completely inappropriate and unnecessary," Ryan said.

"It resulted in the unnecessary seizure of protected attorney-client communications between a lawyer and his clients."

A furious Donald Trump blasted the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller as a 'disgrace' and a 'witch hunt' Monday after FBI agents raided the New York offices of the president`s longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen

A furious Donald Trump blasted the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller as a "disgrace" and a "witch hunt" Monday after FBI agents raided the New York offices of the president`s longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen. Agents seized files relating to Cohen's work, which included making a $130,000 payment before the 2016 election to an adult film actress who says she had a tryst with the Trump. Cohen's own attorney Stephen Ryan said agents were working in part on the request of Mueller, the independent prosecutor investigating links between Russia and the Trump campaign. At the White House, Trump angrily denounced the raid on Cohen, whom he called "a good man." "It's a disgraceful situation. It's a total witch-hunt, I have been saying it for a long time," he told reporters. "It's an attack on our country in a true sense. It's an attack on what we all stand for," he said. The raid came as Mueller's probe intensifies its focus on Trump's inner circle. Mueller's team is examining possible collusion between Trump's campaign and Moscow, allegations of corrupt behavior by Trump campaign lieutenants, and of White House efforts to obstruct the investigation. So far 19 people have been indicted, including the chairman of Trump's campaign and his former national security advisor. Trump accused Mueller Monday of overseeing a biased investigation staffed by Democrats, "a pure and simple witch-hunt." After having turned over what he called a million pages of documents, Trump said the investigation is "now getting ridiculous. They found no collusion whatsoever with Russia." "This is the most biased group of people, these people have the biggest conflicts of interest I've ever seen. Democrats all, or just about all." Asked if he wants to fire Mueller, Trump replied: "Many people have said you should fire him. Again they found nothing and in finding nothing that`s a big statement," he said. "So we'll see what happens." The veteran prosecutor, a former FBI director, is seeking to interview Trump, but has not said the president is a target in the investigation. The raid on Cohen though takes the probe close to the Oval Office. Cohen has been Trump's personal lawyer and confidant for years, helping him on real estate and personal matters, as well as informally advising him since he became president. He is also known as a rough-and-tumble "fixer" for Trump, dedicated to protecting his boss's interests. US media said documents seized in the raid related to the surreptitious payment Cohen made to porn actress Stormy Daniels that, according to Daniels, aimed to keep her quiet about her earlier relationship with Trump. The Washington Post reported that Cohen is under examination for possible bank fraud and campaign finance violations. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, is one of several women who claim to have had affairs with Trump in the past and were pressured or paid to keep quiet about them. Last month Daniels told 21 million TV watchers that she had unprotected sex with Trump after meeting with him at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, California in July 2006. That was shortly after Trump`s wife Melania gave birth to their son. Trump has skirted questions about the relationship, and last week denied any knowledge of Cohen's $130,000 payment, which was made to secure Daniels's signature in October 2016 on a secret agreement to not talk about the affair. But since then media reports have made it public, and last month she sued in a California court to have the hush deal annulled. Cohen countersued, demanding some $20 million in penalties for her violating the non-disclosure pact. Cohen has said that neither the Trump Organization, the president`s real estate group, nor the Trump campaign was a party to the transaction with Daniels. "Neither reimbursed me for the payment, either directly or indirectly," Cohen said. After the raid Monday, Cohen`s attorney Ryan accused prosecutors of seizing privileged communications between Cohen and his clients. "The decision by the US attorney`s office in New York to conduct their investigation using search warrants is completely inappropriate and unnecessary," Ryan said. "It resulted in the unnecessary seizure of protected attorney-client communications between a lawyer and his clients."

FBI raids offices of Trump's personal lawyer

A package exploded early Tuesday at a FedEx distribution facility in Texas, news reports said, two days after the latest in a series of blasts in Austin attributed to a serial bomber.

This time the explosion rocked a facility in the town of Schertz, in the San Antonio area. Reports said one employee was injured.

The Washington Post, quoting the FBI, reported that the package had been bound for Austin, the state capital.

Hundreds of police officers and FBI agents are searching for a mysterious &quot;serial bomber&quot; after Sunday`s blast in Austin - the fourth this month - left two young men seriously injured and the city on edge.

Police said the explosion was connected to three previous bombings in Austin and the bomber used a tripwire in the latest attack, showing a higher level of skill.

&quot;We`re clearly dealing with what we expect to be a serial bomber at this point,&quot; Austin police chief Brian Manley told reporters.

But Manley said police have been unable to determine a motive for the bombings that have killed two people in the city of nearly one million people and injured another four.

&quot;Is this terrorism? Is it hate-related?&quot; Manley asked. &quot;As we said from the very beginning, we were not willing to classify this as terrorism, as hate, because we just don`t know enough.&quot;

In the earlier bombings, two African American men were killed by packages left on their doorsteps, raising the possibility of a racially motivated crime. A 75-year-old Hispanic woman was also injured in a blast.

But Manley said the bombing Sunday seriously wounded two white men aged 22 and 23 as they walked along a sidewalk or on the road in a quiet residential neighbourhood.

He said it appeared random and was triggered by a tripwire.

Manley said the use of a tripwire also means police are dealing with someone who &quot;shows a higher level of sophistication, a higher level of skill&quot; than initially believed.

Manley appealed to the bomber to contact the authorities and to the public to report anything suspicious.

&quot;I will reach out to the suspect or suspects and ask that you contact us, ask that you reach out to us, communicate with us so that we can put this to an end,&quot; Manley said. &quot;There are innocent people getting hurt in this community and it needs to come to a stop.&quot;

The authorities said they were increasing the reward offered for information leading to an arrest, bringing the total city and state bounty money to $115,000.

An exploding package killed 39-year-old Anthony House on March 2. A 17-year-old African American teenager, Draylen Mason, was killed on March 12 and the Hispanic woman was critically injured the same day.

All of the cardboard packages were hand-delivered, not sent through the mail, and the bombs were built with household items available at hardware stores.

A task force of hundreds of members of law enforcement are working the case, including criminal profilers and experts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

The Washington Post, quoting the FBI, reported that the package had been bound for Austin

A package exploded early Tuesday at a FedEx distribution facility in Texas, news reports said, two days after the latest in a series of blasts in Austin attributed to a serial bomber. This time the explosion rocked a facility in the town of Schertz, in the San Antonio area. Reports said one employee was injured. The Washington Post, quoting the FBI, reported that the package had been bound for Austin, the state capital. Hundreds of police officers and FBI agents are searching for a mysterious "serial bomber" after Sunday`s blast in Austin - the fourth this month - left two young men seriously injured and the city on edge. Police said the explosion was connected to three previous bombings in Austin and the bomber used a tripwire in the latest attack, showing a higher level of skill. "We`re clearly dealing with what we expect to be a serial bomber at this point," Austin police chief Brian Manley told reporters. But Manley said police have been unable to determine a motive for the bombings that have killed two people in the city of nearly one million people and injured another four. "Is this terrorism? Is it hate-related?" Manley asked. "As we said from the very beginning, we were not willing to classify this as terrorism, as hate, because we just don`t know enough." In the earlier bombings, two African American men were killed by packages left on their doorsteps, raising the possibility of a racially motivated crime. A 75-year-old Hispanic woman was also injured in a blast. But Manley said the bombing Sunday seriously wounded two white men aged 22 and 23 as they walked along a sidewalk or on the road in a quiet residential neighbourhood. He said it appeared random and was triggered by a tripwire. Manley said the use of a tripwire also means police are dealing with someone who "shows a higher level of sophistication, a higher level of skill" than initially believed. Manley appealed to the bomber to contact the authorities and to the public to report anything suspicious. "I will reach out to the suspect or suspects and ask that you contact us, ask that you reach out to us, communicate with us so that we can put this to an end," Manley said. "There are innocent people getting hurt in this community and it needs to come to a stop." The authorities said they were increasing the reward offered for information leading to an arrest, bringing the total city and state bounty money to $115,000. An exploding package killed 39-year-old Anthony House on March 2. A 17-year-old African American teenager, Draylen Mason, was killed on March 12 and the Hispanic woman was critically injured the same day. All of the cardboard packages were hand-delivered, not sent through the mail, and the bombs were built with household items available at hardware stores. A task force of hundreds of members of law enforcement are working the case, including criminal profilers and experts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

Another parcel blast reported in Texas

Democratic lawmakers released a partially-redacted rebuttal Saturday of a controversial Republican memo alleging bias and abuse of power in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The Democratic document -- which President Donald Trump dubbed a &quot;political and legal BUST&quot; -- is the latest salvo in a partisan fight over the Russia investigation, which was launched in 2016 and has come under repeated fire from Trump and other Republicans.

The Republican memo, which was released earlier this month over the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice`s objections, said that unsubstantiated Democrat-funded research was used to obtain a warrant to surveil Carter Page, a former Trump campaign aide.

&quot;FBI and DOJ officials did not &#39;abuse&#39;&nbsp;the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) process, omit material information, or subvert this vital tool to spy on the Trump campaign,&quot; the Democrats` text said, referring to the process under which secret surveillance warrants are obtained.

&quot;In fact, DOJ and the FBI would have been remiss in their duty to protect the country had they not sought a FISA warrant and repeated renewals to conduct temporary surveillance of Carter Page, someone the FBI assessed to be an agent of the Russian government.

&quot;DOJ cited multiple sources to support the case for surveilling Page,&quot; and &quot;the warrant request was based on compelling evidence and probable cause,&quot; said the document.

The White House initially blocked the release of the Democratic memo, citing its inclusion of sensitive information, and Trump took aim at the now-redacted text.

&quot;The Democrat memo response on government surveillance abuses is a total political and legal BUST. Just confirms all of the terrible things that were done. SO ILLEGAL!&quot; he wrote on Twitter.

White House spokesman Raj Shah termed it a &quot;political-driven document&quot; that is &quot;loaded with uncorroborated allegations&quot; and &quot;fails to answer serious concerns raised&quot; in the Republican memo.

Representative Devin Nunes, the chair of the House Intelligence Committee and the architect of the Republican text, also criticized the Democratic rebuttal.

&quot;What you`re not gonna see is anything that actually rejects what was in our memo,&quot; which aimed to show &quot;that FISA abuse had occurred,&quot; Nunes said at an annual Republican conference.

Democrats &quot;are advocating that it`s OK for the FBI and DOJ to use political dirt paid for by one campaign and use it against the other campaign,&quot; he said, referring to information compiled by former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele.

The Democratic document said the Russia meddling investigation was &quot;based on troubling law enforcement and intelligence information unrelated to the `dossier,`&quot; and that Page had officially left the Trump campaign before the application to surveil him was filed.

But information from Steele was used in the surveillance warrant application, according to the memo, which said that &quot;multiple independent sources&quot; -- which were redacted from the document -- confirmed his reporting, and contradicted testimony by Page.

Representative Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the intelligence panel, criticized the White House for delaying the release of the memo.

The document &quot;should put to rest any concerns that the American people might have as to the conduct of the FBI, the Justice Department and the FISC,&quot; Schiff said in a statement, referring to the

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which hears applications for FISA warrants.

&quot;It is time for our committee to return to the core investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 campaign, the role US persons played in that interference and what we need to do to protect the country going forward.&quot;

America`s leading intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russian President Vladimir Putin had directed a broad intelligence effort to influence the 2016 presidential election to undermine the campaign of Democrat Hillary Clinton and boost Trump&#39;s chances, but the president has repeatedly denied colluding with Moscow.

The Democratic document is the latest salvo in a partisan fight over the Russia investigation

Democratic lawmakers released a partially-redacted rebuttal Saturday of a controversial Republican memo alleging bias and abuse of power in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The Democratic document -- which President Donald Trump dubbed a "political and legal BUST" -- is the latest salvo in a partisan fight over the Russia investigation, which was launched in 2016 and has come under repeated fire from Trump and other Republicans. The Republican memo, which was released earlier this month over the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice`s objections, said that unsubstantiated Democrat-funded research was used to obtain a warrant to surveil Carter Page, a former Trump campaign aide. "FBI and DOJ officials did not 'abuse' the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) process, omit material information, or subvert this vital tool to spy on the Trump campaign," the Democrats` text said, referring to the process under which secret surveillance warrants are obtained. "In fact, DOJ and the FBI would have been remiss in their duty to protect the country had they not sought a FISA warrant and repeated renewals to conduct temporary surveillance of Carter Page, someone the FBI assessed to be an agent of the Russian government. "DOJ cited multiple sources to support the case for surveilling Page," and "the warrant request was based on compelling evidence and probable cause," said the document. The White House initially blocked the release of the Democratic memo, citing its inclusion of sensitive information, and Trump took aim at the now-redacted text. "The Democrat memo response on government surveillance abuses is a total political and legal BUST. Just confirms all of the terrible things that were done. SO ILLEGAL!" he wrote on Twitter. White House spokesman Raj Shah termed it a "political-driven document" that is "loaded with uncorroborated allegations" and "fails to answer serious concerns raised" in the Republican memo. Representative Devin Nunes, the chair of the House Intelligence Committee and the architect of the Republican text, also criticized the Democratic rebuttal. "What you`re not gonna see is anything that actually rejects what was in our memo," which aimed to show "that FISA abuse had occurred," Nunes said at an annual Republican conference. Democrats "are advocating that it`s OK for the FBI and DOJ to use political dirt paid for by one campaign and use it against the other campaign," he said, referring to information compiled by former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele. The Democratic document said the Russia meddling investigation was "based on troubling law enforcement and intelligence information unrelated to the `dossier,`" and that Page had officially left the Trump campaign before the application to surveil him was filed. But information from Steele was used in the surveillance warrant application, according to the memo, which said that "multiple independent sources" -- which were redacted from the document -- confirmed his reporting, and contradicted testimony by Page. Representative Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the intelligence panel, criticized the White House for delaying the release of the memo. The document "should put to rest any concerns that the American people might have as to the conduct of the FBI, the Justice Department and the FISC," Schiff said in a statement, referring to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which hears applications for FISA warrants. "It is time for our committee to return to the core investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 campaign, the role US persons played in that interference and what we need to do to protect the country going forward." America`s leading intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russian President Vladimir Putin had directed a broad intelligence effort to influence the 2016 presidential election to undermine the campaign of Democrat Hillary Clinton and boost Trump's chances, but the president has repeatedly denied colluding with Moscow.

Democrats release counter-memo over Russia probe

The Democratic minority on the US&nbsp;House of Representatives Intelligence Committee on Saturday released a response to Republican charges that the FBI and Justice Department have abused the law in their investigation of possible ties between Russia and Donald Trump&#39;s 2016 presidential campaign.

The Democrats&#39; 10-page memo, released on Saturday in partially-redacted form, calls an earlier Republican version &quot;a transparent effort to undermine&quot; the FBI, the Justice Department, Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and congressional probes into possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign.

The Republican memo, the Democrats allege, &quot;also risks public exposure of sensitive sources and methods for no legitimate purpose.&quot;

The Democratic memo and a Republican counterattack that included a point-by-point refutation of the minority Democrats&#39; conclusions are an escalation of the partisan feuding that Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, and other members of his party have said is sabotaging the House committee&#39;s investigation.

The latest duel on Capitol Hill comes as Mueller&#39;s investigation gathers steam, including a guilty plea on Friday from Richard Gates, Trump&#39;s deputy campaign manager.

Trump, calling into the Fox News program &quot;Justice with Judge Jeanine&quot; on Saturday evening, said the Democrats&#39; memo was &quot;a nothing.&quot;

&quot;A lot of bad things happened on the other side,&quot; Trump told host Jeanine Pirro. &quot;Somebody should look into it because what they did is really fraudulent.&quot;

The Republican memo, the Democrats allege, "also risks public exposure of sensitive sources and methods for no legitimate purpose."

The Democratic minority on the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee on Saturday released a response to Republican charges that the FBI and Justice Department have abused the law in their investigation of possible ties between Russia and Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. The Democrats' 10-page memo, released on Saturday in partially-redacted form, calls an earlier Republican version "a transparent effort to undermine" the FBI, the Justice Department, Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and congressional probes into possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. The Republican memo, the Democrats allege, "also risks public exposure of sensitive sources and methods for no legitimate purpose." The Democratic memo and a Republican counterattack that included a point-by-point refutation of the minority Democrats' conclusions are an escalation of the partisan feuding that Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, and other members of his party have said is sabotaging the House committee's investigation. The latest duel on Capitol Hill comes as Mueller's investigation gathers steam, including a guilty plea on Friday from Richard Gates, Trump's deputy campaign manager. Trump, calling into the Fox News program "Justice with Judge Jeanine" on Saturday evening, said the Democrats' memo was "a nothing." "A lot of bad things happened on the other side," Trump told host Jeanine Pirro. "Somebody should look into it because what they did is really fraudulent."

Trump calls Democrats' memo 'a nothing'

Indian-American Ravinder Bhalla, who became the first Sikh mayor of New Jersey&#39;s Hoboken city, has publicly acknowledged that death threats were made against him and his family recently.

In a statement issued on Friday following a security breach at City Hall, Bhalla said the city is working with the FBI&#39;s Joint Terrorism Task Force to improve security at City Hall.

&quot;This incident, along with death threats to me and my family, is an unfortunate reminder that we need to take security seriously,&quot; Bhalla said, without elaborating on the threats.

According to city spokesman Juan Melli, a man entered City Hall and told security he needed to use the restroom after going through the metal detectors. While Bhalla was not in his office at the time, his deputy chief of staff, Jason

Freeman, observed the man throw a bag with an object in it towards the administrative assistant&#39;s desk before running out of the office, Melli said. Bhalla became the first ever Sikh to hold office in New Jersey after a stiff competition that turned ugly when he was labelled a terrorist in slanderous flyers.

'This incident, along with death threats to me and my family, is an unfortunate reminder that we need to take security seriously,' Bhalla said, without elaborating on the threats

Indian-American Ravinder Bhalla, who became the first Sikh mayor of New Jersey's Hoboken city, has publicly acknowledged that death threats were made against him and his family recently. In a statement issued on Friday following a security breach at City Hall, Bhalla said the city is working with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force to improve security at City Hall. "This incident, along with death threats to me and my family, is an unfortunate reminder that we need to take security seriously," Bhalla said, without elaborating on the threats. According to city spokesman Juan Melli, a man entered City Hall and told security he needed to use the restroom after going through the metal detectors. While Bhalla was not in his office at the time, his deputy chief of staff, Jason Freeman, observed the man throw a bag with an object in it towards the administrative assistant's desk before running out of the office, Melli said. Bhalla became the first ever Sikh to hold office in New Jersey after a stiff competition that turned ugly when he was labelled a terrorist in slanderous flyers.

Death threats made against me, family: US Sikh mayor

The couple who had taken Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz into their family said in an interview published Sunday they had no inkling of violent tendencies from the young man whom they described as quirky and naive.

Cruz, 19, moved in with James and Kimberly Snead of Parkland, Florida in late November after the death of his mother earlier that month from complications of pneumonia, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. He was a friend of their son.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/florida-school-shooting-survivors-to-march-on-washington-call-for-gun-reform-33292">Florida school shooting survivors to march on Washington, call for gun reform</a>

&quot;I told him there`d be rules and he followed every rule to the T,&quot; James Snead, 48, an army veteran and military intelligence analyst, told the paper.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/florida-school-shooter-was-on-police-radar-in-2016-report-33221">&nbsp;Florida school shooter was on police radar in 2016: Report</a>

&quot;We had this monster living under our roof and we didn`t know,&quot; said Kimberly Snead, 49, a nurse. &quot;We didn`t see this side of him.&quot;

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shame-on-you-florida-school-shooting-survivor-tells-trump-at-anti-gun-rally-33213">&nbsp;&#39;Shame on you!&#39; Florida school shooting survivor tells Trump at anti-gun rally</a>

Cruz killed 17 people at his former high school last Wednesday using an AR-15 rifle that he had legally purchased. It was the country`s worst school massacre since the horror at Sandy Hook six years ago that left 26 dead.

A profile has emerged of a troubled young man who was expelled from the school last year for &quot;disciplinary reasons.&quot;

The FBI admitted it received a detailed warning last month about Cruz`s gun ownership, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting. The agency took no action, despite the tip-off.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-visits-florida-shooting-survivors-fbi-admits-it-missed-tip-33123">Trump visits Florida shooting survivors, FBI admits it missed tip</a>

The Sneads described a 19-year-old who had grown up apparently without ever having to perform common chores -- he couldn`t cook, do laundry, pick up after himself or even use a microwave.

&quot;He was very naive. He wasn`t dumb, just naive,&quot; James Snead told the Sun Sentinel.

Cruz had odd habits, like putting a chocolate chip cookie on a sneak and cheese sandwich, and going to bed at 8 pm.

He seemed lonely and badly wanted a girlfriend, and also was depressed about the death of his mother, the couple said. Kimberly Snead had taken Cruz to the office of a therapist just five days before the shooting, and he had said he was open to therapy and took a business card.

Cruz told the Sneads he would inherit at least $800,000 from his parents, with most of the funds becoming available when he turned 22.

The couple last saw Cruz, who has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder, at the Broward County Sheriff`s office. Dressed in a hospital gown, he was handcuffed and surrounded by deputies.

&quot;He said he was sorry. He apologized. He looked lost, absolutely lost,&quot; said James Snead. &quot;And that was the last time we saw him.&quot;

Nikolas Cruz, 19, moved in with James and Kimberly Snead of Parkland, Florida in late November after the death of his mother earlier that month from complications of pneumonia

The couple who had taken Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz into their family said in an interview published Sunday they had no inkling of violent tendencies from the young man whom they described as quirky and naive. Cruz, 19, moved in with James and Kimberly Snead of Parkland, Florida in late November after the death of his mother earlier that month from complications of pneumonia, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. He was a friend of their son. Also read: Florida school shooting survivors to march on Washington, call for gun reform "I told him there`d be rules and he followed every rule to the T," James Snead, 48, an army veteran and military intelligence analyst, told the paper. Also read: Florida school shooter was on police radar in 2016: Report "We had this monster living under our roof and we didn`t know," said Kimberly Snead, 49, a nurse. "We didn`t see this side of him." Also read: 'Shame on you!' Florida school shooting survivor tells Trump at anti-gun rally Cruz killed 17 people at his former high school last Wednesday using an AR-15 rifle that he had legally purchased. It was the country`s worst school massacre since the horror at Sandy Hook six years ago that left 26 dead. A profile has emerged of a troubled young man who was expelled from the school last year for "disciplinary reasons." The FBI admitted it received a detailed warning last month about Cruz`s gun ownership, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting. The agency took no action, despite the tip-off. Also read: Trump visits Florida shooting survivors, FBI admits it missed tip The Sneads described a 19-year-old who had grown up apparently without ever having to perform common chores -- he couldn`t cook, do laundry, pick up after himself or even use a microwave. "He was very naive. He wasn`t dumb, just naive," James Snead told the Sun Sentinel. Cruz had odd habits, like putting a chocolate chip cookie on a sneak and cheese sandwich, and going to bed at 8 pm. He seemed lonely and badly wanted a girlfriend, and also was depressed about the death of his mother, the couple said. Kimberly Snead had taken Cruz to the office of a therapist just five days before the shooting, and he had said he was open to therapy and took a business card. Cruz told the Sneads he would inherit at least $800,000 from his parents, with most of the funds becoming available when he turned 22. The couple last saw Cruz, who has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder, at the Broward County Sheriff`s office. Dressed in a hospital gown, he was handcuffed and surrounded by deputies. "He said he was sorry. He apologized. He looked lost, absolutely lost," said James Snead. "And that was the last time we saw him."

Couple who took in Florida gunman say he was quirky, naive

US President Donald Trump slammed the FBI Saturday for failing to heed signs that could have prevented the Florida school shooting, charging the agency was too preoccupied with probing his campaign team over Russian election meddling.

Allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential race and collusion with the Trump campaign are being investigated by several congressional committees and by special prosecutor Robert Mueller, who took charge of the federal government&#39;s probe from the FBI last year following the sacking of its former chief James Comey.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/florida-school-shooter-was-on-police-radar-in-2016-report-33221">Florida school shooter was on police radar in 2016 says report</a>

&quot;Very sad that the FBI missed all of the many signals sent out by the Florida school shooter. This is not acceptable,&quot; he wrote on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shame-on-you-florida-school-shooting-survivor-tells-trump-at-anti-gun-rally-33213" target="_blank">&#39;Shame on you!&#39; Florida school shooting survivor tells Trump at anti-gun rally</a>

&quot;They are spending too much time trying to prove Russian collusion with the Trump campaign - there is no collusion. Get back to the basics and make us all proud!&quot;

Troubled teen Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people with an assault rifle at his former high school in Parkland, Florida on Wednesday.

It was the 18th school shooting of the year and sparked renewed calls for gun control.

US authorities have come under mounting scrutiny for failing to act on a series of warning signs.

The FBI admitted Friday it received a chilling warning in January from a tipster who said &nbsp;Cruz could be planning a mass shooting, but that agents failed to follow up.

Cruz was also known to local police after his mother repeatedly reported him for violent outbursts, while records obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel show authorities investigated him in 2016 after he cut his arms on messaging app Snapchat and threatened to buy a gun.

Mueller&#39;s investigation has so far swept up four members of Trump&#39;s campaign, with two agreeing to work for the probe under a plea deal.

On Thursday Mueller indicted 13 Russians for allegedly running a secret campaign to tilt the vote, but did not accuse any Americans of knowingly participating in that effort.

Allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential race and collusion with the Trump campaign are being investigated by several congressional committees and by special prosecutor Robert Mueller

US President Donald Trump slammed the FBI Saturday for failing to heed signs that could have prevented the Florida school shooting, charging the agency was too preoccupied with probing his campaign team over Russian election meddling. Allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential race and collusion with the Trump campaign are being investigated by several congressional committees and by special prosecutor Robert Mueller, who took charge of the federal government's probe from the FBI last year following the sacking of its former chief James Comey. Also read: Florida school shooter was on police radar in 2016 says report "Very sad that the FBI missed all of the many signals sent out by the Florida school shooter. This is not acceptable," he wrote on Twitter. Also read: 'Shame on you!' Florida school shooting survivor tells Trump at anti-gun rally "They are spending too much time trying to prove Russian collusion with the Trump campaign - there is no collusion. Get back to the basics and make us all proud!" Troubled teen Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people with an assault rifle at his former high school in Parkland, Florida on Wednesday. It was the 18th school shooting of the year and sparked renewed calls for gun control. US authorities have come under mounting scrutiny for failing to act on a series of warning signs. The FBI admitted Friday it received a chilling warning in January from a tipster who said Cruz could be planning a mass shooting, but that agents failed to follow up. Cruz was also known to local police after his mother repeatedly reported him for violent outbursts, while records obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel show authorities investigated him in 2016 after he cut his arms on messaging app Snapchat and threatened to buy a gun. Mueller's investigation has so far swept up four members of Trump's campaign, with two agreeing to work for the probe under a plea deal. On Thursday Mueller indicted 13 Russians for allegedly running a secret campaign to tilt the vote, but did not accuse any Americans of knowingly participating in that effort.

Trump slams FBI over school shooting, blames preoccupation with Russia probe

US President Donald Trump on Friday visited a Florida hospital to offer comfort to those wounded in a mass school shooting after the FBI admitted it mishandled a tip about the troubled teen behind the massacre that left 17 dead.

The arrival of Trump and his wife Melania came at the end of a difficult day for the families of those killed in Wednesday&#39;s rampage at a high school in Parkland, Florida, who learned that the carnage could perhaps have been averted.

The FBI, the top US law enforcement agency, admitted it had received a chilling warning in January from a tipster who said the 19-year-old gunman, Nikolas Cruz, could be planning a mass shooting, but that agents failed to follow up.

At Broward Health North Hospital, where Trump met with survivors of the shooting, the president thanked the doctors, nurses and first responders for their &quot;incredible&quot; work, and described the carnage as &quot;very sad.&quot;&nbsp;

He and his wife were also expected to visit the Broward County sheriff&#39;s office &quot;to meet with the law enforcement officials whose bravery helped save lives,&quot; a White House official said.

The president&#39;s visit to Parkland -- an area about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Miami -- came amid growing anger among parents and students in the south Florida city over America&#39;s seeming unwillingness to toughen gun control laws.

&quot;My princess wasn&#39;t safe in that school,&quot; said Andrew Pollack, speaking at the funeral of his 18-year-old daughter Meadow. &quot;Please pray that this horrific tragedy never happens to another family.&quot;

Lori Alhadeff, whose 14-year-old daughter Alyssa was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, made an emotional appeal to Trump on camera with tears rolling down her face.

&quot;We need action! Action! Action!&quot; Alhadeff urged in an interview with CNN, addressing Trump as the father of an 11-year-old son of his own.

&quot;Let&#39;s protect Barron, and let&#39;s also protect all these other kids here in Parkland, in Florida, and everyone everywhere else,&quot; she said.

Admitting error &#39;isn&#39;t going to cut it

The FBI made a stunning admission earlier in the day, saying a &quot;person close to Nikolas Cruz&quot; made a call to the agency&#39;s public tipline on January 5 to &quot;report concerns about him.&quot;

&quot;The caller provided information about Cruz&#39;s gun ownership, desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting,&quot; the FBI said in a statement.

The information from the caller &quot;should have been assessed as a potential threat to life&quot; and forwarded to the agency&#39;s Miami field office, it said.

Instead, &quot;no further investigation was conducted.&quot;

&quot;We have spoken with victims and families, and deeply regret the additional pain this causes all those affected by this horrific tragedy,&quot; said Federal Bureau of Investigation director Christopher Wray, who took up his post in August.

Wray said he was &quot;committed to getting to the bottom of what happened,&quot; and Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered an immediate review to ensure &quot;effective response to indications of potential violence.&quot;

But Florida Governor Rick Scott nevertheless called for the FBI chief to step down, saying the failure to act was &quot;unacceptable.&quot;

&quot;Seventeen innocent people are dead and acknowledging a mistake isn&#39;t going to cut it,&quot; Scott said.

The January warning to the FBI was not the first it had received about Cruz, who used an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle that he legally purchased a year ago to spray classrooms with bullets.

In September, the FBI was alerted to a message posted on YouTube, in which a user named Nikolas Cruz vowed: &quot;I&#39;m going to be a professional school shooter.&quot;

The FBI said it had looked into it at the time but was unable to identify the person who made the post.

Illogical

Trump&#39;s visit to the Parkland area -- not far from his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he was spending the long President&#39;s Day weekend -- was not announced in advance, perhaps because he risked being greeted with angry demands for action on laws that allowed Cruz to amass an arsenal.

&quot;It&#39;s illogical that the law says a minor can&#39;t have a drink, but can buy a gun,&quot; said 47-year-old Mavy Rubiano, whose child survived the shooting.

In Washington, the political response so far makes it clear that the powerful pro-gun National Rifle Association -- which spent $30 million to support Trump&#39;s election in 2016 -- remains formidable.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Trump&#39;s nationally televised address made no mention of guns, or of previous mass shootings.

The president focused instead on offering sympathy to the families of the victims and the need to provide better mental health care.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said it was not a time for arguing over gun control, while Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio said new gun laws alone would not stop shootings.&nbsp;

As with previous mass shootings, the focus of gun control advocates was the easy availability of the AR-15, a civilian version of the US military&#39;s M16.&nbsp;

Millions have been sold around the United States, and AR-15-style rifles were used in the mass shootings in Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, Texas and Newtown, Connecticut.

The disclosure sparked angry disbelief from members of the Miami suburb of Parkland still reeling from Wednesday's massacre and led Florida's governor to call for the FBI chief to resign

US President Donald Trump on Friday visited a Florida hospital to offer comfort to those wounded in a mass school shooting after the FBI admitted it mishandled a tip about the troubled teen behind the massacre that left 17 dead. The arrival of Trump and his wife Melania came at the end of a difficult day for the families of those killed in Wednesday's rampage at a high school in Parkland, Florida, who learned that the carnage could perhaps have been averted. The FBI, the top US law enforcement agency, admitted it had received a chilling warning in January from a tipster who said the 19-year-old gunman, Nikolas Cruz, could be planning a mass shooting, but that agents failed to follow up. At Broward Health North Hospital, where Trump met with survivors of the shooting, the president thanked the doctors, nurses and first responders for their "incredible" work, and described the carnage as "very sad." He and his wife were also expected to visit the Broward County sheriff's office "to meet with the law enforcement officials whose bravery helped save lives," a White House official said. The president's visit to Parkland -- an area about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Miami -- came amid growing anger among parents and students in the south Florida city over America's seeming unwillingness to toughen gun control laws. "My princess wasn't safe in that school," said Andrew Pollack, speaking at the funeral of his 18-year-old daughter Meadow. "Please pray that this horrific tragedy never happens to another family." Lori Alhadeff, whose 14-year-old daughter Alyssa was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, made an emotional appeal to Trump on camera with tears rolling down her face. "We need action! Action! Action!" Alhadeff urged in an interview with CNN, addressing Trump as the father of an 11-year-old son of his own. "Let's protect Barron, and let's also protect all these other kids here in Parkland, in Florida, and everyone everywhere else," she said. Admitting error 'isn't going to cut it The FBI made a stunning admission earlier in the day, saying a "person close to Nikolas Cruz" made a call to the agency's public tipline on January 5 to "report concerns about him." "The caller provided information about Cruz's gun ownership, desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting," the FBI said in a statement. The information from the caller "should have been assessed as a potential threat to life" and forwarded to the agency's Miami field office, it said. Instead, "no further investigation was conducted." "We have spoken with victims and families, and deeply regret the additional pain this causes all those affected by this horrific tragedy," said Federal Bureau of Investigation director Christopher Wray, who took up his post in August. Wray said he was "committed to getting to the bottom of what happened," and Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered an immediate review to ensure "effective response to indications of potential violence." But Florida Governor Rick Scott nevertheless called for the FBI chief to step down, saying the failure to act was "unacceptable." "Seventeen innocent people are dead and acknowledging a mistake isn't going to cut it," Scott said. The January warning to the FBI was not the first it had received about Cruz, who used an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle that he legally purchased a year ago to spray classrooms with bullets. In September, the FBI was alerted to a message posted on YouTube, in which a user named Nikolas Cruz vowed: "I'm going to be a professional school shooter." The FBI said it had looked into it at the time but was unable to identify the person who made the post. Illogical Trump's visit to the Parkland area -- not far from his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he was spending the long President's Day weekend -- was not announced in advance, perhaps because he risked being greeted with angry demands for action on laws that allowed Cruz to amass an arsenal. "It's illogical that the law says a minor can't have a drink, but can buy a gun," said 47-year-old Mavy Rubiano, whose child survived the shooting. In Washington, the political response so far makes it clear that the powerful pro-gun National Rifle Association -- which spent $30 million to support Trump's election in 2016 -- remains formidable. On Thursday, Trump's nationally televised address made no mention of guns, or of previous mass shootings. The president focused instead on offering sympathy to the families of the victims and the need to provide better mental health care. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said it was not a time for arguing over gun control, while Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio said new gun laws alone would not stop shootings. As with previous mass shootings, the focus of gun control advocates was the easy availability of the AR-15, a civilian version of the US military's M16. Millions have been sold around the United States, and AR-15-style rifles were used in the mass shootings in Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, Texas and Newtown, Connecticut.

Trump visits Florida shooting survivors, FBI admits it missed tip

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