The FBI has now released fresh surveillance footage to help revive the search for the suspect responsible for planting five bombs in Washington DC on the night before the January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot. Watch in for more details!

US: FBI's Hunt Intensifies For Suspect Behind Washington DC Pipe Bombs

U.S. President Joe Biden has stated that the suspect in the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and acted alone. The driver, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar A, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas, drove his truck into a crowd celebrating New Year's, killing at least 15 people and injuring over 30.

New Orleans Terror Attack: Joe Biden Vows 'No Safe Harbour' For Terrorist Groups In US

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday (January 2) it now believes that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man behind the deadly New Orleans attack that left 15 dead, including himself, acted alone in the recent attack. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-people-involved-in-new-orleans-attack-authorities-8585950">FBI</a> also said that the suspect joined Islamic State before carrying out the attack.
Initially, the FBI had suggested that Jabbar might not have acted alone. However, during a press conference held alongside Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI's counter-terrorism division, shared the latest development in the ongoing probe.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-narendra-modi-condemns-cowardly-terrorist-attack-in-new-orleans-that-killed-15-8586002">Indian PM Narendra Modi condemns 'cowardly terrorist attack' in New Orleans that killed 15</a>
<h2>No 'definitive link' between New Orleans attack and cybertruck explosion: FBI</h2>
&ldquo;We cannot ease the grief people in this community and across the nation are feeling at this time,&rdquo; Raia said. The FBI also said that it did not find any 'definitive link' between the New Orleans attack and the cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. However, it added that the investigation is still in the early stages.
As per FBI, Jabbar picked up the vehicle used in the attack on 30 December in Houston, Texas, before driving it to New Orleans. During his journey, he uploaded several videos online.
In one video, Jabbar disclosed that he had initially planned to harm his family but decided against it, claiming such an act would not represent the "war between the believers and the disbelievers."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/free-tommy-robinson-elon-musk-demands-release-of-jailed-uk-far-right-leader-slams-pm-starmer-8586433">&lsquo;Free Tommy Robinson&rsquo;: Elon Musk demands release of jailed UK far-right leader; slams PM Starmer</a>
&ldquo;This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act,&rdquo; Raia said during the press conference. He added that the suspect&rsquo;s video recordings indicated that he joined the Islamic State before carrying out the attack.&nbsp;
The FBI said that Jabbar also planted two homemade bombs on Bourbon Street. "We did obtain surveillance footage showing Jabbar placing the devices where they were found," Raia said of the bombs hidden in coolers.
When asked about why Jabbar selected Bourbon Street as the site of the attack, Raia said that investigators&nbsp;assume it is because there would have been a lot of people out on New Year's Eve.
He added that in the coming days, law enforcement will try to figure out the suspect's "path to radicalisation".
"He was 100% inspired by ISIS," Raia added.
<h2>What happened during the New Orleans attack?</h2>
Police said that a man drove his pickup truck into a crowd on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-were-the-victims-of-the-new-orleans-attack-8585578">Bourbon Street</a> at approximately 3:15 am on Wednesday (January 1). The attack resulted in 15 deaths and left over 35 people injured.&nbsp;
Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described Jabbar as "hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," adding that he aimed to "run over as many people as he could."
During the attack, Jabbar also shot two police officers, who are now in stable condition. The FBI reported that he was killed in a gunfight with police.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news | Trending: Initially, the FBI had suggested that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man behind the deadly New Orleans attack might not have acted alone. "He was 100% inspired by ISIS," FBI added.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday (January 2) it now believes that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man behind the deadly New Orleans attack that left 15 dead, including himself, acted alone in the recent attack. The FBI also said that the suspect joined Islamic State before carrying out the attack. Initially, the FBI had suggested that Jabbar might not have acted alone. However, during a press conference held alongside Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI's counter-terrorism division, shared the latest development in the ongoing probe. Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi condemns 'cowardly terrorist attack' in New Orleans that killed 15 No 'definitive link' between New Orleans attack and cybertruck explosion: FBI “We cannot ease the grief people in this community and across the nation are feeling at this time,” Raia said. The FBI also said that it did not find any 'definitive link' between the New Orleans attack and the cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. However, it added that the investigation is still in the early stages. As per FBI, Jabbar picked up the vehicle used in the attack on 30 December in Houston, Texas, before driving it to New Orleans. During his journey, he uploaded several videos online. In one video, Jabbar disclosed that he had initially planned to harm his family but decided against it, claiming such an act would not represent the "war between the believers and the disbelievers." Also read: ‘Free Tommy Robinson’: Elon Musk demands release of jailed UK far-right leader; slams PM Starmer “This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act,” Raia said during the press conference. He added that the suspect’s video recordings indicated that he joined the Islamic State before carrying out the attack. The FBI said that Jabbar also planted two homemade bombs on Bourbon Street. "We did obtain surveillance footage showing Jabbar placing the devices where they were found," Raia said of the bombs hidden in coolers. When asked about why Jabbar selected Bourbon Street as the site of the attack, Raia said that investigators assume it is because there would have been a lot of people out on New Year's Eve. He added that in the coming days, law enforcement will try to figure out the suspect's "path to radicalisation". "He was 100% inspired by ISIS," Raia added. What happened during the New Orleans attack? Police said that a man drove his pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street at approximately 3:15 am on Wednesday (January 1). The attack resulted in 15 deaths and left over 35 people injured. Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described Jabbar as "hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," adding that he aimed to "run over as many people as he could." During the attack, Jabbar also shot two police officers, who are now in stable condition. The FBI reported that he was killed in a gunfight with police. (With inputs from agencies)

New Orleans attack: FBI says Shamsud-Din Jabbar acted solo, no 'definitive link' to cybertruck explosion

Deadly truck crash in New Orleans leaves 10 dead and 30 injured on New Year’s Day. The vehicle was reportedly a truck that sped into a crowd, crashing at high speed. Watch in to learn more.

New Orleans Truck Attack: Suspect Shamsud-din Jabbar Had An ISIS Flag On Truck

Billionaire Elon Musk on Thursday (Jan 2) sparked yet another controversy as he called out FBI's New Orleans division over a social media post where the agents can be seen wearing Taylor Swift-themed friendship bracelets.
The Tesla CEO took to his official X handle and reshared a post by Senator Marsha Blackburn in which she wrote, "This is what the FBI New Orleans has been doing," alongside the image of the agents donning bracelets.
"Return the FBI to its mission of investigating criminals and terrorists," she added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5f4crw4-dhnu5l94-4jegnd81">
This is what the FBI New Orleans has been doing. Return the FBI to its mission of investigating criminals and terrorists. <a href="https://twitter.com/Kash_Patel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kash_Patel</a> <a href="https://t.co/5R96fZyDjg">https://t.co/5R96fZyDjg</a>
&mdash; Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarshaBlackburn/status/1874635993887977918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
The contentious post was originally shared on the authorities' official Facebook page on October 27, 2024.
This comes in the wake of a deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day, where a man drove his pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street at approximately 3:15 am on Wednesday (Jan 1), killing 15 people.
New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver as being &ldquo;hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.&rdquo; She further added that the driver&rsquo;s intention appeared to be to &ldquo;run over as many people as he could.&rdquo; Additionally, two police officers were shot by the suspect, but both are now in stable condition.
The FBI said that the suspect died following a gunfight with the police. After the truck came to a stop, the driver opened fire on officers, who returned fire, leading to his death.
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<h2>'Attacker inspired by ISIS'</h2>
The driver has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar who reportedly was inspired by Islamic State as an ISIS flag was found in his vehicle and he also posted some videos on social media expressing a desire to kill hours before the incident took place.
United States President Joe Biden said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found ISIS-inspired videos that Jabbar posted on social media where he expressed a desire to kill
"The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill. The ISIS flag was found in his vehicle which he rented to conduct this attack. Possible explosives were found in the vehicle as well, and more explosives were found nearby...The investigation is continuing to be active and no one should jump to conclusions," Biden said.
(With inputs from agencies)

This comes in the wake of a deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day, where a man drove his pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street at approximately 3:15 am on Wednesday (Jan 1), killing 15 people.

Billionaire Elon Musk on Thursday (Jan 2) sparked yet another controversy as he called out FBI's New Orleans division over a social media post where the agents can be seen wearing Taylor Swift-themed friendship bracelets. The Tesla CEO took to his official X handle and reshared a post by Senator Marsha Blackburn in which she wrote, "This is what the FBI New Orleans has been doing," alongside the image of the agents donning bracelets. "Return the FBI to its mission of investigating criminals and terrorists," she added. This is what the FBI New Orleans has been doing. Return the FBI to its mission of investigating criminals and terrorists. @Kash_Patel https://t.co/5R96fZyDjg — Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) January 2, 2025 The contentious post was originally shared on the authorities' official Facebook page on October 27, 2024. This comes in the wake of a deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day, where a man drove his pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street at approximately 3:15 am on Wednesday (Jan 1), killing 15 people. New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver as being “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.” She further added that the driver’s intention appeared to be to “run over as many people as he could.” Additionally, two police officers were shot by the suspect, but both are now in stable condition. The FBI said that the suspect died following a gunfight with the police. After the truck came to a stop, the driver opened fire on officers, who returned fire, leading to his death. Also read: Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Trump hotel in Las Vegas, incident being probed as possible terror act 'Attacker inspired by ISIS' The driver has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar who reportedly was inspired by Islamic State as an ISIS flag was found in his vehicle and he also posted some videos on social media expressing a desire to kill hours before the incident took place. United States President Joe Biden said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found ISIS-inspired videos that Jabbar posted on social media where he expressed a desire to kill "The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill. The ISIS flag was found in his vehicle which he rented to conduct this attack. Possible explosives were found in the vehicle as well, and more explosives were found nearby...The investigation is continuing to be active and no one should jump to conclusions," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk slams FBI agents over donning Taylor Swift-themed friendship bracelets amid New Orleans attack

At least ten people lost their lives and over 35 were injured in New Orleans after a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd during the early hours of New Year’s Day and opened fire when his vehicle came to a halt. As per media reports, the injured have been admitted to different hospitals. As per a report by CNN, the suspect behind the attack was shot dead by law enforcement officers. Watch in to learn more.

New Orleans terror attack: FBI identifies suspected attacker as Shamsud-Din Jabbar

New Orleans Truck Attack: FBI probing incident as 'terrorist attack'

The suspect involved in the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans has been identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, a senior law enforcement source told The Guardian.
Jabbar, aged 42, is a US citizen living in Texas. Reports indicate he has a prior criminal record that includes theft and driving with a suspended licence. 
The truck used to kill 10 in the massacre came into the US from Mexico&nbsp;through Eagle Pass, Texas, over a month ago, though some&nbsp;earlier reports erroneously said that it entered&nbsp;two days before the incident.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-links-deadly-new-orleans-truck-attack-to-illegal-immigration-8583813">&lsquo;Act of pure evil,&rsquo; Trump links deadly New Orleans truck attack to illegal immigration</a>
During the attack, Jabbar was wearing body armour and driving a rental truck that carried a black flag. According to the FBI, a flag for an IS group was found in the pickup truck driven into the crowd.
Reacting to the incident, outgoing US President Joe Biden said, &ldquo;I have been continually briefed since early this morning by federal law enforcement leadership and my homeland security team, including Secretary of Homeland Security Ali Mayorkas, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and the Mayor of New Orleans regarding the horrific incident that occurred there overnight."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-car-plows-into-new-years-crowd-in-new-orleans-killing-at-least-10-8583174">New Orleans attack: 10 killed as man ploughs truck into New Year crowd; suspect shot dead</a>
He added, &ldquo;The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury. I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind.&rdquo;
<h2>What happened during the New Orleans attack?</h2>
Police said that a man drove his pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street at approximately 3:15 am on Wednesday (January 1). The attack resulted in 10 deaths and left over 35 people injured.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-we-know-so-far-about-new-years-day-attack-in-new-orleans-8583494">What we know so far about New Year&rsquo;s day attack in New Orleans</a>
New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver as being &ldquo;hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.&rdquo; She further added that the driver&rsquo;s intention appeared to be to &ldquo;run over as many people as he could.&rdquo; Additionally, two police officers were shot by the suspect, but both are now in stable condition.
The FBI said that the suspect died following a gunfight with the police. After the truck came to a stop, Jabbar opened fire on officers, who returned fire, leading to his death. 
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Trending: Jabbar, aged 42, is a US citizen living in Texas. Reports indicate he has a prior criminal record that includes theft and driving with a suspended licence.

The suspect involved in the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans has been identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, a senior law enforcement source told The Guardian. Jabbar, aged 42, is a US citizen living in Texas. Reports indicate he has a prior criminal record that includes theft and driving with a suspended licence. The truck used to kill 10 in the massacre came into the US from Mexico through Eagle Pass, Texas, over a month ago, though some earlier reports erroneously said that it entered two days before the incident. Also read: ‘Act of pure evil,’ Trump links deadly New Orleans truck attack to illegal immigration During the attack, Jabbar was wearing body armour and driving a rental truck that carried a black flag. According to the FBI, a flag for an IS group was found in the pickup truck driven into the crowd. Reacting to the incident, outgoing US President Joe Biden said, “I have been continually briefed since early this morning by federal law enforcement leadership and my homeland security team, including Secretary of Homeland Security Ali Mayorkas, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and the Mayor of New Orleans regarding the horrific incident that occurred there overnight." Also read: New Orleans attack: 10 killed as man ploughs truck into New Year crowd; suspect shot dead He added, “The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury. I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind.” What happened during the New Orleans attack? Police said that a man drove his pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street at approximately 3:15 am on Wednesday (January 1). The attack resulted in 10 deaths and left over 35 people injured. Also read: What we know so far about New Year’s day attack in New Orleans New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver as being “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.” She further added that the driver’s intention appeared to be to “run over as many people as he could.” Additionally, two police officers were shot by the suspect, but both are now in stable condition. The FBI said that the suspect died following a gunfight with the police. After the truck came to a stop, Jabbar opened fire on officers, who returned fire, leading to his death. (With inputs from agencies)

Suspect behind New Orleans truck attack identified as US citizen Shamsud Din Jabbar

The Federal Bureau of Investigation seized over 150 homemade bombs in a record Virginia farm raid. According to court documents filed on Monday (Dec 30), this might be the investigative agency's largest-ever seizure of explosives. According to reports, the suspect is a far-right supporter.
<h2>Where were the bombs found?</h2>
The alarmingly high number of explosives were discovered during a search of the family home of 36-year-old Brad Spafford. The search was carried out after a neighbour tipped off the FBI that Spafford was stockpiling weapons and homemade ammunition. The scale of the cache has sent alarm bells ringing and raised concerns over its potential implications. &nbsp;
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<h2>Extremist allegations</h2>
The court filing detailed a chilling inventory of items found on the property that Spafford shared with his wife and two young children. Agents discovered pipe bombs in a bedroom backpack, a jar of highly unstable HMTD explosives labelled "Do Not Touch" stored in a freezer alongside food, and a notebook containing instructions for crafting explosives, including grenades. &nbsp;
Spafford, a machine shop worker, reportedly used pictures of US President Joe Biden for target practice and voiced support for political assassinations, according to the documents.&nbsp;
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A neighbour also told the FBI that Spafford had considered fortifying his property with "a 360-degree turret for a 50-calibre firearm on the roof."
Some of the explosives had stickers written &ldquo;#NoLivesMatter&rdquo;.
This could be a reference to No Lives Matter, described by Homeland Security officials as a far-right group active on apps like Telegram.
No Lives Matter advocates targeted attacks, mass killings, criminal activity, self-harm and animal abuse, the New York Times reported citing the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
<h2>Charges against the man</h2>
Currently charged with unlawful possession of a rifle, Spafford is expected to face additional charges related to the explosives, each carrying a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Prosecutors described the cache as a significant threat to public safety. &nbsp;
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However, Spafford's attorneys argued for his release, and in a separate filing described him as "a hard-working family man with no criminal record." &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Know more about the FBI's largest-ever explosives seizure in history as over 150 homemade bombs were found at a Virginia farm, shocking the local community and authorities.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation seized over 150 homemade bombs in a record Virginia farm raid. According to court documents filed on Monday (Dec 30), this might be the investigative agency's largest-ever seizure of explosives. According to reports, the suspect is a far-right supporter. Where were the bombs found? The alarmingly high number of explosives were discovered during a search of the family home of 36-year-old Brad Spafford. The search was carried out after a neighbour tipped off the FBI that Spafford was stockpiling weapons and homemade ammunition. The scale of the cache has sent alarm bells ringing and raised concerns over its potential implications. Also read | New Year begins with Houthi missile attacks on Israel; one intercepted Extremist allegations The court filing detailed a chilling inventory of items found on the property that Spafford shared with his wife and two young children. Agents discovered pipe bombs in a bedroom backpack, a jar of highly unstable HMTD explosives labelled "Do Not Touch" stored in a freezer alongside food, and a notebook containing instructions for crafting explosives, including grenades. Spafford, a machine shop worker, reportedly used pictures of US President Joe Biden for target practice and voiced support for political assassinations, according to the documents. Also read | OpenAI whistleblower death: Indian-origin victim's mother alleges foul play A neighbour also told the FBI that Spafford had considered fortifying his property with "a 360-degree turret for a 50-calibre firearm on the roof." Some of the explosives had stickers written “#NoLivesMatter”. This could be a reference to No Lives Matter, described by Homeland Security officials as a far-right group active on apps like Telegram. No Lives Matter advocates targeted attacks, mass killings, criminal activity, self-harm and animal abuse, the New York Times reported citing the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. Charges against the man Currently charged with unlawful possession of a rifle, Spafford is expected to face additional charges related to the explosives, each carrying a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Prosecutors described the cache as a significant threat to public safety. Also read | From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024 However, Spafford's attorneys argued for his release, and in a separate filing described him as "a hard-working family man with no criminal record." (With inputs from agencies)

FBI seizes record cache of explosives in Virginia farm raid; suspect backed far-right

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly issued a strict warning to pro sports leagues that organised theft groups are looting professional NBA and NFL players and their homes while they are out playing or travelling. Recently, the houses of Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Cincinnate Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Donic and NBA guardrs Mike Conley Jr. and Bobby Portis have been among the burglarised properties.
Notably, at least nine professional athletes' homes were allegedly burglarised by organised theft groups in a span of three months, in September-November.
The FBI didn't note any of the above cases specifically, but warned the leagues involving such players. The investigating agency further claimed that the homes of professional athletes of the NFL and NBA have been reported, which contain high-end items such as designer handbags, jewellery, watches, cash, etc.
Further, the NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to their players after recent break-ins.
Some of these acts have been carried out during road games. As a result of these acts, the players -- both in the NFL and NBA -- have been left concerned about their families while they are out on the road during the leagues.
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<h2>'These homes are targeted due to the perception they may have high-end goods'</h2>
"These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewellery, watches, and cash,&rdquo; the FBI said in a Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News.
&ldquo;While many burglaries occur while homes are unoccupied, some burglaries occur while residents are home. In these instances, individuals are encouraged to seek law enforcement help and avoid engaging with criminals, as they may be armed or use violence if confronted,&rdquo; the report further added. (With inputs from agencies)

NBA, NFL, Sports | FBI gives strict warning to sports leagues after string of burglaries targeting NFL, NBA athletes and their homes - Report

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly issued a strict warning to pro sports leagues that organised theft groups are looting professional NBA and NFL players and their homes while they are out playing or travelling. Recently, the houses of Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Cincinnate Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Donic and NBA guardrs Mike Conley Jr. and Bobby Portis have been among the burglarised properties. Notably, at least nine professional athletes' homes were allegedly burglarised by organised theft groups in a span of three months, in September-November. The FBI didn't note any of the above cases specifically, but warned the leagues involving such players. The investigating agency further claimed that the homes of professional athletes of the NFL and NBA have been reported, which contain high-end items such as designer handbags, jewellery, watches, cash, etc. Further, the NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to their players after recent break-ins. Some of these acts have been carried out during road games. As a result of these acts, the players -- both in the NFL and NBA -- have been left concerned about their families while they are out on the road during the leagues. Also read: Former England coach Gareth Southgate knighted in New Year Honours 'These homes are targeted due to the perception they may have high-end goods' "These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewellery, watches, and cash,” the FBI said in a Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News. “While many burglaries occur while homes are unoccupied, some burglaries occur while residents are home. In these instances, individuals are encouraged to seek law enforcement help and avoid engaging with criminals, as they may be armed or use violence if confronted,” the report further added. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI gives strict warning to sports leagues after series of burglaries targeting NFL, NBA athletes: Report

It's been years since the U.S. investigated the cause of COVID-19. The FBI has now claimed that they found evidence suggesting the virus was caused by a lab leak but were not allowed to brief the president. Watch in for more details!

FBI 'blocked from informing Biden' about COVID lab leak

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who found evidence that a Chinese lab leak caused COVID-19, was "silenced" and was not allowed to present the findings from the August 2021 report to US President Joe Biden, The New York Post reported.&nbsp;
The report concluded that the virus behind COVID-19 was "probably not genetically engineered".&nbsp;
During that time, a popular theory emerged, suggesting that the virus spread from a bat at a Wuhan wet market, the place where the virus was first reported in 2019.&nbsp;
President Biden ordered an inquiry in May 2021 by US intelligence agencies and national laboratories. The National Intelligence Council (NIC), a body of senior intelligence officers organised the review, in which the findings were presented by Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence (DNI), and two of her senior analysts, to President Biden and his top aides.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-lab-leak-likely-behind-covid-pandemic-finds-us-investigation-780981" rel="dofollow">Also read: Wuhan lab leak likely behind Covid pandemic, finds US investigation STORY HIGHLIGHTS</a>
Jason Bannan, a former senior scientist at the FBI, said that he is surprised that the findings were not presented to the president, given the agency's confidence in its assessment.&nbsp;
Bannan, a microbiologist and former senior FBI scientist, spent much of his life investigating the origins of COVID-19, along with the FBI.
He was excluded from a key National Intelligence Council (NIC) briefing with US President Biden, The New York Post reported.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-likely-to-pick-john-hopkins-surgeon-covid-mandate-martin-makary-to-lead-fda-say-sources-778076" rel="dofollow">Also read: Trump likely to pick John Hopkins surgeon, COVID mandate critic Martin Makary to lead FDA, say sources</a>
&ldquo;The scientists who had the subject matter expertise were silenced,&rdquo; a source said according to the Post, adding that the US President and other officials were "completely unwitting" about the evidence.&nbsp;
Bannan also stressed that the FBI was the only agency that firmly believed the virus likely originated from a laboratory, yet it wasn&rsquo;t invited to share its findings.&nbsp;
<h2>'Surprising that White House didn't ask'</h2>
&ldquo;Being the only agency that assessed that a laboratory origin was more likely, and the agency that expressed the highest level of confidence in its analysis of the source of the pandemic, we anticipated the FBI would be asked to attend the briefing,&rdquo; Bannan said.
&nbsp;&ldquo;I find it surprising that the White House didn&rsquo;t ask," he added.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sent-covid-test-kits-to-putin-while-americans-died-explosive-new-book-reveals-his-shocking-betrayal-765783" rel="dofollow">Also read: Trump sent COVID test kits to Putin while Americans died? Explosive new book reveals his shocking betrayal</a>
Meanwhile, whistleblower Lt. Col. Joseph Murphy said that federal grant documents outlining a "blueprint" for engineering viruses like SARS-CoV-2 were inappropriately classified.
Bannan has now emphasised the need to reexamine what was left out of the intelligence community&rsquo;s review.&nbsp;
&ldquo;What ended up on the intelligence community&rsquo;s cutting-room floor needs to be re-examined," he said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Jason Bannan, a former senior scientist at the FBI, said that he is surprised that the findings were not presented to the president, given the agency's confidence in its assessment. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who found evidence that a Chinese lab leak caused COVID-19, was "silenced" and was not allowed to present the findings from the August 2021 report to US President Joe Biden, The New York Post reported. The report concluded that the virus behind COVID-19 was "probably not genetically engineered". During that time, a popular theory emerged, suggesting that the virus spread from a bat at a Wuhan wet market, the place where the virus was first reported in 2019. President Biden ordered an inquiry in May 2021 by US intelligence agencies and national laboratories. The National Intelligence Council (NIC), a body of senior intelligence officers organised the review, in which the findings were presented by Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence (DNI), and two of her senior analysts, to President Biden and his top aides. Also read: Wuhan lab leak likely behind Covid pandemic, finds US investigation STORY HIGHLIGHTS Jason Bannan, a former senior scientist at the FBI, said that he is surprised that the findings were not presented to the president, given the agency's confidence in its assessment. Bannan, a microbiologist and former senior FBI scientist, spent much of his life investigating the origins of COVID-19, along with the FBI. He was excluded from a key National Intelligence Council (NIC) briefing with US President Biden, The New York Post reported. Also read: Trump likely to pick John Hopkins surgeon, COVID mandate critic Martin Makary to lead FDA, say sources “The scientists who had the subject matter expertise were silenced,” a source said according to the Post, adding that the US President and other officials were "completely unwitting" about the evidence. Bannan also stressed that the FBI was the only agency that firmly believed the virus likely originated from a laboratory, yet it wasn’t invited to share its findings. 'Surprising that White House didn't ask' “Being the only agency that assessed that a laboratory origin was more likely, and the agency that expressed the highest level of confidence in its analysis of the source of the pandemic, we anticipated the FBI would be asked to attend the briefing,” Bannan said. “I find it surprising that the White House didn’t ask," he added. Also read: Trump sent COVID test kits to Putin while Americans died? Explosive new book reveals his shocking betrayal Meanwhile, whistleblower Lt. Col. Joseph Murphy said that federal grant documents outlining a "blueprint" for engineering viruses like SARS-CoV-2 were inappropriately classified. Bannan has now emphasised the need to reexamine what was left out of the intelligence community’s review. “What ended up on the intelligence community’s cutting-room floor needs to be re-examined," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US spy chiefs 'silenced' FBI from briefing Joe Biden about COVID lab leak evidence: Report

Washington, United States
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Japan’s National Police Agency have said that a North Korean hacking group, TraderTraitor, stole cryptocurrency worth $308 million from Japan-based exchange DMM Bitcoin earlier this year in May.
TraderTraitor, known to be a part of Lazarus Group, targets multiple employees from the same organisation at the same time. The infamous Lazarus Group is allegedly linked to Pyongyang authorities and has been accused of hacking into Sony Pictures for mocking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the film The Interview.
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“The theft of cryptocurrency worth $308 million US dollars from the Japan-based cryptocurrency company DMM by North Korean cyber actors,” the FBI stated in a statement on Monday (Dec 23).
The North Korean cyber actors facilitated a “targeted social engineering” operation in which they pretended to be LinkedIn recruiters and contacted an employee at a Japan-based enterprise cryptocurrency wallet software company Ginco in late March.
They then sent a malicious code under the guise of a pre-employment test on a GitHub page, which allowed hackers to gain access to their system and impersonate the employee.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/honda-nissan-merger-what-you-need-to-know-786402">Honda-Nissan merger: What you need to know</a>
In late May, the hackers manipulated a legitimate transaction request by a DMM employee. According to the FBI, the attack led to losses of 4,502.9 BTC, worth $308 million, which were transferred to TraderTraitor-controlled wallets.
“The FBI, National Police Agency of Japan, and other U.S. government and international partners will continue to expose and combat North Korea’s use of illicit activities—including cybercrime and cryptocurrency theft—to generate revenue for the regime,” the FBI added in its statement. 
According to a 2020 US military report, North Korea’s cyber-warfare agency, Bureau 121, has over 6,000 members operating from several countries. The program can be tracked back to at least the mid-1990s.
(With inputs from agencies)

The North Korean cyber actors facilitated a “targeted social engineering” operation in which they pretended to be LinkedIn recruiters and contacted an employee at a Japan-based enterprise cryptocurrency wallet software company Ginco in late March



Washington, United States The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Japan’s National Police Agency have said that a North Korean hacking group, TraderTraitor, stole cryptocurrency worth $308 million from Japan-based exchange DMM Bitcoin earlier this year in May. TraderTraitor, known to be a part of Lazarus Group, targets multiple employees from the same organisation at the same time. The infamous Lazarus Group is allegedly linked to Pyongyang authorities and has been accused of hacking into Sony Pictures for mocking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the film The Interview. Also read | Luxury brands to consider accepting crypto payments as bitcoin soars “The theft of cryptocurrency worth $308 million US dollars from the Japan-based cryptocurrency company DMM by North Korean cyber actors,” the FBI stated in a statement on Monday (Dec 23). The North Korean cyber actors facilitated a “targeted social engineering” operation in which they pretended to be LinkedIn recruiters and contacted an employee at a Japan-based enterprise cryptocurrency wallet software company Ginco in late March. They then sent a malicious code under the guise of a pre-employment test on a GitHub page, which allowed hackers to gain access to their system and impersonate the employee. Also read | Honda-Nissan merger: What you need to know In late May, the hackers manipulated a legitimate transaction request by a DMM employee. According to the FBI, the attack led to losses of 4,502.9 BTC, worth $308 million, which were transferred to TraderTraitor-controlled wallets. “The FBI, National Police Agency of Japan, and other U.S. government and international partners will continue to expose and combat North Korea’s use of illicit activities—including cybercrime and cryptocurrency theft—to generate revenue for the regime,” the FBI added in its statement. According to a 2020 US military report, North Korea’s cyber-warfare agency, Bureau 121, has over 6,000 members operating from several countries. The program can be tracked back to at least the mid-1990s. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean cyber actors behind $308 million cryptocurrency heist, say US and Japan

The US&nbsp;Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Japan’s National Police Agency have said that a North Korean hacking group, TraderTraitor, stole&nbsp;cryptocurrency worth $308 million from Japan-based exchange DMM Bitcoin earlier this year in May.

TraderTraitor, known to be a part of Lazarus Group, targets multiple employees from the same organisation at the same time. The infamous Lazarus Group is allegedly linked to Pyongyang authorities and has been accused of hacking into Sony Pictures for mocking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the film The Interview.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luxury-brands-to-consider-accepting-crypto-payments-as-bitcoin-soars-785112">Luxury brands to consider accepting crypto payments as bitcoin soars</a>

“The theft of cryptocurrency worth $308 million US dollars from the Japan-based cryptocurrency company DMM by North Korean cyber actors,” the FBI stated in a statement on Monday (Dec 23).

The North Korean cyber actors facilitated a “targeted social engineering” operation in which they pretended to be LinkedIn recruiters and contacted an employee at a Japan-based enterprise cryptocurrency wallet software company Ginco in late March.

They then sent a malicious code under the guise of a pre-employment test on a GitHub page, which allowed hackers to gain access to their system and impersonate the employee.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/honda-nissan-merger-what-you-need-to-know-786402">Honda-Nissan merger: What you need to know</a>

In late May, the hackers manipulated a legitimate transaction request by a DMM employee. According to the FBI, the attack led to losses of 4,502.9 BTC, worth $308 million, which were transferred to TraderTraitor-controlled wallets.

“The FBI, National Police Agency of Japan, and other U.S. government and international partners will continue to expose and combat North Korea’s use of illicit activities—including cybercrime and cryptocurrency theft—to generate revenue for the regime,” the FBI added in its statement.&nbsp;

According to a 2020 US military report, North Korea’s cyber-warfare agency, Bureau 121, has over 6,000 members operating from several countries. The program can be tracked back to at least the mid-1990s.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Japan’s National Police Agency have said that a North Korean hacking group, TraderTraitor, stole cryptocurrency worth $308 million from Japan-based exchange DMM Bitcoin earlier this year in May.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Japan’s National Police Agency have said that a North Korean hacking group, TraderTraitor, stole cryptocurrency worth $308 million from Japan-based exchange DMM Bitcoin earlier this year in May. TraderTraitor, known to be a part of Lazarus Group, targets multiple employees from the same organisation at the same time. The infamous Lazarus Group is allegedly linked to Pyongyang authorities and has been accused of hacking into Sony Pictures for mocking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the film The Interview. Also read | Luxury brands to consider accepting crypto payments as bitcoin soars “The theft of cryptocurrency worth $308 million US dollars from the Japan-based cryptocurrency company DMM by North Korean cyber actors,” the FBI stated in a statement on Monday (Dec 23). The North Korean cyber actors facilitated a “targeted social engineering” operation in which they pretended to be LinkedIn recruiters and contacted an employee at a Japan-based enterprise cryptocurrency wallet software company Ginco in late March. They then sent a malicious code under the guise of a pre-employment test on a GitHub page, which allowed hackers to gain access to their system and impersonate the employee. Also read | Honda-Nissan merger: What you need to know In late May, the hackers manipulated a legitimate transaction request by a DMM employee. According to the FBI, the attack led to losses of 4,502.9 BTC, worth $308 million, which were transferred to TraderTraitor-controlled wallets. “The FBI, National Police Agency of Japan, and other U.S. government and international partners will continue to expose and combat North Korea’s use of illicit activities—including cybercrime and cryptocurrency theft—to generate revenue for the regime,” the FBI added in its statement. According to a 2020 US military report, North Korea’s cyber-warfare agency, Bureau 121, has over 6,000 members operating from several countries. The program can be tracked back to at least the mid-1990s. (With inputs from agencies)

The numerous reported drone sightings on the US east coast are no cause for concern, according to the White House. Watch this report for more details!

White House Assures Drone Sightings in New Jersey Pose No Threat

FBI Director&nbsp;Christopher&nbsp;Wray&nbsp;announced on Wednesday (Dec 11) that he will resign in January before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

"After weeks of careful thought, I've decided the right thing for the bureau&nbsp;is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down,"&nbsp;Wray&nbsp;told bureau employees in remarks released by the FBI.

Trump, who is to be sworn in as president on January 20, has announced the nomination of staunch loyalist Kash Patel to replace&nbsp;Wray&nbsp;as the head of the top US law enforcement agency and he welcomed the FBI chief's resignation.

Wray&nbsp;was named by Trump in 2017 to head the 38,000-strong Federal Bureau of Intelligence but the incoming president has since soured on his choice.

Wray&nbsp;had three more years remaining in his 10-year term as FBI director but faced potentially being fired by Trump.

"The resignation of&nbsp;Christopher&nbsp;Wray&nbsp;is a great day for America as it will end the Weaponisation of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

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"Under the leadership of&nbsp;Christopher&nbsp;Wray, the FBI illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me, and has done everything else to interfere with the success and future of America," Trump said.

The FBI raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in August 2022 to recover top-secret documents taken without authorisation from the White House.

Trump was indicted for mishandling classified documents and obstruction of justice but the case was dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge.

<h2>'Above partisanship and politics'</h2>

Wray, in his remarks to the FBI workforce, said stepping down "is the best&nbsp;way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing&nbsp;the values&nbsp;and principles&nbsp;that are so important&nbsp;to how we do our work."

"In terms of how we do the work, we've got to maintain our independence and objectivity -- staying above partisanship and politics," he said. "That's what the American people expect of us and that's what they deserve."

Patel, a former Trump advisor and Pentagon official, has been critical of the FBI and is known for his controversial views.

A fierce defender of the incoming president, Patel supports the Republican hardliner notion of an anti-Trump "deep state" of allegedly biased government bureaucrats working to stifle Trump from behind the scenes, even having written a book on the subject.

A son of Indian immigrants, Patel served in several high-level posts during Trump's first term including as a national security advisor and as chief of staff to the acting defense secretary.

Watch:&nbsp;US: What A Reelected Trump Can And Can't Do To Sway The Fed?

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Trump, in his Truth Social post, accused law enforcement officials of using "their vast powers to threaten and destroy many innocent Americans, some of which will never be able to recover from what has been done to them."

"Kash Patel is the most qualified Nominee to lead the FBI in the Agency's History, and is committed to helping ensure that Law, Order, and Justice will be brought back to our Country again, and soon," he said.

"I look forward to Kash Patel's confirmation so that the process of Making the FBI Great Again can begin."

Attorney General Merrick Garland praised&nbsp;Wray's "principled leadership" of the FBI, saying he had served "honourably and with integrity."

"The director of the FBI is responsible for protecting the independence of the FBI from inappropriate influence in its criminal investigations," Garland said in a statement. "That independence is central to preserving the rule of law and to protecting the freedoms we as Americans hold dear."

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.&nbsp;

FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday (Dec 11) that he will resign in January before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. "After weeks of careful thought, I've decided the right thing for the bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down," Wray told bureau employees in remarks released by the FBI.

FBI Director Christopher Wray announced on Wednesday (Dec 11) that he will resign in January before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. "After weeks of careful thought, I've decided the right thing for the bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current administration in January and then step down," Wray told bureau employees in remarks released by the FBI. Trump, who is to be sworn in as president on January 20, has announced the nomination of staunch loyalist Kash Patel to replace Wray as the head of the top US law enforcement agency and he welcomed the FBI chief's resignation. Wray was named by Trump in 2017 to head the 38,000-strong Federal Bureau of Intelligence but the incoming president has since soured on his choice. Wray had three more years remaining in his 10-year term as FBI director but faced potentially being fired by Trump. "The resignation of Christopher Wray is a great day for America as it will end the Weaponisation of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Also Read: Trump invites Xi to attend Jan 20 inauguration as Beijing braces for massive tariffs "Under the leadership of Christopher Wray, the FBI illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me, and has done everything else to interfere with the success and future of America," Trump said. The FBI raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in August 2022 to recover top-secret documents taken without authorisation from the White House. Trump was indicted for mishandling classified documents and obstruction of justice but the case was dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge. 'Above partisanship and politics' Wray, in his remarks to the FBI workforce, said stepping down "is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work." "In terms of how we do the work, we've got to maintain our independence and objectivity -- staying above partisanship and politics," he said. "That's what the American people expect of us and that's what they deserve." Patel, a former Trump advisor and Pentagon official, has been critical of the FBI and is known for his controversial views. A fierce defender of the incoming president, Patel supports the Republican hardliner notion of an anti-Trump "deep state" of allegedly biased government bureaucrats working to stifle Trump from behind the scenes, even having written a book on the subject. A son of Indian immigrants, Patel served in several high-level posts during Trump's first term including as a national security advisor and as chief of staff to the acting defense secretary. Watch: US: What A Reelected Trump Can And Can't Do To Sway The Fed? Trump, in his Truth Social post, accused law enforcement officials of using "their vast powers to threaten and destroy many innocent Americans, some of which will never be able to recover from what has been done to them." "Kash Patel is the most qualified Nominee to lead the FBI in the Agency's History, and is committed to helping ensure that Law, Order, and Justice will be brought back to our Country again, and soon," he said. "I look forward to Kash Patel's confirmation so that the process of Making the FBI Great Again can begin." Attorney General Merrick Garland praised Wray's "principled leadership" of the FBI, saying he had served "honourably and with integrity." "The director of the FBI is responsible for protecting the independence of the FBI from inappropriate influence in its criminal investigations," Garland said in a statement. "That independence is central to preserving the rule of law and to protecting the freedoms we as Americans hold dear." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

FBI chief Christopher Wray to step down before Trump takes office on Jan 20

The US justice department under former United States president Donald Trump secretly obtained call records of two members of Congress and 43 staffers, including, Kash Patel – Trump's pick to lead the FBI – CNN reported citing a watchdog report released on Tuesday (Dec 10)&nbsp;

Although Patel and two Congress members were not named in the report, sources familiar with the case told CNN that he&nbsp;was targeted. Patel was a staffer for the GOP-led House Intelligence Committee at the time.&nbsp;

The report further revealed that prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ)&nbsp;during the Trump administration even sought emails from journalists of CNN, The Washington Post and The New York Times.

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The report said DOJ investigators issued a broad sweep based on the doubts regarding who may have had access to leaked sensitive information.&nbsp;

Seeking records was based on “the proximity in time between access to classified information and subsequent publication of the information… risks chilling Congress’s ability to conduct oversight of the executive branch,” the justice department’s inspector general wrote at the time.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;added that such a move “exposes congressional officials to having their records reviewed by the Department solely for conducting Congress’ constitutionally authorized oversight duties and creating, at a minimum, the appearance of inappropriate interference by the executive branch in legitimate oversight activity by the legislative branch”.

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However, no&nbsp;charges&nbsp;were recommended&nbsp;against anyone by the inspector general at the time.&nbsp;

<h2>Kash Patel to lead the FBI?</h2>

Trump on November 30 announced that&nbsp;loyalist Kashyap "Kash" Patel was his choice for director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).&nbsp;

Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced that Patel, a former Pentagon official, "will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation" replacing current FBI Director Christopher Wray, another&nbsp;pick from his first term.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US justice department under former United States president Donald Trump secretly obtained call records of two members of Congress and 43 staffers, including, Kash Patel – Trump's pick to lead the FBI – CNN reported citing a watchdog report released on Tuesday (Dec 10) Although Patel and two Congress members were not named in the report, sources familiar with the case told CNN that he was targeted.

The US justice department under former United States president Donald Trump secretly obtained call records of two members of Congress and 43 staffers, including, Kash Patel – Trump's pick to lead the FBI – CNN reported citing a watchdog report released on Tuesday (Dec 10) Although Patel and two Congress members were not named in the report, sources familiar with the case told CNN that he was targeted. Patel was a staffer for the GOP-led House Intelligence Committee at the time. The report further revealed that prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) during the Trump administration even sought emails from journalists of CNN, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Watch | What is China's secretive military moves as it surrounds Taiwan The report said DOJ investigators issued a broad sweep based on the doubts regarding who may have had access to leaked sensitive information. Seeking records was based on “the proximity in time between access to classified information and subsequent publication of the information… risks chilling Congress’s ability to conduct oversight of the executive branch,” the justice department’s inspector general wrote at the time. He added that such a move “exposes congressional officials to having their records reviewed by the Department solely for conducting Congress’ constitutionally authorized oversight duties and creating, at a minimum, the appearance of inappropriate interference by the executive branch in legitimate oversight activity by the legislative branch”. Also read | 'Won't drop civil fraud case against Trump,' says New York AG However, no charges were recommended against anyone by the inspector general at the time. Kash Patel to lead the FBI? Trump on November 30 announced that loyalist Kashyap "Kash" Patel was his choice for director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced that Patel, a former Pentagon official, "will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation" replacing current FBI Director Christopher Wray, another pick from his first term. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's DOJ secretly obtained call records of his FBI pick Kash Patel with other lawmakers

New Jersey mayors demand action for mysterious drone sightings in the northeast. Watch for more details!

FBI Asks Public For Help With New Drone Sightings in New Jersey

The FBI has issued a statement addressing ongoing mystery drone sightings that have now spread from New Jersey to New York, urging public cooperation in their investigation. It comes as Bay Ridge, Brooklyn residents reported drones on Sunday night, joining numerous sightings across New Jersey in recent weeks. Watch to know more!

USA News: Mystery Drone Sightings Reach New York, FBI Issues Statement | World News | WION

Industrialist Gautam S Adani, his nephew Sagar S Adani and several executives of his firm Adani Green Energy have been charged in the US over a $250 million bribery scheme in India for getting renewable energy contracts that would have earned projected profits of more than $2 billion after tax.&nbsp;

The charges unveiled by the US justice department late Wednesday (Nov 21) alleged that several Adani officials engaged in bribing Indian officials in a multi-year scheme from 2020 to 2024. These bribes were hidden from US investors who were approached by the Adani group to raise billions of dollars, it alleged.

The charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, the justice department said in a release. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The investigation is being carried out by FBI along with other financial crime agencies. 
 
Watch: Gautam Adani Charged By US Over Alleged $250 Million Bribe Plot

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Gautam S Adani and the other business executives "allegedly bribed the Indian government to finance lucrative contracts designed to benefit their businesses" and "defrauded investors by raising capital on the basis of false statements about bribery and corruption...[and] allegedly attempted to conceal the bribery conspiracy by obstructing the government’s investigation," claimed FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. &nbsp;

The offences were for "massive state energy supply contracts through corruption and fraud at the expense of US investors."

"The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively prosecute corrupt, deceptive and obstructive conduct that violates US law, no matter where in the world it occurs,” the release&nbsp;quoted Deputy Assistant Attorney General Lisa H Miller as saying.

Here are the details and specific allegations against Adani and his executives,&nbsp;along with a response from Adani Green.

<h2>What did the US Justice Department say about Adani charges?</h2>

The justice department alleged that the Adani executives ran a scheme 'to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes and conceal' the scheme from US investors.&nbsp;

The bribes, allegedly worth more than $250 million, were promised to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts, said the release issued by the US Attorney's Office in Eastern District of New York.

<h2>Who are the Adani-linked&nbsp;executives indicted by US justice department?</h2>

The US justice depatment named as defendants Gautam S Adani, aged 62; Sagar S Adani, 30; Vneet S Jain, 53; Ranjit Gupta, 54; Cyril Cabanes, 50; Saurabh Agarwal, 48; Deepak Malhotra, 45; and Rupesh Agarwal, 50.

<h2>What did the US justice department indictment say about Gautam Adani bribe scheme?</h2>

&gt; The five-count criminal indictment unsealed in a Brooklyn federal court charged the Adani executives with 'conspiracies to commit securities and wire fraud and substantive securities fraud' in a multi-billion-dollar scheme to obtain funds from US investors and global financial institutions based on false and misleading statements. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-setback-for-adani-group-sebi-issues-notice-as-chairperson-buch-faces-scrutiny-770755">Also read: Major setback for Adani Group, SEBI issues notice as chairperson Buch faces scrutiny</a>

&gt; It specifically charged Ranjit Gupta, Rupesh Agarwal, Cyril Cabanes, Saurabh Agarwal and Deepak Malhotra with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

They allegedly orchestrated an elaborate scheme to bribe Indian government officials to secure contracts worth billions of dollars.

&gt; Gautam S Adani, Sagar R Adani and Vneet S Jaain lied about the bribery scheme as they sought to raise capital from US and international investors, said United States Attorney Peace Breon Peace when announcing the charges.&nbsp;

<h2>What exactly is the Adani bribe scheme as alleged by US Justice&nbsp;Department?</h2>

&gt; The scheme was to pay more than $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials, to lie to investors and banks to raise billions of dollars, and to obstruct justice, stated Deputy Assistant Attorney General Miller. &nbsp;

&gt; Between 2020 and 2024, the executives allegedly bribed Indian government officials for contracts projected to generate $2 billion in profits after tax for 20 years. &nbsp;

&gt; "On several occasions, Gautam S. Adani personally met with an Indian government official to advance the bribery scheme, and the defendants held in-person meetings with each other to discuss aspects of its execution," the justice department alleged. &nbsp;

&gt; The executives 'frequently discussed their efforts on the bribery scheme' including through an electronic messaging application and 'extensively documented their corrupt efforts,' it claimed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hindenburg-vs-adani-sebi-chief-madhabis-link-needs-judicial-probe-ex-official-eas-sarma-tells-wion-749745">Also read: Hindenburg vs Adani: Sebi chief Madhabi's links need judicial probe, ex-official EAS Sarma tells WION</a>

&gt; Sagar R Adani, alleged the US department, 'used his cellular phone to track specific details of the bribes offered and promised to government officials'.

&gt; Vneet S Jaain used his cellular phone to photograph a document summarising various bribe amounts a US issuer owed the company for its respective portion of the bribes, alleged the justice department.

&gt; Rupesh Agarwal 'prepared and distributed to other defendants multiple analyses using PowerPoint and Excel', summarising various options for paying and concealing bribe payments, it claimed.

&gt; Gautam S Adani, Sagar R Adani and Vneet S Jaain 'conspired to misrepresent' Adani Green's anti-bribery and corruption practices and conceal the scheme from US investors and international financial institutions in order to obtain financing, it alleged.

&gt; Gautam S Adani, Sagar R Adani and Vneet S Jaain caused Adani Green Energy and some of its subsidiaries 'to raise capital on the basis of false and misleading statements in connection with two US dollar-denominated syndicate loans totalling more than $2 billion from investors and two bond offerings for more than $1 billion underwritten by international financial institutions, which were marketed and sold to investors in the US, claimed the US justice department.

&gt; Gautam S Adani, Sagar R Adani and Vneet S. Jaain caused Adani Green 'to make false statements in their consolidated financial statements and to the market and investors regarding the bribery scheme, it alleged.

&gt; Cyril Cabanes, Saurabh Agarwal, Deepak Malhotra and Rupesh Agarwal 'conspired to obstruct the grand jury, FBI and US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations into the bribery scheme, said the indictment. &nbsp;

&gt; They agreed to delete electronic materials related to the bribery scheme, including emails, electronic messages and 'bribery analyses.

&gt; They later withheld material information from an internal investigation by a US issuer company and 'falsely denied their participation' in the scheme to representatives of the FBI, DOJ and SEC at meetings in Brooklyn, New York. On this account, Cabanes, Agarwal, Malhotra and Rupesh Agarwal have been charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice.

<h2>How has Adani Green responded to charges?</h2>

In a statement, an Adani Group spokesperson said&nbsp;the allegations "are baseless and denied." 
 
As stated by the US Department of Justice itself, said the spokesperson, "the charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."

"All possible legal recourse will be sought," it added. 
 
Earlier, Adani Green said in a statement:&nbsp; "The United States Department of Justice and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission have issued a criminal indictment and brought a civil complaint, respectively, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, against our Board members, Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani. The United States Department of Justice have also included our Board member, Vneet Jaain, in such criminal indictment."

In light of these developments, it added, "our subsidiaries have presently decided not to proceed with the proposed USD-denominated bond offerings."

&nbsp;

Industrialist Gautam S Adani, his nephew Sagar S Adani and several executives of his firm Adani Green Energy have been charged in the US over a $250 million bribery scheme in India for getting renewable energy contracts that would have earned projected profits of more than $2 billion after tax.

Industrialist Gautam S Adani, his nephew Sagar S Adani and several executives of his firm Adani Green Energy have been charged in the US over a $250 million bribery scheme in India for getting renewable energy contracts that would have earned projected profits of more than $2 billion after tax. The charges unveiled by the US justice department late Wednesday (Nov 21) alleged that several Adani officials engaged in bribing Indian officials in a multi-year scheme from 2020 to 2024. These bribes were hidden from US investors who were approached by the Adani group to raise billions of dollars, it alleged. The charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, the justice department said in a release. The investigation is being carried out by FBI along with other financial crime agencies. Watch: Gautam Adani Charged By US Over Alleged $250 Million Bribe Plot × Gautam S Adani and the other business executives "allegedly bribed the Indian government to finance lucrative contracts designed to benefit their businesses" and "defrauded investors by raising capital on the basis of false statements about bribery and corruption...[and] allegedly attempted to conceal the bribery conspiracy by obstructing the government’s investigation," claimed FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. The offences were for "massive state energy supply contracts through corruption and fraud at the expense of US investors." "The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively prosecute corrupt, deceptive and obstructive conduct that violates US law, no matter where in the world it occurs,” the release quoted Deputy Assistant Attorney General Lisa H Miller as saying. Here are the details and specific allegations against Adani and his executives, along with a response from Adani Green. What did the US Justice Department say about Adani charges? The justice department alleged that the Adani executives ran a scheme 'to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes and conceal' the scheme from US investors. The bribes, allegedly worth more than $250 million, were promised to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts, said the release issued by the US Attorney's Office in Eastern District of New York. Who are the Adani-linked executives indicted by US justice department? The US justice depatment named as defendants Gautam S Adani, aged 62; Sagar S Adani, 30; Vneet S Jain, 53; Ranjit Gupta, 54; Cyril Cabanes, 50; Saurabh Agarwal, 48; Deepak Malhotra, 45; and Rupesh Agarwal, 50. What did the US justice department indictment say about Gautam Adani bribe scheme? > The five-count criminal indictment unsealed in a Brooklyn federal court charged the Adani executives with 'conspiracies to commit securities and wire fraud and substantive securities fraud' in a multi-billion-dollar scheme to obtain funds from US investors and global financial institutions based on false and misleading statements. Also read: Major setback for Adani Group, SEBI issues notice as chairperson Buch faces scrutiny > It specifically charged Ranjit Gupta, Rupesh Agarwal, Cyril Cabanes, Saurabh Agarwal and Deepak Malhotra with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. They allegedly orchestrated an elaborate scheme to bribe Indian government officials to secure contracts worth billions of dollars. > Gautam S Adani, Sagar R Adani and Vneet S Jaain lied about the bribery scheme as they sought to raise capital from US and international investors, said United States Attorney Peace Breon Peace when announcing the charges. What exactly is the Adani bribe scheme as alleged by US Justice Department? > The scheme was to pay more than $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials, to lie to investors and banks to raise billions of dollars, and to obstruct justice, stated Deputy Assistant Attorney General Miller. > Between 2020 and 2024, the executives allegedly bribed Indian government officials for contracts projected to generate $2 billion in profits after tax for 20 years. > "On several occasions, Gautam S. Adani personally met with an Indian government official to advance the bribery scheme, and the defendants held in-person meetings with each other to discuss aspects of its execution," the justice department alleged. > The executives 'frequently discussed their efforts on the bribery scheme' including through an electronic messaging application and 'extensively documented their corrupt efforts,' it claimed. Also read: Hindenburg vs Adani: Sebi chief Madhabi's links need judicial probe, ex-official EAS Sarma tells WION > Sagar R Adani, alleged the US department, 'used his cellular phone to track specific details of the bribes offered and promised to government officials'. > Vneet S Jaain used his cellular phone to photograph a document summarising various bribe amounts a US issuer owed the company for its respective portion of the bribes, alleged the justice department. > Rupesh Agarwal 'prepared and distributed to other defendants multiple analyses using PowerPoint and Excel', summarising various options for paying and concealing bribe payments, it claimed. > Gautam S Adani, Sagar R Adani and Vneet S Jaain 'conspired to misrepresent' Adani Green's anti-bribery and corruption practices and conceal the scheme from US investors and international financial institutions in order to obtain financing, it alleged. > Gautam S Adani, Sagar R Adani and Vneet S Jaain caused Adani Green Energy and some of its subsidiaries 'to raise capital on the basis of false and misleading statements in connection with two US dollar-denominated syndicate loans totalling more than $2 billion from investors and two bond offerings for more than $1 billion underwritten by international financial institutions, which were marketed and sold to investors in the US, claimed the US justice department. > Gautam S Adani, Sagar R Adani and Vneet S. Jaain caused Adani Green 'to make false statements in their consolidated financial statements and to the market and investors regarding the bribery scheme, it alleged. > Cyril Cabanes, Saurabh Agarwal, Deepak Malhotra and Rupesh Agarwal 'conspired to obstruct the grand jury, FBI and US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations into the bribery scheme, said the indictment. > They agreed to delete electronic materials related to the bribery scheme, including emails, electronic messages and 'bribery analyses. > They later withheld material information from an internal investigation by a US issuer company and 'falsely denied their participation' in the scheme to representatives of the FBI, DOJ and SEC at meetings in Brooklyn, New York. On this account, Cabanes, Agarwal, Malhotra and Rupesh Agarwal have been charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice. How has Adani Green responded to charges? In a statement, an Adani Group spokesperson said the allegations "are baseless and denied." As stated by the US Department of Justice itself, said the spokesperson, "the charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty." "All possible legal recourse will be sought," it added. Earlier, Adani Green said in a statement: "The United States Department of Justice and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission have issued a criminal indictment and brought a civil complaint, respectively, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, against our Board members, Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani. The United States Department of Justice have also included our Board member, Vneet Jaain, in such criminal indictment." In light of these developments, it added, "our subsidiaries have presently decided not to proceed with the proposed USD-denominated bond offerings."

Gautam Adani indicted in US over multimillion dollar bribery: What are the charges? What you should know

A Florida man has been arrested and charged in connection with a plot to bomb the New York Stock Exchange in an effort to “reboot” the US government, according to the FBI.

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Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, from Coral Springs, Florida, was charged with attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building involved in interstate commerce.

The FBI began investigating Yener in February after receiving a tip that he was storing materials related to bomb-making in a storage unit. Agents searched the area after obtaining a search warrant. They found “bomb-making sketches, numerous watches with timers electronic circuit boards and other electronics that can be utilised to build bombs.&nbsp;

According to the FBI, Yener had also been conducting online searches about bomb-making since 2017.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laken-riley-murder-man-accused-of-killing-us-nursing-student-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-777866">Laken Riley murder: Accused man sentenced to life in prison without parole</a>

In March, Yener admitted to authorities during questioning that he had knowledge of making “rockets” and “bombs” and had previously tried to join a "domestic extremist group." He also revealed that in 2015, he had considered travelling to Iraq to join ISIS but ultimately decided against it because he doubted the group’s ability to meet its objectives.

Yener allegedly told undercover FBI agents that he planned to detonate the bomb during the week before Thanksgiving, targeting the New York Stock Exchange in lower Manhattan. Court documents state that his goal was to “reboot” the US government.&nbsp;

<h2>'I feel like Bin Laden'</h2>

“There is one place that would be hella easy… the stock exchange, that would be a great hit. Tons of people would support it. They would see it and think dude, this guy makes sense, they are [profanity] robbing us. So that's perfect,” he told the agent.

“I feel like Bin Laden,” he told the undercover agent.

Weeks before his arrest, Yener had modified two-way radios to function as remote triggers for explosives. He also planned to wear a disguise while planting the device, according to court filings.

Yener appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon, where it was decided he would remain in custody while awaiting trial.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Florida man has been arrested and charged in connection with a plot to bomb the New York Stock Exchange in an effort to “reboot” the US government, according to the FBI.

A Florida man has been arrested and charged in connection with a plot to bomb the New York Stock Exchange in an effort to “reboot” the US government, according to the FBI. Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, from Coral Springs, Florida, was charged with attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building involved in interstate commerce. The FBI began investigating Yener in February after receiving a tip that he was storing materials related to bomb-making in a storage unit. Agents searched the area after obtaining a search warrant. They found “bomb-making sketches, numerous watches with timers electronic circuit boards and other electronics that can be utilised to build bombs. According to the FBI, Yener had also been conducting online searches about bomb-making since 2017. Also read: Laken Riley murder: Accused man sentenced to life in prison without parole In March, Yener admitted to authorities during questioning that he had knowledge of making “rockets” and “bombs” and had previously tried to join a "domestic extremist group." He also revealed that in 2015, he had considered travelling to Iraq to join ISIS but ultimately decided against it because he doubted the group’s ability to meet its objectives. Yener allegedly told undercover FBI agents that he planned to detonate the bomb during the week before Thanksgiving, targeting the New York Stock Exchange in lower Manhattan. Court documents state that his goal was to “reboot” the US government. 'I feel like Bin Laden' “There is one place that would be hella easy… the stock exchange, that would be a great hit. Tons of people would support it. They would see it and think dude, this guy makes sense, they are [profanity] robbing us. So that's perfect,” he told the agent. “I feel like Bin Laden,” he told the undercover agent. Weeks before his arrest, Yener had modified two-way radios to function as remote triggers for explosives. He also planned to wear a disguise while planting the device, according to court filings. Yener appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon, where it was decided he would remain in custody while awaiting trial. (With inputs from agencies)

‘I feel like Bin Laden,’ Florida man arrested by FBI for planning to bomb NYSE to 'reboot' US government

According to reports, President-elect Donald Trump is considering appointing Kash Patel to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel is a known loyalist of Trump. Born in New York in 1980 to Indian immigrant parents from East Africa, Kash Patel has roots in Vadodara, Gujarat. The push for Patel's appointment has come from some of Trump's longest-serving advisers. As a result, Pakistan finds itself in a complicated situation.

Donald Trump Loyalist Kash Patel to Be Named Next FBI Director? | GRAVITAS

United States President-elect Donald Trump has bypassed standard background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some of his controversial cabinet appointees, to minimise the chances of them being rejected during the Senate confirmation for any conflict of interest, reported CNN.&nbsp;

These background checks have been a longstanding tradition for incoming presidential nominations and date back to the early Cold War days.

However, Trump has outsourced it to private investigators instead of the FBI.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-what-will-his-revenge-cabinet-do-to-the-us-and-world-who-can-stop-him-776402">Also read:&nbsp;Trump 2.0: What will his 'revenge cabinet' do to the US and world? Who can stop him?</a>

According to Trump and his allies, the FBI system is plagued with issues that could hinder the President-elect's plan to quickly begin the work of implementing his agenda, people briefed on the plans reportedly said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the critics of this move have said that the intrusive background checks sometimes bring up embarrassing information used to inflict political damage.&nbsp;

The move to keep the FBI out of it lines up with a pre-election memo drafted by Trump's legal advisors and also fits with his enduring suspicion that the agency is part of what, without evidence, he believes to be a "deep state" machine within the federal government bent on undermining him.&nbsp;

Trump appointed Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, who has faced a two-year Department of Justice investigation into sex-trafficking allegations, which were eventually dropped without charges being lodged.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;The Return Of 'Dealmaker' Donald Trump | WION Wideangle

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This led to a further investigation by the House of Representatives ethics committee that had been due to culminate in a report this week before Gaetz effectively suspended its publication by resigning.

However, it was not immediately known which of Trump's picks will be&nbsp;spared by the routine FBI check.&nbsp;

Ultimately, the president holds the final authority on who he nominates to share intelligence with, regardless of the established protocol set in the wake of World War II, to ensure these selections don't have unknown foreign ties.&nbsp;

Dan Meyer, a national security attorney in Washington DC, said the incoming Trump administration “doesn’t want harmony.” They “don’t want the FBI to coordinate a norm; they want to hammer the norm,” he said.

Moreover, some of Trump’s advisers also circulated a memo ahead of the election, urging him to bypass the traditional background check process for some of his appointees, a source briefed on the memo told CNN.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President-elect Donald Trump has bypassed standard background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some of his controversial cabinet appointees, to minimise the chances of them being rejected during the Senate confirmation for any conflict of interest, reported CNN.

United States President-elect Donald Trump has bypassed standard background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some of his controversial cabinet appointees, to minimise the chances of them being rejected during the Senate confirmation for any conflict of interest, reported CNN. These background checks have been a longstanding tradition for incoming presidential nominations and date back to the early Cold War days. However, Trump has outsourced it to private investigators instead of the FBI. Also read: Trump 2.0: What will his 'revenge cabinet' do to the US and world? Who can stop him? According to Trump and his allies, the FBI system is plagued with issues that could hinder the President-elect's plan to quickly begin the work of implementing his agenda, people briefed on the plans reportedly said. Meanwhile, the critics of this move have said that the intrusive background checks sometimes bring up embarrassing information used to inflict political damage. The move to keep the FBI out of it lines up with a pre-election memo drafted by Trump's legal advisors and also fits with his enduring suspicion that the agency is part of what, without evidence, he believes to be a "deep state" machine within the federal government bent on undermining him. Trump appointed Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, who has faced a two-year Department of Justice investigation into sex-trafficking allegations, which were eventually dropped without charges being lodged. Watch | The Return Of 'Dealmaker' Donald Trump | WION Wideangle × This led to a further investigation by the House of Representatives ethics committee that had been due to culminate in a report this week before Gaetz effectively suspended its publication by resigning. However, it was not immediately known which of Trump's picks will be spared by the routine FBI check. Ultimately, the president holds the final authority on who he nominates to share intelligence with, regardless of the established protocol set in the wake of World War II, to ensure these selections don't have unknown foreign ties. Dan Meyer, a national security attorney in Washington DC, said the incoming Trump administration “doesn’t want harmony.” They “don’t want the FBI to coordinate a norm; they want to hammer the norm,” he said. Moreover, some of Trump’s advisers also circulated a memo ahead of the election, urging him to bypass the traditional background check process for some of his appointees, a source briefed on the memo told CNN. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump skips FBI standard background checks for some of his Cabinet appointees

US President-elect Donald Trump has started his transition ahead of taking the oath of office in January 2025. From the names he suggested for cabinet and other key positions in the White House, it is clear that his second non-consecutive term will try to settle political scores while ensuring protection from court cases.&nbsp;

Based on the profiles of Team Trump, here is an analysis of how different aspects of government will be impacted, from global wars to domestic security.

Note: This time, most of Trump's nominees will eventually get the jobs, as the Senate and House of Represenatives are also Republican-controlled after the November 5 general election. Only the most controversial nominations might get stuck at committee level in House and Senate. But this article assumes all the names would be final.

WATCH- Trump's Cabinet: Congressman Matt Gaetz Named As Attorney General

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&nbsp;

<h2>ENDING WARS IN UKRAINE AND WEST ASIA</h2>

Trump had often claimed during the re-election campaign that he is the only one who can end the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and prevent World War 3. The time has come for him to deliver.&nbsp;

He has picked Marco Rubio to lead the State Department. As secretary of state, the Florida Senator will lead efforts to de-escalate the situation.&nbsp;

Trump also chose Mike Huckabee, a staunch defender of Israel, as the US ambassador to the Jewish nation, which is engaged in a multi-front war with terror groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel is also fighting Iran and its proxies like Houthi rebels in Yemen, and other militants in Iraq and Syria. The choice of Huckabee is a clear indication that ultimately, the US will favour Israel's views on ending the conflict.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tulsi-gabbard-newly-elected-trumps-spy-chief-served-in-us-military-for-over-two-decades-776235">Also read: Tulsi Gabbard, newly-appointed Trump's spy chief, served in US military for over two decades</a>

But can he really end the war? Trump is averse to the US being dragged into foreign wars, and particularly opposed to paying for them. Also remember that he was the architect of the Abram Accords, the agreements of peace and cooperation between Israel and several of its enemy Arab states. It is quite possible that Trump and his team would be able to start negotiations that could end the war in the Middle East.

The US efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war are going to be skewed in favour of Russia, with Trump having a direct line with Russian President Vladimir Putin for a long time. Trump had been dismissive and critical about Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him the 'greatest salesman'. Don't forget that Trump's first impeachment in 2019 came as a result of his blocking of aid to Ukraine (to force it to investigate the current President Joe Biden).&nbsp;

The efforts at the United Nations to end the Ukraine war will be led by Trump nominee for US envoy, Elise Stefanik.

Any move by Trump to end the war in a way that could favour Russia would again put him at odds with NATO, which has been helping Ukraine with funds and arms to fight Russia, along with the Biden administration. Trump, in his first term, had wanted the US to cut its contributions to NATO, and pressured its other members from Europe to pay up and level the field on financial contributions to the western military alliance.&nbsp;

<h2>TRUMP'S LEGAL CASES: SHAKING UP THE JUDICIARY AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE&nbsp;</h2>

Trump wants to protect himself from conviction and sentencing in the ongoing legal battles, and will try to wind up all of them.&nbsp;

The cases deal with the 2020 election interference and the 2021 Capitol Hill riot, tax evasion, handling of classified documents, and the Stormy Daniels hush money payment.&nbsp;

Trump will ensure that presidential immunity is intact, and take more efforts to protect himself from future prosecution once he leaves office.

Trump's picks for key posts in the Justice Department are a clear indication of his intentions. He named Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, thus giving the country's top prosecutor role to a staunch ally. One of the things Trump said Gaetz would do is 'end weaponised government', code for what his surrogates call 'lawfare' against political opponents.&nbsp;

More interesting is his pick of Todd Blanche as deputy attorney general. Blanche was a defence lawyer for several of Trump's court cases.

Many of Trump's cases are being heard in New York courts. Keeping that in mind, he has appointed Jay Clayton, a loyalist, as the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, a very powerful post within the justice department.

<h2>THE BORDER, IMMIGRATION AND HOMELAND SECURITY</h2>

Trump made no secret of his hatred for immigrants trying to enter the US from the southern border. He started building a wall in his first term and will continue to strengthen efforts to prevent individuals and caravans from entering or getting asylum in the US. His homeland security secretary pick, Kristi Noem, is going to play a key role in implementing this.

Trump has once said that he would be a dictator 'may be on the first day', and ordering the deportation of illegal migrants could be one of the things he would do on day one or first week in office.&nbsp;

For this, he has appointed Tom Homan as the border czar who once promised to carry out the largest mass deportation ever by the US. 
Homan comes with significant experience, having led the immigration and customs enforcement in the first Trump administration.

<h2>SHAKING UP THE INTELLIGENCE ESTABLISHMENT</h2>

Trump has been a target of several investigations led by the intelligence establishment, or what he calls the deep state, particularly the classified documents investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. There is even talk that he will clip the wings of FBI with funding cuts. In broader terms, Trump has promised to dismantle the deep state, a reference mainly to the government-intelligence cooperation that led to what he calls a 'witchhunt' during and after his first term in office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-tulsi-gabbard-nominated-to-head-us-intelligence-matt-gaetz-to-lead-justice-department-775994">Also read: Trump 2.0: Tulsi Gabbard nominated to head US Intelligence, Matt Gaetz to lead Justice Department</a> 
&nbsp;

Leading the charge would be Tulsi Gabbard, who Trump named as director of national intelligence. Trump also brought back his former DNI John Ratcliffe as the director of Central Intelligence Agency.&nbsp;

There is speculation that Trump would shake up FBI, with a leadership change and reorganisation of its structure. In his view, the agency was used by Biden administration as a tool to prosecute him.

<h2>FUTURE OF AMERICA AT WAR: DEFENCE AND SOLDIERS</h2>

Trump has exhibited strong support for American soldiers and veterans, who in turn backed him in large numbers. His opposition to foreign wars is part economic rationale and part isolationalist approach to global security affairs.&nbsp;

Trump does not want to send American boots to the ground, and had started the process of US troop withrdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan when he left office.&nbsp;

He might find an ally in his new defence secretary nominee Peter Hegseth, who has seen wars first hand. Hegseth was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011. Having had no strategic or decision making role in military or national securty affairs, his approach is likely to be more grassroots, with an ear for the concerns of the American soldier than the larger goal of global policing.

This might erode the traditional role of America as the pre-eminent global power the international community looks up to intervene in and resolve conflicts.&nbsp;

Will the US want to give strategic space to Russia and rising China in this regard? That's an open question for now. Remember, however, that Trump had cooperated with Russia in helping eliminate the Islamic State terror group in the Middle East.

Trump has nominated the controversial Flordia Congressman Mike Waltz as the national security advisor. The former Army Green Beret is a war veteran of Afghanistan and worked as policy advisor to Republican administrations.

Waltz' appointment is also significant in the context of China, a country Trump might want to keep in check. Waltz has been critical of China on various issues like the mistreatment of the Uighur Muslims. He was also an advocate of the theory that the Covid pandemic originated in a Chinese lab.

<h2>GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND WASTE: WILL ELON MUSK CHANGE THINGS?</h2>

The appointment of the world's richest man Elon Musk, and Trump challenger-turned ally Vivek Ramaswamy to run a new agency of government efficiency is signficant. Trump wants to protect the upper middle class and the rich from taxes, while reducing government spending, and soverign debt. Musk has promised a trillion-dollar cut in government waste. Trump's Repubican base advocates least amount of goverment invervention in their lives. It would be interesting to see how much waste he is able to cut.

<h2>ENVIRONMENT: BACK TO FOSSIL FUELS AND POLLUTING VEHICLES?</h2>

Trump has been an ally of the fossil fuel lobby, having taken the US out of the Paris Accord to tackle climate change during his first term. Trump said he would 'drill baby, drill' to bring back America's very old dominance as the top oil producer. This will practically end the commitments to environmental causes.&nbsp;

For this he has roped in Lee Zeldin, who has no practical experience in the field, to run the environmental protection agency. Zeldin promised to 'restore US energy dominance', meaning back to drilling untapped reserves of petroleum in US and its territorial waters. He also promised, as did Trump, to 'revitalise the auto industry'.

Both these policies appeal to the rust belt America, which is looking forward to a windfall of jobs in the auto and oil sectors.&nbsp;

<h2>HEALTHCARE: WILL BIG PHARMA FACE THE MUSIC?</h2>

At the fag end of his first term, Trump and his allies amplified Covid conspiracy theories as the pandemic hit the US. It might even be argued that Covid was a cause of Trump's defeat in the 2020 election. Now, he has appointed as health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, the former Democrat who had openly opposed the Covid vaccination mandate. Will he reopen the Covid files and investigate America's response to it is one question. The other is whether he will take on Big Pharma, which made billions of dollars of profit during the Covid pandemic, particularly through their Covid vaccines.

<h2>BUT WHO CAN BLOCK TRUMP?</h2>

Roughly half of Senate and the full House of Representatives went into election along with the presidential election on November 5. Senate term is for six years and the House of Representatives' term is two years. This means there will be mid-term elections, and the Congress composition could change in next couple of years in favour of Democrats who can then block Trump's legislative agenda.

This acts as a check and balance system offering legislature's oversight on presidential actions, as much of it (except perhaps presidential orders) will need Congressional approval.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Democrat-chaired committees in the Senate and House could also put a spanner in the works on Trump policies. The other major check mechanism is the Supreme Court, whose nine judges these days have clear political leanings. Currently, the bench has a Conservative tilt, and Trump will get the opportunity to name more judges. Remember that Supreme Court judges can serve till death, and their rulings can impact a generation.

Then there is the media, the fourth pillar of democracy. Besides the Democrats, much of US media is likely to serve as the Opposition. We can expect dirt to be digged up on all his nominees before, during or after they assume office.

US President-elect Donald Trump has started his transition ahead of taking the oath of office in January 2025. From the names he suggested for cabinet and other key positions in the White House, it is clear that his second non-consecutive term will try to settle political scores while ensuring protection from court cases.

US President-elect Donald Trump has started his transition ahead of taking the oath of office in January 2025. From the names he suggested for cabinet and other key positions in the White House, it is clear that his second non-consecutive term will try to settle political scores while ensuring protection from court cases. Based on the profiles of Team Trump, here is an analysis of how different aspects of government will be impacted, from global wars to domestic security. Note: This time, most of Trump's nominees will eventually get the jobs, as the Senate and House of Represenatives are also Republican-controlled after the November 5 general election. Only the most controversial nominations might get stuck at committee level in House and Senate. But this article assumes all the names would be final. WATCH- Trump's Cabinet: Congressman Matt Gaetz Named As Attorney General × ENDING WARS IN UKRAINE AND WEST ASIA Trump had often claimed during the re-election campaign that he is the only one who can end the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and prevent World War 3. The time has come for him to deliver. He has picked Marco Rubio to lead the State Department. As secretary of state, the Florida Senator will lead efforts to de-escalate the situation. Trump also chose Mike Huckabee, a staunch defender of Israel, as the US ambassador to the Jewish nation, which is engaged in a multi-front war with terror groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel is also fighting Iran and its proxies like Houthi rebels in Yemen, and other militants in Iraq and Syria. The choice of Huckabee is a clear indication that ultimately, the US will favour Israel's views on ending the conflict. Also read: Tulsi Gabbard, newly-appointed Trump's spy chief, served in US military for over two decades But can he really end the war? Trump is averse to the US being dragged into foreign wars, and particularly opposed to paying for them. Also remember that he was the architect of the Abram Accords, the agreements of peace and cooperation between Israel and several of its enemy Arab states. It is quite possible that Trump and his team would be able to start negotiations that could end the war in the Middle East. The US efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war are going to be skewed in favour of Russia, with Trump having a direct line with Russian President Vladimir Putin for a long time. Trump had been dismissive and critical about Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him the 'greatest salesman'. Don't forget that Trump's first impeachment in 2019 came as a result of his blocking of aid to Ukraine (to force it to investigate the current President Joe Biden). The efforts at the United Nations to end the Ukraine war will be led by Trump nominee for US envoy, Elise Stefanik. Any move by Trump to end the war in a way that could favour Russia would again put him at odds with NATO, which has been helping Ukraine with funds and arms to fight Russia, along with the Biden administration. Trump, in his first term, had wanted the US to cut its contributions to NATO, and pressured its other members from Europe to pay up and level the field on financial contributions to the western military alliance. TRUMP'S LEGAL CASES: SHAKING UP THE JUDICIARY AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Trump wants to protect himself from conviction and sentencing in the ongoing legal battles, and will try to wind up all of them. The cases deal with the 2020 election interference and the 2021 Capitol Hill riot, tax evasion, handling of classified documents, and the Stormy Daniels hush money payment. Trump will ensure that presidential immunity is intact, and take more efforts to protect himself from future prosecution once he leaves office. Trump's picks for key posts in the Justice Department are a clear indication of his intentions. He named Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, thus giving the country's top prosecutor role to a staunch ally. One of the things Trump said Gaetz would do is 'end weaponised government', code for what his surrogates call 'lawfare' against political opponents. More interesting is his pick of Todd Blanche as deputy attorney general. Blanche was a defence lawyer for several of Trump's court cases. Many of Trump's cases are being heard in New York courts. Keeping that in mind, he has appointed Jay Clayton, a loyalist, as the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, a very powerful post within the justice department. THE BORDER, IMMIGRATION AND HOMELAND SECURITY Trump made no secret of his hatred for immigrants trying to enter the US from the southern border. He started building a wall in his first term and will continue to strengthen efforts to prevent individuals and caravans from entering or getting asylum in the US. His homeland security secretary pick, Kristi Noem, is going to play a key role in implementing this. Trump has once said that he would be a dictator 'may be on the first day', and ordering the deportation of illegal migrants could be one of the things he would do on day one or first week in office. For this, he has appointed Tom Homan as the border czar who once promised to carry out the largest mass deportation ever by the US. Homan comes with significant experience, having led the immigration and customs enforcement in the first Trump administration. SHAKING UP THE INTELLIGENCE ESTABLISHMENT Trump has been a target of several investigations led by the intelligence establishment, or what he calls the deep state, particularly the classified documents investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. There is even talk that he will clip the wings of FBI with funding cuts. In broader terms, Trump has promised to dismantle the deep state, a reference mainly to the government-intelligence cooperation that led to what he calls a 'witchhunt' during and after his first term in office. Also read: Trump 2.0: Tulsi Gabbard nominated to head US Intelligence, Matt Gaetz to lead Justice Department Leading the charge would be Tulsi Gabbard, who Trump named as director of national intelligence. Trump also brought back his former DNI John Ratcliffe as the director of Central Intelligence Agency. There is speculation that Trump would shake up FBI, with a leadership change and reorganisation of its structure. In his view, the agency was used by Biden administration as a tool to prosecute him. FUTURE OF AMERICA AT WAR: DEFENCE AND SOLDIERS Trump has exhibited strong support for American soldiers and veterans, who in turn backed him in large numbers. His opposition to foreign wars is part economic rationale and part isolationalist approach to global security affairs. Trump does not want to send American boots to the ground, and had started the process of US troop withrdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan when he left office. He might find an ally in his new defence secretary nominee Peter Hegseth, who has seen wars first hand. Hegseth was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011. Having had no strategic or decision making role in military or national securty affairs, his approach is likely to be more grassroots, with an ear for the concerns of the American soldier than the larger goal of global policing. This might erode the traditional role of America as the pre-eminent global power the international community looks up to intervene in and resolve conflicts. Will the US want to give strategic space to Russia and rising China in this regard? That's an open question for now. Remember, however, that Trump had cooperated with Russia in helping eliminate the Islamic State terror group in the Middle East. Trump has nominated the controversial Flordia Congressman Mike Waltz as the national security advisor. The former Army Green Beret is a war veteran of Afghanistan and worked as policy advisor to Republican administrations. Waltz' appointment is also significant in the context of China, a country Trump might want to keep in check. Waltz has been critical of China on various issues like the mistreatment of the Uighur Muslims. He was also an advocate of the theory that the Covid pandemic originated in a Chinese lab. GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND WASTE: WILL ELON MUSK CHANGE THINGS? The appointment of the world's richest man Elon Musk, and Trump challenger-turned ally Vivek Ramaswamy to run a new agency of government efficiency is signficant. Trump wants to protect the upper middle class and the rich from taxes, while reducing government spending, and soverign debt. Musk has promised a trillion-dollar cut in government waste. Trump's Repubican base advocates least amount of goverment invervention in their lives. It would be interesting to see how much waste he is able to cut. ENVIRONMENT: BACK TO FOSSIL FUELS AND POLLUTING VEHICLES? Trump has been an ally of the fossil fuel lobby, having taken the US out of the Paris Accord to tackle climate change during his first term. Trump said he would 'drill baby, drill' to bring back America's very old dominance as the top oil producer. This will practically end the commitments to environmental causes. For this he has roped in Lee Zeldin, who has no practical experience in the field, to run the environmental protection agency. Zeldin promised to 'restore US energy dominance', meaning back to drilling untapped reserves of petroleum in US and its territorial waters. He also promised, as did Trump, to 'revitalise the auto industry'. Both these policies appeal to the rust belt America, which is looking forward to a windfall of jobs in the auto and oil sectors. HEALTHCARE: WILL BIG PHARMA FACE THE MUSIC? At the fag end of his first term, Trump and his allies amplified Covid conspiracy theories as the pandemic hit the US. It might even be argued that Covid was a cause of Trump's defeat in the 2020 election. Now, he has appointed as health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, the former Democrat who had openly opposed the Covid vaccination mandate. Will he reopen the Covid files and investigate America's response to it is one question. The other is whether he will take on Big Pharma, which made billions of dollars of profit during the Covid pandemic, particularly through their Covid vaccines. BUT WHO CAN BLOCK TRUMP? Roughly half of Senate and the full House of Representatives went into election along with the presidential election on November 5. Senate term is for six years and the House of Representatives' term is two years. This means there will be mid-term elections, and the Congress composition could change in next couple of years in favour of Democrats who can then block Trump's legislative agenda. This acts as a check and balance system offering legislature's oversight on presidential actions, as much of it (except perhaps presidential orders) will need Congressional approval. Democrat-chaired committees in the Senate and House could also put a spanner in the works on Trump policies. The other major check mechanism is the Supreme Court, whose nine judges these days have clear political leanings. Currently, the bench has a Conservative tilt, and Trump will get the opportunity to name more judges. Remember that Supreme Court judges can serve till death, and their rulings can impact a generation. Then there is the media, the fourth pillar of democracy. Besides the Democrats, much of US media is likely to serve as the Opposition. We can expect dirt to be digged up on all his nominees before, during or after they assume office.

Trump 2.0: What will his 'revenge cabinet' do to the US and world? Who can stop him?

US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Tuesday (Nov 12) arrested a CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) operative in Cambodia for allegedly leaking classified documents regarding Israel’s plans to strike Iran. According to a report by the New York Times, the operative, identified as Asif W Rahman, was presented in a federal court in Guam.

The NY Times report said that Rahman has been charged with willful retention and transmission of national defence information by a US federal court in Virginia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwijg_vavdmJAxV_yzgGHTOKDHMQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-terror-attack-plot-afghan-suspect-nasir-ahmad-tawhedi-once-worked-with-cia-reports-766538" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-terror-attack-plot-afghan-suspect-nasir-ahmad-tawhedi-once-worked-with-cia-reports-766538&amp;ved=2ahUKEwijg_vavdmJAxV_yzgGHTOKDHMQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">US election terror attack plot: Afghan suspect Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi once worked with CIA - Reports</a>

The indictment was prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

<h2>More about Asif W&nbsp;Rahman</h2>

Rahman worked for the CIA’s overseas operations and held top-secret security clearance. Thanks to his position in the CIA, Rahman had access to top-level classified information, including sensitive security-related documents and media.

The leak was identified after the classified documents were found circulating on the Telegram messaging app. Puzzled US officials earlier said they were not aware of the source of the leak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwijg_vavdmJAxV_yzgGHTOKDHMQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-kashyap-kash-patel-in-line-to-become-cia-chief-under-new-trump-administration-774097" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-kashyap-kash-patel-in-line-to-become-cia-chief-under-new-trump-administration-774097&amp;ved=2ahUKEwijg_vavdmJAxV_yzgGHTOKDHMQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Indian-origin Kashyap `Kash` Patel in line to become CIA chief under new Trump administration: Report</a>

US officials in October had raised alarms over the leak of two intelligence documents, both related to Israel’s potential strikes on Iran amid the deepening crisis in West Asia.

According to Israeli media, the leak occurred Friday (Nov 8) as the Middle East Spectator Telegram channel said it had received the document from a source within the US intelligence community.

Iran on October 1 launched a massive missile and drone attack on Israel as a response to the killing of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel retaliated last month with an airstrike on Iranian air defence batteries and military sites protecting crucial energy facilities. Now, Iran is threatening to launch another major strike on the Jewish nation, which would be the third this year if it actually happens.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday (Nov 12) that a third Iranian attack on Israel “would simply cripple Iran’s economy.”

“It would rob you of many more billions of dollars,” he said of a potential additional attack, after claiming that the October ballistic missile attack on Israel cost Tehran $2.3 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Tuesday (Nov 12) arrested a CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) operative in Cambodia for allegedly leaking classified documents regarding Israel’s plans to strike Iran.

US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Tuesday (Nov 12) arrested a CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) operative in Cambodia for allegedly leaking classified documents regarding Israel’s plans to strike Iran. According to a report by the New York Times, the operative, identified as Asif W Rahman, was presented in a federal court in Guam. The NY Times report said that Rahman has been charged with willful retention and transmission of national defence information by a US federal court in Virginia. Also read: US election terror attack plot: Afghan suspect Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi once worked with CIA - Reports The indictment was prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. More about Asif W Rahman Rahman worked for the CIA’s overseas operations and held top-secret security clearance. Thanks to his position in the CIA, Rahman had access to top-level classified information, including sensitive security-related documents and media. The leak was identified after the classified documents were found circulating on the Telegram messaging app. Puzzled US officials earlier said they were not aware of the source of the leak. Also read: Indian-origin Kashyap `Kash` Patel in line to become CIA chief under new Trump administration: Report US officials in October had raised alarms over the leak of two intelligence documents, both related to Israel’s potential strikes on Iran amid the deepening crisis in West Asia. According to Israeli media, the leak occurred Friday (Nov 8) as the Middle East Spectator Telegram channel said it had received the document from a source within the US intelligence community. Iran on October 1 launched a massive missile and drone attack on Israel as a response to the killing of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel retaliated last month with an airstrike on Iranian air defence batteries and military sites protecting crucial energy facilities. Now, Iran is threatening to launch another major strike on the Jewish nation, which would be the third this year if it actually happens. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday (Nov 12) that a third Iranian attack on Israel “would simply cripple Iran’s economy.” “It would rob you of many more billions of dollars,” he said of a potential additional attack, after claiming that the October ballistic missile attack on Israel cost Tehran $2.3 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI detains CIA official over leaking info about Israel’s strikes on Iran

The United States Justice Department Friday (Nov 8) made charges public in a case regarding a thwarted attempt by Iran to kill Donald Trump, the winner of the 2024 US presidential elections, back in September.

According to an official complaint filed at Manhattan federal court, an agent in the US was allegedly instructed by an Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard official to hatch a plan to kill the Republican leader, earlier this year.&nbsp;

The man has been identified as Farjad Shakeri. He was allegedly ordered by the Iranian official that if he fails to formulate a plan to kill Trump by September, they would have to delay it until the elections happen.

Shakeri reportedly told US federal investigative agency FBI that Iran anticipated Trump would lose the elections, which would make it easier for the Shi’ite nation to assassinate the GOP leader.

The plot was uncovered after the US Justice Department unsealed the court documents related to it days after Trump defeated Democratic rival Kamala Harris in polls marred by foreign interference, especially by nations like Russia, Iran, and China. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Justice Department Friday (Nov 8) made charges public in a case regarding a thwarted attempt by Iran to kill Donald Trump, the winner of the 2024 US presidential elections, back in September.

The United States Justice Department Friday (Nov 8) made charges public in a case regarding a thwarted attempt by Iran to kill Donald Trump, the winner of the 2024 US presidential elections, back in September. According to an official complaint filed at Manhattan federal court, an agent in the US was allegedly instructed by an Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard official to hatch a plan to kill the Republican leader, earlier this year. The man has been identified as Farjad Shakeri. He was allegedly ordered by the Iranian official that if he fails to formulate a plan to kill Trump by September, they would have to delay it until the elections happen. Shakeri reportedly told US federal investigative agency FBI that Iran anticipated Trump would lose the elections, which would make it easier for the Shi’ite nation to assassinate the GOP leader. The plot was uncovered after the US Justice Department unsealed the court documents related to it days after Trump defeated Democratic rival Kamala Harris in polls marred by foreign interference, especially by nations like Russia, Iran, and China. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI foiled Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, criminal charges unsealed

Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday (Nov 9) described as "totally unfounded" US accusations of a plot by Tehran to assassinate president-elect Donald Trump. The foreign ministry "rejects allegations that Iran is implicated in an assassination attempt targeting former or current American officials," spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement after US prosecutors announced charges over the alleged plot.

Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday (Nov 9) described as "totally unfounded" US accusations of a plot by Tehran to assassinate president-elect Donald Trump. The foreign ministry "rejects allegations that Iran is implicated in an assassination attempt targeting former or current American officials," spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement after US prosecutors announced charges over the alleged plot. US prosecutors announced on Friday (Nov 8) that an Iranian man has been charged in an alleged assassination attempt on Trump. US said the foiled assassination plot on Trump was allegedly directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to avenge the death of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Also read | Trump wants trade war veteran Robert Lighthizer to run US trade policy: Report The 51-year-old Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan national who is believed to be in Iran, was "tasked" by the IRGC with providing a plan to kill Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 US presidential election, the department said in a statement. Shakeri and two other men, Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, both from New York, were charged separately with plotting to kill an Iranian-American dissident in New York. Rivera and Loadholt are in US custody and made a court appearance in New York on Thursday. "The charges announced today expose Iran's continued brazen attempts to target US citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran," FBI Director Christopher Wray said. 'Money's not an issue' According to the criminal complaint against Shakeri, he allegedly disclosed the plot to assassinate Trump in telephone conversations with FBI agents in recent months. Also read | FEMA official directed aid workers to avoid houses with Trump signs, suspended: Report Shakeri held the conversations with FBI agents because he was hoping to obtain a sentence reduction for a person who is imprisoned in the United States, it said. Shakeri told the FBI he was approached by an IRGC official in September about organising the assassination of Trump. He allegedly told the IRGC official it would cost a "huge" amount of money, to which the official responded: "Money's not an issue." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran says Trump assassination claim by FBI 'totally unfounded'

Officials across the United States are examining reports of racist text messages targeting Black people,&nbsp;minors, students, and professionals from unknown numbers following the 2024 presidential election which Donald Trump won. These messages, some instructing recipients to "pick cotton at the nearest plantation," have surfaced in multiple US states, including California, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

The messages differ slightly but generally carry a similar theme, instructing recipients they’ve been “selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation.” Reports from local news and social media show that people in more than a dozen states have received these texts.

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My grandson received this text message this morning. This is the kind of shit black people have been subjected to all my life. This text is going around to young black people. It ain’t funny &amp; laughter won’t be the consequence for whoever the cowardly MF is if I find (it). <a href="https://t.co/0OjKhUdcA1">pic.twitter.com/0OjKhUdcA1</a>
— Virvus Jones (@VirvusJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirvusJ/status/1854528257606951111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The senders of these messages are unknown, and a complete list of recipients isn’t available. TextNow, a messaging app, believes that these texts were part of a "widespread, coordinated attack" and has stated that it is cooperating with partners to investigate and block similar accounts.&nbsp;

TextNow told CNN, "We do not tolerate or condone the use of our service to send harassing or spam messages and will work with the authorities to prevent these individuals from doing so in the future."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clueless-us-voters-googled-where-to-vote-for-biden-in-trump-vs-harris-contest-774642">Clueless US voters Googled ‘where to vote for Biden’ in Trump vs Harris fight</a>

Derrick Johnson, CEO of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), commented on the wider implications, saying, “The unfortunate reality of electing a president who, historically, has embraced and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes.”&nbsp;

Johnson described the messages as a troubling sign of rising racist rhetoric across the country.

“These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday’s election results,” he added.

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I have been made aware of racist and vile spam text messages individuals have received throughout Louisiana. I have directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us. I urge anyone who received… <a href="https://t.co/akz37kYbXq">pic.twitter.com/akz37kYbXq</a>
— Attorney General Liz Murrill (@AGLizMurrill) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGLizMurrill/status/1854665157953380622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Leaders from both political parties have condemned the messages, vowing to identify and stop those responsible. A Trump campaign representative, Karoline Leavitt, clarified that the campaign “has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/he-regained-youth-internet-startled-as-super-sharp-biden-delivers-powerful-speech-774620">‘He regained youth,’ internet startled as ‘super sharp’ Biden delivers powerful speech</a>

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, said, "Hate has no place in our country. These racist text messages targeting Black New Yorkers, including children and teens, are despicable. Any New Yorker who gets these texts should contact us: https://ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/civil-rights.”

“The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter,” the FBI said in a statement Thursday (Nov 7).

Louisiana&nbsp;Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, took to X and said, “I have been made aware of racist and vile spam text messages individuals have received throughout Louisiana. I have directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us. I urge anyone who received a text to contact my office at (800) 351-4889.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials across the United States are examining reports of racist text messages targeting Black people, minors, students, and professionals from unknown numbers following the 2024 presidential election which Donald Trump won.

Officials across the United States are examining reports of racist text messages targeting Black people, minors, students, and professionals from unknown numbers following the 2024 presidential election which Donald Trump won. These messages, some instructing recipients to "pick cotton at the nearest plantation," have surfaced in multiple US states, including California, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. The messages differ slightly but generally carry a similar theme, instructing recipients they’ve been “selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation.” Reports from local news and social media show that people in more than a dozen states have received these texts. My grandson received this text message this morning. This is the kind of shit black people have been subjected to all my life. This text is going around to young black people. It ain’t funny & laughter won’t be the consequence for whoever the cowardly MF is if I find (it). pic.twitter.com/0OjKhUdcA1 — Virvus Jones (@VirvusJ) November 7, 2024 × The senders of these messages are unknown, and a complete list of recipients isn’t available. TextNow, a messaging app, believes that these texts were part of a "widespread, coordinated attack" and has stated that it is cooperating with partners to investigate and block similar accounts. TextNow told CNN, "We do not tolerate or condone the use of our service to send harassing or spam messages and will work with the authorities to prevent these individuals from doing so in the future." Also read: Clueless US voters Googled ‘where to vote for Biden’ in Trump vs Harris fight Derrick Johnson, CEO of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), commented on the wider implications, saying, “The unfortunate reality of electing a president who, historically, has embraced and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes.” Johnson described the messages as a troubling sign of rising racist rhetoric across the country. “These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday’s election results,” he added. I have been made aware of racist and vile spam text messages individuals have received throughout Louisiana. I have directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us. I urge anyone who received… pic.twitter.com/akz37kYbXq — Attorney General Liz Murrill (@AGLizMurrill) November 7, 2024 × Leaders from both political parties have condemned the messages, vowing to identify and stop those responsible. A Trump campaign representative, Karoline Leavitt, clarified that the campaign “has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages.” Also read: ‘He regained youth,’ internet startled as ‘super sharp’ Biden delivers powerful speech New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, said, "Hate has no place in our country. These racist text messages targeting Black New Yorkers, including children and teens, are despicable. Any New Yorker who gets these texts should contact us: https://ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/civil-rights.” “The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter,” the FBI said in a statement Thursday (Nov 7). Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, took to X and said, “I have been made aware of racist and vile spam text messages individuals have received throughout Louisiana. I have directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us. I urge anyone who received a text to contact my office at (800) 351-4889.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘Pick cotton at nearest plantation’: Racist texts sent to Black people across US, FBI opens probe

As the United States general election nears the finishing line on Tuesday (Nov 5), there have been reports of 'bomb threats' of Russian origin, apart from bad weather and voting machine glitches that led to delays or extensions of polling time.

The email threats were described by authorities and the FBI as 'non-credible' amid reports that foreign adversaries including Russia and China were trying to disrupt the US election process.

Watch: US Election: Capitol Hill: Man With Flare Gun Arrested | Voting Extended In Pennsylvania County

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There have been some arrests, amid long lines that broke records in some states as Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris race for the White House in a supertight presidential election.

The bomb threats were received over email at some polling stations in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia, leading to delays as law enforcement cleared the areas.

The FBI said the threats "appear to originate from Russian email domains" adding that no threat was credible thus far.

In Georgia, a key battleground state, the bomb threats were reported in Union City near the capital Atlanta, leading to the temporary shutting of two polling stations, CNN reported citing Nadine Williams, Fulton County Registration and Elections Director.

Similarly, a station was evacuated in the state's Gwinnett County for nearly an hour over a bomb threat, local police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2024-stay-in-line-too-big-to-rig-exhorts-trump-is-he-already-crying-foul-773701">Also read: US Election 2024: 'STAY IN LINE - TOO BIG TO RIG', exhorts Trump. Is he already crying foul?</a> 
 
In Michigan, bomb threats that were initially reported to be serious were found non-credible after a probe, CNN quoted the state's Attorney General Dana Nessel as saying.

All bomb threats were traced to email IDs with domains registered in Russia.

Some polling stations saw delays due to voter ID checking, and malfunctioning voting machines in an election closely scrutinised, vote by vote.

Election officials are seeking to prevent a repeat of 2020 when Trump claimed fraud, which he appeared to repeat already through some social media posts on Tuesday.

CNN cited Cait Conley, senior adviser at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, as saying that there were no significant national-level incidents impacting election security.

The turnout has been impressive, with Michigan breaking the record that it already holds for the largest number of votes polled.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2024-donald-trump-and-his-india-connection-773647">Also read: US Election 2024: Donald Trump and his India connection</a> 
 
Sporadic incidents of violence and some arrests have been reported in Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia and Washington DC, while voting machines malfunctioned in a Pennsylvania booth leading to an extension of polling time.

Trump also raised doubts about the conduct of elections.&nbsp;"A lot of talk about massive CHEATING in Philadelphia. Law enforcement coming!!!” he wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Massive security is in place, including snipers and drones securing polling locations, apart from 350 National Guard personnel and monitoring of cyber threats.

Security has been beefed up and troops are on standby in the national capital Washington, DC and 18 states including some battlegrounds.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the United States general election nears the finishing line on Tuesday (Nov 5), there have been reports of 'bomb threats' of Russian origin, apart from bad weather and voting machine glitches that led to delays or extensions of polling time.

As the United States general election nears the finishing line on Tuesday (Nov 5), there have been reports of 'bomb threats' of Russian origin, apart from bad weather and voting machine glitches that led to delays or extensions of polling time. The email threats were described by authorities and the FBI as 'non-credible' amid reports that foreign adversaries including Russia and China were trying to disrupt the US election process. Watch: US Election: Capitol Hill: Man With Flare Gun Arrested | Voting Extended In Pennsylvania County × There have been some arrests, amid long lines that broke records in some states as Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris race for the White House in a supertight presidential election. The bomb threats were received over email at some polling stations in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia, leading to delays as law enforcement cleared the areas. The FBI said the threats "appear to originate from Russian email domains" adding that no threat was credible thus far. In Georgia, a key battleground state, the bomb threats were reported in Union City near the capital Atlanta, leading to the temporary shutting of two polling stations, CNN reported citing Nadine Williams, Fulton County Registration and Elections Director. Similarly, a station was evacuated in the state's Gwinnett County for nearly an hour over a bomb threat, local police said. Also read: US Election 2024: 'STAY IN LINE - TOO BIG TO RIG', exhorts Trump. Is he already crying foul? In Michigan, bomb threats that were initially reported to be serious were found non-credible after a probe, CNN quoted the state's Attorney General Dana Nessel as saying. All bomb threats were traced to email IDs with domains registered in Russia. Some polling stations saw delays due to voter ID checking, and malfunctioning voting machines in an election closely scrutinised, vote by vote. Election officials are seeking to prevent a repeat of 2020 when Trump claimed fraud, which he appeared to repeat already through some social media posts on Tuesday. CNN cited Cait Conley, senior adviser at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, as saying that there were no significant national-level incidents impacting election security. The turnout has been impressive, with Michigan breaking the record that it already holds for the largest number of votes polled. Also read: US Election 2024: Donald Trump and his India connection Sporadic incidents of violence and some arrests have been reported in Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia and Washington DC, while voting machines malfunctioned in a Pennsylvania booth leading to an extension of polling time. Trump also raised doubts about the conduct of elections. "A lot of talk about massive CHEATING in Philadelphia. Law enforcement coming!!!” he wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. Massive security is in place, including snipers and drones securing polling locations, apart from 350 National Guard personnel and monitoring of cyber threats. Security has been beefed up and troops are on standby in the national capital Washington, DC and 18 states including some battlegrounds. (With inputs from agencies)

US election: 'Bomb threats of Russian origin', machine glitches delay polling in some states

The United States has charged a former Indian official for his role in a foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader. 39-year-old Vikash Yadav is charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire and money laundering. He's the second Indian national after Nikhil Gupta to be charged in the alleged plot to kill Pannun.

FBI Releases Wanted Poster For Vikash Yadav

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