FBI interviewed priest, choir director when creating ‘anti-Catholic’ memo
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Dec. 5, after a House investigative report revealed the FBI interviewed a Catholic priest and choir director to collect information for a memo which has since been rescinded. The memo raised the alarm about “racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists” with individuals who hold a “radical-traditionalist Catholic” ideology.
The memo was criticized by Republicans who said it targeted Americans for their religious beliefs. The report from the House Judiciary Committee also found “no legitimate basis for the memorandum to insert federal law enforcement into Catholic houses of worship.”
Wray told Congress that the individuals involved were not found to have engaged in bad faith conduct.
“A number of the individuals involved in writing that product in the Richmond office were themselves Catholics,” Wray said. “So the notion that they were targeting their own faith is nonsense.”
“Oh, so they had a get out of jail free card. I see,” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., responded.
Wray said that the individuals involved in writing the memo have been admonished, and the incident will go into their annual performance reviews, which directly impacts their compensation.
The House Judiciary report also states that the agents who wrote the memo admitted to using information from sources they knew were politically biased.
“I can tell you that we don’t investigate people for their exercise of their constitutionally protected religious expression,” Wray said. “As for this particular intelligence product — is something that as soon as I saw it, I was aghast, I had it withdrawn,” Wray said.
As Wray mentioned, the memo has been retracted, but House Republicans contend that had it not been for a whistleblower, the memo would still be in systems across the FBI.
‘Blinking red lights everywhere’: FBI Director Wray warns of terror threats
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified during a Senate hearing on threats to the U.S. from foreign adversaries, Tuesday, Dec. 5. Wray’s responses gave insight into the state of national security and increasing levels of terror threats.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., asked Wray whether terror threats today are at a level not seen since 9/11.
“So, blinking red lights analogy about 9/11 — all the lights were blinking red before 9/11, obviously we all missed it,” Graham said. “Would you say there’s multiple blinking red lights out there?”
Wray’s remarks are reinforcing the notion that the Israel-Hamas war has exacerbated the threat to the U.S.
“The urging of foreign terrorists to attack America has gone up, is that fair to say,” Graham asked.
“Yes, the threat level has gone to a whole other level since October 7th,” Wray answered.
Earlier in his testimony, Wray emphasized that he had “never seen a time when all of the threats, so many of the threats, were all elevated, all at exactly the same time.”
According to FBI director, Iran is the center of the threat to America. In his opening statement, Wray described the country as “the world’s largest state-sponsor of terrorism.”
When asked what the U.S. should do differently to deter terror threats, Wray said deterrence requires there to be consequences.
FBI director questions pick of Maryland site for FBI HQ, lawmakers react
There was celebration in Maryland on Friday, Nov. 10, as officials claim victory after the announcement that the new FBI headquarters is set to be constructed in Greenbelt, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. However, not everyone is celebrating the decision.
FBI Director Christopher Wray says Congress may review the matter, after he sent an internal memo to FBI employees criticizing the U.S. General Services Administration’s decision to construct the new FBI headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland rather than Springfield, Virginia. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing the federal government’s real estate portfolio.
Congress directed the GSA to choose from one of three sites to host the new FBI headquarters: Greenbelt, Maryland; Landover, Maryland; and Springfield, Virginia.
“This is a huge victory,” said U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-District 5. “Bob Mueller, the director of the FBI 14 years ago in 2009, came into my office and he said, ‘Our building is falling down. Our people are at risk who work here. The people who walk around our building are at risk. And it was designed for a law enforcement agency that no longer exists. We’re in a new era and we need a building that accommodates the way we do the work that we now do.’ And that’s what this building is going to do right here in Greenbelt, Maryland!”
Wray says his concern is “not with the decision itself but with the process” of how Greenbelt was chosen over Springfield.
According to Wray’s memo, during the first phase of choosing a site, a three-person panel, comprised of two career GSA officials and one career FBI official, unanimously recommended the Springfield site based on criteria included in the selection plan. In the second phase, a senior executive within GSA was required to “independently evaluate the three sites and make a final decision.”
Wray criticized the GSA official’s decision, writing that there was a “conflict of interest” when the senior executive chose Greenbelt because “the Greenbelt parcel of land is owned by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which was the senior official’s immediate prior employer.”
Wray had raised similar concerns in an Oct. 12 letter to the GSA administrator – weeks before the final announcement was made. Now, Wray wants answers.
According to the memo, Wray asked the GSA to further clarify why it chose Greenbelt over Springfield, and claims the GSA is moving forward with its decision “without meaningfully addressing the FBI’s concerns.”
Virginia lawmakers are also pushing back on the GSA’s decision.
“It is clear that this process has been irrevocably undermined and tainted, and this decision must now be reversed,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R-Va., along with Democratic Sens. Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, and eight members of the Virginia House of Delegates said in a joint statement.
Maryland lawmakers and officials clapped back at the criticism.
“It is absolutely wrong of Director Chris Wray to impugn and question the character, the integrity and the independence of the site selection administrator,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.
The Maryland delegation has said Greenbelt was chosen as the site for the new state-of-the-art headquarters based on its merits, touting the fact the new site will be within walking distance to the D.C. metro transit, unlike Springfield.
The Greenbelt site is also shovel ready, meaning builders don’t have to tear down any existing buildings before starting the project. The Greenbelt location is projected to save American taxpayers more than a billion dollars.
“Any suggestion that there was inappropriate interference is unfounded.” The GSA said in a statement. “The choice of Greenbelt, Maryland, is fully consistent with the decision-making process as well as all laws, regulations, and ethical considerations.”
Maryland officials standing firm on the decision.
“As Steny suggested, it’s probably closer to $1.5 billion dollars in savings to the American taxpayers,” said U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-District 4. “So, I don’t think the American taxpayers should have to spend an extra billion dollars so some FBI officials can have a shorter commute to the office every day.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says the project will bring a $4 billion economic boost to his state.
“The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole ‘nother level,” Wray said.
“Here in the United States, our most immediate concern is that violent extremists—individuals or small groups—will draw inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks against Americans going about their daily lives.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray
Wray said there is no indication that Hamas itself intends to attack the U.S. or has the capabilities, but of most concern are lone-wolf-style attacks.
“Here in the United States, our most immediate concern is that violent extremists—individuals or small groups—will draw inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks against Americans going about their daily lives,” Wray said. “That includes not just homegrown violent extremists inspired by a foreign terrorist organization but also domestic violent extremists targeting Jewish or Muslim communities.
“Protecting Americans from the threat of terrorism is and remains our number one priority,” Wray said. “But as you all know, the range of threats we battle each and every day is enormous. From cyber attacks, to economic espionage, to violent crime and narcotics trafficking—and everything in between. And none of the problems we tackle are getting any easier.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Straight Arrow News reported on a poll conducted by NewsNation where 75% of those surveyed said they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned that the conflict in the Middle East would result in terror attacks in the U.S.
Israel strikes Gaza refugee camp, targeting Hamas commander: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 1, 2023
A densely populated refugee camp in Gaza is hit by Israeli airstrikes, with officials on both sides of the war speaking out. And we’re learning more about a heavily armed man found dead at an amusement park in Colorado. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.
Israel says strike on refugee camp in Gaza killed Hamas commander
Palestinians in Gaza are reporting another widespread blackout, major outages of internet, and phone services. This comes as dozens of people could be seen entering the crossing between Gaza and Egypt, appearing to be the first time foreign passport holders are being allowed to leave the territory since the war between Israel and Hamas began.
The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, said at least 50 Palestinians were killed and 150 others were wounded, including civilians, in the airstrikes on the refugee camp that took down several apartment buildings. Hamas denied Israel’s claim that a commander was killed.
The IDF said Hamas has built infrastructures under where civilians are living, the Israeli Army said its airstrikes hit an underground bunker where the commander was hiding, adding dozens of militants were also killed.
The Israeli army did not acknowledge any civilian deaths in the blast, but repeated its warnings to Gaza residents to evacuate northern areas of the territory as it continues to retaliate against Hamas and expand its ground operation.
The White House declined to comment on the airstrikes on the refugee camp, but National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. believes Israel is “trying to minimize” civilian casualties in Gaza.
In Washington, D.C. Tuesday, Oct. 31, the Senate confirmed former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, despite Republicans opposing the choice, over Lew’s involvement in the Iran nuclear deal during the Obama administration.
Also on Capitol Hill, anti-war protesters interrupted a hearing with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin concerning aid for Israel and Ukraine. Straight Arrow News political correspondent Ray Bogan has more on that story.
FBI director warns of possible terror threats inspired by Hamas’ attack
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified in front of the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 31, warning Congress that Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel could lead to threats in the U.S.
“The ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole ‘nother level.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray
“The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole ‘nother level,” Wray said.
Wray said there is no indication that Hamas itself intends to attack the U.S. or has the capabilities, but of most concern are lone-wolf-style attacks.
Wray warned Congress of the threat of violent extremists, either individuals or small groups, drawing inspiration from the events in the Middle East to attack Americans.
Straight Arrow News reported yesterday on a poll conducted by NewsNation where 75% of those surveyed said they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned that the conflict in the Middle East would result in terror attacks in the U.S.
The American Muslim community has also voiced concern about a potential wave of hate crimes and discrimination related to the Israel-Hamas war. Authorities in Chicago say they arrested a man who allegedly killed a 6-year-old Muslim boy. Police said the man was motivated by the conflict in the Middle East.
Donald Trump Jr. to testify in $250 million civil fraud trial
Donald Trump, his eldest sons and his organization are being accused by the state’s attorney general of inflating the former president’s net worth on financial statements to get more favorable terms on loans and insurance policies.
Donald Trump, the current GOP frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election, has denied any wrongdoing. Two of the former president’s other children, Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, are also expected to testify over the next week.
Donald Trump is scheduled to take the stand on Monday, Nov. 6.
New details released after armed man found dead at amusement park
Medina’s brother spoke to NBC News on Tuesday, Oct. 31, and said Diego Medina was a “quiet person” who stayed up every night playing video games.
According to officials, Medina had entered Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park after it closed, wearing body armor and carrying an AR-style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and multiple loaded magazines. In addition to the guns, improvised explosive devices were discovered nearby. At least two of the weapons were “ghost guns,” according to authorities.
Officials said the man’s body was found in a women’s bathroom Saturday, Oct. 28, before the park was scheduled to reopen.
Medina shared a home with his brother and mother. His brother told NBC News that Medina always wanted to be a police officer adding, “I didn’t think he was a dangerous person.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to search for a motive.
Second person to receive pig heart transplant dies
As more than 100,000 Americans await crucial organ transplants with a huge shortage of organ donations, doctors and scientists continue to hope that one day animal-to-human transplants can help close the gap. But doctors are still learning after the second person to receive a genetically modified pig heart died six-weeks after the experimental surgery.
Faucette was dying from heart failure and needed a transplant, and other health problems deemed him ineligible for a traditional transplant. Faucette was out of options and wanted to spend more time with his family.
According to doctors, Faucette received a genetically modified pig heart on Sept. 20, and the transplant heart seemed healthy for the first month before showing signs of rejection in recent days.
In 2022, the same Maryland team performed the world’s first transplant of a genetically modified pig’s heart into a human. David Bennett, the first recipient, survived for two months after the surgery before the heart failed for reasons that are not yet clear, though doctors said they later found signs of a pig virus in the heart.
The practice of animal-to-human transplants is called xenotransplants and while most have failed over the decades-long practice, scientists and doctors hope that as we learn more and technology advances that xenotransplants can save thousands of lives.
Martin Scorsese posts his Top 10 films on “Letterboxd”
Have you seen any good movies lately? It’s a question many of us ask our family and friends when looking for a recommendation. But what if you could find out the Top 10 movie choices of an Academy Award-winning director?
The director has now added a new list to his account: his Top 10 widescreen films.
Not picking a favorite, he lists the movies in alphabetical order, they include “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “East of Eden,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “Once Upon a Time in the West”
All his choices are movies from the fifties and sixties.
DHS collects migrants’ DNA for growing database, raising privacy concerns
The Department of Homeland Security has been collecting DNA from migrants detained at the U.S. southern border since 2019. Mark Morgan, former acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection said that at the beginning of the Trump administration, if migrants came to the border as a family, doing so would be their passport into the country.
Morgan appeared on the television news program “The National Desk” in June.
“It didn’t take long for the migrants and cartels to realize that and exploit that,” Morgan said. “And what we saw during the Trump administration was that fake families were actually being formed, meaning kids, minors, were actually being bought and sold and rented to form these fake families, because again, it was their automatic passport to the United States.
“What we did, as soon as we learned that, was to implement this rapid DNA testing, as well as put additional ICE agents there to conduct interviews, and what we saw was an enormous amount of fake families and essentially we shut that down.”
DNA testing is still happening at the southern border, and it’s being used to expand the FBI’s genetic database.
The DNA is being collected and then submitted to the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Originally, the system was limited to the DNA of convicted criminals.
“I can assure you that the sheer number of these DNA samples that we’re processing, that CBP collects at the border, and then testing to potentially solve any number of violent crimes,” Wray said. “We’re talking about sexual assaults, homicides, so this is important work. And often, the DNA is the secret sauce. It’s the critical piece that solves the crime and the number has been going up significantly, which is why we made the request that we did.”
The growing genetic database is causing concern for civil liberties advocates.
According to the ACLU’s website, “Our DNA can reveal some of our most personal and private information. As genetic sequencing becomes faster and cheaper, there’s a growing risk of that information being collected and used against us or without our consent.”
ICE agents aren’t just collecting DNA samples from migrants. According to a report from The Guardian, the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, run on behalf of ICE by B.I. Incorporated “keeps track of migrants through ankle monitors, smartwatch trackers, phone check-ins or in-person visits.”
The program tracks at least 200,000 migrants and can store their personal data for up to 75 years.
DHS is also learning about migrants’ gang, cartel and terrorism affiliations. However, DHS won’t release that information citing “privacy concerns.”
In a court filing from August, DHS says “ICE properly withheld gang, cartel, and terrorist group affiliations of noncitizens under exemptions 7(C), because disclosure would invade noncitizens’ personal privacy without any countervailing public interest.”
Now, AFL is challenging that in court. In a counter motion filed earlier in September, AFL argues “FOIA’s privacy protections do not provide the same privacy rights for non-citizens as for citizens,” and that “this information will allow the public to determine if these aliens present serious public safety risks based on their criminal activity.”
The AFL lawsuit marks the latest conflict for border enforcement advocates trying to extract information from the Biden administration on undocumented migrants being let into America’s interior.
Biden emails with ‘Robert L. Peters’ pseudonym being probed by House GOP
Vice President Joe Biden used the pseudonym “Robert L. Peters” to send and receive certain emails as vice president, according to investigators on the House Oversight Committee. Now the committee wants access to some of those emails because it believes they could show possible overlap between Biden’s official duties as vice president and his son’s activities in Ukraine.
Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., is asking the National Archives for any emails in which then-Vice President Biden used a pseudonym, and Hunter Biden or his business partners Eric Schwerin or Devon Archer were copied.
The emails are available right now but they’re redacted. So the committee is asking for unrestricted special access.
Investigators are especially interested in an email regarding Biden’s call with former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. It was sent to the pseudonym Robert Peters and Hunter Biden was the only person copied on it.
According to the Straight Arrow News Media Miss™ tool, this story is a Media Miss for the left. The Media Landscape indicates that while right-leaning and center-oriented outlets are covering this story, fewer left-leaning outlets are reporting on the topic.
Mediaite, a left-leaning outlet, wrote, “The Biden White House has repeatedly denied that the president was ever involved in business dealings with his son while in office. Republicans in Congress are relying on the investigation into the Biden family business dealings as a way to move forward with impeachment proceedings against the president.”
The Washington Times, a right-leaning outlet, wrote, “The letter marked lawmakers’ first move to gather material directly from Mr. Biden to investigate his involvement in his son Hunter Biden’s lucrative foreign business deals. Lawmakers estimate that the deals provided at least $20 million to as many as 10 Biden family members and associates, but none of the money has been directly linked to the president.”
Separately, the House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland for communications between the Justice Department, FBI and private social media companies. It’s part of the ongoing investigation into what the committee calls “content moderation and the suppression of disfavored speech online.”
The committee requested voluntary compliance on the matter back in April. But the committee only received one document, which was described as “woefully inadequate.”
According to the Straight Arrow News Media Miss™ tool, this story is a Media Miss for the left. The Media Landscape indicates that while right-leaning and center-oriented outlets are covering this story, no left-leaning outlets are reporting on the topic.
The Hill, a center-oriented outlet, shared the DOJ’s response to the subpoenas which stated, “The Department, including the FBI, does not censor content on social media platforms. Private companies have the sole authority to make decisions to protect their platforms and users. As with all the committee’s various requests, the department remains committed to working with the Committee to fulfill their informational needs.”
Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said the investigation could ultimately lead to legislation to set limits on the executive branch’s ability to work with social media platforms on content circulation and deplatforming users.
Straight Arrow News strives to provide unbiased, fact-based news in addition to offering a comprehensive look at how the media is covering stories that matter most. Learn more about the Media Miss™ tool and decide for yourself.
Docs show multiple FBI offices involved in memo targeting Catholics: House GOP
Part of former President Donald Trump’s campaign for 2024 is the slogan “they’re not coming after me — they’re coming after you.” A new CBS poll found the majority of conservatives believe that the federal government is targeting them.
The House Judiciary Committee says in a letter it already has proof in an FBI memo that devout Catholics were singled out in an FBI investigation on suspicion there’s a connection between the religion and domestic extremism.
That memo from the Richmond, Virginia, FBI field office was first leaked in February by a former agent and triggered a subpoena and a hearing where FBI Director Christopher Wray testified.
Wray condemned the memo and the targeting of Catholic groups, saying this proposed investigation was exclusive to one FBI branch and proper actions were taken to reverse it.
Committee Chairman Jim Jordan threatened to hold Wray in contempt of Congress if he didn’t comply with a subpoena regarding the document after months of delay. The FBI did hand over the memo with less redactions but urged the committee not to publicly release the information.
Jordan did anyway and is now accusing the FBI director of lying in his testimony after he says the memo revealed more than just one “rogue FBI office” was involved. According to House Republicans, the memo says the FBI branches of Portland and Los Angeles shared the strategy to look into “radical traditionalist Catholics” for “antisemitic, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ and white supremacist ideology.”
The branches coordinated together in their investigations into Catholic organizations, according to the House committee.
According to the Straight Arrow News Media Miss™ tool, this story is a Media Miss for the left. The Media Landscape indicates that while right-leaning outlets are covering this story, fewer – if any – left-leaning outlets are reporting on the topic.
There was a fair balance of coverage when the FBI director testified about the memo belonging to one office and corrective action was taken. But many readers are not getting the latest information that suggests the new version of the memo refutes Wray’s testimony.
The committee chairs sent a letter to the FBI saying, “This new information suggests that the FBI’s use of its law enforcement capabilities to intrude on American’s First Amendment rights is more widespread than initially suspected.”
There was another threat from the House Judiciary Committee recently to hold someone else in contempt of Congress in the investigation on First Amendment right violations largely targeting those with conservative beliefs.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was to be held in contempt of Congress if he didn’t supply the committee with information regarding Big Tech censorship of Americans at the direction of the White House.
Zuckerberg then handed over emails from top Facebook executives discussing how to censor posts that were anti-COVID vaccine.
Straight Arrow News strives to provide unbiased, fact-based news in addition to offering a comprehensive look at how the media is covering stories that matter most. Learn more about the Media Miss™ tool and decide for yourself.
Nearly 60 missing children were found in a sex-trafficking sting that involved 200 victims. The nationwide two-week sweep also arrested 126 suspects of child sexual exploitation and 68 suspected traffickers.
Tuesday, Aug. 1, the FBI said its “Operation Cross Country” initiative in July found 59 missing children, all victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Nearly every FBI field office was involved in the annual nationwide operation, now in its 13th year.
In a statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland called the rescued children “the most vulnerable members of our society.” He praised the tremendous work of the FBI for locating the minor victims and arresting those responsible for the “unspeakable” crimes.
“The FBI’s actions against this threat never waver as we continue to send our message that these atrocities will not be tolerated,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is also a significant partner in Operation Cross Country.
FBI director has until July 25 to avoid contempt of Congress proceedings
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is threatening to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress if the bureau doesn’t comply with multiple subpoenas. In a letter, Jordan told Wray he’ll take action if the FBI doesn’t hand over more un-redacted documents by Tuesday, July 25, at noon.
What the committee wants
On Feb. 3, the committee subpoenaed Wray for documents and communications related to the FBI’s use of the Patriot Act to target parents who spoke out at school board meetings.
On April 10, the committee issued Wray a subpoena for documents and information related to a now withdrawn memorandum from the FBI’s Richmond field office that stated, “FBI Richmond assesses the increasingly observed interest of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists in radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology…”
The FBI has turned over hundreds of documents related to the subpoenas but Jordan contends the information is either incomplete or heavily redacted.
Jordan asked Wray about redactions to the Richmond field office memo during an oversight hearing on July 12.
“When can we get a copy that doesn’t have all these redactions on it so we can actually see what the American taxpayers were paying for to see their rights, their First Amendment religious liberty rights, attacked,” Jordan asked Wray as he held up the redacted pages.
Director Wray did not defend the memo.
“As soon as I found out about it, I was aghast and ordered it withdrawn and removed from FBI systems,” Wray said.
Democrats criticized Jordan and said he has his own history of not complying with subpoenas.
The Jan. 6 investigative committee issued Jordan a subpoena in 2022, to which he responded with a letter stating he will only comply if the committee hands over certain documents and explains its legal authority.
“It never gets old that Chairman Jordan is complaining about subpoena compliance. We’re approaching 500 days since Chairman Jordan has failed to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena for the greatest crime ever committed in America,” Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said.
To hold Wray in contempt, the committee would need to take an initial vote. There would then be a second vote in the full House, which requires a simple majority to be approved.
