US - News: Increasing violence as a health and safety threat - 2021

[Emily]

Bad news. It could be in a semi and headed anywhere in the country.

https://www.dailynews.com/2021/01/1...-on-theft-of-armored-military-humvee-in-bell/

By City News Service | news@socalnews.com |
PUBLISHED: January 16, 2021 at 5:38 p.m. | UPDATED: January 16, 2021 at 6:49 p.m.

BELL — The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of military Humvee stolen Friday in Bell.
...
The Humvee was described a four-door high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle, Eimiller said. It was up-armored, upgraded and considered a combat vehicle...

 

[Emily]

https://apnews.com/article/biden-in...-ap-top-news-857bacc273e16ff82dc9fefed1242ae8
FBI vetting Guard troops in DC amid fears of insider attack

By LOLITA C. BALDOR2 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. defense officials say they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, prompting the FBI to vet all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for the event...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.amny.com/news/gang-of-male-and-female-robbers-attack-humiliate-victim-in-chinatown/

12-strong male and female gang rob, humiliate victim in Chinatown
By Hazel Shahgholi
Posted on January 24, 2021

A 12-strong gang of male and female criminals robbed and assaulted a lone individual in the vicinity of Canal Street and Allen Street on Friday Jan 22.

The group was made up of 12 dark-skinned male and female individuals, and the motivation for the attack remains unknown.

The victim, a 26-year-old male, suffered lacerations to his head, torso and hands, inflicted with an as-yet unknown object...

 

[Mary Wilson]

National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin - January 27, 2021 - Homeland Security

Date Issued: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 11:00 am ET

Summary

The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin due to a heightened threat environment across the United States, which DHS believes will persist in the weeks following the successful Presidential Inauguration. Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence.

Duration

Issued: January 27, 2021 11:00 am
Expires: April 30, 2021 01:00 pm

Details
...

https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/na...anuary-27-2021


--------------------------------------------

Date Issued: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 11:00 am ET
View as PDF: National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin - January 27, 2021 (pdf, 1 page, 292.01KB)
Summary




The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin due to a heightened threat environment across the United States, which DHS believes will persist in the weeks following the successful Presidential Inauguration. Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence.


Duration

Issued: January 27, 2021 11:00 am
Expires: April 30, 2021 01:00 pm


Details

• Throughout 2020, Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs) targeted individuals with opposing views engaged in First Amendment-protected, non-violent protest activity. DVEs motivated by a range of issues, including anger over COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results, and police use of force have plotted and on occasion carried out attacks against government facilities.
• Long-standing racial and ethnic tension—including opposition to immigration—has driven DVE attacks, including a 2019 shooting in El Paso, Texas that killed 23 people.
• DHS is concerned these same drivers to violence will remain through early 2021 and some DVEs may be emboldened by the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. to target elected officials and government facilities.
• DHS remains concerned that Homegrown Violent Extremists (HVEs) inspired by foreign terrorist groups, who committed three attacks targeting government officials in 2020, remain a threat.
• Threats of violence against critical infrastructure, including the electric, telecommunications and healthcare sectors, increased in 2020 with violent extremists citing misinformation and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 for their actions.
• DHS, as well as other Federal agencies and law enforcement partners will continue to take precautions to protect people and infrastructure across the United States.
• DHS remains committed to preventing violence and threats meant to intimidate or coerce specific populations on the basis of their religion, race, ethnicity, identity or political views.
• DHS encourages state, local, tribal, and territorial homeland security partners to continue prioritizing physical security measures, particularly around government facilities, to protect people and critical infrastructure.

How You Can Help

• We ask the public to report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online activity, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or their local Fusion Center.
• Your choice can make a difference. Choose non-violent ways to make your voice heard and support friends and family in doing the same.
• Communities are strongest when they are not divided: Strengthen your community by standing together against violence.

Be Prepared

• Avoiding large crowds, including protests, is safest due to ongoing pandemic conditions. However, if taking part in protests do so peacefully, safely, and wear masks.
• Be responsible for your personal safety. Make note of your surroundings and security personnel. Carry emergency contact as well as medical and other needs information with you.
• Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to prepare businesses & employees.

Stay Informed

• Local, state and federal agencies will provide specific information about emerging threats as additional information is identified. The public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public safety officials.
• Last year, DHS released a Homeland Threat Assessment to the public examining the threat environment through 2021.
• The DHS Lexicon on terrorism includes terminology for DVEs and HVEs.

Types of Advisories

Bulletin


Describes current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism.


Elevated Alert


Warns of a credible terrorism threat against the United States.


Imminent Alert


Warns of a credible, specific and impending terrorism threat against the United States.

If You See Something, Say Something™. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=291523

A small protest caused delayed police response and ended with some broken windows in downtown Portland.

On Friday, February 12, 2021 at about 8:00p.m., a protest of about 30-50 people gathered at Director Park, 815 Southwest Park Avenue. The group marched to Central Precinct at 1111 Southwest 2nd Avenue, where the group began throwing objects and yelling at officers. There were police vehicles parked outside the precinct. As officers went out to move their cars in an effort to prevent them from being damaged, the officers were pelted with icy snowballs by participants.

In an effort to avoid confrontation and de-escalate the situation, and due to lack of available resources, officers remained out of sight as much as possible. However, officers were forced to monitor in case the group became more violent or caused damage to city property. While officers were occupied with that, there were calls stacking up in the precinct, including numerous calls for welfare checks on houseless community members who were exposed to the frigid weather. Among other duties, officers were facilitating getting those individuals to warming shelters if they wished.

The precinct, which is the only police facility open to the public 24 hours a day, was locked for security. As officers from other precincts approached to access the intake for the Multnomah County Detention Center, the hostile group surrounded their cars. Traffic was very limited due to the treacherous weather, but the group stood in the street blocking the way.

At about 10:45p.m., the group went on a short march. Officers discovered that windows were broken by participants of the crowd during the march. A coffee shop in the 1300 block of Southwest 3rd Avenue and a medical clinic in the 900 block of Southwest 5th Avenue were damaged (photos).

The crowd dissipated by 11:30p.m. No arrests have been made and no one was injured. If anyone has information about the suspects who vandalized the businesses or harassed officers, please refer to case number 21-39817 and e-mail crimetips@portlandoregon.gov.

###PPB###



*************


Media Relations:
PPBPIO@portlandoregon.gov
Phone: 503-823-0830
1111 SW 2nd Ave
Portland, OR 97204

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/new-yor...0210212-3uf2abliaffntny6sk4gpggckm-story.html



Protesters marching in Black Trans Liberation rally vandalize East Village restaurant, scare patrons
By Thomas Tracy
New York Daily News |
Feb 12, 2021 at 3:30 PM

A group of protesters vandalized an East Village restaurant, damaging the outdoor dining structure and harassing customers, police said.

The crew approached Jackdaw NYC on Second Ave. near 14th St. around 8:45 p.m. Thursday, threw drinking glasses onto the ground and defaced the outdoor dining booths and windows with spray paint, markers and sharpies, cops said.

They scrawled phrases on the windows, including “Black Women Matter” and “Black Kids Matter,” officials said.

They also yelled and harassed workers and patrons, but no injuries were reported. A short time later, the group shoved someone to the ground nearby, but the person wasn’t injured, cops said.

The belligerent crew was part of a group of roughly 50 people taking part in a Black Trans Liberation NYC rally at the historic Stonewall Inn in the West Village...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://katu.com/news/local/violenc...ltnomah-county-da-says-ahead-of-more-protests

Violence and vandalism 'unacceptable,' Multnomah County DA says ahead of more protests
by KATU StaffFriday, March 12th 2021

PORTLAND, Ore. ? Following a night of vandalism and destruction during downtown Portland protests, and ahead of potentially more ?criminal activity? through the weekend, Multnomah County?s District Attorney issued a statement Friday.

?Acts of violence against people and damage to property are unlawful and unacceptable,? Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said. ?I have adamantly and repeatedly said that property damage and violent behavior will not be tolerated.?

On Thursday night, federal officers clashed with demonstrators in downtown Portland just days after the Department of Homeland Security removed fencing around the Federal Courthouse.

DA Schmidt?s statement comes as authorities say they expect more unrest over the weekend, including a protest in the Pearl District Friday night.

Recent riotous activity and wanton destruction of private property that targets businesses struggling to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic does not appear connected to the calls for social justice and system reform, which I strongly support. Instead, these destructive acts only serve to harm our community. My office will continue to prosecute acts of violence and property destruction.

The district attorney?s office reinforced that while they prioritize prosecuting ?crimes that endanger life safety and crimes involving property destruction,? they also review felony and misdemeanor cases ? including protest-related crimes like Attempted Assaulting a Public Safety Officer, Interfering with a Peace or Public Safety Officer, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct ? that are referred by police....

 

[sharon sanders]

bump this

 

[Emily]

https://www.opb.org/article/2021/03...d-eco-saboteur-joseph-dibees-first-interview/
What OPB learned from accused eco-saboteur Joseph Dibee?s first interview
By Conrad Wilson (OPB) and Ryan Haas (OPB)
March 12, 2021 8 a.m. Updated: March 12, 2021 8 a.m.

...
He also discussed why he fled the country in 2005 after FBI agents said they were bringing charges.

?I?m a Middle Eastern person, and it?s not lost on me the implications of that in the United States,? Dibee said. ?So, the government started the conversation by saying, ... ?Do you want to do what we tell you to, or are we going to come get you?? That?s a very thinly veiled threat. I took it as that.?

Dibee talked about his life as a fugitive in Syria and Russia, where he worked on environmental projects. He also talked in detail for the first time about what transpired during his capture in Cuba.

?I got tortured, there?s no other way to say it,? Dibee said. ?I was definitely threatened.?

Dibee?s facing a possible trial at the same time Congress and federal law enforcement debate what constitutes domestic terrorism, especially in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol.

Decades ago as charges were first brought against Dibee and his co-defendants, the federal government labeled them as terrorists. And for Dibee that label has stuck, at least in the eyes of the Justice Department, which in 2018 announced agents had arrested a ?domestic terrorism suspect? in Cuba. Now, law enforcement is under pressure to more clearly define whether property damage is the same as acts that threaten life or democratic process.

Dibee?s case and interview with OPB offer insight into pressing questions about whether federal law enforcement needs more power to quash domestic extremism, or if this moment is a chance to reconsider the word terrorism and when its applied.
Read the full story here.

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=301580



Portland Police Bureau
March in Pearl District Ends With Property Destruction, Group Detained (Photo)
March 13, 2021 04:03

Officers detained a group of about 100 in a march that devolved into property destruction in the Pearl District.

On Friday, March 12, 2021 at about 9:00p.m., a group began marching in the street, blocking vehicular traffic, from Jamison Park, 810 Northwest 11th Avenue. They were advised by loudspeaker that the street was open to vehicular traffic, but the crowd continued to march in the street.

At about 9:15p.m., at Northwest 15th Avenue and Northwest Overton Street, some in the crowd began breaking windows (photo). Officers moved in to address the criminal behavior. They created a perimeter around the group on Northwest Marshall Street between Northwest 13th Avenue and Northwest 14th Avenue.

The group was advised that they were being detained for investigation of crimes, they were not free to leave, and they should comply with officers' lawful orders. Failure to comply may result in arrest or force being used against them to include, but not limited to, crowd control agents, impact weapons, or tear gas. Legal observers, press, and anyone who was medically fragile or anyone who needs immediate medical attention were invited to leave the enclosed area if they wished. Those that were being detained were identified and photographed, as part of a criminal investigation, before being released. Some refused to comply and locked arms together in an effort to interfere with the investigation. Officers escorted them away and they were arrested. A suspect in the earlier window vandalism was arrested and charged.

Officers discovered numerous items left behind by people inside the perimeter, including a crowbar, hammers, bear spray, slugging weapon with rocks, high impact slingshot, and knives (photos).

As the event unfolded, groups formed on the outside and physically challenged officers. Some threw rocks and full cans of beer at officers (photo). Officers deployed some OC (pepper) spray and one impact munition. Arrests were made, including two suspects carrying firearms, wearing body armor and helmets.

Thirteen people were charged with crimes...

 

[sharon sanders]

Some estimate 50k homeless in Los Angeles. The CDC rent moratorium is due to expire in a week.

One of many areas in LA....these homeless have apparently been offered hotel rooms....


Protesters, police face off at Echo Park Lake before clearing of homeless encampment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTCQia98sts

----------------------------------------------

added video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POTvLZEaGUY

 

[Mary Wilson]

Man pulls gun on 11 National Guardsmen delivering COVID-19 vaccine in West Texas

March 23, 2021 Updated: March 23, 2021 10:12 a.m.
Dan Carson

A group of National Guardsmen are safe after a dangerous encounter with an armed man on a highway in West Texas, according to KCBD Staff and WAFB9.

Larry Harris of Arizona was arrested Monday after allegedly following a caravan of National Guardsmen en route to Matador, Texas to deliver a shipment of COVID-19 vaccines. Harris is accused of cutting their vehicles off and pulling a loaded gun on the unarmed officers.

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-...ked-Texas-gunman-vaccines-16046573.php???????

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/street...pening-economy-difficult-11616418002?mod=e2tw

Street Violence in Portland Makes Reopening Economy Difficult
Struggling downtown businesses are still contending with vandalism nine months after protests began
The past year has been especially difficult for businesses in downtown Portland, Ore.
By Ian Lovett
| Photographs by Mason Trinca for The Wall Street Journal
March 22, 2021 9:00 am ET

PORTLAND, Ore.?When the fence that had surrounded the federal courthouse here was removed earlier this month, city leaders touted it as a sign that Portland was returning to normal after nine months of protests that often turned violent.

But within days, bands of rioters were back in downtown Portland. They blocked streets, broke windows, threw a can of beer at police and, once again, vandalized the courthouse. Thirteen people were arrested following a protest on March 12 and the fence around the courthouse is now back up.

The violence downtown has become a persistent roadblock in Portland?s attempts to reopen and revive its economy as vaccinations spread, Covid-19 cases fall, and business restrictions are loosened. Local officials who had supported the racial justice protests last summer are now pledging to crack down on those causing the destruction.

?The community is sick and tired of people engaging in acts of criminal destruction and violence,? Mayor Ted Wheeler said at a news conference last week. The rioters, he said, were harming the cause of racial justice, and ?also standing on the air hose of the economic recovery for a lot of our small businesses.?...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/new-yor...0210328-pybqvhwednbslcajvx6tfwajri-story.html



?We have to break the cycle?: Violence across city, sparked by gang retribution, continues to rise
By Thomas Tracy
New York Daily News |
Mar 27, 2021 at 11:00 PM

Shootings continue to rise in New York City, and the cloud of gun smoke blanketing the five boroughs won?t part until the brutal cycle of gang violence is finally cracked, experts say.

?The shootings we are seeing are mostly gang shootings, which means they?re fueled by retribution,? said Richard Aborn, president of the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City, a non-profit group that studies public safety and criminal justice. ?One shooting begets another shooting begets another shooting.

?We have to break the cycle,? Aborn said. ?The surge in gun violence is the second biggest threat to public health in this city after COVID.?

After suffering through a 97% surge of shootings last year, cops are already combating a 44% jump in gun play this year, according to NYPD statistics. Murders across the city are also up, by nearly 14%, cops said.

As of Friday, 260 people have been wounded in 231 shootings ? and spring has just begun.

This time last year, there were 71 fewer shootings ? 160 incidents in which 181 people were hit by bullets, police data shows...

 

[sharon sanders]

Some estimate 50k homeless in Los Angeles. The CDC rent moratorium is due to expire in a week.

One of many areas in LA....these homeless have apparently been offered hotel rooms....


Protesters, police face off at Echo Park Lake before clearing of homeless encampment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTCQia98sts

----------------------------------------------

added video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POTvLZEaGUY

Apparently there will be some kind of forced removal tomorrow....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fY47yysOfQ

 

[Mary Wilson]

Capitol lockdown: 1 officer dead, 1 injured after car rams into barrier; suspect killed by police

Published 2 hours ago
Last Update 1 hour ago
By Tyler Olson, Morgan Phillips

The United States Capitol was locked down on Friday due to an "exterior security threat" after a car rammed into a barrier on the Senate side of the complex. One officer died and another was injured, according to United States Capitol Police (USCP), who said the suspect was killed by police after he exited his Navy Sedan and attacked them with a knife.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/capitol-locked-down-due-to-exterior-security-threat

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/loc...es-from-last-year-dropped-by-nyc-das/3114714/


Most Riot, Looting Cases From Last Year Dropped by NYC DAs
By Jonathan Dienst and Courtney Copenhagen • Published June 18, 2021 • Updated on June 18, 2021 at 6:25 pm

One year ago, parts of New York City felt out of control as crowds of looters were seen smashing storefront after storefront.

The mayhem continued night after night from late May into June. At one point, there was even a so-called “looting dance party” on the streets of SoHo.

The mobs seemingly pillaged at will. Many were caught on tape, some with their faces visible. Others even posted on social their own videos of their actions those nights.


“We got the Rolex store,” some in the crowd can be heard screaming in one video.

Police were far outnumbered and seemingly unprepared.

Hundreds of arrests were made during the looting and riots. Many of those arrests took place in Manhattan and along some commercial streets in the Bronx where the problems were widespread.

Surveillance videos show looters breaking into many locally owned Bronx stores, stores that were left ransacked.

NYPD data reviewed by the NBC New York I-Team shows 118 arrests were made in the Bronx during the worst of the looting in early June.

Since then, the NYPD says the Bronx DA and the courts have dismissed most of those cases – 73 in all. Eighteen cases remain open and there have been 19 convictions for mostly lesser counts like trespassing, counts which carry no jail time.

Jessica Betancourt owns an eyeglass shop that was looted and destroyed along Burnside Avenue in the Bronx last June.

“Those numbers, to be honest with you, is disgusting,” Betancourt said when told of the few cases being prosecuted.

Betancourt is also vice president of a local merchants association. She says local business leaders are upset few are being held accountable for the destruction they caused.

“I was in total shock that everything is being brushed off to the side.”...

 

[sharon sanders]

From Chicago to NYC, cities grapple with rise in shootings, murders: 'It's been a very bloody year'

Crystal Hill 6 days ago

As the U.S. enters a new post-pandemic reality, cities across the country are dealing with a surge in homicides and other violent crimes — including a rash of mass shootings — with some officials fearing that the worst is yet to come.

“The spike in homicides and nonfatal shootings is extremely alarming,” said Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo, who recently left the Houston Police Department and leads the Major Cities Chiefs Association, an organization of law enforcement executives. “One of the reasons we talk about a bloody summer ahead for our country is because it’s already been a very bloody year, a very deadly year for Americans.”

Recent crime data shows that relatively few cities have been spared from a rise in homicides this year. While experts have some hope that this summer won’t be as deadly as 2020, which saw the biggest one-year spike in homicides in more than a generation, they cautioned that the U.S. may be on a troubling trajectory.


more...

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crim...urders-its-been-a-very-bloody-year/ar-AAL6bGg

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/...-squad-likely-to-step-back-from-crowd-control


Sheriff's riot squad likely to step back from crowd control [Oregon]
Nick Budnick
June 22 2021
Mass defections from Portland's rapid response unit cited as sheriff's unit curbed.

Multnomah County will rein in use of its crowd control unit to police protests in the wake of the mass resignation of Portland Police Bureau's Rapid Response Team, a top union official says.

The informal commitment was made in response to concerns voiced by the county's 15-member unit, which bears the same name as the Portland RRT, said Sgt. Matt Ferguson, president of the Multnomah County Deputy Sheriffs Association, which represents the unit's members.

Ferguson said the concerns driving the informal change echoed those voiced by the Portland unit when its 50 members resigned from their controversial assignment on Wednesday, June 16: lack of support by Portland's leaders, and a feeling that District Attorney Mike Schmidt was more tolerant of rioters attacking police than of police who use force as trained and directed by management. (See story, Page A1; editorial, Page A6.)

Ferguson said the message came from managers that his members would only be deployed with great caution.

"We're probably going to greatly restrict our activities. ... I don't think it's in our members' best interest to go clear rioters from the streets," he said.

"The perception is violence directed at police is sanctioned in our community now: It is OK to throw rocks and bottles and stones at the police," he added. "One of our deputies had a mortar round explode in his face and knocked him unconscious. He lost his hearing for two or three days. He was in the hospital, and he resigned."

Asked about the change described by Ferguson, a spokesman for Sheriff Mike Reese provided a general comment. Communications Director Chris Liedle said the priorities of the office have not changed, but declined to say whether the office would continue to provide support for Portland police crowd control efforts as it has in the past...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/lawless-city-worry-portland-police-stop-chaos-80613763

'Lawless city?' Worry after Portland police don't stop chaos
A crowd of 100 people wreaked havoc in downtown Portland, Oregon, this week, smashing storefront windows, lighting dumpsters on fire and causing at least $500,000 in damage
By By SARA CLINE Associated Press
16 October 2021, 12:30

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A crowd of 100 people wreaked havoc in downtown Portland, Oregon, this week – smashing storefront windows, lighting dumpsters on fire and causing at least $500,000 in damage – but police officers didn't stop them.

Portland Police Bureau officials say that's because of legislation passed by Oregon lawmakers this year, which restricts the tools they can use to confront people vandalizing buildings and causing mayhem.

“The reason that we did not intervene goes back to what we talked about last month with House Bill 2928 and the restrictions placed on us in a crowd control environment,” KOIN reports that Portland Police Lt. Jake Jensen said in a neighborhood meeting Thursday.

Residents frustrated by the latest round of destructive demonstrations Tuesday questioned whether that meant anything goes now in Portland.

“Does that mean we are now like a lawless city?” Linda Witt asked during the meeting with police. Jensen replied saying people can still face consequences later.

The legislation in question is House Bill 2928, which prohibits the use of things like pepper spray and rubber bullets for crowd control. However there is an exception – when the circumstances constitute a riot and if the officer using the chemical incapacitant reasonably believes its use is necessary to stop and prevent more destructive behavior.

“The law clearly allows Portland Police to use effective tools necessary to control violent crowds,” House Minority Leader Christine Drazan told The Associated Press on Friday. “However, activist attorneys are deliberately misinterpreting legislation to prevent police from intervening. They have no business putting law enforcement and community safety at risk.”...