EFTA00163471.pdf

From: FBI News Briefing <fbinewsbriefing@barbaricum.com> To: "FBINewsBriefing" <FBINewsBriefing@ic.fbi.gov> Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL) - FBI Daily News Briefing - July 7, 2025 Date: Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:15:10 +0000 Importance: Normal View in Browser it Federal Bureau of Investigation Seal July 07, 2025 Federal Bureau of Investigation Daily News Briefing (In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs) Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. Table of Contents IN THE NEWS • Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 78; President Trump Plans Visit • Deputy Director Bongino Slams New York Times For 'Poorly Thought-Out Hit Piece' • DOJ, FBI Conclude Epstein Had No "Client List," Committed Suicide • FBI and CIA Leadership Scrutinized Over Handling of 2016 and 2020 Election Intelligence • Continued Reporting: Maryland County Challenging FBI's Move To Ronald Reagan Building COUNTERTERRORISM • Continued Reporting: NYPD Steps up Security for NYC 4th of July Festivities Amid Heightened Threat Level • Continued Reporting: Iran at 'Decision Point' After Trump Strikes on Nuclear Program, Says U.S. NATO Ambassador • Continued Reporting: Man Is Charged With Creating 'Hit List' of Public Officials • Continued Reporting: Man Pardoned For Jan. 6 Crimes Gets Life In Prison Over FBI 'Kill List' • Continued Reporting: Death of California Fertility Clinic Bombing Co-Conspirator Raises Questions About Los Angeles Detention Center • FBI, State Police Bomb Squads Respond to Local Pennsylvania Police Incident COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • North Korea Lashes Out After Trump Dal Exposes Massive IT Infiltration Scheme CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • Ex-Rationalist Ziz LaSota Arrested on Trespass, Gun Counts as Prosecutors Allege Role in Nationwide Murders EFTA00163471 • President Trump Says He's 'Very Satisfied' With The Official Narrative On Butler Assassination • FBI, North Carolina Police Dole Out 97 Charges, Collect 22 Guns in Violent Crime Operation • FBI Joins Investigation Into Congressional Intern Killed in Northwest DC Triple Shooting • Suspect in Minnesota Assassination Ordered to Stay in Jail Until Federal Trial • Los Angeles Anti-ICE Activist Indicted for Handing Protective Gear to Rioters • FBI & Local Police Swarm Boca Home in Statewide 'Operation Mongolian Beef' Biker Gang Blitz • FBI Minneapolis Division Lauded for Role in Recovering Remains of Jordan Manny Collins Jr. • Ken Paxton Drops Appeal in Suit From Whistleblowers Who Reported Him to FBI • FBI Looking for Man Convicted in Beating of Girlfriend in Colorado Nearly 30 Years Ago • Officer Shot During Attack on Texas ICE Detention Facility • Former FBI Technician and Sister to Plead Guilty in Los Angeles Bid-Rigging Scheme Involving $350K in FBI Contracts • FBI to Close Investigation Into Former Gov. Torres • Brinks Truck Robbed in Philadelphia; Police Investigate if Other Thefts From Armored Trucks Are Connected • Four in Custody After Robbery at Massachusetts Jewelry Store • Scammers Sent Fake Trump Inauguration Emails to Steal Over $250,000 in Crypto From Donor • FBI Investigates Alleged Kickback Scheme at Jackson Health System Foundation in Florida • 300 Percent Increase in American Investors Defrauded by 'Ramp-and-Dump' Stock Fraud CYBER DIVISION • DOJ Seeks to Recover Crypto Seized by FBI From Alleged Scheme Impersonating Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee • Continued Reporting: FBI Warns Travelers of 'Scattered Spider' Group Targeting Airlines • Connecticut 19-Year-Old Posed as Yahoo! And Google Worker in $245M Crypto Heist • Continued Reporting: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking a South Carolina FBI Agent INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS • FBI's Operation Artemis Brings Sextortion Charges Against 22 Nigerians • Canadian Police Re-Arrest Man Wanted by FBI for 'Decades-Old' Sexual Assault of Minor OTHER FBI NEWS • Jan. 6 Federal Prosecutor Fired by AG Bondi Quotes Theodore Roosevelt in Passionate Farewell Letter • Violent Crime Was Down Nationally in 2024, According to Half-Year FBI Snapshot • South Dakota Attorney General Meets With Director Patel • Newly Revealed DB Cooper Files Shed New Light on FBI's Hunt for Hijacker INTERNATIONAL NEWS • Trump and Netanyahu to Meet as New Middle East Tests Loom • Turkish Police Detain Three More Mayors From Party Opposed to Erdogan • Hamas Accepts Gaza Cease-Fire Proposal With American Assurances Over Talks to End War • Congo Braces for HIV Surge After U.S. Funding Stops • U.N. Pulls Nuclear Inspectors Out of Iran for Safety Reasons • Australia Wants to Bar Children From Social Media. Can It Succeed? • Erin Patterson Convicted of Mushroom Murders EFTA00163472 • Police Block Roads to Kenyan Capital on Anniversary of Pro-Democracy Protests " Twelve Turkish Soldiers Killed by Gas Exposure During Cave Search in Iraq " Australian Police Officer Who Fatally Shot Indigenous Teenager Was Racist, Coroner Finds OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Musk Announces Forming of `America Party' in Further Break From Trump " How Healthcare Cuts in the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Will Affect Americans " Judge Rejects Last-Minute Request, Paving Way for Removal of 8 Migrants Detained in Djibouti • Here's Where Trump's Approval Ratings Stand on Key Issues • Law Used to Kick Out Nazis Could Be Used to Strip Citizenship From Many More Americans " U.S. Expands Militarized Zones to 1/3 of Southern Border, Stirring Controversy " Ecuadorian Drug Lord "Fito" Captured After Frantic Search and Hidden Bunker Discovery " Hundreds of Accused Criminals Arrested in Sweeping Federal Operation " Virginia Has Become a Hotbed for Immigration Arrests " Republicans Just Cut Medicaid. Will It Cost Them Control of Congress? WASHINGTON SCHEDULE IN THE NEWS Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 78; President Trump Plans Visit Reuters (07/06, Flores, McKay, Reid) and the Associated Press (07/06, Staff Writer) reported that more than 80 people have died in flash floods in central Texas, with many more still missing, including at least 10 girls from a summer camp called Camp Mystic. The hardest-hit area is the Texas Hill Country, particularly Kerr County, where at least 68 deaths have been confirmed, including at least 28 children. Other affected counties include Travis County, where 6 people died, Burnet County, where 3 people died, and others such as Kendall, Williamson, and Tom Green counties, which also reported fatalities. According to the articles, President Trump sent his condolences to the victims and said he would probably visit the area on Friday. His administration had been in touch with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, he added. "It's a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible. So we say, God bless all of the people that have gone through so much, and God bless, God bless the state of Texas," he told reporters as he left New Jersey. Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (07/06, Shapiro, Hutchinson), Axios (07/06, Mendoza, Galvan), BBC (07/06, O'Donoghue, Faguy), Business Insider (07/06, Rommen, Edmonds, Lee), CBS News (07/06, Tabachnick, Czachor, et al.), CNN (07/06, Johnson), Fox News (07/06, Koch), The Guardian (07/06, Holthaus), The Hill (07/06, Suter), Los Angeles Times (07/06, Smith), NBC News (07/06, Bush), New York Post (07/06, Nesi, Oliveira), the New York Times (07/05, Flavelle), Newsweek (07/06, Adeosun), NPR (07/06, Duster), Time (07/06, Schneid), USA Today (07/06, Jervis), the Washington Post (07/06, Somasundaram, Hemandez, et al.), the Wall Street Journal (07/06, Eaton, Otis). Deputy Director Bongino Slams New York Times For 'Poorly Thought-Out Hit Piece' Fox News (07/05, Compton) and The Daily Beast (07/05, Patterson) reported that in a post on X, Deputy Director Bongino pushed back against criticism from the New York Times, calling the outlet's latest editorial a "poorly thought-out hit piece." He defended recent changes at the bureau under the Trump administration, arguing that a renewed focus on violent crime and illegal immigration "is working." Deputy Director Bongino cited the FBI's "Summer Heat" initiative as a major success, claiming it has contributed to a historic drop in the U.S. murder rate. He stated that the bureau has arrested over 14,000 violent criminals this year — a 62% increase from the same period last year — along with more than 800 violent child predators and 140 human traffickers. He also stated that FBI agents arrested over SO foreign intelligence operatives for espionage and smuggling harmful substances into the country. Deputy Director Bongino pointed to recent high-profile operations, including the dismantling of major gangs across the U.S., the arrest of three of the FBI's "Top Ten Most Wanted" fugitives, and what he described as the largest TDA gang takedown ever. He added that the bureau has seized 22% more illicit drugs compared to the EFTA00163473 same period last year, including over 97,000 pounds of cocaine, 7,000 pounds of meth, and 2,500 pounds of fentanyl. In coordination with federal partners, Deputy Director Bongino said the FBI helped imprison and deport more than 18,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records, and that zero illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. from the border in June. Nearly 800 individuals were also arrested for allegedly attempting to obstruct law enforcement operations. The New York Times (07/05, Editorial) argued that the Trump administration's influence over the FBI has severely compromised its ability to protect national security and uphold the law. The editorial, titled "Trump's Politicized FBI Has Made Americans Less Safe," claimed that just eleven days after President Trump's second inauguration, his appointees began purging the bureau's senior leadership — including the heads of divisions overseeing national security, cybercrime, and criminal investigations — many of whom had been involved in Jan. 6 prosecutions or earlier Trump-related inquiries. According to the Times, those firings were only the beginning. Over the following months, additional agents and top managers were either dismissed, pressured out, or reassigned to lesser roles, while hundreds more resigned voluntarily. The departures, the editorial said, created a vacuum in critical divisions and "obliterated decades of experience in national security and criminal matters at the FBI." The Times accused President Trump of transforming the bureau into "an enforcement agency for MAGA's priorities;' alleging that he has installed loyalists, shielded allies from investigation, and used the agency to intimidate political opponents. Times of India (07/05, Staff Writer) also reported on the story. DOJ, FBI Conclude Epstein Had No "Client List," Committed Suicide Axios (07/06, Isenstadt) reported that the DOJ and FBI have concluded that Jeffrey Epstein did not have a "client list" and committed suicide in 2019. A memo detailing the findings states that investigators found no evidence of Epstein blackmailing powerful figures or being murdered. The article highlighted that Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino have since said Epstein committed suicide. The article noted that the DOJ and FBI say in the memo that no "further disclosure" of Epstein-related material "would be appropriate or warranted." The memo says much of the material relates to child sexual abuse, details of Epstein's victims, and information that would expose innocent individuals to "allegations of wrongdoing." The Daily Beast (07/06, Revell) added that Ghislaine Maxwell may be cooperating with the FBI to take down Epstein's elite collaborators in exchange for a reduced sentence. According to the article, Maxwell is potentially providing information to help build cases against powerful men accused of abusing girls trafficked by Epstein and herself. The article stated that according to investigative reporter Tara Palmeri, Maxwell is likely helping the FBI build airtight cases against the powerful men, known as "Johns", who abused girls trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell, in exchange for special treatment, such as a reduced prison sentence or a more comfortable prison environment. The Washington Examiner (07/06, LaChance), New York Post (07/06, McAfee), and Raw Story (07/06, McAfee) also reported on the story. FBI and CIA Leadership Scrutinized Over Handling of 2016 and 2020 Election Intelligence NBC News (07/06, Dilanian, Reilly) reported that newly released FBI and CIA documents are being used by Director Patel and CIA Director John Ratcliffe to bolster claims that U.S. intelligence agencies conspired against Donald Trump. Director Patel released internal bureau emails showing debate over a 2020 tip alleging a Chinese plot to influence the election for Joe Biden using fake IDs—a tip ultimately withdrawn over credibility concerns. Director Patel argued that bureau leadership "chose to play politics." According to the article, two senior FBI intelligence officials involved in handling the report—Nikki Floris and Tonya Ugoretz—were later forced out or placed on leave. The emails also show that the FBI's Office of Congressional Affairs is now led by Marshall Yates, a former Republican aide with ties to Trump's election denial movement. CIA Director Ratcliffe released a separate agency review criticizing the process behind its 2017 Russia assessment but offering no evidence of political bias, despite Ratcliffe's claim that Democrats "manipulated intelligence" to damage Trump. Fox News (07/03, Stancy) reported that the White House is calling for former Obama-era intelligence officials, including ex-CIA Director John Brennan, to be held accountable for their role in promoting allegations about Trump's ties to Russia during the 2016 election. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said a newly declassified review of the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment revealed that CIA, FBI, and NSA leaden deviated from intelligence standards by including the Steele dossier, undermining the report's credibility. The review found that CIA analysts had warned Brennan against using the dossier, citing tradecraft violations, but Brennan allegedly prioritized "narrative consistency" over analytical rigor. The internal memo also noted that Brennan proceeded despite objections from senior agency figures, formally stating that the information warranted inclusion in the final report. Brennan, who served as CIA director under the Obama administration, did not respond to Fox News' request for comment. NTD (07/05, Staff Writer) also reported on the story. EFTA00163474 Continued Reporting: Maryland County Challenging FBI's Move To Ronald Reagan Building The Washington Examiner (07/06, Thomas) reported that Maryland's Prince George's County is challenging the FBI's decision to move its headquarters to the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. The county had planned to host the new headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland, but the Trump administration vetoed the order due to high construction costs. County leaders, including Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy and Rep. Jamie Raskin, plan to fight the decision, arguing that Congress still needs to approve the move. The article quoted Director Patel: "Moving to the Ronald Reagan Building is the most cost-effective and resource-efficient way to carry out our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution." Stephen Ehikian, Acting Administrator for the General Services Administration, endorsed the move to the Reagan Building. "I am proud of the GSA's commitment to working with Director Patel and his FBI team to find a building that best supports their mission and their people," he said. Virginia Mercury (07/04, Ford) also reported on the story. Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM Continued Reporting: NYPD Steps up Security for NYC 4th of July Festivities Amid Heightened Threat Level CNN (07/04, Morales) reported that the NYPD increased security for the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show in NYC due to the heightened threat level. According to the article, in late June, the FBI, the DH,S and other law enforcement agencies issued a joint bulletin saying that "the most significant terrorism threat facing the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks stems from lone offenders and small groups of individuals seeking to commit acts of violence." Algemeiner (07/04, Arguello) noted that AG Bondi reiterated the Trump administration's recent warnings about potential Iran-linked sleeper cells and domestic radicalization, following escalating tensions in the Middle East during the 12-day Iran-Israel war. Continued Reporting: Iran at 'Decision Point' After Trump Strikes on Nuclear Program, Says U.S. NATO Ambassador Fox News (07/06, Hill) reported that U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker says Iran is at a "decision point" after U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear program and should seek peace. Whitaker urged Iran to seek peace during "Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News," while noting that the U.S. is still dealing with the implications of an open border — and the national security implications of it — from the Biden administration. Whitaker argued the growing threat of possible Iranian sleeper cell activity in the United States puts tremendous pressure on law enforcement to be right 100 percent of the time. "So, Jason... right now, this puts a lot of pressure on our law enforcement, puts a lot of pressure on... Dal and the FBI to be right 100 percent of the time and seek out these sleeper cells and to make sure that they can't activate," he stated. Continued Reporting: Man Is Charged With Creating 'Hit List' of Public Officials The New York Times (07/03, Holpuch) reported that Noah Lamb, 24, was arrested and indicted for creating a "hit list" of public officials, including a U.S. senator and a federal judge, in collaboration with a white supremacist group. According to the article, the group, known as the Terrorgram Collective, promotes white supremacy and calls for violence to ignite a race war, and has been tied to several attacks and planned attacks worldwide. Lamb faces up to 85 years in prison if convicted on all eight counts, including soliciting the murder of federal officials and conspiracy, for offenses that took place from November 2021 through September 2024. "The FBI stands vigilant, protecting our homeland against individuals who seek to use violence to target the American people, our democracy, and the freedoms we stand for," said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office in the press release. "These charges send a clear message of zero tolerance to anyone who advocates the use of violence to promote their ideology." Continued Reporting: Man Pardoned For Jan. 6 Crimes Gets Life In Prison Over FBI 'Kill List' HuffPost (07/05, Murdock) reported that Edward Kelley, a 36-year-old Tennessee man, was pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. Despite the pardon, Kelley was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for plotting to kill 37 FBI agents who investigated him. Kelley had made a "kill list" and discussed using car bombs and drones to attack the agents, and his co-conspirator, Austin Carter, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge. Additional reporting on the story was provided by CBS News (07/03, Video), The Guardian (07/03, Olivares), The Independent (07/03, Liddell), The New York Times (07/03, Feuer), Newsweek (07/03, Clark), TheBlaze (07/03, Hanneman), WBIR (NBC-10) (07/03, Video). EFTA00163475 Continued Reporting: Death of California Fertility Clinic Bombing Co-Conspirator Raises Questions About Los Angeles Detention Center CBS News (07/06, MacFarlane) reported that Daniel Park, a 32-year-old man accused of conspiring to bomb a California fertility clinic, has died in federal custody at the L.A. Metropolitan Detention Center, with his death being investigated as a possible suicide. According to the article, Park's death has raised questions about the conditions at the detention center, where there have been reports of "inhumane" conditions, including food shortages and unmet medical needs. The article noted that the death closes the only prosecution in the fertility clinic bombing case, in which Park was accused of shipping materials to his alleged co-conspirator, Guy Bartkus, who was killed in the bombing. The article highlighted that Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles field office, said Bartkus had "nihilistic ideations" and investigators believe he was attempting to livestream the bombing. FBI, State Police Bomb Squads Respond to Local Pennsylvania Police Incident WHTM (ABC-27) (07/06, Sherry) reported that the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police bomb squads responded to a police incident in West Lampeter Township, Lancaster County. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, July 5, involved a concern for an apartment on Village Road, prompting an evacuation and road closure for over 10 hours. A controlled detonation test was performed on an item of concern, but it did not explode, and police found no direct threat. Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE North Korea Lashes Out After Trump DOJ Exposes Massive IT Infiltration Scheme Fox News (07/03, Wehner) reported that the D01 exposed a massive IT infiltration scheme by North Korean actors who remotely accessed the computers of over 100 U.S. companies, including Fortune 500 companies, to fund the North Korean regime. The scheme involved North Korean IT workers using false identities and help from individuals in the U.S., China, the UAE, and Taiwan to obtain employment and steal money, generating over $5 million in revenue. The article highlighted that the D0J also announced that the FBI and Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) seized 17 web domains used as part of the scheme, along with 29 financial accounts holding tens of thousands of dollars, used to launder revenue for the North Korean regime. The article noted that the D0J unsealed indictments against several individuals, including US nationals Zhenxing Wang and Kejia "Tony" Wang, and Chinese and Taiwanese nationals, and announced the seizure of web domains and financial accounts used to launder revenue for the North Korean regime. Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Ex-Rationalist Ziz LaSota Arrested on Trespass, Gun Counts as Prosecutors Allege Role in Nationwide Murders The New York Times (07/06, Beam) reported that Ziz LaSota, a 34-year-old former member of the Rationalist community, is in custody on charges of trespassing, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor gun charges, with prosecutors suggesting she was the force behind a series of murders across the country. According to the article, Ziz was a prominent figure in the Rationalist movement, which focuses on using logical thinking to improve the world and is concerned about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, but her views became increasingly radical and violent. The Rationalist community, which includes influential figures such as Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, and Sam Bankman-Fried, is now facing scrutiny due to its association with Ziz and the violent actions of her followers, known as the "Zizians", with some critics arguing that the movement's apocalyptic rhetoric and emphasis on Al risk may have contributed to Ziz's extreme beliefs. The article highlighted an FBI affidavit where two Zizians fired guns at Border Patrol agents. President Trump Says He's 'Very Satisfied' With The Official Narrative On Butler Assassination The Daily Caller (07/05, Wilcox) reported that President Donald Trump told the Daily Caller Thursday that he is "very satisfied" with the FBI's investigation into the assassination attempt against him that occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania. This is the first time he has publicly indicated full confidence in the investigation. Trump's comments, made directly to Daily Caller White House Correspondent Reagan Reese, follow months of public skepticism about EFTA00163476 the official explanation. The article mentioned that Deputy Director Bongino said in March in a Fox News interview, "In some of these cases, the 'there' you're looking for is not there. And I know people — I get it, I understand. It's not there. If it was there, we would have told you." FBI, North Carolina Police Dole Out 97 Charges, Collect 22 Guns in Violent Crime Operation WNCN (CBS-17) (07/03, Anderson) reported that for three days, the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force descended on Durham alongside the city's organized crime division. The operation, which ran from June 25-27, was aimed at "proactively suppressing violent crime in various areas of the city," according to a release from the Durham Police Department. According to the article, in that time, 22 firearms and more than 1,260 grams of various drugs were seized. Roughly $4,230 in cash and 86 pills were also taken in as evidence. 97 charges were issued by law enforcement: 54 related to narcotics, 21 related to weapons, 8 that were misdemeanors and 14 that were served with outstanding warrants for previous alleged crimes. Hoodline (07/04, Zhao) also reported on the story. FBI Joins Investigation Into Congressional Intern Killed in Northwest DC Triple Shooting WUSA (CBS-9) (07/03, Rosenthal, Pusatory) reported that the boy who was injured in a shooting that left congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym dead may have been involved with one of the groups in the shooting, Police Chief Pamela Smith said Thursday. Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, was shot standing on 7th Street Northwest near the Walter E. Reed Convention Center Monday. He was in D.C. for the summer interning for Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS). One day after being shot, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst student died in the hospital. A 16-year-old boy and a woman were also injured in the shooting. The woman is in stable condition, Smith said. Police believe the teenager may known the group shooting. The teenager is in the hospital with injuries to his spine.The article added that authorities have not yet found any suspects, but Smith said the D.C. police department, along with the FBI, are searching. The black Acura the suspects were driving has been found, and they believe they have a picture of the gun. There is a video, but Smith said right now, it is grainy and they have not been able to use it. "It's a little grainy so we're bringing in the FBI to help enhance that video solution so we can see a little bit better." Smith said. WUSA (CBS-9) (07/03, Video), ABC News (07/03, Peterson), Axios (07/03, Dil), and the Washington Post (07/03, Benn, Duggan) also reported on the story. Suspect in Minnesota Assassination Ordered to Stay in Jail Until Federal Trial The New York Times (07/03, Londono) reported that the man accused of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses made a brief appearance in federal court on Thursday, where a judge ordered that he remain in custody as he awaits trial. The man, Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested on June 15, ending a nearly two-day manhunt. Prosecutors say he is the gunman who stormed into the homes of two state lawmakers in the early hours of the previous day and opened fire, as part of what they said was a campaign to target and kill Democratic elected officials. According to the article, Boelter waived his right to a detention hearing, during which prosecutors outline some of the evidence supporting the charges against a defendant. U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas L. Micko asked whether Boelter understood that he was foregoing his right to these proceedings. The Washington Post (07/03, Bailey), and the Independent (07/04, Dobkin) also reported on the story. Los Angeles Anti-ICE Activist Indicted for Handing Protective Gear to Rioters The Washington Post (07/04, Melnick) and the Washington Examiner (07/03, Zimmermann) reported that a man who allegedly handed protective gear to rioters during the Los Angeles anti-ICE protests last month was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday. The Department of Justice charged Alejandro Orellana, 29, with conspiracy to aid and abet civil disorder after distributing face shields, masks, water bottles, and other items to rioters in a viral on-camera moment. If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison for the charges. According to the article, Orellana allegedly loaded a pickup truck with the supplies on June 9, according to the indictment. The protective gear was used to help rioters withstand rubber bullets, tear gas, and other nonlethal munitions deployed by law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California, who is prosecuting the federal cases against people who unlawfully interfere with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, argued Orellana was charged because he handed supplies to violent rioters specifically. The Los Angeles Times (07/03, Queally) also reported on the story. FBI & Local Police Swarm Boca Home in Statewide 'Operation Mongolian Beef' Biker Gang Blitz Hoodline (07/04, Mendez) reported that a quiet neighborhood in Boca Raton became the center of a federal law enforcement operation last Wednesday morning as FBI agents executed a search warrant connected to the largest motorcycle gang crackdown in Florida's recent history. The raid was part of Operation Mongolian Beef, a EFTA00163477 coordinated multi-state effort that resulted in the arrest of 28 members of the notorious Mongols motorcycle gang. The article added that the Operation Mongolian Beef arrests highlight a concerning trend of expanding outlaw motorcycle club activity throughout Florida. FBI Minneapolis Division Lauded for Role in Recovering Remains of Jordan Manny Collins Jr. Hoodline (07/03, Kozlov) reported that the FBI Minneapolis Division has been commended for its integral role in a collaborative law enforcement effort, which led to the recovery of the remains of Jordan Manny Collins Jr., as detailed in an official statement. According to a statement from the FBI, Manny's discovery follows a search that involved multiple agencies and brought together an array of experts and volunteers. Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. explained that the deployment of trained units like the Evidence Response Team and the Technical Hazardous Response Unit from Quantico, VA, was instrumental in safely managing the complex crime scene. "This collaborative effort underscores our deep commitment and unity in the mission to recover Manny," Winston told the press. The support they received from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office led to effectively pooling resources and sharing expertise among agencies. Ken Paxton Drops Appeal in Suit From Whistleblowers Who Reported Him to FBI The Houston Chronicle (07/03, Goldenstein) reported that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is dropping his appeal of a $6.7 million judgment for four whistleblowers who were fired after they reported him to the FBI for alleged corruption. The third-term Republican, who is challenging U.S. Sen. John Cornyn next year rather than run for reelection, did not give an explanation for the move in a filing before the 15th Court of Appeals on Thursday. FBI Looking for Man Convicted in Beating of Girlfriend in Colorado Nearly 30 Years Ago KUSA (NBC-9) (07/05, Velez) reported that federal authorities are still looking for a man who has avoided prison time since fleeing a Colorado courtroom in 1999, after a jury found him guilty of charges related to the beating of his girlfriend. Francisco Molina-Neave, who has used multiple aliases and different dates of birth, is wanted for charges that stem from an assault that took place nearly 30 years ago in the Denver metro area, according to a release from the FBI. Officer Shot During Attack on Texas ICE Detention Facility Newsweek (07/06, Aitken) reported that City of Alvarado Police said that an officer was shot in the neck and is receiving treatment after responding to an attack on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Prairieland, Texas, on Friday evening. According to the article, the FBI declined to comment. City of Alvarado police responded on Friday night to the Prairieland Detention Center at around 10:56 p.m. CT, finding a "suspicious person" who appeared to be carrying a firearm. The first officer to respond to the scene engaged the suspect, at which point multiple others opened fire on him. The officer was struck in the neck by "at least one bullet," according to the department's statement. The officer was treated at Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth and released as of Saturday evening. Former FBI Technician and Sister to Plead Guilty in Los Angeles Bid-Rigging Scheme Involving $350K in FBI Contracts Hoodline (07/03, Levine) reported that a former FBI technician and his sister are set to enter guilty pleas in a bid- rigging conspiracy that siphoned at least $350,000 through fraudulent government contracts. Jeffrey Spencer and Christy Evereklian, implicated in manipulating bids for electronic equipment at the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, face charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. According to a news release from the Department of Justice. The article noted that the investigation, forming part of the Procurement Collusion Strike Force's efforts, unearthed Evereklian's deceptive practice of utilizing a random number generator to fabricate bids. "Evereklian submitted bids from her own companies to the FBI using the names of her relatives to conceal her control over bidding companies, and she used a random number generator to create the fraudulent bids," the DOJ disclosed. Just the News (07/05, Ballasy) also reported on the story. FBI to Close Investigation Into Former Gov. Torres Marianas Variety (07/06, Manabat) reported that the FBI in a letter dated July 1, 2025 to U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, said it will formally close its investigation into former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. In late 2019, the FBI executed search warrants at the Office of the Governor, casino investor Imperial Pacific International, and the office of Alfred Yue of Marianas Consultancy Services LLC, among other locations, including Torres' residence, vehicle, a realty office, and several apartments. In the letter to King-Hinds, FBI Assistant Director for Congressional Affairs Marshall Yates stated: "In November 2019, the FBI publicly confirmed the execution of search warrants on EFTA00163478 Saipan, including at the then-governor's Capital Hill office. All investigative actions related to those warrants have now concluded. The FBI will formally close the case once the disposition of evidence is complete, in line with standard procedures. We hope this update provides clarity and assurance to the people of the CNMI that the FBI remains committed to fairness and justice." Brinks Truck Robbed in Philadelphia; Police Investigate if Other Thefts From Armored Trucks Are Connected CBS News (07/03, Brandt) reported that an armored truck carrying cash was robbed Wednesday outside of a store in Northeast Philadelphia, police said. This is at least the third armored car robbery in the city in as many weeks, a review of recent reports from police show. And police said they are investigating whether the incidents may be connected. There is a common detail in each account of the recent armored truck robberies in the city. In each incident, the driver's service weapon was taken. A spokesperson for the FBI in Philadelphia said the Bureau is assisting Philadelphia police in investigating the robberies. Four in Custody After Robbery at Massachusetts Jewelry Store CBS News (07/03, Chaney) reported that four suspects are in police custody and one remains at large after authorities said they robbed a jewelry store in North Andover, Massachusetts on Thursday morning. According to police, the robbery happened at around 10:30 a.m. inside Milos Joyeria, a jewelry store at the Chickering Plaza. With assistance from the Lawrence Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Methuen Police Department, and the FBI, the North Andover Police were able to take four suspects into custody. They said one remains at large. Scammers Sent Fake Trump Inauguration Emails to Steal Over $250,000 in Crypto From Donor The Independent (07/04, Marcus) reported that an online scammer tricked a Trump supporter out of more than $250,000 dollars worth of cryptocurrency by pretending to be part of the president's 2025 inaugural committee, federal officials alleged this week. In late December, the fraudsters sent out emails "purporting to be Steve Witkoff," then the co-chair of the committee, soliciting over $250,000 worth of USDT.ETH cryptocurrency. The victim paid the funds, and the crypto was soon distributed across "numerous other cryptocurrency addresses," including a Nigeria-based Binance account tied to the name Ehiremen Aigbokhan. "All donors should double and triple check that they are sending cryptocurrency to their intended recipient," Washington U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a statement. "It can be extremely difficult for law enforcement to recoup lost funds due to the extremely complex nature of the blockchain." Binance and Tether, firms and currencies associated with the alleged scam, complied with FBI requests later that month to freeze accounts containing some of the stolen funds, and federal prosecutors are seeking to seize about $40,000 worth of crypto across two accounts that haven't been withdrawn. FBI Investigates Alleged Kickback Scheme at Jackson Health System Foundation in Florida The Miami Herald (07/06, Weaver, Marchante) reported that Charmaine Gatlin, former COO of the Jackson Health Foundation, was arrested in May and charged with embezzling $3.6 million from the nonprofit through fake vendor invoices and $1 million in kickbacks. She allegedly used the stolen funds to buy luxury items including a $4,350 Louis Vuitton bag and a $15,617 rose gold golf cart. The scheme extended to Atlanta, where an audiovisual company and a co-conspirator submitted $2 million in fraudulent invoices for services never rendered to the Foundation. Her arrest followed an FBI investigation launched after her sudden termination from the Foundation in late 2023. 300 Percent Increase in American Investors Defrauded by 'Ramp-and-Dump' Stock Fraud The Epoch Times (07/05, Athrappully) reported that the FBI has reported a 300 percent annual increase in victims of "ramp-and-dump" stock manipulation schemes, where scammers inflate stock prices and then sell at a profit, leaving investors with significant losses. According to the article, the schemes often involve fake "investment clubs" promoted on social media and messaging apps, with scammers impersonating legitimate brokerage firms or stock analysts to appear credible. The article noted that the FBI and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) have identified red flags for these schemes, including unsolicited investment tips, promises of high returns, and pressure to quickly buy low-priced stocks, especially those with small market capitalization and limited public float. Back to Top EFTA00163479 CYBER DIVISION DOJ Seeks to Recover Crypto Seized by FBI From Alleged Scheme Impersonating Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee The Block (07/03, Hunt) reported that the Dal is seeking to recover 40,353 USDT in cryptocurrency seized by the FBI from an alleged scheme impersonating the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee. The scammers allegedly defrauded a donor of $250,300 in cryptocurrency by posing as the committee and laundering the funds through multiple wallets. The DOJ, with the assistance of Tether, traced and seized $40,353 of the funds and is now seeking to return them to the victim through civil forfeiture. "Impersonation scams take many forms and cost Americans billions in losses each year," said Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office, which is investigating the case. "To avoid becoming a victim, carefully review email addresses, website URLs, and spelling in any messages you receive. Scammers often use subtle differences to deceive you and gain your trust. Never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other assets to people you do not know personally or have only interacted with online or over the phone." Continued Reporting: FBI Warns Travelers of 'Scattered Spider' Group Targeting Airlines SFGATE (07/05, Glab) reported that the FBI has issued a warning about a sophisticated hacker group called "Scattered Spider" that is targeting the airline industry, using social engineering techniques to gain access to internal systems and steal sensitive data. According to the article, several airlines, including Westiet, Hawaiian Airlines, and Qantas, have recently reported cybersecurity incidents, with Qantas confirming that a cyber criminal accessed a third-party customer servicing platform containing records of six million customers. The article noted that the FBI warning advises that anyone in the airline ecosystem, including trusted vendors and contractors, could be at risk of being targeted by the Scattered Spider group. Hawaii Tribune (07/04, Boylan) and Daily Mail (07/05, Garino) also reported on the story. Connecticut 19-Year-Old Posed as Yahoo! And Google Worker in $245M Crypto Heist newstimes (07/06, Baker) reported that Veer Chetal, a 19-year-old from Danbury, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments for his role in a $245 million cryptocurrency heist. Chetal, along with co-defendants Malone Lam and Jeandiel Serrano, used social engineering techniques to trick victims into providing private information, posing as representatives from companies like Yahoo! and Google. The article highlighted that federal authorities say Chetal has been "a cooperating witness" since being "approached" by FBI agents in September in connection with an investigation into the heist on Aug. 18, 2024, as well as an Aug. 25 carjacking and attempted kidnapping of his parents. Continued Reporting: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking a South Carolina FBI Agent WBTV (CBS-3) (07/03, Chrisman) reported that Scott Tardy, a 31-year-old Massachusetts man, pleaded guilty to cyberstalking a South Carolina FBI agent and their family. According to the article, Tardy used messaging apps Kik and Telegram to solicit violence against the agent and their spouse and shared personal information such as their home address. The article highlighted that the FBI conducted a search warrant on Tardy's apartment in February, where he denied ever using Kik or Telegram and also denied responsibility for the violent messages. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervision for charges including cyberstalking, providing false statements to the FBI, and obstruction of justice. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FBI's Operation Artemis Brings Sextortion Charges Against 22 Nigerians Forbes (07/05, Weisman) reported that the FBI recently announced Operation Artemis, a joint effort with law enforcement partners in Canada, Australia, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom targeting sextortion criminals in Nigeria which resulted in the arrest of 22 Nigerians alleged to be connected to sophisticated, organized sextortion rings. According to the FBI, half of those arrested were directly linked to sextortion victims who committed suicide. The article explained that between October 2024 and March 2025, the FBI reported a 30% increase in reported sextortion crimes and the number of actual occurrences is most likely significantly higher. The number of reported victims increased from 34,000 in 2023 to 54,000 in 2024. The article noted that the FBI estimates that in the past two years, criminals have taken in payments of more than $65 million from sextortion victims. Even more EFTA00163480 disturbingly, the FBI attributes at least 20 suicides of young boys to sextortion. The article added that making the sextortion problem even worse is an upsurge in sextortion assistance companies which charge thousands of dollars for their help in stopping and removing the photos and videos from appearing online. According to the FBI, these companies provide no better assistance than you can get for free and, in some instances, actually are the same criminals perpetrating the sextortion scams themselves. Canadian Police Re-Arrest Man Wanted by FBI for 'Decades-Old' Sexual Assault of Minor CBC (07/04, Loop) reported that Windsor police have arrested a 74-year—old suspect in a "historic child sexual assault" case for a second time after he allegedly violated bail conditions while awaiting extradition to the U.S. According to the article, the man is wanted by the FBI "in connection with a decades-old sexual assault of a minor," the Windsor Police Service said in a press release Thursday. Officers with Toronto police's fugitive squad originally arrested the suspect in Windsor on Sept. 11. Last month, Windsor police "launched an investigation and confirmed the suspect had violated his conditions on multiple occasions," the press release said. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS Jan. 6 Federal Prosecutor Fired by AG Bondi Quotes Theodore Roosevelt in Passionate Farewell Letter NBC News (07/04, Reilly) reported that Andrew Floyd, a federal prosecutor, was fired by Attorney General Bondi and wrote a passionate farewell letter to his colleagues, praising their dedication to seeking justice. In the letter, Floyd quoted Theodore Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena" speech, encouraging his colleagues to continue entering the arena and pursuing justice despite threats and challenges. The article assessed that Floyd's departure is part of a growing "brain drain" at the Justice Department and the FBI, with seasoned officials leaving due to mounting political pressure and fear of retaliation, amid concerns over the targeting of those involved in prosecuting allies of former President Trump. The article explained that another federal law enforcement official also wrote this week that he was targeted by bureau leadership because of his friendship with a former FBI employee. Michael Feinberg, who had been assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's Norfolk Field Division national security and intelligence programs, wrote that he was given the option of being demoted or resigning. In a resignation letter, he said that the FBI had "begun to decay" and that he had to comport himself in a manner that would make his soon-to-be-born son proud. "I love my country and our Constitution with a fervor that mere language will not allow me to articulate, and it pains me that my profession will no longer entail being their servant," Feinberg wrote. "It has been the honor of a lifetime to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States." Violent Crime Was Down Nationally in 2024, According to Half-Year FBI Snapshot Boston Herald (07/06, McColgan) reported that the FBI reported a 10% decrease in violent crime nationwide in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to their quarterly crime report issued in September of the previous year. According to the article, the decrease in violent crime was observed across various categories, including murder, which decreased by 22.7%, rape, which decreased by 17.7%, robbery, which decreased by 13.6%, and aggravated assault, which decreased by 8.1%, as stated in the quarterly data update. In addition to the decline in violent crime, property crime also decreased by 13.1% in the first half of 2024, indicating a continued downward trend from the previous year. The article added that the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program collected data from over 16,000 state, county, city, higher education, and tribal agencies, covering 94.3% of the country, which reported a 10.3% decrease in violent crime from January to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The downward trend in crime rates is not limited to the first half of 2024, as the FBI's data for the entirety of 2023 showed a 3% decrease in violent crime incidents compared to 2022, including an 11.6% decrease in murder and non-negligent manslaughter, a 9.4% decrease in rape, a 2.8% decrease in aggravated assault, and a 0.3% decrease in robberies. The New York Times (07/06, Lopez) reported that nearly half of murder cases in the U.S. go unsolved, with a clearance rate of 58% in 2023, the latest year for which FBI data is available. And that figure is inflated because it includes murders from previous years that police solved in 2023. According to the article, experts attribute this to a lack of resources, the volume of cases, distrust of police, and the prevalence of guns, making it easier for criminals to get away with murder. The article assessed that potential solutions include increasing resources for solving murders, utilizing modern technology such as cameras and facial recognition software, and addressing the root causes of crime, as suggested by researchers like Jennifer Doleac and policymakers in cities like Louisville. EFTA00163481 South Dakota Attorney General Meets With Director Patel Dakota News Now (07/03, Staff Writer) reported that South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley met with Director Patel last week to talk about the partnerships between state and federal law enforcement. "My meeting with Director Patel focused on strengthening South Dakota's federal and state partnerships throughout the state, including Indian Country," said Attorney General Jackley. Jackley noted that the Attorney General's Office's Division of Criminal Investigation has maintained a positive relationship with the FBI over the years. Newly Revealed DB Cooper Files Shed New Light on FBI's Hunt for Hijacker The New York Post (07/04, Troutman) reported that Newly released FBI files provide new insights into the Bureau's probe into the mysterious case of airline hijacker Cooper, including that one potential suspect was a man in a wheelchair. The 398-page trove unveiled details the FBI's dogged efforts to investigate tips from people claiming to know the still-elusive man who leaped out of a Boeing plane with $200,000 in cash after taking passengers and crew hostage in 1971. The Economic Times (07/05, Staff Writer), and People (07/04, Coulter) also reported on the story. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL NEWS Trump and Netanyahu to Meet as New Middle East Tests Loom Wall Street Journal Turkish Police Detain Three More Mayors From Party Opposed to Erdogan Wall Street Journal Hamas Accepts Gaza Cease-Fire Proposal With American Assurances Over Talks to End War Wall Street Journal Congo Braces for HIV Surge After U.S. Funding Stops Wall Street Journal U.N. Pulls Nuclear Inspectors Out of Iran for Safety Reasons Wall Street Journal Australia Wants to Bar Children From Social Media. Can It Succeed? New York Times Erin Patterson Convicted of Mushroom Murders Reuters Police Block Roads to Kenyan Capital on Anniversary of Pro-Democracy Protests Reuters Twelve Turkish Soldiers Killed by Gas Exposure During Cave Search in Iraq Reuters Australian Police Officer Who Fatally Shot Indigenous Teenager Was Racist, Coroner Finds Reuters Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Musk Announces Forming of 'America Party' in Further Break From Trump Reuters, CNN, Fox News, Wall Street Journal, BBC How Healthcare Cuts in the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Will Affect Americans Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Associated Press, CNN, The Hill Judge Rejects Last-Minute Request, Paving Way for Removal of 8 Migrants Detained in Djibouti EFTA00163482 ABC News, Washington Post Here's Where Trump's Approval Ratings Stand on Key Issues The Hill Law Used to Kick Out Nazis Could Be Used to Strip Citizenship From Many More Americans CNN U.S. Expands Militarized Zones to 1/3 of Southern Border, Stirring Controversy Associated Press Ecuadorian Drug Lord "Fito" Captured After Frantic Search and Hidden Bunker Discovery Washington Post Hundreds of Accused Criminals Arrested in Sweeping Federal Operation New York Post Virginia Has Become a Hotbed for Immigration Arrests New York Times Republicans Just Cut Medicaid. Will It Cost Them Control of Congress? Politico Back to Top WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Trump • 9:00 AM: In-Town Pool Call Time • 4:00 PM: The President signs Executive Orders • 6:30 PM: The President greets the Prime Minister of the State of Israel • 6:35 PM: The President participates in a dinner with the Prime Minister of the State of Israel Vice President Vance • No official presidential schedule released or announced. US Senate • Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the subcommittee's jurisdiction of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026. - 5:30 PM — Host: Armed Services US House of Representatives • Business Meeting: H.R. 261 Undersea Cable Protection Act• H.R. 3015 National Coal Council Reestablishment Act• H.R. 3062 Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act• H.R. 3898 Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act. — 4:00 PM — Host: Committee on Rules • Markup: Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill — 6:00 PM — Host: Committee on Appropriations Cabinet Members • Secretary of State Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. Visitors • No events scheduled. EFTA00163483 General Events • The Heritage Foundation: The Power Behind Israel's Economic Strength in War — Monday, July 7, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. Join Heritage as the Embassy of Israel's Minister of Economic Affairs, Noach Hacker, offers a deep look at the strength and strategy behind Israel's economy. This conversation will outline how, over decades, Israel quietly prepared not only for military threats, but also for the economic impact of extreme conflict. Just as the country demonstrated extraordinary military capability in recent days, its economy has shown remarkable stability and strength during 360+ intense days of fighting which came to a climax in 12 days of Operation Rising Lion. • CSIS: Statistical Review of World Energy 2025 — Monday, July 7, 2025. Location: Online event, 1:00 PM. The CSIS Energy Security & Climate Change Program is pleased to host Dr. Nick Wayth, Chief Executive of the Energy Institute (El), for a presentation and discussion of the 2025 El Statistical Review of World Energy. • CSIS: Rule of Law in China 10 Years after the 709 Crackdown — Monday, July 7, 2025. Location: Online event, 2:00 PM. Starting on July 9, 2015, Chinese authorities detained hundreds of human rights lawyers and advocates, many of whom received long prison sentences, in what became known as the 709 Crackdown. This marked an important turning point for the rule of law in China, as well as the country's evolving political system and its development path. Ten years later, the events of 709 continue to shape Chinese society, politics, and legal institutions. • Hudson Institute: Postponed I Designating the Polisario Front: A Conversation with Rep. Joe Wilson — Monday, July 7, 2025. Location: Online event, 1:30 PM. Michael Doran, director of Hudson's Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East, will host Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) for a discussion on the strategic benefits of designating the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. EFTA00163484