Video: Kenneth Chesebro Pleads Guilty in Georgia Interference Case

Published

1 year ago

October 20, 2023

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Video: Kenneth Chesebro Pleads Guilty in Georgia Interference Case

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Kenneth Chesebro Pleads Guilty in Georgia Interference Case

Mr. Chesebro was criminally charged in Georgia for his role in what prosecutors described as a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election in favor of Donald J. Trump.

: “You understand that you’re giving up each and every one of these rights by pleading guilty here today?” “Yes, I understand all that.” “Has anyone forced, threatened or promised you anything for you to enter into this guilty plea?” “No.” “It is your decision to waive these rights and enter into this guilty plea because you are, in fact, guilty?” “Yes.” “How do you plead to Count 15, conspiracy to commit filing false documents in Indictment No. 23SC188947?” “Guilty.” “Have you and your attorney signed that indictment?” “Yes.”
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New Orleans Releases Most Names of Victims Killed in Attack

Published

5 hours ago

January 4, 2025

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New Orleans Releases Most Names of Victims Killed in Attack

Things had been looking up for Elliot Wilkinson, a 40-year-old man who was among the 14 people killed in New Orleans this week in what federal authorities were investigating as a terrorist attack.

Mr. Wilkinson had been released from prison and was homeless, but he had started searching for an apartment, according to a local homeless outreach group, Unity of Greater New Orleans. And he was back in one of his favorite places, according to his brother, Cecil Wilkinson.

“That’s where he wanted to go, when he got out, so that’s where he went,” the brother said. “He loved that city.”

Elliot WilkinsonCredit…via Cecil Wilkinson

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a Texas man drove a pickup into the city’s French Quarter, where crowds of people had gathered along Bourbon Street to celebrate. Fourteen people were killed, and dozens more injured, including two police officers hurt during a shootout that killed the driver.

Bourbon Street’s bars, live music and crowds draw a lively but diverse mix of people, including tourists, buskers and homeless people down on their luck. On a holiday night, it drew a youthful crowd. Many of the victims were in their teens and twenties.

On Friday evening, the city released the names of 12 of the 14 victims. All had died of blunt force injuries, according to the emailed release. A thirteenth victim was identified by the Metropolitan Police in London as a British citizen: Edward Pettifer, aged 31. One person had not yet been identified.

As their names were revealed this week, friends and families mourned the promising futures cut short. Some had just started college or new jobs. On Friday, people gathered near flowers and candles arranged along the path that the truck had taken. President Biden was planning to visit on Monday and meet with the victims’ families and others affected.

Among the victims was Drew Dauphin, 26, who had come to the city from Alabama with his little brother, Matthew. They had gotten separated after going to a concert and getting some pizza. Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, had planned to watch the fireworks along the river, he told his family. That morning they checked his phone’s location, and saw it had moved to Bourbon Street.

Matthew Tenedorio, 25, had gone out with friends after eating dinner with his parents. He was remembered for his childhood high jinks with his cousins, playing pranks and fighting with Nerf guns.

Kareem Badawi and Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux were just 18. Mr. Badawi had recently finished his first semester at the University of Alabama, where he majored in mechanical engineering, according to his father.

Ni’Kyra Cheyenne DedeauxCredit…Jennifer Smith

Ms. Dedeaux was from Gulfport, Miss. She had just graduated from high school in the spring and was enrolling in college in New Orleans with plans to become a nurse.

The violence tore apart families and friends. Nicole Perez, 27, had just gotten a promotion at the deli where she worked. She left behind a 4-year-old son. Two cousins, Reggie Hunter, 37, and Kevin Curry, 38, came to the city to celebrate the new year together. Mr. Hunter died, and Mr. Curry was hospitalized with a broken leg.

Nicole PerezCredit…Emily Elliott

Tiger Bech, a former college football player who died, was remembered by his little brother, Jack, in a post on social media: “Love you always brother!”

Some victims, like Mr. Wilkinson, had longstanding ties to New Orleans. Terrence Kennedy, 63, was a lifelong resident of the city and one of nine siblings, according to one of his nieces, Monisha James. With no children of his own, he was always ready to look after family members’ kids, she said. At family parties, he kept an eye out for plates to clear and drinks to refill.

Terrence KennedyCredit…via Monisha James

Though many locals avoid the area except to work or perform, Mr. Kennedy loved to people watch and hang out outside of a shop on Bourbon Street, Ms. James. The family believes that is what drew him to the street on New Year’s Eve.

“He died doing something he liked to do,” she said.

Brandon Taylor, 43, was a restaurant cook and rapper. He regularly drove more than an hour from his home just south of New Orleans to see his fiancée, Heather Genusa, who lives near Baton Rouge. Ms. Genusa, 38, recalled that they talked on the phone for about six months before meeting in person in early 2023.

Brandon TaylorCredit…via Heather Genusa

“I said once we meet, all the stars were going to align,” she said. “And they did. They really did.”

The couple were planning to move in together next month.

According to the city’s coroner, William Dimaio, 25, from New Jersey, was also among those killed.

Cecil Wilkinson said he had hoped to introduce his daughter to Elliot, but had not yet had the chance.

“We loved each other,” he said. “We always looked out for each other when we was younger.”

Some of the dozens of people injured in the attack were still hospitalized Saturday. Others had returned home but were still wrestling with what they had been through. Alexis Scott-Windham, 23, of Mobile, Ala., who had gone to New Orleans with friends to celebrate New Year’s, said the attacker’s truck had hit her right ankle as she rushed from its path. The impact tore skin from the back of her leg and fractured her ankle in multiple places. She was also shot in the foot.

She’s not ready to return to New Orleans just yet, but in a month or so she wants to visit the memorial on Bourbon Street.

“It could have been me,” she said.

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed reporting. Kirsten Noyes and Jack Begg contributed research.

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Biden plans $8bn arms sale to Israel

Published

7 hours ago

January 4, 2025

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Joe Biden’s administration has provisionally approved $8bn in new weapons for Israel in a last-minute show of support for the US president’s close ally after more than a year of war in Gaza.

The State Department disclosed the sale to Congress late on Friday in what is known as an informal notification, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Such a notification comes before the public announcement of a deal, which will require the approval of the Senate and House Foreign Relations Committees before it can go through.

Axios first reported on the planned sale, which includes $6.75bn in precision guided missiles and small bombs, $300mn in 155mm artillery shells, $600mn in Hellfire missiles and $300mn in Amraam air-to-air missiles, according to one of the people familiar with the matter.

A second person said some of the weapons would come directly from US stocks but many would take a year or more to deliver.

Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 45,000 people in the enclave, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel launched the offensive in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials.

Biden administration officials have vowed to continue to pursue efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza until the end of their term on January 20, but the talks have been stalled for months.

The administration has repeatedly raised concerns with Israel about the humanitarian situation in Gaza but has largely not followed through on threats to withhold weapons.

In November the State Department withdrew a threat to withhold military assistance even after aid deliveries into Gaza fell to record lows, saying it was satisfied that Israel had taken steps to improve the humanitarian situation.

US officials say aid deliveries have improved since then but continue to be insufficient. Aid groups have repeatedly warned that Israel’s offensive has fuelled a humanitarian catastrophe in the enclave, and called for far greater quantities of aid to be delivered.

Biden has said that he supports Israel’s right to defend itself and vowed to supply it with weapons as part of efforts to deter Iran and its proxies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has frequently accused the US of delaying weapons and munitions deliveries, a charge the Biden administration denies.

In November Netanyahu said he had agreed to a ceasefire with Hizbollah in Lebanon in part to help Israeli forces replenish their stocks.

That month the Biden administration informally notified Congress that it planned to give Israel $680mn in precision weapons.

That announcement came after some Democrats in Congress tried and failed to block a $20bn weapons sale to Israel last summer.

Congress approved $26bn in additional wartime aid for Israel in April. That came in addition to the $3.8bn in security assistance the US provides to Israel annually.

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What happens during a presidential funeral and a look back at past funerals

Published

7 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Press Room

What happens during a presidential funeral and a look back at past funerals

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(Original Caption) Billy Graham delivers the sermon at the graveside services for former President Lyndon B. Johnson at the family cemetery on the LBJ Ranch.

ATLANTA – A presidential funeral in the United States is a carefully orchestrated event, blending solemn traditions and heartfelt tributes. It spans several days and includes multiple stages, giving the nation time to mourn and honor its former leader. Here’s an easy-to-follow breakdown of what happens during these historic occasions:

1. The Initial Announcement

When a former president passes away, the sitting president issues an official proclamation to announce their death. Flags are lowered to half-staff across the country for 30 days as a sign of national mourning. The Department of Defense is tasked with organizing a state funeral to honor the late president’s service.

2. Local Ceremonies

Before heading to Washington, D.C., there are usually private ceremonies in the president’s home state or city.

Private Service: Close family and friends gather for a quiet memorial.
Lying in Repose: The president’s body is placed at a significant location, such as a presidential library, where local residents can pay their respects.

3. Washington, D.C. Ceremonies

The capital plays a major role in the state funeral. Here’s what happens:

Arrival in Washington: The president’s remains are flown to D.C., often on a special aircraft designated for this purpose.
Procession Through the City: The casket is transported with military honors, often by a horse-drawn caisson. This symbolic journey reflects the nation’s respect.
Lying in State: The casket is placed in the Capitol Rotunda, where the public can pay their respects. A special platform called the Lincoln Catafalque, first used for Abraham Lincoln, supports the casket.
State Funeral Service: A formal ceremony is held, usually at the Washington National Cathedral, featuring eulogies from notable figures like current and former presidents, hymns, and prayers.

4. The Final Goodbye and Burial

After the ceremonies in Washington, the president’s remains are returned to their chosen burial site, often their hometown or a location of personal significance.

Private Funeral: A smaller, more intimate service is held for family and close friends.
Interment: The president is laid to rest, often with military honors such as a 21-gun salute or a flyover.

Ceremonial Highlights

Throughout the process, several traditions make these funerals uniquely presidential:

Military Honors: Elite honor guards and military bands participate, reflecting the president’s role as commander-in-chief.
21-Gun Salute: This traditional military tribute honors the late president’s service.
Eulogies: Delivered by prominent leaders, these heartfelt tributes celebrate the president’s life and legacy.

A Time for National Mourning

The entire process, from the initial announcement to the burial, typically lasts 7 to 10 days. It allows Americans to grieve collectively, remember the president’s contributions, and reflect on their impact on the nation.

RELATED: PHOTOS: Ceremonies begin for former President Jimmy Carter | 1924-2024

A Look at the Last 8 Presidents

Joint services military honor guards carry the casket of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush to a Union Pacific train in Spring, Texas, U.S., on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018. Bush, the longest-living president in U.S. history at age 94, died at his home

George H.W. Bush (41st President)

Died: Nov. 30, 2018
Funeral: A state funeral spanned several days in Texas and Washington, D.C. Bush lay in state at the U.S. Capitol before a service at the National Cathedral. Attendees included President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, former presidents, first ladies, and foreign dignitaries.
Highlights: His remains were transported via a train painted in an Air Force One color scheme, reflecting his love of trains.
Burial Site: George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, College Station, Texas, alongside his wife, Barbara, and daughter Robin.
Estimated Cost: $500,000–$2 million

washington, UNITED STATES: Betty Ford pauses at the flag draped casket of her husband and former US president Gerald R. Ford, as he lies in state in the Rotunda of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, 01 January 2007. Ford died in California on

Gerald Ford (38th President)

Died: Dec. 26, 2006
Funeral: Ceremonies took place in California, Washington, D.C., and Michigan. Services included a memorial at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, lying in state at the Capitol, and a funeral at the National Cathedral.
Highlights: Ford’s body lay in repose at his presidential museum in Michigan, where 67,000 people paid their respects.
Burial Site: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside his wife, Betty Ford.
Estimated Cost: $7 million

TOPSHOT – Former US First Lady Nancy Reagan (C), escorted by Maj. Gen. Galen B. Jackman, watches 09 June, 2004, as the guard honor carries the casket bearing the remains of her husband former US president Ronald Reagan to the presidential airplane fo

Ronald Reagan (40th President)

Died: June 5, 2004
Funeral: A week-long state funeral included services in California, Washington, D.C., and a private burial at the Reagan Library. Reagan lay in repose for two days at the library and later in state at the Capitol, where 100,000 mourners visited.
Highlights: A sunset burial service marked the return of large-scale presidential state funerals.
Burial Site: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, California.
Estimated Cost: $400 million (including extensive security costs).

Flowers for Richard Nixon’s Funeral (Photo by �� Steve Starr/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Richard Nixon (37th President)

Died: April 22, 1994
Funeral: A private service held at the Nixon Presidential Library in California, attended by world leaders and five living presidents.
Highlights: Nixon lay in repose at the library, where 50,000 people waited up to 18 hours to pay their respects.
Burial Site: Nixon Library, Yorba Linda, California, alongside his wife, Pat.
Estimated Cost: Approximately $200,000

Honor guard bearing former Pres. Richard Nixon’s flag-draped coffin during funeral service (Rev. Billy Graham at far L). (Photo by Diana Walker/Getty Images)

Lyndon B. Johnson (36th President)

Died: Jan. 22, 1973
Funeral: Services included ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and Texas. Johnson lay in state at the Capitol and was later buried with military honors on his ranch.
Highlights: A Texas National Guard Unit fired a 21-gun salute during his burial.
Burial Site: Johnson Family Cemetery, Stonewall, Texas, alongside Lady Bird Johnson.
Estimated Cost: Likely under $500,000

Funeral of american president John F. Kennedy on november 25, 1963 in Washington : Edward “Ted” Kennedy, Jackie kennedy with her children Caroline and John-John, Robert “Bob” Kennedy. (Photo by Apic/Bridgeman via Getty Images)

John F. Kennedy (35th President)

Died: Nov. 22, 1963
Funeral: A three-day event following his assassination. Kennedy lay in repose at the White House, then in state at the Capitol, before a funeral Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral.
Highlights: Jacqueline Kennedy lit the eternal flame at his Arlington gravesite. The funeral was the first to be televised.
Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Estimated Cost: Roughly $4 million (adjusted for inflation).

Funeral of Harry Truman, miscellaneous views of casket as it lies in state of Truman Library. (Photo by UPI Color/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

Harry S. Truman (33rd President)

Died: Dec. 26, 1972
Funeral: Truman requested a modest funeral. Services included a private memorial at the Truman Library and a public memorial at the National Cathedral.
Highlights: His body passed by the Truman home, where Bess Truman watched from a window.
Burial Site: Truman Library, Independence, Missouri, alongside his wife, Bess.
Estimated Cost: Likely under $100,000

The late President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is laid to rest in the rose garden of his Hyde Park estate. Mourners and military officers gather to pay their last respects. | Location: Hyde Park, New York, USA.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President)

Died: April 12, 1945
Funeral: Services were held at the White House and St. John’s Episcopal Church before his burial at Hyde Park.
Highlights: Thousands lined the train route from Warm Springs, Georgia, to New York. The ceremonies were scaled down due to WWII.
Burial Site: Springwood Estate, Hyde Park, New York, alongside Eleanor Roosevelt.
Estimated Cost: Unknown

Costs for Future Presidential Funerals

Modern presidential funerals have become increasingly expensive due to heightened security and larger public ceremonies. Estimated costs for future funerals could reach $8–10 million or more.