Good morning, and welcome to The Epoch Times News Brief for Saturday, May 18, 2024. I’m Bill Thomas, and today, we’ll share with you some really intriguing news, including a call for all Americans to be aware of possible terrorist threats! Also, we look at former President Donald Trump attending his son Barron’s graduation, the final investigation into a Boeing whistleblower’s death, and a controversial pardon in Texas. We also have a story about a Washington doctor fined over COVID-19 treatments, and a hefty prison sentence for the man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband.
US State Department Issues ‘Worldwide Caution’ Alert for Americans
The U.S. Department of State has issued a “worldwide caution” alert, advising U.S. citizens all over the planet to stay vigilant due to potential terrorist threats or violent actions against Americans. This warning is particularly emphasized for Americans traveling or living overseas, as well as LGBT individuals, especially during Pride events in June.This alert follows a previous warning issued after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack in Israel and is accompanied by a specific advisory for U.S. citizens in the Middle East, highlighting active military operations in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
In related news, the FBI recently detained an 18-year-old for planning a terrorist attack on local churches. Also, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has expressed concerns about an ISIS-linked human smuggling network at the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting that a terrorist attack on U.S. soil could be imminent. FBI Director Christopher Wray has also voiced concerns about foreign terrorist groups, particularly ISIS-K in Afghanistan and Pakistan, aiming to launch attacks in the United States and against Jewish communities at home and abroad.
Trump Attends Son Barron’s Graduation as New York Trial Breaks
President Trump recently took a break from his criminal trial in New York to attend a very special family event—his son Barron Trump’s graduation from Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida. President Trump shared his pride on Truth Social, praising Barron as a “great student and wonderful boy.” Photographs from the event show him standing beside his wife, Melania.The trial in New York has kept President Trump busy, as he’s attended every session, as required by state law. This graduation was the first public appearance for both Donald and Melania Trump since the trial began. The former president was granted a day off from his ongoing criminal trial in New York to attend the graduation.
President Trump faces charges of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
One more note about President Trump’s son, Barron. He’s the youngest of the Trump children, and he’s often described as a smart and politically interested young man. He plans to start college later this year, and he recently made headlines. His mother released a statement about him being honored yet unable to serve as a delegate for the Florida Republican Party due to prior commitments.
Boeing Whistleblower’s Death Ruled Suicide as Police Wrap Up Probe
In Charleston, South Carolina, the local police department has wrapped up its investigation into the death of John Barnett, a former Boeing quality control manager. They’ve confirmed that Mr. Barnett’s death was due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, consistent with their initial findings. This all began on March 9, when police were called to perform a welfare check at a hotel where Mr. Barnett was staying. He was found in his vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head and a suicide note placed in the passenger seat.When they checked the scene, officers found no evidence of forced entry or a struggle, the department said. They discovered the key fob for the vehicle in Mr. Barnett’s pocket and retrieved a handgun, a fired cartridge case, and a projectile from the vehicle, all supporting the conclusion that the gunshot was self-inflicted. Surveillance footage further confirmed that no one else had entered or exited the vehicle around that time, according to the coroner’s office.
The coroner’s report noted that Mr. Barnett was dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, PTSD, and grief over the loss of his wife—all contributing factors to the tragic outcome.
At the time of his death, Mr. Barnett was a key witness in a lawsuit, in which he claimed that Boeing retaliated against him for raising his concerns with the U.S. Labor Department. He had been a vocal critic of the company’s safety and production practices. This all happened as Boeing was facing increased scrutiny after a panel on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 came loose mid-air, leading to the grounding of this model and sparking an investigation into Boeing’s safety standards.
Texas Governor Pardons Daniel Perry, Veteran Who Shot Armed BLM Protester
Mr. Abbott has granted a full pardon to former U.S. Army Sergeant Daniel Perry, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of murdering an armed Black Lives Matter protester.The governor criticized Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza for allegedly directing the lead investigator to withhold evidence and misusing his office in the prosecution. He emphasized the strength of Texas’s “Stand Your Ground” laws, which he believes should not be undermined by a jury or a progressive DA.
Following a thorough review, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended the pardon and the restoration of Mr. Perry’s firearm rights.
This all happened on July 25, 2020, during a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin, Texas. Mr. Perry, who was then working as a ride-share driver, accidentally drove into the protest. As the situation escalated with protesters beating on his vehicle, a man named Garrett Foster, armed with an AK-47, approached Mr. Perry’s car and motioned for him to lower his window. When Mr. Foster raised his rifle towards him, Mr. Perry, fearing for his life, shot Mr. Foster.
The prosecution argued that Mr. Perry had intentionally driven into the crowd, while his defense maintained it was an act of self-defense. They also claimed the prosecution had withheld evidence that could have portrayed Mr. Foster as the aggressor, including a video where Mr. Foster allegedly stated he would use his rifle against police.
Mr. Perry’s attorney expressed gratitude for the pardon, noting Mr. Perry had served 372 days of his sentence before being released. However, the District Attorney condemned the pardon as a mockery of the legal system and an example of unequal treatment, vowing to continue seeking justice.
Texas law supports the use of force for self-defense if it is deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances. After reviewing the evidence, the Board of Pardons and Paroles concluded Mr. Perry acted within the law, leading to their recommendation for his pardon.
Doctor Fined for Prescribing Ivermectin Against COVID-19
In Washington state, a physician named Dr. Wei-Hsung Lin has been disciplined with a $5,000 fine and is required to undergo additional education after he prescribed ivermectin to treat COVID-19 in five patients. Although ivermectin is FDA-approved for certain conditions, administration officials have advised against its use for this virus. Dr. Lin acknowledged he did not fully discuss the risks or alternative treatments with these patients. One of the patients returned to the hospital after not improving following four days of taking ivermectin, though she later recovered.In a separate case, after becoming aware of possible adverse effects, other patients opted not to take the medication. Dr. Lin’s medical practices were scrutinized for not discussing alternative COVID-19 treatments, including vaccines, which led to further restrictions. He is now prohibited from prescribing ivermectin off-label and from providing care without establishing a proper doctor-patient relationship.
As part of disciplinary actions, Dr. Lin is required to familiarize himself with the latest COVID-19 treatment guidelines, complete courses in continuing medical education, and author two papers about what he has learned from this experience. His practice will also undergo annual compliance reviews.
Dr. Jane Orient of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons criticized the conditions placed on Dr. Lin because she says ivermectin is a safe drug.
Although Dr. Lin decided to settle the case, which reduced some penalties, he has the option to petition for the termination of this order in three years.
Man Who Attacked Nancy Pelosi’s Husband Receives Prison Sentence
Mr. DePape has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following his conviction for attempting to kidnap the former House speaker and assaulting her husband, Paul Pelosi.U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley delivered the sentence. Prosecutors were looking for a 40-year sentence, while Mr. DePape’s defense requested 14 years.
The charges stemmed from an incident where Mr. DePape entered the Pelosis’ San Francisco home, intent on taking the former speaker hostage. During the trial, he confessed to attacking her husband with a hammer. He intended to hold the former speaker hostage and “break her kneecaps” if she lied to him. Mr. DePape viewed her as the “leader of the pack of liars.”
Mr. Pelosi testified that he was awakened by Mr. DePape, who demanded to see his wife. When Mr. Pelosi tried to call the police, Mr. DePape struck him, causing a skull fracture and other serious injuries that continue to affect his health.
The defense argued that Mr. DePape was driven by his political beliefs and mental health issues, rather than an intent to interfere with the former speaker’s official duties. They also claimed he had mental health issues and was susceptible to manipulation.
Mr. DePape faces additional charges in state court, including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and residential burglary. He had also planned to target other public figures, including Hunter Biden, George Soros, Tom Hanks, and Gavin Newsom.
The Pelosi family has expressed their gratitude for the support received during this difficult time and stated they will not comment further due to the ongoing proceedings.
Time is just screaming by and I know you have a bunch of things to tend to today, so let’s make that one our final story on this, the Saturday edition of The Epoch Times News Brief. Thrilled to pieces that the weekend is finally here.
Also, as you know by now, we’re always trying to grow the News Brief family, so we’d sure appreciate it if you could tell some folks you know about our program, and let’s bring more News Briefers into the fold.
And finally, as we do each and every day on this program, we wrap things up with a very “notable” quote:
This one comes to us from Vidal Sassoon, who said: “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” Simple, but profound.
Vidal Sassoon was a British hairstylist, businessman, and philanthropist. He was noted for making famous again a simple, close-cut geometric hairstyle called the five-point cut, worn by famous movie stars such as Mia Farrow, Goldie Hawn, Cameron Diaz, Nastassja Kinski, and Helen Mirren. A high-end hairstylist with an impressive client list.
For all of us here at The Epoch Times News Brief, I’m Bill Thomas, we greatly appreciate you being here today, and I’ve got to go out and get a haircut now. Have a stellar weekend, and we’ll see you right back next time for another edition of the Epoch Times News Brief. Have a phenomenal day today.
