List of All Articles with Tag 'erica'

The white, powdery substance that prompted a brief evacuation of the White House over the weekend has been confirmed to be cocaine by laboratory testing, The Independent has learned. A spokesperson for the US Secret Service, which by law is responsible for security in and around the 18-acre White House campus, confirmed the laboratory result in an email on Wednesday. The spokesperson, Anthony Gugliemi, previously said the agency was standing up “an investigation into the cause and manner” of how the cocaine came to be in a public waiting area in the West Wing, where it was discovered late Sunday by officers with the Secret Service Uniformed Division. According to DC Fire and EMS Department radio transmissions archived by OpenMHZ, firefighters with the department’s hazardous materials unit who were called to investigate the then-unidentified powder used a field test analyse a small sample, which returned a presumptive result for cocaine hydrochloride. Neither President Joe Biden nor any other members of his family were present at the White House during the incident, as the Biden family spent the holiday weekend at Camp David, the US Navy-operated presidential retreat in Thurmont, Maryland. Mr Biden and several family members departed the White House on Friday and returned late on Monday to participate in several Independence Day events. According to a source familiar with the events surrounding the discovery of the cocaine, it was found in a small bag in a waiting area which is regularly accessed by White House staff and visitors to the West Wing, the part of the White House which contains offices used by Mr Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the president’s senior staff, as well as members of the White House press corps. Although there were no public tours of the White House on Sunday, staff members have long been authorised to bring family and friends into the West Wing for tours of the workspace, and the area where the cocaine was found is heavily trafficked during the week. It is not yet known when the cocaine would have been brought into the building or by whom, but Mr Gugliemi said investigators are working to determine those facts if possible. Read More Mystery white powder suspected to be cocaine is found in White House

L. Lin Wood, a Georgia attorney who was part of the legal team that attempted to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election, has said he will retire from the practice of law. Mr Wood sent a letter to top officials at the State Bar of Georgia on Tuesday asking that he be permitted to transfer to “Retired Status” effective immediately. Mr Wood writes that he understands that by taking retired status he would no longer be allowed to practise law in Georgia or any other state or jurisdiction and that he would not be allowed to apply for re-admission. Mr Wood’s decision to end his legal career comes he deals with a range of legal headaches in the wake of his work for Mr Trump’s campaign following the 2020 election. According to reporting by The Daily Beast, the Georgia Bar held a disciplinary trial for Mr Wood in May and was weighing whether to disbar him. Mr Wood is also reportedly facing a potential misconudct case in Michigan over his election work as well as a defamation lawsuit from a former political ally. Given the timing of the request, it is not yet clear whether the Georgia state bar will allow Mr Wood to move to retirement status and prematurely end its disciplinary proceeding against him. Mr Wood was one of a number of Trump attorneys sanctioned by a federal judge in Michigan two years over his role in filing a lawsuit that sought to have President Joe Biden’s victory in the state thrown out and the state’s electoral votes awarded to Mr Trump. The judge in that case, US District Judge Linda Parker, agreed with Gov Gretchen Whitmer that the lawsuit had been filed for an “improper purpose” and wrote in her opinion that the attorneys’ conduct “warrants a referral for investigation and possible suspension or disbarment.” Mr Wood’s legal efforts in the aftermath of the 2020 election were spectacularly unsuccessful — Mr Trump’s legal team did not succeed in reversing the result of a single state they took action in and were only successful in one of the more than 60 lawsuits they filed regarding the race. Mr Wood is far from the only Trump election lawyer in professional trouble. John Eastman is facing potential disbarment in California, while Jeffrey Clark, who was serving as assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice, is facing disciplinary proceedings at the District of Columbia Bar. Mr Trump himself remains under criminal investigation in Georgia for his alleged attempts to interfere in the election. Read More Trump news – live: Trump likened to American traitor Benedict Arnold as he posts bizarre 4th of July messages Trump mocked for bizarre July 4 AI image: ‘He’d sell us out faster than Benedict Arnold’

The Texas attorney general currently suspended and facing an impeachment trial in the state’s Senate is lashing out at lawmakers, vowing not to participate in a process he has called illegal and politicised — despite all involved being Republicans. Ken Paxton vowed on Monday that he would not testify in the upcoming trial set to be held in the Texas state Senate over a list of accusations that paints a damning picture of corruption in his office. The embattled Mr Paxton, a known warrior for conservative causes in the court system as part of his efforts to build a statewide profile, has been accused of taking bribes from a campaign donor, then using his office’s power to shield that same donor from legal action. He’s also alleged to have retaliated against whistleblowers in his office who came forward to speak about the supposed scheme. The statement, first reported by the Texas Tribune, came via Mr Paxton’s attorney Tony Buzbee. “We will not bow to their evil, illegal, and unprecedented weaponisation of state power in the Senate chamber,” said Mr Buzbee. He added: “​​The House has ignored precedent, denied him an opportunity to prepare his defense, and now wants to ambush him on the floor of the Senate. They had the opportunity to have Attorney General Paxton testify during their sham investigation but refused to do so.” Mr Paxton has long denied the allegations against him — though evasively, as the Tribune and other state media have noted, and has focused the majority of his efforts in recent weeks on criticising the individuals behind his impeachment in the state House of Representatives. At a May press conference addressing the issue, he accused his Republican critics in the House of working to thwart his efforts to champion conservative causes in the courts. “The corrupt politicians in the Texas House are demonstrating that blind loyalty to Speaker Dade Phelan is more important than upholding their oath of office,” he said at the time. “They are determined to ignore the law. They have denied me the opportunity to present the evidence which contradicts their politically motivated narrative.” “The House is poised to do exactly what Joe Biden has been hoping to accomplish since his first day in office: sabotage our work, my work, as attorney general of Texas,” Mr Paxton added at that press conference. He has proceeded to also level unfounded charges of alcohol abuse by the speaker of the Texas House, Dade Phelan, and called for Mr Phelan’s resignation. Others, during the House impeachment process, claimed that they received threatening phone calls from Mr Paxton ahead of the vote. Lawmakers in the House and Senate of the state of Texas have shown no sign, however, of relenting in the face of his bluster. Mr Paxton’s trial is due to begin on 5 September. His wife, a state senator, will be barred on voting for or against his conviction. Read More Should domestic abusers have the right to be armed? The Supreme Court could upend protections for survivors Texas businessman at center of AG Ken Paxton's impeachment pleads not guilty to federal charges Texas Sen. Angela Paxton says she will 'carry out my duties' in husband's impeachment trial Ted Cruz accuses new Barbie movie of ‘pushing Chinese propaganda’ Conservatives go to red states, Democrats to blue as the country grows more polarized Biden renews call for assault weapons ban after ‘tragic and senseless’ spate of July 4 shootings

The Republican Party is being called out on social media after it shared the flag of the wrong country in a post to mark 4 July on Twitter. “247 years ago, our forefathers told Ol’ King George to get lost! Happy Independence Day from the GOP!” read the deleted tweet, with a photo of the flag of Liberia attached alongside. Though the GOP’s tweet was swiftly removed from its official handle, the deletion was not fast enough to escape the ridicule that followed. The flag of Liberia resembles the US flag and has similar red and white stripes, but it is distinguished by the presence of a single white star on a blue background, representing Africa’s first independent republic. The US flag has 50 stars to represent the country’s 50 states. In a subsequent tweet, the Republican Party attempted to ignore the mistake and posted another Independence Day message, with the image of a sparkler in front of the US flag. “Thank you to all the men and women in uniform who continue to defend our freedom at home and abroad. Happy Independence Day!” it said. Twitter users, however, were quick to remind them of their mistake. “We’re not gonna forget y’all not knowing the difference between the American flag and the flag of Liberia,” commented a user underneath the post. “Happy ‘the GOP wouldn’t know the American flag if they were looking right at it’ (so they need to post the Liberian flag) to all who celebrate,” wrote another user. “Bwahahahaha, the ‘we love USA’ crowd tweeted the wrong flag originally (Liberia). Is there an explanation as to why right wing parties are so incompetent so often?” wrote another person. Read More Conservatives go to red states, Democrats to blue as the country grows more polarized ‘Rage-baiting’ leftist Twitter account is probably fake, expert says The American flag wasn't always revered as it is today. At the beginning, it was an afterthought Woman killed and several injured in separate July 4 fireworks explosions in Michigan Illinois man critically injured as firework explodes in his face Pete Buttigieg blames severe weather for Fourth of July travel chaos

At least three people are dead and six more have been injured in a mass shooting that took place at an annual Fourth of July block party in Shreveport, Louisiana on Tuesday evening. It is unclear how the shooting unfolded, how many shooters were involved or how many more people may be injured. Shreveport police lieutenant Van Ray told local news outlet KSLA that when authorities arrived at the scene on Pearl Avenue, two people were found dead. A third person died at the hospital. Mr Ray was unsure what conditions the six injured people were in. Police had a difficult time reaching the victims because there was still “an enormous amount” of people and vehicles at the scene when authorities arrived. “Getting here and getting EMS here was a difficult thing. A lot of us had to park our cars and take off running because there were so many cars on the side of the street,” Mr Ray said. Shreveport District A Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor expressed her frustrations with the shooting to KSLA. “This should not happen. Now we are the victims of a mass shooting in our community,” Ms Taylor said. “It is trauma for those individuals that only wanted to have a very good time on this holiday,” she added. Louisiana joins several states in experiencing a deadly mass shooting over the holiday weekend. Three people died in Forth Worth, Texas and five others were killed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Monday, 3 June. Nine people were injured during a drive-by shooting in Washington DC on Wednesday. There are been 350 mass shootings in the US this year, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive. The Independent has reached out to the Shreveport Police Department for comment. Read More Fourth of July travel weekend in disarray after airport meltdowns, wildfire smoke and extreme heat Fort Worth shooting – live: Dramatic video captures chaos at ComoFest two of three victims identified Nine victims including two children injured in drive-by shooting in Washington DC

Nine people, including two children, have been injured in a “targeted” drive-by shooting in Washington DC while the nation’s capital was celebrating the July 4 holiday. The DC Metropolitan Police Department said that residents were still enjoying Independence Day festivities when gunfire broke out at around 1am ET on Meade Street in the northeast area of the city. Assistant Chief Leslie Parsons told ABC News that a dark SUV was driving through the area when it suddenly “stopped and it fired shots in the direction of some of our residents that were outside, just celebrating the fourth of July”. Nine people were wounded in the shooting, all suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Among the victims were two children aged just nine and 17. The shooting is believed to have been a targeted attack.

At least 17 people have been shot – three of them fatally – across four shootings in Fort Worth, Texas, on the eve of July 4. Two of the victims were identified Tuesday as Cynthia Santos, 22, and Paul Willis, 18, who were killed hours after the ComoFest event ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. The shootings in the area took place at a range of locations, including ComoFeset, a residential home, an AMC movie theatre, and in a car. Following a wave of shootings this week, Joe Biden renewed his calls to reinstate the assault weapons ban. In a Wednesday statement, he called on Republicans in Congress to “come to the table on meaningful, common sense reform”. Read More America’s mass shooting crisis, in numbers: More than halfway through 2023, US on pace for record-setting year Three people killed and eight wounded in mass shooting at July 4 fireworks event in Fort Worth Philadelphia shooting: At least five dead as heavily armed gunman opens fire at random on streets Biden renews call for assault weapons ban after ‘tragic and senseless’ spate of July 4 shootings

The five people killed in a mass shooting in the Kingsessing neighbourhood of Philadelphia have been identified. Philadephia police issued a statement on Tuesday naming the victims as follows: Lashyd Merritt, 20; Dymir Stanton, 29; Ralph Moralis, 59; Daujan Brown, 15; and Joseph Wamah Jr, 31. Two children – aged two and 13 – were also injured in the shooting but are in stable condition. Police have not released their names yet. The shooting unfolded at around 8.30pm Monday when police said the 40-year-old suspect, dressed in a bullet-proof vest and armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, left his home and began shooting at victims. On Wednesday, following a rash of shootings in recent days, President Biden called on Republican lawmakers in Congress to “come to the table on meaningful, commonsense reform”. Read More Five adults dead and two children wounded: What we know about mass shooting in Philadelphia Philadelphia shooting: At least five dead as heavily armed gunman opens fire at random on streets Biden renews call for assault weapons ban after ‘tragic and senseless’ spate of July 4 shootings America’s mass shooting crisis, in numbers: More than halfway through 2023, US on pace for record-setting year

President Joe Biden plans to host Sweden’s prime minister at the White House on Wednesday in a show of solidarity as the United States presses for the Nordic nation’s entry into NATO, a week before the alliance's summit. Biden and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will “review our growing security cooperation and reaffirm their view that Sweden should join NATO as soon as possible,” the White House said a statement announcing the meeting. The leaders also will discuss the war in Ukraine and matters involving China. Sweden and neighbor Finland ended their longstanding policy of military nonalignment after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Both applied for NATO membership, seeking protection under the organization’s security umbrella. Finland, which shares a more than 800-mile or 1,300-kilometer border with Russia, joined NATO in April. But Sweden, which has avoided military alliances for more than 200 years, has seen its ascension delayed by Turkey and Hungary; NATO requires the unanimous approval of all members to expand. NATO had hoped the road to Sweden’s membership would be smoothed out before the alliance’s summit July 11-12 in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Sweden’s entry would be a symbolically powerful moment and the latest indication of how Russia’s war is driving countries to join the alliance. Those hopes have dimmed. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has resisted, with his government accusing Sweden of being too lenient toward groups that it says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish organizations and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt in Turkey. Last week, he condemned Sweden over a Quran-burning protest. Swedish police allowed the protest outside a mosque in central Stockholm, citing freedom of speech after a court overturned a ban on a similar Quran-burning. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he would gather senior officials from Turkey, Sweden and Finland on Thursday to try to overcome Turkey’s objections. Hungary also has yet to ratify Sweden’s bid. Hungarian lawmakers said a long-delayed parliamentary vote on that would not happen until the autumn legislative session. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government has alleged that Swedish politicians have told “blatant lies” about the condition of Hungary's democracy. High-ranking Hungarian officials have said they support Sweden’s membership bid while also making vague demands from Stockholm as conditions for approval. Read More Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide

President Joe Biden has issued a fresh appeal for a ban on assault weapons after dozens of people were killed or wounded in mass shootings in the lead-up to Independence Day celebrations. Five people were shot dead and two boys, aged two and 13, were injured when a gunman armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle and wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing neighbourhood at around 8.30pm on Monday night, according to authorities. Hours later, three died and 14 were injured in four separate shootings in Fort Worth, Texas. Mr Biden said he and First Lady Jill Biden were also grieving “tragic and senseless shootings” that had occurred in recent days in Baltimore, Lansing, Chicago and Wichita in a July 4 statement. He said it was “within our power” to ban AR-15-style weapons and high-capacity magazines while also enforcing safe storage of guns and enacting universal background checks. Mr Biden also marked the one year anniversary of a mass shooting that claimed the lives of seven people at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois. In the wake of the shooting, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Highland Park mayor Nancy Rotering had worked with gun control advocates to ban assault rifles and high capacity magazines in the state. “Their achievement will save lives. But it will not erase their grief,” Mr Biden said. “And as we have seen over the last few days, much more must be done in Illinois and across America to address the epidemic of gun violence that is tearing our communities apart.” Mr Biden called on other states to follow Illinois’ lead and for Republican lawmakers in Congress to “come to the table on meaningful, commonsense reform”. In a speech to the National Education Association on Tuesday, Mr Biden said gun reform was urgently needed to protect children and teachers. “As you know all too well, educators now find themselves in the frontlines of gun violence,” Mr Biden told the association. “Congress needs to step up, pass common sense gun safety laws to protect our kids and educators, and by the way, arming teachers is not the answer.” According to the Gun Violence Archive, 21,782 Americans have been killed in shootings halfway through 2023. The US has experienced 346 mass shootings, when four or more people are shot, and 26 mass murders, according to the archive. Last June, Congress passed its first new gun control legislation in 28 years in the wake of twin tragedies in Buffalo, New York, where 10 Black shoppers were murdered, and the fatal shooting of 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Read More Trump marks Independence Day by sharing vulgar attack on Biden and ominous 2024 warning Fort Worth shooting – live: At least 17 shot across four shootings in Texas city on eve of July 4 Philadelphia mass shooting – live: Fifth victim found dead after gunman, 40, opened fire in Kingsessing The Texas shooter in a racist Walmart attack is going to prison. Here's what to know about the case Biden renews call for assault weapons ban after spate of July 4 shootings Watch as Joe Biden celebrates 4th of July at the White House

David Ross was furious the Brewers were allowed to close the roof on their stadium mid-game.

Ted Cruz is accusing the highly anticipated Barbie film of “pushing Chinese propaganda,” after a trailer for the Warner Bros release appeared to show a map referencing China’s disputed claims to the South China Sea. “Senator Cruz has been fighting for years to prevent American companies, especially Hollywood studios, from altering and censoring their content to appease the Chinese Communist Party,’ a spokesperson for the Texas Republican told The Daily Mail. The issue stems back to the so-called “nine-dash line” used on Chinese maps, illustrating what it claims are its posessions within the South China Sea. The line, first published on Chinese maps in the 1940s, demarks an area 1,200 miles from the Chinese mainlaind comprised more than 80 per cent of the South China Sea, according to The Los Angeles Times. Parts of the territory within the line, a busy fishing and trade corridor with valuable oil and gas deposits as well as strategic importance, are claimed by nations including Vietnam and the Philippines. About a minute into the Barbie film’s main trailer, a map of the world can be seen with a line of eigh dots jutting off a cartoonish drawing of Asia. The Independent has contacted Warner Bros for comment. The Republican Texas senator isn’t the only one upset about the map. Vietnam reportedly banned the movie over the apparent reference to the Chinese claims. The decision was issued by the country’s Central Council of Film Evaluation and Classification, Vi Kien Thanh, head of the Vietnam Cinema Department, told theTuoi Tre newspaper on Monday. The film was set to premiere in the country on 21 July, the same time as it hit US screens. It’s not the first time the territorial claims have impacted a Hollywood release. Showings of the action film Uncharted in Vietnam were halted last year for the same reason. The map dispute also led Vietnam to cut a scene from the 2018 smash Crazy Rich Asians, according to the Mail. The territorial dispute over the South China Sea territory at issue was brought before The Hague in 2016, where China lost on most of its claims. Beijing has not accepted the judgment. Read More Barbie director Greta Gerwig reveals she rejected ‘terrifying’ idea for Margot Robbie film Vietnam bans 'Barbie' movie due to an illustration showing China's territorial claim John Legend and Chrissy Teigen sleep over at Barbie’s Malibu dreamhouse: ‘So jealous’ Trump and DeSantis to hold dueling campaign events in New Hampshire after squabbling over timing Analysis: Donald Trump's war on truth confronts another test with voters Judge blocks Biden agencies from communicating with social media platforms