U.S.
NY Politicians Face Backlash After Two Policemen Shot in ‘Assassination Attempt’
Published
3 years agoon
By
Katie Calo
- A gunman opened fire on multiple NYPD officers in targeted attacks last weekend, injuring two. The suspect was taken into custody.
- Commissioner Dermot Shea and Mayor Bill de Blasio called the attacks an “assassination attempt,” and linked them to recent protests against police.
- President Trump blamed the violence on the “weak leadership” of de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
- The head of an association of active and retired NYPD sergeants also blamed the mayor, saying that NYPD members are “declaring war” on de Blasio.
- Social justice advocates were upset at de Blasio for their own reasons, arguing that he shouldn’t blame them for the violence that happened.
Assassination Attempts
Two New York Police Department officers were shot in separate “assassination” attempts over the weekend by the same gunman, who told officials that he committed the crime because he hates cops.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea discussed the targeted attack at a news conference on Sunday.
“This is not a crime gone bad. This is not a liquor store robbery interrupted, that a tragedy erupts from. This is a premeditated assassination attempt,” Shea said.
Shea linked the violence to criticism of police, particularly recent protests against increased police presence on the subway.
“These things are not unrelated. We’ve had people marching through the streets of New York City recently,” he said on Sunday.
“Words matter and words affect people’s behavior,” Shea added.
I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again: Words matter — they affect people’s actions.
— Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) February 9, 2020
In the wake of anti-police rhetoric advocating violence against our protectors, we’re lucky recent attempts on cops’ lives failed.
EVERYONE should speak out against such disgusting behavior. pic.twitter.com/3WJOAjwzBR
On Saturday night, a gunman walked up to two on-duty officers in a police van and opened fire. One of the officials, Paul Stroffolino, was shot in the neck and chin area. The officers drove off without returning fire. Stroffolino received medical attention and was released from the hospital on Sunday.
#BREAKING: Video shows NYPD cops ambushed in the Bronx
— NYC Scanner (@NYScanner) February 9, 2020
pic.twitter.com/SJxM3gV7AQ
Just a few hours after the first attack, a gunman opened fire on officers in the NYPD’s 41st Precinct station house. One officer, Lt. Jose Gautreaux, was shot in the arm.
— NYC Scanner (@NYScanner) February 9, 2020
The gunman surrendered once he ran out of bullets, according to Commissioner Shea, and was taken into custody. Shea said that the suspect had served time in prison until 2017 after being convicted of attempted murder in 2002. On Monday, he was formally charged again, this time with 14 counts of attempted murder.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio reported that Lt. Gautreaux was in stable condition after being wounded.
This morning a gunman walked into the 41st Precinct in the Bronx and shot an officer. I’m relieved to report the officer is stable, and the gunman is in custody.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) February 9, 2020
De Blasio called the shootings “an attack on all New Yorkers” and emphasized the need for peace and respect. He also tied the violence to the public backlash against law enforcement, saying that people who express hatred toward police are “aiding and abetting this kind of atmosphere.”
“I want New Yorkers to be clear, this was an attempt to assassinate police officers,” de Blasio said at a news conference. “There is too much hatred out there, too much hatred in general and too much hatred directed at our officers.”
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Sunday that he was “horrified” by the multiple attacks.
“NY’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. These attacks are heinous,” he tweeted. “Those responsible will be brought to justice & held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Horrified by the multiple attacks on @NYPD officers in the Bronx.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) February 9, 2020
NY's law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. These attacks are heinous.
Those responsible will be brought to justice & held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Pushback Against NY Politicians
President Donald Trump spoke out about the incidents as well, asserting that de Blasio and Cuomo, who are both Democrats, were partly to blame for the committed crimes.
“I grew up in New York City and, over many years, got to watch how GREAT NYC’s “Finest” are,” Trump tweeted. “Now, because of weak leadership at Governor & Mayor… our wonderful NYC police are under assault. Stop this now!”
I grew up in New York City and, over many years, got to watch how GREAT NYC’s “Finest” are. Now, because of weak leadership at Governor & Mayor, stand away (water thrown at them) regulations, and lack of support, our wonderful NYC police are under assault. Stop this now!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2020
De Blasio responded to Trump’s tweet, saying this is “no time for division.”
“Our city is hurting right now,” the mayor said. “The only appropriate response is thoughts, prayers and solidarity with our officers.”
Edward Mullins, the president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association whose members consist of active and retired NYPD sergeants, agreed with the president. He went even further by saying NYPD members are “declaring war” on de Blasio, a move that has been condemned by elected officials from both major parties.
“Mayor DeBlasio, the members of the NYPD are declaring war on you,” the SBA wrote on Twitter. “We do not respect you, DO NOT visit us in hospitals. You sold the NYPD to the vile creatures, the 1% who hate cops but vote for you. NYPD cops have been assassinated because of you. This isn’t over, Game on!”
Mayor DeBlasio, the members of the NYPD are declaring war on you! We do not respect you, DO NOT visit us in hospitals. You sold the NYPD to the vile creatures, the 1% who hate cops but vote for you. NYPD cops have been assassinated because of you. This isn’t over, Game on! https://t.co/XyruPraM9T
— SBA (@SBANYPD) February 9, 2020
Furthermore, some criminal justice activists resisted de Blasio and Shea’s claims that demonstrations were connected to the attack against the officers.
Robert Gangi, head of the Police Reform Organizing Project, told USA Today that the officials’ accusations were “irresponsible,” particularly because the police haven’t linked the gunman to the protests in any way.
Gangi stood behind the protests in response to a tweet from de Blasio about the first shooting incident.
For the many NYers who fear, loathe, & distrust #NYPD, it’s based on all too substantive reasons: daily targeting, harassment, & harm inflicted by cops on poor people of color. Until that changes, until pols in power like deB take steps to end it, anger & protests will continue. https://t.co/QHqNLdZ35r
— Robert Gangi (@GangiFromProp) February 9, 2020
The transit protests are organized in part by Decolonize This Place, a group that pushes for the removal of police from the transit system, among other things.
“Linking the right to protest and to take direct action with unassociated and random acts of violence is a well-worn and gratuitous tactic long used by authorities to suppress dissident speech,” DTP said in a statement. “The Mayor, at least, should pretend to know better.”
Editor’s Note: At Rogue Rocket, we make it a point to not include the names and pictures of mass murderers or suspected murderers who may have been seeking attention or infamy. Therefore, we will not be linking to other sources, as they may contain these details.
U.S.
Survey and Census Data Shows Record Number of Americans are Struggling Financially
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 23, 2023By
Star Pralle
Americans are choosing not to pursue medical treatment more and more frequently as they encounter money troubles.
A recent federal survey shows that a record number of Americans were worse off financially in 2022 than a year prior.
Coupled with recent census data showing pervasive poverty across much of the country, Americans are forced to make difficult decisions, like foregoing expensive healthcare.
According to a recent Federal Reserve Bureau survey, 35% of adults say they were worse off in 2022 than 2021, which is the highest share ever recorded since the question was raised in 2014.
Additionally, half of adults reported their budget was majorly affected by rising prices across the country, and that number is even higher among minority communities and parents living with their children.
According to recent census data, more than 10% of the counties in the U.S. are experiencing persistent poverty, meaning the area has had a poverty rate of 20% or higher between 1989 and 2019.
16 states report at least 10% of their population living in persistent poverty. But most of the suffering counties were found in the South — which accounts for over half the people living in persistent poverty, despite making up less than 40% of the population.
These financial realities have placed many Americans in the unfortunate situation of choosing between medical treatment and survival. The Federal Reserve study found that the share of Americans who skipped medical treatment because of the cost has drastically increased since 2020.
The reflection of this can be found in the overall health of households in different income brackets. 75% of households with an income of $25,000 or less report being in good health – compared to the 91% of households with $100,000 or more income.
See what others are saying: (Axios) (The Hill) (Federal Reserve)

The ban will likely face legal challenges before it is officially enacted next year.
First Statewide Ban of TikTok
Montana became the first state to ban TikTok on Wednesday after Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed legislation aimed at protecting “Montanans’ personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party.”
The ban will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, though the law will likely face a handful of legal challenges before that date.
To protect Montanans’ personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party, I have banned TikTok in Montana.
— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) May 17, 2023
Under the law, citizens of the state will not be held liable for using the app, but companies that offer the app on their platforms, like Apple and Google, will face a $10,000 fine per day of violations. TikTok would also be subject to the hefty daily fine.
Questions remain about how tech companies will practically enforce this law. During a hearing earlier this year, a representative from TechNet said that these platforms don’t have the ability to “geofence” apps by state.
Roger Entner, an analyst at Recon Analytics, told the Associated Press that app stores could have the capability to enforce the restriction, but it would be difficult to carry out and there would be a variety of loopholes by tools like VPNs.
Montana’s law comes as U.S. politicians have taken aim at TikTok over its alleged ties to the CCP. Earlier this year, the White House directed federal agencies to remove TikTok from government devices. Conservatives, in particular, have been increasingly working to restrict the app.
“The Chinese Communist Party using TikTok to spy on Americans, violate their privacy, and collect their personal, private, and sensitive information is well-documented,” Gov. Gianforte said in a Wednesday statement.
Criticism of Montana Law
TikTok, however, has repeatedly denied that it gives user data to the government. The company released a statement claiming Montana’s law “infringes on the First Amendment rights of the people” in the state.
“We want to reassure Montanans that they can continue using TikTok to express themselves, earn a living, and find community as we continue working to defend the rights of our users inside and outside of Montana,” the company said.
The American Civil Liberties Union condemned Montana’s law for similar reasons.
This law tramples on our free speech rights under the guise of national security and lays the groundwork for excessive government control over the internet.
— ACLU (@ACLU) May 17, 2023
Elected officials do not have the right to selectively censor entire social media apps based on their country of origin.
“This law tramples on our free speech rights under the guise of national security and lays the groundwork for excessive government control over the internet,” the ACLU tweeted. “Elected officials do not have the right to selectively censor entire social media apps based on their country of origin.”
Per the AP, there are 200,000 TikTok users in Montana, and another 6,000 businesses use the platform as well. Lawsuits are expected to be filed against the law in the near future.
See what others are saying: (Associated Press) (Fast Company) (CBS News)
U.S.
How a Disney-Loving Former Youth Pastor Landed on The FBI’s “Most Wanted” List
Published
1 month agoon
April 24, 2023By
Star Pralle
“Do what is best, not for yourself, for once. Think about everyone else,” Chris Burns’ 19-year-old son pleaded to his father via The Daily Beast.
Multi-Million Dollar Scheme
Former youth pastor turned financial advisor Chris Burns remains at large since going on the run in September of 2020 to avoid a Securities Exchange Commission investigation into his businesses.
Despite his fugitive status, the Justice Department recently indicted Burns with several more charges on top of the $12 million default judgment he received from the SEC.
Burns allegedly sold false promissory notes to investors across Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida. The SEC claims he told the investors they were participating in a “peer to peer” lending program where businesses that needed capital would borrow money and then repay it with interest as high as 20%. Burns allegedly also reassured investors that the businesses had collateral so the investment was low-risk.
The SEC says that Burns instead took that money for personal use.
Burns’ History
Burns began his adult life as a youth pastor back in 2007 before transitioning into financial planning a few years later. By 2017, he launched his own radio show, The Chris Burns Show, which was funded by one of his companies, Dynamic Money – where every week Burns would “unpack how this week’s headlines practically impact your life, wallet, and future,” according to the description. He also frequently appeared on television and online, talking about finances and politics.
The SEC alleges that he used his public appearances to elevate his status as a financial advisor and maximize his reach to investors.
His family told The Daily Beast that he became obsessed with success and he reportedly bought hand-made clothes, a million-dollar lakehouse, a boat, several cars, and took his family on several trips to Disney World. His eldest son and wife said that Burns was paying thousands of dollars a day for VIP tours and once paid for the neighbors to come along.
Then in September 2020, he reportedly told his wife that he was being investigated by the Securities Exchange Commission but he told her not to worry.
The day that he was supposed to turn over his business documents to the SEC, he disappeared, telling his wife he was just going to take a trip to North Carolina to tell his parents about the investigation. Then, the car was found abandoned in a parking lot with several cashier’s checks totaling $78,000
FBI’s Most Wanted
The default judgment in the SEC complaint orders Burns, if he’s ever found, to pay $12 million to his victims, as well as over $650,000 in a civil penalty. Additionally, a federal criminal complaint charged him with mail fraud. Burns is currently on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
Last week, the Justice Department indicted him on several other charges including 10 counts of wire fraud and two counts of mail fraud.
“Burns is charged for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from clients in an illegal investment fraud scheme,” Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said in a statement to The Daily Beast. “Financial crimes of this nature can cause significant disruptions to the lives of those who are victimized, and the FBI is dedicated to holding these criminals accountable.”
His family maintains that they knew nothing of Burns’ schemes. His wife reportedly returned over $300,000 that he had given to her.
She and their eldest son, who is now 19, told The Daily Beast they just want Burns to turn himself in, take responsibility for his actions, and try to help the people he hurt.
“Do what is best, not for yourself, for once. Think about everyone else,” Burns’ son said in a message to his father via The Daily Beast.
See what others are saying: (The Daily Beast) (Fox 5) (Wealth Management)

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