Tag: Security

Categories
Politics

Biden nationwide safety advisor requires Russia to launch Navalny

Biden national security advisor calls for Russia to release Navalny

A file photo dated September 29, 2019 shows Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny during a rally in support of political prisoners on Prospekt Sakharova Street in Moscow, Russia. Alexei Navalny is passed out in hospital after allegedly being poisoned, according to his press secretary.

Sefa Karacan | Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

WASHINGTON – President-elect Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan called for the immediate release of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was arrested at a Moscow airport on Sunday after his arrival.

The previous Sunday, Navalny flew from Berlin to Russia, where he had recovered for almost six months since being poisoned last summer. He was arrested at passport control.

Last week, Russian authorities issued an arrest warrant for Navalny alleging that he had violated the three and a half year suspended sentence he received in 2014 for embezzlement.

“Mr. Navalny should be released immediately and the perpetrators of the outrageous attack on his life must be brought to justice,” Sullivan wrote on Twitter.

The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.

Sullivan’s call for Navalny to be released comes days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office. Biden’s new government is expected to increase pressure on Russia.

After the poisoning of Navalny last year, Biden vowed “to work with our allies and partners to hold the Putin regime accountable for its crimes,” and accused President Donald Trump of not being tough enough.

A non-partisan group of US senators had urged the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Russia in response to the poisoning of Navalny. Trump, who is leaving office on Wednesday, did not do so.

The United Kingdom and the European Union, close allies of the United States, swiftly imposed targeted sanctions on six Russians and a government research center in October.

On the return flight to Moscow, Navalny told reporters that he was feeling great and that the trip home was “the best moment in five months.”

“I feel great. I’m finally going back to my hometown,” he said, according to a Reuters report.

Last year, Navalny was medically evacuated to Germany from a Russian hospital after falling ill after reports that something had been added to his tea. Russian doctors treating Navalny denied that the Kremlin critic had been poisoned, blaming his comatose condition for low blood sugar levels.

In September, the German government announced that the 44-year-old Russian dissident had been poisoned by a chemical agent on nerves and described the toxicological report as “clear evidence”. The nerve agent was in the Novichok family, which was developed by the Soviet Union.

Following the test results, the White House said it was “deeply concerned” by the matter and called the poisoning “utterly reprehensible.”

“The United States is deeply concerned about the results released today,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said in a written statement at the time. “The poisoning of Alexei Navalny is completely reprehensible. Russia has used the chemical nerve agent novichok in the past,” he said, referring to the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied a role in the poisoning of Navalny and Skripal.

Navalny’s arrest Sunday faces another strain on relations between European leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin and comes while the Kremlin works to secure a gas pipeline project, Nord Stream 2, to Germany.

Categories
Politics

A person with a gun arrested by Capitol Police at a safety checkpoint calls it an ‘sincere mistake.’

A man with a gun arrested by Capitol Police at a security checkpoint calls it an ‘honest mistake.’

The US Capitol Police arrested a man at a security checkpoint in Washington on Friday after he flashed a personal identification card that an officer had labeled “unauthorized” and found an unregistered pistol and ammunition during a search of his truck.

A federal police officer said the man, Wesley A. Beeler, 31, was a contractor and that his ID was issued by the park police but not recognized by the police officer. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to discuss the arrest. Mr. Beeler has no known extremist relationships, the official said.

“It was an honest mistake,” Beeler told the Washington Post after he was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and released on Saturday afternoon. He said he did a security job in Washington, was late for work and forgot his gun was in his truck.

“I drove to a checkpoint after getting lost in DC because I’m a compatriot,” he told the Post. “I showed you the initiation badge that was given to me.”

The arrest comes after police officers tried to fortify Washington ahead of the inauguration day on Wednesday, fearing extremists encouraged by President Trump’s supporters’ attack on the Capitol on January 6, may attempt violence cause. A militarized “green zone” is being established in the city center, members of the National Guard are flooding the city, and a metal fence is being erected around the Capitol grounds prior to the swearing-in of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.

Mr. Beeler of Front Royal, Virginia, drove to a security checkpoint less than half a mile from the Capitol compound on Friday evening and produced “an unauthorized personal induction badge” according to a statement from a Capitol police officer filed in a District court of Columbia on Saturday. The officer, Roger Dupont, said he checked the ID against a list and found that Mr Beeler was not allowed to enter the restricted area.

Officers searched his truck, which had several weapon-related bumper stickers, and found a loaded Glock pistol, 509 cartridges for the pistol, and 21 shotgun shells, police said. Mr Beeler had admitted having the Glock in the center console of the truck when asked if there were guns in the car, they said.

Mr. Beeler has been charged with five crimes, including possession of a gun and ammunition in Washington without proper registration. He and his lawyer did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday, but in his interview with The Post, Mr Beeler denied having 500 rounds of ammunition.

In an interview, Paul Beeler said Mr Beeler’s father, his son, a father of four, had been doing security near the Capitol grounds for the past few days and had other security duties in Washington over the years. Mr. Beeler has an active private security license in Virginia and is licensed to carry firearms while in use there, according to a state website.

“He was proud of the work he did with the police and the National Guard,” said his father. When asked if he believed his son would support a peaceful transfer of power, he said, “That’s why he’s there.”

The elder Beeler said he became concerned when his son didn’t return text messages on Friday night and called him Saturday morning thinking his son would be returning to Virginia after his shift. He and his wife discovered that Mr Beeler had been arrested when they received a call from a reporter, he said.

Police officials said they were alarmed by the chatter from far-right groups and other racist extremists threatening to target the nation’s capital to protest Mr Biden’s election victory. Federal authorities tried to prevent some people who violated the Capitol with weapons earlier this month from returning to the city, including by restricting their ability to board commercial aircraft, according to an administrative official.

For security reasons, Mr Biden has resisted requests to move the inauguration ceremony inside. His inauguration committee had already planned a reduced celebration with virtual components because of the corona virus.

Categories
Politics

Home opens probe into safety failures in lethal U.S. Capitol assault

Not in Trump’s ‘nature' to do what's right for the U.S.,’ says Panetta

Members of the U.S. Capitol Police attempt to fend off a crowd of U.S. President Donald Trump’s supporters while one of them tries to use a flag like a spear as the supporters storm the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.

Leah Millis | Reuters

The Democratic-run House of Representatives sent a letter to FBI Director Chris Wray and other agency chiefs on Saturday for information on intelligence and security deficiencies that led to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and forcing lawmakers to go into hiding.

Four House Committee Chairs signed the letter calling for documents and briefings from the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Counter-Terrorism Center, and the Director of National Intelligence on what was known prior to the attack.

“This still-emerging story is about the amazing courage of some US Capitol Police and other officials, dizzying betrayals by violent criminals, and obvious and high-level mistakes – particularly in relation to intelligence and security preparedness,” the committee wrote.

The letter was signed by the Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff, D-Calif., The Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., The Chairman of the Justice Committee, Jerry Nadler, DN.Y. and Chair of the Supervisory Committee Carolyn Maloney, DN.Y.

The investigation comes because lawmakers – and especially the Democrats – are demanding more information on how a crowd of President Donald Trump’s supporters broke into the so-called “People’s House,” which has its own police force, and is delaying certification Election victory of President-elect Joe Biden by several hours.

The Inspectors General of the Ministry of Justice, Defense, Homeland Security and Home Affairs have launched reviews of their agency’s actions related to the attack.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest in front of the US Capitol in Washington on January 6, 2021.

Stephanie Keith | Reuters

In the letter, lawmakers quoted press coverage that the U.S. Capitol police had been warned that Trump supporters were attempting to forcefully enter the Capitol.

NBC News reported Jan. 10 that the FBI and the New York City Police Department had provided the Capitol Police with information of threats of violence for the electoral college vote.

The Washington Post reported Jan. 12 that an FBI field office in Virginia had warned of the attack that extremists were planning a “war” on the way to Washington.

“Security and logistical preparations before January 6th were inconsistent with the prospect of serious and widespread violence. According to media reports surfaced in recent days, federal and other agencies previously owned information – and may have shared it with some Parties shared and other information predicting a serious security threat to the congressional session to confirm election results, ”wrote the committee chairmen.

The US Capitol Police are seen with “less lethal” weapons as they confront a crowd of supporters of US President Donald Trump as they storm the US Capitol building in Washington, USA, January 6, 2021.

Leah Millis

“These latter reports, if worked on, could have resulted in more extensive planning of the event and the infusion of far greater security and other resources,” they added.

Capitol Police officials said they did not see FBI intelligence services prior to the attack.

The committee chairs identify three broad lines of investigation that they will pursue.

The first is what the intelligence community and law enforcement agencies knew before, during, and after the attack. Lawmakers also said they would examine whether foreign powers had a role in exploiting the crisis.

The second point the committees examine is whether current or past holders of national security clearances participated in the insurrection.

The committees are also soliciting information on government policies in response to the attack, including measures to prevent those involved in crimes from traveling.

“The committees expect and appreciate your full cooperation on this matter – and, of course, recognize that resources must be appropriately and promptly devoted to efforts to counter ongoing threats to the transfer of power, including the presidential inauguration and related activities “wrote the committee chairman.

Categories
Business

Joe Biden’s Peloton could possibly be a White Home safety threat, report says

Joe Biden's Peloton could be a White House security risk, report says

Jen Van Santvoord rides her Peloton exercise bike at her home in San Anselmo, California on April 7, 2020.

Ezra Shaw | Getty Images

When Joe Biden moves into the White House, he may have to leave part of his exercise routine behind.

The elected president’s peloton could be viewed as a security threat by intelligence agencies, according to a report by Popular Mechanics. The popular stationary bike is connected to the internet and has a camera and microphone that can pose a risk of hacking.

To get the all-clear for the exercise machines, Biden’s peloton may need to rip out some of its key features – the microphone, camera, and network devices that connect it to bike classes and make it look more interactive, Max Kilger, director of The University of Texas in the data analysis program of San Antonio announced to Popular Mechanics.

However, there may be a precedent to modify the bike or get a custom one. In a review posted in The Verge three years ago, author Lauren Goode said a person “close to the company” told former first lady Michelle Obama that they had a peloton with no camera and microphone. At the time, Peloton and Obama’s press office declined to comment.

Biden’s press team and peloton have been contacted to see if the president-elect’s bike may also receive a workaround.

Peloton, once the subject of ridicule, has become a success story of the Covid pandemic. Demand is growing as Americans seek safer alternatives to the gym and invest in exercise equipment for their homes. Share prices have increased more than fivefold over the past year, giving Peloton a market value of more than $ 46.2 billion.

Categories
Business

TSA weighs barring lots of from flights, steps up safety earlier than inauguration

TSA weighs barring hundreds from flights, steps up security before inauguration

A TSA officer checks a man’s ID at a checkpoint at Orlando International Airport.

Paul Hennessy | SOPA pictures | Getty Images

The Transportation Security Administration said Friday it is screening hundreds of people to see if they should be banned from flights as it will increase security ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

“Currently TSA is processing hundreds of names with law enforcement agencies for a thorough risk assessment,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. “Our intelligence and screening professionals are working diligently around the clock to ensure that those who pose a threat to our aviation sector are subjected to enhanced screening or are unable to board a plane.”

TSA said it is also increasing the number of Federal Air Marshals on some flights, random gate screenings, and more law enforcement and canine explosives detection teams. The staff is also being increased at some train stations.

The additional measures come after the deadly riot in the U.S. Capitol last week and a spate of flight disruptions, some of which are politically motivated.

In the aftermath of the uprising, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents around 50,000 flight attendants on more than a dozen airlines, raised safety concerns about “mob mentality” on some flights to Washington DC last week, saying that people should be involved in the riot flying will be banned.

The FAA promised to have a zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior on flights and to impose a fine of up to $ 35,000.

Airlines and airports also increase security. Major US airlines are banning passengers from checking guns on flights in the Washington DC area for next week starting this weekend. American Airlines stops selling alcohol on flights, while Alaska Airlines limits the number of tickets sold into the city.

Categories
Politics

Inaugural Safety Is Fortified in D.C. as Army and Police Hyperlinks Are Eyed in Riot

Inaugural Security Is Fortified in D.C. as Military and Police Links Are Eyed in Riot

The arrest of Mr. Sanford had nothing to do with the death of a Capitol police officer, Brian Sicknick, who was reportedly hit in the head by a fire extinguisher, according to two police officers.

Later that day, the charges against a man accused of beating a police officer on the Capitol grounds with an American flagpole were overturned. According to a criminal complaint, the man, Peter Stager, alleged that the victim of the attack was a member of Antifa, the loose collective of left-wing activists who have often grappled with far-right demonstrators, even though the words “Metropolitan Police” were clearly written on the officer’s uniform.

“Everyone there is a traitorous traitor,” Stager said in an apparent reference to the Capitol, according to a video obtained from the FBI. “Death is the only remedy against what is in this building.”

Even as they pursued new leads and suspects, federal investigators tried to investigate a fire charge brought up by several lawmakers this week: some members of Congress helped coordinate the attack.

On Wednesday, Representative Mikie Sherrill, a New Jersey Democrat and former naval pilot, and more than 30 of her colleagues called for an investigation into what they called “suspicious” visits by outside groups to the Capitol the day before the riot at a time when most Tours were restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic. On Thursday, another lawmaker, Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, Democrat of Pennsylvania, said she witnessed a tour of the building in person by “Trump supporters” prior to the January 6 attack.

A police officer said investigators had not yet found evidence that members of Congress were involved in planning the attack and warned that the investigation was extensive and that any evidence would need to be carefully checked.

The spate of arrests and investigations added an air of nervous activity to a city that appeared to be under siege. The National Mall area was overcrowded with military vehicles on Thursday and cut off from the surrounding area by metal fences. This created what the secret service agent responsible for opening security called a “safe bubble”.