DOJ to finally charge Raleigh journalist for covering J6? | Suspect charged in Durham City Council flag theft | RPD makes mass arrest of street-blocking demonstrators

No. 60 — Feb. 18-Feb. 24, 2024

Raleigh Journalist to be Charged for Covering January 6th

After years of threatening prosecution by the DOJ, Steve Baker has been asked to turn himself in next week to face misdemeanor charges for covering the riot at the Capitol over three years ago. However, given that the DOJ has previously failed to follow through on their specific threats against Baker, I won't be certain until it actually happens.

Baker made the following post on Twitter/X in response:

Misdemeanors? For what? Terrorism? Is there such a thing as misdemeanor terrorism charges? 60 other journalists entered the Capitol on J6. Do we all have to see the world through the same prism?

Here we go. Game on. I will not take a plea deal.

• TPC4USA on Twitter/X

Around a month ago, Baker held a press conferences with his lawyers in Dallas, TX to accuse the DOJ of "retaliation" over the numerous stories Baker has published on the subject of January 6th which portray the federal government in a poor light.

Although Baker lives in Raleigh, and his case has been investigated by FBI agents based here, he will be turning himself in at the federal court in Dallas, where he has been working with The Blaze.

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Durham Police make arrest over stolen Israeli flag at City Council meeting

In response to a query last week, Durham Police confirm that a suspect was identified and charged after the department requested the public's assistance last week in identifying the suspect in an "assault and larceny" at a February 5th City Council meeting:

The video of the incident shows the suspect snatching an Israeli flag from the few pro-Israel demonstrators during a mass interruption of the meeting by pro-Palestine demonstrators calling for a "permanent ceasefire resolution".

Anna Claire Mullen, 30, was charged on February 16th with Common Law Robbery, a Class G felony. This is a more serious charge than Larceny (Class 1 Misdemeanor for property valued <$1,000), or Simple Assault (Class 2 Misdemeanor).

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Durham City Council passes Israeli-Palestine ceasefire resolution

Durham Council Votes to Adopt Gaza Ceasefire Resolution - INDY

Durham adopts Gaza ceasefire resolution after lengthy city council meeting - ABC11

Durham City Council passes resolution supporting ceasefire between Israel and Palestine - CBS17

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A CEASEFIRE AND AN END TO VIOLENCE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE - City of Durham

The Durham City Council has responded to the pressure from pro-Palestine activists by passing a "Resolution Supporting a Ceasefire and an End to Violence Between Israel and Palestine".

After acknowledging the "act of terror" by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, the resolution goes on to accuse the Israeli government of "disproportionate retaliation" which it alleges has "has claimed the lives of at least 28,000 Palestinians". As to specific action items, the resolution:

1. Urges the Biden administration to call for and facilitate de-escalation and a sustained, bilateral ceasefire;

2. Urges the Biden administration to send and facilitate the immediate entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza at the scale required;

3. Calls for the release of all hostages held in Gaza;

4. Calls for the release of all people unjustly held in the region;

5. Calls for an end to U.S. military aid to the Netanyahu government;

6. Urges the Biden administration and international community to work toward long-term solutions that afford safety and dignity to all people in Israel, Palestine, and the region, and which foster just and representative government for both Palestinians and Israelis.

The resolution was passed 5-2.

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Raleigh Police arrest 26 pro-Palestine demonstrators for blocking downtown traffic

26 arrested in downtown Raleigh after die-in to demand ceasefire in Gaza - WRAL

Raleigh Police have historically not been consistent in conducting arrests against street-blocking demonstrators who refuse a lawful order to vacate the roadway.

However, on Thursday, the RPD arrested 26 pro-Palestinian demonstrators and charged them with "Failure to Disperse on Command". In addition, one of the arrestees was charged under NC GS § 14‑258.4(A) ("Malicious conduct by prisoner"):

§ 14‑258.4. Malicious conduct by prisoner.
(a) Any prisoner who knowingly and willfully throws, emits, or causes to be used as a projectile, any bodily fluids, excrement, or unknown substance at an employee, while the employee is in the performance of the employee's duties, is guilty of a Class F felony.

For additional details, including the educational employment of 7 of the arrestees, check out A.P. Dillon's substack:

26 Pro-Palestine protesters arrested for blocking Raleigh traffic

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Misc.

• RFK Jr. and allies challenge two-party system in North Carolina elections - Carolina Journal

• Pittsboro suing Apollo Chemical over toxic 1,4-Dioxane in drinking water - NC Newsline