Chicago July 4 parade shooter planned attack for weeks – National & International News – WED 6Jul2022

Chicago July 4 parade shooter planned attack for weeks. Jan. 6: Former White House counsel agrees to testify; Giuliani, others subpoenaed in GA probe. UK’s Johnson resists calls to resign from ministers after sex misconduct scandal.

NATIONAL NEWS

Chicago July 4 parade shooter planned attack for weeks

A shooter who killed 7 and injured dozens during a July 4 parade in Highland Park, a Chicago suburb, has been charged with 7 counts of first degree murder, with more charges on the way. Robert Crimo III fired more than 70 rounds into the crowd from his perch atop a commercial building. Among those he killed were the parents of a toddler, who died shielding him.

Police believe Crimo planned the crime for weeks. During the attack, Crimo wore women’s clothes to disguise himself in order to escape the scene. However, it doesn’t appear that Crimo had any particular ideological motive for the shooting. Since Crimo’s arrest, we’ve also learned that he has legally bought five weapons in the past two years, including the murder weapon. He was somehow able to purchase these weapons despite two disturbing 2019 encounters with the authorities. Police came to Crimo’s home on two occasions when Crimo threatened either murder or suicide. There is some dispute over exactly how he purchased the weapons. Illinois has red flag laws which could have prevented Crimo from purchasing weapons.

A fundraiser for the two-year-old boy who was orphaned in the tragedy has raised $2 million.

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Jan. 6: Former White House counsel agrees to testify; Giuliani, others subpoenaed in GA probe

Former Trump White House Counsel Pat Cipollone has reportedly agreed to testify before the Jan. 6 committee. A source familiar with the matter said the deposition will likely take place Friday behind closed doors and will be videotaped. The committee issued a subpoena for Cipollone last week. He had previously met with members of the committee for an informal interview but had not agreed to testify under oath or on the record. Statements from other witnesses suggest that Cipollone was present at key moments and may be able to fill in a lot of gaps.

Georgia grand jury subpoenas Giuliani, others

A grand jury in Fulton County, GA, is investigating efforts by Trump and members of his inner circle to overturn the state’s presidential election results. Trump infamously phoned Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in an attempt to first cajole, then threaten Raffensperger if he didn’t “find” the 11,000+ votes Trump needed to win the state. That phone call took place just days before Jan. 6 and was taped.

The grand jury issued subpoenas for Trump attorneys Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Jenna Ellis, Cleta Mitchell and Jacki Deason, and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

UK PM Johnson resists calls to resign from ministers after sexual misconduct scandal

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is again facing calls to resign from members of his own Conservative Party. This latest test comes after the resignation of Chris Pincher the deputy chief whip, whom Johnson appointed earlier this year. Pincher resigned after accusations came to light that he had drunkenly groped two men. Johnson at first denied knowing about Pincher’s misconduct, but then it was revealed that Johnson knew of a similar incident involving Pincher as far back as 2019.

Several of Johnson’s own ministers are reportedly preparing to ask him to step down. Many Conservative MPs with positions in government have already resigned in protest.

However, Johnson declared today in Parliament that he would “keep going”, touting his “colossal mandate” from the 2019 election. Johnson recently survived a “no confidence” vote in Parliament, which, under current rules, means another cannot take place for a year. Members of the rules committee say they will hold an internal election, which may discuss a rule change.

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