Trump again facing asset seizure in NY after bond falls through – National & International News – THU 11Apr2024

Trump may face asset seizure in NY fraud case after bond falls through.

Asst. principle charged in case where child, 6, shot teacher.

Biden promises “ironclad” support to Israel, facing Iranian retaliation for consulate strike.

NATIONAL NEWS

Trump may face asset seizure in NY fraud case after bond falls through

Former President Trump has until Monday to come up with a $175 million bond for an appeal in the fraud judgment against him in New York. Trump was tried civilly by New York State Attorney General Letitia James for years of fraudulent business practices. Judge Arthur Engoron found Trump, his adult sons and the Trump Organization liable for the fraud. Trump was ordered to pay about $454 million in restitution, including interest. 

After at first failing to secure the full-judgement in bond for an appeal, Trump succeeded in having the bond lowered to $175 million and secured funding from California-based Knight Specialty Insurance (KSIC). However, the court rejected the bond submission because of missing paperwork and a lack of proof for the financial backing for the bond. James also raised the concern that KSIC is not recognized in New York and is thus ineligible to obtain a certificate of qualification from the Department of Financial Services.

Trump and KSIC now have until Monday to show sufficient financial backing. If they fail to do this, James’ office could begin seizing Trump’s cash and real estate assets.

Trump may have other possible sources of funding available. He recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump has had lucrative dealings with the Saudis in the past, including an undisclosed amount paid for hosting Saudi-owned LIV golf tournament events at several of his golf resorts. His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, also secured a $2 billion business deal with MBS just six months after Trump left office. 

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Asst. principle charged in case where child shot teacher

Last year, a first-grade teacher in Newport News, VA, was shot in the arm and chest by a 6-year-old student. The teacher, Abigail Zwerner, survived and the mother of the student has pleaded guilty to charges including child neglect and a federal gun charge.

The then-assistant principle at Richneck Elementary School, Ebony Parker, quickly came under scrutiny for failing to act to prevent the shooting despite past violent behavior by the student and multiple warnings from members of staff that the student had a gun. Parker, who resigned shortly after the shooting, is now charged with 8 counts of felony child abuse with disregard for life.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Biden promises “ironclad” support to Israel, facing Iranian retaliation for consulate strike

President Biden has promised “ironclad” support for the defense of Israel, which is facing the possibility of a retaliation attack on its territory. The White House had previously secured a promise from Tehran not to target US military bases in the Middle East. However, if the US intends to get militarily involved in a conflict between Israel and Iran, thousands of US troops stationed at bases in Iraq, Syria and Jordan will again be in danger. There have been no attacks on US military bases in the region since 3 reservists were killed in a January attack in Jordan.

On April 1, Israeli F-35s carried out an airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, according to Syrian officials. The strike destroyed the consular building and killed several high-ranking Iranian military officials. The strike violated numerous international laws, not least of which is the Vienna Convention which protects diplomatic and consular staff in nations all over the world. Days after the US failed to condemn Israel’s flagrant violation, Ecuadorian authorities invaded the Mexican Embassy in Quito, signaling a wider breakdown in international norms.

Iran vowed to retaliate against Israel for the strike on the grounds of its embassy in Syria, which is technically Iranian soil. Reports from earlier this week suggested that Tehran had sent a proposal to Washington, namely that Iran would forgo its right to retaliate against Israel if Biden secured a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

There were some promising signs at the beginning of the week, including a partial Israeli military drawdown in Gaza, more aid trucks being allowed into the territory, and renewed peace negotiations. However, things soured yesterday after an Israeli air strike in Gaza killed three adult sons of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ political leader. Four of Haniyeh’s young grandchildren were also killed in the attack. The family were on their way to visit relatives on Eid, a Muslim holy day marking the end of Ramadan.

Related: Will Biden send US troops to die to cover Israel’s crimes in Gaza?