Former Defense Secretary Ash Carter dies at 68 following 'sudden cardiac event'



Former Defense Secretary Ash Carter died on Monday at 68 years old following a "sudden cardiac event," a statement from his family noted.

"It is with deep and profound sadness that the family of former Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter shares that Secretary Carter passed away Monday evening in Boston after a sudden cardiac event at the age of 68," the family's statement noted. It also stated that Carter had "devoted his professional life to the national security of the United States and teaching students about international affairs. He was a beloved husband, father, mentor, and friend. His sudden loss will be felt by all who knew him."

Carter had held the role of director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School.

"A Rhodes Scholar and theoretical physicist, Secretary Carter loved academia, teaching, and mentoring students. He believed that his most profound legacy would be the thousands of students he taught with the hope that they would make the world a better and safer place," the statement noted.

\u201cFull statement from the family of former #SecDef Ash Carter on his passing, as sent by Peter Cook\u201d
— Carla Babb (@Carla Babb) 1666706378

Carter served as Defense Secretary during a portion of President Barack Obama's tenure in office.

Prominent figures, including Obama, current President Joe Biden, and current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, issued statements commemorating Carter.

Austin said in a statement that "the entire Department of Defense mourns the loss of a towering intellect, a steadfast leader, a devoted mentor to countless public servants, and a great patriot who devoted his life to strengthening the security of the country that he loved." Austin noted that Carter "tore down barriers to service when he made the decision to open all U.S. combat positions to women and announced that transgender Americans could openly serve in the U.S. military."

Biden described Carter as "honest" and "principled" and "a man of extraordinary integrity" — Biden also said that Carter had "opened every field of military service to women and protected the rights of transgender service members."

Obama said in a statement about Carter that "under his leadership, America accelerated its counterterrorism efforts, opened combat roles to women, modernized its weapons systems, and strengthened our alliances around the world."

\u201cToday we mourn the passing of former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and celebrate a leader who left America\u2014and the world\u2014safer through his lifetime of service. Michelle and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to Ash\u2019s wife, children, and all those who loved him.\u201d
— Barack Obama (@Barack Obama) 1666716199

Reporter questions whether security video of Nancy Pelosi at salon is legal. It doesn't end well.



A California reporter triggered a tsunami of backlash on Tuesday after she seemingly excused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's glaring hypocrisy for violating California's COVID-19 restrictions — even painting Pelosi as an apparent victim.

What's the background?

Pelosi was busted having her hair done at a San Francisco salon Monday afternoon despite the salon being shuttered by the coronavirus-related lockdown restrictions. Surveillance video released by the salon owner showed Pelosi walking around the salon with wet hair — and without a face mask.

"It was a slap in the face that she went in, you know, that she feels that she can just go and get her stuff done while no one else can go in, and I can't work," salon owner Erica Kious told Fox News.

What did the reporter say?

Carla Marinucci, a senior Politico reporter covering California, responded by suggesting whether the recording of Pelosi was legal.

"Have to ask upon seeing this: Is it legal in CA — a 'two party consent' state — to videotape someone in a private home or business without their consent?" she asked on Twitter.

Have to ask upon seeing this: Is it legal in CA -- a "two party consent" state -- to videotape someone in a private… https://t.co/wg4Z70oJVQ
— Carla Marinucci (@Carla Marinucci)1598994870.0

What was the response to Marinucci?

She did not receive the answer she was seeking — but got much more than she bargained for, instead:

  • "It's security cam footage. That this is your biggest question suggests you are a part of the problem. Anything to say about the woman who owns this salon, can't open and can't support her 2 children as a single mother having to endure this indignity?" one person said.
  • "Security camera catches Democrat. Journalist blames business," one person mocked.
  • "If a criminal does not consent to being videotaped by a security camera located in a business during the commission of a crime then is the footage inadmissible in court?!?!" another person mocked.
  • "Here's a 'senior writer' at @politico who is unaware that it's legal to videotape someone breaking the law - even if it's the Speaker of the House," yet another person mocked.
  • "Seems like the kind of thing that you, as a California reporter, should've investigated the answer to before tweeting, rather than instinctively seeking to run interference for one of the most powerful politicians in the country," another person said.
  • "This is why Pelosi thinks she can get away with anything. She breaks the law and a reporter goes after the source, not Pelosi," another person responded.
  • "That's definitely the story here. That god***n small business and their security cameras. Good journamalisming," another person mocked.