Crime-ridden Oakland elects Barbara Lee for mayor, rejecting reform for more liberal chaos: ‘Thao 2.0’



Voters in crime-ridden Oakland, California, elected former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, a Democrat, as the city’s next mayor.

Oakland held a special election on Tuesday after former Mayor Sheng Thao (D) was recalled by her constituents over the city’s rising crime rates, which prompted many businesses to flee the area.

'I’ve never uttered "defund the police."'

The FBI raided Thao’s home in June, and she was later indicted in January on bribery, conspiracy, and mail and wire fraud charges.

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price (D) was also recalled.

The successful recall efforts appeared to indicate that Oakland residents had had enough of progressive politicians’ soft-on-crime approach.

Seneca Scott, the founder of Neighbors Together Oakland, said the recalls signaled that the “phony ‘progressive’ movement is officially dead.”

However, last week, Oakland residents voted to replace Thao with Lee, a Democratic candidate who had opposed the recall effort and previously expressed support for defunding the police.

In June 2020, Lee told Politico that she was “really proud of what Minneapolis unanimously decided” after the city pulled funding from the police. Yet, Lee has insisted that she never supported the defunding movement.

“I’ve never uttered ‘defund the police,’” she told KRON-TV in January. “I never was there. Some were, some weren’t. But that’s okay. I wasn’t. Some said it was only progressives who were, doing the right thing for police reform. And believe you me, I’ve been out there on police accountability and police reform. That’s me. But, believe you me, I understand the need for public safety for everyone.”

Lee’s challenger, former City Council member Loren Taylor (D), who supported tougher police measures, held the initial lead in the mayoral race. However, Lee ultimately secured a five-point victory in the ranked-choice election.

Despite her previous comments indicating her support for yanking funding from law enforcement, Lee ran on a public safety platform in the special election.

Her “first 100 days” plan stated that she intends to address the city’s homelessness crisis and “bring together Police Department leadership and representatives from all business corridors to coordinate and improve public safety strategies.”

She also stated she would appoint a task force “to modernize Oakland’s Charter and strengthen government accountability.”

Scott referred to Lee as “Thao 2.0” and attributed her election success to her “tremendous name recognition.” He expressed doubt that she would keep her campaign promises.

“I have no confidence ‘progressives’ will actually follow thru, they just pandered as usual and will continue passing destructive anti-commerce policies,” Scott wrote in a post on X.

Lee stated on Saturday, "This morning, Loren Taylor called me to concede the race. While I believe strongly in respecting the democratic voting process and ballots will continue to be counted through Tuesday, the results are clear that the people of Oakland have elected me as your next Mayor. THANK YOU, OAKLAND!"

"I accept your choice with a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and love," she continued. "Oakland is a deeply divided City, and I answered the call to run, to unite our community—so that I can represent every voter, and we can all work together as One Oakland to solve our most pressing problems."

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Washington State U. punishes instructor, staffer charged with beating up Trump-supporting student of color wearing MAGA hat



Washington State University said it fired a staff member and relieved a graduate student instructor of teaching responsibilities after they were charged with physically attacking an undergraduate student of color who supports President Donald Trump and was wearing a Make American Great Again hat when he was assaulted.

According to a video report from Turning Point USA's Frontlines, WSU junior engineering student Jay Sani said WSU instructor Patrick Mahoney and staff member Gerald Hoff ambushed and physically attacked him outside of the Coug, a campus bar, on Feb. 28. The attack was captured on surveillance video and is included in the Frontlines video report, which you can view here.

In a Facebook post describing the attack, Sani said Mahoney 'crumpled' up his MAGA hat and 'threw it into the street, and yelled ... words to the effect of "go get it bitch."'

Phil Weiler, WSU's vice president for marketing and communications, sent Blaze News the following statement Friday:

Washington State University (WSU) is aware of an off-campus incident that occurred in February involving a WSU staff member, graduate student, and undergraduate student. After an investigation by the Pullman, Washington, police department, the WSU staff member and graduate student were arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault. In accordance with WSU policies, the staff member’s employment was terminated, and the graduate student was relieved of all teaching responsibilities.

While WSU remains committed to the freedom of speech and expression for all members of our university community, it will not tolerate acts of violence or hate speech. The university continues to review all complaints with the utmost of seriousness.

Sani said he was wearing a red Make America Great Again hat at the time of the attack and that Mahoney "ripped the hat off my head." In a Facebook post describing the attack, Sani said Mahoney "crumpled" up his MAGA hat and "threw it into the street, and yelled ... words to the effect of 'go get it bitch.'"

Sani said he threw his food at Mahoney's face but that Mahoney and Hoff ganged up on him, saying Mahoney "grabbed my chest and slammed it on the concrete as I was falling" and "punched me a bunch of times on the back" and that Hoff "kicked me a bunch of times too."

The Frontlines report includes images of Sani's "multiple scrapes and bruises" resulting from the two-on-one beatdown.

The video report also shows Pullman police catching up with Mahoney and Hoff on bodycam video timestamped in the early morning hours of March 1, just hours after the attack.

"I seen this guy f**king on campus before," Mahoney says on police bodycam video in reference to Sani. "I know he's, like, [a] f**king right-wing dude."

Mahoney also tells police, "I, like, grabbed his hat, threw it, and said, like, 'Go get it.'" Hoff admits to police that "we did grab him and bring him to the ground."

However, Mahoney is heard actually telling cops that he didn't hit Sani and that "I don't think I did f**king something illegal, right?"

A voice — presumably an officer — is heard saying on the bodycam clip that "it's unwanted touching," after which Mahoney says, "It's unwanted touching. I don't know what that is, right?"

Mahoney adds on the bodycam clip that Sani "wanted to fight" and "f**king got what was coming to him, right?"

You can view the complete police bodycam video here of officers interviewing and arresting Mahoney.

The Frontlines video report said Mahoney is a WSU graduate student and instructor who teaches a freshman-level political science class — and is a "notorious far-left activist who hates conservative values and is a regular at pro-Hamas protests in the city."

Mahoney also "has strong ties to the Democratic Socialists of America, progressive pro-labor groups, and is someone who publicly touts his admiration for the communist party," the video report adds, citing Sani. The video also points out a hammer and sickle pin seen on Mahoney's jacket lapel in his WSU headshot:

Patrick MahoneyPatrick Mahoney (Image source: Washington State University website)

In reference to Sani's skin color, he added in his Facebook post, "To make it clear, I hate to say this, but I'm brown, but forget it. I'm an engineering student that wants to get the degree and move on. So what if I like someone that you don't like. We have the 1st Amendment, and it's not okay that just because you don't like that person, I should be attacked for it. You had a chance in November to oust [Trump], but you didn't."

A Frontlines reporter knocked on Mahoney's door to inquire if he wanted to comment on the assault but that he replied, "No, go away," from behind the closed door.

The Frontlines video report added that "we were unable to reach Hoff to get his side of the story, but found his LinkedIn account indicating that he's employed at WSU. Again, the school would not comment on Hoff's status, either."

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Ex-middle school teacher slapped with felony charges over accusations of shocking student sex scandal



A former middle school teacher in Texas is facing felony charges after being accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, according to reports.

Kara Hernandez – a 31-year-old from Missouri City, Texas – was arrested and charged with indecency with a child involving sexual contact and an improper relationship between an educator and a student. Her bond has been set at $50,000.

Hernandez is reportedly married with four children.

Hernandez had been a teacher at Ronald Thornton Middle School until she resigned from her teaching position in September 2024.

The Fort Bend Independent School District said in a statement, “The district took action immediately after allegations came to light, and during our investigation the teacher resigned in place of termination in September 2024.”

A grand jury indictment accused Hernandez of having sexual contact with a student enrolled at the school, according to court documents obtained by KPRC-TV.

The alleged relationship happened in April and October of 2022 while Hernandez worked at the Houston-area school, according to court documents.

KRIV-TV obtained a letter that the Fort Bend Independent School District sent to parents regarding the shocking allegations against the former Ronald Thornton Middle School teacher.

“Recently, allegations of past inappropriate conduct by a Thornton Middle School staff member were brought to the district’s attention by a former student," the statement began.

"Fort Bend ISD immediately began an investigation, and the staff member was immediately removed from the campus and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The staff member will not be returning to FBISD," the district stated.

According to the school's website, Hernandez had been the orchestra director at Ronald Thornton Middle School and an orchestra camp coordinator.

Henandez's bio on the school's orchestra website states: "Mrs. Hernandez firmly believes that her purpose in life is to provide an exceptional music education for students."

Hernandez is reportedly married with four children.

"When she is not teaching or practicing her viola, she enjoys spending time outdoors and supporting the Houston Astros with her husband and their four children," the bio reads.

It was not specified if the alleged incidents happened at the school, but records show that the alleged victim was a student at Ronald Thornton Middle School.

Anyone with information regarding the allegations of child sex abuse is urged to contact the Fort Bend ISD Police Department at 281-634-5500 or contact Crime Stoppers at 281-491-8477 to remain anonymous.

Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court on April 28.

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The New Pornographers drummer arrested for alleged child pornography



Joseph Seiders, the 44-year-old drummer for the indie rock group the New Pornographers, was charged earlier this month for alleged possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child, invasion of privacy, concealing a camera with intent to invade privacy, and attempting to conceal a camera without consent.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office revealed Thursday that deputies assigned to the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station were alerted on April 7 to a "suspicious circumstance" involving an 11-year-old boy. The child claimed that a man had filmed him using the restroom. According to jail records, the incident took place in the restroom of a Chick-Fil-A.

Deputies received a second report at the same location on April 9. An employee indicated that the man from the previous incident, later identified as Seiders, was "entering and exiting the restroom with juvenile males at the business."

Deputies apprehended the alleged molester and booked him into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, California.

According to the RCSO, the Palm Desert Station Investigations Bureau searched Seiders' residence, vehicle, and cell phone, finding evidence that allegedly implicated him in the two reported incidents at the Chick-Fil-A as well as additional crimes, including the possession of child pornography.

At the time of publication, Seiders — dubbed the "cocktail drummer" by the Daily Beast — was still in jail with his bail set at $1 million.

Suspected pervert Joseph Seider (Riverside County Sheriff's Office)

Seiders' band, the New Pornographers, said in a statement, "Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified and devastated by the news of the charges against Joe Seiders — and we have immediately severed all ties with him."

"Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions," added the band.

The New Pornographers made Rolling Stone's list of top 100 bands of the 2000s and performed on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." The Guardian noted that the band reached No. 13 in the U.S. charts in 2014 with its album "Brill Bruisers."

The band with the alleged pedophile drummer has been highly critical of President Donald Trump, bashing him in a Rolling Stone article and noting in 2017, "Trump got 4% of the vote in DC. Where are we most popular? DC. Make of that what you will."

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Man wanted for murder now faces new felony charges after his dogs maul neighbor to death in vicious attack



A Texas man — who is already facing murder charges in a separate case — was hit with new felony charges after his three dogs allegedly mauled a 65-year-old woman to death.

Marshall Garrett, 38, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with three counts of criminal negligent failure to secure his dogs.

Neighbors allegedly told investigators that Garrett's dogs often escaped from their enclosure and were aggressive.

On March 23, Harriette Phillips was walking on her property and was "scanning her backyard looking for something," according to home security video reviewed by police. She was hitting her fence with a hammer, according to court documents.

Suddenly, it "appeared that the defendant's dogs had broken through her fence," according to court records obtained by ABC News.

Three Staffordshire Bull Terriers reportedly attacked Phillips, and she began to scream. She attempted to defend herself by swinging the hammer at the animals.

Det. Ramon Garcia with the Houston Police Department noted that the dogs began "mauling her head, neck area, arms, elbows, and other parts of her body until the complainant was unable to move anymore or scream for help."

The dogs mauled Phillips to death.

Garrett did not witness the attacks but "realized what occurred afterward and called 911," according to court records.

Citing the criminal complaint, People magazine reported that investigators allegedly found the woman's hair and pieces of her clothing inside the stomachs of the dogs.

The three dogs were euthanized under a Texas law that calls for any animal that bites a person to be quarantined for 10 days or euthanized.

On the same day as the fatal dog attack, another neighbor reportedly texted Garrett that he saw the dogs in Phillips' yard. Court docs stated that Garrett replied: "Oh lord, I'm about to get it resolved."

Neighbors allegedly told investigators that Garrett's dogs often escaped from their enclosure and were aggressive. One neighbor told officers with the Houston Police Department that she had recently been bitten by one of the dogs on her finger while attempting to repair a hole in her fence, court documents stated.

Court documents revealed that Garrett is also facing a murder charge from a previous incident.

On Oct. 29, 2024, Garrett allegedly beat a 69-year-old man to death.

Alton Martin and his fiancée met Latrecia Washington in a parking lot and sold her jewelry, KHOU-TV reported.

Washington allegedly attempted to pawn the jewelry but was informed that the jewelry was fake.

Washington tracked down Martin and his fiancée at a store, court documents said. Washington allegedly used her car to block the couple's car in the parking lot.

Martin's fiancée reportedly told authorities that Washington walked Martin out of the store at knifepoint.

Court documents revealed that Washington and Garrett beat Martin with either the handle of a knife or a metal pipe.

Martin died 12 days after the attack. The medical examiner said Martin's cause of death was blunt-force trauma to his head.

Washington reportedly remains at large.

Garrett was arrested for the alleged fatal beating and then released on bond, according to court records. Garrett is now back in jail.

Garrett allegedly has previously been convicted of several criminal offenses, including burglary, criminal trespass, evading arrest, possession of marijuana, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument.

You can watch a local newscast from KRPC-TV regarding the fatal dog mauling here.

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NY Gov. Hochul looks to free violent criminals to mask prison staffing disaster she fueled: Report



New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) reportedly wants to release some violent criminals as the state battles a severe prison staffing crisis.

Last month, Department of Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III announced that the state had fired 2,000 corrections officers for participating in an "illegal" 22-day strike. Prior to the walkout, the state's prison system was already understaffed by roughly 2,000, according to Hochul.

'I think the governor's motive is more aligned with using this as a tool to address the uneven staffing ratios that exist in a lot of these prisons.'

Spectrum News reported in January that the governor was pushing to expand New York's merit time program to more inmates. Merit time currently allows "certain non-violent" offenders to obtain degrees or learn vocational skills to earn a reduced prison sentence.

While Hochul did not mention the expanded eligibility proposal in her January State of the State speech, it was briefly mentioned in the accompanying report.

Under a section titled "Reduce Reoffending Through Innovative Justice Initiatives," it read, "Repeat offenses contribute significantly to overall crime rates in New York, with reoffending rates as high as 80 percent for individuals released from prison."

"Under Governor Hochul's leadership, programs like Jails to Jobs have reduced recidivism by connecting previously incarcerated individuals to education and job opportunities," it continued. "Building on this progress, Governor Hochul will expand training in green energy and sustainable industries and enhance positive incentive programs like merit time to improve reentry success."

On Friday, the New York Post reported that two sources familiar with Hochul's budget proposal plans stated that the governor wants to include expanding merit time eligibility to some violent offenders. The governor's office reportedly revealed that 4,000 prisoners have met the program's requirements and would be eligible for release.

Even Hochul's fellow Democrats have criticized her proposal, warning that expanded early release eligibility could risk public safety.

State Sen. Jim Skoufis (D) told the Post, "I personally don't believe we should be expanding these kinds of opportunities to folks who are incarcerated for serious violent offenses."

"I think the governor's motive is more aligned with using this as a tool to address the uneven staffing ratios that exist in a lot of these prisons," Skoufis added.

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D) also stated that she does not support expanding eligibility to criminals who have committed violent felonies.

While it is unclear which violent crimes would be eligible under Hochul's plan, those guilty of murder or sex offenses would not qualify for the expanded merit time program.

A spokesperson for Hochul told the Post, "Governor Hochul will not allow anyone who demonstrates a public safety threat to be released early from prison."

"A proposal was discussed that would have granted near term merit time release to approximately 3% of the prison population — only if they have excellent disciplinary records and a plan to live a crime-free life outside DOCCS facilities. Under no circumstances will this Administration grant any special privileges to individuals convicted of murder, rape or other sex offenses," the spokesperson stated.

In a separate move to address the understaffing crisis, Martuscello sent a memo to prison leaders earlier this month instructing them to identify inmates for early release. Eligible inmates must "meet the statutory requirements," including having an "identified approved residence" and only up to 110 days left on their sentences.

Martuscello anticipated that a "large number" of inmates would be eligible, but he noted that those guilty of violent felony offenses or sex crimes would not qualify.

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Suspect in deadly Florida State University shooting identified as son of local sheriff's deputy, police say



A shooting at Florida State University on Thursday resulted in two deaths so far and six people wounded, according to authorities.

Police identified the shooting suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a local sheriff's deputy. Responders reportedly shot Ikner, who was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police sources who spoke to ABC News.

'We will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County.'

The shooting was reported at about noon when the university sent a campus-wide alert telling students to shelter in place. The shooting began at the student union building before police responded and shot the suspect, who was transported to a hospital and taken into custody.

Police said that the two deceased victims were not students, but they had not yet released their identities. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare said the six wounded victims they received were in fair condition.

Sheriff Walter McNeil told reporters that Ikner had obtained access to his mother's personal weapons and went to the university with a shotgun as well as a handgun. His mother has been a deputy with the Leon County sheriff's department for more than 18 years.

"Her service to this community has been exceptional," said McNeil.

He went on to say that the suspect had been a member of the Leon County Sheriff's Office's Youth Advisory Council and had participated in a number of training programs at the sheriff's office.

"Not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons," he added.

Some FSU students reportedly also experienced the horror of the 2018 Parkland shootings.

"This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective," McNeil added. "But I will tell you this, we will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say, across this state and across this nation."

President Donald Trump has been updated about the shooting. FSU classes have been canceled through Friday.

Video coverage of the shooting can be viewed on the CBS News report on YouTube.

This is a developing story and may be updated with additional information.

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Ex-wife of former TV anchor tried to hire hit man to make him 'disappear and be put underground' after son's freak death: Docs



A Tennessee woman is accused of attempting to have her ex-husband, a former local TV news anchor, killed in a murder-for-hire plot, according to legal documents.

On Friday, 55-year-old Angelia Solomon of Franklin was arrested and charged with solicitation to commit first-degree murder against her ex-husband, according to the Franklin Police Department.

'He deserves the worst ... he deserves the death penalty, he deserves the chair.'

Solomon remains behind bars on a $500,000 bond.

Police say Solomon was attempting to hire a hit man to kill her ex-husband, former WSMV-TV morning anchor Aaron Solomon.

At approximately 2:15 p.m. on April 11, Angelia Solomon met with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hit man in the parking lot of the Cool Springs Mall, according to the affidavit of complaint obtained by People magazine.

Angelia was attempting to orchestrate a murder-for-hire scheme, the affidavit states, and she allegedly told the undercover officer that she wanted her ex-husband to "disappear and be put underground."

Angelia provided the undercover officer with information on how Aaron could be located, including his place of employment and his home address, the affidavit states.

She gave the undercover officer the registration to her vehicle as collateral and promised a "future payment" for the murder-for-hire plot, according to the affidavit.

Angelia reportedly told the undercover cop that Aaron’s death would provide the couple's daughter access to a trust fund.

Angelia allegedly has harbored disdain for her ex-husband ever since their teenage son died, and she links Aaron to her son's freak death.

On July 20, 2020, Aaron and his son — Grant Solomon — were at a sports facility participating in a private pitching lesson.

Grant Solomon — a high school senior and talented baseball player at Grace Christian Academy in Franklin — reportedly was struck by his own vehicle in the parking lot of the baseball training facility.

Aaron Solomon allegedly was in another vehicle in the parking lot and called 911 when his son was struck by the Toyota pickup truck.

"I looked down to check a work email, and the next thing I know, I hear and see the truck rolling backwards into the ditch. I get out of my car to try to find my son and saw that he was trapped underneath the truck and immediately called 911," Aaron told police, according to the Daily Mail.

Grant Solomon was pronounced dead shortly after, his death was later ruled an accident, and the case was closed.

However, Angelia Solomon believes her former husband was involved in their son's death.

Angelia and her daughter Gracie made a TV appearance on NewsNation's "Banfield" last year to demand a more thorough investigation into her son's mysterious death. Angelia and Gracie believe the circumstances of Grant's death are suspicious and blame Aaron.

"Witnessing how he treated my brother, it is very reasonable for him to be responsible for the death of my brother," Gracie told host Ashleigh Banfield.

The Daily Mail reported that Angelia said in a 2023 interview that she had a "hellish rage" toward Aaron, and that he "didn’t deserve to be on this Earth."

Angelia was asked what would be proper justice for her ex-husband, to which she reportedly replied, "That he’d be gone. Gracie wants him to be locked up, and that he doesn’t ever walk free, but in order to feel totally protected and peaceful and free ... he would have to be gone."

Angelia allegedly added, "He deserves the worst ... he deserves the death penalty, he deserves the chair. What he did to both of my children, he doesn’t deserve to be on this Earth. I think God has my back on that; he's a danger to society."

In May 2021, then-14-year-old Gracie Solomon posted a YouTube video in which she called her father "a rapist, a molester, a liar, and a killer."

Gracie claimed her brother feared their father's “terrifying behavior” and said she “strongly believes [Aaron Solomon] killed Grant.”

Aaron Solomon has never been charged with any crimes and has denied the claims made by his ex-wife and daughter.

In March 2022, Aaron sued Angelia and four others for defamation for spreading what he claimed were unfounded allegations.

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Karmelo Anthony advocate blasts 'disrespectful' father of Austin Metcalf for showing up at Anthony family news conference



The president of the Next Generation Action Network — a group advocating for 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who's charged with murdering high school star athlete Austin Metcalf — called Metcalf's father "disrespectful" for showing up at a Thursday news conference for the Anthony family.

NGAN's Dominique Alexander added that Jeff Metcalf's presence at the event was "a disrespect to the dignity of his son," according to a WFAA-TV live video feed of the news conference.

Alexander told those gathered that Metcalf 'was not invited,' that 'he knows that it's inappropriate to be near [the Anthony] family,' and that his presence at the news conference 'shows you all' his 'character.'

Metcalf's 17-year-old son Austin was fatally stabbed at an April 2 track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. Police arrested Anthony and charged him with first-degree murder.

Jeff Metcalf said the suspect got angry after being told he was in the wrong place and being asked to move: "I'm not trying to judge, but what kind of parents did this child have? What was he taught? He brought a knife to a track meet, and he murdered my son by stabbing him in the heart. The guy was in the wrong place, and they asked him to move, and he bowed up. This is murder."

Anthony's father said his son "was not the aggressor," and Anthony walked free from from jail Monday after his $1 million bond was reduced to $250,000.

News conference delayed; Jeff Metcalf blamed

The start of Thursday's news conference was delayed after Jeff Metcalf — seen on the station's live feed holding a smartphone and wearing dark sunglasses — showed up and wouldn't leave when requested to do so, WFAA reported. NGAN said the news conference wouldn't happen with Metcalf in the room, the station added.

Dallas police were called, WFAA said, and there was speculation that Metcalf's presence at the news conference violated a court order stating that Karmelo Anthony isn't allowed to have contact with the Metcalf family. However, WFAA said Karmelo Anthony wasn't at the news conference.

After about an hour delay, the station said Metcalf had departed the building, and he was seen speaking outside to a group of at least five uniformed police officers and shaking the hands of some of them as he left.

- YouTube youtu.be

Soon after the news conference began, Alexander told those gathered that Metcalf "was not invited," that "he knows that it's inappropriate to be near [the Anthony] family," and that his presence at the news conference "shows you all" his "character."

Frisco ISD accused of intention to expel Anthony

Alexander also ripped the Frisco Independent School District, claiming that district officials intend to expel Anthony — who's a senior at Centennial High School — prior to his graduation. Alexander added that "we will do direct action" outside the Frisco ISD offices in the coming days, and it "seems like they have made their mind up."

The Frisco ISD provided Blaze News with the following statement Thursday when asked to comment on Alexander's claim that the district intends to expel Anthony:

While Frisco ISD cannot comment on an individual student's disciplinary record due to student privacy law, we can provide general information about District protocol and relevant law.

If a student in Frisco ISD is charged with a serious crime, called a Title V felony, the District looks at the case and decides if the student should be disciplined. The student and their parents will get a letter explaining what the school recommends.

If the school recommends expulsion, which means the student is removed from school, the student is not allowed to go on any Frisco ISD property while the decision is being made. A meeting will be held where the student can share their side of the story and show any evidence. After the meeting, the District will decide whether to go through with the expulsion and will let the student and parents know.

If the student is expelled, they might still get schoolwork and education through a special program called JJAEP. If the student has already finished everything needed to graduate, the district may let them graduate early instead of going to JJAEP. Whether the student is expelled or chooses to graduate early, they still can't go on any Frisco ISD property.

Anthony's mother speaks out

Anthony's mother, Kala Hayes, was at times tearful and angry as she also spoke at the news conference.

Hayes said she's a "stay-at-home mom" and that her "two-parent" family puts "God first in everything that we do." She added that her family has been "under attack" and "threatened, harassed, and lied about" since the "tragic incident."

"My 13-year-old daughter is afraid to sleep in her own bedroom!" a tearful Hayes hollered, noting that her husband's "metal health" has "deteriorated day by day" in the face of having to take a leave of absence from work "because he's afraid of what might happen to our family." She also said claims about the family's financial situation are "completely false" and that they "haven't received a single dime" from the GiveSendGo fund for her son, which was nearing the $460,000 mark Thursday afternoon.

- YouTube youtu.be

The Anthony family moved into a $900,000 home in a gated community in recent days, according to the Daily Mail, which added it its report that "the lavish lifestyle is in stark contract to the cash struggles Anthony's father, Andrew Anthony, claimed to have in court Monday, where the parent claimed he was the sole breadwinner."

At the news conference, Alexander also tore into "conservative operatives" who "have been posting nonstop about this case," noting "misinformation about the [GiveSendGo] fund" and saying that claims about the family's new house are false. Alexander also decried "bigotry" and "racism" against the Anthony family. On the other side of things, Karmelo Anthony's defenders have been going viral on social media, with one of them actually declaring that Metcalf "got exactly what he deserved — point blank, period."

You can view the full press conference below:

- YouTube www.youtube.com

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Thug convicted of murdering woman who rejected his offer to 'get high'; he said he felt disrespected by her 'f**k off' reply



An Iowa male was convicted last week of murdering a woman who rejected his offer to "come get high" — and he said he felt disrespected by her "f**k off" response.

A Polk County jury on Wednesday convicted James Bernard Johnson, 43, of first-degree murder for shooting Nikki Loffredo, 42, last summer in Des Moines, the Polk County Attorney said.

Evidence included text messages between him and his girlfriend admitting he had 'popped' someone recently.

Johnson took the stand and said he saw Loffredo walking on Euclid Avenue early on July 27 and planned to approach her, officials said. Johnson saw her again at the intersection of East Ovid Avenue and Cambridge Street at 3:48 a.m., officials said, adding that he yelled at her from his GMC Yukon to “come get high” with him.

Johnson said Loffredo responded, “Who are you? Never mind, f**k off," the attorney's office noted.

Officials reported that "Johnson said he felt disrespected and admitted he fired a handgun four times from his Tahoe, claiming he fired at the ground to frighten her. He then sped off in the vehicle. He denied that he intended to kill her. There was no previous connection between the victim and defendant."

Loffredo died July 29 of her wounds, officials said.

Johnson was arrested Aug. 2, officials said, adding that evidence included text messages between him and his girlfriend admitting he had “popped” someone recently.

Johnson said he had consumed cocaine and marijuana the day of the shooting, officials said, adding that he has previous drug convictions and that "he stipulated to the charge of being a felon in possession of a weapon."

The trial lasted a week, officials said, adding that the jury deliberated on the afternoon of April 8 and a portion of the morning of April 9 before announcing its verdict.

Officials said Johnson faces life in prison when he's sentenced June 20.

According to the New York Post, Loffredo was a bartender and a mother, and her family said she was “very kind and compassionate and was always willing to help anyone in need.”

“She loved to spoil her nephews and take them to movies and Chuck E. Cheese,” her obituary reads, the Post said.

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