Month: April 2024

Screenshot: Samuel Parker/X

Virginia Commonwealth University has become the latest epicenter of violent protests, as pro-Hamas supporters occupied parts of the campus, leading to a tense standoff with riot police. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for all students.

The confrontation began Monday morning when a group of student protesters established what they called a “Liberation Zone” outside the James Branch Cabell Library on VCU’s Monroe Park campus. The group displayed Palestinian flags and chanted “Free Palestine,” demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and calling for VCU to sever all financial ties with Israel.

As the day progressed, tents were erected, and protesters fortified their position by forming a barrier around the zone.

As the day progressed, the situation intensified with pro-Hamas supporters occupying the library and courtyard. Police responded by deploying tear gas and pepper spray after protesters hurled objects at officers.

Social media posts showed tense standoffs between law enforcement and demonstrators, with the latter demanding that VCU disclose and divest any financial ties to Israel and protect pro-Palestinian speech on campus.

WATCH:

#BREAKING: A shelter-in-place order has been issued due to violent protests taking place at Virginia Commonwealth University, where riots are occurring⁰⁰#Richmond | #Virginia⁰⁰Currently, emergency officials have sent out a message instructing all students to… pic.twitter.com/gpbobuxmIe

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 30, 2024

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Air-raid sirens, riot police stand off, shelter-in-place orders given.

Joe Biden’s America.

Insurgency.
Counterinsurgency. pic.twitter.com/VT5afRWbCL

— Edward G. (@realEdwardG) April 30, 2024

All students at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond are instructed to shelter-in-place due to police action against the pro-Hamas rioters.

All Students are being told to Shelter-in-Place at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, due to the Police Crackdown on the Pro-Hamas Encampment on Campus which has taken over the Cabell Library Building and nearby Courtyard. pic.twitter.com/7Voz56gyUv

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 30, 2024

RTD News reporter Samuel B. Parker provided live updates from the scene.

The evening saw the police making multiple arrests and a trash truck arriving to clear the makeshift encampments. Despite the police’s efforts to disperse the crowd, chants continued, and the number of demonstrators reportedly grew.

“Officers have moved into position and disassembled the makeshift barricade. Pepper spray has been deployed and protesters threw bottles and other projectiles at officers.”

Officers move in. Pepper spray has been deployed and protesters threw bottles and other projectiles at officers. pic.twitter.com/4bB2h1UiSo

— Samuel B. Parker (@SamuelParkerRTD) April 30, 2024

“You don’t have to do this,” protesters are shouting. “You’re on the wrong side of history.” pic.twitter.com/ppYSrGFgDC

— Samuel B. Parker (@SamuelParkerRTD) April 30, 2024

Arrests, part 3. At least six that I’ve seen, but hearing of more. Hard to breathe or count through the tear gas. pic.twitter.com/5zguB16UOh

— Samuel B. Parker (@SamuelParkerRTD) April 30, 2024

There are far more people here now than there were when this started. Can’t imagine that was the intention. pic.twitter.com/U6zIvzwalt

— Samuel B. Parker (@SamuelParkerRTD) April 30, 2024

The post Violent Protests Erupt at Virginia Commonwealth University: Air-Raid Sirens Sound, Riot Police Deployed, and Shelter-in-Place Order Issued (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Joe Scarborough and Mika of MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe’ had a recent meltdown over the insane protests happening on college campuses, because they’re worried that these displays are going to help elect Trump.

They might have a point. People are sick and tired of the left’s behavior and have noticed that the left riots whether Democrats win or not. If they’re going to behave this way no matter the outcome, they will be ignored and more people will back Trump for the economic benefits to the country.

Joe talks about the many similarities to 1968, when the Democrats lost big.

RedState has details:

Oh Noes! Joe Scarborough Frets That Ongoing Pro-Hamas Demonstrations Will ‘Elect Donald Trump!’

Is Joe concerned about Jewish students at Columbia University who are afraid to leave their apartments? Is he concerned about the potential for violence? Is he worried about the disruption of classes?

Nope, none of the above.

What really worries Scarborough is that the failure of left-wing university administrators to quell the demonstrations might lead to the election of the Devil’s spawn —Donald Trump — in November.

Oh, the humanity!

Mika kicked off the festivities on Monday’s edition of “Morning Joe.”

Ahead, the latest on the protests over Gaza that are spreading to more and more college campuses.

And, we’re going to have an exclusive, first look at Forbes’ list of the new Ivies, universities who are poised to replace the elite institutions, in part because of their handling of the protest. It is a much bigger story…

And I’ve got to say, just the absolute weakness of the administration, the cowardice of the administration, and, unfortunately, on these elite colleges, having people that are now running these elite colleges on faculty boards that, that, that burned down college campuses in the 1960s, that were responsible for the election in part of Richard Nixon in 1968 because of the chaos on college campuses, because of the chaos in Chicago.

Watch the clip below:

Joe Scarborough Rages At University Leaders’ Silence Over Anti-Israel Protests pic.twitter.com/Em87LYiS6T

— Illinois girl Desi (@d_ewinger) April 29, 2024

Joe and Mika have basically become cheerleaders for Biden. If they’re worried, that’s a good thing.

The post Joe Scarborough and Mika Panicked That Pro-Hamas College Campus Protests Will Get Trump Elected (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Former President Donald Trump has confirmed a reconciliation meeting with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, indicating a potential alliance in their efforts for the ‘Make America Great Again’ movement.

The Gateway Pundit reported the two political heavyweights, who have been at odds since a fiercely contested Republican primary, met for several hours on Sunday.

According to a post by Trump on Truth Social, the meeting took place at the scenic Shell Bay Club in Hollywood, Florida, facilitated by Steve Witkoff, a mutual friend and influential real estate broker.

Trump expressed satisfaction with the meeting, noting, “I am very happy to have the full and enthusiastic support of Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida. We had a great meeting yesterday. The conversation mostly concerned how we would work closely together to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”

Trump also highlighted the ongoing success of Florida under DeSantis’s leadership, emphasizing his appreciation for DeSantis’s commitment to the country’s future.

Screenshot: @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social

This meeting is the first known reconciliation since the end of the primaries, where both parties engaged in personal attacks, creating a rift within the Republican Party. In January, after withdrawing from the race, DeSantis endorsed Trump, but the relationship remained strained until this latest development.

The gathering was a strategic move orchestrated by allies of both Trump and DeSantis, who are keen to mend fences. Steve Witkoff played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the two figures, which could mark a new chapter in the GOP landscape.

Despite previous acrimony, the meeting was reportedly amicable, with DeSantis agreeing to support Trump’s campaign, which is currently trailing behind Joe Biden in fundraising efforts. Trump’s team is optimistic that DeSantis will not only endorse Trump but also actively participate in fundraising activities for the upcoming campaign.

This alliance has reignited speculation about DeSantis potentially being considered for the vice-presidential slot on Trump’s ticket. Although Trump had previously acknowledged DeSantis as a potential running mate, many of Trump’s staff and supporters still harbor resentment towards the Florida Governor for turning his back on Trump.

Furthermore, DeSantis had explicitly rejected the idea of being a vice-presidential candidate, reaffirming this stance in an interview on ‘Your World with Neil Cavuto.’

What is clear from Trump’s enthusiastic social media post is that both leaders are looking to the future, with Trump teasing, “November 5th is a BIG DAY!!!”

The post Feud Over: President Trump Confirms Meeting with Ron DeSantis to Discuss Future Strategies for ‘Making America Great Again’ — “November 5th is a BIG DAY!” appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

The Baphomet statue is seen in the conversion room at the Satanic Temple in Salem, Massachusetts. (Getty Images)

The Satanic Temple (TST) has announced plans to deploy its ministers as chaplains in public schools across the state following the House’s recent legislation.

Senate Bill 36, which permits the presence of volunteer chaplains within educational institutions, has passed the House and now awaits Senate approval.

Oklahoma, currently under Republican control in both the legislative and executive branches, might see the bill enacted as soon as November 1 if it passes the Senate.

The proposed bill stipulates rigorous checks for those aspiring to be school chaplains. Background checks are mandatory and individuals with a history as registered sex offenders or felony convictions are disqualified from the role. Additionally, any form of child abuse, negligence, or conduct deemed morally questionable can result in termination, KTUL reported.

Tulsa World reported that SB 36 would permit districts to hire chaplains, whether paid or volunteer. These requirements include an endorsement from a “faith group” confirming that the individual is:

A minister, rabbi, priest, imam, lay leader, or similar functionary of the faith group;
Qualified morally, intellectually, and emotionally to serve as a chaplain; and
Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all students.

Representative Kevin West, R-Moore, who sponsored the bill in the House, likens the role of school chaplains to those serving in military or emergency services, emphasizing the potential for chaplains to assist with personal struggles related to peer pressure, family, and emotional distress.

“A lot of the topics that chaplains wind up talking to people about are peer pressure, family issues, anger, grief, and loss,” West said, according to Tulsa World. “Teachers are tested at the same level of stress and anxiety as first responders. One thing that’s missing that’s available to first responders? A chaplain.”

TST has seized this opportunity to promote “religious plurality and community service.”

“While we would prefer states to invest in professional counselors over unlicensed religious support for students, we are prepared to adapt to these legislative conditions,” said Rachel Chambliss, TST’s Executive Director of Operations.

“We are committed to offering compassionate guidance to students who come to us so that we can help make positive changes in their lives by listening to their needs and providing support.

According to Chambliss, having TST Ministers in the state’s school system would aid in equal religious representation.

Tulsa World reported:

The post Satanic Temple Seeks to Introduce Ministers in Oklahoma Public Schools if “Chaplain Bill” Becomes Law appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

George Stephanopoulos, the former Bill Clinton staffer who is somehow now the political director of ABC News, opened his Sunday show this week with a mini rant about how abnormal the 2024 election is and how supposedly abnormal Trump is as a candidate.

To prove his point, George cites all of the sham investigations, court cases and flimsy allegations that Democrats have made against Trump.

He inadvertently admitted that all of the things Democrats are doing to Trump is not normal.

And remember, this is a guy who made a career off of covering up scandals for Bill Clinton.

The Washington Examiner reports:

Liberal Media Scream: Could you cry more, George Stephanopoulos?

For years, George Stephanopoulos ran block and worse for former President Bill Clinton. First, it was Gennifer Flowers, and then Travelgate and Whitewater. Multiple other scandals followed.

His boss got away with most and didn’t face the music until he was finally impeached for lying about the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal.

But on Sunday, in an editorial to lead off his ABC Sunday talk show, the former Clinton spokesman ripped into former President Donald Trump, who is facing several court cases for what some legal analysts see as political attacks. That every move Trump makes is hit by the media or added to his legal troubles isn’t enough for Stephanopoulos.

Instead, and the reason he’s our feature for this week’s Liberal Media Scream, he wants Trump treated differently, claiming that the former president has pushed the nation to the brink of civil war despite now being the candidate most people want to win in November, according to CNN.

Watch this ridiculous video:

“Until now, no American presidential race had been more defined by what’s happening in courtrooms than what’s happening on the campaign trail.” @GStephanopoulos on the latest political news: https://t.co/vsSg1XMv5C pic.twitter.com/6LEskOurFz

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 28, 2024

So, the Democrats’ mistreatment of Trump is proof that he is bad? Is that what George is really arguing here?

The post Former Bill Clinton Staffer George Stephanopoulos Tries to Paint Trump as Abnormal Based on What Democrats Are Doing to Him (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Customs and Border Protection arrested a Mexican national at the Peace Bridge border crossing in New York after finding child pornography in his belongings.

CBP agents encountered Marco Barajas Barron, 52, at the Port of Buffalo crossing on April 26.

In a press release about the arrest, CBP explained that Barron “was operating a commercial vehicle and was refused entry to Canada after a wrong turn. Upon arriving at the CBP primary inspection area, the driver was escorted to secondary for further inspection.”

“During the secondary inspection, CBP officers verified the identity of the driver and discovered additional information indicating suspected illegal activity,” the press release continued. “Further investigation revealed that Barajas Barron possessed child pornographic material.”

Over the weekend, CBP officers at the Buffalo, N.Y. (Peace Bridge) Port of Entry arrested a 52-year-old male Mexican citizen for possession of child pornographic material. He was arrested and turned over to @BuffaloNYPolice. Learn Morehttps://t.co/uGlVAzX8J4 pic.twitter.com/Z0a3GBP3yD

— CBP Buffalo (@CBPBuffalo) April 29, 2024

It is unclear what medium the material was on or how agents discovered it.

“Our CBP officers are among the best at identifying nefarious actors as part of their border security mission,” said Buffalo Port Director Gaetano Cordone. “We continue to successfully collaborate with our local law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.”

The driver and suspected child pornographic material were turned over to the Buffalo Police Department after being processed by CBP.

The post CBP Arrests Mexican Man at the Peace Bridge Border Crossing After Finding Child Pornography in His Belongings appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

It seems that the never-ending British soap opera regarding the flights of migrants to Rwanda is about to end, and the deportations are set to begin.

UK’s Home Office reportedly launched a major operation to detain asylum seekers across the UK today (29) – a date that’s weeks earlier than expected – in preparation for their deportation to migrant camps in Rwanda.

Asylum seekers who turn up at immigration service offices or bail appointments will be held, and migrants will also be picked up nationwide in a surprise two-week operation.

The Guardian reported:

“Detainees will be immediately transferred to detention centers, which have already been prepared for the operation, and held until they are put on planes to Rwanda. Some will be put on the first flight due to take off this summer.

The Home Office said ratification of the prime minister’s Safety of Rwanda Act meant ‘the government is entering the final phase of operationalizing this landmark policy to tackle illegal migration and stop the boats’.

It added: ‘At some stage inevitably this will include detaining people in preparation for the first flight, which is set to take off to Rwanda in 10 to 12 weeks. It would be inappropriate to comment further on operational activity.”

PM Rishi Sunak has endlessly repeated that he was focused on ‘stopping the boats’, determined to get the Rwanda plan going.

“Speaking on Monday before the Lords and Commons sat through the night to pass the safety of Rwanda (asylum and immigration) bill, Sunak said: ‘To detain people while we prepare to remove them, we’ve increased detention spaces to 2,200.

‘To quickly process claims, we’ve got 200 trained, dedicated caseworkers ready and waiting. To deal with any legal cases quickly and decisively, the judiciary have made available 25 courtrooms and identified 150 judges who could provide over 5,000 sitting days’.”

The first deportation flight to Rwanda will take off in June, after MPs and peers last week finally passed the Safety of Rwanda Bill. It was known after ministers let documents lying around in Downing Street for the press to see which contained the date.

Meanwhile, Irish deputy PM has said people are crossing from Northern Ireland because they fear being sent to east Africa.

BBC reported:

“The UK will not take back asylum seekers who have crossed into Ireland as the Rwanda deportation scheme gets going, Rishi Sunak has said.”

The prime minister said the UK was ‘not interested’ in accepting people back from Ireland.

“‘We’re not going to accept returns from the EU via Ireland when the EU doesn’t accept returns back to France where illegal migrants are coming from’, he told ITV. ‘Of course we’re not going to do that’.”

The standoff developed after the Irish government announced that it plans emergency legislation ‘to allow it to return asylum seekers to the UK’.

“Mr Sunak has argued any increased flow of people into Ireland shows his Rwanda policy is working.

The UK government is paying £500m to fund more border patrols to prevent small boat crossings to the UK, and a new detention centre in France, following a new deal between the two countries in 2022.”

Read more:

MASS MIGRATION UK: Embattled PM Sunak Wants To PAY Failed Asylum Seekers To Move to Rwanda Voluntarily

The post After Rwanda Plan Becomes Law, UK Launches Major Operation To Detain Asylum Seekers That Will Be Deported to Migrant Centers in Central Africa appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

A massive 78 percent majority of Americans believe social media companies have too much political power.

The Pew Research Center survey released on Monday revealed that the issue concerns both sides of the aisle, with 84 percent of Republicans and 74 percent of Democrats concerned about these companies’ influence.

The pollsters found that “Republicans and independents who lean toward the Republican Party (84%) are more likely than Democrats and Democratic leaners (74%) to think these companies have too much political power.”

The report adds, “While Republicans’ opinions have changed little since 2020, this view has grown more common among Democrats over the past four years: 74% of Democrats believe social media companies have too much power and influence in politics, up from 63% in 2020.”

Just 16 percent of Americans believe social media companies have the right amount of influence, and four percent said they have too little.

Additionally, “Americans are far more likely to say social media has a negative rather than positive impact on the country. Roughly two-thirds (64%) think social media has a mostly negative effect on the way things are going in the country today.”

Only 10 percent of respondents said that social media has a mostly positive impact on society.

“Majorities in both political parties see social media’s impact on the country negatively, though Republicans remain more wary than Democrats (71% vs. 59%). That said, a growing number of Democrats believe these platforms have a mostly bad impact on the country, rising to 59% in our current survey, up from 53% in 2020.”

Most surveyed said they believe social media platforms censor people based on political bias.

“Roughly eight-in-ten U.S. adults (83%) say it’s very or somewhat likely that these platforms intentionally censor political viewpoints they find objectionable, up from 77% in 2022. Just 17% in the current survey think this is not likely the case.”

The poll found that over ninety percent of Republicans believe social media platforms censor people based on politics.

Majorities in both parties believe political censorship is likely occurring on social media, but more Republicans hold this view. Fully 93% of Republicans say it’s likely that social media sites intentionally censor political viewpoints that they find objectionable, including 66% who say that this is very likely happening.

By comparison, 74% of Democrats think this is likely occurring, with 25% saying there’s a strong possibility this is occurring.

The pollsters surveyed 10,133 U.S. adults from February 7-11, 2024.

The post Massive 78 Percent Majority of Americans Believe Social Media Companies Have Too Much Political Power appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi snapped at MSNBC’s Katy Tur after she was fact-checked in real time about Trump’s jobs numbers.

Pelosi falsely claimed Joe Biden created 9 million jobs. This is a bold lie.

“Joe Biden created 9 million jobs in his term in office,” Pelosi said wagging her finger. “Donald Trump has the worst record of job loss of any president. So we just have to make sure people know!”

“That was a global pandemic,” Katy Tur said.

Pelosi flipped out.

“He had the worst record of any president! We’ve had other concerns in our country! If you want to be an apologist for Donald Trump that may be your role, but it ain’t mine!”

Katy Tur interrupted: “I don’t think that anyone can accuse me of that!”

WATCH:

YIKES: Crazy Nancy Pelosi SNAPS at Katy Tur for reminding her that Biden’s job “gains” are really jobs recovered from the pandemic pic.twitter.com/MCUBaOTCap

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 29, 2024

Democrat officials forced businesses to close down during the Covid pandemic in 2020.

Millions of people going back to work after the pandemic ended is not job creation.

Joe Biden hasn’t created any jobs for American citizens. All jobs recovered post-Covid under Joe Biden went to foreign-born workers – including illegal aliens!.

Per the Center for Immigration Studies: All employment growth has gone to the foreign-born. 183,000 fewer U.S.-born Americans are working than in 2019, before Covid. Yet, the number of immigrants (legal and illegal) working is up 2.9 million over 2019.

All employment growth has gone to the foreign-born. 183,000 fewer U.S.-born Americans are working than in 2019, before Covid. Yet, the number of immigrants (legal and illegal) working is up 2.9 million over 2019. pic.twitter.com/qVTbLptXw6

— Center for Immigration Studies (@CIS_org) February 13, 2024

Last year it was reported month after month that foreign-born workers were taking all the jobs while native born-Americans lost their jobs.

1.2 million native-born Americans lost their jobs in August.

771,000 foreign-born workers replaced them.

The post WATCH: Nancy Pelosi SNAPS at MSNBC’s Katy Tur After Being Fact-Checked in Real Time About Trump’s Jobs Numbers (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

A federal appeals court on Monday ruled West Virginia and North Carolina must pay for transgender healthcare.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 8-6 “in the case involving coverage of gender-affirming care by North Carolina’s state employee health plan and the coverage of gender-affirming surgery by West Virginia Medicaid.”

The case is likely headed to the US Supreme Court.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey vowed to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

“Decisions like this one, from a court dominated by Obama and Biden-appointees, cannot stand: we’ll take this to the Supreme Court and win,” Patrick Morrisey said.

AG @MorriseyWV vows to take fight over state Medicaid’s choice not to pay for sex-transition surgeries to SCOTUS

“Decisions like this one, from a court dominated by Obama- & Biden-appointees, cannot stand: we’ll take this to the Supreme Court and win.”https://t.co/V3WzjqlUTx

— Patrick Morrisey Press (@MorriseyPress) April 29, 2024

AP reported:

West Virginia and North Carolina’s refusal to cover certain health care for transgender people with government-sponsored insurance is discriminatory, a federal appeals court ruled Monday in a case likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 8-6 in the case involving coverage of gender-affirming care by North Carolina’s state employee health plan and the coverage of gender-affirming surgery by West Virginia Medicaid.

“The coverage exclusions facially discriminate on the basis of sex and gender identity, and are not substantially related to an important government interest,” Judge Roger Gregory, first appointed by former President Bill Clinton and re-appointed by former President George W. Bush, wrote in the majority opinion.

The ruling follows a decision earlier this month by 4th Circuit judges that West Virginia’s transgender sports ban violates the rights of a teen athlete under Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools.

The post Federal Appeals Court Rules West Virginia and North Carolina Must Pay for Transgender Healthcare appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.