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In the news today: Trump’s Homeland Security secretary is under increased pressure after federal agents shot two people dead in Minneapolis; a man attacks Rep. Ilhan Omar with an unknown substance in Minnesota; and three boys die falling through an icy pond during the destructive winter storm. Also, “America’s Notre Dame” gets a restoration. Plus: Get ready for the Winter Games by signing up for our free pop-up newsletter, Postcards from Milan Cortina. |
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, Saturday, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) |
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces rising calls for her firing or impeachment |
From Democratic Party leaders to the nation’s leading advocacy organizations to even the most centrist lawmakers in Congress, the calls are mounting for the Homeland Security secretary to step aside after the shooting deaths in Minneapolis of two people who protested deportation policy. At a defining moment in her tenure, few Republicans are rising to Noem’s defense. Read more.
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“The country is disgusted by what the Department of Homeland Security has done,” top House Democratic Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Pete Aguilar of California said in a joint statement. “Kristi Noem should be fired immediately,” the Democrats said, “or we will commence impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives.”
Noem’s alliance with Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, who was recalled from the Minnesota operation Monday, has left her isolated on Capitol Hill. Some Republicans have been critical of her. “What she’s done in Minnesota should be disqualifying. She should be out of a job,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. Additionally, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska said, “It probably is time for her to step down.”
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President Donald Trump defended Noem at multiple junctures, strongly indicating her job does not appear to be in immediate jeopardy. Asked by reporters Tuesday whether Noem is going to step down, Trump had a one-word answer: “No.”
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Man arrested after spraying unknown substance on Rep. Ilhan Omar |
A man sprayed an unknown substance on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and was tackled to the ground Tuesday during a town hall in Minneapolis. Read more. |
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The audience cheered as the man was pinned down and his arms were tied behind his back. In video of the incident, someone in the crowd can be heard saying, “Oh my god, he sprayed something on her.” Moments before, Omar had called for the abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and for Noem to resign or face impeachment.
Minneapolis police said officers saw the man use a syringe to spray an unknown liquid at Omar. They immediately arrested him and booked him at the county jail for third-degree assault, spokesperson Trevor Folke said. Forensic scientists responded to the scene. There was no immediate word from officials on what the substance was. Omar continued speaking for about 25 more minutes after the man was ushered out by security, saying she would not be intimidated.
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Mom unable to save 3 sons who fell through icy pond in Texas |
Three brothers — ages 6, 8 and 9 — died in Texas during the massive winter storm gripping the U.S. after falling through an icy pond across the street from a house where they were staying, authorities said Tuesday. Their mother said she jumped into the freezing water but wasn’t able to save them. Read more. |
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“They were just screaming, telling me to help them,” Cheyenne Hangaman told The Associated Press. “And I watched all of them struggle, struggle to stay above the water. I watched all of them fight.” Hangaman said she and her children had been staying at a friend’s house across the street from the pond, and that she’d warned them to not go near it. But, she said, on Monday her youngest daughter ran to tell her that her brothers were in the water. Officials in states afflicted with severe cold reported at least 50 deaths.
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