Tag: Brian Sicknick

The Associated Press Spreads Rumors Alongside News

*Ed. Note: The DC Medical Examiner’s office concluded in April 2021 that Mr. Sicknick died of natural causes. The question remains. Why did the AP repeatedly reporter otherwise? After I wrote the story below, the AP continued on March 5, 2021 and March 10, 2021 to assert as a fact the unproven allegation that “[f]ive people died in the attack, including a police officer.”

The Associated Press (AP), once considered the “bible” of the news industry, has distributed articles since 1846 about current event to media outlets around the world.

These days, the AP als0 pushes unproven assumptions and rumors.

A classic example of this is an article distributed by the AP Tuesday about FBI Director Chris Wray’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Referring to the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol Building, the AP states:

“Five people died as a result of the riot, including a Capitol Police officer and a woman who was shot as she tried to enter the House chamber with lawmakers still inside.”

Cause of Death?

In fact, it is not established that Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, 42, died on Jan. 7 as a result of the riot. Although the incident occurred almost two months ago, the medical examiner’s report has not been released. It could turn out the riot was a factor in death but, until and unless this occurs, it is mere speculation.

Moreover, three of the five people who reportedly died succumbed to natural causes in the Capitol Building “area” on Jan. 6. Is it accurate to say their deaths were because of the riot? For example, did anyone die in the process of climbing the 365 steps to the Capitol Building ?

It is clear that one rioter, Ashli E. Babbitt, 35, an Air Force veteran, was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer as she climbed through a broken window leading to the Speaker’s Lobby.

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A Nation Afraid Of Its People?

“Unity Won Over Division,” $105.

This will be an inauguration like no other in recent history.

It is reported the Pentagon is deploying upward of 20,000 National Guard troops with lethal weapons to Washington, D.C. for the Jan. 20 inauguration of GOP President Elect Joe Biden. This is twice the number of American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq combined.

Additionally, The Army Times reports that, at the request of U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-CO, the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command is reviewing the backgrounds of troops involved in inauguration security “to ensure that deployed members are not sympathetic to domestic terrorists.”

This display of force is being arranged even though Biden’s inaugural committee announced on Jan. 3 that there will be a “virtual parade” after the swearing in ceremony to keep crowds to a minimum amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Peoples’ President

Since the election of Democratic President Jimmy Carter in 1977, Presidents and their families have walked at least part of the inaugural parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue on foot to wave at crowds. This act is meant to show they are the “peoples’ president.”

Four years ago, President Donald J. Trump and his wife, Melania, walked along people-lined streets, though police had earlier clashed with protesters, hurling flash-bang grenades to drive them from streets near the parade route.

The theme of Biden’s inaugural committee is decidedly different.

The committee is selling swag on the Internet that includes a $105 “Thakoon Panichgul – Sweatshirt” bearing the logo: “unity won over division.” Panichgul is an American fashion designer. At worst, this logo is a reference to a slander that all Trump supporters are White Supremacists. At best, it doesn’t do much to promote actual unity.

Continue reading “A Nation Afraid Of Its People?”