Donald Trump reassured thousands of attendees at a NRA event in Pennsylvania that their firearms would be safe under his leadership. Trump emphasized his unwavering support for gun rights, highlighting it as a key priority for Republican voters. He plans to campaign in South Carolina alongside Nikki Haley, aiming for a resounding victory to deal a blow to Haley's chances.
US President Joe Biden and his administration planned to keep the Chinese spy balloon a secret from the public and Congress. The intention was to study it and let it pass over without informing anyone. The massive white orb penetrated US airspace 11 months ago and was spotted by the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin were not informed about the intrusion until later. The balloon, equipped with surveillance devices, transmitted collected data back to Beijing before being shot down by the US Air Force.
Rudy Giuliani has been ordered to pay over $148 million in damages to two former Georgia election workers for defamation and false accusations. The jury found that Giuliani owes roughly $73 million to compensate the workers for reputational and emotional harm, and $75 million to punish him. The workers, who are Black, received racist and sexist messages after false claims were spread about them. Giuliani falsely claimed that they were involved in voter fraud during the 2020 election. Giuliani plans to appeal the decision.
Trevor D. Jacob, a YouTuber known for staging a plane crash, has been sentenced to prison for obstructing the investigation. He intentionally crashed his plane for his YouTube channel, misleading investigators and removing the wreckage. The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that Jacob's motive was to gain notoriety and make money. Jacob's sentencing was handed down by Judge John F. Walter. His YouTube video contributed to his FAA pilot license revocation.