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DEADLY ACCESS: Routh Exploited Security Hole Known to Photographers, Secret Service – Report
The gunman who reportedly targeted former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course with an SKS rifle took advantage of a well-known security vulnerability that the Secret Service has been aware of for years.
Photographers covering Trump’s activities have repeatedly managed to secure positions around the course’s perimeter, easily capturing photos of the former president either playing golf or riding in a golf cart.
Some photographers, using telephoto lenses, have been able to snap images of Trump from the bushes without being detected. On several occasions, they’ve gotten as close as 75 yards away, without drawing any significant attention from Secret Service agents.
“They’re always amazed how close they can get to Trump and his entourage — it’s easy for them,” one source from a photo agency told The Post.
Photographers generally inform the Secret Service of their presence to avoid being mistaken for a threat, but the source mentioned that agents are easy to bypass.
According to sources cited by the Washington Post, the Secret Service was fully aware of this security gap and even attempted to alert Trump, though he remained confident that his golf clubs were adequately secured.
Authorities should drop their territorial dispute over handling the Florida Trump-assassination case The alarming attempt on Trump’s life came just two months after Thomas Matthew Crooks climbed onto a roof and fired eight shots at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, grazing the former president’s ear.
Officials say Ryan Wesley Routh managed to position himself between 300 and 500 yards away from Trump after spending 12 hours in a makeshift sniper’s nest just outside the fence near Summit Boulevard, a busy road by Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
The golf course, which Trump visits frequently when staying at Mar-a-Lago, spans hundreds of acres and is covered in dense tropical vegetation, providing ample concealment.
The source mentioned that photographers can take photos of Trump with surprising ease at the West Palm Beach course, pointing out “dozens” of hidden gaps in the thick foliage surrounding the property.
Even in areas where the tree line appears unbroken, persistent photographers can find a view of the course. Some of the lighter vegetation can be pulled apart by hand, creating new openings where anyone can watch the golfers without being noticed, the source explained.
On the rare occasions when Secret Service agents do spot a photographer near the course, they seldom ask many questions, the source said.
The security team is also easy to spot as they approach on golf carts, allowing photographers to monitor their movements and stay out of sight until Trump arrives.
“If they do approach the photographers, sometimes they quickly check their credentials but that’s about it,” the source claims.
“No Trespassing” signs are posted around the outside of the course, but photographers easily take pictures from behind these signs, which pose no real obstacle to anyone with malicious intent.
Trump was on the fifth hole when Secret Service snipers noticed Routh’s gun barrel protruding through a chain-link fence between the sixth and seventh holes, prompting them to open fire on the suspect.
However, the spot Routh chose wasn’t ideal for photographers, as the angles were tricky and the distances long.
“Routh could easily have picked a better spot, but maybe he was worried about being seen by a photographer,” the source speculated.
The source added that taking photos at Trump’s other Florida golf venue, Trump National Doral, located about 77 miles from West Palm Beach, is even easier.
Doral’s four courses, including the famous “Blue Monster,” are far more open, making it simple for photographers to capture images.
On the other hand, Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, NJ, is much more secure. State police often close surrounding roads when Trump is on the course, and even seasoned photographers admit that getting pictures there is next to impossible.
Regarding the security breach in West Palm Beach on Sunday, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw noted that Trump’s protective detail was reduced because he is currently a presidential candidate rather than the sitting president.
“At this level that he is at right now, he’s not the sitting president,” Bradshaw told reporters during a Sunday evening press conference. “If he was, we would have had this entire golf course surrounded.”
Routh, 58, fled the scene after Secret Service agents fired at him but was apprehended on I-95 in Palm City, approximately 40 miles north of the golf course, thanks to a witness who saw the suspect get into a black Nissan to escape and shared a photo with law enforcement.
Routh appeared in shackles and smiled during his Monday morning appearance in a Florida federal court, where he faced felony firearm charges.
{Matzav.com}
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Rav Shmuel Raber zt”l
It is with great sadness that Matzav.comreports the petirah of Rav Shmuel Raber zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Otzar HaTorah in Yerushalayim.
Rav Raber, who dedicated his life to teaching Torah and guiding thousands of talmidim, passed away at the age of 74 after a prolonged illness.
Rav Raber was a son of Rav Avraham Aba Raber and Mrs. Rachel Haber. He attended the Yeshiva of Kfar Chassidim, where he quickly gained the respect of his rabbeim, particularly Rav Eliyahu Lopian and Rav Mishkovsky.
After marrying his wife, Rav Raber began his career in harbotzas haTorah at the Daas Torah yeshiva in Yerushalayim. He later established and led the Otzar HaTorah yeshiva in the Ramot neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where he profoundly impacted the lives of countless bnei Torah.
Rav Raber was renowned for his unique approach to chinuch. Many heads of smaller yeshivas sought his advice on educating their talmidim. He was deeply loved by his talmidim, who saw him as a father figure. His teachings not only inspired them to embrace the Torah, but also imparted important methods for in-depth study of Torah.
Rav Raber was hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Yerushalayim, where he passed away surrounded by his family.
Rav Raber is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The levayah was held at the Otzar HaTorah yeshiva of Rechov Chizkiyahu Shabtai in Ramot. Kevurah took place on Har Hamenuchos.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com Israel}
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Rabbi Avraham Noach and Devora Paley Celebrate Birth of a Son
Rabbi Avraham Noach and Devora Paley have celebrated the birth of a son, their second son born after the tragic deaths of their children, Menachem and Yaakov Yisrael Paley in the vehicular terror attack on Erev Shabbos Parshas Yisro at a bus stop in the Ramot neighborhood.
Just last week, the family celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Moishe, who survived the attack. Moishe was a meter away from Rav Alter Shlomo Lederman, who was murdered.
Additionally, the Paley family recently announced the engagement of their eldest daughter to Shloimy Steinharter, a talmid at Yeshiva Bais Mattisyahu.
Reb Avraham Nachum Paley, who miraculously survived the attack and has since recovered b’siyata diShmaya, serves as a Rosh Kollel in Ramot.
A month after the attack, the Paley family welcomed a son named Yonasan Refoel. Now, as mentioned, they have welcomed another son.
Additionally, another simcha: The widow of Rav Alter Yaakov Lederman got remarried last Tuesday in Yerushalayim to Reb Menachem Aryeh Konigsberger, a Chernobyler Chossid.
{Matzav.com Israel}
BREAKING: Shin Bet Foils Hezbollah Plot To Assassinate Senior Israeli Official
State Department: We’re Actively Working On Updated Ceasefire Proposal
The United States remains engaged with intermediaries from Egypt and Qatar to craft a new ceasefire proposal for the ongoing Gaza conflict, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday, as reported by Reuters.
For several weeks, officials have indicated that a new plan is forthcoming, with the aim of securing an agreement that includes the release of hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7.
Miller told the press that Washington is actively collaborating with these mediators to finalize the details of the proposal, stating that “it’s a proposal that can get the parties to an ultimate agreement.”
“I don’t have a timetable for you other than to say that we are working expeditiously to try to develop that proposal,” Miller added.
The U.S. has been advocating for a ceasefire and a hostage release plan, originally outlined by President Joe Biden in May, though Hamas has repeatedly dismissed all proposals offered to it.
Last week, Hamas once again asserted its negotiators’ willingness to agree to an “immediate” ceasefire with Israel in Gaza, based on a prior U.S. proposal without additional stipulations from any party.
Miller pointed out on Monday that the main sticking points in the negotiations remain Israel’s determination to keep forces in the Philadelphi corridor, as well as the specifics surrounding the exchange of hostages and terrorist prisoners held by Israel.
His statements echoed those of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who last week countered the pessimism surrounding a potential hostage deal, promising that the U.S. would soon put forth a fresh proposal.
“On the ceasefire, here’s what I can tell you: More than 90 percent of the issues have been agreed, decided. So we’re down to a handful of issues – not even a handful of issues – that are hard but fully resolvable, in our judgment. And as we’ve said before, when you get down to the last 10 percent, the last 10 meters, those are, almost by definition, the hardest ground to cover. But we believe that these are fully resolvable,” Blinken explained to reporters.
“Right now, we’re working intensely with our Egyptian and Qatari counterparts to work together to bridge any remaining gaps. And in the coming time, very soon, we’ll put that before the parties and we’ll see what they say,” he added.
{Matzav.com}
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Cornell Prof. Who Lauded October 7 Attack Back To Teaching
A Cornell University professor who praised Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, calling it “exhilarating” and “energizing,” has returned to his teaching role at the prestigious upstate Ivy League institution, as reported by The New York Post.
History Professor Russell Rickford had been on “voluntary leave” for a year following widespread backlash after he was caught on video expressing support for the Hamas assault at an off-campus protest.
“It was exhilarating, it was energizing… I was exhilarated,” Rickford stated at the rally before later issuing an apology for his remarks, which glorified the killing of innocent civilians.
According to The Post, Rickford is now teaching two courses this semester, African Americans Vision of America and Socialism in America, in addition to leading a seminar.
Cornell University acknowledged in a statement to The Post that Rickford was not disciplined for his inflammatory statements. The institution declined to comment on whether he received pay while on leave.
Rickford’s words were condemned at the time by Cornell’s leadership as “reprehensible,” with the administration describing them as reflecting a “complete disregard for humanity.” However, Joel Malina, Cornell’s Vice President for University Relations, explained that Rickford’s right to free speech protected him from disciplinary measures.
“Since Professor Rickford’s comments were made in his personal capacity during his own time, the university leadership determined that his conduct in this case did not meet the threshold required for any disciplinary action,” Malina said.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney voiced her objections, sending a letter to Cornell’s interim president, Michael Kotlikoff, protesting Rickford’s reinstatement.
“I am deeply appalled by Cornell’s decision to continue employing Mr. Rickford after his horrendous remarks celebrating the murder of innocent people and inciting violence,” Tenney wrote in the letter, which was shared with The Post.
“No matter one’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing the death of human beings, including women, children, the elderly, and Holocaust survivors, as energizing’ or exhilarating’ is indefensible,” Tenney continued.
“Rickford’s role at the university gives him the power to shape and influence the minds of young people. This position comes with a higher expectation of conduct, one that rejects antisemitic rhetoric and open endorsement of terrorism. By spreading such vile views, Rickford has not only violated his ethical duties as an educator but has also endangered the Jewish community and damaged Cornell’s reputation,” Tenney concluded.
In its statement, Cornell emphasized that Rickford had apologized and voluntarily stepped away from his position for the remainder of the academic year.
However, the university maintained that under the framework of academic freedom, Rickford’s comments did not meet the criteria for disciplinary action. “In accordance with well-established principles of academic freedom, Cornell follows a process to determine whether public remarks like those made by Professor Rickford at an off-campus political event fall under the umbrella of protected speech or cross the line into prohibited bias, discrimination, or harassment,” Malina wrote.
This controversy surrounding Rickford is just one of several antisemitic incidents that have taken place on Cornell’s campus in the past year.
In the most severe case, a student was arrested after threatening to kill Jewish students on campus.
The threats were posted on an online forum about fraternities and sororities in October, prompting concern among students and leading to warnings for Jewish students to avoid the campus’s kosher dining hall.
The student, Patrick Dai, later admitted to posting the threats and was sentenced in August to 21 months in prison.
Cornell University President Martha Pollack stepped down in May, though she insisted that her resignation was unrelated to the protests against Israel or the incidents of antisemitism on campus.
{Matzav.com}
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Chicago Mayoral Aide Apologizes for Mocking Police, Denies Heckling Lone Jewish City Council Member
A top aide to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson apologized for referring to police as “f***ing pigs” but denies charges that she heckled the only Jewish member of the Chicago City Council, WTTW News reported.
While Kennedy Bartley, 29, the mayor’s managing deputy for external relations, “apologized for her anti-police remarks, she declined to express regret for posting ‘From the river to the sea. Palestine will be free. Amen!’ on her private account on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on Oct. 9—just two days after the Hamas attacks on Israel,” per WTTW.
“Bartley said she does not agree with some Jewish American groups that the phrase is antisemitic,” the news organization reported. “Bartley said it is a call for freedom for Palestinians and the establishment of a Palestinian state, not a call for the destruction of Israel.”
“Bartley said she did not understand when she made that post that the phrase ‘from the river to the sea’ had been ‘weaponized’ by those who want Israel to cease to exist. That is the stated goal of Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. government,” WTTW added. “While Bartley said she would be more ‘mindful’ of that context in the future, she declined to say she would never use the phrase again.”
Debra Silverstein, an alderman and the Chicago City Council’s lone Jewish member, said of Bartley’s post that “to me and, I’m sure, to the majority of the mainstream Jewish community, it was similar to a congratulations to Hamas, an internationally known terrorist organization,” per the Chicago Sun-Times.
Scott Waguespack, another city alderman, told the Sun-Times that he heard Bartley and others “snapping and whistling and jeering” while Silverstein spoke before the City Council, before the mayor cast the tie-breaking vote to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“That’s why I yelled. That was the first time I’ve sort of been like, ‘Hey, be quiet and don’t be disrespectful,’” Waguespack told the Sun-Times. “I thought it was extremely disrespectful and trying to shout her down.”
“I’m not Jewish, but I don’t understand this. I would think that the community would see that behavior as deep behavior that’s not gonna go away with an apology,” Waguespack told the paper.
Silverstein told the Sun-Times that Bartley tried to call her but that “I’m not forgiving that fast.”
(JNS)