Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan Join Republicans to Block Release of Epstein Files in Narrow Senate Vote

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In a sharply divided Senate, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan — both Republicans from Alaska — voted Wednesday night in favor of tabling an amendment that would have required the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to release case files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The amendment, introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D‑N.Y.), was narrowly defeated 51–49.

Schumer’s amendment, attached as part of debate over the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), sought to force disclosure of Justice Department and other federal records in the Epstein sex trafficking investigation. Supporters of the amendment argued that the public, especially survivors of Epstein’s abuse, deserve full transparency.

All Senate Democrats voted in favor of releasing the files, joined by Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Rand Paul of Kentucky. The rest of the GOP, including Murkowski and Sullivan, joined in voting to table (set aside) the amendment, blocking its consideration.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R‑Alaska) said she voted against the motion to release the files not because she opposes transparency per se, but because she viewed Schumer’s amendment as a last‑minute procedural surprise. She called it a “political stunt” and said the process was flawed.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R‑Alaska) defended his vote similarly, saying that while he believes as much information as possible should be released in a way that protects survivors, he opposed Schumer’s approach of forcing the issue into the defense bill knowing it might be stripped out in later negotiations.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer pressed repeatedly for the files’ release, arguing that Republicans have long claimed support for transparency but now had a moment to prove it. He criticized what he described as obstruction, cover‑ups, and misinformation.

The Alaska Democratic Party sharply criticized Murkowski and Sullivan, accusing them of being complicit in a “cover‑up” and failing to respond to both survivors and constituents who want disclosure.

The vote has heightened scrutiny of President Donald Trump’s past promises. During the 2024 campaign, Trump pledged to release Epstein‑related files; however, after entering office, his administration has declared that no comprehensive “client list” exists and has resisted further disclosure.

This vote goes beyond procedural maneuvering. For many, it symbolizes a larger struggle over how much of the Epstein case — including possible connections to influential individuals — remains hidden from public view.

As Schumer put it on the Senate floor:

“The American people deserve transparency…. If Republicans vote no, you’ll be saying to the American people that they should not see the Epstein files.”

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Newsmax Host Asks Netanyahu If Israel Is Behind The Killing Of Charlie Kirk

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A Newsmax host asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reply to fringetheories that Israel was behind the killing of Charlie Kirk ― and got an earful from the leader on the “ridiculous,” “insane” and “stupid” rumors.

Greta Van Susteren prefaced the question Thursday by noting the “absurdity” of the claims.

“Before I let you go, I want you to address one thing, and it’s just the absurdity of it,” Van Susteren said. “Some of the internet rumors that somehow Israel is behind the Charlie Kirk murder, and you know, I don’t believe it for one second, but I want you to, you know, make a statement. It’s so absurd.”

Netanyahu laughed ruefully before proceeding.

“That’s insane,” he said. “Israel also changes the orbit of the moon. Israel pushes the sun. I mean, the whole thing is not only insane, I think it’s so absurd, so stupid, and so ridiculous. You can’t believe that people are saying that.”

(Read more from “Newsmax Host Asks Netanyahu If Israel Is Behind The Killing Of Charlie Kirk” HERE)

U.S. Congressman Demands New Investigation After Speaker’s ‘FBI Informant’ Assertion in Trump‑Epstein Case

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Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D‑Fla.) is calling for a renewed congressional investigation into President Donald Trump’s alleged cooperation with law enforcement in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, following a surprising claim from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R‑La.) that Trump acted as an FBI informant during his past interactions with Epstein.

On September 5, Speaker Johnson told reporters that Trump “was an FBI informant to try to take this stuff down,” referring to the Epstein case. The statement sparked confusion, backlash, and urgent questions about what exactly Johnson meant.

Within days, Johnson’s office attempted to clarify the remarks. He said he may have used the wrong terminology and that he meant Trump cooperated to some extent—not that he held the classic role of an informant. Johnson emphasized that Trump had never impeded the Epstein investigations and had, in fact, expelled Epstein from his Mar‑a‑Lago property when rumors of wrongdoing emerged.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz described the Speaker’s claim as a “significant event” and argued that it falls squarely within the House Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction. He questioned whether the FBI, under Director Kash Patel, has verified any such informant status.

Moskowitz also raised the possibility that Trump’s alleged informant status could have come about if Trump was “turned” — i.e. that he may have been compelled to cooperate in order to avoid repercussions for complicity or for knowledge of wrongdoing.

With Epstein’s case involving high‑profile individuals, the public is demanding clarity. If the Speaker of the House makes such a claim, many believe Congress has a responsibility to verify it. Moskowitz has emphasized this point.

The claim — and the backtracking — have added fuel to already heated debates over Trump’s relationship with Epstein, the release of Epstein‑related files, and accusations from both sides about cover‑ups and political exploitation of the case.

This issue remains fluid. As more evidence emerges — whether in public documents, DOJ statements, or Congressional testimony — key questions are likely to stay in the spotlight: What did Trump actually do?

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox: Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson Messaged Roommate About ‘Need to Retrieve a Rifle’

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Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) indicated during a Friday morning press conference that alleged assassin Tyler Robinson messaged his roommate on the Discord platform about the “need to retrieve a rifle.”

Cox noted that one family member disclosed Robinson had become “more political in recent years.”

The family member stated there was a recent dinner in which Robinson came to the table “and, in the conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned that Charlie Kirk was coming to [Utah Valley University].”

The family member said Robinson had explained why he “did not like [Kirk]” or his viewpoints.

Cox said investigators then “identified an individual as the roommate of Robinson,” and that roommate indicated Robinson “made a joke on Discord.”

The roommate showed investigators several messages on Discord, one of which “stated a need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point, leaving the rifle in a bush.” (Read more from “Utah Gov. Spencer Cox: Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson Messaged Roommate About ‘Need to Retrieve a Rifle’” HERE)

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‘Bella Ciao’ Inscription on Charlie Kirk Assassin’s Ammo References Song Idolized Among Antifa

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One of the inscriptions on an ammunition casing of alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson is a clear reference to the song “Bella Ciao,” which is idolized in Antifa circles.

At a press conference Friday morning, Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) detailed the pro-Antifa inscriptions on ammunition recovered from the gun used by Kirk’s assassin. One message on an unfired casing read, “O Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao.”

The words are the chorus to “Bella Ciao,” a famous Italian song that dates back to World War II, and was popularized by the Italian partisans, or communists, who were against dictator Benito Mussolini. In English, “bella ciao” translates to “goodbye beautiful.”

As journalist Jack Posobiec pointed out Friday on Steve Bannon’s War Room, the song has become a worldwide left-wing antifa anthem, though it remains popular for other reasons too.

According to Cox, a fired casing had the message, “Notices bulges OwO, what’s this?” which is reportedly a reference to homosexuality associated with “furry” fetishes or attraction to cartoon animals.

(Read more from “‘Bella Ciao’ Inscription on Charlie Kirk Assassin’s Ammo References Song Idolized Among Antifa” HERE)

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FBI ‘Far Ahead’: Chaffetz Says FBI Director “Knows What He’s Doing,” Confirms More Info in Charlie Kirk Investigation

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Former U.S. Representative Jason Chaffetz (R‑Utah) has expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, asserting that FBI Director Kash Patel “knows what he’s doing” and that federal investigators have “far more information” than they’ve made public so far.

Chaffetz made these remarks on Fox News after speaking with both Director Patel and President Donald Trump about the tragic killing. The 31‑year‑old Kirk was shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, and as of Thursday, authorities have yet to apprehend a suspect. Initial reports of people in custody have since been clarified: a “person of interest” was detained and later released following interrogation.

Federal agents found a high‑powered bolt‑action rifle believed to be the shooting weapon. It was discovered in a wooded area connected to the escape route of the suspected shooter. Investigators also collected forensic evidence including footwear impressions, palm and forearm prints.

The FBI released images of a person of interest who resembles a college‑aged male seen in student‑crowded areas near the site. The person is pictured wearing sunglasses, a dark baseball cap, a long‑sleeve shirt, and what appears to be clothing featuring U.S. flag imagery. Investigators are asking the public to come forward with tips.

Director Patel initially stated the “subject” was in custody but later clarified the individual had been released after being questioned. Local officials confirmed those detained are being treated as persons of interest, not confirmed suspects.

Chaffetz told Fox News that his discussions with Patel and President Trump left him convinced the FBI has significantly more intelligence than is currently being disclosed to the public. He emphasized the need for patience and cautioned against jumping to conclusions while the case is still developing.

“Director Patel is not going to release everything before we have a solid case,” Chaffetz said, according to sources. “But from everything I’ve seen, they’ve already got leads that will matter.”

The investigation is ongoing, with federal, state, and local authorities collaborating. As more evidence is processed and verified, officials say additional details will be released.

University Dean Fired For Saying She Had ‘ZERO Sympathy’ For Charlie Kirk

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Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) fired its assistant dean on Wednesday after she blatantly said she had “zero sympathy” for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s death.

Laura Sosh-Lightsy, the now-former assistant dean, wrote on Facebook that Kirk “spoke his fate into existence” by getting shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University, screenshots posted by Arlington GOP chairman Matthew Hurtt show. A statement from MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee announced that the university instantly fired Sosh-Lightsy for the “inappropriate and callous comments” made about Kirk.

“Looks like ol’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence,” Sosh-Lightsy said. “Hate begets hate. ZERO Sympathy.”

“An MTSU employee today offered inappropriate and callous comments on social media concerning the horrific and tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. The comments by this employee, who worked in a position of trust directly with students, were inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff and the community at large. This employee has been fired effective immediately. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family,” McPhee said in the statement.

The fired assistant dean wrote in a follow-up Facebook post that “hate begets hate” and that she does not feel sorry for the death of Kirk. She appears to have deleted her Facebook account. (Read more from “University Dean Fired For Saying She Had ‘ZERO Sympathy’ For Charlie Kirk” HERE)

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Meta Muzzled Child Safety Findings On Virtual Reality Platforms, Researchers Tell Congress

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Senate committee held a hearing Tuesday on claims that Meta lawyers obscured research findings related to child safety on virtual reality (VR) platforms. The Washington Post reported that four whistleblowers submitted a “trove of documents” to Congress in May, who alleged in their statement that “Meta’s legal team was trying to establish plausible deniability.”

Jason Sattizahn and Cayce Savage, both former Meta researchers, testified to sexual predation and harm faced by children using Meta’s VR products.

“I wish I could tell you the number of children in VR experiencing these harms, but Meta would not allow me to conduct this research,” Savage said. She noted personally observing these situations when using VR, and the stories of parents and teens that she was able to collect in other research. She later added she would “estimate that any child that is in a social space in VR will come in contact with or directly expose something very inappropriate.”

Savage and Sattizahn claimed throughout the hearing that Meta is fully aware that kids use their VR technology, but would go to great lengths to obscure that.

“Meta is aware that its VR platform is full of underage children. Meta purposely turns a blind eye to this knowledge despite it being obvious to anyone using their product,” Savage said. She acknowledged that because underage users on the platform are so common, the only way Mark Zuckerberg could be unaware is “if he had never used his own headset.” (Read more from “Meta Muzzled Child Safety Findings On Virtual Reality Platforms, Researchers Tell Congress” HERE)

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High School Shooter ID’d Day After ‘Radicalized’ Teen Gunman Shot 2 Colorado Students

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A teen shooter who wounded two fellow students when he opened fire at a Colorado high school Wednesday was only 16 years old — and “radicalized by an extremist network,” authorities said.

Desmond Holly was identified as the disturbed teen gunman who caused havoc at Evergreen High School, about 30 miles west of Denver, before he turned the gun on himself and later died at the hospital, police said Thursday.

Holly used a revolver to start shooting outside the high school, though some of the shots appeared to reach inside the building, the local sheriff’s office said.

“He was radicalized by some extremist network,” a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said during a press conference, according to the New York Times. (Read more from “High School Shooter ID’d Day After ‘Radicalized’ Teen Gunman Shot 2 Colorado Students” HERE)

Gun Recovered in Charlie Kirk Assassination Revealed — And Ammo Bore Pro-Trans, Anti-Fascist Messages: Sources; A Potential Break in Charlie Kirk Assassination Investigation as Authorities Postpone Press Conference Due to “Rapid Developments”

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A rifle recovered in the hunt for conservative influencer Charlie Kirk’s assassin contained ammo engraved with “transgender and anti-fascist ideology,” according to preliminary reports from law enforcement sources.

The weapon — an imported .30-06-caliber Mauser bolt-action rifle — was discovered wrapped in a towel by investigators in a wooded area following the killing of the conservative leading light, who was shot once while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, according to the memo.

A source familiar noted that the Justice Department is investigating the descriptions alleged in the ATF memo, but that the agency was unable to confirm that the description matched the evidence recovered at the scene.

Kirk, 31, was struck in the neck by a single shot fired from a distance of around 200 yards while answering an audience member’s question about mass shootings committed by transgender people.

Sources said they believe the fatal shot was a high-caliber round — similar to the ammo used in long-range sniper rifles or for hunting big game.

The father of two and Turning Point USA founder was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. (Read more. from “Gun Recovered in Charlie Kirk Assassination Revealed — And Ammo Bore Pro-Trans, Anti-Fascist Messages: Sources” HERE)

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A Potential Break in Charlie Kirk Assassination Investigation as Authorities Postpone Press Conference Due to “Rapid Developments”

By The Gateway Pundit. Utah authorities postponed a 12:45 pm press conference on Thursday due to “rapid developments” in the Charlie Kirk assassination investigation.

Earlier Thursday, the FBI released photos of a ‘person of interest’ in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

“We are seeking the public’s help in identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. 1-800-CALL-FBI Digital media tips: fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting” . . .

So far two persons of interest have been taken into custody for questioning. One potential suspect was released after an interrogation. The other suspect reportedly obstructed law enforcement with false statements. (Read more from “A Potential Break in Charlie Kirk Assassination Investigation as Authorities Postpone Press Conference Due to “Rapid Developments” HERE)

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