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Trump still asserts he won election, as Barr reported to have told him fraud claims are 'bullshit' – live Trump still asserts he won election, as Barr reported to have told him fraud claims are 'bullshit' – live
(32 minutes later)
Attorney general said to have made remarks in Oval Office, while president set to issue a flurry of pardons before Wednesday – follow the latestAttorney general said to have made remarks in Oval Office, while president set to issue a flurry of pardons before Wednesday – follow the latest
A year ago, a gun rights rally at Virginia’s capitol drew more than 20,000 activists, many of them armed, virtually all of them furious at their state’s newly elected Democratic state government and its pledge to pass stricter gun laws, write Guardian reporter Lois Beckett in Richmond, Virginia.
This year, the streets around the capitol in Richmond were empty, with journalists far outnumbering the scattered protesters, many of whom were masked and armed.
Outside the locked-down, guarded grounds of the capitol, there were 11 members of the Roanoke County Militia, a small local group formed around the “Lobby Day” gun rights protest last year; three or four Proud Boys; a small group of armed activists in Black Panther shirts, and scattered other demonstrators, including a woman carrying a sign advertising that she was a nurse and wanted to talk about gun rights.
Several members of the armed Roanoke County militia, most of whom who refused to give their names, said they thought so few people showed up to the gun rights protest this year not only because of coronavirus, but because of the aftermath of the 6 January invasion of the Capitol in DC. The young, masked militia members said they believed people did not want to show up at any event that they worried might turn into a repeat of 6 January, or that might prompt more scrutiny from law enforcement officials. They said they did not approve of the storming of the capitol building, and that they were concerned about what might happen on inauguration day.
A larger number of local gun rights activists protested without getting out of their cars, as part of caravans of vehicles organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), the gun rights group that organizes a “Lobby Day” demonstration every year on Martin Luther King Day, which in more normal years is a chance to meet with legislators at the statehouse and discuss policy.
On the highway headed into Richmond around noon, there were at least 110 cars and trucks flying “Don’t Tread on Me” flags, most of them embellished with “Guns save lives” stickers, as well as a large orange bus emblazoned with a similar slogan. VCDL organized four main caravans from different parts of the state; it was not immediately clear how many people participated in the caravans in all.
Many of the tiny number of people who showed up to demonstrate in Richmond on Monday were heavily armed, including one young man who refused to give his name who had a 75-round drum magazine attached to his rifle.
Other journalists at Richmond’s capitol said a small number of anti-government boogaloo bois also made an appearance in the street. Several journalists noted that the scene felt less like an actual protest than series of bizarre press conferences for a tiny number of extremists or provocateurs.
Throughout the afternoon, dozens of cars with pro-gun flags and VCDL stickers drove, honking, through the streets of Richmond.
Melania Trump on Monday delivered a farewell address, calling it the “greatest honor of my life” to serve as first lady.Melania Trump on Monday delivered a farewell address, calling it the “greatest honor of my life” to serve as first lady.
“The past four years have been unforgettable,” she said in a nearly seven-minute long video posted on Twitter. “As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all of the people I have taken home in my heart, and their incredible stories of love, patriotism and determination.”“The past four years have been unforgettable,” she said in a nearly seven-minute long video posted on Twitter. “As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all of the people I have taken home in my heart, and their incredible stories of love, patriotism and determination.”
Though she did not explicitly mention the assault on the Capitol, Trump said: “Be passionate in everything you do, but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified.”Though she did not explicitly mention the assault on the Capitol, Trump said: “Be passionate in everything you do, but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified.”
Trump belatedly condemned the violence on Capitol Hill in a statement issued days after the riot. It made no reference to her husband’s role in inciting the violence and bemoaned the fact that the violence had led to “salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks, and false misleading accusations on me.” Trump belatedly condemned the violence on Capitol Hill in a statement issued days after the riot. It made no reference to her husband’s role in inciting the violence and bemoaned the fact that the violence had led to “salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks, and false misleading accusations on me”.
During her time as first lady, Trump focused on combatting cyberbullying through her campaign “Be Best.” Her tenure ends with her husband’s permanent suspension from Twitter “due to the risk of further incitement of violence.” During her time as first lady, Trump focused on combatting cyberbullying through her campaign “Be Best”. Her tenure ends with her husband’s permanent suspension from Twitter “due to the risk of further incitement of violence”.
In honor of MLK Day, vice-president-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, are volunteering at Martha’s Table in Washington. The soon-to-be second couple filled plastic bags with potatoes, oranges, and a box of macaroni and cheese, which would then be distributed to those in need.In honor of MLK Day, vice-president-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, are volunteering at Martha’s Table in Washington. The soon-to-be second couple filled plastic bags with potatoes, oranges, and a box of macaroni and cheese, which would then be distributed to those in need.
At one point, Harris teased the high school volunteers working alongside her: “You guys are moving slowly!”At one point, Harris teased the high school volunteers working alongside her: “You guys are moving slowly!”
But she also took a few questions.But she also took a few questions.
“I am very much looking forward to be sworn in as the next vice president of the United States and I will walk there to that moment proudly with my head up and my shoulders back,” she said.“I am very much looking forward to be sworn in as the next vice president of the United States and I will walk there to that moment proudly with my head up and my shoulders back,” she said.
Harris will make history several times over when she is sworn in as vice-president on Wednesday: the first woman, the first Black woman and the first Asian American woman to serve in the role.Harris will make history several times over when she is sworn in as vice-president on Wednesday: the first woman, the first Black woman and the first Asian American woman to serve in the role.
With less than 48 hours left of his presidency, Trump has continued to claim he won the election, New York Times White House reporter Maggie Haberman reports.With less than 48 hours left of his presidency, Trump has continued to claim he won the election, New York Times White House reporter Maggie Haberman reports.
No matter that his claims of election fraud have been rejected by dozens of courts, members of his administration (see below), and Republican leaders. Congress certified Biden’s electoral victory, after Trump supporters stormed Capitol Hill in a bloody riot with the aim of preventing them from doing so.No matter that his claims of election fraud have been rejected by dozens of courts, members of his administration (see below), and Republican leaders. Congress certified Biden’s electoral victory, after Trump supporters stormed Capitol Hill in a bloody riot with the aim of preventing them from doing so.
In a preview of the internecine Republican battles to come, Trump is reportedly furious at the 10 Republicans who voted in favor of his impeachment. But he is also directing his anger at the House minority leader, Kevin McCarthy, a staunch ally of the president who voted against impeachment but said that Trump bore some responsibility for the violence on Capitol Hill.In a preview of the internecine Republican battles to come, Trump is reportedly furious at the 10 Republicans who voted in favor of his impeachment. But he is also directing his anger at the House minority leader, Kevin McCarthy, a staunch ally of the president who voted against impeachment but said that Trump bore some responsibility for the violence on Capitol Hill.
Haberman adds: “Associates who’ve spoken with Trump say he’s used the same vulgarity he used about [vice-president Mike] Pence to describe McCarthy, saying he bowed to pressure with his House floor speech.”Haberman adds: “Associates who’ve spoken with Trump say he’s used the same vulgarity he used about [vice-president Mike] Pence to describe McCarthy, saying he bowed to pressure with his House floor speech.”
Nearly a month after the presidential election, former attorney general Bill Barr told Donald Trump that his repeated claims of a stolen election were “bullshit,” according to a new report in Axios.Nearly a month after the presidential election, former attorney general Bill Barr told Donald Trump that his repeated claims of a stolen election were “bullshit,” according to a new report in Axios.
Per Axios, the exchange unfolded in the Oval Office, where Trump summoned Barr for a meeting after seeing a story by the Associated Press in which his attorney general told the agency there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the presidential election.Per Axios, the exchange unfolded in the Oval Office, where Trump summoned Barr for a meeting after seeing a story by the Associated Press in which his attorney general told the agency there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the presidential election.
White House counsel Pat Cipollone and a few other aides were there to witness the back-and-forth, in which Barr told the president that the legal team he had brought on to validate his baseless claims was “clownish.”White House counsel Pat Cipollone and a few other aides were there to witness the back-and-forth, in which Barr told the president that the legal team he had brought on to validate his baseless claims was “clownish.”
For much of his tenure, Barr was one of Trump’s most loyal cabinet officials. But it wasn’t enough for Trump, writes Jonathan Swan, and their relationship slowly disintegrated. Barr stepped down shortly after Christmas.For much of his tenure, Barr was one of Trump’s most loyal cabinet officials. But it wasn’t enough for Trump, writes Jonathan Swan, and their relationship slowly disintegrated. Barr stepped down shortly after Christmas.
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.
Steve Dillingham, the director of the US census, is resigning effective on Wednesday, according to Talking Points Memo’s Tierney Sneed. That’s ahead of the end of Dillingham’s term and comes as he faces calls to resign.Steve Dillingham, the director of the US census, is resigning effective on Wednesday, according to Talking Points Memo’s Tierney Sneed. That’s ahead of the end of Dillingham’s term and comes as he faces calls to resign.
Per Sneed:Per Sneed:
Antony Blinken, Biden’s nominee for secretary of state, plans to flesh out a bit more of the Biden administration’s foreign policy approach during Blinken’s upcoming confirmation hearings. Per the Wall Street Journal:Antony Blinken, Biden’s nominee for secretary of state, plans to flesh out a bit more of the Biden administration’s foreign policy approach during Blinken’s upcoming confirmation hearings. Per the Wall Street Journal:
As I noted below, the shuffle over Kamala Harris’s Senate seat is in full swing. Here’s California governor Gavin Newsom nominating Dr. Shirley Weber to be California’s new secretary of state, a position made vacant through Newsom nominating Alex Padilla to succeed Harris in the Senate:As I noted below, the shuffle over Kamala Harris’s Senate seat is in full swing. Here’s California governor Gavin Newsom nominating Dr. Shirley Weber to be California’s new secretary of state, a position made vacant through Newsom nominating Alex Padilla to succeed Harris in the Senate:
The FBI is looking into whether one of the rioters who stole a laptop from House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office was planning to sell it to Russians.The FBI is looking into whether one of the rioters who stole a laptop from House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office was planning to sell it to Russians.
Here’s more from Buzzfeed’s Lauren Strapagiel:Here’s more from Buzzfeed’s Lauren Strapagiel:
True to form, Donald Trump toyed with the idea of some kind of grand sendoff for his departure from Washington on Wednesday.True to form, Donald Trump toyed with the idea of some kind of grand sendoff for his departure from Washington on Wednesday.
The Washington Post’s Josh Dawsey, one of the best White House reporters covering Trump, has aides getting invites to see Trump leave from Andrews Air Force Base on Wednesday.The Washington Post’s Josh Dawsey, one of the best White House reporters covering Trump, has aides getting invites to see Trump leave from Andrews Air Force Base on Wednesday.
That’s hardly on par with the level of attention Trump would prefer (something like the coronation of Aragorn in The Return of The King or Caesar parading through Rome) but it is a more realistic indication of the situation. Trump is leaving office with under water approval ratings and he’s going on his own two feet.That’s hardly on par with the level of attention Trump would prefer (something like the coronation of Aragorn in The Return of The King or Caesar parading through Rome) but it is a more realistic indication of the situation. Trump is leaving office with under water approval ratings and he’s going on his own two feet.
And it appears Trump and his family are planning on resettling in Florida. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins noted some of the pics out there suggesting the Trumps are on the way.And it appears Trump and his family are planning on resettling in Florida. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins noted some of the pics out there suggesting the Trumps are on the way.
Hello. This is Daniel Strauss, taking the baton from my colleague Lauren.Hello. This is Daniel Strauss, taking the baton from my colleague Lauren.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris formally submitted her letter of resignation from the Senate today ahead of her swearing-in tomorrow. She penned a Medium post about the expected resignation:Vice President-elect Kamala Harris formally submitted her letter of resignation from the Senate today ahead of her swearing-in tomorrow. She penned a Medium post about the expected resignation:
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has already picked Harris’s replacement, secretary of state Alex Padilla. Harris will be sworn in as vice-president by the supreme court justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to sit on the court. She will be sworn in on two Bibles, one owned by Thurgood Marshall, the first Black supreme court justice and one owned by Regina Shelton, a surrogate mother of sorts to Harris and her sister Maya.Governor Gavin Newsom of California has already picked Harris’s replacement, secretary of state Alex Padilla. Harris will be sworn in as vice-president by the supreme court justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to sit on the court. She will be sworn in on two Bibles, one owned by Thurgood Marshall, the first Black supreme court justice and one owned by Regina Shelton, a surrogate mother of sorts to Harris and her sister Maya.
Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, will not be a part of Trump’s defense team during the Senate trial for his second impeachment, the New York Times is reporting.Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, will not be a part of Trump’s defense team during the Senate trial for his second impeachment, the New York Times is reporting.
An anonymous source told Times reporter Maggie Haberman that Giuliani had met with Trump on Saturday night at the White House, and by Sunday was telling people that he will not be a part of the defense team. Giuliani himself told ABC News late Sunday that he will not be a part of the team even though he initially said that he was.An anonymous source told Times reporter Maggie Haberman that Giuliani had met with Trump on Saturday night at the White House, and by Sunday was telling people that he will not be a part of the defense team. Giuliani himself told ABC News late Sunday that he will not be a part of the team even though he initially said that he was.
Lawyers have been privately declining to represent Trump during his impeachment trial as the president refuses to acknowledge his role in inciting the Capitol’s insurrection, even as top advisers believe he should take some responsibility.Lawyers have been privately declining to represent Trump during his impeachment trial as the president refuses to acknowledge his role in inciting the Capitol’s insurrection, even as top advisers believe he should take some responsibility.
Steve Cohen, a Democratic US representative from Tennessee, told CNN that his Republican colleague Lauren Boebert, a representative from Colorado, was seen giving tours to a large group of people in the days leading up to the breach of the Capitol on January 6.Steve Cohen, a Democratic US representative from Tennessee, told CNN that his Republican colleague Lauren Boebert, a representative from Colorado, was seen giving tours to a large group of people in the days leading up to the breach of the Capitol on January 6.
Cohen said that he said Boebert “taking a group of people for a tour sometime after the 3rd and before the 6th of January”. He noted that it could have been coincidental, but noted that “it was clear that… she’s not on the home team, she was with the visitors.” Cohen said that he is uncertain whether any members of the tour group were a part of the mob.Cohen said that he said Boebert “taking a group of people for a tour sometime after the 3rd and before the 6th of January”. He noted that it could have been coincidental, but noted that “it was clear that… she’s not on the home team, she was with the visitors.” Cohen said that he is uncertain whether any members of the tour group were a part of the mob.
During the insurrection, Boebert tweeted that House speaker Nancy Pelosi was no longer in the House chambers, causing people to question whether she was trying to broadcast Pelosi’s whereabouts as lawmakers were going into hiding.During the insurrection, Boebert tweeted that House speaker Nancy Pelosi was no longer in the House chambers, causing people to question whether she was trying to broadcast Pelosi’s whereabouts as lawmakers were going into hiding.
Boebert, who is only days into her first term as a US representative, was one of the Republican who voted against counting the Electoral College votes for Joe Biden. She has referenced support for conspiracy group QAnon and has made a name for herself as a pro-gun activist, declaring that she will carry her handgun with her in DC.Boebert, who is only days into her first term as a US representative, was one of the Republican who voted against counting the Electoral College votes for Joe Biden. She has referenced support for conspiracy group QAnon and has made a name for herself as a pro-gun activist, declaring that she will carry her handgun with her in DC.
US Secret Service just tweeted confirmation that there is no threat to the public following a small fire under a bridge near the US Capitol that triggered a lockdown of the Capitol Complex.US Secret Service just tweeted confirmation that there is no threat to the public following a small fire under a bridge near the US Capitol that triggered a lockdown of the Capitol Complex.
The scene around the US Capitol has been tense as Joe Biden’s inauguration approaches. The National Guard has been deployed in the area following multiple threats of violence on Inauguration Day. The presence of armed soldiers surrounding the Capitol is at a scale not seen since the civil war. Some have described the scene as looking like a militarized zone.The scene around the US Capitol has been tense as Joe Biden’s inauguration approaches. The National Guard has been deployed in the area following multiple threats of violence on Inauguration Day. The presence of armed soldiers surrounding the Capitol is at a scale not seen since the civil war. Some have described the scene as looking like a militarized zone.
A spokesperson for Washington DC’s fire department said that a small fire involving a tent entailed a “very minimal” response and was “pretty much a non-incident”, according to CNN’s Manu Raju.A spokesperson for Washington DC’s fire department said that a small fire involving a tent entailed a “very minimal” response and was “pretty much a non-incident”, according to CNN’s Manu Raju.
A statement from US Capitol Police said that the active chief police of the force took an “abundance of caution” and ordered a shutdown of the Capitol Complex after the small fire under a nearby bridge. People in the building are still being asked to shelter in place as the incident is being investigated.A statement from US Capitol Police said that the active chief police of the force took an “abundance of caution” and ordered a shutdown of the Capitol Complex after the small fire under a nearby bridge. People in the building are still being asked to shelter in place as the incident is being investigated.
The US Capitol has been put under a “no entry or exit” order after an “external security threat” under a nearby freeway overpass. Capitol Police have told people in the Capitol that they can move freely within the building but warned people to stay away from windows and doors.The US Capitol has been put under a “no entry or exit” order after an “external security threat” under a nearby freeway overpass. Capitol Police have told people in the Capitol that they can move freely within the building but warned people to stay away from windows and doors.
Meanwhile, participants in Joe Biden’s inauguration rehearsal, which was taking place outside the Capitol, have been evacuated.Meanwhile, participants in Joe Biden’s inauguration rehearsal, which was taking place outside the Capitol, have been evacuated.
Though Capitol Police did not specify what the threat was, multiple reporters on Capitol Hill are seeing smoke underneath the overpass emanating from what appears to be a homeless encampment.Though Capitol Police did not specify what the threat was, multiple reporters on Capitol Hill are seeing smoke underneath the overpass emanating from what appears to be a homeless encampment.
A Texas real estate agent who was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol is continuing to insist on her innocence even as she faces charges for breaching the Capitol.A Texas real estate agent who was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol is continuing to insist on her innocence even as she faces charges for breaching the Capitol.
“I have no guilt in my heart,” Ryan told the Today Show. “I’m glad I was there because I witnessed history. And I’ll never get the chance to do that again.”“I have no guilt in my heart,” Ryan told the Today Show. “I’m glad I was there because I witnessed history. And I’ll never get the chance to do that again.”
Ryan posted a slate of public social media posts of her participating in the insurrection, including a picture of her posing next to a broken window at the Capitol and a video of her saying “we’re armed and dangerous. This is just the beginning.” A Facebook live stream that she posted, which have been documented by authorities, show her entering the Capitol building. “We’re going to f---ing go in here. Life or death,” she said.Ryan posted a slate of public social media posts of her participating in the insurrection, including a picture of her posing next to a broken window at the Capitol and a video of her saying “we’re armed and dangerous. This is just the beginning.” A Facebook live stream that she posted, which have been documented by authorities, show her entering the Capitol building. “We’re going to f---ing go in here. Life or death,” she said.
Ryan, along with other members of the mob, have pleaded with Trump to pardon them as they face federal charges. “I listen to my president who told me to go to the Capitol,” she said in another interview.Ryan, along with other members of the mob, have pleaded with Trump to pardon them as they face federal charges. “I listen to my president who told me to go to the Capitol,” she said in another interview.
It is unclear whether Trump will include any of the rioters in his list of about 100 people that he plans to pardon on his last day in office. The White House met on Sunday to finalize the list, which will likely include white-collar criminals and high-profile rapper, among others, according to CNN.It is unclear whether Trump will include any of the rioters in his list of about 100 people that he plans to pardon on his last day in office. The White House met on Sunday to finalize the list, which will likely include white-collar criminals and high-profile rapper, among others, according to CNN.
Joe Biden plans to slowly unroll Donald Trump’s anti-immigration policies, making it gradually easier for people to seek asylum at the US-Mexico border and extend protections for immigrants already living in the US. But that change may take some time.Joe Biden plans to slowly unroll Donald Trump’s anti-immigration policies, making it gradually easier for people to seek asylum at the US-Mexico border and extend protections for immigrants already living in the US. But that change may take some time.
Here’s more from CBS News, which spoke to people who have been briefed on Biden’s immigration plans:Here’s more from CBS News, which spoke to people who have been briefed on Biden’s immigration plans:
After dozens of rioters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6 were allowed to leave the building with no immediate consequences, people have been helping officials identify those who were a part of the mob through photos and videos of the insurrection.After dozens of rioters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6 were allowed to leave the building with no immediate consequences, people have been helping officials identify those who were a part of the mob through photos and videos of the insurrection.
One Pennsylvania woman now has a criminal court case against her for storming the Capitol and for potentially stealing Nancy Pelosi’s laptop with plans to sell it to Russia, according to CNN.One Pennsylvania woman now has a criminal court case against her for storming the Capitol and for potentially stealing Nancy Pelosi’s laptop with plans to sell it to Russia, according to CNN.
Court filings indicate an ex-boyfriend of Riley June Williams identified her in videos from the Capitol, including one where Williams can be seen directing people to Pelosi’s office. The person also told the FBI that he had spoken to friends of hers who claimed that Williams “intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, Russia’s foreign intelligence service”.Court filings indicate an ex-boyfriend of Riley June Williams identified her in videos from the Capitol, including one where Williams can be seen directing people to Pelosi’s office. The person also told the FBI that he had spoken to friends of hers who claimed that Williams “intended to send the computer device to a friend in Russia, who then planned to sell the device to SVR, Russia’s foreign intelligence service”.
Williams has been charged by the FBI with “violent entry” and disorderly conduct at the Capitol. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.Williams has been charged by the FBI with “violent entry” and disorderly conduct at the Capitol. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.