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Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Urge ATF to Rescind Unconstitutional Biden Rules, Align with Trump 2A Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 29 of his Senate GOP colleagues today sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Marvin Richardson urging him to align the agency with President Trump’s Second Amendment priorities as laid out in his recent Executive Order and calling on him to identify and rescind former President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations, including the “Engaged in the Business” rule, pistol brace rule, so-called “ghost gun” rule, and “zero tolerance” policy under which ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations:

    They wrote: “On Friday, February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took decisive action to reaffirm law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights in issuing his Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights.  We urge you to immediately align ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”

    “Under former President Joe Biden, ATF adopted numerous policies and rules that infringed upon Americans’ Second Amendment protections. President Trump’s Executive Order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and develop a plan of action regarding President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations. We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies.”

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), James Lankford (R-OK), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Todd Young (R-IN), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) joined the letter.

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    February 20, 2025

    Marvin G. Richardson

    Deputy Director

    Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

    99 New York Avenue, NE

    Washington, DC 20226

    Dear Deputy Director Richardson:

    Thank you for your service in leading the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) during the presidential transition. On Friday, February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took decisive action to reaffirm law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights in issuing his Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights.  We urge you to immediately align ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.

    Under former President Joe Biden, ATF adopted numerous policies and rules that infringed upon Americans’ Second Amendment protections. President Trump’s Executive Order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and develop a plan of action regarding President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations. We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies. In particular, we call your attention to the following anti-Second Amendment regulations and policies, which must be immediately rescinded:

    • The engaged in the business rule, which is an unconstitutional attempt to move ATF to do all it can to impose universal background checks on law-abiding Americans. ATF has been enjoined, at least temporarily, from enforcing the rule because it violated the text of the Gun Control Act. 
    • The pistol brace rule, which improperly reclassifies pistols equipped with stabilizing braces as “short-barreled rifles” (SBRs), thereby subjecting them to stringent regulations and serious criminal penalties under the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act. We are troubled by the fact that ATF promulgated this rule after it previously determined that attaching a stabilizing brace to a pistol did not render the pistol an SBR.  This rule threatens to put stabilizing braces out of reach of millions of gun owners, including disabled combat veterans who rely on them to be able to shoot heavy pistols. Furthermore, the rule made law-abiding Americans felons overnight for having lawfully purchased stabilizing brace equipped pistols. Multiple courts have already found the rule to be arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act, and it was ordered vacated by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.  We appreciate the Government’s recent motions to hold ATF’s 5th and 11th Circuit appeals defending the rule in abeyance and to postpone oral argument, and ATF should work quickly to accede to the vacatur given the ongoing litigation. 
    • The so-called “ghost gun” rule,  which cracks down on law-abiding hobbyists who are exercising their Second Amendment rights to privately build firearms—a longstanding tradition that traces back to the Colonial Era.  The regulations are currently before the Supreme Court, but ATF should act immediately to rescind this rule.
    • The “zero tolerance” policy, under which ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations.  This policy violates a decades-long precedent of ATF working with FFLs to address these minor, unintentional violations and revoking FFL licenses only in cases of major, willful violations that threaten public safety. ATF should develop a program to restore the federal firearms licenses of those FFLs whose licenses were unfairly revoked—or surrendered under duress—where they did not engage in willful conduct (as understood prior to June 23, 2021, when the policy was announced) and do not represent at threat to public safety.

    In addition to promptly rescinding these rules and policies, we urge you to immediately destroy the hundreds of millions of ATF Form 4473 firearm transaction records and other licensee records that are over 20 years old. These records have no particular law enforcement value but do contain the sensitive information of millions of law-abiding gun owners.  ATF should likewise return to the policy of allowing FFLs to destroy Form 4473 in their possession that are over 20 years old, which the Biden Administration initiated in violation of the federal prohibition on gun registration.  Ending the policy of retaining these very old records will save money for the American taxpayer and counteract ATF’s unconstitutional rule change.  

    Furthermore, we urge you to “continue collaboration to improve the process for” National Firearms Act applications. Congress recently instructed ATF to make these improvements.  While NFA wait times have improved significantly, ATF must continue to “address ongoing delays in application processing times” until the archaic process is at least as efficient as the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. There is no reason that the right to purchase a firearm should be so greatly delayed; a right delayed is a right denied.

    The foregoing should not be considered a full accounting of every action or policy for which ATF may be held responsible under President Trump’s Executive Order but represent obvious and high priority places for ATF to initiate compliance.

    We look forward to working with you through the transition as you implement President Trump’s agenda and reorient ATF toward protecting Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

    Sincerely,

    /s/

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NT Fire and Rescue Chief Officer announced

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) is pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Mr Stephen Sewell AFSM as Chief Fire Officer (CFO).

    Following an extensive merit-based selection process, Mr Sewell, who has been acting in the CFO role for the past 12 months, has officially been appointed to the position.

    This appointment brings stability to the NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) and allows for the continued recruitment of Deputy Fire Officers, which is set to begin this month.

    Before stepping into the role of Chief Fire Officer, Mr Sewell served as the Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Territory Operations. He has been with the NTFRS since 2009 and has held an executive position since 2020.

    In addition to his extensive experience with NTFRS, Mr Sewell has served in various regiments of the Australian Army since 1989 and remains an active member of the Australian Army Reserve.

    He has been recognised for his service with several prestigious awards, including the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), and medals for his deployments, such as the International Force East Timor Medal, the Afghanistan Medal, and the Iraq Medal.

    NTFES Commissioner, Andrew Warton congratulated Mr Sewell on his appointment, acknowledging his significant contributions over the past 16 years.

    “Stephen brings a wealth of strategic and leadership experience to this role, along with an unwavering commitment to protecting the lives, property, and environment of the Northern Territory,” said Commissioner Warton.

    “Over the past 16 years, Stephen has made significant contributions to our operations, firefighting preparedness, training and development, fire safety initiatives, recruitment, and community engagement.”

    In addition to his operational expertise, Mr Sewell holds qualifications in human resource management, public safety, training and assessment, and occupational health and safety.
     

    Quotes attributed to Mr Stephen Sewell AFSM:

    “It is a tremendous honour to be appointed permanently as Chief Fire Officer, and I am committed to ensuring that the NT Fire and Rescue Service continues to serve the community with the highest standards of professionalism, preparedness and safety.”

    “My focus will be on maintaining the safety of our communities, supporting our dedicated firefighters, and further strengthening our operational capabilities to respond to emergencies across the Territory.”

    “The role of Chief Fire Officer is both challenging and rewarding, and I am excited to continue the work of enhancing community resilience while working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a safer Northern Territory.”

    “I want to thank the dedicated men and women of NTFRS for their commitment and service. Together, we will continue to advance the agency’s mission to serve and protect.”

    With the recent formation of the NT Fire and Emergency Services, which merges the NT Fire and Rescue Service, NT Emergency Service, and Bushfires NT into a single agency, Mr Sewell’s leadership will be vital in further enhancing the agency’s ability to respond to emergencies while prioritising community resilience.

    Media contact
    Rickie Abraham

    MIL OSI News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco Announces Annual and Fourth Quarter 2024 Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (Bank) today announced its unaudited annual and fourth quarter 2024 operating results.

    • Net income for the full year of 2024 totaled $402 million.
    • Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $90 million.
    • In 2024, the Bank allocated $93 million to its Affordable Housing Program (AHP) and voluntary housing and community development initiatives.

    “The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco continues to be a vital force for economic growth and stability across our three-state region, providing steadfast support to our members and communities in all market conditions,” said Joseph E. Amato, interim president and chief executive officer of the Bank. “Throughout 2024, we delivered on-demand, low-cost liquidity to our members, empowering them to strengthen local economies and support community lending. Our collaboration with members to drive impactful affordable housing and economic development projects through our grant programs reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing housing affordability and enhancing the financial well-being of the communities we serve. Furthermore, our Bank responds to the urgent needs of our communities including those created by natural disasters. We recently committed $2 million to aid wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California, comprised of $1.4 million in matching funds from member financial institutions for local relief organizations, and $600 thousand in donations for nonprofit organizations to bolster both immediate and long-term disaster response efforts. Together with our members, we will ensure our communities have the resources needed to recover from these devastating wildfires.”

    Financial Results

    Net income for 2024 was $402 million, a decrease of $137 million compared with 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in net interest income of $219 million and an increase in other expense of $19 million, partially offset by an increase in other income of $86 million.

    • The $219 million decrease in net interest income was attributable to lower average balances of advances and short-term investments and higher costs of interest-bearing liabilities. The decrease was also attributable to $106 million of higher net advance prepayment fees in the prior year. These decreases to net interest income were partially offset by lower average balances of consolidated obligation bonds and discount notes, an increase in the average balances of available-for-sale securities, and higher yields on interest-earning assets.
    • The $86 million increase in other income was primarily driven by $33 million in net realized losses recognized in the prior year from derivatives economically hedging prepaid advances, along with $30 million of other income recognized in 2024 in connection with the termination of a long-term funding arrangement entered into with a member borrower in 2017.
    • The $19 million increase in other expense was attributable to a $25 million increase in the Bank’s charitable, “mission-oriented” contributions in the current year, mainly to fund downpayment assistance grants to middle-income homebuyers (delivered by participating member financial institutions).

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, net income was $90 million, a decrease of $30 million compared to the same period during the prior year. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in net interest income of $14 million, mainly driven by lower average balances of advances and short-term investments. The decrease in net income was also attributable to an $8 million increase in the Bank’s charitable, “mission-oriented” contributions relative to the prior-year period, mainly to fund the Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development (AHEAD) Program. Additionally, the provision for credit losses increased by $8 million which was largely attributable to decreases in the fair values and the present value of expected cash flows of certain private-label residential mortgage-backed securities.

    Balance Sheet and Capital

    At December 31, 2024, total assets were $81.7 billion, a decrease of $11.1 billion from $92.8 billion at December 31, 2023. This decline was primarily driven by a reduction in advances of $15.7 billion, from $61.3 billion at December 31, 2023, to $45.6 billion at December 31, 2024. Advances declined primarily due to maturities of advances acquired by nonmembers in connection with certain Bank member acquisitions. Investments at December 31, 2024, were $35.0 billion, a net increase of $4.7 billion from $30.3 billion at December 31, 2023, attributable to net purchases of $2.7 billion in short-term investments and $2.0 billion in U.S. Treasury securities.

    As of December 31, 2024, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. The Bank exceeded its 4.0% regulatory requirement with a regulatory capital ratio of 8.9% at December 31, 2024. The increase in the regulatory capital ratio from 8.0% at December 31, 2023 mainly resulted from the decrease in total assets during 2024. The Bank also exceeded its risk-based capital requirement of $1.1 billion with $7.3 billion in permanent capital. Total retained earnings increased to $4.5 billion at December 31, 2024, from $4.3 billion at December 31, 2023.

    On February 19, 2025, the Bank’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on the average capital stock outstanding during the fourth quarter of 2024 at an annualized rate of 8.75%. The quarterly dividend rate is consistent with the Bank’s dividend philosophy of endeavoring to pay a quarterly dividend rate that is equal to or greater than the current market rate for highly rated investments and that is sustainable under current and projected earnings while maintaining appropriate levels of capital. The quarterly dividend will total $63 million, and the Bank expects to pay the dividend on March 11, 2025.

    Affordable Housing Program and Voluntary Housing and Community Commitments

    The Bank’s community programs and targeted initiatives address the unique affordable housing and economic development needs of communities across its district of Arizona, California, and Nevada. The AHP is an annual statutory grant program that supports the creation, preservation, or purchase of affordable housing and is funded with 10% of the Bank’s previous year’s net income. Since its inception in 1990, the Bank awarded over $1.35 billion in grants to aid the purchase, development, or rehabilitation of over 154,600 affordable homes in the regions the Bank’s members serve.

    In addition, early in 2024, the Bank’s board of directors approved plans to voluntarily allocate an additional 5% of its 2023 annual net earnings (income before interest expense related to dividends paid on mandatorily redeemable capital stock and the assessment for the AHP) to fund affordable housing and economic development initiatives.

    To meet these commitments, the Bank recorded a total allocation of $93 million in 2024, an increase of $14 million compared to 2023. The $93 million allocation included $52 million related to the statutory AHP program and $41 million related to voluntary housing and economic development initiatives. The Bank’s voluntary contributions were disbursed through multiple initiatives during 2024, including, but not limited to:

    • $20 million in downpayment assistance grants delivered by Bank members to over 400 homebuyers,
    • $7 million awarded to 84 organizations across Arizona, California, and Nevada through the AHEAD Program,
    • $2 million benefiting Native American communities for essential infrastructure and affordable housing development, and
    • $1 million delivered through a targeted matching grant program distributed across 45 grants for local housing counseling agencies to expand homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income prospective homebuyers.

    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in millions)

    Selected Balance Sheet Items
      at Period End    		   Dec 31, 2024     Dec 31, 2023  
    Total Assets $ 81,735     $ 92,828  
    Advances   45,637       61,335  
    Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio, Net   693       754  
    Investments, Net1   34,961       30,294  
    Consolidated Obligations:      
    Bonds   58,174       64,297  
    Discount Notes   14,378       19,187  
    Mandatorily Redeemable Capital Stock   331       706  
    Capital Stock – Class B – Putable   2,458       2,450  
    Retained Earnings   4,483       4,290  
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)   63       (72 )
    Total Capital   7,004       6,668  
           
    Selected Other Data at Period End   Dec 31, 2024       Dec 31, 2023  
    Regulatory Capital Ratio2   8.90 %     8.02 %
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended  
    Selected Operating Results for the Period Dec 31, 2024     Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, 2024   Dec 31, 2023  
    Net Interest Income $ 148   $ 162   $ 580   $ 799  
    Provision for/(Reversal of) Credit Losses   5     (3)     —     4  
    Other Income/(Loss)   15     22     93     7  
    Other Expense   57     52     219     200  
    Affordable Housing Program Assessment   11     15     52     63  
    Net Income/(Loss) $ 90   $ 120   $ 402   $ 539  
                     
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended  
    Selected Other Data for the Period Dec 31, 2024     Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, 2024   Dec 31, 2023  
    Net Interest Margin3   0.72 %   0.72 %   0.69 %   0.71 %
    Return on Average Assets   0.43     0.52     0.47     0.47  
    Return on Average Equity   5.15     7.29     5.89     7.60  
    Annualized Dividend Rate4   8.75     8.25     8.75     7.49  
    Average Equity to Average Assets Ratio   8.36     7.15     8.02     6.23  
     
    1. Investments consist of federal funds sold, interest-bearing deposits, trading securities, available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities, and securities purchased under agreements to resell.
    2. The regulatory capital ratio is calculated as regulatory capital divided by total assets. Regulatory capital includes retained earnings, Class B capital stock, and mandatorily redeemable capital stock (which is classified as a liability) but excludes accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Total regulatory capital as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, was $7.3 billion and $7.4 billion, respectively.
    3. Net interest margin is calculated as net interest income (annualized) divided by average interest-earning assets.
    4. Cash dividends are declared, recorded, and paid during the period, on the average capital stock outstanding during the previous quarter.
     

    Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
    The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions–commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions propel homeownership, finance affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient.

    Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to the Bank’s dividend philosophy and dividend rates. These statements are based on our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. These statements may use forward-looking terms, such as “endeavoring,” “will,” and “expects,” or their negatives or other variations on these terms. The Bank cautions that by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk or uncertainty and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements or could affect the extent to which a particular objective, projection, estimate, or prediction is realized, including future dividends. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the Risk Factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic and current reports that we may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as regulatory and accounting rule adjustments or requirements; the application of accounting standards relating to, among other things, hedge accounting of derivatives and underlying financial instruments, along with related fair values; future operating results; the withdrawal of one or more large members; high inflation and interest rates that may adversely affect our members and their customers; and our ability to pay a quarterly dividend rate that is equal to or greater than similar current rates for highly rated investments. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Federal Government Must Assist Flood Victims, Invest in Flood Resilience & Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – After severe winter storms over the weekend caused major flooding and wind damage across several states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and West Virginia, causing multiple deaths and leaving communities in disrepair, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Committee, said it is important for the federal government to help states recover and assist flood victims and those directly impacted.  

    “When Rhode Island has been hit by major flooding in the past, the federal government has stepped in with real relief and it needs to do the same for people in Kentucky and other states impacted by climate change and severe weather.  These devastating floods are further proof that Congress must act swiftly to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, invest in flood resilience, and double down on clean energy,” said Senator Reed.  “Ordinary Americans can see and feel the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise for themselves.  Climate change is real and is having a widespread, devastating impact.  The federal government can’t bury its head in the sand or drill its way out of this problem, it needs to invest wisely and help communities adapt.”  

    The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was originally established in 1968 and is the principal provider of flood insurance across the United States. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the flood-insurance program and pays NFIP claims.  

    NFIP’s authorization is set to expire on March 14, 2025 unless Congress and President Trump take action.  Project 2025 calls for abolishing the NFIP, which could cause major economic upheaval, disrupting home sales and property insurance nationwide.  

    All fifty states have been or are currently going through a federal-state assessment process with FEMA for how states conduct floodplain management programs for all state-owned properties and state-development projects that are in Special Flood Hazard Areas to determine compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP.  

    “Higher seas and stronger storms are already in the forecast and homeowners, renters, businesses, and communities nationwide are at risk of substantial losses due to flooding.  Insurance companies are abandoning entire states due to the risk of climate change driven weather. The National Flood Insurance Program provides a way to protect against such risk and the program should be reauthorized and improved to better protect the public,” said Senator Reed.  “We also need coordinated national action and global leadership on climate change.  President Trump is irresponsibly undoing long-term environmental investments in order to generate bigger tax windfalls for the wealthy.  Instead, we should be focusing on improving the resilience of American communities and our economy by strengthening our infrastructure and protecting natural resources.”  

    Reed noted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays a key role monitoring extreme weather, tracking water levels, and informing communities and residents when life-threatening flooding may occur and prompting evacuations.  

    But despite the critical roles that both FEMA and NOAA play, the Trump Administration continues to target these federal agencies for mass-firings and funding cuts that could undercut their ability to protect Americans in future emergencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Join Senate Democrats In Amicus Brief Slamming President Trump’s Lawless Removal Of Inspectors General; Calls For More Transparency Amidst The Chaos Of The Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief on behalf of eight inspectors general who were illegally fired by President Trump at the start of his term. The Senators noted that the role of an inspector general is to ensure the laws enacted by Congress are faithfully executed, and an inspector general cannot be removed without proper notification to the Congress.

    This lawless act is just one of many perpetrated by the current administration. As President Trump continues to break down the roles of checks and balances in this country, he also has dissolved the oversight process. Today, Senate Democrats strongly condemn these firings and are working within the court system to overturn this clear violation of law.

    “In the last month, I’ve heard from thousands of New Mexicans whose lives Donald Trump and Elon Musk have thrown into chaos – from threatening the Social Security seniors depend on to the health care veterans have earned through their service. Now, instead of delivering for American families, Trump and Musk are illegally firing the very people who cut the government waste, fraud, and abuse they claim to want to eliminate,” said Heinrich. “I’m joining this Amicus Brief to stand up for the rule of law and oppose the corruption Trump, Musk, and their unelected billionaire lackeys are trying to get away with.” 

    “In just a few weeks into the Trump administration, New Mexicans are seeing the chaos, confusion, and corruption that President Trump and Elon Musk are inflicting on the American people,” said Luján. “The President and Elon Musk are on a mission to gut the federal workforce, slash critical programs that New Mexicans rely on, and fire the people who are responsible for upholding the rule of law. To hold the President and the Administration accountable, I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues in exposing the President’s illegal firing of inspectors general and blatant disregard for checks and balances.”

    The amicus brief can be seen here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Demand VA Secretary Collins Put Veterans First, Reverse Mass Firings of VA Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are calling on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated last week who serve veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees combatting veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line.

    The Trump Administration’s mass terminations of VA employees, which included a substantive number of veterans and military spouses, comes at a time when VA faces critical staffing shortages and increased demand for its services, such as urgently needed mental health care to reduce the veteran suicide rate. In addition, many of these terminated employees had exemplary performance records and multiple years of work experience in government service.

    “Last week, we were outraged by the Administration’s abrupt and indiscriminate termination of tens of thousands of workers across almost every government agency, including more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees,” the senators wrote in a letter to the VA Secretary. “We were further disturbed by the manner in which you publicly celebrated this reprehensible announcement – a clear departure from the assurances provided throughout your confirmation process to never ‘balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits’ and to always ‘put the veteran first.’ Not only will this latest action put veterans’ care and benefits at risk, but it further confuses, demoralizes, and threatens a VA workforce we need to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise to our veterans and their families who have already sacrificed so much.”

    The senators directly refuted VA Secretary Collins’ vague assurances that these terminations “will not negatively impact VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries,” by detailing the ways the Trump Administration directives to gut VA’s workforce are already harming veterans:

    • Openings for new clinics have been delayed because VA cannot hire the necessary staff to open their doors, including a VA clinic in Fredericksburg, Virginia;
    • Service lines at VA hospitals and clinics have been halted;
    • Beds and operating rooms at VA facilities have been suspended;
    • Support lines for caregivers have been reduced;
    • Veterans Crisis Line employees have been fired, and suicide prevention training sessions have been postponed or canceled; and
    • Transportation options for disabled veterans, which help ensure veterans can attend regular health care appointments, have been cut back because volunteer drivers are now unable to get credentialed.

    The senators underscored how these terminations are a massive waste of taxpayer dollars that have already been spent recruiting, vetting, and training these VA employees:“Because probationary employees tend to be younger, many of them represented the next generation of VA employees – talented men and women who chose a long-term career path of serving veterans. VA already invested in recruiting and training these individuals because veterans deserve the very best staff possible.”

    The senators continued, “The list of real-life negative impacts of this Administration’s directives is expansive and growing every day. Rather than putting the interests of veterans first, you made your priorities abundantly clear in your statement applauding the mass firings: ‘At VA, we are focused on saving money.’ It’s clear from the slashing of services and benefits this priority is coming directly at the expense of veterans.”

    The senators concluded by calling on Collins to put veterans first and rescind the blanket layoffs of the more than 1,000 VA employees: “With the best interests of veterans in mind, and to ensure VA is capable of carrying out its sacred obligation of behalf of veterans, we urge you to immediately reinstate all of the employees dismissed in the latest indiscriminate terminations and commit to VA employees and veterans that no additional widespread terminations will occur without advanced notification to Congress, a detailed justification, coordination with service-level leadership, and an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on veterans’ health care and benefits. Congress remains ready to collaborate with you, if you are willing to come to the table and put the needs of our veterans above all else.”

    The letter was led by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). In addition to Heinrich and Luján, the letter was also joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The full text of the senators’ letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM statement in response to the release of deceased hostages held in Gaza

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister made a statement in response to the release of deceased hostages held in Gaza.

    I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Oded Lifschitz after he was taken hostage by terrorists in Gaza, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his daughter Sharone and his wife Yocheved.

    When I met Sharone in Downing Street, she showed remarkable strength in the face of the most difficult circumstances. The news of her father’s death is a tragedy. It is my hope that the peace he worked to see in the region through his charity work and activism will be achieved.

    My thoughts are also with the Bibas family, who have faced immense pain as they awaited news of Shiri and her sons Kfir and Ariel. 

    We must see all remaining hostages released, and the ceasefire upheld. My government remains committed to working with our international partners to bring an end this suffering and secure a long-term peace in the Middle East.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 20 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Storm recovery planning underway in Āwhitu

    Source: Auckland Council

    The Pollok Community Hall and Emergency Hub is working with the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office, helping drive recovery planning in the Āwhitu community. This is part of a series of partnerships in heavily-impacted communities across Auckland. Communities are being supported to develop practical plans, which will include activities and priorities that can be delivered to improve well-being and flourishing as they recover.   

    Since major 2023 storms affected the Āwhitu region, its resourceful local communities have come together to help each other move forward with resilience. 

    At the heart of this collective effort is the Pollok Community Hall and Emergency Hub, led and delivered by the community. As recovery continues, the group is working alongside residents, businesses and organisations to rebuild with hope, and the aim of leaving no one behind.  

    Mayor Wayne Brown assesses slip damage in Awhitu

    A community tested by adversity 

    Storms in early 2023 caused widespread disruption, leaving many local families, homes and businesses in distress. Being on a peninsula, power outages, flooding and damage to infrastructure made life difficult for the community. But despite the challenges, the spirit of solidarity emerged as neighbours helped each other and local organisations quickly mobilised.  

    “We’ve had big storms before but Cyclone Gabrielle was different,” says Peter Sharps, Chairman of Pollok Community Hall and Emergency Hub.  

    “We just help each other. Whether it’s providing shelter for people that can’t access their homes, or locals using bulldozers to move trees off the road.” 

    Local farmer Richard Craig adds, “My family has been here since the 1860s. So, we were well-prepared, but the storm trashed everything.”  

    “Seven out of eight bridges on my property were submerged, and an arterial road collapsed onto our property. I had no income for six months while repairing the farm. But I survived with support from my bank, the Ministry of Primary Industries, and businesses were kind, offering discounted supplies which made a huge difference.” 

    Peter Sharps (credit Hon Andrew Bayly MP)

    Pollok Community Hall and Emergency Hub: Aligning with our mission 

    The group is dedicated to serving the community through a hall and emergency centre.  

    “Our mission is to strengthen the local community by fostering connections, offering vital services, and preserving historically significant sites,” says Peter. “This requires bringing people together. So, since the storm, we’ve organised several community meetings and formed a steering group to help shape a recovery plan that reflects the diverse needs of the community.” 

    “It’s hard to get people to come together for anything,” says committee member Francie Craig. “So, it was amazing to see so many people show up for our recovery planning meeting.” 

    As recovery progresses, the focus has shifted from immediate relief to long-term planning. Auckland Council is supporting through initiatives including disaster preparedness workshops and local recovery support.  

    “Wind and rain caused major damage,” says local Ian McNaughton. “I lost two acres of fencing and water supply. The rain wiped out the well, and damaged trees. With only one road in and out after Pollok, I’m keen for us to think about access to the peninsula.”  

    The community’s focus is on building a united approach to recovery that is sustainable and accessible for all. This includes developing a united vision as well as planning the practicalities like generators and making sure accommodation/refuge are available for everyone. 

    Āwhitu Road slip repaired

    Get involved in recovery planning 

    The group invites everyone in the community to participate in recovery efforts.  

    “Whether attending a planning session, volunteering or contributing ideas for future projects, your involvement is essential to rebuilding stronger than before,” says Peter. “Our recovery won’t succeed without everyone’s contribution. This is a collective effort, and everyone’s voice is critical in shaping our path forward.”  

    All residents are encouraged to join in recovery meetings and events, share their thoughts, and help create a recovery plan that works for everyone. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 21 February 2025 30 new homes for Wairoa in construction The first new state homes in Wairoa in many years are now being built. Thirty single-storey homes will be built on a two-hectare site, Tihitihi Pā. The development will see a mix of two, three, four and six-bedroom homes built.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    Whakamanamana Ltd is the development company behind the project. After two devastating floods in 2023 and 2024, Director of Operations Benji King wanted to come home and build on his involvement in the Wairoa community.

    “It’s clear that Wairoa has a dire need for more homes. I was happy to get stuck in to make sure the 30 homes that were proposed some time ago, get built.” Once completed, Kāinga Ora will purchase the homes for use as social housing.

    “It is rewarding to see siteworks progressing well. They should be completed in the next three months. Framing for the first homes has been erected and it is full steam ahead to get more homes started.”

    “We have contracted PCS Projects to build and manage the project. Fred van der Sande has been involved in this development for the last couple of years and he is the project manager.

    “A big focus for Fred and the PCS team has been to ensure local labour is used on the project. They have worked with the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT) to recruit local rangatahi and ensure they have the opportunity to work towards a qualification. This has resulted in more Wairoa people taking on apprenticeships. It also means that 85% of the people working on the development are locals.

    Naomi Whitewood, Kāinga Ora Regional Director East North Island says Kāinga Ora is focused on delivering social housing in areas where it is most needed. “Wairoa is definitely one of those areas and we are happy to be a partner to this development. Seeing progress made on the site means that mokopuna and whānau will be moving into warm, dry, safe homes by the end of the year.”

    Wairoa District Council Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome. “The good that comes from this project is endless. A housing development of this size bounces our economy by giving local people work. We know that Wairoa needs more housing, there are too many people in this region that don’t have a home. Having a nice place to live is so important for whanau wellbeing.”

    The first homes on Tihitihi Pa are expected to be completed late this year with more following in 2026. They will be low maintenance and fully insulated with carpets, curtains, double glazing and heat pumps.

    Some of the new state homes being built in Wairoa

    Page updated: 21 February 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Firearms Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to trafficking cocaine and illegal firearms in and around the Boston area.

    Malcolm Desir, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, aiding and abetting; four counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; one count of firearms trafficking; and one count of knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2025. Desir was arrested and charged in November 2023 along with co-conspirator Cordell Miller and Alan Robinson.

    Miller was identified as a firearms and ammunition trafficker in the metro Boston area. Over a three-month investigation beginning in August 2023, Miller sold several firearms to a cooperating witness during controlled purchases and offered to sell distribution weight cocaine. The drug deals were handled by Desir, who distributed the powder cocaine in a number of controlled purchases. During one controlled purchase, Desir also sold a firearm he had purchased from Miller two years prior. More than a kilo and half of powdered and crack cocaine, unknown prescription pills, indicia of distribution and two illegal firearms were recovered during a search at Desir’s residence.

    In January 2025, Robinson pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2025. Miller pleaded guilty in February 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2025.

    The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of firearms trafficking provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of a minimum of five years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Member Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Narcotics Distribution Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A member of the East Side Money Gang with multiple prior convictions was sentenced today for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Gang operated in Chelsea, Mass. and surrounding communities.

    Henry Del Rio, a/k/a “Junior,” 28, of Chelsea, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 78 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In May 2024, Del Rio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Del Rio was arrested and charged in January 2023 along with co-defendant Jose Perez.

    In December 2022, police officers attempted to stop a vehicle speeding through Lexington, Mass. that Perez was driving. Perez accelerated and engaged in a high-speed escape attempt, traveling more than 85 miles per hour on residential streets, crashing head-first into another vehicle, and ultimately losing control and colliding into a post. As Perez exited the vehicle, a loaded Glock 34X 9mm semi-automatic handgun dropped to the ground. Perez and Del Rio, the sole passenger, fled and led officers on a foot chase through a parking lot. Once the two men were apprehended, approximately 63 grams of cocaine and a bag containing 44 smaller, individually wrapped bags of fentanyl, totaling approximately 53 grams, were found where Del Rio had fled. A third bag containing approximately 49 grams of cocaine was recovered in the vehicle.

    At the time of the offense, Del Rio was on federal supervised release after serving a five-year prison sentence for multiple felony convictions, including drug and firearms offenses, arising from a prior East Side Money Gang-related case.

    In December 2024, Perez was sentenced to 142 months in prison after being convicted by a federal jury in August 2024.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lexington, Chelsea and MBTA Police Departments and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Crowley and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Convicted Felon For Firearms Offense

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal bill of indictment charging Anil Dabydeen, 39, of Charlotte, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for allegedly shooting at vehicles on I-485, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement.

    According to the indictment and a filed criminal complaint, on January 8, 2025, at 3:49 p.m., CMPD officers were dispatched to I-485 at the South Tryon Street exit for a reported shooting. Court documents allege that CMPD received several 911 calls describing a male operating a white Honda sedan on the highway who was shooting at passing vehicles. Law enforcement arrived on the scene and located two victims who had been struck by gunfire. The victims told the officers that they were traveling south on I-485 when their vehicle was struck by gunfire. While on the scene, the officers reviewed a video shot by a witness. It is alleged that the video showed a white sedan stopped on the side of the highway, and an individual, later identified as Dabydeen, walking around the vehicle brandishing a firearm and pointing it at passing vehicles.

    According to allegations in court documents, while the officers were investigating the incident, they observed a white Honda sedan traveling south at a high rate of speed. The officers recognized the vehicle as the one observed during the shooting and began to pursue the vehicle. After a brief pursuit, Dabydeen stopped the vehicle, and he was taken into custody. It is alleged that, over the course of the arrest, officers recovered from Dabydeen a live round of 9mm ammunition, and a Taurus, Model G3c, 9mm pistol that had been reported stolen. It is further alleged that Dabydeen has a prior felony conviction for 1st Degree Manslaughter in New York, and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

    Dabydeen is currently in custody. The charge of possession of a firearm by a felon carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

    The charges against Dabydeen are allegations, and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron thanked the ATF and CMPD for leading the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pelahatchie Man Sentenced to nearly Five Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jackson, Miss. – A Pelahatchie man was sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, Brad O’Neal Lee, 41, sold firearms to a pawn shop in Jackson, Mississippi. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives was alerted to the sale. Lee is a convicted felon, and therefore is prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearms or ammunition. Lee’s previous felony convictions on the date of the illegal possession were for residential burglary, false pretense, and uttering a forgery, for which he served several years in state prison.

    Lee was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2023. He pled guilty on October 3, 2024.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

    The ATF investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Wanted in Cold Case Murder Sought by the FBI and Long Beach Police Department; Reward Offered

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the location of a one-time Long Beach resident who was charged with a murder that occurred at a restaurant in Long Beach, California, on October 18, 2008.

    Jose Manuel Flores, 47, is wanted for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of an individual inside the Brite Spot Restaurant in Long Beach, California, on October 18, 2008.

    Following an investigation by the Long Beach Police Department, Flores was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon on March 9, 2010, in the Superior Court of the State of California in Long Beach. Flores had a criminal history and was considered a felon at the time of the alleged murder.

    Once detectives with the Long Beach Police Department determined that Flores had fled the state of California, they requested assistance from the FBI in order to locate Flores, who was thought to have fled south of the U.S. border. On June 24, 2010, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Flores in the United States District Court in Los Angeles after he was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

    Flores uses a date of birth of November 25, 1977, and was born in Florida. He has used aliases including “Willie” and “Malo.” He has also used the suffix “Jr.” at the end of his formal name. Flores has brown eyes and brown hair and weighed approximately 160 lbs. in 2010, with a height of 5’7”. Flores is an American citizen of Hispanic descent. He has tattoos on his right arm, back, chest, head and neck. A photo of Flores dated 2008 can be found on the FBI’s wanted poster for Flores at Flores Wanted Poster.

    Flores has ties to or may visit Southern California and Mexico. He previously resided in Long Beach, California, and is believed to currently be living in Mexico. Flores is known to have ties to the Los Zetas cartel in Mexico. Flores should be considered armed and dangerous with violent tendencies.

    The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the location of Jose Manuel Flores.

    If you have any information concerning this case or the whereabouts of Flores, please contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565 or the Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detail at (562) 570-7244. You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Sentenced for Roles in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug Trafficking Ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BANGOR, Maine: Four individuals from Maine were sentenced today in separate hearings at the U.S. District Court in Bangor for their roles in a northern Maine drug trafficking ring. U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced the four defendants:

    • John Miller, 24, was sentenced to 54 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. On April 19, 2023, Miller pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
    • Jason Cunrod, 42, was sentenced to 48 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. On August 29, 2023, Cunrod pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
    • Joshua Young, 48, was sentenced to time served (approximately 62 days), followed by three years of supervised release to include 24 months of home detention. On April 26, 2023, Young pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
    • Carol Gordon, 53, was sentenced to time served (approximately 30 months and 25 days), followed by three years of supervised release to include six months of community confinement. On March 14, 2023, Gordon pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

    According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Cunrod, Miller, Gordon, Young and others trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties and elsewhere. Miller, Cunrod,and Young each regularly arranged to obtain quantities from a coconspirator through phone calls, texts and social media using coded language and then distribute those drugs to customers in Aroostook County, using the proceeds to purchase more drugs from the source. In addition, during the conspiracy, Miller provided his source with dozens of firearms that he acquired from various individuals in Aroostook County. Gordon allowed others to sell drugs from her Bangor home and facilitated distribution events by serving as an intermediate between the seller and customer in exchange for narcotics for her personal use.

    Twenty-one defendants have been charged in this and related cases for their part in a widespread northern Maine drug trafficking conspiracy. To date, 17 of the defendants have been sentenced while four await sentencing:

    Sentenced:

    • Andrew Adams (32, Aroostook County) – 10 years
    • Matthew Catalano (38, Penobscot County) – 165 months
    • Christopher Coty (44, Bangor) – 4 years
    • Jason Cunrod (42, Caribou) – 48 months
    • Blaine Footman (38, Bangor) – 5 years
    • Nicole Footman (41, Holden) – 3 years
    • Dwight Gary, Jr. (54, Medway) – Time served (approx. 5 months)
    • Carol Gordon (53, Bangor) – Time served (approx. 31 months) plus 6 months of community confinement
    • Thomas Hammond (26, Charleston) – 84 months
    • Joshua Jerrell (30, Orrington) – Time served (approx. 36 months)
    • James King (55, Caribou) – 165 months
    • Shelby Loring (29, Bangor) – Time served (approx. 32 months)
    • Danielle McBreairty (34, Glenburn) – 20 years
    • John Miller (24, Caribou) – 54 months
    • Aaron Rodgers (43, Bangor) – Time served (approx. 33 months)
    • Wayne Smith (33, Bangor) – 85 months
    • Joshua Young (48, Presque Isle) – Time served (approx. 2 months) plus 24 months home detention

    Awaiting sentencing:

    • Daquan Corbett (30, Brockton, Mass.)
    • Daviston Jackson (28, Boston, Mass.)
    • Sarah McBreairty (36, Dixmont) – sentencing scheduled 05/05/25
    • James Valiante (42, Linneus) – sentencing scheduled 05/05/25

    The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.

    Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halloween getaway driver convicted

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    VICTORIA, Texas – A federal jury sitting in Victoria has returned a guilty verdict against a 27-year-old Houston man for armed robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    The jury deliberated for less than two hours before convicting Jordan Javon Ashton following a three-day trial.

    The robbery took place at the Morelos Supermercardos in Victoria Oct. 31, 2023, and involved a stolen vehicle with stolen plates and a stolen gun.

    On that Halloween evening, Latrayveon McNeal and Jerrell Potts – wearing masks and brandishing firearms – entered the supermarket and approached the Barri money services counter. They pointed weapons and yelled at the cashier, store employees and customers. Fearing for their lives, the employees complied with demands and provided U.S. currency and a large amount of cashed checks.   

    McNeal and Potts fled in a stolen white truck and met up with Ashton who was armed and waiting for them a few blocks away from the store. Ashton then drove the robbers from the scene leaving the white truck in the middle of the road with the motor still running.

    The jury saw numerous exhibits to include several photographs and surveillance video from the supermarket, the weapons used in the crime and heard excerpts of 911 calls made on that day.

    They also heard that Ashton had previously been convicted of a felony and was on parole during the commission of this crime.

    The defense attempted to convince the jury that he withdrew from the conspiracy. They did not believe those claims and found Ashton guilty as charged.

    McNeal, 26, and Potts, 25, both of Houston, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the crime. Potts received 87 months in federal prison, while McNeal is pending sentencing.

    U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over trial and set sentencing for May 29. At that time, Ashton faces up to 20 and 15 years for the robbery and the firearms charges, respectively, as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Victoria Police Department, Victoria County Sheriff’s Office and Victoria County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Indicted for Possession of Loaded Gun After High-Speed Chase

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging David Garcia, 32, of Fresno, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Jan. 23, 2025, law enforcement officers located a vehicle suspected in several recent catalytic converter thefts. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver, Garcia, sped off across an apartment complex lawn before leading officers on a high-speed chase in which he drove the wrong way on the road, collided with another vehicle, and ran multiple red lights and stop signs. In an attempt to escape officers, Garcia tried to drive through a fence into Scandinavian Middle School but his vehicle was disabled. Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions in Fresno County.

    According to court documents, officers found a loaded Glock 22 handgun with an extended magazine in Garcia’s vehicle. The handgun and vehicle were both reported stolen.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Garcia faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Aliens Charged with Methamphetamine and Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY – A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant were issued this week charging two illegal aliens with aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. One of the defendants was also charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court records, on August 28, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Hopkinsville where Carlos Daniel Davalillo-Silva, 26, and Paola Alexandra Rodriguez, 32, both citizens of Venezuela, had been staying. The search yielded approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine that the pair intended to distribute.  Rodriguez was also found to be in possession of two firearms. Silva and Rodriguez were charged with aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Rodriguez was also charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

    Homeland Security Investigations verified that Silva and Rodriguez are Venezuelan and entered the United States illegally.

    The defendants are in state custody and will make initial court appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky at a later date. If convicted, they each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case is being investigated by the DEA – Paducah Post of Duty, the ATF – Bowling Green Post of Duty, HSI, ICE/ERO, and the Hopkinsville Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea in Firearm Assault Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon after an incident that left one of the victims requiring medical treatment for facial injuries.

    According to court documents, Jerome Weaver, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted to intentionally assaulting two victims using a firearm with the intent to cause bodily harm. As a result of the assault, one of the victim’s required medical treatment for facial injuries.

    Weaver will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Weaver faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Pedro Morales Lopez

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Thursday, February 20, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

     

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Pedro Morales Lopez’s death from an officer-involved shooting in Nowalk, California, on February 17, 2022. The incident involved officers from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office (LASD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ’s findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. 

    “The loss of life is always tragic,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We recognize the considerable challenges and difficulties faced by all those impacted, including Mr. Lopez’s family, the law enforcement agencies involved, and the community at large. The California Department of Justice is dedicated to collaborating with all law enforcement entities to maintain a legal system that is fair, transparent, and accountable to every Californian.”

    At approximately 7:00 PM on February 17, 2022, three officer-involved shooting (“OIS”) incidents occurred on Foster Road in the City of Norwalk, Los Angeles County. During an attempt to apprehend Andre M. Mora, the suspect of a carjacking and assault with a firearm that occurred three days earlier, Mr. Mora pointed a semiautomatic handgun at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective who fired ten rounds at Mr. Mora (OIS #1). Mr. Mora fled on foot and pointed a handgun at another LASD detective. The detective fired nine rounds at Mr. Mora (OIS #2). Mr. Mora made ran into the front yard of a private residence and then into a narrow side yard crowded with various objects. Mr. Mora then pointed a handgun at the detective, who fired fourteen rounds at Mr. Mora (OIS #3). Mr. Mora—who was shot multiple times but survived—then entered the residence through a side door and barricaded himself inside. An uninvolved resident of the location, Mr. Lopez, was in the side yard during the time of OIS #3. Mr. Lopez was fatally struck in the back of the head by a single bullet.

    Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officers involved acted without the intent to defend themselves and others from what each of them reasonably believed to be the imminent risk of death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officers. As such, no further action will be taken in this case. 

    As part of its investigation, DOJ has identified one policy recommendation regarding body worn cameras (BWC). It is recommended that LASD issue BWCs to all LASD deputies, including plain clothes deputies. It is also recommended that LASD develop policies on the circumstances in which deputies, who are in plain clothes or otherwise not in uniform, can and must activate BWCs. 

    A copy of the report can be found here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Cornyn, Colleagues Call on ATF to Overturn Unconstitutional Biden Rules & Support Trump 2A Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.20.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 28 of their Senate GOP colleagues in sending a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Marvin Richardson urging him to align the agency with President Trump’s Second Amendment priorities as laid out in his recent Executive Order. The senators called on Richardson to identify and rescind former President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations, including the “Engaged in the Business” rule, pistol brace rule, “ghost gun” rule and “zero tolerance” policy under which ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations.

               “On Friday, February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took decisive action to reaffirm law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights in issuing his Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights,” the senators wrote. “We urge you to immediately align ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”

    “Under former President Joe Biden, ATF adopted numerous policies and rules that infringed upon Americans’ Second Amendment protections. President Trump’s Executive Order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and develop a plan of action regarding President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations,” the senators continued. “We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies.”

    Joining Senators Hoeven and Cornyn in sending the letter are Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Todd Young (R-IN), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

    Full text of the letter can be found here

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Unlicensed D.C. Row House Found Guilty in the Deaths of Two People in Fatal Kennedy Street Fire

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – James G. Walker, 67, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today in Superior Court of the District of Columbia on two counts of second-degree murder, and 27 criminal building code violations, for the deaths of Fitsum Kebede and Yafet Solomen, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Brian L. Schwalb, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division Anthony Spotswood, Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr.

                Walker was indicted and arraigned on January 16, 2020, on two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of the lesser included charges of involuntary manslaughter and numerous criminal building code violations by Superior Court Judge Ronna L. Beck.

                According to the government’s evidence, the defendant, James Walker, owned commercial property located at 708 Kennedy Street, N.W.  Walker did not have a certificate of occupancy for the building and the structure was in violation of several fire safety codes. Walker operated the building as an illegal “rooming house.” Some of the building’s rooms were too small to be considered habitable space; some had no windows, and the defendant failed to install or maintain functional smoke alarms throughout the building, including the basement. The most egregious violation, however, was the failure to provide an unobstructed means to escape the property, which included erecting multiple security gates that required keys from both sides, the worst offense being a double-keyed security gate installed within the property that blocked access from the kitchen to the front door. Importantly, the defendant had received specific warnings on March 21, 2019, from the Metropolitan Police Department that the building was in violation of several building codes specifically related to fire safety and hazardous conditions. He was instructed to correct the conditions and have the building inspected for residential use. He did not.

                On the morning of August 18, 2019, a fire erupted in the basement of 708 Kennedy Street. Three tenants were present at the time of the fire. 40-year-old Fitsum Kebede and 10-year-old Yafet Solomen were in the basement and were unable to exit the premises. They subsequently died from thermal burns and smoke inhalation. The government’s evidence was that the defendant’s knowledge of the danger posed by the conditions of the property and his conscious disregard of the extreme risk that death or serious bodily injury could occur were the but-for cause of the deaths of the decedents.   

                This case was jointly tried by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the District of Columbus Office of the Attorney General.

                In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Martin, D.C. Attorney General Schwalb, ATF Special Agent in Charge Spotswood, MPD Chief Smith, and Fire and EMS Chief Donnelly, commended the work of the ATF Arson and Explosives Task Force that investigated the case, including MPD, ATF, and Fire and EMS.  Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant United States Attorney Vinet Bryant, Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Cargill and Assistant Attorney General Keith Ingram who prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Long Island Investment Advisor Charged in Superseding Indictment With Attempted Obstruction of Justice, Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Money Laundering Conspiracy Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Adam Kaplan Allegedly Attempted to Injure and Bribe Witnesses, Manufacture Evidence, Bribe Law Enforcement Officials, and Defraud Additional Victims

    Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, a superseding indictment was filed that added two counts against Adam Kaplan for attempted obstruction of justice in connection with a grand jury investigation in the Eastern District of New York and during his pretrial release on fraud charges.  The superseding indictment also added additional charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud against Adam Kaplan for conduct, including while on pretrial release, as well as an additional charge of money laundering conspiracy against Adam Kaplan and Daniel Kaplan.  In July 2023, Adam Kaplan and Daniel Kaplan, investment advisors with a financial services firm (Financial Services Firm), were charged in a 16-count indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, investment advisor fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud at least 50 victims of more than $5 million. The defendants, who are twin brothers, will be arraigned on the superseding indictment at a later date.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges. 

    “As alleged in the superseding indictment, before his arrest, and while he was aware of a grand jury investigation into his crimes, Adam Kaplan attempted to threaten and injure victims and witnesses and bribe law enforcement,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “But his disregard for the law and court-ordered rules didn’t stop there, he also repeatedly and flagrantly violated his conditions of pretrial release.  This Office will not tolerate attempts by defendants to undermine the criminal justice process and will prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”

    Mr. Durham thanked the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Chicago office, for its work on the case. 

    “Adam Kaplan allegedly ordered threats be made to his victims and attempted to bribe authorities to disrupt a federal investigation into the brothers’ misconduct,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.  “Kaplan’s alleged actions reflect remorselessness as he continued to make concerted efforts to protect his multimillion-dollar fraud scheme even following his initial arrest. The FBI will never tolerate individuals who prey upon populations for personal wealth, and then resort to extreme measures to conceal their egregious wrongdoings.” 

    As set forth in court filings and the underlying indictment, between May 2018 and November 2022, Adam Kaplan and Daniel Kaplan defrauded at least 50 clients of the Financial Services Firm, including some elderly and disabled victims, of at least $5 million.  Between January 2023 and September 2024, Adam Kaplan and a co-conspirator defrauded additional individuals of approximately $1 million and also conspired to defraud a financial institution. 

    The superseding indictment charges that, between April 2023 and September 2024, while aware of a federal grand jury investigation into the brothers’ conduct, Adam Kaplan attempted to influence, obstruct and impede the underlying investigation, including through attempts to threaten, injure and pay off witnesses, and destroy evidence. Specifically, Adam Kaplan (i) ordered an associate to create a fake email from a victim so that Adam Kaplan could use the fake email as evidence at trial and to impeach that victim’s credibility; (ii) engaged in a months’ long fraudulent scheme to steal money from victims; and (iii) attempted to tamper with, threaten and pay off witnesses, including telling his associate that a victim needed “to fear,” that a victim should be “peeing blood / missing teeth and another visited / scared,” that a victim should be sent skull and crossbones imagery, and that his associate should “put [a victim’s] phone on fire . . . Seriously, please blow it up.” After his arrest, while on release on a multimillion-dollar bond, Adam Kaplan (i) attempted to bribe a Department of Justice official; (ii) continued his fraudulent schemes and continued to pay off witnesses; and (iii) committed credit card fraud.  To perpetuate these crimes, Adam Kaplan used multiple burner phones to avoid detection and monitoring by law enforcement, used aliases, attempted to break into others’ email accounts and attempted to destroy evidence.

    If you were a client of Adam Kaplan or Daniel Kaplan and would like to file a complaint, please visit www.iC3.gov.  Please reference “Adam Kaplan” or “Daniel Kaplan” in your complaint.    

    The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Toporovsky and Paul Scotti are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Janelle Robinson.

    The Defendants:

    ADAM S. KAPLAN
    Age:  35
    Great Neck, New York

    DANIEL E. KAPLAN
    Age:  35
    Great Neck, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-293(S-1) (JMA)

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds Convicted Felon Guilty of Firearm Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury convicted a San Antonio man Wednesday for one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dante Delray Vecera, 33, was found unresponsive in a locked and running vehicle blocking two lanes of traffic on the 410 frontage road. Police officers observed a bag containing white powder, a marijuana cigarette, and a bag of what appeared to be black tar heroin inside the vehicle. The officers provided Vecera with Narcan, fearing an overdose. While waiting for EMS to arrive on scene, officers looked for Vecera’s driver’s license in an attempt to identify him and located an unholstered pistol in the pocket of his pants. While removing the weapon, Vecera regained consciousness. He refused all field sobriety tests and was taken into custody after being medically cleared.

    Prior to this arrest Vecera had been convicted of several violent felonies, including two prior Nevada convictions for burglary and coercion (sexually motivated), and a Texas conviction for violation of a protective order and assault. Vecera faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, San Antonio Police Department and the Castle Hills Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karina O’Daniel and Amy Hail are prosecuting the case.

    This is a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Initiative case. VAWA was first enacted in 1994 as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. It initially focused on providing resources and training to improve the responses and policies of law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts, to support victim services, and to address crimes historically treated as private matters. Recognizing that domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking require a coordinated community response that extends beyond the justice system, Congress subsequently reauthorized VAWA, enhancing its policies and expanding grant funding streams, in 2000, 2005, 2013, and 2022. The Office on Violence Against Women has issued more than $11 billion in funding authorized by VAWA in its lifetime.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Indictments Charge Five Individuals With Unlawful Gun Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Five individuals have been charged in separate federal indictments this week for unlawful possession of firearms, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. One defendant is also facing a drug charge and a gun offense tied to drug trafficking.

    The indictments are the result of an ongoing collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), to combat crime, reduce violence, and remove illegal firearms from the hands of prohibited individuals and convicted felons.

    “Protecting communities across Western North Carolina is one of our highest priorities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron. “We will continue to enforce federal firearms laws and partner with law enforcement to remove illegal guns from our streets and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”

    The five individuals indicted this week and the charges against them are:

    • Jonathan Glendale Denton, 41, of Charlotte – charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
    • Rex Allen Hawkins, 53, of Traphill, N.C. – charged with possession of firearms by a felon, including a shotgun, a rifle, and ammunition seized from his residence during a probation search.
    • Mitchell Clydero Patterson, 37, of Spring Lake, N.C. – charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
    • Anthony Dion Tribble, 27, of Charlotte – charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
    • Timothy Demetrius Williams, 34, of Charlotte – charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a stolen firearm.

    The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The cases are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.

    Federal law prohibits individuals from possessing a firearm if they fall into certain restricted categories, including convicted felons, fugitives from justice, illegal aliens, individuals convicted of domestic violence, and unlawful users of controlled substances. Additionally, it is illegal to possess a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime or a violent offense. Federal law also prohibits the straw purchase of a firearm, wherein a person who can lawfully purchase a firearm buys a gun, or attempts to do so, for a prohibited person. Federal law also requires that individuals who are engaged in the business of dealing in firearms be licensed by the ATF. For additional information and resources please visit www.atf.gov.

    These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about PSN in the Western District, please visit our website.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kershaw County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun and Drug Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Cameron Jones, 26, of Camden, has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on April 1, 2022, an officer with the Camden Police Department was patrolling a local park due to recent violence in the area. When the officer approached the park, Cameron Jones began to run from the officer while holding his waistband. The officer chased Jones and saw Jones throw items into some bushes. The officer eventually caught Jones. While Jones was detained, officers with the Camden Police Department and Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office went back to the area where Jones threw items into the bushes and found a tan pistol with a drum magazine and 24.11 grams of cocaine. Additionally, Jones had over $3,700 in cash in his pockets. Further investigation revealed that Jones’ DNA was on the firearm and that he had previously posted pictures with the firearm on social media.

    The court also heard information that on Dec. 19, 2023, FBI agents and officers with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and Camden Police Department arrested Jones after he was indicted by a grand jury for his conduct on April 1, 2022. After his arrest, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant on his home and found, multiple handgun magazines, marijuana, methamphetamine, and 18 machine gun conversion devices (also known as Glock switches), and a magazine matching the firearm from April 1, 2022.

    Jones has a prior conviction for distribution of cocaine which prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition and was a known member of a gang at the time of his arrest.

    United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson sentenced Cameron Jones to 93 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and the Camden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sanford are prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: PDS Gang Leader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Andre Alonte Willis, 33, of Washington, D.C., and a leader of the Push Dat Shit (PDS) street crew, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 240 months in prison on five felony convictions related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses in the District of Columbia. 

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean T. Ryan of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                On September 12, 2024, a jury convicted Willis, also known as “Boogie,” of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana; conspiracy to use, carry, and possess firearms and machine guns in furtherance of drug trafficking; illegal possession and transfer of a machine gun; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.   

                Evidence at trial proved that Willis was a “big homie” in the D.C. street crew known as “Push Dat Shit” or “PDS,” and was the gang’s primary source of exotic strains of marijuana that he acquired from a variety of sources in California. FBI agents seized $150,000 in cash, along with a loaded handgun and marijuana packaged for distribution from Willis’ apartment when he was arrested.

                PDS maintained gang territory on the 3300 – 3500 blocks of Wheeler Road, Southeast, and adjacent areas, and operated an open air drug market outside the Holiday Market. In approximately August 2018, PDS became allied with a neighboring street gang known as Jugg Gang, or “JG.”  Between August 2018 and April 2023, members of the allied PDS/JG street crew sold drugs from Holiday Market and from “trap houses” that they maintained in apartment buildings surrounding that location. 

                As their drug business grew, PDS/JG became the target of drive-by shootings conducted by rival gangs – shootings they referred to as “spinning the block.” Beginning in approximately August 2019, a PDS/JG member began assembling and distributing fully automatic AR-Pistol assault rifles that he purchased as “kits” from online retailers. Such firearms are defined as “privately made firearms” by the ATF but are frequently referred to as “ghost guns” on the street.  PDS/JG members used, carried, and possessed these “ghost gun” AR-Pistol machine guns in order to both defend their territory from rival gangs, but also to “spin the block” on rival gangs in order to deter and dissuade the rivals from entering PDS/JG territory. PDS/JG members “kept score” with rival gangs, and the points earned by “spinning the block” varied depending on the “importance” of the people that were injured or killed

                In calculating Willis’ sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson included sentencing enhancements based on her finding that the conspiracy involved between 400 and 700 kilograms of marijuana, as well as her findings that Willis was a leader of more than five people in jointly-undertaken criminal conduct, and that he recklessly created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to others in the course of fleeing from the FBI to avoid arrest. Wills was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.

                This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, and MPD. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Nelson and Justin Song and Paralegal Specialist Melissa Macechko.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Employers Holdings, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 and Full-Year Financial Results; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.30 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Employers Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE:EIG), a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers’ compensation insurance and services focused on small and mid-sized businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Full-Year 2024 Financial Highlights

    (All comparisons versus full-year 2023)

    • Net income of $118.6 million ($4.71 per diluted share), versus $118.1 million ($4.45 per diluted share);
    • Adjusted net income of $94.0 million ($3.73 per diluted share), versus $101.7 million ($3.83 per diluted share);
    • Net investment income of $107.0 million, versus $106.5 million;
    • Gross premiums written of $776.3 million, versus $767.7 million;
    • Net premiums earned of $749.5 million, versus $721.9 million;
    • Net favorable prior year loss reserve development of $18.4 million, versus $44.9 million;
    • GAAP combined ratio of 97.9% (98.6% excluding the LPT), versus 95.0% (96.0% excluding the LPT);
    • Returned $71.7 million to stockholders through a combination of share repurchases and regular quarterly dividends;
    • Record number of ending policies in-force of 130,767, versus 126,409; and
    • Adjusted Book value per share of $50.71, up 9.8% including dividends declared.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

    (All comparisons versus fourth quarter 2023)

    • Net income of $28.3 million ($1.14 per diluted share), versus $45.6 million ($1.77 per diluted share);
    • Adjusted net income of $28.7 million ($1.15 per diluted share), versus $36.1 million ($1.40 per diluted share);
    • Net investment income of $26.7 million, versus $26.2 million;
    • Gross premiums written of $176.3 million, versus $178.2 million;
    • Net premiums earned of $190.2 million, versus $187.5 million;
    • Net favorable prior year loss reserve development of $9.1 million, versus $24.9 million;
    • GAAP combined ratio of 95.5% (including and excluding the LPT), versus 88.1% (88.8% excluding the LPT); and
    • Returned $17.5 million to stockholders through a combination of share repurchases and a regular quarterly dividend.

    CEO Commentary

    Chief Executive Officer Katherine Antonello commented: “We are pleased with our fourth quarter and full-year 2024 results. In fact, we closed the year with the highest levels of written and earned premium, ending in-force premium and policies and net investment income in the Company’s history.

    We achieved solid growth in new and renewal premium in 2024, but that growth was offset by lower final audit premiums and endorsements. Our investment performance contributed nicely to our overall results and financial strength. In addition to the record level of net investment income we generated, we also recognized $24.1 million of after-tax unrealized gains from our common stocks and other investments.”

    Ms. Antonello continued, “Our current accident year loss and LAE ratio on voluntary business was 64.0%, slightly above the loss and LAE ratio we maintained throughout 2023 and consistent with that of 2022. Our fourth quarter full reserve study led to the recognition of $8.6 million of net favorable prior year loss reserve development from our voluntary business. Those actions, coupled with our continual focus on our underwriting expenses, yielded an ex-LPT combined ratio of 95.5% for the fourth quarter, and 98.6% for the full year.

    Our active capital management efforts throughout 2024, which consisted of $41.7 million of share repurchases and $30.0 million of regular quarterly dividends, contributed to year-over-year increases of 10.6% and 9.8% in our book value per share including the deferred gain and adjusted book value per share, respectively. Our focus on disciplined underwriting, prudent risk management, and strategic investments has positioned us strongly in the workers’ compensation insurance market, which is evidenced by the recent upgrade to our insurance companies’ AM Best Financial Strength Rating to “A” (Excellent).

    Beyond our financial results, we continue to offer direct-to-consumer policies through the Cerity brand but, with the Cerity integration that was undertaken a year ago, we now do so without any meaningful fixed underwriting expenses. Further, our continued focus for 2025 will be on further appetite expansion, increased self-service options for policyholders, agents and injured workers and greater operational efficiencies.

    Finally, we are saddened by the California wildfires and the impact on the Los Angeles area community and small businesses. Our thoughts are with all of those who have lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods, and we are working with our partners to provide immediate and long-term assistance. As a monoline workers’ compensation insurance provider, these catastrophic events would not typically have a significant impact on our results, nor our long-term trends. We have analyzed the loss exposure and experience in the affected fire zones and have determined that approximately 1% of our in-force policies, representing less than 1% of our payroll exposure, are within the impacted areas and we are not currently experiencing any significant impacts from these devastating fires.”

    Summary of Consolidated Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

    (All comparisons versus fourth quarter 2023, unless otherwise noted)

    Gross premiums written were $176.3 million, a decrease of 1%. The slight decrease was due to higher new and renewal business writings being offset by lower final audit premiums and endorsements. Net earned premiums were $190.2 million, an increase of 1%.

    Losses and loss adjustment expenses were $113.2 million, an increase of 22%. The increase was due to higher earned premium, lower net favorable prior year loss reserve development and a slightly higher current accident year loss and loss adjustment expense provision. The Company recognized $9.1 million of favorable prior year loss reserve development versus $24.9 million. The Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense ratio was 59.5% for the quarter (including and excluding the LPT) versus 49.5% (50.2% excluding the LPT).

    Total underwriting expenses (consisting of commissions, other underwriting and general and administrative expenses) were $68.6 million, a decrease of 5%. The decrease was primarily related to lower information technology expenses resulting from the Cerity integration plan that was executed in the fourth quarter of 2023, lower compensation-related expenses and a non-recurring commission adjustment, partially offset by higher bad debt expense. The Company’s total underwriting expense ratio was 36.0% versus 38.6%.

    Within the 2024 periods presented herein, the Company refined its presentation of certain expenses associated with its involuntary premium. This revision, which was immaterial, had the effect of reducing both its fourth quarter and full year 2024 commission expense ratios by approximately 0.3 percentage points, and increasing its respective underwriting and general and administrative expense ratios by the same amount. This revision had no net effect on the Company’s total underwriting expenses or net income.

    Net investment income was $26.7 million, an increase of 2%. The increase was due to higher investment yields, partially offset by lower invested balances of fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents, as measured by amortized cost.

    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments reflected on the income statement were $(0.4) million versus $12.1 million.

    Interest and financing expenses were $0.1 million versus $0.6 million. The decrease resulted from the unwinding of our former Federal Home Loan Bank leveraged investment strategy in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Other expenses of $1.6 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 consisted of a non-recurring charge in connection with previously capitalized cloud computing costs.

    Federal and state income tax expense was $6.4 million (18.4% effective rate) versus $12.6 million (21.6% effective rate). The effective rates in each period reflect applicable income tax benefits and exclusions associated with tax-advantaged investment income, LPT adjustments, pre-privatization loss and loss adjustment expense reserve adjustments and deferred gain amortization.

    The Company’s book value per share including the deferred gain of $47.35 increased by 10.6% during 2024 and its adjusted book value per share of $50.71 increased by 9.8% during 2024, each including dividends declared. These measures were favorably impacted by $24.1 million of net after tax unrealized gains arising from equity securities and other investments.

    Share Repurchases and First Quarter 2025 Dividend Declaration

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased 193,857 shares of its common stock at an average price of $51.20 per share. During the period from January 1, 2025 through February 19, 2025, the Company repurchased a further 222,438 shares of its common stock at an average price of $49.38 per share. The Company currently has a remaining share repurchase authorization of $18.7 million.

    On February 19, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a first quarter dividend of $0.30 per share. The dividend is payable on March 19, 2025 to stockholders of record as of March 5, 2025.

    Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

    The Company will host a conference call on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

    To participate in the live conference call, you must first register here. Once registered you will receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number.

    The webcast will be accessible on the Company’s website at www.employers.com through the “Investors” link.

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to GAAP

    Within this earnings release we present various financial measures, some of which are “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined in Regulation G pursuant to Section 401 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002. A description of these non-GAAP financial measures, as well as a reconciliation of such non-GAAP measures to our most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the attached Financial Supplement. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures are important to the Company’s investors, analysts and other interested parties who benefit from having an objective and consistent basis for comparison with other companies within our industry. Management further believes that these measures are more relevant than comparable GAAP measures in evaluating our financial performance.

    The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with the Financial Supplement that is attached to this press release and available on our website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    In this press release, the Company and its management discuss and make statements based on currently available information regarding their intentions, beliefs, current expectations, and projections of, among other things, the Company’s future performance, economic or market conditions, including current or future levels of inflation, changes in interest rates, labor market expectations, catastrophic events or geo-political conditions, legislative or regulatory actions or court decisions, business growth, retention rates, loss costs, claim trends and the impact of key business initiatives, future technologies and planned investments. Certain of these statements may constitute “forward-looking” statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and are often identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pro forma,” “seek,” “likely,” or “continue,” or other comparable terminology and their negatives. The Company and its management caution investors that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Risks and uncertainties are inherent in the Company’s future performance. Factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, among other things, those discussed or identified from time to time in the Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risks detailed in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Filings with the SEC

    The Company’s filings with the SEC and its quarterly investor presentations can be accessed through the “Investors” link on the Company’s website, www.employers.com. The Company’s filings with the SEC can also be accessed through the SEC’s EDGAR Database at www.sec.gov (EDGAR CIK No. 0001379041).

    About Employers Holdings, Inc.

    Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG), is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers’ compensation insurance and services (collectively “EMPLOYERS®”) focused on small and mid-sized businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. EMPLOYERS leverages over a century of experience to deliver comprehensive coverage solutions that meet the unique needs of its customers. Drawing from its long history and extensive knowledge, EMPLOYERS empowers businesses by protecting their most valuable asset – their employees – through exceptional claims management, loss control, and risk management services, creating safer work environments.

    EMPLOYERS is also proud to offer Cerity®, which is focused on providing digital-first, direct-to-consumer workers’ compensation insurance solutions with fast, and affordable coverage options through a user-friendly online platform.

    EMPLOYERS operates throughout the United States, apart from four states that are served exclusively by their state funds. Insurance is offered through Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, Employers Assurance Company and Cerity Insurance Company, all rated A (Excellent) by AM Best. Not all companies do business in all jurisdictions. EIG Services, Inc., and Cerity Services, Inc., are subsidiaries of Employers Holdings, Inc. EMPLOYERS® is a registered trademark of EIG Services, Inc., and Cerity® is a registered trademark of Cerity Services, Inc. For more information, please visit www.employers.com and www.cerity.com.

    Contact Information

    Mike Paquette (775) 327-2562 or mpaquette@employers.com

    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Table of Contents

    Page

    1. Consolidated Financial Highlights
    2. Summary Consolidated Balance Sheets
    3. Summary Consolidated Income Statements
    4. Return on Equity
    5. Combined Ratios
    6. Roll-forward of Unpaid Losses and LAE
    7. Consolidated Investment Portfolio
    8. Book Value Per Share
    9. Earnings Per Share
    10. Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (unaudited)
    $ in millions, except per share amounts
                        
        Three Months Ended           Years Ended      
        December 31,           December 31,      
        2024       2023     % change     2024       2023     % change
    Selected financial highlights:                          
    Gross premiums written  $ 176.3     $ 178.2     (1 )%   $ 776.3     $ 767.7     1 %
    Net premiums written   174.7       176.4     (1 )     769.5       760.6     1  
    Net premiums earned   190.2       187.5     1       749.5       721.9     4  
    Net investment income   26.7       26.2     2       107.0       106.5     —  
    Net income excluding LPT (1)   28.4       44.4     (36 )     113.0       110.9     2  
    Adjusted net income (1)   28.7       36.1     (20 )     94.0       101.7     (8 )
    Net income before income taxes   34.7       58.2     (40 )     146.7       148.4     (1 )
    Net income   28.3       45.6     (38 )     118.6       118.1     —  
    Comprehensive income (loss)   (8.9 )     116.2     (108 )     122.1       171.0     (29 )
    Total assets                   3,541.3       3,550.4     —  
    Stockholders’ equity                   1,068.7       1,013.9     5  
    Stockholders’ equity including the Deferred Gain (2)                   1,162.7       1,113.1     4  
    Adjusted stockholders’ equity (2)                   1,245.2       1,199.1     4  
    Annualized adjusted return on stockholders’ equity (3)   9.3 %     12.2 %   (24 )%     7.7 %     8.5 %   (9 )
    Amounts per share:                          
    Cash dividends declared per share  $ 0.30     $ 0.28     7 %   $ 1.18     $ 1.10     7 %
    Earnings per diluted share (4)   1.14       1.77     (36 )     4.71       4.45     6  
    Earnings per diluted share excluding LPT (4)           1.72     (34 )     4.49       4.18     7  
    Adjusted earnings per diluted share(4)   1.14       1.40     (18 )     3.73       3.83     (3 )
    Book value per share (2)   1.15               43.52       39.96     9  
    Book value per share including the Deferred Gain (2)                   47.35       43.88     8  
    Adjusted book value per share (2)                   50.71       47.26     7  
    Combined ratio excluding LPT: (5)                          
    Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio:                          
    Current year   64.2 %     63.5 %         64.1 %     63.4 %    
    Prior Year   (4.7 )     (13.3 )         (2.5 )     (6.2 )    
    Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio   59.5 %     50.2 %         61.6 %     57.2 %    
    Commission expense ratio   12.8       14.0           13.5       13.9      
    Underwriting and general and administrative expense ratio   23.2       24.6           23.5       24.9      
    Combined ratio excluding LPT   95.5 %     88.8 %         98.6 %     96.0 %    
         
    (1) See Page 5 for calculations and Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
    (2) See Page 10 for calculations and Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
    (3) See Page 6 for calculations and Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
    (4) See Page 11 for calculations and Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
    (5) See Page 7 for calculations and Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.  
    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Summary Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
    $ in millions, except per share amounts
      December 31,
    2024
    		     December 31,
    2023    		  
    ASSETS            
    Available for sale:            
    Investments, cash and cash equivalents $ 2,532.4   $ 2,504.7  
    Accrued investment income   15.7     16.3  
    Premiums receivable, net   361.3     359.4  
    Reinsurance recoverable, net of allowance, on paid and unpaid losses and LAE   417.8     433.8  
    Deferred policy acquisition costs   59.6     55.6  
    Deferred income taxes, net   38.3     43.4  
    Contingent commission receivable—LPT Agreement   —     14.2  
    Other assets   116.2     123.0  
    Total assets $ 3,541.3   $ 3,550.4  
                 
    LIABILITIES            
    Unpaid losses and LAE $ 1,808.2   $ 1,884.5  
    Unearned premiums   402.2     379.7  
    Commissions and premium taxes payable   65.8     66.0  
    Deferred Gain   94.0     99.2  
    Other liabilities   102.4     107.1  
    Total liabilities $ 2,472.6   $ 2,536.5  
                 
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Common stock and additional paid-in capital $ 424.8   $ 420.4  
    Retained earnings   1,472.9     1,384.3  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net   (82.5 )   (86.0 )
    Treasury stock, at cost   (746.5 )   (704.8 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   1,068.7     1,013.9  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,541.3   $ 3,550.4  
                 
    Stockholders’ equity including the Deferred Gain (1) $ 1,162.7   $ 1,113.1  
    Adjusted stockholders’ equity (1)   1,245.2     1,199.1  
    Book value per share (1) $ 43.52   $ 39.96  
    Book value per share including the Deferred Gain (1)   47.35     43.88  
    Adjusted book value per share (1)   50.71     47.26  
                 
    (1) See Page 10 for calculations and Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.            
    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Summary Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited)
    $ in millions
                             
      Three Months Ended     Years Ended
    		  
      December 31,     December 31,
    		  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Revenues:        
    Net premiums earned $ 190.2   $ 187.5   $ 749.5   $ 721.9  
    Net investment income   26.7     26.2     107.0     106.5  
    Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments (1)   (0.4 )   12.1     24.1     22.7  
    Other income (loss)   0.1     (0.1 )   0.1     (0.2 )
    Total revenues   216.6     225.7     880.7     850.9  
    Expenses:        
    Losses and LAE incurred   113.2     92.9     456.2     405.7  
    Commission expense   24.4     26.3     101.2     100.0  
    Underwriting and general and administrative expenses   44.2     46.1     176.5     180.0  
    Interest and financing expenses   0.1     0.6     0.1     5.8  
    Other expenses   —     1.6     —     11.0  
    Total expenses   (181.9 )   (167.5 )   (734.0 )   (702.5 )
    Net income before income taxes   34.7     58.2     146.7     148.4  
    Income tax expense   (6.4 )   (12.6 )   (28.1 )   (30.3 )
    Net income   28.3     45.6     118.6     118.1  
    Unrealized AFS investment (losses) gains arising during the period, net of tax   (39.2 )   66.6     (3.5 )   46.6  
    Reclassification adjustment for realized AFS investment gains in net income, net of tax   2.0     4.0     7.0     6.3  
    Total Comprehensive income $ (8.9 ) $ 116.2   $ 122.1   $ 171.0  
    Net income $ 28.3   $ 45.6   $ 118.6   $ 118.1  
    Amortization of the Deferred Gain – losses   (1.6 )   (1.5 )   (6.1 )   (6.3 )
    Amortization of the Deferred Gain – contingent commission   —     (0.3 )   (0.8 )   (1.5 )
    LPT reserve adjustment   1.7     0.9     1.7     0.9  
    LPT contingent commission adjustments   —     (0.3 )   (0.4 )   (0.3 )
    Net income excluding LPT Agreement (2) $ 28.4   $ 44.4   $ 113.0   $ 110.9  
    Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments   0.4     (12.1 )   (24.1 )   (22.7 )
    Lease termination and asset impairment charges   —     1.6     —     11.0  
    Income tax (benefit) expense related to items excluded from Net income   (0.1 )   2.2     5.1     2.5  
    Adjusted net income (2) $ 28.7   $ 36.1   $ 94.0   $ 101.7  
                             
    (1) Includes unrealized gains on equity securities and other invested assets of $2.4 million and $17.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $30.5 million and $36.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively
    (2) See Page 12 regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Return on Equity (unaudited)
    $ in millions
                             
      Three Months Ended    Years Ended  
      December 31,
    		    December 31,
    		  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
           
    Net income A $ 28.3   $ 45.6   $ 118.6   $ 118.1  
    Impact of the LPT Agreement     0.1     (1.2 )   (5.6 )   (7.2 )
    Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments     0.4     (12.1 )   (24.1 )   (22.7 )
    Lease termination and asset impairment charges     —     1.6     —     11.0  
    Income tax (benefit) expense related to items excluded from Net income     (0.1 )   2.2     5.1     2.5  
    Adjusted net income (1) B $ 28.7   $ 36.1   $ 94.0   $ 101.7  
               
    Stockholders’ equity – end of period   $ 1,068.7   $ 1,013.9   $ 1,068.7   $ 1,013.9  
    Stockholders’ equity – beginning of period     1,093.4     919.0     1,013.9     944.2  
    Average stockholders’ equity C $ 1,081.1   $ 966.5   $ 1,041.3   $ 979.1  
               
    Stockholders’ equity – end of period   $ 1,068.7   $ 1,013.9   $ 1,068.7   $ 1,013.9  
    Deferred Gain – end of period     94.0     99.2     94.0     99.2  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before taxes – end of period     104.5     108.9     104.5     108.9  
    Income tax related to accumulated other comprehensive loss – end of period     (22.0 )   (22.9 )   (22.0 )   (22.9 )
    Adjusted stockholders’ equity – end of period     1,245.2     1,199.1     1,245.2     1,199.1  
    Adjusted stockholders’ equity – beginning of period     1,232.5     1,175.8     1,199.1     1,189.2  
    Average adjusted stockholders’ equity (1) D $ 1,238.9   $ 1,187.5   $ 1,222.2   $ 1,194.2  
               
    Return on stockholders’ equity A / C   2.6 %   4.7 %   11.4 %   12.1 %
    Annualized return on stockholders’ equity     10.5     18.9      
               
    Adjusted return on stockholders’ equity (1) B / D   2.3     3.0     7.7     8.5  
    Annualized adjusted return on stockholders’ equity (1)     9.3     12.2      
               
    (1) See Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.     
    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Combined Ratios (unaudited)
    $ in millions, except per share amounts
                                   
          Three Months Ended      Years Ended  
          December 31,     December 31,  
            2024     2023        2024     2023  
    Net premiums earned A   $ 190.2   $ 187.5     $ 749.5   $ 721.9  
    Losses and LAE incurred B     113.2     92.9       456.2     405.7  
    Amortization of deferred reinsurance gain – losses       1.6     1.5       6.1     6.3  
    Amortization of deferred reinsurance gain – contingent commission       —     0.3       0.8     1.5  
    LPT reserve adjustment       (1.7 )   (0.9 )     (1.7 )   (0.9 )
    LPT contingent commission adjustments       —     0.3       0.4     0.3  
    Losses and LAE excluding LPT (1) C   $ 113.1   $ 94.1     $ 461.8   $ 412.9  
    Prior year loss reserve development       (9.1 )   (24.9 )     (18.4 )   (44.9 )
    Losses and LAE excluding LPT – current accident year D   $ 122.2   $ 119.0     $ 480.2   $ 457.8  
    Commission expense E   $ 24.4   $ 26.3     $ 101.2   $ 100.0  
    Underwriting and general and administrative expense F   $ 44.2   $ 46.1     $ 176.5   $ 180.0  
    GAAP combined ratio:            
    Loss and LAE ratio B/A     59.5 %   49.5 %     60.9 %   56.2 %
    Commission expense ratio E/A     12.8     14.0       13.5     13.9  
    Underwriting and general and administrative expense ratio F/A     23.2     24.6       23.5     24.9  
    GAAP combined ratio       95.5 %   88.1 %     97.9 %   95.0 %
    Combined ratio excluding LPT: (1)            
    Loss and LAE ratio excluding LPT C/A     59.5 %   50.2 %     61.6 %   57.2 %
    Commission expense ratio E/A     12.8     14.0       13.5     13.9  
    Underwriting and general and administrative expense ratio F/A     23.2     24.6       23.5     24.9  
    Combined ratio excluding LPT       95.5 %   88.8 %     98.6 %   96.0 %
    Combined ratio excluding LPT: current accident year: (1)            
    Loss and LAE ratio excluding LPT D/A     64.2 %   63.5 %     64.1 %   63.4 %
    Commission expense ratio E/A     12.8     14.0       13.5     13.9  
    Underwriting and general and administrative expenses ratio F/A     23.2     24.6       23.5     24.9  
    Combined ratio excluding LPT: current accident year       100.2 %   102.1 %     101.1 %   102.2 %
                 
    (1) See Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.      
    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Roll-forward of Unpaid Losses and LAE (unaudited)
    $ in millions
                                   
      Three Months Ended      Years Ended  
      December 31,     December 31,  
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
                                   
    Unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period $ 1,836.5     $ 1,913.4     $ 1,884.5     $ 1,960.7  
    Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE   413.1       426.6       428.4       445.4  
    Net unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period   1,423.4       1,486.8       1,456.1       1,515.3  
    Losses and LAE incurred:        
    Current year   122.2       119.1       480.2       457.8  
    Prior years – voluntary business   (8.6 )     (24.6 )     (17.9 )     (44.6 )
    Prior years – involuntary business   (0.5 )     (0.3 )     (0.5 )     (0.3 )
    Total losses incurred   113.1       94.2       461.8       412.9  
    Losses and LAE paid:        
    Current year   57.9       47.6       127.1       111.7  
    Prior years   82.8       77.3       395.0       360.4  
    Total paid losses   140.7       124.9       522.1       472.1  
    Net unpaid losses and LAE at end of period   1,395.8       1,456.1       1,395.8       1,456.1  
    Reinsurance recoverable, excluding CECL allowance, on unpaid losses and LAE   412.4       428.4       412.4       428.4  
    Unpaid losses and LAE at end of period $ 1,808.2     $ 1,884.5     $ 1,808.2     $ 1,884.5  
     
    Total losses and LAE shown in the above table exclude amortization of the Deferred Gain, LPT Reserve Adjustments, and LPT Contingent Commission Adjustments, which totaled $(0.1) million and $1.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $5.6 million and $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Consolidated Investment Portfolio (unaudited)
    $ in millions
                                 
       December 31, 2024      December 31, 2023   
    Investment Positions:   Cost or
    Amortized
    Cost (1)    		   Net Unrealized
    Gain (Loss)    		     Fair Value %       Fair Value %  
    Fixed maturity securities $ 2,203.1 $ (104.6)   $ 2,097.4 83 %   $ 1,936.3 77 %
    Equity securities   150.7   109.1     259.8 10       217.2 9  
    Other invested assets   90.9   15.7     106.6 4       91.5 4  
    Short-term investments   0.1   —     0.1 —       33.1 1  
    Cash and cash equivalents   68.3   —     68.3 3       226.4 9  
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents   0.2   —     0.2 —       0.2 —  
    Total investments and cash $ 2,513.3 $ 20.2   $ 2,532.4 100 %   $ 2,504.7 100 %
                                 
    Breakout of Fixed Maturity Securities:                            
    U.S. Treasuries and Agencies $ 61.4 $ (2.1 ) $ 59.3 3 %   $ 60.5 3 %
    States and Municipalities   163.0   (3.7 )   159.3 8       210.2 11  
    Corporate Securities   849.2   (46.0 )   803.0 38       895.8 46  
    Mortgage-Backed Securities   733.1   (47.9 )   684.9 33       426.0 22  
    Asset-Backed Securities   216.0   (2.0 )   214.0 10       128.0 7  
    Collateralized loan obligations   35.5   (0.2 )   35.3 2       91.5 5  
    Bank loans and other   144.9   (2.7 )   141.6 7       124.3 6  
    Total fixed maturity securities $ 2,203.1 $ (104.6 ) $ 2,097.4 100 %   $ 1,936.3 100 %
    Weighted average ending book yield on fixed income securities, cash, and cash equivalents   4.5 %     4.3 %
    Average credit quality (S&P) A+ A
    Duration   4.5       4.5  
     
    (1) Amortized cost excludes an allowance for current expected credit losses (CECL) of $1.1 million  
    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Book Value Per Share (unaudited)
    $ in millions, except per share amounts
                       
            December 31,
    2024    		       December 31,
    2023    		  
    Numerators:                  
    Stockholders’ equity A   $ 1,068.7     $ 1,013.9  
    Deferred Gain       94.0       99.2  
    Stockholders’ equity including the Deferred Gain (1) B     1,162.7       1,113.1  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before taxes       104.5       108.9  
    Income taxes related to accumulated other comprehensive loss, before taxes       (22.0 )     (22.9 )
    Adjusted stockholders’ equity (1) C   $ 1,245.2     $ 1,199.1  
             
    Denominator (shares outstanding) D     24,556,706       25,369,753  
             
    Book value per share (1) A / D   $ 43.52     $ 39.96  
    Book value per share including the Deferred Gain (1) B / D     47.35       43.88  
    Adjusted book value per share (1) C / D     50.71       47.26  
             
    Cash dividends declared per share     $ 1.18     $ 1.10  
             
    YTD Change in: (2)        
    Book value per share       11.9 %     18.1 %
    Book value per share including the Deferred Gain       10.6       16.3  
    Adjusted book value per share       9.8       10.5  
                       
    (1) See Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
    (2) Reflects the change per share after taking into account dividends declared in the period.
    EMPLOYERS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Earnings Per Share (unaudited)
    $ in millions, except per share amounts
                             
      Three Months Ended   Years Ended  
      December 31,
    		   December 31,
    		  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Numerators:            
    Net income A   $ 28.3   $ 45.6   $ 118.6   $ 118.1  
    Impact of the LPT Agreement       0.1     (1.2 )   (5.6 )   (7.2 )
    Net income excluding LPT (1) B   $ 28.4   $ 44.4   $ 113.0   $ 110.9  
    Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments       0.4     (12.1 )   (24.1 )   (22.7 )
    Lease termination and asset impairment charges       —     1.6     —     11.0  
    Income tax (benefit) expense related to items excluded from Net income       (0.1 )   2.2     5.1     2.5  
    Adjusted net income (1) C   $ 28.7   $ 36.1   $ 94.0   $ 101.7  
                                 
    Denominators:                            
    Average common shares outstanding (basic) D     24,725,425     25,645,821     25,050,605     26,368,801  
    Average common shares outstanding (diluted) E     24,902,459     25,801,380     25,194,814     26,523,651  
                                 
    Earnings per share:                            
    Basic A / D   $ 1.14   $ 1.78   $ 4.73   $ 4.48  
    Diluted A / E     1.14     1.77     4.71     4.45  
                                 
    Earnings per share excluding LPT: (1)                            
    Basic B / D     1.15     1.73     4.51     4.21  
    Diluted B / E     1.14     1.72     4.49     4.18  
                                 
    Adjusted earnings per share: (1)                            
    Basic C / D   $ 1.16   $ 1.41   $ 3.75   $ 3.86  
    Diluted C / E     1.15     1.40     3.73     3.83  
                                 
    (1) See Page 12 for information regarding our use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Within this earnings release we present the following measures, each of which are “non-GAAP financial measures.” A reconciliation of these measures to the Company’s most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included herein. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures are important to the Company’s investors, analysts and other interested parties who benefit from having an objective and consistent basis for comparison with other companies within our industry. Management further believes that these measures are more relevant than comparable GAAP measures in evaluating our financial performance.

    The LPT Agreement is a non-recurring transaction that no longer provides any ongoing cash benefits to the Company. Management believes that providing non-GAAP measures that exclude the effects of the LPT Agreement (amortization of deferred reinsurance gain, adjustments to LPT Agreement ceded reserves and adjustments to the contingent commission receivable) is useful in providing investors, analysts and other interested parties a meaningful understanding of the Company’s ongoing underwriting performance.

    Deferred reinsurance gain (Deferred Gain) reflects the unamortized gain from the LPT Agreement. This gain has been deferred and is being amortized using the recovery method, whereby the amortization is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries, except for the contingent profit commission, which was amortized through June 30, 2024, the date of its final determination. Amortization is reflected in losses and LAE incurred.

    Adjusted net income (see Page 5 for calculations) is net income excluding the effects of the LPT Agreement, and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments (net of tax), and any miscellaneous non-recurring transactions (net of tax). Management believes that providing this non-GAAP measures is helpful to investors, analysts and other interested parties in identifying trends in the Company’s operating performance because such items have limited significance to its ongoing operations or can be impacted by both discretionary and other economic factors and may not represent operating trends.

    Stockholders’ equity including the Deferred Gain (see Page 10 for calculations) is stockholders’ equity including the Deferred Gain. Management believes that providing this non-GAAP measure is useful in providing investors, analysts and other interested parties a meaningful measure of the Company’s total underwriting capital.

    Adjusted stockholders’ equity (see Page 10 for calculations) is stockholders’ equity including the Deferred Gain, less accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax). Management believes that providing this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors, analysts and other interested parties since it serves as the denominator to the Company’s adjusted return on stockholders’ equity metric.

    Return on stockholders’ equity and Adjusted return on stockholders’ equity (see Page 6 for calculations). Management believes that these profitability measures are widely used by our investors, analysts and other interested parties.

    Book value per share, Book value per share including the Deferred Gain, and Adjusted book value per share (see Page 10 for calculations). Management believes that these valuation measures are widely used by our investors, analysts and other interested parties.

    Net income excluding LPT (see Page 5 for calculations). Management believes that these performance and underwriting measures are widely used by our investors, analysts and other interested parties.

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Speaks on Kash Patel’s Willingness to Enable Trump’s Reckless Illegality Before Voting Against His Nomination: “He’s on a mission to wreck the FBI”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) spoke on the Senate Floor before voting against Kash Patel, President Trump’s pick to serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Senator Welch expressed his opposition to Mr. Patel and raised concerns about Mr. Patel’s involvement and actions enabling President Trump’s firing spree of career FBI agents and officials, his unwillingness to stand up against President Trump’s demands, and his perpetuation of Trump’s Big Lie about the 2020 election.  
    “Mr. Patel is not the person to lead the FBI. And my hope is that all of us should consider what Mr. Patel will do. He’s going to use the power of the FBI to go after all those in government, those in the media, and those across the country he doesn’t agree with. He cannot serve as the next director of the FBI,” said Senator Welch. 
    Watch the Senator’s full remarks below: 
    Read key excerpts from Senator Welch’s remarks here: 
    “I believe that this country and Congress is in the midst of a slow-moving but rapidly accelerating constitutional crisis. This is real, and we can ignore it or see it. It began most visibly, of course, on January 6, 2021, when two norms of this republic—the peaceful transfer of power and the renunciation of violence to affect the outcome of a vote count and certification— were breached. And where many members of the House and Senate also voted against certifying the election of the person chosen by the people in their own states. The president continues to say that the election was stolen, and he has coached his nominees to embrace the Big Lie.  
    “The first month of the Trump Administration has shown a contempt for the Constitution; an acceptance of lawlessness that is dangerous to the future of our republic. President Trump’s election denialism was only an early sign of his disregard for the norms and requirements of the Constitution. Now, empowered in a second term by a Congress and a Judiciary which refused to assert their independence, Mr. Trump has enacted executive order after executive order to dismantle our institutions. He doesn’t have the authority to do what he’s doing.” 
    ■■■
    “It is my view that this administration is showing maximum contempt for core constitutional values, including, most importantly, the separation of powers. This is not about what the president’s agenda is. This is about his disregard about the limits that apply to each branch of government. And we have a dilemma. There are many in Congress that are fully in support of President Trump’s policies. That’s his right to pursue them, any member’s right to support them.  
    “But it has to be that we accept our unique responsibility—each of the 100 U.S. Senators—that we have to guarantee that in pursuit of those policies, it is done within constitutional boundaries. That is the glue that has held this country together through thick and thin for nearly 250 years. You know, this is not just talk about civic aspiration. It’s a recognition that the separation of powers, that the system of checks and balances—we’re custodians of that, each of us here—that the concept of the executive’s ambition should be matched with the ambition of the legislature. That’s what’s held us together through the turmoil of our own history.” 
    ■■■
    “I’m voting against Mr. Patel, primarily, but not exclusively, because he’s clearly an instrument in [Trump’s] effort to continue eroding the precepts of the Constitution on separation of powers. And I urge all my fellow Senators, Republican and Democrat, to embrace the responsibility we have to assert our responsibility and authority as a coequal branch…   
    “I’m regarding what President Trump has been doing in his first month in office as an illegal rampage—it’s a rampage of illegality. He’s showing a contempt for Congress and a contempt for the United States Judiciary. Mr. Patel has signed onto that agenda. He isn’t just someone who will be forced to participate in the president’s campaign of retribution, he’s an active participant. He’s got his ‘enemies list.’ We know this because his own words said what the FBI—’what was the FBI doing planning January 6 for a year?’ No basis for that, other than to set up the attack on the good men and women of the FBI.”   
    ■■■
    This morning, Senator Welch joined Senate Judiciary Democrats outside of the FBI Headquarters building in Washington, D.C. to call on their Republican colleagues to block the nomination of Mr. Patel on the Senate Floor. 
    Senator Welch has expressed reservations about Mr. Patel’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee. During Mr. Patel’s confirmation hearing, Senator Welch grilled the nominee about his refusal to acknowledge that President Biden won the 2020 Presidential Election and stressed the importance of combatting any attempt to weaponize the Justice Department and the FBI under the Trump Administration. Last week, Senator Welch reacted to reports that Mr. Patel has been personally involved in the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to target and fire career FBI agents and officials. Under oath, Mr. Patel told Senator Welch he had no recollection of the purge at the FBI.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Virginia & North Carolina Senators Urge Swift Distribution of Public Lands Funding Following Hurricane Helene

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Thom Tillis and Ted Budd (both R-NC) today wrote to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, urging them to expeditiously allocate funding appropriated by Congress for public lands in Virginia and North Carolina that were ravaged by Hurricane Helene.  

    Hurricane Helene devasted communities across North Carolina, Virginia, and large swaths of the Southeast in September 2024. Historic flooding and high winds resulted in over a hundred deaths, damaged and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and decimated critical regional infrastructure. Additionally, the storm caused unprecedented damage to public lands in western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia that are essential drivers of economic activity for many communities. The American Relief Act of 2025 contained robust funding to address natural disaster-related damage to public lands across the U.S., including $6.4 billion for the U.S. Forest Service and $2.3 billion for the National Park Service.

    Wrote the senators, “Public lands managed by USDA and DOI are crucial economic engines for communities throughout western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. For example, the National Park Service’s (NPS) most visited unit, the Blue Ridge Parkway, which spans 469 miles across the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia, supports the economies of dozens of communities in our states. In 2023, 16.7 million visitors spent nearly $1.4 billion in communities surrounding the Parkway, which supported over 19,000 jobs. Helene decimated the Blue Ridge Parkway resulting in indefinite closures along large portions of the roadway and damage to many trails, historical sites, and recreational areas. The recovery effort for the Parkway will be one of the most significant and expensive infrastructure projects in the park’s history, and its success will be essential for the dozens of gateway communities that rely on the Parkway.”

    Added the lawmakers, “In addition to National Park Service managed property, many of our communities in Southwest Virginia and western North Carolina contain U.S. Forest Service lands that were decimated by Hurricane Helene. This includes the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia, the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and North Carolina, and the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in western North Carolina. These lands attract millions of visitors each year who contribute millions more in visitor spending that sustains countless small businesses and gateway communities.”

    The senators also singled out the damage sustained by the Virginia Creeper Trail, writing, “Perhaps no Forest Service asset in the country suffered more damage from Hurricane Helene than the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile recreational trail that is co-managed by the Forest Service and the towns of Damascus and Abingdon in Southwest Virginia. The storm obliterated 18 miles of the Creeper Trail from Damascus to Whitetop, Virginia, destroying 18 trestles and washing away extended segments of the trail itself. The Creeper Trail is the most significant driver of economic activity in Damascus and one of the significant tourism destinations in the entire region. The trail attracts more then 200,000 visitors annually, supporting local bike shops, restaurants, and lodging. In all, the Creeper Trail contributes nearly $13 million annually in tourism spending to the region’s economy. A prolonged closure of the trail could have devasting consequences for Damascus and the entire region. It is critical that USDA and the Forest Service move quickly to allocate appropriated funding to rebuild the Creeper Trail to ensure Damascus and other localities that depend on the trail can fully recovery from Helene.”

    Concluded the senators, “As our states continue to rebuild from Hurricane Helene, it is critical that this supplemental funding is deployed to our public lands swiftly to ensure a timely rebuild of these assets that our communities depend on.”

    A full copy of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025
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