Monday, August 14, 2017

The Daily Brief: Monday, August 14, 2017



The Daily Brief: Monday, August 14, 2017 (Short Form)

1. Federal civil rights probe launched into fatal Charlottesville crash
- Fox News

The federal government has opened a civil rights investigation into the vehicular rampage that killed one woman and injured 19 other people during Saturday's "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Va. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a statement Saturday night to announce the probe.

"The Richmond FBI Field Office, the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia have opened a civil rights investigation into the circumstances of the deadly vehicular incident that occurred earlier Saturday morning," Sessions said in the statement. "The FBI will collect all available facts and evidence, and as this is an ongoing investigation we are not able to comment further at this time."

James Alex Fields Jr., 20, of Ohio, has been arrested in connection with the fatal crash, authorities said. The rally was organized by right-wing blogger Jason Kessler, who wanted to protest Charlottesville's decision to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Emancipation Park. The event quickly turned chaotic, as white nationalists clashed with counter-protesters and police.

Sessions condemned the violence. "When such actions arise from racial bigotry and hatred, they betray our core values and cannot be tolerated," the attorney general said. "I have talked with FBI Director Chris Wray, FBI agents on the scene, and law enforcement officials for the state of Virginia. The FBI has been supporting state and local authorities throughout the day," Sessions said. "U.S. Attorney Rick Mountcastle has commenced a federal investigation and will have the full support of the Department of Justice. Justice will prevail." (Read more)

- Father, Your heart must be broken to see the evil hate that is being acted out in numerous ways on earth. Forgive them for their actions. Forgive all believers that are not in Your army leading the lost to salvation. Young people are being tossed to and fro as they search for what is missing in their lives because they are not being led to You. Our prayer is for repentance for the believers and the lost. Let the army of God arise as led by the Holy Spirit to become a mighty army. In Your precious name thank You for loving us enough to give Your Son's life that we may all have eternal life with You. Amen.

- "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)


2. Trump condemns 'white supremacists,' other extremists behind deadly Virginia rallies - Fox News

President Trump specifically condemns "white supremacists" and other extremist groups as forces behind the deadly protests and counter-protests this weekend in Virginia, a White House spokesperson said Sunday.

"The president said very strongly in his statement yesterday that he condemns all forms of violence, bigotry and hatred. Of course that includes white supremacists, KKK Neo-Nazi and all extremist groups. He called for national unity and bringing all Americans together," the spokesperson said from Trump's private golf club in Bedminster, N.J.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides, on many sides," the president said. "It has been going on for a long time in our country -- not Donald Trump, not Barack Obama. "It has been going on for a long, long time. It has no place in America." (Read more)

- Father God, there can never be peace without You at the head of a nation's people. Bless President Trump for standing against violence, bigotry and hatred. Charlottesville, VA is an example of what protests can lead to. This protest began because there were objections to removing a statue made by the hands of man. Loss of life is never worth a statue. Thank You for forgiving the protesters and the person responsible for taking a life and injuring others. Give them new hearts, eyes and ears that all will turn their hate into love as You love.

- "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Hebrews 8:10)


3. North Korea threat: Pentagon says ready to 'fight tonight,' as Trump shows bomber pics - Fox News

Pentagon officials told Fox News on Friday that the U.S. military stands ready to "fight tonight" on the Korean Peninsula, as President Trump said the U.S. is "locked and loaded" and retweeted images from U.S. Pacific Command showing B-1B Lancer bombers on Guam. At the same time, a North Korean state news agency statement warned that "even a single shell dropped on the Korean Peninsula might lead to the outbreak of thermonuclear war."

"We consider the U.S. no more than a lump which we can beat to a jelly any time," the Korean Central News Agency said, quoting Institute of International Studies researcher Kang Kum Chol.

The exchange capped a week of escalating warnings between Washington and Pyongyang. "Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!" Trump tweeted early Friday morning. (Read more)

- Father God, we continue to pray for Your wisdom to be present with our President as He seeks Your face in the next steps in this crisis. Father God, what Kim Jong-un and all the other Koreans have failed to realize is this major truth, i.e. the Lord God of heaven has placed his favor upon America and its people and it is He that we serve and stand in His strength. We have God on our side and it is He that will fight for America. We pray, Lord, that all the Koreans will be hemmed in by a restraining order from our God.

May President Trump turn to Your Word for comfort and for guidance, in Your name, amen.

- "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)


4. Rex Tillerson, James Mattis back up Donald Trump's message to North Korea - Washington Times

The State and Defense departments provided backup Wednesday to President Trump's threat a day earlier to rain down "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if North Korea did not curb its nuclear programs, but there was little sign Pyongyang was seeking to ease its threats against the U.S. and its allies in the region.

Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis offered stern words for the North in the wake of reports that the regime of Kim Jong-un may have developed a nuclear device small enough to fit on a missile that could reach much of the U.S. homeland.

"What the president is doing is sending a strong message to North Korea in language that Kim Jong-un can understand," Mr. Tillerson said. "The president just wanted to be clear to the North Korean regime." Mr. Mattis offered his own blunt message by urging North Korea to "stand down its pursuit of nuclear weapons" or face a U.S. response "that would lead to the end of its regime and the destruction of its people."

Mr. Tillerson said the president was justified because North Korea's threatening rhetoric had "ratcheted up louder and louder" in response to growing international pressure over its nuclear and missile programs. He also noted he was passing through Guam on his way home from a regional summit in the Philippines and never considered altering his route because of Pyongyang's threat. "I do not believe that there is any imminent threat, in my own view," Mr. Tillerson told reporters. (Read more)

- Lord God, we pray that the absolute power of our God will come against the leader of North Korea and Pyongyang by putting a cap over their intents to use their missiles and nuclear bombs against the U.S. Father God, fill the air over North Korea and Pyongyang with myriads of warring angels that will entangle and defuse all nuclear missiles that are fired from these areas. Pour down a tumultuous rain and tornado activity over them that will destroy any missiles. Defeat Kim Jong-un by the ultimate power of the Blood of Jesus, that he become weakened in his body and mind and be disabled from carrying out any threat of war-like schemes. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "Your pomp is brought down as the grave, and the noise of your viols: the worm is spread under you, and the worms cover you. Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." (Isaiah 14:11,15)


5. Chinese paper says China should stay neutral if North Korea attacks first - Reuters

If North Korea launches an attack that threatens the United States then China should stay neutral, but if the United States attacks first and tries to overthrow North Korea's government China will stop them, a Chinese state-run newspaper said on Friday.

President Donald Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric toward North Korea and its leader on Thursday, warning Pyongyang against attacking Guam or U.S. allies after it disclosed plans to fire missiles over Japan to land near the U.S. Pacific territory.

China, North Korea's most important ally and trading partner, has reiterated calls for calm during the current crisis. It has expressed frustration with both Pyongyang's repeated nuclear and missile tests and with behavior from South Korea and the United States that it sees as escalating tensions.

The widely read state-run Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, wrote in an editorial that Beijing is not able to persuade either Washington or Pyongyang to back down. (Read more)

- Lord God, we bring the leaders of the nation of China directly before Your Throne of Grace. They may think that they are in charge, but we, Your people, know better. We ask You to put a hook in their nose and to cause them to do only that which You ordain to be done, in Your will and in Your name, amen.

- " . . . for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations."
(Psalm 22:28)


6. How Guam and other areas are preparing amid escalating North Korea nuclear tensions - ABC News

As the war of words ratchets up between North Korea and Donald Trump, some cities and other areas within the zone of a possible strike are taking steps to prepare their residents. Officials in Hawaii and now Guam have released updated preparedness plans and warning sheets for how their citizens should react in case of a nuclear detonation or imminent missile threat.

On the mainland, several population centers on the West Coast repurpose their emergency plans for other disasters, whether they be natural like earthquakes or tsunamis, or man-made like terrorism and a nuclear attack.

Washington state does not have a specified nuclear detonation plan, with much of the state's focus being paid to possible earthquakes or tsunamis given the fault lines there. "A nuclear strike certainly presents unique challenges but the state has exercised for and prepared for a variety of disasters and many of our response capabilities would be useful following a nuclear event," said Karina Shagren, the spokesperson for the Washington Military Department.

Officials in both Los Angeles and San Francisco take an "all hazards" approach to emergency planning. "The situation with North Korea has understandably caused concern about what might happen if a nuclear strike targeted and reached the Los Angeles area," said Kate Hutton, public information officer for the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department. "We continue to closely monitor this situation as well as all threats and hazards we might face in Los Angeles." (Read more)

- Lord, have mercy on the people of Guam, and grant them Your wisdom in knowing what to do in light of the threats made against them by North Korea. Amen.

- "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)


7. U.S. destroyer challenges China's claims in South China Sea - Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy destroyer carried out a "freedom of navigation operation" on Thursday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the South China Sea, U.S. officials told Reuters. The operation came as President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs and could complicate efforts to secure a common stance.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS John S. McCain traveled close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, among a string of islets, reefs and shoals. China has territorial disputes with its neighbors over the area. It was the third "freedom of navigation operation" or "fonop" conducted during Trump's presidency. Neither China's defense ministry nor its foreign ministry immediately responded to a request for comment. (Read more)

- Father, we stand as a nation behind President Trump as he seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. We ask that the Chinese will be held to God's will in their dealings with North Korea. Lord, bring down any success in China's claims in the South China Sea. Strengthen the position the U.S. has in this area and they find God's favor to overrule all of China's claims. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things." (Proverbs 28:5)


8. Facing Palestinian criticism, White House says closeness to Israel is an asset - Arab-Israeli Conflict - Jerusalem Post

Before a shooting on the Temple Mount last month threw the region into a harrowing, if temporary, crisis, talk of a US-led peace process between Israelis and Palestinians was light, vague and full of promise, with neither side willing to criticize the new and ambitious administration over its lofty pursuit of peace.

Those days are over.

Two weeks of crisis management were an early test of Donald Trump's Mideast peace envoys, and to players on the ground, revealed their true colors. Since the Temple Mount dispute was settled with an Israeli concession on its security arrangements at the holy site, Palestinian officials have been more vocal with their criticisms of the US team, questioning its ability to serve as fair broker in the negotiations to come.

Speaking with The Jerusalem Post, several Palestinian officials said the Trump administration's handling of the crisis confirmed its political alignment with the Israeli government. (Read more)

- Father in heaven, we never cease to cry unto the Lord our God for peace in Israel, that God will save the Israelis out of the hand of the Palestinians who support the terrorists. Father, we pray that You will fight for Israel and for those who are not siding with terrorists in the Land. We pray that the Light of Yeshua will shine over the Land and the intense hatred from years back to present will be changed by repenting and turning back to God. Stand with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump to be guided by the Lord's great wisdom and understanding in bringing peace to the Land. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "The Palestinians drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Palestinians, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel." (I Samuel 7:10)


9. Tips lead to arrest of MS-13 gang member on FBI Ten Most Wanted list - Fox News

An MS-13 gang member on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list has been captured in Virginia after a four-year manhunt, authorities announced Saturday. Walter Yovany Gomez, an illegal immigrant from Honduras, was arrested without incident Friday in Woodbridge, 20 miles south of Washington, as a result of a well-coordinated investigation and tips from the public, the FBI said.

"The apprehension of Walter Yovany Gomez is a prime example of the close coordination between the vigilant public and the hard working men and women of law enforcement," Timothy Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Newark Office, said. "Gomez will now stand trial for his alleged involvement in a brutal murder which took a young man from his family."

"The apprehension of Walter Yovany Gomez is a prime example of the close coordination between the vigilant public and the hard working men and women of law enforcement," Timothy Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Newark Office, said. "Gomez will now stand trial for his alleged involvement in a brutal murder which took a young man from his family."

He faces extradition to New Jersey where he was indicted on a charge of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. The FBI added his name to its Ten Most Wanted list in April. (Read more)

- Thank You, Father, for the apprehension of this dangerous man. We praise You that law enforcement and the public worked together to bring this man to stand trial. We pray that this arrest will lead to more and more detentions of gang members and break up this evil gang mentality. We pray that You would make our streets safe to dwell in by removing those resistant to just laws. Turn this evil to good, Dear Lord, amen.

- "Early will I destroy the wicked of the land, that I may cut off all the evil doers from the city of the Lord." (Psalms 101:8)


10. Pence goes to Latin America, following Trump's warning to Venezuelan leaders - Fox News

Vice President Pence begins a week-long trip Sunday to Latin America amid continuing political turmoil in Venezuela and President Trump saying he wouldn't rule out a "military option" in response to the actions of Venezuela leader Nicolás Maduro.

Pence begins the trip with a meeting in Colombia with President Juan Manuel Santos. He also has scheduled visits to Argentina and Chile, other neighboring South American countries to Venezuela, and Panama in Central America.

Trump's remark Friday about a possible U.S. military response to what the administration sees as a power grab by Maduro was largely a surprise, considering the president was already in an escalating standoff with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo told "Fox News Sunday" that intelligence in recent months shows the situation "continues to deteriorate," with Maduro "asserting more power and inflicting more pain on the people of Venezuela."

He also said the situation indeed poses a security risk to the United States considering the Cubans, Russians, Iranians and "even Hezbollah" are already there. (Read more)

- Father, we thank You that You have heard our prayers over many years for the safety and the protection of the good people of Venezuela. We now pray, too, that You will keep Vice President Mike Pence safe on his journey this week, in Your Name, amen.

- "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)


11. Rubio gets extra security after alleged assassination threat from Venezuelan politician - Fox News

A top Venezuelan politician may have ordered Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be assassinated after the senator unleashed a string of criticisms against the country's government, Fox News has learned.

The possible threat led Rubio to take on a stronger security detail, including U.S. Capitol Police. Rubio was seen with additional security in both Washington and Miami.

The alleged threat, which federal authorities could not confirm as authentic at the time, was believed to come from ruling party leader Diosdado Cabello, with whom Rubio has publicly feuded. (Read more)

- Lord God, we also pray for the protection of the life of Senator Marco Rubio. We ask You to place Your Hand over the nation of Venezuela, bringing Your stability and Your peace (Shalom), in Your name, amen.

- Please decree Psalm 91 for Senator Rubio and for Vice-President Pence. Thank you.

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