Georgia Poll Worker Arrested for Making Bomb Threat to Election Workers

 

A Georgia poll worker was arrested today for mailing a letter to the Jones County Elections Superintendent threatening poll workers.

According to the criminal complaint, Nicholas Wimbish, 25, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was serving as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office on Oct. 16 when he allegedly had a verbal altercation with a voter. Later that evening, Wimbish conducted online research to determine what information about himself would be publicly available. The following day, Wimbish mailed a letter addressed to the Jones County Elections Superintendent, purportedly from a “Jones County Voter.”

The letter was allegedly drafted to make it appear as if it came from the voter, such as by stating that Wimbish had “give[n] me hell” and that Wimbish was “conspiring votes” and “distracting voters from concentrating.” The letter threatened that Wimbish and others “should look over their shoulder,” that “I know where they go,” that “I know where they all live because I found home voting addresses for all them,” and that the “young men will get beatdown if they fight me” and “will get the treason punishment by firing squad if they fight back.” Further, the letter threatened to “rage rape” the “ladies” and warned them to “watch every move they make and look over their shoulder.” The letter concluded with a handwritten note, “PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe.”

Wimbish is charged with mailing a bomb threat, conveying false information about a bomb threat, mailing a threatening letter, and making false statements to the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia made the announcement.

The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.

Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by PIN and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

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

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT HOTEL WORKERS AND GUESTS, STRENGTHEN TOURISM INDUSTRY

 

Intro. 0991 Establishes Licensing Requirements and Safety Standards for Hotels in New York City 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed legislation to create safer hotels for employees and visitors alike and bolster the city’s tourism industry. Intro. 0991 will set new, stronger standards around safety, staffing, and cleaning in the city’s hotels, as well as licensing requirements to help enforce worker and guest protections. The legislation builds on the tourism industry’s economic resurgence under the Adams administration, with New York City estimated to see 64.5 million visitors in 2024 and the highest tourism levels in the city’s history in 2025. 

  

“Our top priority from day one has been to keep people safe, and that includes protecting workers and tourists at our city’s hotels. That’s why we are expanding protections for the working-class New Yorkers who run our hotels and the guests who use them,” said Mayor Adams. “The Safe Hotels Act ensures that our hotels are safe, healthy, and clean, and that our tourism industry can thrive and create jobs across the city. This is a win for working people, the tourism and hotel industry, and all New Yorkers and guests.” 

  

“Since we came into office, we’ve been laser focused on supporting the recovery of our $74 billion tourism economy,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “That includes attracting visitors from around the globe back to the five boroughs and supporting the hotel and hospitality industries that make New York City the best city in the world. The Safe Hotels Act will help us ensure the safety of our 62 million tourists as well as our city hotel workers. In partnership with the hotel industry, we are committed to creating a streamlined application process for qualified hotel license applicants so that the operations of this critical industry are not disrupted.” 

  

“The hotel industry has always been vital to the success of New York City, providing tens of thousands of workers with stable employment and consumers with places to stay while they enjoy our city,” said New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “We are committed to creating a culture of compliance with our city’s laws and protecting New Yorkers and tourists in the marketplace.” 

  

Intro. 0991 — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin — takes several steps to keep New York City hotels safe, healthy, and clean. Hotels must receive a license from the city and ensure that staff — including front desk staff at all hotels and security guards at large hotels — are on-site whenever a guest is staying at the hotel. The legislation also requires hotel operators to train employees on recognizing human trafficking and equip employees with panic buttons. Finally, it requires hotels to clean guest rooms every day unless a visitor declines the service. 

  

The legislation builds on the tourism industry’s powerful resurgence under the Adams administration, with tourism estimated to break record levels by next year. Last year, the tourism industry generated $74 billion in economic impact for New York City, with more than $48 billion coming from direct spending, supporting over 380,000 leisure and hospitality jobs — roughly 9 percent of the city’s workforce — and thousands of small and minority-owned businesses.  

  

The legislation comes as New York City and New Jersey prepare to host the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final and seven other matches throughout the tournament at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey in 2026, with more than 1 million tourists anticipated to come to the region for the tournament. FIFA World Cup 26™ matches played at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), including the final, are projected to generate over $2 billion in economic impact alone for the New York City/New Jersey region and are anticipated to support over 14,000 jobs.  

  

Intro. 0991 also builds on recent achievements in reducing crime across New York City. The New York City Police Department recently announced the ninth straight month of declines in overall crime in the five boroughs, with a 3.1 percent drop in major offenses compared to the same month last year. 

  

NYC Board of Elections Nine day totals for Early Voting by Borough

Early Voting Check-Ins

General Election 2024

 

October 26, 2024 - Day 1

 

• Manhattan - 38,237
• Bronx - 16,462
• Brooklyn - 40,289
• Queens - 31,671
• Staten Island - 13,486

 

*Unofficial as of Close of Polls 140,145

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October 27, 2024 - Day 2

 

• Manhattan - 71,321
• Bronx - 27,581
• Brooklyn - 77,033
• Queens - 58,078
• Staten Island - 23,847

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 257,860

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October 28, 2024 - Day 3

 

• Manhattan - 106,870
• Bronx - 40,217
• Brooklyn - 115,286
• Queens - 87,174
• Staten Island - 35,718

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 385,265

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October 29, 2024 - Day 4

 

• Manhattan - 136,206
• Bronx - 50,830
• Brooklyn - 150,805
• Queens - 112,350
• Staten Island - 45,287

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 495,478

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October 30, 2024 - Day 5

 

• Manhattan - 164,107
• Bronx - 61,851
• Brooklyn - 184,649
• Queens - 137,617
• Staten Island - 54,168

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 602,392

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October 31, 2024 - Day 6

 

• Manhattan - 190,542
• Bronx - 70,962
• Brooklyn - 218,775
• Queens - 160,179
• Staten Island - 60,944

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 701,402

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November 1, 2024 - Day 7

 

• Manhattan - 222,810
• Bronx - 83,536
• Brooklyn - 259,716
• Queens - 189,523
• Staten Island - 70,574

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 826,159

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November 2, 2024 - Day 8

 

• Manhattan - 250,553
• Bronx - 96,436
• Brooklyn - 296,623
• Queens - 216,931
• Staten Island - 79,466

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 940,009

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November 3, 2024 - Day 9

 

• Manhattan - 282,533
• Bronx - 113,955
• Brooklyn - 345,840
• Queens - 255,102
• Staten Island - 91,898

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 1,089,328

 

Attorney General James Reminds New Yorkers of Election Protection Hotline Ahead of Election Day

 

Voters Experiencing Problems Can Consult Frequently Asked Questions, Call (866) 390-2992, or Request Assistance Online

New York Attorney General Letitia James today reminded New Yorkers that the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Election Protection Hotline is available for the November 5, 2024 general election. Hotline staffers can help voters troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues they may encounter when they go to cast their ballot. Last week, Attorney General James issued guidance for voters ahead of the election, and a guide addressing frequently asked questions is also available to assist voters.

“All New Yorkers have the right to feel safe when casting their votes,” said Attorney General James. “Our Election Protection Hotline will help ensure that every voice is heard – whether you’re voting by mail, or in-person on Election Day. My office is committed to protecting free and fair elections and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure a safe, smooth voting process for all. I urge every New Yorker to contact our hotline to resolve election-related questions or concerns.”

New Yorkers are protected from voter intimidation, deception, and obstruction under state and federal law. Attorney General James urges voters experiencing problems voting to call the OAG hotline at (866) 390-2992, or submit a complaint online to request assistance.

The telephone hotline will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM. It will also be available the following day, Wednesday, November 6, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM to help voters who need assistance after Election Day. Written requests for assistance may be submitted at any time through the online form. Hotline calls and written requests for assistance are processed by OAG attorneys and staff.

The OAG has operated its Election Protection Hotline since November 2012. During previous elections, OAG fielded hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of complaints from voters across the state and worked with local election officials and others to address issues. The OAG has also taken legal action to protect against voter registration purges and to ensure that voters have adequate and equitable access to vote early as required by law.

All registered voters have the right to accessible elections. On Election Day, polls are required to be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and if voters are in line before closing, they must be allowed to vote. In addition, all registered voters have the right to vote free from coercion or intimidation, whether by election officials or any other person.

The OAG will receive and respond to election complaints relating to any of the statutes that OAG enforces, including the newly operative New York Voting Rights Act.

Governor Hochul Announces Up to $20 Million in Funding Available to Eligible Homeowners for Resiliency Repairs and Upgrades

New Round of the Resilient Retrofit Program Funding Nearly Doubles the Amount Available Previously

Eligible Homeowners in Flood Prone Areas May Apply for Up To $50,000 in Assistance

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced up to $20 million is available for eligible homeowners in flood prone areas to make proactive flood mitigation and energy-efficiency improvements to their homes as part of a new round of funding for the Resilient Retrofits Program. This latest round of funding builds upon the program's initial $10 million allocation as part of a pilot phase in 2023.

“We are committed to building resilient communities and ensuring more New Yorkers are protected from extreme weather before it occurs,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding our successful Resilient Retrofits program, eligible homeowners have access to additional resources that can help keep their families and their homes out of harm’s way.”

Eligible homeowners earning up to 120 percent of their Area Median Income can apply for up to $50,000, half of which is available as a grant and half as a three percent low-interest loan. Program funds can be used to cover the cost of proactive improvements such as: installing flood vents, a sump pump, or backwater valve/backflow preventer; moving utilities above the flood line; adding insulation; electrifying heating systems; or installing energy efficient appliances or lighting.

Resilient Retrofits is managed by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Office of Resilient Homes and Communities, a permanent office which assumed the portfolio of the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery in 2022.

The program has three local program administrators – Home HeadQuarters based in Syracuse, the Center for New York City Neighborhoods based in New York City, and Community Development Corporation of Long Island based in Suffolk County. All program administrators are now accepting applications. Contact information, along with program information, is available on HCR’s website.

Since Resilient Retrofits launched as a pilot in 2023, more than 200 homeowners have been approved and 60 homes have completed their resiliency upgrades. Applications have been received from homeowners in cities across the State including Syracuse, Buffalo and New York City. The program also served nearly 20 homeowners in the Shinnecock Tribal Nations in the town of Southampton.

The program complements New York’s efforts to address climate change by achieving economy-wide carbon-neutrality by 2050 and is an example of HCR’s investments in sustainability and resilience including long-term recovery efforts for Hurricane Ida, investing clean energy projects in affordable housing and assisting residents with weatherization of their homes among other initiatives.

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS KAYLA MAMELAK ALTUS AS PRESS SECRETARY, ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PRESS AND COMMUNICATIONS APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS

 

Jd Michaels to Serve as Director of  Ethnic and Community Media and Citywide Marketing 

New Appointments, Promotions in Office of the Deputy Mayor for  Communications Come From Across Media, Marketing, and Government 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced new appointments within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Communications, elevating current members of the City Hall team as well as bringing in new talent to further strengthen the administration’s communications work. In the Press Office, Kayla Mamelak Altus has been appointed press secretary. Allison Maser has joined the Adams administration as a deputy press secretary and communications advisor, William Fowler has joined City Hall as a deputy press secretary, and Sophia Askari has returned to the administration as press assistant. In the Communications Office, Sonia Moghe and Joel Rosenthal have both joined City Hall as deputy communications directors. In the Office of Ethnic and Community Media and Citywide Marketing, Jd Michaels has been appointed executive director of ethnic and community media and citywide marketing, Jacqueline Lachman will serve as chief operating officer of marketing, Orchida Harizaj will serve as associate director of communications, and Yesenny Fernández will serve as associate director of data management. In the Office of Creative Communications, Caroline Rubinstein-Willis has been promoted to associate director for digital communications, while Haley Clark will be promoted to senior video producer. In the Speechwriting Office, Radha Vatsal will be promoted to senior speechwriter, while in the Office of Research and Media Analysis, Grisely Tejada Taveras will return to the administration as a research and media analyst. 

“Our city’s press and communications staff work around the clock to meet New Yorkers where they are and deliver essential information about city services, current events, and emergency situations. With these appointments, hires, and promotions, we will bolster that work and ensure that we continue to communicate clearly and effectively to our fellow New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “Every one of these individuals have service in their bones, and I am particularly proud to promote from within for the role of press secretary. From her first day at City Hall, Kayla has brought sharp judgment and unflinching grit to serving the people of New York City, and I know she is the right person to fill this crucial role. Jd as well brings deep experience to his new position to ensure that we continue engaging our city’s ethnic and community media outlets and use every marketing tool at our disposal to let New Yorkers know about the services available to them.” 

“Whether it’s navigating complex crises like storms and technology outages or advancing generational proposals to build more housing, our city’s press and communications staff are on the frontlines as they deliver crucial information for their fellow New Yorkers. I continue to be inspired by the intelligence, tenacity, and humor they bring to our office from the moment they walk in the door every day,” said Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy. “These new appointments, hires, and promotions represent talent of the highest caliber who will build on that track record. I am excited to continue leading this extraordinary team of public servants and am especially thrilled to have Kayla take on this new role as press secretary. I know what it takes to serve in such a tough but vital job, and I know that Kayla has the savvy and drive to succeed. More importantly, she is the ultimate team player and wants our city to succeed. Congratulations to all our team members.” 

“For over two years, I have witnessed firsthand that the Adams administration doesn’t just talk the talk; they truly walk the walk. As a woman returning from maternity leave, I know how rare it is for people in my position to be offered new opportunities. But uplifting individuals — regardless of their personal circumstances — is at the core of who Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Levy, and this entire administration are. They work tirelessly to ensure that New Yorkers are safe and that our city’s economy thrives, enabling families like mine to flourish,” said Press Secretary Kayla Mamelak Altus. “I am honored to accept this new role and eager to amplify the incredible work this administration is doing, alongside the best communications team and the toughest press corps in the greatest city in the world.” 

  

Bronx MAGA Rally for Republican and Conservative Party Candidates

 

Bronx MAGA Rally for Republican and Conservative Party Candidates

By Robert Press

Ahead of the official Election Day the Bronx Republican and Conservative Parties held an event Saturday November 1, 2024, to bring out supporters of their candidates from President Donald Trump, Congress, State Senate, State Assembly, and against New York State Proposition One. The event was in front of the combined Bronx Republican and Bronx Conservative headquarters, which also serves as the 14th candidate for Congress candidate Tina Forte headquarters at 931 Morris Park Avenue. 

There was even a Donald Trump impersonator at the MAGA rally, which had former Bronx Democratic State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. and his MAGA Donald Trump/Tina Forte truck traveling around the area stopping in front of the Bronx headquarters of both parties where 14th Congressional candidate Tina Forte spoke from. There were cheers of encouragement from the crowd that spilled over into the street where the Captain of the 49th Precinct had to close Morris Park Avenue for a few minutes. 

Bronx City Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato stopped in  to offer her support to the rally and the candidates of the parties that helped her get elected. There were Donald Trump t-shirts and flags galore, as well as Fire AOC banners and various lawn signs. 

14th Congressional candidate Tina Forte speaks from the Diaz Donald Trump truck.

The crowd spilled onto Morris Park Avenue which had to be closed for a few minutes while 14th Congressional candidate Tina Forte spoke from the Diaz Donald Trump truck. 

The crowd in front of the Bronx Republican and Conservative party headquarters which is also the Tina Forte for Congress headquarters is standing in the street for the MAGA event.

Bronx Conservative Party and 15th Congressional candidate Gonzalo Duran speaks. 

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato speaks as she stands between 14th Congressional candidate Tina Forte and 34th State Senate candidate Edwina Herrera, and other candidates on the Republican and Conservative party lines. 

Former Louisville, Kentucky, Metro Police Officer Found Guilty of Federal Civil Rights Crimes Related to the Breonna Taylor Case

 

A federal jury in Louisville, Kentucky, convicted a former Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officer for violating the civil rights of Breonna Taylor during the execution of a search warrant in March 2020 that led to the tragic death of Taylor in her home.

Brett Hankison, 46, was convicted on one count of civil rights abuse. Count one charged him with depriving Taylor of her constitutional rights when he fired five shots through a bedroom window that was covered with blinds and a blackout curtain. The jury found that Hankison used a dangerous weapon in the commission of the offense, and that his conduct involved an attempt to kill, although his shots did not strike Taylor. Hankison was found not guilty on count two, which charged him with depriving three of Taylor’s neighbors of their constitutional rights by firing five more shots through a sliding glass door that was also covered with blinds and a curtain.

“Brett Hankison was found guilty by a jury of his peers for willfully depriving Breonna Taylor of her constitutional rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “His use of deadly force was unlawful and put Ms. Taylor in harm’s way. This verdict is an important step toward accountability for the violation of Breonna Taylor’s civil rights, but justice for the loss of Ms. Taylor is a task that exceeds human capacity.”

“This defendant is being held accountable for his willful and heinous use of deadly force that endangered the life of Breonna Taylor,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Breonna Taylor’s life mattered. We hope the jury’s verdict recognizing this violation of Ms. Taylor’s civil and constitutional rights brings some small measure of comfort to her family and loved ones who have suffered so deeply from the tragic events of March 2020. We hope that communities use this moment to say her name and to engrave on their hearts and minds Breonna Taylor’s life and enduring legacy. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously defend the civil rights of every person in this country to be free from unlawful police violence.”

According to evidence at trial, during the execution of the warrant at Taylor’s home, officers knocked on Taylor’s door and announced themselves as police at approximately 12:45 a.m. No one answered the door, and the officers saw no indication that anyone in the home was awake or had heard their announcement. The police then rammed the door open and Taylor’s boyfriend, believing that intruders were breaking in, fired his handgun one time at officers, two of whom fired back, hitting and killing Taylor.

Hankison was not one of the officers who fired from the doorway. He fired separately, from the side of the building, through a sliding glass door and a bedroom window, both of which were covered with closed blinds and curtains. Evidence showed that several of Hankison’s shots passed through Taylor’s apartment, pierced the interior walls and narrowly missed a young couple with a five-year-old child living next door to Taylor. Other shots flew over Taylor’s head as she lay on the floor of her apartment.

At trial, numerous law enforcement witnesses testified that officers are trained never to fire their weapons at a target they cannot see. Officers who were on the scene for the execution of the warrant, and others who responded later, testified that Hankison violated LMPD training and the principles of law enforcement when he fired blindly into a crowded apartment complex. The Commander of LMPD’s SWAT unit, who responded to the scene shortly after the shooting, testified that he was in “shock and disbelief” when he learned that Hankison had fired into the covered windows in Ms. Taylor’s home. The jury also heard from her neighbors, who were nearly hit by Hankison’s bullets.

Hankison will be sentenced on March 12, 2025. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Two other LMPD officers remain charged  in connection with the search warrant executed at Taylor’s home. Former Detective Joshua Jaynes, 40, and LMPD Sergeant Kyle Meany, 35, are charged with federal civil rights and obstruction offenses for their roles in preparing and approving a falsified search warrant affidavit that resulted in the warrant that led to Taylor’s death. A trial will be set for a later date, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Another former LMPD officer, Detective Kelly Goodlett, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with Jaynes to falsify the affidavit used to obtain a search warrant for Taylor’s home and to cover up their actions after Taylor’s death. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 29, 2025.

The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.