News Story
FBI Downplays Terror Group’s Calls for Attacks on Malls in U.S
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The FBI and Homeland Security are downplaying a threat by a Somali-based terror group to attack shopping malls in the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom, CNN reports. U.S. officials said there are no credible threats of an attack, but still cautioned shoppers to be careful. “If anyone is planning to go…
Obama Adminstration Slow at Cracking Down on Border Patrol Shootings
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The Obama administration’s pledge to discipline Border Patrol agents who use excessive force is nearly a year old and hardly any progress has been made, The Los Angeles Times reports. Shooting cases remain unresolved and undisciplined. A review panel tasked with making recommendations has yet to do so. And internal affairs’…
FBI’s Obsession with ‘Louie Louie’ Made the Song an Anthem for Rebellious Youths
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The song “Louie Louie,” which turns 60 years this year, may not be as popular today if not for the FBI’s obsession with it during the 1960s. The Tampa Tribune recalls the bureau’s countless hours spent trying to find something profane in the lyrics. “Agents at the Tampa FBI office…
Transportation Security Officers Closer to Working Without Paychecks
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com If Congress doesn’t fund Homeland Security by Friday, transportation security officers will be forced to go to work without pay. NPR reports that officers won’t get paid until lawmakers find a way to fund the department amid a budget showdown with President Obama over his immigration plan. http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2015/02/23/388338500/for-tsa-officers-congress-inaction-on-funding-could-hit-home DHS employees who…
FBI Agent Shot by Own Gun at Firearms Training in California
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com An FBI agent was shot in the leg by his own gun Thursday during a firearms training in California, U-T San Diego reports. Officials said they still aren’t certain if the gun malfunctioned or was accidentally discharged. The unidentified agent was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The accident happened about 10 a.m….
White House Didn’t Invite FBI Director to Conference on Curbing Violent Extremists
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com A three-day conference on quelling violent extremism this week did not include the nation’s most senior official tasked with preventing terrorist attacks – FBI Director James B. Comey. The reason the White House didn’t invite him: The administration doesn’t want too much of the focus on law enforcement, The New York Times…
FBI Agent Became Addicted to Heroin After Dependence on Pain Meds
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com An FBI agent accused of stealing heroin from evidence in cases to feed his addiction was first hooked on pain medication, The Washington Post reports. Matthew Lowry, 33, of the Washington Field Office told investigators that he first took heroin in 2013 after stealing a small amount obtained during an undercover…