News Story
FBI Investigating College Student in Wisconsin for Allegedly Trying to Make Ricin
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com A 21-year-old college student in Wisconsin is accused of trying to make ricin, prompting the FBI and police to block off a four-block area Friday after finding a white substance, the Associated Press reports. Authorities became concerned after professors at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh expressed concerns that the student was making the…
Muslim Group Complains That FBI Is Pressuring Islamic Community to Spy on Each Other
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Muslim leaders nationwide are expressing frustration with what they describe as overzealous attempts to get some in the Islamic community to spy on fellow Muslims, the Los Angeles Times reports. They describe increasing pressure and reported unannounced visits by FBI agents to mosques in California, Ohio, Texas, Minnesota and other states….
Man Gets Probation for Taking Hostage by Knifepoint at FBI Office in Salt Lake City
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com A man who took a hostage at gunpoint at the FBI’s office in Salt Lake City in an attempt to get help from the bureau has been sentenced to three years of probation, the Salt Lake City Tribune reports. Robert Joseph Hibbard, 43, avoided jail in a plea agreement with prosecutors…
Homeland Security Boosts Security for European Travelers to U.S. Over Terror Concerns
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Travelers flying to the U.S. on Western passports will face increased screenings as Homeland Security officials express concern about European Islamic militants trying to launch attacks, the Los Angeles Times reports. The idea is to “to learn more about travelers from countries from whom we do not require a visa,” Homeland…
Former FBI Agent Hired by School District to Scour Social Media Comments by Students
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com One school district in Alabama has taken the unusual step of hiring a former FBI agent to monitor students on social media, the Daily Intelligencer reports. The idea was to catch students who make statements linking them to drugs, guns, sex and gangs. The effort led to 14 expulsions last year….
New York Times: FBI Deception Goes Too Far in Investigating Gambling Ring
New York Times Editorial Board If your Internet service goes down and you call a technician, can you be certain that the person who arrives at your door is actually there to restore service? What if he is a law enforcement agent in disguise who has disabled the service so he can enter your home…
Armed Security Guard Who Took Elevator Trip with President Obama Was Fired
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The highlight of Kenneth Tate’s career as a private security guard was riding an elevator with President Obama in Atlanta. That ride has cost Tate his $42,000-a-year job, the New York Times reports. President Obama was visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when Tate took the elevator ride. It…
FBI Agent’s Alleged Misconduct Forces Mass Release of Convicts, Suspects
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Alleged misconduct by an FBI agent has forced authorities to release at least a dozen convicts from prison, the Washington Post reports. Others awaiting trial on drug charges also have been freed as investigators examine the agent’s role in the case. It’s not yet clear what the agent is suspected of…