The Morning Sixpack - December 18, 2024

Kirillov Killed in Moscow, GOP Targets Cheney, Indiana Executes Murderer, Trump Sues Iowa Newspaper, Congress Moves to Prevent Shutdown, Trump Taps Herschel Walker for Bahamas.

Igor Kirillov: Russia's Chemical Weapons Chief Killed in Moscow Explosion

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops, was killed in an explosion in Moscow. Kirillov, accused by the West of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, was targeted in what Ukrainian sources described as a "special operation" against a "war criminal." The attack, which involved explosives hidden in an electric scooter, highlights escalating tensions and Ukraine's ability to strike high-profile officials in the Russian capital.

Just before his death, Ukraine's SBU announced that Igor Kirillov had been charged in absentia in a criminal case for the "mass use" of banned chemical weapons on Ukraine's eastern and southern fronts. The agency reported "more than 4,800 instances of the enemy deploying chemical munitions" on Ukrainian territory since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Kirillov was killed outside his residence on Ryazansky Prospekt in southeastern Moscow, alongside an aide, when the explosives detonated as he exited the building. The UK Foreign Office had previously described him as a "significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation." Known for his controversial briefings, Kirillov claimed in March 2022 that the U.S. was "building biological weapons laboratories in Ukraine," an allegation widely dismissed by experts and Western officials. He also alleged last summer that Ukraine violated the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) with the assistance of Western countries, including using agents such as "hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride."

Pro-Kremlin figures reacted strongly to the killing. Konstantin Kosachev, deputy speaker of Russia’s upper house of parliament, called it an "irreparable loss," while retired General Andrei Gurulyov vowed that Kirillov's death "would not go unanswered." Russian war correspondent Sasha Kots suggested the attack demonstrated the presence of "enemy agents operating and spying on people in our rear." Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed responsibility, stating that Kirillov was a legitimate target due to his role in the "mass use of prohibited chemical weapons." The incident further underscores the increasing boldness of Ukrainian operations against Russian leadership figures.

Source: BBC

House GOP Targets Liz Cheney After January 6 Investigation

Following their investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack, House Republicans have shifted focus, calling for legal action against former Representative Liz Cheney. The GOP report accuses Cheney of "numerous federal law violations," including alleged witness tampering during the January 6 hearings. Cheney, in a sharp rebuttal, called the claims "fabricated lies" and denounced Donald Trump as "a cruel and vindictive man" who refused to stop the violence at the Capitol.

The 128-page GOP report, led by Representative Barry Loudermilk, claims that Cheney’s collaboration with former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, a key witness, amounted to witness tampering. “Numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney,” the report states, recommending an FBI investigation. Hutchinson, in her testimony, detailed Trump’s actions on January 6, describing her moral struggle to come forward, which Cheney later chronicled in her book Oath and Honor.

Cheney fiercely defended her actions and criticized the GOP’s findings. “January 6th showed Donald Trump for who he really is—a cruel and vindictive man who allowed violent attacks to continue against our Capitol and law enforcement officers while he watched television and refused for hours to instruct his supporters to stand down and leave,” Cheney said. She dismissed the GOP report as an attempt to "rewrite history" and shift blame away from Trump, who, in a recent interview, reiterated his belief that members of the January 6 committee "should go to jail."

Source: CNN

Liz Cheney will be the sacrificial lamb in this most sordid and tragic American saga. She’s in quite the pickle because neither the R’s nor the D’s really want to associate with her. It’s quite the fall.

Indiana Executes Man Convicted of Quadruple Murder Amid Controversy Over Secrecy

Indiana carried out its first execution in 15 years, executing Joseph Corcoran, 49, for the 1997 murders of his brother and three other men. The execution, conducted under strict confidentiality, has drawn criticism from anti-death penalty advocates, legal experts, and even Corcoran’s sister and the original prosecutor in the case. Critics question the fairness of the process, particularly given Corcoran's documented mental illness.

Corcoran, who had been diagnosed with severe paranoid schizophrenia, was executed by lethal injection shortly after midnight Wednesday and pronounced dead at 12:44 a.m. His final words were, "Not really. Let’s get this over with." His legal team fought until the last moments for clemency, citing his mental illness and lack of violent incidents during incarceration. Despite their efforts, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb allowed the execution to proceed, stating it was his duty to "follow the law."

The secrecy surrounding the execution process has sparked further outrage. Under Indiana law, no media witnesses were allowed, a rarity among death penalty states. Robert Gevers, the original prosecutor in Corcoran’s case, has since changed his stance on capital punishment, calling the decision to execute Corcoran "morally troubling." Corcoran’s sister, Kelly Ernst, who lost her fiancé in the killings, also opposes the death penalty, stating, "It’s going to ruin Christmas for the rest of our lives." The execution adds to the ongoing debate about the role of the death penalty in a justice system grappling with issues of mental health and fairness.

Source: NBC News

Capital punishment, aka the death penalty, should be abolished. Full stop.

We are better than this. If we were a truly Christian nation, we’d have stopped this barbarism decades ago.

Trump Sues Iowa Newspaper Over Poll, Calling It “Election Interference”

President-elect Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register, its parent company, and pollster J. Ann Selzer, accusing them of "brazen election interference." The lawsuit centers on a November 2 poll that inaccurately suggested Trump would lose Iowa to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, despite Trump winning the state by 13 points. Trump announced the lawsuit at a press conference, continuing his combative stance against the media, which he labeled "corrupt."

During the press conference, Trump stated, “In my opinion, it was fraud and it was election interference,” accusing Selzer of intentionally skewing the poll to favor Harris. The lawsuit alleges the poll was not a mistake but an effort to influence voters. While the Des Moines Register has released detailed polling data and defended its methodology, a spokesperson said they believe the lawsuit is "without merit."

This legal move follows Trump’s recent $15 million settlement with ABC News over a defamation claim and adds to a series of lawsuits he has launched against major media outlets. Seth Stern of the Freedom of the Press Foundation warned the lawsuit could create a chilling effect on journalism, stating, “Journalists can’t help but look over their shoulders knowing the incoming administration is on the lookout for any pretext or excuse to come after them.”

Source: BBC

I was so happy when that poll came out. I thought it cemented Kamala Harris’ win. Boy, was I wrong. And so was Selzer!

But to be sued for being wrong in a poll? Trump & MAGAland, I’ve got some bad news…

Congress Unveils Bill to Prevent Holiday Government Shutdown

Congressional leaders have introduced a sweeping funding bill to avert a government shutdown, keeping the federal government operational until March 14. The proposed legislation includes $100 billion in disaster relief, health care reforms, and restrictions on U.S. investments in China. With government funding set to expire on December 20, lawmakers are racing against the clock to pass the bill.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces mounting pressure from his party's right wing as he navigates the legislation through the chamber. Key provisions in the bill include a one-year extension of the farm bill, disaster aid for hurricane-stricken states, and $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers. Notably, the package allows the Washington Commanders to return to the RFK Stadium site and sets the stage for a larger funding debate next March, coinciding with the end of President-elect Trump’s first 100 days in office.

The bill offers significant bipartisan victories. Democrats secured critical disaster relief funds requested by President Biden, while Republicans gained leverage to shape funding for the second half of fiscal year 2025. Both parties supported the inclusion of restrictions on U.S. investments in China, a provision that was dropped from recent defense legislation but found its way into the funding package. With the clock ticking, the stakes are high for lawmakers to avoid a holiday shutdown.

Source: Axios

Why do we do this? Seriously, why is this a thing? It seems like it only serves politics, rather than what it’s supposed to serve—US.

Trump Names Herschel Walker U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Herschel Walker, a former football star and longtime ally, to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. Walker, who previously ran unsuccessfully for Senate in Georgia, brings no diplomatic experience but has been a vocal supporter of Trump and a prominent figure in his political campaigns. The appointment highlights Trump’s tendency to reward loyalty, even for high-profile government roles.

Announcing the appointment on social media, Trump praised Walker’s athletic achievements and his work with youth and military initiatives, saying, “Herschel has spent decades serving as an ambassador to our nation’s youth, our men and women in the military, and athletes at home and abroad.” Walker’s political career began with Trump’s endorsement for his 2022 Senate run, though his campaign was marred by controversies and ended in defeat to Senator Raphael Warnock.

Despite lacking diplomatic experience or ties to the Bahamas, Walker joins a roster of politically prominent Republicans receiving appointments in Trump’s second term. Critics note the U.S. has not had a permanent ambassador to the Bahamas in over a decade, with previous nominations stalled in the Senate. Walker’s appointment underscores the broader practice of assigning ambassadorships to high-profile figures rather than career diplomats.

Source: The New York Times

The United States has not had a permanent ambassador to the Bahamas in over a decade, with multiple nominations remaining stalled due to inaction by the Senate. During Donald Trump’s first term, both of his nominees for the position failed to secure confirmation. Similarly, President Biden’s nominee, Calvin Smyre, announced in May 2022, has seen no progress more than two and a half years later.

As for Hershel Walker being appointed ambassador to the Bahamas? I can’t stop laughing.

UPDATE: Verdict Reached in High-Profile Killing of Cash App Founder Bob Lee

Second degree murder. No first degree premeditated murder. Sixteen years to life. Sentencing will be held at a later date.