Judicial Watch Team Observes Hungary
Elections – As Left Swarms!
Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s national-conservative prime minister, won
a fourth consecutive term on April 3 against, in his words, the
“overwhelming force” of “the left at home, the international left all
around, the Brussels bureaucrats, the [George] Soros empire with all its
money, the international mainstream media …”
We were there with a six-member team to observe election day procedures. It
concluded
that the administration of the vote on election day was efficient, orderly,
and unremarkable.
The team was led by attorneys who previously worked for the Department of
Justice’s Voting Section monitoring state and federal elections in the
United States. The team also included lawyers who had monitored elections
for us.
Our representatives observed voting in 52 precincts at 27 locations in and
around Budapest. The team did not observe any meaningful problems
throughout the day. Despite a high national turnout rate approaching 70%,
lines were usually brief and only rarely exceeded 15 minutes. The Hungarian
electoral practice of including representatives of every party of any size
at each voter registration desk appears to have contributed to a
low-controversy environment. In some ways, according to the team’s
report, the administration of the vote was more effective, and less
chaotic, than what team members had observed in previous elections in parts
of the United States.
Our monitoring methodology emphasizes ballot access, meaning the ability of
citizens to easily register and cast an equal vote in an election. It
particularly focuses on recording specific election say problems concerning
unlawful electioneering, arbitrary variations in the rules for voting,
aggressive voting assistance, unusual ballot handling, voter intimidation
or confrontations, and voter “turn aways.”
Our methodology contrasted with the approach adopted by other international
observers, who often criticized the Hungarian elections based on value
judgments about matters like media bias, negative campaigning, campaign
finance policy, and the prevalence of women candidates. Our report stated
that these “are matters more appropriately addressed by editorial boards,
not election monitoring teams.”
The transnational Left swarmed Hungary to create controversy about the
election of their ideological opponent, Viktor Orban. By contrast, our
expert election observer team found virtually no issues in the conduct of
the elections.
Biden’s Dog Attacked Agents Multiple Times; One Complained of
Coverup
You'll recall that in August 2021 we uncovered
records from the Secret Service revealing that President Joe Biden’s
dog, Major, was responsible for many more biting incidents than the Biden
White House had publicly acknowledged.
One email noted that “at the current rate an Agent or Officer has been
bitten every day this week (3/1-3/8) causing damage to attire or
bruising/punctures to the skin.”
This week we released 400
pages of new records, including incident reports, detailing multiple
attacks and damages to Secret Service members by the dog at both the White
House and Biden’s lake home in Wilmington, DE.
The documents also reveal that a Secret Service member who was attacked by
the dog was displeased that White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki misled
the press about the incident.
Major was given to family
friends in December 2021, but not before causing considerable chaos in
the White House.
We obtained the documents in response to an October 2021 FOIA lawsuit we
filed after the Department of Homeland Security failed to respond to a July
29, 2021, request (Judicial
Watch v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (No. 1:21-cv-02824))
for:
- All records related to all dogs owned by the Bidens that have lived at
the White House, including communications sent to and from USSS officials,
and reports filed about dog bites and other dog-related incidents.
- All medical and vaccination records for all dogs owned by the Bidens
that have lived at the White House.
In an
email chain dated March 9, 2021, a member of the Presidential
Protective Division (PPD) expresses anger that White House Press Secretary
Jen Psaki lacked candor about the dog bite incident during a press
briefing. The chain begins when a fellow agent checks on the welfare of a
colleague asking, “You ok? Someone told me you got bit.”
The agent replies, “Yes I got bit by Major on [redacted] and NO I
didn’t surprise the dog doing my job by being at [redacted] as the press
secretary just said! Now I’m pissed. Thanks for checking in.”
The initial agent replies, “SMH [shaking my head]… hope you didn’t
get hurt to bad. Take care.”
A Secret Service incident
report concerning a dog attack on the morning of February 28, 2021, at
the Biden’s Wilmington, Delaware, lake home discloses the following:
At approximately 0900hrs, while working the AM shift for POTUS at the
Wilmington, DE Lake house, SA [redacted] was walking to relieve SA
[redacted] from the [redacted] location. SA [redacted] stated that
[redacted] observed Major running at SA [redacted] and heard him yelling at
the dog. At this point, SA [redacted] continued to walk toward SA
[redacted] location and saw Major had turned in [redacted] direction
running at high speed. SA [redacted] once more heard SA [redacted] yell,
“Major stop!” before [redacted] turned around to avoid a direct attack.
Upon turning [redacted] was struck on [redacted] right thigh by the dog’s
mouth. Major then ran across the yard towards the opposite end of the
house. SA [redacted] was shaken from this encounter, having almost been
bitten, therefore SA [redacted] held the [redacted] with [redacted] until
Major had been brought back into the residence. SA [redacted] did not seek
medical attention for this incident.
The report has a footnote regarding a photo taken a week after the attack,
showing “a bruise where Major’s mouth impacted [redacted] leg. The oval
shape of injury demonstrates the outline of the dog’s closed jaws.”
In an email dated June 24, 2021, regarding the February 28 incident, a
Secret Service official writes: “I have taken the liberty of adding the
Uniformed Division to this email chain as I understand there have been
multiple bite/attack incidents involving Major and their officers.”
A separate incident
report concerning another dog attack on the evening of February 28,
2021, at the Biden’s Wilmington, Delaware lake home notes:
At approximately 1900hrs, while working the PM shift for POTUS at the
Wilmington DE Lake house, SA [redacted] was [redacted] of the residence. SA
[redacted] observed POTUS Biden walk up to the front door with the elder
family dog Champ. SA [redacted] stated that POTUS [redacted]. After several
minutes of waiting, Major failed to appear and POTUS took Champ inside
closing the door behind him. Almost immediately after the door had shut, SA
[redacted] observed Major running at [redacted] full stride from the main
driveway. SA [redacted] quickly made an effort to seek shelter inside
[redacted]. Despite the attempt, Major intercepted SA [redacted] and bit
down on [redacted] left forearm. SA [redacted] quickly shook Major off of
[redacted] arm and once more attempted to [redacted] to avoid further
attack. In so doing, SA [redacted] briefly turned [redacted] back on Major
and the dog bit [redacted] a second time on the right buttock. Fortunately,
despite the two injuries, SA [redacted] was able to [redacted], separating
[redacted] self from the animal. Approximately 15 minutes after this
attack, POTUS Biden opened the front door to let Major into the residence.
At this point, SA [redacted] stated the dog then went inside and POTUS
[redacted]. SA [redacted], shaken by the ordeal, took a relief push to
inspect [redacted] injury at the [redacted]. He then [redacted] and
finished the remainder of [redacted] shift despite the discomfort.
A footnote indicates photos were attached:
The images attached were taken on the date of SA [redacted] injury
(02/28/21) and shows a puncture mark [redacted]. The second image is a
picture of the rain jacket SA [redacted] was wearing the evening of
02/28/21, which Major bit through causing the puncture…. As of this date,
[redacted] has not been compensated for the injury or damage to [redacted]
jacket.
A second footnote points out: “NOTE – The attack on SA [redacted]
occurred less than 12 hours after the first attack on SA [redacted].”
An incident
report stemming from a March 6, 2021, dog attack discloses the
following:
As the dog came around the corner from the diplomatic room [of the White
House], he [Major] locked eyes with SA [redacted]. SA [redacted] having
been a [redacted] his entire life, knew from this moment of eye contact
with Major that something serious was about to go down. Major advanced on
SA [redacted] and quickened pace in the final 10ft of distance. The dog
then attempted to bite SA [redacted] left arm but was only able to lock
teeth on his overcoat as he stepped aside from the attack. The First Lady
[redacted]; however the coat was torn during the altercation. The President
witnessed the First Lady [redacted] and [redacted] before moving the entire
party onto the residence elevator.
A photo is attached to the email, and a footnote in the email reads: “The
image attached was taken approximately one month after the attack and shows
the severity of the bite through SA [redacted] wool overcoat. (The overcoat
is valued at >$500. As of this date, SA [redacted] has not been
compensated for the damage.)”
A Secret Service incident
report concerning a dog attack on the morning of March 8, 2021, at the
White House discloses the following:
At approximately 0700hrs, while working the AM shift for POTUS at the White
House, SA [redacted] was positioned at the 2nd Floor [redacted] in the
residence. Around this same time, the First Lady [redacted] to the 2nd
floor residence. Without warning or provocation, Major barked loudly at SA
[redacted] and charged at [redacted]. Having no time to seek cover from the
attack, SA [redacted] turned away from the dog as he bit into [redacted]
right leg. The First Lady [redacted]. The First Lady then [redacted] into
the residence elevator and down to the ground floor [redacted]. ATSAIC
[assistant to the special agent-in-charge] [redacted]. [Redacted] immediate
supervisor, heard the barking from the ground floor and immediately came to
the 2nd floor post to check on SA [redacted] status. He instructed
[redacted] to take a picture of the injury and seek medical evaluation from
the White House doctor on the ground floor. At approximately 0800, the
White House nurse on duty [redacted]. Despite all this, [redacted] managed
to complete the remainder of [redacted] shift even with [redacted] on
[redacted] right leg.
A footnote indicates that photos, which were redacted, are attached, and
states: “SA [redacted] injury cannot be described in any other term than
‘severe’. [Redacted] is the only known PPD agent to have suffered two
attacks from Major in less than 10 days. (As of this date, [redacted] has
received no compensation for either injury.”
A Secret Service email
concerning a dog attack on the morning of May 12, 2021, at the White House
discloses the following:
On May 12th, 2021 around 630-645am. The First Lady brought Major down to
take him outside before movement to an in town site. The First Lady and the
Usher were standing next to me at [redacted] along with a [redacted]. I was
standing back against the wall as to leave space for the First Lady and
Major who was on a leash. Out of nowhere the dog jumps and bites the sleeve
of my suit jacket missing my arm (front teeth just scratching the top of
the skin). As I lift my arm up the dog was still attached to my suit jacket
and the First Lady was attempting to pull the dog off of me via the leash.
Once the dog let go, the First Lady ran into the Dip[lomatic Reception]
room with the dog. The usher came out to see how I was. Later [redacted]
said the First Lady [redacted]. SAIC Cho was at my post 20 min later to
check on my well-being.
In a
memo prepared by Secret Service management regarding a May 13, 2021,
meeting several managers had with the Secret Service agent who was attacked
by Major on March 6, one of the officials “explained the delicateness of
the situation, in terms of potential damage in the trust of our
protectees.”
Mr. [Redacted] also stated that based on the most recent bite incident he
was unwilling to change the verbiage on the official SSF 3361
[reimbursement form]. Mr. [Redacted] further stated this incident was one
of many of negative aspects of [Presidential Protection Division] he and
other Agents are dealing with. Mr. [Redacted] stated the dangerous
atmosphere surrounding Major needs to be documented and henceforth, he
would serve as a depository to document all past and future incidents.
In a May 11, 2021, email,
a Secret Service agent describes the dog bite incident and is criticized
for adding the additional details:
I have attached yet another revision to the SSF3361. In hindsight, I agree
that the brief description of the nature of the dog bite damage to my wool
overcoat was lacking in sufficient details.
I included the following as well as the language you felt at liberty to
provide:
“On the evening of March 6th 2021 I was working an evening shift at the
White House as per my usual duties. While leading the President and First
Lady back from the Tennis pavilion to the Residence, Major, the younger of
the First Family’s two dogs, was [redacted] the First Lady in the
Diplomatic Reception Room. As Major came around the corner, he attacked me
unprovoked, tearing the wool overcoat I was wearing that evening. This
attack occurred through no fault of my own and I could not avoid this
unusual circumstance due to the nature and requirements of my
position.”
After providing the additional details, the agent is admonished for
providing too much detail, with another official telling him, “Please
submit with the language that has been approved by LEG [legal office].
Unless you dispute anything in the verbiage that was presented to you,
there shouldn't be a need to embellish with additional details that aren't
required for approval.”
That official’s email is forwarded with criticism of the additional
detail, “SA [redacted] verbiage was deemed excessively detailed and
inappropriate. I was asked to have him submit with the language that has
already been approved by LEG [legal office]. Not sure if he will or not. I
don’t think it’s about the money anymore.”
In a March 1, 2021, Secret Service “PPD [Presidential Protective
Division] Supervisors Meeting Notes” memo,
one bullet entry under the heading “SAIC CHO” [then-Special
Agent-in-Charge David Cho] reads “First Family Pet Behavior.”
In a March 5, 2021, email,
a redacted Secret Service official advises White House officials:
For your awareness, WHMU [White House Medical Unit] responded to the South
Portico a short time ago on a UDW (Uniformed Division White House) report
of a pass holder with a dog bite. The pass holder is [redacted] of the
Residence staff. He is currently being treated in the Doctor’s office.
In an
email chain dated March 8, 2021, with the subject line “Family
Pet,” Cho contacts unidentified White House officials to advise them of a
dog attack:
For your awareness, Major bit one of the agents this morning. The agent is
ok, but does have bruising and a puncture. [Redacted]’s at the EEOB
[Eisenhower Executive Office Building] clinic getting it tended to.
[Redacted]
Additionally, we have noticed Major getting more aggressive lately. We have
extended the offer of our K9 trainer (RTC Training Facility) to help train
Major.
An official in the Office of the First Lady replies, “She [redacted]. The
dogs are en route Delaware.”
Cho replies, “Thank you, sir. Would like to follow up with you sometime
this week.”
The official replies, “Always available to you. If easier, Mr. [redacted]
can find time for us.”
Another White House official responds, “I will join as well.”
The Office of the First Lady replies, “What if it’s private and
doesn’t include you? <wink emoji>”
“Duly noted,” the White House official responds.
In an
email dated March 9, 2021, with the subject line “Supervisor’s
Meeting Notes,” a redacted Secret Service official advises other agents
about the press coverage:
Family pets are both in Wilmington. Younger pet bit a Shift SA [special
agent] yesterday. Staff/first family are getting him a full time trainer to
correct his behavior in Wilmington.… The biting incident is in the news
now (Google it). Just another reminder that the press is always looking for
a story. Maintain awareness of your conversations and social media
presence. We do not want and cannot have a press lead attributed to us.
In an
email dated March 16, 2021, an assistant to the special agent-in-charge
writes to a supervisory program manager in the Presidential Protective
Division regarding a reimbursement request for a torn special agent’s
overcoat, noting: “This is reimbursement of an article of clothing that
was damaged by a family pet. Sending this to you direct to limit
distribution.”
The recipient replies, “Thank you Sir. To limit distribution, I will
handle this directly with [redacted] in Budget for reimbursement.”
The documents also reveal significant back and forth regarding
reimbursement of a USSS agents’ clothing that was damaged by Major.
In an
email dated July 14, 2021, the agent rescinds his request for
reimbursement for the damaged coat, advising officials that the Biden
family, not taxpayers, should be responsible for the reimbursement:
After some deep thought and reflection, I don’t believe the USSS should
be responsible for the damage to my coat as the cause was not under their
control. To be compensated in this manner would essentially have the cost
borne by the tax payer and this would be unjust.
As I read the email chain below, this incident should be treated as a
“tort claim”. I believe this is accurate and as such, the
responsibility should lie with the party responsible for the wrong doing
(i.e. tort), and that of course would be the dog owner/s.
Therefore, I’d like to formally withdraw my [reimbursement] claim for the
3361.
These documents show Major was a dangerous dog, placing Secret Service and
other White House personnel at needless risk, and the Biden White House
lied about it. It seems that Secret Service management seemed more
concerned about managing press relations than taking care of its agents. In
fact, the agency is still withholding information about this mess!
Mexican Cartels Fly 9,000 Drone Flights into U.S. to Surveil Law
Enforcement
Our southwest border is a war zone, with the Mexican drug cartels using the
latest technology to do their dirty work in the United States. We are on
the ground covering this daily warfare, and our Corruption
Chronicles blog has the latest.
Mexican drug cartels have conducted more than 9,000 drone flights into U.S.
airspace in the last year to surveil American law enforcement and security
operations in the southern border region, a senior Homeland Security
official told Judicial Watch this week. The drones are observing federal,
state, county, and city agencies near the Mexican border, including the
U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas National
Guard, county sheriffs and local police. The Border Patrol, which operates
under Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has captured about a dozen of
the drones, and accessed the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ (UAVs) guidance
and memory systems to gain intelligence information, according to a
high-level official at the agency.
Judicial Watch learned about the Mexican cartel drone incursions during a
recent visit to the southern border and specifically while interviewing
federal officials at the CBP Rio Grande Valley sector in Texas. Judicial
Watch is further investigating the matter and has filed a Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) request with CBP, the 60,000-member agency charged
with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S., for all records
regarding the use of drones by criminal organizations operating along the
U.S.-Mexico border for the purpose of surveilling U.S. law enforcement
officials or otherwise facilitating illegal activity. The federal
public-record request includes, but is not limited to, all information
depicting the known or estimated number of instances of the use of such
technology, as well as all reports, intelligence assessments, analyses, or
similar records related to their use.
Federal officials on the ground tell Judicial Watch that the cartels use
the UAV surveillance flights to facilitate human smuggling and drug
trafficking. Specifically, they help identify gaps in border coverage and
assist the cartels in overwhelming certain areas to create a diversion for
moving sensitive or high value loads through alternate border locations.
The data analyzed from the confiscated drones has also provided U.S.
authorities with other law-enforcement sensitive information that cannot be
made public, government sources said, adding that drug cartels started
using the devices a few years ago. Brandon Judd, the president of the union
representing the nation’s 20,000 Border Patrol agents, told Judicial
Watch the drones are also used to smuggle small amounts of drugs into the
U.S. “They are dropping fentanyl,” Judd said this week. “They fly
into certain locations, drop them to the ground and fentanyl is taken off
of them and they take back off into Mexico.” The drones are not military
grade, Judd confirmed, but rather “run of the mill” that can be
purchased anywhere.
Reports of Mexican cartels using UAVs to enhance their illicit operations
began surfacing within the last few years. In fact, three years ago agents
in the El Paso sector around 750 miles from the Rio Grande Valley revealed
in a news
report that they had witnessed what they believed to be the first use
of a drone by a Mexican cartel to act as a “look-out.” In the story CBP
officials from the El Paso sector are quoted saying that agents
“discovered a new tactic in counter surveillance,” referring to the
UAV. An agent monitoring the border with an infrared camera discovered the
drone traveling north into the U.S. from Mexico, the article states. Last
year Mexico’s largest newspaper reported
that some of the country’s most notorious cartels, including Jalisco
Nueva Generación, used drones with explosives to attack police in the
western part of the country. Back in 2018, an academic study
found that cartels use drones to look for Border Patrol agents and inform
drug smugglers of their positions. The research focused on the complex
security landscape of military drones for border security and non-state
actors with sharply diverging motives to develop their own drone
surveillance capacities.
Happy Easter!
“We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!” – Pope John
Paul, II.
Christians around the world are celebrating the resurrection of the Christ.
There are no more powerful symbols of hope than the cross and the empty
tomb. From me and mine, I wish you and yours all the joy of Easter!
Passover happily coincides with Easter this year – so, Happy Passover, as
well!
Until next week …
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