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The aircraft watched protests in Washington, DC, in June last year and also flew over Baltimore in 2015 after Freddie Grays death.

Last updated on August 26, 2021, at 12:07 p.m. ET

Posted on August 24, 2021, at 1:08 p.m. ET

The FBI's Cessna Citation jet

An advanced FBI spy plane that was used to watch Black Lives Matter protests in Washington, DC, last year is now up for sale.

A listing for the Cessna Citation jet has appeared on a website run by the General Services Administration to sell surplus federal government property. The aircraft carries a Wescam MX-20 camera turret, which is designed for high-altitude, persistent surveillance. With infrared sensors, it can monitor targets day and night, and in recent years has been used for some of the FBIs most important surveillance missions.

In June 2020, a BuzzFeed News review of flight tracking data provided by the website Flightradar24 linked the plane to high-profile raids including the capture of gang members on drug and weapons charges in Northern California in 2018, drug trafficking busts in Puerto Rico in 2018 and 2019, and drug, firearms, and money laundering arrests in Alabama in 2019.

And though the FBI says it does not monitor activity protected by the First Amendment, BuzzFeed News also tracked the plane circling Washington, DC, in June 2020 during Black Lives Matter protests after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. We also found that the plane circled Baltimore in April and May 2015 following the death of Freddie Gray from injuries sustained in police custody.

This reporting was subsequently cited by three Democratic members of Congress in a letter to the federal Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, asking it to investigate federal government surveillance of Black Lives Matter protests.

Flights by the FBI's Cessna Citation jet last year from June 1 to 6

Since 2003, the Cessna Citation aircraft has been registered to the National Aircraft Leasing Corporation, identified as a front for the FBI by Matthew Aid, a former intelligence analyst, in his 2012 book Intel Wars. The address given in its registration with the Federal Aviation Administration is a UPS store in Greenville, Delaware.

Most of the FBIs fleet of more than 120 surveillance aircraft, similarly registered to fictitious companies, are smaller propeller-driven planes that usually fly at altitudes of around 5,000 feet. The Cessna Citation jet is the only aircraft of its type registered to known FBI fronts, and it typically watched its targets from 15,000 feet or more, making it harder to spot from the ground.

The contact given for questions about the sale is Earl McEwen, an FBI special agent who testified in court about using an FBI plane to surveil the 2014 Bundy standoff, an armed encounter between federal agents and supporters of a Nevada rancher who refused to pay fees for grazing his cattle on federal land.

McEwen declined to answer any questions about the aircraft sale from BuzzFeed News.

The FBI declined to answer queries raised by BuzzFeed News, including whether there would be restrictions placed on who they would sell the surveillance aircraft to and whether the jet is being replaced. It is unclear why the agency is now selling the plane.

Although the existence of its fleet of aircraft is well known, the FBI has revealed little information about individual planes and their activities. In 2016, the agency denied a Freedom of Information Act request from BuzzFeed News for flight and evidence logs from 27 of its planes, refusing even to confirm or deny whether the records existed. In September 2018, a federal judge ruled against our attempts to overturn that decision.

At the time of publication, no bids for the aircraft had yet been recorded on GSA Auctions, the website where the plane is listed for sale. The listing indicates that the plane is being sold with the Wescam MX-20, which could complicate the sale because it is deemed a sensitive technology covered by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which requires approval from the State Department before it can be exported. It is unclear what other equipment remains on the aircraft, although a photograph of the interior suggests that controls for the camera have been removed from the cabin.

The plane could continue to be used for surveillance. But some prospective buyers may be more interested in converting it into a private jet, currently in hot demand as the COVID pandemic has driven wealthy people away from airlines. Jets of that age and model can retail for $1.2 million, according to Albert Heidinger, president of Raptor Aviation, a company in Port St. Lucie, Florida, that sells aircraft including ex-military planes. But he said it was hard to say what a buyer would offer the FBI for the plane given the high costs of refitting it for use as a private jet.

This market is crazy, so no telling what it will actually bring, Heidinger said.

Aug. 26, 2021, at 16:08 PM

This story has been updated to include that the FBI declined to comment.

Continue reading here:
The FBI Is Selling A Surveillance Plane It Used On Black Lives Matter Protests - BuzzFeed News

Candyman began life as a character in a short story, before the first film about him 1992's Candyman, moved his story along as an urban legend who terrified the residents of a Chicago housing project.

While more films followed, the upcoming 2021 movie of the same name is a direct sequel to the first film, and was written by Jordan Peele, Nia DaCosta and Win Rosenfeld.

The story follows Anthony McCoy (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) an artist who becomes obsessed with the story of Candyman after trying to learn more about him for an upcoming project.

The same is true that, if you say the name of the Candyman five times into a mirror, he will appear, which leads to frightening consequences.

For Abdul-Mateen, this story goes further than the original in that it centers around the Black experience in a new way, with Black cast and crew at the center of the storytelling.

This time, saying the name of Candyman takes on a greater meaning as it alludes not only to the horror story, but to the modern-day horrors which have fuelled the Black Lives Matter movement.

Speaking to Newsweek, Abdul-Mateen said: "What this story does by centering around the Black experience, with a Black director and Black writers, is it gives us the opportunity to humanize the Candyman figure.

"And by doing that in the way that we do, I think we also humanize or give humanity to the Trayvon Martins, to the George Floyds, to the Breonna Taylors, to the individuals who have become figures for reasons that they would have never chosen. We know their names, when we actually should not know their names."

In fact, he goes as far to say they, like Candyman and his character Anthony McCoy, become "unwilling martyrs" to a story they do not wish to tell.

This is a "specific type of tragedy" which need not exist for these people, but the narrative is forced upon them.

Abdul Mateen said: "He [Anthony] did not choose to be put in that position, which makes it a different type of horror, a specific type of tragedy, you know, for a person like Anthony, who had nothing but his whole life ahead of him. Very ambitious, and as he's searching for himself, he steps into another version of himself that he would never have chosen to be willfully."

In the 1992 movie, Candyman (Tony Todd) appears to Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) because she doubted his existence, wanting his legend to be maintained by those still living.

In one climactic scene in the 2021 movie, he tells another character to "tell everyone" what they have seen, still desiring for his story to remain alive.

This time the motivation seems to have switched. The new version, rather than maintaining the legend of Candyman, suggests his legend keeps alive the stories of those who were brutalized unfairly, bringing to light a systemic issue that goes beyond a horror movie.

Abdul-Mateen suggests this allows the Black community to take control of a narrative forced upon them, where they have been made into "monsters" by those oppressing them.

He continued: "In each of those individuals and individuals like them, they were turned into monsters, and they had their humanity taken away from them. So Candyman and the way that we are telling the story allows us to humanize their experiences, give them as well as Candyman more dignity in his death than he was given in the final moments of his life, I believe...

"I think it's important as creators to decide how we deal with our trauma, the stories of our trauma. So I think this, this film gives us the control over our narrative, over the story that's being told about us. Our history, our pains, our bodies."

For him, the seed of those thoughts is what he hopes will be taken away from the movie, as well as a conversation on what happens next.

Those conversations about Candyman is what he is most interested now, he says, rather than attempting to start a franchise, allowing this story to evolve.

He added: "I'm more interested in this moment and having the conversation go forward. That's what I'm interested in doing right now is, you know, letting the movie come out first and letting the movie do what it's gonna do.

"And then be a part of letting Candyman take a life of its own outside of the theatre, outside of myself and our creative team, being the people who are controlling the narrative. I think that is what I'm more interested in, to see the conversation while Candyman takes a life of its own."

Candyman is out in movie theaters on August 27

Continued here:
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II On How 'Candyman' Humanizes 'Unwilling Martyrs' of Black Lives Matter - Newsweek

An Ohio home of Black Lives Matter supporters was spray-painted on Aug. 20 with the words "All Lives Matter," according to security footage.

The house belongs to Mary and Ralph Piunno, who said this isn't the first time they have experienced negative reactions to their beliefs. The couple has multiple Black Lives Matter signs and flies a pride flag.

Primarily because I live in a diverse neighborhood, and I want people to know where I stand, Mary Piunno said.

COLORADO SCHOOL DISTRICT BANS TEACHING OF CRITICAL RACE THEORY

The couple removed the graffiti and called those responsible "very small-minded."

"I think that theyre people who have a very narrow view of what equality means in this country," Mary Piunno said. "Frankly, I think theyre losers. Theyre hurting their cause more than theyre hurting mine."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The couple said they respect everyone's right to free speech and expect more negative reactions to come from their signs.

Link:
Black Lives Matter supporters' house spray-painted with the words 'All Lives Matter' - Washington Examiner

A

music producer who threw a bottle during violent clashes with police at a Black Lives Matter protest has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Juan Blanco, 23, was among thousands of demonstrators who took the streets of central London on June 3 last year, just over a week after the death in the US of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer.

While most of the protests passed without incident, Southwark crown court heard a hostile crowd of up to 300 people began throwing missiles at ranks of police officers in Parliament Square which prompted an urgent call for back-up.

One of the inspectors saw a man throwing a bottle towards police officers, said prosecutor Tim Devlin. He then observed the same man running away in an attempt to avoid police.

Mr Blanco was that man, and he was then arrested.

Questioned at the scene in King Charles Street, near to Downing Street, Blanco admitted to officers: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I threw it. He added it was an empty plastic bottle.

Blanco pleaded guilty to affray and said he had not aimed the missile at a particular officer but conceding the act would have caused fear and distress.

Blanco, a Spanish national who now lives in the UK, has toured Europe through his work as a music producer and DJ. His barrister Russell Fraser said Blanco is genuinely remorseful for his actions, having got caught up in everything and went too far.

He is not a seasoned protestor, but he feels a particular degree of empathy about that issue, as he makes his living mainly from soul and jazz music, he said.

Thats a culture he has benefitted from to a great extent, he has a lot of friends who are black, and thats why he went along that day.

Sentencing Blanco to an eight-month prison term, suspended for a year, Judge Phillip Bartle QC said: You went as a gesture of solidarity to the Black Lives Matter cause which of course is one that everybody respects.

The problem is on this occasion a potentially peaceful protest became anything but peaceful.

He added: Im sure you are remorseful and I hope, as well as being out of character, that this is the last time you will appear before a court.

No officer was injured as a result of Blanco throwing the bottle.

On the same day as this incident, actor John Boyega was filmed delivering a passionate speech to fellow protestors in Hyde Park. A series of BLM demonstrations continued to be held in central London during last summer which mostly passed peacefully.

Blanco, who lives in Aylesford in Kent, was ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service and pay 1500 in prosecution costs.

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Music producer threw bottle in Black Lives Matter clash with police - Evening Standard

Swimming star Ellie Simmonds believes reality television and the Black Lives Matter movement have each contributed to improving the image of the Paralympics.

Simmonds is preparing to lead her country into Tokyo 2020 after being chosen as one of Great Britains flagbearers for Tuesdays opening ceremony alongside archer John Stubbs.

The 26-year-old, who has bone growth disorder achondroplasia, will compete at her fourth Games having already won eight medals, including five golds, across appearances in Beijing, London and Rio.

She feels the perception of disability has changed significantly during that time, citing mainstream exposure of Para athletes and the rise of protest campaigns demanding equality as major factors.

Even before Beijing, people thought I was going to special Olympics; the Paralympics and disabilities were still under wraps really, said Simmonds, who was just 13 when she made her debut in China in 2008. People didnt really know what it was.

Disabilities and especially the Paralympics were brought into height in London 2012 and the Paralympic movement and disability has just crept up and its just amazing to see its been showcased and its amazing.

Its not just achondroplasia or different disabilities in sport but its also now in other things: you had Jonnie (Peacock), you had Lauren (Steadman), you had Will (Bayley) in Strictly (Come Dancing), you had Hollie (Arnold) in Im a Celebrity (Get Me Out of Here).

Theres so many athletes out there with disabilities in reality TV and thats so good for all different disabilities.

And not just in those types of reality TV (programmes) but seeing it on TV, so kids growing up are more aware that there are so many different people.

I think also weve seen the rise about it being OK to be different, the likes of Black Lives Matter, the acceptance of all that, the change, the protest and the awareness of there are so many different people out there.

Simmonds arrived in Japan as defending champion in the 200m individual medley.

Story continues

The S6 swimmer will bid for a third-successive title in that event on Thursday and is also scheduled to enter the 100m breaststroke and 400m freestyle.

She admits even the prospect of joining the exclusive list of British flagbearers made her teary eyed before being left speechless on Sunday when she received confirmation from chef de mission Penny Briscoe.

My performance director Chris (Furber) rang me before coming out to the holding camp into the (athletes) village and asked if I would like to be nominated, because every sport normally nominates an athlete who they think would like to carry the flag, she said.

I was just like, Oh my gosh, yes. I was driving hands-free, of course but really a bit teary to be honest.

Equestrian star Sir Lee Pearson was ParalympicsGBs flagbearer at Rio 2016 (Adam Davy/PA)

I was just a bit emotional that I even got asked because in the past, Ive seen the greats like Chris Hoy carrying the flag in London 2012 and Lee Pearson in the Paralympics and all those amazing athletes, who are great athletes and who have carried the flags the best of the best.

(When it was confirmed), I was just in awe and just didnt have any words. Its been a challenging year and to be carrying the flag for absolutely everyone, its just a huge honour.

Simmonds has established herself as one of the countrys most recognisable Paralympians during the past 13 years.

However, despite her vast experience and hefty haul of medals, she says the burden of competing at elite level is greater than ever.

As an older woman now, I feel the pressure more, I feel all those different aspects, Im more aware of that, she said.

Whereas as a 13-year-old, as a 17-year-old, you just do swimming, youre just doing it as sport where you dont really think of all the outside bits.

Im more aware of those types of challenges now and I work with the psychologist really well.

For me, these Games are just about going out there, racing, enjoying it, doing the best I can and just being happy and soaking it all in.

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Ellie Simmonds: Reality TV and Black Lives Matter help with image of Paralympics - Yahoo Sports