Latest news with #BackTheBlue
Daily Mail
29-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Dave Portnoy launches fundraiser for slain NYC cop killed by Shane Tamura with emotional message
Barstool boss Dave Portnoy has launched a fundraiser for the New York City police officer that was killed by Shane Tamura during Monday night's mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan. Didarul Islam was one of the victims of the horrific act, as the Bangladeshi immigrant lived in The Bronx and was a father of two, with a third on the way. He had been with the NYC police department for four years. Portnoy's emotional social media message states he will match any proceeds Barstool makes from its 'Back The Blue' gear and donate it to the Islam family. Added to the 'Back The Blue' design in the aftermath of the mass shooting is Islam's name and precinct on the right sleeve. 'Another tragic story that hits very close to home,' Portnoy said. 'Not only is Barstool's HQ in NYC but this attack occurred in the same office the Brady 4 held our protest.' 'It's never good having to do these charity drives but Officer Didarul Islam leaves behind 2 boys and an 8 months pregnant wife. I will personally match all proceeds we make this week and donate directly to the family.' Barstool's headquarters are located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan in between 28th and 29th Streets alongside Seventh Avenue. That's around 20 blocks and a few avenues west of where the mass shooting took place at 345 Park Avenue. Portnoy also mentions the 'Brady 4', composed of himself, John Feitelberg, Hank Lockwood, and Paul Gulczynski, who all worked for Barstool in 2015 when they handcuffed themselves together in the lobby of of NFL headquarters to protest the suspension of Tom Brady for Deflategate. The quartet were arrested in their Brady jerseys and were in prison overnight and faced criminal trespassing charges. Earlier this year, Portnoy put out a video recognizing the 10-year anniversary of the protest, including a clip of him shoving a security guard. Authorities have identified Tamura, a 27-year-old licensed private investigator from Las Vegas who once dreamed of a life in football, as the shooter who carried out the deadly rampage in the heart of New York City on Monday night. Tamura walked into the lobby at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and sprayed a long-form M4 rifle before heading to the offices of Rudin Management on the 33rd floor and continuing the terrifying spree. He then took his own life, police have confirmed. On Tuesday morning, New York City mayor Eric Adams said Tamura was targeting NFL headquarters but went to the wrong elevator bank as part of the terrible act.
New York Post
25-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Long Island incumbents hang on in chaotic GOP primary plagued by scandals and infighting
Two top Suffolk County Republicans fended off primary challengers Tuesday night — including one town leader who dodged a growing controversy with a major boost from local police unions. Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim appeared to have narrowly held onto his seat after a vicious GOP primary against Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta with a 700-vote lead, according to unofficial county Board of Elections tallies on Wednesday. The adult boyfriend of Wehrheim's daughter had been arrested for stalking Trotta just two days before the election but any bad press was countered by strong backing from the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association in favor of the seven-year incumbent. Advertisement 3 Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim narrowly survived holding onto his seat in the GOP primary against Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim/Facebook 'Last night, the people of Smithtown made their voices heard loud and clear,' Wehrheim told The Post on Wednesday. Some 400 PBA officers were said to have campaigned door-to-door for Wehrheim or worked phone banks Advertisement 'Ed Wehrheim and Smithtown are the embodiment of the Back The Blue movement,' PBA President Lou Civello said in an interview. Civello said the union would never support Trotta, who he called a 'RINO,' or 'Republican in name only,' and said his Zohran Mamdani-aligned stance on deferring some responsibility from cops over to mental health professionals and social workers makes him a 'traitor to the party' and inspired the PBA's mobilization efforts. Trotta, a 25-year Suffolk police veteran and the department's 2001 detective of the year, told The Post he believes the real reason behind the PBA's efforts is because of the role he played in helping lock up former police commissioner James Burke — who served 40 months for beating a handcuffed inmate with a group of officers and covering it up. Meanwhile, Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth crushed challenger Brooke Lupinacci with 61% of the vote, also securing the top spot on the ballot for the Conservative party as well as the Republican nomination in the deep red district. Advertisement Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! Huntington's primary was centered on disagreements over visions of what future development for the town should look like. 'I knew I was right on the issues, I knew I would never get outworked on the campaign trail and I know that the residents of Huntington focus on the issues,' Smythe told the crowd after his win at the American Legion Hall in Halesite Tuesday. On the other side of the aisle, Maria Delgado easily defeated Cooper Macco in a Working Families Party primary for Huntington supervisor, while Chris Haines beat Vincent Colavita for the town's highway superintendent. Advertisement 3 Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth easily won his contest against Brooke Lupinacci, receiving 61% of the total vote. Ed Smyth / Facebook Two GOP primaries were also held for the open seats on the Suffolk County Legislature where the incumbents — including Trotta — hit their term limits. Lindenhurst Deputy Mayor Richard Renna defeated Brightwaters prosecutor Shawn Cullinane with 67% of the vote, and retired NYPD detective Sal Formica topped Huntington building supervisor Frank Black with 59%. In town board races, Smithtown Republican incumbents Thomas McCarthy and Lynne Nowick won with about 29% each. 3 Smyth's victory granted him the top spot in Huntington's primary for the Republican nomination. Ed Smyth / Facebook In Huntington, incumbent David Bennardo took the win while his ally, Gregory Grizopoulous, both Republicans, will be at the top of the ticket for the seat that Councilman Sal Ferro will vacate. Despite the record-setting temperatures, voter turn-out was on par with previous years at about 12%, according to election Commissioner Betty Manzella. The results set the stage for a high-stakes general election this fall, and with primaries now behind them, candidates are turning their focus to the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
15-05-2025
- Politics
Alabama lawmakers approve additional legal protections for police officers
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday approved enhanced legal protections for police officers, changes that Republicans said show support for law enforcement but Democrats called 'a green light to kill Black folks.' The Alabama Legislature gave final approval to the legislation that sets legal standards for the use of force and provides for an immunity hearing. The bill states that an officer 'shall be justified' in the use of physical force as long as it is not constitutionally excessive force or 'recklessly' outside of the officer's discretionary authority. Republicans, who called the legislation the 'Back The Blue' bill said it is needed to provide a clear legal framework and show support for law enforcement officers faced with making split-second decisions. 'We ask them to take care of us, keep us safe in our homes as we sleep at night. This bill will give them the assurances that we back them and back the blue,' Sen. Lance Bell, a former deputy sheriff, said. Bell said officers who act improperly can still be prosecuted. The approval came after an emotional debate in which Black lawmakers read the names of Black people who have been killed by police and described their own encounters with law enforcement. 'HB 202 is a license to kill Black people. That's what it is,' Sen. Rodger Smitherman, a Black Democrat from Birmingham, said. Smitherman said departments have very good officers, but they also have officers who are 'racist against Black people' or will make impulsive decisions because they are scared. Sen. Merika Coleman, a Black Democrat from Pleasant Grove, said she fears the bill will protect 'bad apples' in police departments. She described her worries that someone might see her honors student son as a threat someday because of his tall frame and twisted locs. 'If this bill passes and there are young Black males, females, brown and other folks killed, you will have blood on your hands because of this piece of legislation,' Coleman said. Bell urged opponents to 'walk a mile in a law enforcement officer's shoes and find out what they have to deal with.' Smitherman responded, 'Walk a mile in the person's shoes when the person is dead.' The Alabama Senate approved the bill on a 25-6 late-night vote in the final hour of the legislative session. The House of Representatives accepted Senate changes. The bill now goes to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey who said she will sign it into law. 'There is NO question Alabama backs the blue!' Ivey stated on social media after the bill's passage. Under existing state law, police and civilians alike are currently entitled to a 'stand your ground' hearing in criminal cases where a judge can determine whether the defendant acted in self defense. The legislation will allow an immunity hearing where a judge will decide if a case can proceed based on whether the officer acted recklessly outside the scope of law enforcement duties. It would add similar protections in state civil lawsuits. It would also require law enforcement departments to collect data that tracks use of force complaints. The executive director of the Alabama Sheriff's Association, Hoss Mack, testified in favor of the bill in April. 'This is of equal benefit to law enforcement and the public. Let me reiterate what this bill does not do. It does not give blanket immunity to law enforcement,' said Mack, who added that he had personally arrested officers that worked for him for misconduct throughout his 39-year career in law enforcement. Leroy Maxwell, a civil rights attorney based in Birmingham, said he is afraid the bill would embolden misconduct. 'Legislation like this paves the way toward a police state, where law enforcement operates above the law and without fear of consequence,' Maxwell said. Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels opposed the law but doubted the overall impact on civil rights cases which could still be filed in federal court and will not be affected by the legislation. 'It is a lion with no teeth. It appears to be big and bad but it has no teeth and no claws,' Daniels said.
Hamilton Spectator
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Alabama lawmakers approve additional legal protections for police officers
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday approved enhanced legal protections for police officers, changes that Republicans said show support for law enforcement but Democrats called 'a green light to kill Black folks.' The Alabama Legislature gave final approval to the legislation that sets legal standards for the use of force and provides for an immunity hearing. The bill states that an officer 'shall be justified' in the use of physical force as long as it is not constitutionally excessive force or 'recklessly' outside of the officer's discretionary authority. Republicans, who called the legislation the 'Back The Blue' bill said it is needed to provide a clear legal framework and show support for law enforcement officers faced with making split-second decisions. 'We ask them to take care of us, keep us safe in our homes as we sleep at night. This bill will give them the assurances that we back them and back the blue,' Sen. Lance Bell, a former deputy sheriff, said. Bell said officers who act improperly can still be prosecuted. The approval came after an emotional debate in which Black lawmakers read the names of Black people who have been killed by police and described their own encounters with law enforcement. 'HB 202 is a license to kill Black people. That's what it is,' Sen. Rodger Smitherman, a Black Democrat from Birmingham, said. Smitherman said departments have very good officers, but they also have officers who are 'racist against Black people' or will make impulsive decisions because they are scared. Sen. Merika Coleman, a Black Democrat from Pleasant Grove, said she fears the bill will protect 'bad apples' in police departments. She described her worries that someone might see her honors student son as a threat someday because of his tall frame and twisted locs. 'If this bill passes and there are young Black males, females, brown and other folks killed, you will have blood on your hands because of this piece of legislation,' Coleman said. Bell urged opponents to 'walk a mile in a law enforcement officer's shoes and find out what they have to deal with.' Smitherman responded, 'Walk a mile in the person's shoes when the person is dead.' The Alabama Senate approved the bill on a 25-6 late-night vote in the final hour of the legislative session. The House of Representatives accepted Senate changes. The bill now goes to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey who said she will sign it into law. 'There is NO question Alabama backs the blue!' Ivey stated on social media after the bill's passage. Under existing state law, police and civilians alike are currently entitled to a 'stand your ground' hearing in criminal cases where a judge can determine whether the defendant acted in self defense. The legislation will allow an immunity hearing where a judge will decide if a case can proceed based on whether the officer acted recklessly outside the scope of law enforcement duties. It would add similar protections in state civil lawsuits. It would also require law enforcement departments to collect data that tracks use of force complaints. The executive director of the Alabama Sheriff's Association, Hoss Mack, testified in favor of the bill in April. 'This is of equal benefit to law enforcement and the public. Let me reiterate what this bill does not do. It does not give blanket immunity to law enforcement,' said Mack, who added that he had personally arrested officers that worked for him for misconduct throughout his 39-year career in law enforcement. Leroy Maxwell, a civil rights attorney based in Birmingham, said he is afraid the bill would embolden misconduct. 'Legislation like this paves the way toward a police state, where law enforcement operates above the law and without fear of consequence,' Maxwell said. Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels opposed the law but doubted the overall impact on civil rights cases which could still be filed in federal court and will not be affected by the legislation. 'It is a lion with no teeth. It appears to be big and bad but it has no teeth and no claws,' Daniels said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama lawmakers approve additional legal protections for police officers
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday approved enhanced legal protections for police officers, changes that Republicans said show support for law enforcement but Democrats called 'a green light to kill Black folks.' The Alabama Legislature gave final approval to the legislation that sets legal standards for the use of force and provides for an immunity hearing. The bill states that an officer 'shall be justified' in the use of physical force as long as it is not constitutionally excessive force or 'recklessly' outside of the officer's discretionary authority. Republicans, who called the legislation the 'Back The Blue' bill said it is needed to provide a clear legal framework and show support for law enforcement officers faced with making split-second decisions. 'We ask them to take care of us, keep us safe in our homes as we sleep at night. This bill will give them the assurances that we back them and back the blue,' Sen. Lance Bell, a former deputy sheriff, said. Bell said officers who act improperly can still be prosecuted. The approval came after an emotional debate in which Black lawmakers read the names of Black people who have been killed by police and described their own encounters with law enforcement. 'HB 202 is a license to kill Black people. That's what it is,' Sen. Rodger Smitherman, a Black Democrat from Birmingham, said. Smitherman said departments have very good officers, but they also have officers who are 'racist against Black people' or will make impulsive decisions because they are scared. Sen. Merika Coleman, a Black Democrat from Pleasant Grove, said she fears the bill will protect 'bad apples' in police departments. She described her worries that someone might see her honors student son as a threat someday because of his tall frame and twisted locs. 'If this bill passes and there are young Black males, females, brown and other folks killed, you will have blood on your hands because of this piece of legislation,' Coleman said. Bell urged opponents to 'walk a mile in a law enforcement officer's shoes and find out what they have to deal with.' Smitherman responded, 'Walk a mile in the person's shoes when the person is dead.' The Alabama Senate approved the bill on a 25-6 late-night vote in the final hour of the legislative session. The House of Representatives accepted Senate changes. The bill now goes to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey who said she will sign it into law. 'There is NO question Alabama backs the blue!' Ivey stated on social media after the bill's passage. Under existing state law, police and civilians alike are currently entitled to a 'stand your ground' hearing in criminal cases where a judge can determine whether the defendant acted in self defense. The legislation will allow an immunity hearing where a judge will decide if a case can proceed based on whether the officer acted recklessly outside the scope of law enforcement duties. It would add similar protections in state civil lawsuits. It would also require law enforcement departments to collect data that tracks use of force complaints. The executive director of the Alabama Sheriff's Association, Hoss Mack, testified in favor of the bill in April. 'This is of equal benefit to law enforcement and the public. Let me reiterate what this bill does not do. It does not give blanket immunity to law enforcement,' said Mack, who added that he had personally arrested officers that worked for him for misconduct throughout his 39-year career in law enforcement. Leroy Maxwell, a civil rights attorney based in Birmingham, said he is afraid the bill would embolden misconduct. 'Legislation like this paves the way toward a police state, where law enforcement operates above the law and without fear of consequence,' Maxwell said. Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels opposed the law but doubted the overall impact on civil rights cases which could still be filed in federal court and will not be affected by the legislation. 'It is a lion with no teeth. It appears to be big and bad but it has no teeth and no claws,' Daniels said.
