BG On The Scene

The FBI has put up custom FBI-branded fencing around their headquarters at the J. Edgar Hoover Building in DC. The move comes as the agency says they’ve seen an increase in threats after executing a search warrant at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida last week. The FBI and DHS sent out a Joint Intelligence Bulletin to law enforcement agencies around the country regarding the threats last week. The increased security at the headquarters is similar to measures implemented amidst the 2020 riots and civil unrest, as well as after the January 6th Capitol riot.

A toxic chemical release has lead to “Avoid contact” warnings along the Huron River in Michigan. Tribar Manufacturing, a chrome plating factory in Wixom, released thousands of gallons of liquid containing hexavalent chromium into the local sewer system. The sewer feeds into the Wixom Wastewater Treatment Plant, which then discharges into the Huron River. The company says they discovered the release of the carcinogenic chemical on Monday, but that it may have been releasing since Saturday morning. The “Avoid contact” warning along the river now stretches from North Wixom Road in Oakland County to Kensington Road in Livingston County. This includes Kent Lake, a popular recreational spot along the Huron. A handful of boats and paddleboarders were still out on the lake this evening. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy put out a news release about the situation Tuesday afternoon. This notice was posted in Milford’s Central Park, which closed off access along the affected area of the river today.

A protester is arrested by MPD after blocking one of the entrances to Nationals Park at the Congressional Baseball Game. Climate activists planned a demonstration to shut down the game in calls for a declaration of a climate emergency. Three people were arrested for unlawful entry throughout the evening.

Businesses, apartments and other buildings boarded up in downtown Akron, where several days of protests have taken place over the Akron PD shooting death of Jayland Walker

Protesters gathered outside the Akron Police Department on Monday, the fifth consecutive day of protests over the police shooting death of Jayland Walker. Walker, 25 at the time, was killed after reportedly being shot by 8 Akron Police officers after fleeing a traffic stop in the early hours of June 27th. A press conference held Sunday to release bodycam footage stated that a firearm was found in Walker’s vehicle, though he was unarmed at the location where he was shot. The conference did not give an exact number of shots fired by Akron police, stating that the investigation is ongoing, though early reports indicate he was shot upwards of 60 times by the officers. Protesters have been gathering daily calling for justice for Jayland Walker, with demonstrations outside the police department downtown, the mayor’s residence, and elsewhere in Akron. Most demonstrations have been peaceful. Some property damage did occur on Sunday night, hours after the release of the bodycam footage, with windows smashed at a few downtown buildings and of highway maintenance vehicles that have been set up in the streets as roadblocks around the Justice Center. Teargas was deployed and 50 arrests made on Sunday night, promoting the mayor to declare a state of emergency and issue a 9 pm curfew Monday night. Demonstrations on Monday were peaceful throughout the day, with a march to the Mayor’s residence in the early afternoon, and speeches and chants outside the police station downtown in the evening. Police brought out armored vehicles behind the station, and officers inside dressed in riot gear. Protesters decided to disperse before the curfew, with the area emptied of all but press by 9 pm Monday night. Several police vehicles outside the blockaded areas were seen as curfew set in, though no reports have emerged so far of any arrests made in the downtown curfew-affected area.

Destruction left by the tornado that tore through Gaylord, Michigan on Friday, leaving at least two dead and over 40 injured. The Nottingham Forest mobile home park saw widespread destruction, while several businesses along Main Street and other residential areas also saw extensive damage. Community members and emergency crews started to the tackle the large number of downed trees and power lines throughout the town Saturday. Multiple area hospitals aided in treatment of the injured, and a variety of first responders have been on scene here this weekend. Governor Whitmer declared an emergency over the situation on Friday, and a dusk-to-dawn curfew is in place as the town begins responding to the damage caused by the rare northern Michigan tornado.

Severe tornado damage in Gaylord, Michigan, where at least one person has died and dozens were injured after a rare tornado tore through the town Friday afternoon. Much of the town is now without power, as emergency crews respond to downed power lines throughout the area. The city is now under an overnight curfew until 8 am Saturday, with police checkpoints set up in response to the situation.

Protesters gathered outside the San Francisco home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for a demonstration on Tuesday, criticizing her and Democratic Party leadership and calling for action on abortion rights.

Pro-life activists arrested outside DC Medical Examiner’s Office Seven pro-life activists were arrested by MPD on Thursday morning, after crossing a police line set up outside the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in DC. The group, Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, has been protesting in DC this week in support of the potential upcoming Supreme Court overturning of Roe v Wade. Thursday's action was held outside the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in DC, as activists call for an investigation into five fetuses they obtained last month, which they claim were aborted illegally. The fetuses are now in the office's possession. Seven arrests were made in total by the Metropolitan Police Department. A few remained giving speeches and chanting outside the office before the group dispersed. #protest #protests #RoevWade #abortion #antiabortion #prolife #antiabortions #abortions #Roe #arrest #arrests #arrested #MPD #DCpolice #police #policeofficers #MedicalExaminer #DC #WashingtonDC #DCprotest #DCprotests #protestnews #DobbsvJackson #SupremeCourt #usnews #news

A steel fence now surrounds the Supreme Court, installed Wednesday night amidst continued protests over the leaked SCOTUS decision that may overturn Roe v Wade. Shorter barricades were initially put up around the building Tuesday, before being replaced by this larger fence a day later. Concrete barricade reinforcements were also brought in Thursday afternoon. Protests over the Monday leak of a draft decision in the pending Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization have taken place daily around the country, as supporters and opponents of access to abortion demonstrate over the pending ruling.

*Please excuse the quality at times, encountered a few camera and setup issues* Donald Trump holds a rally for endorsed 2022 Michigan candidates, including Kristina Karamo (running for Secretary of State), Matt DePerno (running for Attorney General) and John Gibbs (running for U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan's 3rd Congressional District). Trump also voiced his support for gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon. The rally was held at the Michigan Stars Sports Center, an indoor soccer field and sports facility in Washington Township, roughly 30 miles north of Detroit.

Trump supporters lining up in the thousands in Washington Township, Michigan today, as the former president holds a rally for endorsed Michigan state office candidates. The rally is being held at Michigan Stars Sports Center, where Trump will be joined by Secretary of State candidate Kristina Karamo and Attorney General candidate Matt DePerno. Some in the crowd camped at the rally site overnight, with most arriving throughout the day Saturday. This marks the first Trump rally in Michigan since the final rally of the 2020 Election campaign in Grand Rapids on the night of November 2nd.

Trump supporters camping out overnight ahead of the former president’s rally in Michigan tomorrow evening, with a few dozen vehicles currently at the rally site in Washington Township. Trump is campaigning for endorsed candidates in the upcoming 2022 midterm election, including Attorney General candidate Matt DePerno and Secretary of State candidate Kristina Karamo. The Republican Party primary in Michigan takes place August 2nd, with the general election scheduled for November 8th.

The main trucker convoy protesting Covid mandates and restrictions has departed the Hagerstown Speedway in Maryland. The group is bound first for North Carolina, then onward to California to protest several proposed bills, including legislation related to lowering the vaccine age of consent, Covid testing programs, sharing of immunization records and more. “The People’s Convoy” contingent has departed after encamping at the speedway since March 4th. A smaller group, the “American Freedom Convoy” is remaining at the speedway.

Colors of the Ukrainian flag are alit at the Civic Center and City Hall of Warren, Michigan, one of many public buildings around the world displaying the colors of Ukraine’s flag in solidarity as war breaks out with Russia over in Europe.

Speeches held ahead of ‘The People’s Convoy’ departure from Adelanto, California towards Washington, DC, with a crowd gathered outside Adelanto Stadium on Wednesday for the send-off. Disclaimer: All medical claims are those of individual speakers themselves and do not necessarily reflect scientific consensus or recommendation. Footage provided for historical documentary purposes only and is not meant to be construed as advice or medical recommendation. Consult with a health professional regarding medical information and decision making, and for countervailing views to those presented visit www.CDC.gov.

A U.S.-based trucker convoy protesting vaccine mandates and Covid restrictions has departed from Southern California towards Washington DC today. Emulating the Canadian trucker protest movement that held ongoing demonstrations from late January through mid-February in Canada, a convoy of American truckers have organized a protest caravan to the nation’s capital. Over a thousand vehicles, with at least 100 trucks at departure, were outside of Adelanto Stadium this morning for a send-off rally in California. Trucks made their way onto U.S. Route 395, followed by several hundred personal vehicles bearing American, Canadian, Gadsden and other flags as they headed northbound. Supporters of the convoy gathered along the side of the highway as well, with Victorville Police and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officers out to cordon off a lane of traffic for the sendoff.

The historic clubhouse of the Oakland Hills Country Club has been almost completely destroyed after a massive fire broke out yesterday morning. The roof of the hundred-year-old building collapsed as flames ripped through the building throughout the day Thursday, with firefighters working through the evening and night to extinguish the flames. No injuries were reported from the fire, the cause of which is still unknown. Police and fire remain on the scene Friday morning, with roads near the entrance closed off as they continue to respond to the incident. The club has hosted a number of high-profile golf tournaments throughout its extensive history, including three PGA championships & six U.S. Opens. Professional golfers including Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have competed here. The clubhouse served as a repository for a wide variety of historic memorabilia and photographs, some of which firefighters were able to save while battling the flames Thursday. Jack Nicklaus weighed in on the news of the clubhouse’s devastation Thursday, stating “Oakland Hills is one of those iconic golf clubs in America, and like many of our game’s most historic places, the clubhouse is as much a part of the story as the golf itself. I was fortunate in recent years to visit Oakland Hills several times, and each opportunity to return to that clubhouse reminded me of their storied history and legacy. It is a sad day for the membership, but also for the countless people, like me, who respect and appreciate Oakland Hills. They will be able to rebuild the clubhouse, but it will be difficult to replace the many memories lost today.”

Just a month after the implementation of a vaccine mandate and photo ID requirement for indoor dining, gyms and entertainment venues, Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced an end to the mandate program. In a “Covid-19 Situational Update’ delivered today, Bowser announced the vaccination verification order will end effective tomorrow, February 15th. The Washington D.C. mayor also announced changes to the city’s indoor mask mandate - An expiration of the order for some spaces, such as bars, restaurants, gyms, entertainment venues, houses of worship, grocery and retail establishments. This takes effect beginning March 1st. Masking will still be required for children and staff at schools, childcare facilities and libraries, as well as nursing homes, healthcare facilities, public transit and public-facing government offices. No update was given as to when that mandate may end, nor what metrics may be met to lead to a reconsideration of the order.

The Ambassador Bridge has reopened at the U.S.-Canada border crossing late Sunday night, after a nearly week-long blockade by Freedom Convoy protesters in Windsor.

Police in Windsor on Sunday moved in to clear the Ambassador Bridge border blockade, where Freedom Convoy demonstrators have been gathered for the last week shutting down traffic into Canada in protest of the country's vaccine mandates and Covid restrictions. A court injunction granted on Friday lead to an increased police presence over the weekend, with a standoff on Saturday as officers slowly moved the crowd away from the entrance and exit to the bridge, the busiest land crossing between the United States and Canada. Local police, RCMP, OPP and others responded to the protest, some heavily armed along with multiple armoured vehicles behind the police line. Threats of hefty fines and jail time were levied by the Canadian government, as they sought to end the protest blockading traffic and causing some economic disruption on both sides of the border. On Sunday, police pushed further forward and began making arrests of protesters that refused to disperse, with at least two detainments in the morning along with the towing of vehicles that did not clear the roadway. Concrete barriers have been brought in along Huron Church Road, and police occupied the streets near the bridge throughout the day. Border traffic into Canada along the Ambassador Bridge remains closed as of early Sunday evening.

Police moved in to try to end the blockade at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor on Saturday, bringing multiple armoured vehicles and rooftop officers to the area where Freedom Convoy protesters have been occupying the roads and shuttering traffic into Canada from the bridge since Monday afternoon. Late Saturday morning, police slowly began moving the crowd down Huron Church Road away from the intersection with College Avenue, right at the entrance to/exit from the bridge. Though the crowd moved back without arrest or incident, protesters have remained out throughout the day, standing off against a line of officers as the bridge remains closed to Canada-bound traffic as of Saturday evening.

A convoy protesting vaccine mandates and Covid restrictions gathered on the U.S. side of the border under the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan on Saturday. Protesters called for a trucker ‘slow roll’ by the border as the Ambassador Bridge crossing remains shut down by Canadian Freedom Convoy protesters in Windsor. Port Huron’s border has received renewed attention this week, as commercial traffic bound for Canada has been rerouted here away from the Ambassador Bridge blockade. Heavy backups, at times stretching for miles down the highway, have become a regular sight at the bridge as the busiest land crossing between the U.S. and Canada remains shut down. Saturday’s demonstration took place for several hours from early afternoon through dispersing shortly before 8 pm. Police made occasional rounds through the area, but no confrontations or incidents occurred throughout the protest.

Exits to the Ambassador Bridge from I-75 in Michigan have been shut down this week, as Freedom Convoy protests against vaccine mandates and Covid restrictions continue to blockade Canada-bound traffic in Windsor, Ontario.

Freedom Convoy protesters have shut down traffic into Canada for the fifth consecutive night at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor. The demonstrations against vaccine mandates and Covid restrictions have halted the busiest border crossing between the U.S. and Canada since Monday afternoon, with protesters calling for an end to the vaccine pass system implemented by Prime Minister Trudeau and provincial governments. Other blockades at the Coutts, Alberta/Sweet Grass, Montana border as well as the crossing at Emerson, Manitoba/Pembina, North Dakota have taken place as part of the ongoing demonstrations, though the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge Windsor-Detroit crossing has been the most disruptive to international commerce and traffic thus far. A state of emergency was declared in Ontario on Friday, as well as the granting of a court injunction aiming to end the blockade. Protesters remain out on Friday night, with commercial traffic redirected to the heavily backed up Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan.