This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

A Muslim who claimed it his was First Amendment right to vandalize a Christian church in Texas has found out that the jury, whose members returned a guilty verdict in his case, disagreed.

The initial ruling in the case that continues involved one defendant, Raunaq Alam, who was convicted of vandalism, according to a report at the Center Square.

He was one of three accused of a vandalism case at the nondenominational Uncommon Church in Euless, in Tarrant County.

The three allegedly spray-painted "[expletive] Israel" and attached other pro-Hamas terrorist stickers on the church building.

They were caught on security cameras.

They originally faced felony criminal mischief counts in the case filed by District Attorney Phil Sorrells, but those later were increased the felony hate crime, which carries a sentence of two to 10 years in prison, the report said.

"It was increased to a hate crime because the perpetrators allegedly targeted a church because of religion, the prosecution argued. The case was also transferred to County Criminal Court No. 9 under Judge Brian Bolton," the report said.

Alam, taken to trial last month, was convicted of criminal mischief, for which he was sentenced to five years of probation, $10,000 in fines and $1,700 in restitution.

His probation includes 180 days in jail.

Alam still faces perjury and drug charges, the report said.

During the fight, which came in the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and amid multiple instances of "unprovoked violence by Muslims" on Christians and Jews in Texas, multiple "pro-Palestinian/Hamas rioters" have argued "their actions are protected by the First Amendment," the report said.

Gov. Greg Abbott has directed Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to arrest suspected offenders.

In the church vandalism case, Afsheen Khan, a co-defendant, was charged with felony criminal mischief. A third defendant, Julia Venzor, testified against Alam and Khan and pleaded guilty, getting five years of probation.

This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

The suspect accused of ramming his vehicle into a synagogue in Manchester, England, this week, then stabbing several people before being shot down by police, has been identified as Jihad al-Shamie.

A report in the Guardian said the "synagogue terrorist" was on police bail for an alleged rape at the time.

Al-Shamie, 35, was born in Syria and reportedly had criminal convictions, although he was not being sought presently by counter-terrorism officers or MI5, the report said.

He "was shot dead by armed police after killing a Jewish man and seriously injuring several others when he attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in north Manchester on Thursday," the report said.

Manchester police also confirmed officers apparently shot – accidentally – one of the two victims killed in the attack when they opened fire on the attacker.

And investigators were reviewing whether Shamie was responsible for a death threat sent to a lawmaker in 2012, the report said.

The victims were identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.

The report said Cravitz' relatives described him as a "gentle giant, and a Muslim neighbor of Daulby described him as a "fantastic man."

Rabbi Daniel Walker, leading worship at the time of the attack, confirmed the attacker shouted, "I'm going to get you" as he tried to force his way into the building.

"The Guardian has been told that Shamie was not known to counter-terrorism agencies and had not been referred to the anti-radicalization scheme Prevent but he had been prosecuted for criminal matters," the report said.

The Guardian revealed Faraj al-Shamie, the alleged attacker's father, called the violence "heinous" and said the family wished to "fully distance" themselves. However, it also was reported he had been online in praise of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israeli civilians, in which some 1,200 were killed and hundreds more kidnapped.

Stephen Waston, the chief police constable in Greater Manchester, explained what apparently happened with the shooting.

"It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP's authorized firearms officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community. It follows therefore that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end …"

He added, "We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life-threatening. It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry."

WND reported when the violence happened that the attacker rammed his vehicle, then jumped out and started stabbing people.

Police said the attack was on Yom Kippur, a holy day in the Jewish calendar.

Video shared on social media appeared to show armed police officers pointing guns at a man on the ground as one screamed to onlookers: "Everybody else, get back. If you're not involved, move back, get away… he has a bomb, go away."

Some online videos showed the suspect starting to get up, but falling back after another shot. And they showed a victim on the street in a poll of blood.

This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

Tina Peters, the embattled former county clerk in the radically left state of Colorado – run by a homosexual governor and dominated by Democrats in the legislature – who was jailed by extremists there for protecting presidential election records, has gone to social media and has gotten blunt with the U.S. Department of Justice.

"Why is the DOJ defying Trump's demands? Get off you're a—- and get me out!" she posted.

The attacks on her came amid the scandalous revelations about voting system insecurities in the presidential election. She was accused, among other things, of allowing a voting system password to be online.

Incidentally, Jena Griswold, Colorado's Democrat secretary of state and a key player in the prosecution of Peters, was confirmed to have posted online hundreds of election system passwords, but she was never charged.

Peters was sent to prison for years.

And she's fed up:

Her statement said:

UPDATE FROM TINA PETERS: 364 Days of Injustice As I approach 365 days in this hellhole—tomorrow marks one full year, and Friday is the anniversary of the day they shackled me and dragged me out of the courtroom—my chest hurts just thinking about it. It's seared into my mind. I've been deprived of everything everyone else takes for granted: going to a restaurant, driving somewhere, flying, being with whoever I want, seeing my granddaughter, visiting my mother who'll be 97 next month. All of that, gone.

Where is everybody? I did what I was supposed to do—legally—to expose their crimes. Who has my back now? Where are the people who benefited? Has it been decided that I will be made the SACRIFICIAL LAMB to give the networks something to rally behind? The President has demanded my release four times—twice on Twitter, twice verbally. Why is the DOJ defying Trump's demands? Get off you're a—- and get me out! This is not right.

The state never had jurisdiction to indict, prosecute, or imprison me because of the Constitution, the Supremacy Clause, and Immunities Clause. I was protecting federal election records. Colorado violated federal law by locking me up. The federal government could come in right now, pluck me out, and say, "No, you're violating her constitutional rights. She was performing a federal duty." Send in the marshals—get me! Not just because I'm a whistleblower, but because they had no right to do this. This is straight-up lawfare.

I'm a political prisoner suffering cruel and unusual punishment, just like Tore called out in her amicus brief. How many whistleblowers, reports, and proofs do we need? We have already proven it all—yet here I am, in a medium-security prison with murderers, the worst of the worst. People serving life for gruesome murders, featured on Dateline and 20/20. I was just in the gym with one—she's sweet to me, but that's the reality I'm living every day. For what? Protecting elections?

The same biased judges who denied my bond with no explanation will drag out any appeal for years. They're not normal; they were put in place illegally, selected by benefactors in these blackmail rings like Epstein and P. Diddy. They collect their dues. Forget the appeal—optics don't matter. Just do it, and deal with the court later. And the prosecutor calls me a danger to society? A flight risk?

Meanwhile, they let out a criminal with 39 convictions, 25 felonies, who then murdered that poor little girl. Her father's been yelling about it on Fox News every day—bring that up. It just validates I'm a political prisoner in a state that could be criminally prosecuted for this. Something's got to break. Go to http://tinapeters.us to see the filings and the latest. And if you can support me, I need your help. I cannot pay my attorneys and my appeal still has a very long time to go. If you can help please donate at http://Tinapeters.us —Tina Peters

WND previously reported on the case involving Peters, a grandmother, Gold Star mom and election watchdog.

Trump, in fact, has described Peters as a "brace and innocent Patriot" being tortured by "Crooked Colorado politicians.'

The report said, "Tina Peters, once the trusted Mesa County clerk, now faces a staggering nine-year prison sentence, convicted of crimes her own prosecutors essentially admit she didn't commit. Her 'crime'? Daring to protect election records in the wake of the contentious 2020 presidential election, a fight that has left her career and life in tatters, her freedom stolen and her name smeared by a corporate press eager to paint her as a villain."

The report noted within the prosecution's own claims is a "stunning admission."

She's serving nine years for "attempting to influence a public servant," "conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation" and "first-degree official misconduct."

But her appeal explains the district court erred in denying her immunity under the Supremacy and Privileges or Immunities Clauses and her actions were lawful efforts to preserve federal election records.

Further, David Underwood, a prosecution witness, testified that Peters, as the county's chief election official, had the sole authority to decide who could access the voting system for a software upgrade known as the "Trusted Build."

This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

A renowned constitutional expert, Jonathan Turley of George Washington University, has called out a list of federal judges for inserting politics into their judicial rulings, which are supposed to be following the Constitution and the law, not necessarily the Democrat party.

Turley, whose commentary is valued online and in publications, by Congress where he has testified as an expert, and even by members of Congress who have chosen his representation, cited a recent opinion from William Young, who recently released his ruling about the pursuit of the administration of President Donald Trump to secure America's borders.

His opinion, finding the administration "in violation of the First Amendment over visa denials," was "bizarre," Turley concluded.

"With all due respect to Judge Young (who warrants considerable respect after his remarkable career), the captioning and conclusion are improvisational, impulsive, and injudicious. The court injected a political dialogic element in an opinion with sweeping implications for our constitutional system."

Young, relying on a quote from former Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, a Joe Biden appointee, said that the speech of illegal aliens in America, and those who may be pursuing entry into the United States, is protected by the First Amendment.

The Trump administration had sought to enforce deportation orders against those non-citizens radicalizing American college campuses with their pro-Palestinian riots.

Young also quoted his own wife as an authority, as she claimed Trump "seems to be winning. He ignores everything and keeps bullying ahead."

The judge claimed that "perfectly captures" Trump's public approach to power.

He found that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio "deliberately and with purposeful aforethought" used immigration powers to chill noncitizens' free speech.

This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

Police in one California city were conducting a DUI sting operation, and watched in disbelief as a car pulled a U-turn right in front of them.

An illegal U-turn.

So they pulled it over, and gave the driver … nothing.

There wasn't a driver.

It happened in San Bruno where police released a statement about DUI enforcement … "with a plot twist."

"During a grant-funded DUI enforcement operation, our officers observed something unusual: an autonomous vehicle made an illegal U-turn right in front of them at a light.

"That's right … no driver, no hands, no clue," police said.

Police stopped the vehicle and contacted Waymo, which was operating it.

A ticket couldn't be issued because there was no driver, and a state law allowing for those tickets still is in the future.

"Hopefully the reprogramming will keep it from making any more illegal moves," officers wrote on social media.

At Not the Bee a report explained officials at Waymo claimed the autonomous driving system was "designed to respect the rules of the road."

The company was investigating.

This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

Jimmy Kimmel, a late-night television entertainer, was taken off the air briefly after he made a horrific comment, styled as a "joke," about the death of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.

He suggested that conservatives were trying to portray the suspected killer, who could face the death penalty, as anyone other than one of them.

In fact, multiple testimonies have confirmed the suspect had turned far to leftist activities and agendas.

This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

A man who was sentenced to months in a federal prison for an online joke about Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential race, which she lost, has been formally cleared.

Douglass Mackey posted on social media the statement "TOTAL EXONERATION" along with a copy of a federal court order declaring, "It is ordered that the defendant is acquitted, discharged, and any bond exonerated."

He was charged, by a Department of Justice weaponized by Joe Biden, with interfering with an election, and convicted and sentenced to seven months in prison. His appeals kept him out, and while the court case was dropped as illegal some time ago, the final ruling just arrived.

He had joked, about Clinton, that her supporters should avoid the lines on election day and vote online.

Leftist prosecutors wildly claimed that Mackey tricked some 5,000 people into voting by text or social, even thought that was impossible, since there is no process for online voting.

It was in 2020, right after Biden moved into the White House, "one of the very first things his weaponized DOJ did was launch a political hit job on Douglass Mackey, a conservative influencer who dared to mock Hillary Clinton with a satirical meme during the 2016 election. The meme was obviously a joke and clearly protected speech. But that didn't matter. What mattered was the message it sent: mock the regime, and we'll destroy your life. So, that's exactly what the Biden regime did," Revolver commented.

This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

One school district in Florida has begun subjecting students, without permission, to a "Witchy Wednesday" indoctrination, and experts who follow the Constitution's requirements for protected speech and religious liberty are unhappy.

Soon school officials may be unhappy, too.

That's because Liberty Counsel has sent a demand letter to officials at Orange County public schools calling for opt-out procedures for students who object to a "Witchy Wednesday" video series school officials have started airing school-wide.

"The series, which is aired during mid-week morning announcements, is produced by students providing 'religious instruction' on spells, magic, moon worship, and other witchcraft rituals," the legal team explained.

And it has cautioned officials against making any such indoctrination mandatory.

Further, since that one religious perspective has been promoted officially by the school, now any Christian students "who wish to share their Christian beliefs" must be allowed to do so in the same manner.

Liberty Counsel's letter asks for school confirmation of plans to let students and staff opt out. And confirmation that students may express their own religious perspectives in the same manner.

The organization reported the "Witchy Wednesday" episodes were aired starting Sept. 10.

"Good morning, witches and [SCHOOL MASCOT NAME]. I'm [NAME REDACTED]. Today is Wednesday, September 10th, and this is our first episode of 'Witchy Wednesday.' I am here to guide you through your magical midweek journey every Wednesday. To start, there was a new moon yesterday on September 9th, normally regarded as a blank slate and a new start. This phase invites introspection and intention setting. Simple things to honor this phase could be to write your intentions and bury them or just meditate for an energy reset and healing," the promotion of witchcraft began.

"There is a full moon coming up on September 18th where the energy is at its highest peak. Creating simple things like moon water and releasing rituals are good ways to cleanse and recharge yourself during this period. In other news, our first ever 'Witch Tip Spotlight' is a spell for enlightenment that I call 'Light of Insight.' Its purpose is all about inviting clarity, wisdom, and light into your life. You will need a white candle, paper, pen, and incense. You can burn your incense around your area of practice to clear your surrounding energy for a start.

"You write your intuition down on your paper. Fold it three times. Burn your paper into your white candle. Burn it completely and entirely to have your intention released into the universe. That itself is your 'Light of Insight' at work. You then cleanse the space around you once more to finalize your spell. That's all for today, [SCHOOL MASCOT NAME]. Have a Wicked Wednesday."

The Supreme Court's perspective on such activity could be pertinent.

In Ma0hmoud v. Taylor, the justices recently said parents have the right to opt their children out of instruction that undermines their religious beliefs.

"The First Amendment compels [the school district] to provide any student who desires a religious opt-out to Witchy Wednesday be afforded that option," wrote Liberty Counsel.

Further high court rulings have confirmed "Christian expression cannot be denied in an open forum where other viewpoints are expressed."

Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver said, "Parents and students with contrary religious beliefs to the religious instruction of 'Witchy Wednesday" have the right to opt out. The First Amendment does not allow government schools to require this instruction, nor can the school deny differing viewpoints after it has opened its morning announcements forum to student expression. Orange County Public Schools would be wise to proceed by facilitating opt-outs and including other viewpoints."

The legal team warned the school's actions could set up some interesting arguments, as the Bible specifically undermines the "Witchy" claims.

For example, the letter explains, "The Bible warns of real spiritual beings who seek to destroy lives: 'put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places' (Ephesians 6:11-12). • The Bible states that there 'shall not be found among you anyone…who practices witchcraft… or one who conjures spells…or one who calls up the dead' and that these things are a great sin. (Deuteronomy 18:9-12a) • The Bible warns against astrology. (Jeremiah 10:2; 27:9-10; Daniel 2:1-4; 4:7; 5:7-9) • The Bible condemns worship of the sun, moon and stars. (Deuteronomy 4:19; 17:2-5; 2 Kings 21:3, 5; Zephaniah 1:5; Job 31:26-28; Jeremiah 8:1-2). • The Bible instructs people to inquire of God (Isaiah 8:19), not mediums and spiritists (Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Isaiah 44:25; Jeremiah 27:9; 2 Kings 21:6; 23:24; Ezekiel 21:21; Isaiah 19:3; 1 Samuel 28). • God warns that those who practice 'witchcraft…will not inherit the kingdom of God.' (Galatians 5:20-21; (Revelation 21:8)."

This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

Conservative icon Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at a free speech event at a Utah school only a week ago, co-founded Turning Point USA, an organization that specifically confronted radical leftists on college campuses and challenged them to speak their minds, listen and then consider their extremist attitudes.

The organization, which had several thousand chapters before the assassination, allegedly carried out by a leftist under the influence of the transgender ideology, has had interest expressed in starting not just hundreds or thousands, but tens of thousands more, and now has confirmed it will continue.

Under the leadership of Kirk's widow, Erika.

This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission is threatening to take action against ABC over on-air claims made by comedian Jimmy Kimmel about the man suspected of assassinating Charlie Kirk last week.

Kimmel said in his monologue Monday, "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them – and doing everything they can to score political points from it."

The suspect, Tyler Robinson, however, is reported by family members to have moved to the left politically in recent months, and Utah officials released texts to his transgender roommate in which he offers the reason he shot and killed the popular activist who clearly was in the MAGA camp.