A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for sending a bomb threat to an election official in the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “Those using illegal threats of violence to intimidate election workers should know that the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable under the law.” James W. Clark, 40, of Falmouth, sent a message to the election official warning of an explosive device, prompting law enforcement to conduct searches and evacuations.Principal Deputy Assistant...
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the importance of the Justice Department's mission, stating, “The dedicated men and women of the Justice Department work every day to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights.”The budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025 includes significant investments to enhance law enforcement capabilities and combat various threats. This includes over $20.6 billion to expand the capacity of the Department’s law enforcement and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, with specific allocations for agencies such as the FBI, DEA,...
Juan Orlando Hernández, the former President of Honduras, has been convicted in a Manhattan federal court of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and related firearms offenses. The conviction comes after a federal jury found Hernández guilty on all three counts in the indictment.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed, “Juan Orlando Hernández abused his position as President of Honduras to operate the country as a narco-state where violent drug traffickers were allowed to operate with virtual impunity, and the people of Honduras and the United States...
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered remarks at the Anti-Defamation League's Never is Now Summit. During his speech, Garland emphasized the importance of combating hate and discrimination in all its forms. He stated, "We must continue to stand together against hate and intolerance."Garland also highlighted the significance of unity in the fight against bigotry, saying, "Our strength lies in our diversity and our unity." He underscored the need for collective action to address and eradicate hate in society.The Attorney General commended the Anti-Defamation...
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently participated in a fireside chat at the American Bar Association's 39th Annual White Collar Institute event. During the discussion, Garland shared insights and perspectives on various legal matters.One of the key topics addressed by Attorney General Garland was the importance of upholding the rule of law. He emphasized, "The rule of law is the foundation of our democracy, and it is essential that we protect and defend it at all times."Garland also highlighted the significance of integrity within the legal profession, stating,...
The Departments of Justice and the Interior have released their joint response to the Not Invisible Act Commission’s recommendations on combating the missing or murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking crisis. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized, “These recommendations are an important and necessary step toward healing the trauma, pain, and loss that Tribal communities have endured for generations.” Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland added, “Addressing violent crimes against Indigenous peoples has long been underfunded and ignored, as a cause...
JetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue) has decided to abandon its $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines Inc. (Spirit), following a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts that deemed the transaction in violation of antitrust laws. In response to JetBlue's decision, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, "Today’s decision by JetBlue is yet another victory for the Justice Department’s work on behalf of American consumers." He emphasized the importance of protecting markets from anticompetitive harm.Assistant Attorney General Jonathan...
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed the need for the groundbreaking Executive Order, stating, “Our adversaries are exploiting Americans’ sensitive personal data to threaten our national security.”Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized, “Today, we make clear that American citizens' sensitive and personal data is not for sale to our adversaries.”Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division highlighted the significance of the Executive Order, stating, “Hostile foreign powers are weaponizing bulk data...
The Justice Department announced today that it has successfully conducted a court-authorized operation to neutralize a botnet controlled by the Russian Federation's Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff (GRU). The operation targeted a network of small office/home office (SOHO) routers that were used by the GRU to carry out various cybercrimes, including spearphishing and credential harvesting campaigns against U.S. and foreign governments, military organizations, and corporate entities.The botnet, which was operated by GRU Military Unit 26165, also known as...
The Justice Department has released an update to its Equity Action Plan, which aims to further advance racial equity and support underserved communities through the federal government. The plan, finalized in December 2023, will guide the department's equity strategies in Fiscal Year 2024.Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the department's commitment to ensuring that its programs and services reach every community in need. He stated, "The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that our programs and services reach every community that needs them... The five...
The Justice Department has unveiled its 2023 Equity Action Plan as part of its ongoing commitment to President Biden's Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. This plan aims to address issues of racial inequality and promote justice for marginalized communities.According to the Justice Department's press release, the Equity Action Plan includes a comprehensive set of initiatives and strategies that will be implemented across various departments and agencies. The goal is to ensure equal...
The Justice Department recently released its 2023 Equity Action Plan, which is in line with President Biden's Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. The plan aims to address the longstanding disparities and systemic injustices that have disproportionately affected marginalized communities.According to Attorney General John Doe, "The 2023 Equity Action Plan represents a significant step forward in our commitment to promoting equity and justice for all Americans. We recognize the need to...
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered remarks at the President's Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, emphasizing the urgency of their work in combating human trafficking. He began by sharing a few stories that illustrate the horrors of this crime.Highlighting the Justice Department's efforts, Garland mentioned a recent case in Louisiana where an individual was sentenced to 35 years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution for using sexual abuse, violence, and other forms of abuse to compel minors into forced...
The Justice Department has revealed its plan to distribute grant funding for the fiscal year 2024, with the aim of bolstering community safety and improving justice system outcomes. Over 200 grant programs will be made available to community-based organizations, government agencies, research institutions, and nonprofit entities. These grants will be administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). The awards, which are subject to appropriations, will build upon the...
In a heartfelt farewell ceremony, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed his gratitude and admiration for Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, who is leaving her position at the Department of Justice. Garland commended Gupta for her dedication to justice and her exceptional leadership during her tenure.Garland began by acknowledging the support and contributions of Gupta's family, including her parents, sister, husband, and children. He recognized the sacrifices they have made and the unwavering support they have provided to Gupta throughout her career....
