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The attempt to get Black Lives Matter labeled a terrorist group has come to a halt. On July 6, a “We the People” petition was created on the White House website in efforts to have the federal government officially recognize the movement as an extremist group. “Terrorism is defined as ‘the use of violence and intimidation in pursuit of political aims.’ This definition is the same definition used to declare ISIS and other groups, as terrorist organizations,” read the petition. It also stated that the group “earned this title due to its actions in Ferguson, Baltimore, and even at a Bernie Sanders rally, as well as all over the United States and Canada.” The petition garnered 141,444 signatures, prompting the White House to issue a response. “The White House plays no role in designating domestic terror organizations,” stated the We the People team. They also shared that the U.S. government doesn’t “generate a list of domestic terror organizations.” The team also asked those who signed the petition to reflect on President Obama’s call for a better understanding of what the movement represents. “I think it’s important for us to also understand that the phrase ‘black lives matter’ simply refers to the notion that there’s a specific vulnerability for African Americans that needs to be addressed,” said President Obama during a meeting with law enforcement officials, activists, and civil rights leaders last week. “We shouldn’t get too caught up in this notion that somehow people who are asking for fair treatment are somehow, automatically, anti-police, are trying to only look out for black lives as opposed to others. I think we have to be careful about playing that game.” Read more.


Actor Antonio Sabàto Jr. Says President Obama is “Absolutely” a Muslim

During the Republican National Convention on Monday, actor and model Antonio Sabàto Jr. shared his thoughts about President Obama’s religious beliefs. While delivering a speech to show his solidarity with presidential hopeful Donald Trump, Sabàto Jr. said that he “absolutely” believes President Obama is a Muslim. “We had a Muslim president for seven and half years. I don’t believe he is [a Christian],” he said. “I believe that he’s on the other side…the Middle East. He’s with the bad guys.” He also mentioned that he believes the country went downhill due to President Obama’s leadership. “I believe we need Donald Trump, who shares my beliefs and my faith, to get our country back on track,” he said before the audience. “Donald Trump will put us back on the right track.” Sabàto Jr. also said that despite the fact many people in his profession are more liberal, he will continue to support Donald Trump and doesn’t care about being judged. Read more.


Louisiana Prosecutors Drop Charges Against 100 BLM Protesters

Prosecutors in Louisiana have decided to drop charges against nearly 100 Black Lives Matter protesters who were apprehended for blocking traffic during a Baton Rouge demonstration. Amongst the protesters are activist DeRay Mckesson and Ieshia Evans, the nurse seen standing before law enforcement officials in a viral photo. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III went over the 185 arrests and decided to drop the charges placed against about 100 demonstrators. “These particular cases only involve facts where the person arrested failed to comply with an officer’s direction to leave the roadway or public passage,” read a statement released by the prosecutor’s office. “While all citizens have the right to assemble and protest, they do not have the right to block streets and impede the flow of traffic.” Mckesson’s attorney, Roy Rodney Jr., is pleased with the news. “This is exactly the remedy we had requested and it’s fair because Mckesson did not do anything wrong. He did not break the law, he was unfairly arrested,” he said. There are about four protesters who still are behind bars in East Baton Rouge Parish prison. Read more.


New MTV Show Will Focus on Wrongful Imprisonment

A new MTV show will delve into the cases of individuals who might have been wrongly convicted of committing a crimes. The docu-series, Unlocking the Truth, will be hosted by Ryan Ferguson — a man who spent 10 years behind bars for a crime that he didn’t commit — and co-investigator Eva Nagao. The two will look into three cases. “Ten years was taken from me,” said Ferguson, who was wrongfully sentenced to 40 years for murder. “If I can stop them from putting innocent people in prison, that 10 years will have meant something.” One of the stories follows the journey of a man who was arrested for allegedly murdering his mother. Another story delves into the case of a man who allegedly killed his friend and was slapped with two life sentences. The last story is centered on a man who was convicted of intent to kill and robbery. Unlocking the Truth is slated to air on August 17 at 11/10c. Read more.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

NEWS ROUNDUP: White House Denounces Petition To Have BLM Labeled A Terrorist Group…AND MORE  was originally published on newsone.com