Current Events Overview: Pentagon Investigation, Terror Designation, and Notable Deaths
In a significant news roundup, the Pentagon has announced an investigation into Arizona Senator Mark Kelly regarding a recent video encouraging military personnel to reject unlawful orders. In other developments, the Trump administration has classified Venezuela’s ‘Cartel de los Soles’ as a foreign terror organization, and notable figures, including Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Viola Fletcher, have recently passed away.
Key Points / What’s New
- The Pentagon is investigating Senator Mark Kelly for remarks that may undermine military discipline.
- The Trump administration has designated Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terror group.
- The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has ceased its operations in the region amid ongoing violence.
- Viola Fletcher, a survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at the age of 111.
Pentagon Investigation into Senator Kelly
The Pentagon has initiated an investigation regarding Senator Kelly, who has been accused of potentially compromising the morale and discipline of the armed forces. Kelly’s video features several lawmakers advising military personnel to disregard illegal orders. In response to the allegations, Kelly stated his dedication to the nation, asserting that he will not be silenced by intimidation.
Trump Administration’s Terror Designation
In a move targeting Venezuela, the Trump administration has formally classified the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terror organization. This action is part of a broader strategy to ramp up pressure against President Nicolas Maduro’s regime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticized the group for its alleged involvement in terrorist activities, although the Maduro government refutes the cartel’s existence, suggesting it may refer to a network of senior military and political officials involved in drug trafficking.
Operations End for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has announced the termination of its activities in the region. In a press release, the group, which has been supported by the U.S. and Israel, claimed it was the sole organization providing consistent and secure food aid in Gaza. However, reports indicate that its operations were often shrouded in secrecy, and violence marred its distributions. Recent Israeli airstrikes resulted in numerous casualties, raising concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Viola Fletcher’s Legacy
Viola Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has passed away at the age of 111. Fletcher was only seven when a white mob ravaged the Greenwood District in Tulsa, historically recognized as Black Wall Street, resulting in significant loss of life and property. In her later years, she became an advocate for historical remembrance, sharing her experiences with the public and testifying before Congress about the violence she witnessed.
Her grandson confirmed her death, highlighting her love for life and her community as lasting sentiments from her remarkable journey.
Background
Mark Kelly, a retired captain from the U.S. Navy, faces possible disciplinary actions contingent upon a recall to active duty by the Secretary of Defense due to his controversial remarks. The designation of Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles comes amidst heightened military tensions and considerations of U.S. intervention in the country. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s withdrawal follows a violent backdrop in the region, even as it claims to have been a critical source of aid. Viola Fletcher endured the traumatic events of the 1921 massacre, which decimated a thriving Black community and continues to resonate in the ongoing dialogue about reparations and racial injustice.
