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Federal Agents Execute Search Warrant at Fulton County Election Facility
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents executed a court-authorized search warrant Wednesday at a Fulton County, Georgia, election facility, according to CBS News. The search took place at the Fulton County Elections Hub Operations Center, located at 5600 Campbellton Fairburn Road in Union City.
Agents wearing camouflage vests were observed entering and exiting the warehouse. An FBI spokesperson confirmed the law enforcement action but did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the investigation, stating only that it was ongoing. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is not involved in the operation, according to a spokesperson.
Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez, a spokesperson for Fulton County, stated that the search focused on records related to the county's main election facility.
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady
In economic news, the Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it would hold its benchmark interest rate steady, marking the first pause after three consecutive rate cuts in the previous year, according to CBS News. The Fed maintained its federal funds rate in a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. This decision aligned with expectations from Wall Street economists, according to FactSet. The central bank is currently navigating a softening labor market and an inflation rate that remains above its 2% annual target. However, the U.S. economy continues to expand rapidly, with third-quarter growth rising at an annual rate of 4.4%, exceeding economist forecasts.
Rubio Rules Out Imminent Military Action in Venezuela
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Wednesday that the U.S. has no imminent plans for further military action in Venezuela, ABC News reported. Rubio made the statement during a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the first public hearing since the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3. "I can tell you right now with full certainty, we are not postured to nor do we intend or expect to have to take any military action in Venezuela at any time," Rubio said. He added, "I think it would require the emergence of an imminent threat of the kind that we do not anticipate at this time." However, Rubio noted that "the president does reserve the option in self defense."
Minneapolis Reels After Second Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents
Tensions are high in Minneapolis following the shooting death of Alex Pretti, 37, an ICU nurse, on Saturday, ABC News reported. This marks the second shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents in the city this month. The incident followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good, 37, on January 7. Protests have erupted, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Two federal officers involved in the Pretti shooting have been placed on leave, sources say.
Man Sentenced in Plot to Assassinate Iranian Dissident
Carlisle Rivera was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Wednesday for his role in a murder-for-hire plot to assassinate Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad, according to CBS News. Prosecutors say Rivera was hired by Iranian operative Farhad Shakeri. Alinejad, a critic of Iran's repression of women, confronted Rivera at his sentencing in federal court in Manhattan. "Now I'm going to face the killer, my would-be assassin," Alinejad said before the sentencing. "But the main killer in my eyes is the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps)." Alinejad has survived three plots by Iran's regime to kill or kidnap her. Both Alinejad and her husband spoke at the sentencing, expressing that they live in constant fear due to the Iranian government's attempts to silence her.
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