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Department of Justice Honors Senate Judiciary Committee Request for Information Related to Clinton Email Investigation

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement regarding Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley’s request for information related to the FBI’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and mishandling of classified information during her time as Secretary of State:

“Today, the Department of Justice honored Chairman Grassley’s request to release information relating to former-FBI Director James Comey’s failed investigation into Hillary Clinton’s mishandling of highly classified information during her tenure as Secretary of State. I commend Chairman Grassley for his unwavering, years-long commitment to exposing the truth and holding those who seek to conceal it accountable. This Department of Justice is fully committed to transparency and will continue to support good-faith efforts in Congress to ensure accountability across the federal government.”

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Foreign National Sentenced for Conspiring to Export U.S.-Made Drill Rigs to Iran in Violation of U.S. Sanctions Laws

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, 63, of Beirut, Lebanon, was sentenced to 44 months in prison for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export of goods from the United States to Iran without a license, attempted smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

“The defendant conspired to export millions of dollars of U.S.-made heavy machinery to Iran, a leading state sponsor of terrorism,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “The National Security Division will find and prosecute those who illegally sell American products to our adversaries.”

“The defendant threatened U.S. economic and national security by conspiring and concealing his efforts to circumvent our export controls to provide heavy machinery to Iran, a designated state sponsor of terrorism for the past 40 years,” said U.S. Attorney John P. Heckin for the Northern District of Florida. “My office will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who violates our laws and offers material support to America’s enemies.”

Assi was convicted of the charges in October 2024. According to evidence presented at trial, Assi was a Middle East-based salesman of a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with a U.S.-based subsidiary and production plant located in Alachua, Florida. Assi conspired with individuals affiliated with Sakht Abzar Pars Co. (SAP-Iran), based in Tehran, Iran, to export U.S.-made heavy machinery indirectly to Iran without first obtaining the required licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Assi and his Iranian co-conspirators orchestrated the scheme by locating an Iraq-based distributor to serve as the forward-facing purchaser of two U.S.-origin blasthole drills from the U.S. subsidiary of Assi’s employer. The drills are a type of heavy machinery used to create holes in the ground that are then filled with controlled explosives for mining.

Assi facilitated the sale of the drills and attempted export them to Iran and used freight forwarding companies to ship the heavy equipment from the U.S. to Turkey. In doing so, Assi concealed any Iranian involvement in the transaction from his employer, claiming the drills were ultimately destined for use in Iraq. But in truth, Assi intended for his Iranian co-conspirators to transship or reexport those items from Turkey to Iran, in circumvention of the U.S. export control and sanction laws.

In furtherance of the conspiracy, Assi concealed his activities with his Iranian co-conspirators by causing false information to be entered into the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S.-government database containing information about exports from the United States. The U.S.-based plant hired a U.S. freight forwarder to arrange the drill’s export from the U.S. to Iraq. As part of the shipping process, the freight forwarder submitted information to AES about the shipment, including the ultimate consignee’s name and the ultimate delivery destination. Assi misled his employer by claiming that the Iraqi distributor was the ultimate consignee, and that the ultimate delivery destination was Iraq. In fact, Assi knew that his co-conspirators in Iran were the true intended recipients, and Iran was the ultimate intended delivery destination.

In furtherance of the illicit transaction, Assi and his co-conspirators caused the transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey to pass through the United States.

The Commerce Department Bureau of Industry and Security’s Office of Export Enforcement investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson for the Northern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.

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Defense News in Brief: REFORPAC 2025: US Air Force executes unprecedented surge into Pacific theater

Source: United States Airforce

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) —  Over the last week, U.S. Pacific Air Forces accomplished a rapid, mass deployment and reception of personnel, equipment and aircraft to multiple locations in the Indo-Pacific theater of operations for Exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025.

“We’ve seen amazing global teamwork completing an incredible lift to kick off REFORPAC,” said Gen. Kevin Schneider, PACAF commander. “Airmen have innovated and overcome tough obstacles to get critical pieces in place, demonstrating our collective capability to project decisive air power into and throughout the Indo-Pacific with dramatic speed and scale.”

The U.S. Air Force, alongside its joint allies and partners, will continue to train and integrate over the next several weeks, enhancing interoperability and readiness across the Pacific theater. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way the Air Force is exercising to conduct large operations in contested, dynamic environments. The aim is to improve interoperability and multilateral cooperation, leading to a stronger, more capable, deterrent force.

The DLE series encompasses all branches of the Department of Defense, along with allies and partners, employing approximately 400 U.S. and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations spanning 3,000 miles.

The monumental effort is made possible by extensive planning and coordination efforts throughout the Air Force, along with joint, allied and partner forces, which have shown the ready ability of combined joint forces to mobilize in great numbers for any contingency. In lockstep with PACAF, Air Mobility Command has provided critical airlift, air refueling and command and control capabilities to project, connect, maneuver and sustain joint forces.

“We’re witnessing a complex operation in the Indo-Pacific driven by logistics – rapid, deliberate and mission-driven,” said Brig. Gen. Athanasia Shinas, mobilization assistant to PACAF’s director of logistics. “Our Total Force concept is critical to this capability, leveraging the unparalleled expertise and diverse talent drawn from every industry and sector of society through our Guard and Reserve. This integration creates extraordinary opportunities to strengthen our Total Force and coalition Airmen.”

Airmen are exercising robust contested logistics and engineering capabilities, sustainment over vast distances, fuel resupply and access to forward operating locations.

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron stand by for mission operations in support of Department-Level Exercise 2025 as part of the 374th Air Expeditionary Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 14, 2025. Through this DLE, the Department of the Air Force is preparing to be a stronger, more lethal deterrent force, to provide an advantage against competitors and adversaries across all domains, and to ensure regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kayla Karelas)
U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron stand by for mission operations in support of Department-Level Exercise 2025 as part of the 374th Air Expeditionary Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 14, 2025. Through this DLE, the Department of the Air Force is preparing to be a stronger, more lethal deterrent force, to provide an advantage against competitors and adversaries across all domains, and to ensure regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kayla Karelas)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing disembark from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft ahead of their support for exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 11, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing disembark from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft ahead of their support for exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 11, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

F-35s parked on flightline.
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II’s from the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing park on the flight line in Guam for Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 25 exercise, July 12, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 350 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrea Posey)

“This is a logistical movement at an unprecedented scale – an explosive surge into the theater driven by precision and a resilient joint network,” said Brig. Gen. Mike Zuhlsdorf, PACAF director of logistics, engineering and force protection. “What makes it exceptional is the partnership with local leaders abroad, as well as infrastructure; their participatory enthusiasm has turned REFORPAC into a truly integrated regional effort. This support brings essential access and shared purpose to an extraordinary training landscape.”

The tested Agile Combat Employment operational strategy, used to support joint operations, has prepared sites throughout the theater. ACE preparations have included shoring up building infrastructure and ensuring a constant flow of critical supplies, all to facilitate uninterrupted mission execution during the exercise.

“PACAF continually seeks to improve our readiness to respond to any contingency, defend the interests of the United States and work closely together with our allies and partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Schneider said.

 

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Defense News in Brief: US, Australian C-17s spearhead multinational joint force entry during Talisman Sabre 25

Source: United States Airforce

QUEENSLAND, Australia (AFNS) —  

Multiple U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs executed a joint force-entry operation into Australia, deploying U.S. Army and international paratroopers in support of Talisman Sabre 25.

Originating from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, the mission spanned the immense distances of the Pacific, sustained by U.S. Air Force aerial refueling operations. It culminated in the precision insertion of 314 U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division, Australian Defence Force and German Army paratroopers into a designated drop zone in eastern Australia.

“We employ large formations to quickly and effectively place mass at the time and place of our choosing,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Bukowski, 535th Airlift Squadron, 15th Wing, director of operations. “Executing a drop like this at speed and scale, and in conjunction with our allies and joint partners, is crucial to honing that skill and sending a deterrent message to our adversaries.”

The one-way, trans-Pacific journey spanned over 6,200 miles and was conducted by 13 C-17 aircraft assigned to the 15th Wing, Pacific Air Forces, 437th Airlift Wing, Air Mobility Command, and 164th Airlift Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard, underscored the robust U.S.-Australia partnership and shared commitment to regional defense.

“Through the strategic employment of U.S. Air Force mobility aircraft, our highly proficient teams—operating in close coordination with partners and allies — refined the ability to project personnel and mission-critical material across the vast Pacific with precision and speed,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Ana Donohue, 535th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot. “This critical capability was showcased during a recent joint forcible entry operation, where the air domain proved to be the decisive bridge between strategic airlift and ground-based objectives, enabling the rapid achievement of essential outcomes across a geographically expansive and demanding operational theater.”

The meticulous planning required for this complex joint force-entry operation extended months in advance of the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercise, highlighting the extensive coordination between allied forces.

Talisman Sabre, the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, is pivotal to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. It fortifies relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, concurrently enhancing collective capabilities to address a spectrum of complex security challenges.

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Defense News in Brief: Rescue squadrons unite, strengthen interoperability during REFORPAC

Source: United States Airforce

Resolute Force Pacific highlights how exercises strengthen combined capability and coordination for real-world contingencies across the Indo-Pacific region.

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) —  Airmen of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Rescue Wing, the U.S. Air National Guard’s 102nd Rescue Squadron, and the 130th Rescue Squadron came together for a cross-unit static display and capability exchange during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Misawa Air Base, July 15.

The event featured aircraft from both nations, including a JASDF UH-60J helicopter and U-125A search-and-rescue coordination aircraft, as well as a U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II from the 102nd Rescue Squadron.

“The goal of the capabilities briefing and aircraft tours was to enable partner nation integration and foster mutual understanding among our rescue squadrons,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Richard Conner, 130th Rescue Squadron HC-130J rescue loadmaster. “This lays the groundwork for future collaboration in the INDOPACOM area, which is a part of our unit’s mission.”

The static display was one of many engagements conducted as part of REFORPAC, a Pacific Air Forces-led contingency readiness exercise nested under the Department of the Air Force’s new Department-Level Exercise series. This DLE is a first-in-a-generation approach to preparing for operations in contested, dynamic environments, spanning more than 50 locations and involving more than 12,000 joint and coalition personnel and over 400 aircraft.

 

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 102nd and 130th Air Rescue Squadrons are shown a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Air Rescue Wing UH-60J helicopter for a cross-unit static display and capability exchange during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, July 15, 2025.
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 102nd and 130th Air Rescue Squadrons are shown a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Rescue Wing UH-60J helicopter for a cross-unit static display and capability exchange during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Misawa Air Base, July 15, 2025. The interaction reinforces REFORPAC’s goal to deepen allied coordination and advance shared security objectives in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 102nd and 130th Rescue Squadrons are shown a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Rescue Wing U-125A search-and-rescue coordination aircraft for a cross-unit static display and capability exchange during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) at Misawa Air Base, July 15, 2025.
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 102nd and 130th Rescue Squadrons are shown a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Rescue Wing U-125A search-and-rescue coordination aircraft for a cross-unit static display and capability exchange during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) at Misawa Air Base, July 15, 2025. Events like this highlight how REFORPAC strengthens combined capability and coordination for real-world contingencies across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Airman assigned to the Air Rescue Wing displays the internals of a UH-60J helicopter for a cross-unit static display and capability exchange during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, July 15, 2025.
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Airman assigned to the Air Rescue Wing displays the internals of a UH-60J helicopter for a cross-unit static display and capability exchange during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Misawa Air Base, July 15, 2025. These exchanges support REFORPAC’s objective to improve understanding and reinforce multilateral response readiness in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

Throughout the display, participating Airmen discussed aircraft capabilities and differences in personnel recovery methods.

“One notable difference is in the pararescue insertion methods,” Conner said. “JASDF Pararescue typically insert via hoist from the UH-60J, since their fixed-wing aircraft belong to the Airlift Command. Meanwhile, our HC-130J enables personnel airdrops, which allows our Pararescue to get to the fight.”

Conner also pointed out technical details that stood out during the tour.

“I was surprised to see the UH-60J outfitted with external fuel tanks — that really extends its loiter time,” he added.

More than a showcase of equipment, the event fostered personal relationships, improved operational communication and strengthened shared tactics.

“This event is extremely important in building a framework for further cooperation,” Conner said. “It puts faces and names to specific units and enables us to fly real-world missions together during REFORPAC. By briefing and mission planning together, we’re able to execute helicopter air-to-air refueling and speak the same language and brevity terms while flying in close formation over the Sea of Japan.”

The visit concluded with a group photo symbolizing shared commitment among the rescue units. A common thread across all participating squadrons stood out: their shared motto, That Others May Live.

“Everyone got a kick out of the fact that our units all share the same motto,” Conner said. “It’s a powerful reminder that no matter the uniform, our mission is the same.

 

 

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Defense News in Brief: U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

Source: United States Navy

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the U.S. Navy, conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, July 16.

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Eight Young Mob Gang Members Indicted in Memphis on Racketeering, Murder, Robbery, Firearm and Drug Charges

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

 Larry Wilson, of Memphis, Tennessee, made his initial appearance in federal court today for his role in Young Mob (YM), a violent street gang that allegedly commits crimes including murder, assault, arson, drug trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, and narcotics trafficking. Wilson is the last of eight Young Mob defendants charged to make his initial appearance related to this case.

“As alleged, this gang shot and killed a member of a rival gang in a restaurant drive-through and robbed customers at gunpoint at another Memphis establishment, recklessly endangering innocent bystanders,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Gang violence that spills into our community spreads fear and insecurity in our neighborhoods. The Criminal Division, in partnership with our federal and local law enforcement colleagues, remains steadfast in our pursuit of gangs that inflict senseless violence in our country.”

“This gang engaged in numerous unlawful activities, including acts of extreme violence, which demonstrated a blatant disregard for human life,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Through a coordinated effort, the ATF and its local, state, and federal partners worked tirelessly to dismantle the organization and ensure that its members are held accountable.”

Larry Wilson, 35, Brian Lackland, 35, Paul Nelson, 32, Mohamed Samba, 25, Braxton Beck, 33, Edgar Smith, 39, Jerrod Cox, 32, and Cedric Jackson, 33, all Tennessee residents, were charged for their membership and association with YM. YM members signify their membership by wearing red and/or black clothing and jewelry with an “Eight Ball” or the letters YM or YMM. YM members and recruits are required to commit acts of violence to gain membership and maintain their status in the gang.

On May 28, 2022, Samba and other, not-yet-identified, YM members, shot suspected rival KSBG gang members ─ murdering one and attempting to murder two others ─ in a McDonald’s restaurant drive-through in Memphis. After the shootings, YM members burned the stolen car used in the shooting.

The indictment further alleges that on May 13, 2023, at Tug’s Casual Grill, a Memphis restaurant, Nelson, Cox, and another unnamed YM member robbed customers at gunpoint. The unnamed member was shot and killed. Nelson and Cox left the mortally wounded man in a nearby fire station parking lot and then drove their stolen vehicle to another location and burned it. 

The indictment also alleges that on March 17, 2024, Lackland and Beck attempted the murder of a suspected gang rival, which was thwarted in part due to police presence in the area. In addition, on June 11 and June 12, 2024, Lackland, Wilson, Beck, and Jackson attempted to rob customers at a Memphis tattoo shop before abandoning the scene because of police presence. Undeterred, the same group, along with Smith this time, returned to the tattoo shop after police left the area and robbed multiple customers.

As alleged, YM receives money and income from drug trafficking, kidnappings, and robberies. Such funds are used for gang purposes, including obtaining weapons and narcotics and providing support for YM gang members, including those in prison serving time for various crimes. YM also receives money and income from various musical interests, with defendant Lackland being a well-known rapper who goes by the stage name “Stupid Duke.”

YM members and associates are also separately charged as part of a drug conspiracy that was responsible for the distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Multiple members are also charged with various firearm offenses.  

If convicted, Lackland, Samba, Nelson, Smith, and Cox face a maximum penalty of life in prison. If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison, Beck faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison, and Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The ATF, Memphis Multi-Agency Gang Unit, and Memphis Police Homicide Unit are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Amanda Kotula of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Neal Oldham for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and their associates in Memphis.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Justice Department Publishes Proposed Rule to Grant Relief to Certain Individuals Precluded from Possessing Firearms

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

WASHINGTON — President Trump directed the Department of Justice to address the ongoing infringements of the Second Amendment rights of our citizens—all of them. Federal law disables the firearms rights of many citizens who have been convicted of crimes without regard to whether they actually pose a threat of violence. But federal law also empowers the Attorney General to restore Second Amendment rights to individuals who are not “likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.” Today, the Department of Justice submitted to the Office of the Federal Register a proposed rule regarding the exercise of the Attorney General’s authority under 18 U.S.C. 925(c) to grant relief to individuals who are otherwise precluded from possessing firearms.

“For too long, countless Americans with criminal histories have been permanently disenfranchised from exercising the right to keep and bear arms—a right every bit as constitutionally enshrined as the right to vote, the right to free speech, and the right to free exercise of religion—irrespective of whether they actually pose a threat,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No longer.”

The proposed rule will provide citizens whose firearm rights are currently under legal disability with an avenue to restore those rights, while keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals and illegal aliens. Ultimate discretion to grant relief will remain with the Attorney General, and she will exercise that discretion on a case-by-case basis in light of all available facts and evidence that bear on an individual’s application. But absent extraordinary circumstances, violent felons, registered sex offenders, and illegal aliens, in particular, will remain presumptively ineligible for relief.

“General Bondi’s support of the rebooted 925(c) program is consistent with President Donald J. Trump’s promise to the American people to support the beautiful Second Amendment,” said U.S. Pardon Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. “My team and I are developing a 925(c) program landing page with a sophisticated, user-friendly platform for Americans petitioning for the return of their gun rights, which will make the process easier for them.”

The Justice Department welcomes comments from communities that could be affected by a final rule including law enforcement, victims’ advocates, elected officials, and individuals who would like to apply to have their gun rights restored. Because this proposed rule is intended to create a fair and thoughtful system to evaluate applications for the restoration of firearms right, the Justice Department recommends that individuals seeking the restoration of their firearm rights review and comment on the proposed process rather than submit applications at this time.  

View the proposed rule as it was submitted to the Office of the Federal Register HERE. An official copy will be published next week.