Politics and Current
Mississippi deputy facing 27 years for torturing black men seeks leniency, says he was only in the truck but admits he never stopped abusing them
A former Mississippi sheriff’s deputy convicted in 2023 of torturing two black men asked a federal judge to commute his 27-year sentence, arguing that he simply waited in his truck while his fellow officers committed the crime.
Brett McAlpin is one in all six white former law enforcement officers who pleaded guilty in 2023 in reference to breaking right into a Jackson home with no warrant and participating in a brutal attack that lasted several hours.
The officers were convicted in March and received sentences starting from 10 to 40 years in prison.
McAlpin, 53, was the lead investigator for the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office at the time of the crime.
He is serving a 27-year sentence, the second longest amongst the defendants, at a federal prison in West Virginia.
Just months into his sentence, McAlpin claims in legal papers that his sentence was “unjustified” because he remained in his truck and did indirectly participate in the torture of Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker.
McAlpin’s attorney, Theodore Cooperstein, filed a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the fifth Circuit on Aug. 23, arguing that McAlpin was merely present when other officers committed heinous acts, hoping it might mitigate his punishment.
“Brett was drawn into the scene as events spiraled out of control but maintained his distance as the other officers operated,” Cooperstein wrote. According to Associated Press Press Agency
The other former Rankin County sheriff’s deputies are Hunter Elward, Christian Dedmon, Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke, in addition to former Richland Police K-9 officer Joshua Hartfield.
The lawsuit asked for a lenient sentence despite McAlpin doing nothing to assist victims during the tragedy and playing a job in transporting the crew to and from the scene.
“While Brett did not stop what he saw and knew was wrong, he did not order, initiate, or participate in the brutal abuse of the two victims,” the motion stated.
The lawsuit asks the appeals court to overturn McAlpin’s conviction and order the district judge to impose a lesser sentence.
Cooperstein argued that the cumulative impact of those atrocities overshadowed McAlpin’s individual role, causing him to bear the brunt of collective condemnation, and that court and public perception of the events unfairly exacerbated his punishment.
McAlpin’s appeal doesn’t specify the exact variety of years he is searching for to have his sentence reduced.
The motion significantly downplays McAlpin’s involvement, but his appeal for relief stands in stark contrast to Mississippi’s strict sentencing guidelines for violent crimes, including torture.
Mississippi law places an emphasis on the liability of those that aid in the commission of great crimes, and McAlpin’s argument doesn’t change the undeniable fact that his actions played a major role in the crimes against Jenkins and Parker.
The January 24, 2023 attack included beatings, the use of stun guns, multiple assaults with a sex toy and ended with one victim being shot in the mouth in a botched mock execution when the gun misfired.
The crime was so heinous that U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned it.
“The vileness of the crimes committed by these defendants cannot be overstated,” Garland said after a gaggle of former officers received federal sentences.
Before he was sent to jail on March 21, McAlpin apologized in open court, but did so without making eye contact along with his victims.
“This was all wrong, very wrong. This is not how people should treat each other, and more importantly, this is not how law enforcement should treat people,” McAlpin said. “I’m truly sorry that I was a part of something that made law enforcement look so bad.”
Earlier, federal prosecutor Christopher Perras had sought the maximum sentence, arguing that while McAlpin was not a direct member of the Goon Squad, he played a key role in shaping the group into brutal law enforcers.
One of the victims also described McAlpin as a “mafioso chieftain” who was in charge of the officers throughout the attack.
Prosecutors noted that junior officers often tried to impress McAlpin, and Daniel Opdyke’s lawyer revealed that his client treated McAlpin like a father figure.
Perras said a few of the officers involved initially “wanted to be good law enforcement officers” but ultimately “turned into monsters.”
“How did these deputies learn to treat another human being this way? Your Majesty, the answer is right there,” Perras argued during the hearing, pointing to McAlpin.
Prosecutors said the nightmare story began when a neighbor contacted McAlpine to complain about two black men living with a white woman in the small town of Braxton.
Although no crime had been committed, McAlpin passed the information on to Deputy Sheriff Christian Dedmon, who then contacted an alleged group of white officers often called “The Goon Squad” — known for their brutality and excessive use of force.
On the night of the attacks on Jenkins and Parker, police broke into the home with no warrant, turned off the body cameras on the victims and started brutally beating them, hurling racial slurs at them.
They handcuffed them, shocked Parker and Jenkins dozens of times with stun guns, after which poured milk, alcohol, and chocolate syrup over their heads.
They then forced the victims to undress and shower together in an try and wash away the evidence.
Jenkins survived the gunshot wound to the mouth, but the gunshot wound damaged his tongue and broke his jaw.
The police tried to cover up the crime, but when the attack was discovered, it backfired on everyone.
During the investigation, it was discovered that members of the group had been exchanging disturbing text messages on WhatsApp in which they described shocking individuals with stun guns in the face and personal parts, joked about having sex with individuals who had committed suicide, been murdered or died in automotive accidents while showing photos of their bodies, and planned a simulated murder of a person involved in a road accident in which the perpetrator fled the scene.
The gruesome details of the case are a painful reminder of Mississippi’s history of racist abuse by law enforcement. But this time, the perpetrators faced serious consequences for their actions, attorneys for the victims said.
District Judge Tom Lee condemned the former officers’ actions as (*27*) and imposed sentences near the maximum allowed under federal guidelines for five of the six men involved in the attack.
Six former officers also pleaded guilty to the charges against them and were convicted in April.
Hartfield, a former Richland police officer who was not a part of the sheriff’s department or the “Goon Squad,” was the only defendant to receive a sentence below the maximum advisable by federal guidelines. Judge Lee sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
Dedmon was sentenced to 40 years, Opdyke and Middleton to 17.5 years, and Elward received a 20-year sentence.
Politics and Current
Donald Trump’s support among black voters is falling significantly
The final NBC News poll shows a major drop in support for Donald Trump among black voters.
Questionnaire released Sunday revealed an especially tight 2024 presidential campaign race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate former President Donald Trump, with each tied at 49%. However, there are significant differences in support across different voter demographics.
The poll shows Harris has the most important lead over Trump among Black voters (87%-9%), young voters under 30 (57%-41%), and college-educated white voters (55%-43%). Trump’s 9% approval rating among black voters is down from the 12% he received within the 2020 election against Joe Biden.
Other key splits show Harris leading among women by 16 points (57%-41%) and Trump leading among men by 18 points (58%-40%). Harris also has a major 20-point lead over Trump relating to which candidate is seen as higher at handling the abortion issue, and has a bonus relating to which candidate is higher at caring for the center class.
Overall, the poll shows a disagreement between Harris and Trump, with each receiving 49% support from registered voters in a head-to-head matchup, while only 2% of voters remain undecided. Trump holds a slight lead over Harris among white voters and people and not using a college degree, leading by 2 points at 50-48%.
The popularity of Harris and Trump is almost equal: 43% of voters have a positive opinion of Harris and 50% have a negative opinion. For comparison, Trump has 42% positive rankings and 51% negative rankings. When it comes to manage of Congress, 47% of voters prefer Democrats to steer Congress, while 46% favor Republican control.
Because of the nationwide Electoral College system, the end result of the presidential election will ultimately rely on the ends in key battleground states akin to Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Like the ultimate NBC poll, the newest polls from swing states show tight races and uncertainty.
Regardless of the end result of the presidential election, 60% of registered voters consider the United States will remain divided, while only 28% consider it’s going to grow to be more united after the 2024 election.
Politics and Current
How Black Women Can Prioritize Wellness This Election Season – Essence
Sydney Shaffer/Getty Images
Election week finally arrived; a day that, not without reason, we greet with double optimism and fear. As we wait for the election results and subsequent reactions, it is vital to concentrate on the wellness and sweetness practices that keep us grounded.
Regardless of the election result, emotions shall be high and will spark social unrest, which could cause significant concern for marginalized groups. As evidenced by past elections and the January 6 revolt, American society often finds itself in a polarized and reactive state. The potential consequence of a Black woman’s election to the presidency raises hope in lots of and outrage in others, prompting some populations to concentrate on caring for themselves and their communities during this time.
Wellness and sweetness routines often go hand in hand and will be effective regulating practices to appease nerves. The ritualistic nature of makeup or skincare routines, mindfulness meditations, and prioritizing nutrition and rest are all ways to nourish yourself during difficult times. The immediate aftermath of results, whether higher or worse, is more likely to trigger emotionally charged experiences.
She tapped ESSENCE Dr. Robin OnwongPh.D., a provisionally licensed psychologist, to grasp how these decisions may impact Black women and what we are able to do to develop healthy habits.
First, it explains the function of the stress hormone, cortisol, and its context. “When cortisol levels are high for an prolonged time period (e.g., from the beginning of voter registration to Election Day to the inauguration), stress begins to build up and creates allostatic load. In other words, it weakens our immune system and increases the chance of mental health problems, heart problems, fatigue, lack of attention, poor nutrition, etc.
“Overall,” she continues, “most black women in the states were already experiencing high allostatic load, and the election season only deepened the collective sense of heaviness.”
“My encouragement, from both a human and clinical standpoint, is to manage the stress before and after the election whenever possible, focus on the fundamentals and stay on top of the controllables. This looks like building on well-being practices that focus on our basic human needs.”
Dr. Onwong’s list of straightforward areas we are able to start relieving stress include: eating nutritious meals and staying adequately hydrated, getting enough quality rest, and exercising. Additionally, she notes that other vital practices include breath work “which draws you into the present moment,” gratitude exercises, clearing your physical space, and being “a more gracious steward of your time on social media.”
It also points to the effectiveness of community, which may give some people a way of hope and security. In addition to home wellness methods, there are numerous shared spaces where you may seek emotional refuge. Below you can see resources so you may safely connect with others and never feel the necessity to face this stressful day alone.
Sister Song’s Election Party
Sister Song is a reproductive justice collective led by women of color based in Atlanta, Georgia. On November 5, they’re organizing a private “election party” with themes of sharing space, healing, creating artistic endeavors and being in community.
Therapy for black girls on election day. Room for self-care
Therapy for black girls is a web based platform and resource base specializing in the mental health of Black women and girls. On November 5, they’re organizing a virtual Self-care room on election day featuring guided yoga, meditation, journaling sessions and open check-ins. You can find tickets and event information HERE.
Hello Healing Circles
Onwong’s doctor shares: “Association of Black Psychologists offers on November 4, 5, and 6, 2024. These are virtual, protected community spaces for people of African descent that draw on culturally rooted healing strategies to deal with Black trauma/stress and social violence. These are non-clinical (non-therapeutic), culturally supportive and affirming spaces intended to advertise well-being and overall social-emotional adjustment. To express interest, please send an email.
BEAM Holiday break on election day
BEAM, also generally known as the Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective, is a platform dedicated to Black healing. Together with indicated resources to deal with election unrest, they’re organizing three meetings virtual “pause” sessions. throughout election day to have the chance to “pause, take a breath and sort out the situation together.”
Black women’s sisterhood with plans
Black Women’s Agenda is an area dedicated to the well-being of Black women. They offer weekly sisterhood circles emphasizing political education, wellness, and collective care. The next virtual circle will happen on Thursday, November 7.
Politics and Current
Donald Trump fights during a rally in Georgia while Herschel Walker is called a “real idiot” for telling attendees to vote for the wrong person
Former President Donald Trump delivered a blistering campaign speech in Georgia on Sunday that was supposed to be his final address to undecided voters in the state, but as a substitute became one in all his most rambling tirades since becoming the GOP nominee, prompting a wave of ridicule on social media.
During a speech in Macon, some in the audience appeared to fall asleep as Trump talked about brutal deaths at the hands of immigrants and vented his frustration over what he called 800,000 falsified “cob” reports when he meant “jobs,” while his voice often stuttered with a monotonous tone that failed to excite the crowd.
“Dementia Don is going through some stuff,” one X user commentedwhich reflects a wave of criticism about Trump’s mental capability to lead the country.
At one point, Trump mentioned that if he became president again, he would love to put former comebacker Herschel Walker in charge of the nation’s missile defense, though Walker has no prior experience with military strategy or defense systems.
“We will build an all-USA-made anti-missile shield wrapped around our country to defend us and our country,” Trump announced to his cheering supporters. Trump then added, “We’re going to put Herschel Walker in charge of this little sucker” — which drew little applause.
TRUMP: We will construct an anti-missile shield. We’ll put Herschel Walker in charge of this little sucker
CUT TO:
The man whom Donald Trump wants to entrust with command of the American missile defense system. https://t.co/yOVm0crpWU pic.twitter.com/KvTv4bHyzu
— Eric Champnella (@champnella) November 4, 2024
When Walker took the stage, he did himself no favors to prove he was ready for the task, sounding nervous at times and having difficulty pronouncing Trump’s name appropriately.
“Let’s not let Donald Trump down, because he won’t let us down. Because when you see what they are doing to this country. You say it’s a damn shame. And it’s time to stop it. And it will end on Tuesday when we get to the polls and vote for my friend and your friend, Donald Trump Jr.!” Walker stated before realizing his mistake and starting to stutter to correct himself.
However, he repeatedly mispronounced Trump’s name. “Donald Trump, er, Jonald J. Trump!”
Herschel Walker is as real an idiot as Republicans think Kamala is https://t.co/WYARGehpYO
— Foster (@fosterd07) November 4, 2024
Social media has rightly mocked Walker for becoming a caricature or Uncle Tom-like figure in the Trump campaign, and his appearance has only reinforced doubts about his readiness to tackle a major role in the next Trump administration.
“I’m insulted by you. “Herschel Walker embodies every negative stereotype that black Americans have fought against for decades: violence, crime, intellectual inferiority and sexual promiscuity” – one person he wrote further X. “Republicans admit it’s just a symbol so they can claim they’re not racist.”
Other in addition, “Herschel Walker is as real an idiot as Republicans think Kamala is.”
A podcast video featuring Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean, who mocked Herschel Walker’s 2022 GOP Senate campaign, has resurfaced on social media platforms after he suggested creating a “department that may look into young men women social media” in response to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
“Herschel Walker played football when helmets were soft” – one in all the panelists he joked at the time, drawing raucous laughter from the studio audience.
🗣 THE HELMET WAS SOFT!!!!!! https://t.co/CONTf1p45v pic.twitter.com/CPwbm555pQ
— DIAMOND LIFE (@Melanated_AF) May 26, 2022
Throughout the day at
“That guy in the gold hat looks like he’s fighting the urge to nod off,” Justin Baragona wrote on X, sharing three photos showing the man leaning back and sleepily observing Trump.
Other social media influencers looked for signs of boredom amongst the audience as Trump talked in circles.
“The young women behind Trump are struggling,” noted Aaron Rupar, an independent journalist who covers the Trump campaign from a liberal standpoint. He shared a video of a young woman stifling a yawn while one other woman sitting next to her appears engrossed in her phone.
Rupar noted that ladies seemed unfazed by Trump’s fear-mongering over acts of violence he attributed to immigrant gang members on Long Island, New York.
“Trump’s beautiful 16-year-olds cut with knives don’t seem like a big hit.” Rupper he wrote, while declaring Trump’s word salad, which included:Agriculture“for agriculture” and “flasks” regarding the jobs quote in which Trump tried to criticize the Biden administration for creating jobs but had difficulty making his views clear to supporters.
“The whistleblower posted information about 18 of the 800,000 cobs, and furthermore the whistleblower said you know it wasn’t 800,000 but 18,000, you add that up and then you add 100 and you think it’s 112,000 jobs,” Trump said.
Dementia Don is going through some things.
— Lucas Sanders 💙🗳️🌊💪🌈🚺🟧 (@LucasSa56947288) November 4, 2024
“Just look at the crowd,” commented Fred Wellman, sharing a video showing a young woman waking up from a nap just as Trump made his gaffe.
In response to this error, a Michigan GOP Watch political pundit joked, “His brain is tapioca pudding.”
Rupar also identified that Trump began an anecdote about former first lady Michelle Obama but didn’t finish it.
“Trump starts with Michelle Obama but gets distracted and never finishes the thought,” Rupar wrote. “I have always treated his beautiful wife Michelle, I have always had great respect for her, but she has been hard on me lately…” Trump began. “What was that, Front Row Joes?” he asked before turning to the size of his crowd.
The speech reflected a pattern of Trump’s incoherence, characterised by a disturbing tendency to gibberish and contradict himself, which further fueled concerns about his understanding of key issues and the impact of his age as Trump turned 78 in June.
On Friday, in one other speech in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Trump told rallygoers that he had a “very fertile brain,” while defending himself against critics who proceed to accuse the former president of “cognitive impairment.”
“I have a very fertile, very fertile brain, but it’s a weave and we do it, that’s how you tell one story and discuss about 15 subplots, but you come to a final answer,” Trump said, according to Newsweek. “They said: he was wandering, I’m not wandering. I’m making a weave, do you already know what a weave is? It’s history.”
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