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[OPINION] The Jussie Smollett Case Then and Now: Shocking and Confusing

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CHICAGO, Ill. (FNN NEWS) – Today in a shocking news release, the prosecutor in the Jussie Smollett case dismissed and dropped all charges against him. Smollett, as we know, is the “Empire” TV star that prosecutors say faked a “hate crime” against himself claiming that he was racially and sexually targeted and attacked.

 

The Rewind: Smollett’s allegations & Everyone’s Initial Reactions

On January 30, Chicago police announced that they were seeking two persons of interest who were seen on video in the area where Smollett claimed he was attacked.

On February 13, Chicago police, after identifying the two persons of interest and conducting their investigations, arrested the suspects based upon video and physical evidence they had gathered. The two men were identified as brothers who were also acquainted with Smollett.

On February 15, Chicago police conducted interviews with the two men, but in a twist, the men were released later that day. Police based the release on new evidence that became available during the interviews with the men. One piece of evidence was a check in the amount of $3,500 that Smollett had written to the brothers. Police claimed it was written for services that the two men said Smollett recruited and payed them to attack him. Police then changed the direction of their investigation and began looking at Smollett as masterminding the fake attack. Smollett pushed back against any claims that he planned a fake attack and recruited anyone to help him do so.

Both Chicago police superintendent Eddie Johnson and prosecutor Kim Foxx made public announcements regarding new evidence and the arrest of Smollett. Johnson gave a blistering news conference that listed Smollett’s role in the fake attack and about how many man hours and resources were spent on collecting evidence and investigating the fake crime. Foxx laid out the plan prosecutors were taking to bring Smollett to trial as Smollett continued to maintain and profess his innocence.

State Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself from the case in February, with documents obtained earlier this month via a Freedom of Information Act request showing that Foxx had asked Johnson to turn the investigation over to the FBI.

The case separated and divided ideas, thoughts and swirled emotions. Supporters of Smollett in the initial phase of the case later dropped sympathy for the actor.

 

Fast Forward to the Present

As many people waited for Smollett’s case to come to trial the news of his case being dropped by the prosecution hit the media circuit and the news was felt with shock, anger and a large dose of confusion. What happened? How could a person with so much evidence that would prove one guilty get all of their charges dropped? The prosecutor claiming it would be a waste of time to prosecute the case because if Smollett was found guilty he would have gotten “community service” as his punishment. The prosecution stated that Smollett had already completed two days of community service therefore it was no need to go to trial. What happened here? Is Smollett guilty or is he innocent? That question remains and we may never truly know because there was no trial and the findings and recommendations of the case have been sealed by the judge.

Now everyone has their opinion of the case and mine is no greater than anyone else’s, but I always wondered why the Grand Jury initially did not bring an indictment, yet the prosecutor did. Superintendent Johnson had released statements that there was so much evidence in the case he was sure Smollett was guilty of his charges. Later, the Grand Jury brought a sixteen-count felony indictment on Smollett referencing lying in his second interview with police? So, there was good evidence in the subsequent lie, but what about the first original charge?

I always thought that parts of the evidence may have been speculated. Now, this sounds funny, but that does occur. The check that was classified as a critical piece of evidence did not really show or reveal truth that it was paid to the men for their role in the staged attack. It clearly shows it was written, it shows who it was written to and it shows what it was written for. Now if you would believe any part of the check, then you should be believing all of the check, not just parts. The two men also claimed the check was written to them for body training purposes. Texts would also contribute to that claim. Also, the two men are seen on video purchasing items that were used in the attack.

So it’s not the notion of there being no evidence, but is there enough evidence? At this point who knows, but one thing is sure: I am confused and I can’t say truly if Smollett is guilty or innocent. This one clearly has surprised many, including Chicago police and its mayor. Johnson confirmed that he was not told the charges would be dropped, telling reporters, “We found out about it when you all did.”

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Jim Randle is a former law enforcement officer and contributor for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:

  • Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
  • Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
  • Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
  • Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).

“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”

As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”

In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.

“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”

In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.

“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”

As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.

Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”

The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.

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VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.

Hart’s Twitter Statement:

Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”

During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.

Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.

 

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Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House

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Former State Representative Bruce Antone respond to questions by CFABJ, NAACP, and the Florida Voters League panel during a candidates forum in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.

During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.

The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

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