Capitol Riots Exhausted National Guard Sleep on Capitol Floor ... Weapons by Their Side

This is one where the image tells the whole story ... members of the National Guard protecting the Capitol trying to get some much-needed sleep, using a cold, marble floor as a bed.

It's the embodiment of the phrase, "No rest for the weary." The Guard is protecting the building in the wake of hundreds of threats ... some vowing to murder members of Congress, as well as others.

With their weapons by their side, these guardsmen and guardswomen know how fragile the peace is, and despite enormous security surrounding the building, there is an ongoing, immediate threat ... and President Trump has done nothing to lower the temperature. It's undeniable he's the one who has turned up the heat.

As we reported, the insurrectionists have vowed to stage protests in all 50 state capitals as well as the United States Capitol, and many have promised violence.

Yankees' Aaron Hicks Sends Ball Into Orbit At Top Golf ... 'Light Work'

GOING, GOING, GONE
@therealjoehicks / Instagram

Did you know Yankees centerfielder Aaron Hicks is really good at hitting fastballs AND stationary golf balls?!

It's true ... check out footage of the 31-year-old MLB player at Top Golf this month -- DUDE HAS AN INSANE SWING!!!

Hicks' brother posted the clip to social media Monday ... showing Hicks sending a golf ball into orbit with one monstrous stroke.

You can see in the video ... the ball cleared the range -- well over the netting some 300 yards away -- and according to the Hicks bros, it CARRIED 330 yards before finally touching down!!

"Light work," the Hicks bros captioned the vid.

If this looks familiar ... it's 'cause it kind of is when it comes to MLB stars on the driving range -- remember when Nelson Cruz launched one into outer space at a Top Golf last year??

NO MULLIGAN

Baseball players, man.

Aaron Rodgers I'm Guest Hosting 'Jeopardy!' ... Trebek Was My Idol

Forget first downs ... Aaron Rodgers is all about Daily Doubles now -- 'cause the NFL star just revealed he's going to be a celeb guest host for an upcoming "Jeopardy!" episode!

The Green Bay Packers QB made the announcement on Pat McAfee's show Tuesday ... saying it's a hell of an honor for him since Alex Trebek was one of his childhood heroes.

"One of my idols growing up was Alex Trebek," Rodgers said ... "They're doing some guest hosting spots and it's going to be released here pretty soon, but I have the opportunity to do one of those."

Of course, Rodgers is no stranger to the "Jeopardy!" spotlight ... he famously competed on a celebrity episode way back in 2015 -- and won the whole thing!

Hilariously, Aaron reflected on his '15 cardigan before making the hosting announcement, telling McAfee, "My wardrobe outfit wasn't the greatest choice."

Unclear when Rodgers will make his next "Jeopardy!" appearance -- after all, his Packers are expected to make a deep run in the postseason this year ... but we'll all have our popcorn ready when it's time!

By the way, Ken Jennings was the first celeb fill-in this week ... and he crushed it Monday night -- giving an emotional tribute to Alex before beginning the game.

HERE'S TO ALEX TREBEK
Jeopardy!

Bill Belichick Rejects Trump's Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Bill Belichick has just rejected Donald Trump ... the Patriots head coach says he will NOT accept POTUS' Presidential Medal of Freedom -- and it's all because of the riots at the U.S. Capitol.

The NFL coaching legend made the announcement Monday evening ... saying he was initially "flattered" to be offered the award -- but decided to ultimately turn it down after pro-Trump protesters ransacked D.C. last week.

"Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients," Belichick said.

"Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award."

Belichick continued, "Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation's values, freedom and democracy."

Several notable sports figures and athletes have received the award recently ... with everyone from Tiger Woods to Lou Holtz to Gary Player picking up the medal at Trump's White House.

11/7/16
WE'RE JUST FRIENDS
Patriots.com

FYI -- the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor ... with the White House explaining the award is given to those "who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Belichick and Trump have had an outstanding relationship over the years ... in fact, in 2018, Trump appointed the New England legend to his Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.

Of course, Belichick also famously wrote Trump a congratulatory letter -- which Donald read onstage at a major event -- right before the 2016 election.

In his statement rejecting the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, Belichick added, "I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team. One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions."

"Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award."

Capitol Police Two Officers Suspended ... Yukked It Up with Rioters

SAY CHEESE
NAACP / Twitter

Two Capitol Police officers are being temporarily relieved of duty after they were caught getting super chummy with rioters who stormed the building.

Rep. Tim Ryan made the announcement Monday, saying at least 2 cops who were on duty last Wednesday have been suspended for actions documented during the siege. Of the 2 -- who have yet to be identified -- one was apparently wearing a MAGA hat and directing insurrectionists on Capitol grounds ... the other took selfies with these folks.

The latter appears to have been captured on video ... a viral clip from that day has surfaced, and it shows a Capitol officer in a yellow vest and a black cap pausing to pose for a photo with one of the insurrectionists.

During a presser Monday, Rep. Ryan reportedly said Capitol Police are looking at everybody at this point ... including men and women in their own ranks.

As we first reported, the FBI believes there are signs of an inside job, and is investigating whether Capitol PD officers or civilian employees in the Capitol aided the rioters in any way.

TMZ also broke the story ... there could've been 4 times as many cops on hand Wednesday, and there probably should've been, considering the looming threats of violence ahead of the siege.

Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund resigned as a result of the backlash he and his department have faced for a poor show of force and for letting things get out of hand.

Raiders' Josh Jacobs No DUI Charge After Vegas Crash ... Attorneys Say

UPDATE

1:02 PM PT -- In a statement to TMZ Sports, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson explained Jacobs was not hit with a DUI charge because, "The police investigation in the Josh Jacobs’ case revealed that Mr. Jacobs’ blood alcohol level was below the legal limit and therefore DUI charges are not being filed against him."

UPDATE

Wolfson added, "However, based on Mr. Jacobs’ driving behavior, my office has filed a Criminal Complaint for one misdemeanor count of Duty of Driver to Decrease Speed Under Certain Circumstances."

Las Vegas Raiders star Josh Jacobs is breathing easier today ... he won’t be hit with a DUI charge stemming from his car crash in Las Vegas last week -- according to his attorneys.

David Z. Chesnoff and Richard A. Schonfeld, who are repping Jacobs in the case, say the 22-year-old running back was only charged with failure to exercise due care by the district attorney on Monday.

"Josh appreciates the district attorney's thorough and complete review of the accident," Jacobs' attorneys said, "and we would like to thank the EMS and law enforcement at the scene."

FYI, failure to exercise due care is generally regarded as a minor offense ... usually punished with fines and community service.

It's obviously great news for Jacobs and his attorneys -- they clearly were effective in convincing the DA not to charge Josh with DUI after he wrecked his car near the airport at around 4:42 AM in Vegas on Jan. 4.

As we previously reported, cops say they had suspected Jacobs of drinking before getting behind the wheel ... claiming the NFL star smelled like alcohol when they questioned him shortly after the crash.

Jacobs and his attorneys, though, were adamant Josh did NOT drink and drive, saying at the time, "there are no blood test results to support a suggestion of impairment."

As for the injuries Jacobs suffered in the crash, his mug shot showed he suffered a huge gash on his forehead ... but it appears the running back will be fine going forward.

Originally Published -- 12:46 PM PT

Nancy Pelosi to Mike Pence 24 Hours for 25th Amendment ... OR We'll Do It Ourselves!!!

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi just laid her party's plan for removing President Trump from office ... and the ball is moving quick, with a 24-hour deadline for VP Mike Pence to act.

Pelosi sent a letter Sunday to her fellow Dems, and she says that on Monday ... the Majority Leader in the House, Rep. Steny Hoyer, will ask for unanimous consent on a resolution demanding Pence assemble the other cabinet members, and invoke the 25th Amendment on Trump ... which would remove him from his post, and have Pence in as acting Prez.

If they meet any roadblocks in getting that unanimous consent, Speaker Pelosi says they'll bring it to a floor vote on Tuesday. She also says this, "We are calling on the Vice President to respond within 24 hours."

So, yeah ... clock's ticking for the Veep -- who has reportedly not ruled out invoking the 25th Amendment if Trump continues to incite violence and act erratically in these final weeks.

There's more from Pelosi too ... in her letter, she says if Pence stonewalls on invoking the 25th Amendment, the House will begin impeachment proceedings later this week. She says, "In protecting our Constitution and our Democracy, we will act with urgency, because this President represents an imminent threat to both."

She adds this ... "As the days go by, the horror of the ongoing assault on our democracy perpetrated by this President is intensified and so is the immediate need for action."

Capitol Police Another Officer Dead ... Reportedly by Suicide

Capitol Police just announced the death of another one of its officers, and he reportedly died by suicide.

Howard Liebengood, who was assigned to the Senate Division, is the second Capitol officer to die this week.

Liebengood is the second officer to die this week in the wake of the events at the Capitol. As we reported, Officer Brian D. Sicknick died from injuries he sustained during the riot.

The police say 51-year-old Liebengood was on Capitol Hill Wednesday when the insurrectionists stormed the Capitol. Punchbowl reporter Jake Sherman says his sources told him Liebengood's death was a suicide. He died Saturday while off duty.

Liebengood joined the Department in 2005.

Former Capitol Police Chief Terrance Gainer calls Liebengood's death a "line of duty casualty" ... clearly meaning even if it was a suicide there's a direct connection to the riot.

Liebengood was 51.

RIP

Congressional Doctor Members May Have Been Exposed to COVID During Riot

The Attending Physician of the United States Congress says members of Congress and their staff have a new concern as a result of the Capitol riot -- coronavirus.

Dr. Brian Monahan sent a memo to all members of Congress, noting they were all taken to a safe room for a long period of time during the insurrection. The doctor writes, "The time in this room was several hours for some and briefer for others. During this time, individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection."

What's unclear ... is this memo based on specific knowledge of a person or persons who were in the room and COVID-positive?

As you may know ... most members have received the first installment of the vaccine.  Doctors say that should provide around 50% protection from the virus ... not near the 95% achieved with the second dose.

The room they were in was a large committee hearing space, but it's unclear if there was social distancing since a large group populated the space.

Dr. Monahan advises members and their staff to get a PCR coronavirus test next week.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Compares Capitol Riot to Rise of Nazis

Arnold Schwarzenegger just delivered a stirring message to the country, warning people, remnants of Nazi Germany that he saw have a striking similarity to what we all just saw.

Arnold displayed the Conan sword and used it as a metaphor to describe how the United States can triumph over the Capitol rioters who want to tear this country apart. You gotta hear his description ... it rings true.

The former Cali Guv, who was born in Austria 2 years after the Nazis lost WWII, compared the Nazis to the rioters.

He talked about Kristallnacht -- The Night of Broken Glass -- where the Nazis went on a rampage against the Jews in 1938 and then said the Proud Boys were the Nazi equivalent.  He says last Wednesday was our Night of Broken Glass.

Arnold called the elected officials and other leaders who have been empowering Trump "spineless," saying they were too cowardly to stand up to the worst President in our history.

And, Arnold offered something interesting ... an understanding of what's behind the rioters.

HE TOOK OUT THE WHIP
OBJECTified

He explained something he told Harvey during an episode of "Objectified," where he said as a child his dad was a failed Nazi supporter who lost the war, became a drunk and was physically abusive to young Arnold. He said his dad was like other dads in his neighborhood -- angry and abusive. He's clearly comparing the failed Nazis to the insurrectionists who invaded the Capitol.

It's super interesting. Give it a watch.

American, United Airlines Ban Booze, Add Staff to D.C. Flights In Wake of Capitol Riots

Several airlines are stepping in to help keep things calm after the Association of Flight Attendants called on President Trump's supporters to settle the hell down on commercial flights.

American Airlines has banned booze and United's increased staffing to-and-from D.C. flights in the wake of Wednesday's attempted coup by Trump supporters -- many of whom reportedly terrorized passengers on flights to the nation's capital.

As we reported, Senator Mitt Romney was on the receiving end of "traitor" chants during his Tuesday flight from Utah.

1/5/21
GOIN' AFTER MITT

American and United's response comes a day after the union repping almost 50,000 flight attendants called on airlines and law enforcement to act after "the mob mentality behavior" on several flights ... which it says "threatened the safety and security" of all passengers and crew members.

American already wasn't serving booze in its main cabins because of COVID, but now it's banned alcohol throughout, including first class. The ban's in effect until at least Thursday night. Both American and United are increasing staff at D.C.-area airports.

Flight attendants, for example, had complained Trump supporters on a Tuesday flight from Texas to D.C. projected a pro-Trump message on the cabin.

The union's fed up, and wants law enforcement to take things up a notch, saying ... "Acts against our democracy, our government, and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight."

Translation: ban them.

Trump Coup Attempt FBI Needs Help Finding These Rioters Capitol Police Confirms Fatal Shooting

UPDATE

8:37 AM PT -- U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund is finally speaking about its response to Wednesday's riots ... saying it'll conduct a thorough review of this incident, security planning and policies and procedures.

UPDATE

The chief said its officers and other law enforcement partners were attacked with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants and other weapons. Sund also confirmed the woman who was fatally shot was, in fact, shot by "a sworn USCP employee." The woman was identified as Ashli Babbitt. The USCP who discharged his service weapon is on administrative leave while the agency investigates the shooting.

UPDATE

Sund said more than 50 USCP and MPD officers sustained injuries ... with several USCP officers hospitalized with serious injuries.

The pro-Trump protesters who stormed the U.S. Capitol building, incited violence and in some cases stole or damaged property are wanted by the FBI -- so take a closer look.

The FBI's on the hunt for the insurrectionists involved in the failed coup in Washington D.C. Wednesday -- which resulted in one woman being fatally shot -- asking the public for "tips and digital media depicting rioting and violence in the U.S. Capitol Building and surrounding area."

The feds want all the photos and video they can get of the lawlessness and violent acts that occurred in hope of identifying those responsible. So, they want the public to check out this (alleged) rogue gallery.

1/6/21
CAPITOL CLASH
Storyful

Anyone with pics or vids is asked to submit them at fbi.gov/USCapitol, or simply go to tips.fbi.gov to submit useful information.

The FBI says the goal is "to preserve the public’s constitutional right to protest by protecting everyone from violence and other criminal activity."

Some of the lowlights include the guy sitting at Nancy Pelosi's desk, and the dude in the Trump beanie grinning as he walked away with a Congressional lectern. Those 2 clowns have been ID'd already.

Richard Barnett from Arkansas was the one getting cozy in Pelosi's office. He's reportedly claiming he got shoved into the Capitol by accident and was merely looking for a bathroom. Doesn't really explain the notes he left on her desk, including one calling her a bitch. Save it for the judge, pal.

As for the lectern ... the FBI will be talking to Adam Johnson from Parrish, FL about that stolen item.

1/6/21
"SHOW STRENGTH AND BE STRONG"
Fox News

As we reported ... President Trump incited the march to the Capitol when he vowed to his protesters to never concede the election and demanded they "show strength."

He also failed to condemn the failed coup attempt and instead said he loved the people involved -- which led to a Twitter ban and a secret meeting among some members of Congress to remove him from office immediately via the 25th amendment.

Originally Published -- 8:05 AM PT

Donald Trump Members of Congress in Secret Meeting to Remove Prez

Donald Trump may actually have less than 2 weeks left in office, at least if some members of Congress have their way, because they're apparently in a secret meeting right now to discuss how to remove him STAT.

There's a meeting going on right now at an undisclosed location in D.C. where a group of senators and members of Congress are talking about how to invoke the 25th Amendment to yank Trump from the White House ... this according to TheGrio's White House Correspondent and legend April Ryan.

In case you're unfamiliar ... the 25th Amendment -- a President can be removed if he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. It's a tough sell, because the Vice President and either a majority of the President's Cabinet or a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress have to be on board.

1/6/21
"SHOW STRENGTH AND BE STRONG"
Fox News

As you know ... Trump egged on the violent protesters by essentially telling them not to go quietly. They clearly got his message.

Hey ... Trump's already been booted from Twitter, so 1600 could be next.

Breonna Taylor 2 LMPD Cops Axed For Roles in Deadly Raid

Just a week after Louisville Metro PD Chief Yvette Gentry announced she would fire 2 cops for their roles in the deadly Breonna Taylor raid ... the ax has dropped.

The LMPD fired detectives Joshua Jaynes and Myles Cosgrove on Tuesday -- citing "extreme violations of our policies." Cosgrove, of course, was one of the cops present during the raid. He also fired shots.

Jaynes was not at the raid but he did file the paperwork with the judge to get the warrant. He's the officer who had info from a postal inspector that a drug suspect -- Breonna's ex-boyfriend -- was receiving packages at her home. Jaynes later admitted he never verified that info with the post office.

As we reported ... the LMPD had already fired Brett Hankison after determining he "violated obedience to rules and regulations” while serving the warrant. Remember, Hankison is also the only officer the grand jury indicted on a wanton endangerment charge, but the charge stemmed from shooting into a neighboring apartment and not for the shooting of Breonna.

3/13/20
RAIDING THE APARTMENT

Taylor and her BF, Kenneth Walker, were asleep when LMPD raided her apartment in the early hours of March 13.

Her death sparked controversy ... which included officers initially reporting Breonna was uninjured during the raid. Prosecutors also seemingly tried to smear her in a plea bargain with her ex-BF.

Logan Paul Claps Back At Jake's 'Fake Fighter' Jab ... 'Let's Box!!!'

If Jake Paul wants to run his mouth and call his older brother a "fake fighter" ... Logan has a simple solution -- "Let's box!!!"

Remember, Jake recently gave his thoughts to TMZ Sports about Logan's upcoming exhibition against Floyd Mayweather ... saying "It's bad for the sport. I think it's just for clout."

GOOD LUCK BRO
TMZSports.com

Logan is finally reacting to his lil' bro's comments ... and while he mostly takes the high road, he also makes it clear he'll put Jake in his place in the ring.

"I fully support Jake," Paul says. "Whatever drama he wants to stir or create, it really doesn’t bother me. Like, 'Oh, you’re a fake boxer.' Okay. Let’s box, because Jake is the kid that gets beat up by my sparring partners. That's that kid."

Logan admits Jake may have said the comments just to raise hell and get attention ... but either way, he's unaffected by the criticism he's received leading up to the fight against TBE -- even if it's coming from his own brother.

"I've become like rubber sheet metal, dude. In this fight, everyone’s saying a lot of things. And, for good reason. I’m fighting Floyd f**king Mayweather. So I’ve literally become immune to [everything], I’ve heard it all."

One of the biggest critics has been superstar Canelo Alvarez, who told us it was a "lack of respect" for pros to go up against YouTubers in the ring.

DECEMBER 2020
THEY HAVE NO RESPECT
TMZSports.com

While Logan and Jake have kicked around the idea of fighting each other in the past, the most recent comments may bring us one step closer to what people have wanted for years -- Paul vs. Paul.

L.A. Dodgers Vin Scully's Wife Dies at 76 ... Team Pays Tribute

Vin Scully's wife, Sandi, has passed away, the L.A. Dodgers announced Monday. She was 76.

Sandi had long battled ALS and died at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center from complications related to her condition.

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Sandi Scully, the loving wife of Vin and a dear member of the Dodger family."

"Sandi was Vin's biggest fan and was always there in loving support of him at Dodger Stadium until she began her battle with ALS. She was truly Vin's and the Scully family's rock, and she will be dearly missed."

Vin and Sandi met in 1973 while she was working as an executive assistant for the owner of the L.A. Rams football team. Sandi has credited the team's general counsel, Ed Hookstratten, for hooking them up.

“Unbeknownst to me, he told Vin about this young blonde he ought to check out,” Sandi told The NY Times ... "And Vin told him, ‘I’m not in the business of checking out young blondes.'"

But, one thing led to another and they began dating soon after.

Both Vin and Sandi were previously married -- his first wife passed away in 1972. Sandi's first marriage ended in divorce. But, they raised their children together and later added a daughter of their own.

Sandi was known for her charitable work -- she served as the chairwoman for SHARE Inc., which helps abused and developmentally disabled kids.

Vin adored Sandi -- and famously recorded a rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings" for her -- which he played on the Dodger Stadium PA system back in 2016.

Sandi is survived by 93-year-old Vin, 5 children (Vin's oldest son, Michael, passed away in 1994), 21 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

RIP

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