A Texas judge on Friday ruled against Beto O’Rourke and his nonprofit in a case brought by state Attorney General Ken Paxton, accusing them of illegally raising funds to support Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block GOP redistricting legislation.
Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey issued a temporary restraining order Friday evening against O’Rourke, a former congressman and Democratic presidential candidate, and his group, Powered by People, over what she called “unlawful fundraising practices” tied to efforts to back Texas Democrats who left the state — including funding air travel, lodging, logistics and daily fines, Fox News
“Defendants have and will continue to engage in unlawful fundraising practices and utilization of political funds in a manner that either directly violates or causes Texas Democratic Legislators to violate [the law],” Fahey wrote in her ruling. “Consumers have and continue to suffer irreparable harm through these unlawful acts because they are making political contributions that are being used to fund personal expenses and violate state law.”
Fahey’s order bars O’Rourke and his group from continuing to raise money or provide financial support to the fleeing Democrats. The ruling came just hours after Paxton’s office filed a petition for the restraining order.
Fahey, a Republican, was appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2019.
In a statement after the ruling, O’Rourke accused Paxton of trying to shut down his nonprofit “because our volunteers fight for voting rights and free elections,” calling it “the kind of work that threatens the hold that Paxton, Trump, and Abbott have on power in Texas.”
“They want to make examples out of those who fight so that others won’t,” O’Rourke said. “Now Paxton’s filed a restraining order to try to take us out of the fight. He wants to silence me and stop me from leading this organization. He wants to stop us from fighting Trump’s attempt to steal the five congressional seats he needs to hang on to power. But I’m not going anywhere. I plan on speaking at our rally to stop the power grab in Fort Worth tomorrow afternoon.”
“Cry more, lib,” Paxton said in response. “You lost in court because you’re breaking the law and deceiving Texans. We absolutely will make an example out of law breakers.”
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Judge Issues Warning as Trump Assassination Suspect Prepares to Represent Himself.Ryan Wesley Routh, the Florida man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, will represent himself in his upcoming federal trial in Fort Pierce, Florida. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted his request in July, though court-appointed attorneys will remain as standby counsel to assist if necessary. Cannon underscored the need for heightened courtroom security, cautioning Routh that any sudden or threatening movements would prompt immediate action from marshals.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday and is expected to last three days. Three panels of 60 potential jurors will be questioned to seat 12 jurors and four alternates. Opening statements are set for September 11, with the trial projected to last up to four weeks, though it could conclude sooner depending on proceedings.
The charges arise from a September 15, 2024 incident at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Prosecutors allege that Routh planned to shoot Trump, reportedly hiding with a rifle in nearby shrubbery before being confronted by a Secret Service agent. An exchange of gunfire ensued, after which Routh fled and was later apprehended. He faces multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination and firearms violations, as well as state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.
Originally from North Carolina, Routh has a documented history of erratic behavior and prior legal troubles. In 2002, he was arrested for possessing an explosive device labeled a “weapon of mass destruction” and has previously attempted to recruit foreign fighters for overseas conflicts. Despite these incidents, he avoided prison time in earlier cases.
In the lead-up to the trial, Routh has filed a series of unusual motions. Among them, he offered to accept new evidence if permitted to subpoena Trump, whom he insulted in inflammatory language, and even proposed a golf match with the former president to determine his own fate.
Judge Cannon has yet to rule on Routh’s unconventional requests but has affirmed that he may proceed as his own attorney under strict supervision. Standby counsel will be present throughout the trial to provide guidance if needed.
The case is expected to draw intense national attention, given both the nature of the alleged crime and the unprecedented decision of the defendant to represent himself.
Amara’s calm defiance hung in the air like a palpable force, challenging the status quo in a way that left everyone in the upscale Manhattan restaurant on edge. The room was tense, each diner grappling with the raw display of power and dignity unfolding before them.
For Charles Whitmore, a billionaire used to having the world at his feet, the public refusal was a bitter pill to swallow. Accustomed to wielding his wealth as a weapon to bend wills and break spirits, he wasn’t prepared for the unwavering strength of a young waitress who refused to be cowed by his status.
Amara stood her ground, her posture firm and her gaze unwavering. “With all due respect, Mr. Whitmore, shoes can be polished, but a tarnished soul takes more than money to cleanse,” she added, her words delivered with a poise that belied the storm inside her.
The comment drew collective murmurs from the crowd, a mix of admiration and disbelief. Charles, never one to back down, especially in the face of perceived insubordination, aimed to regain control. “You think this act of rebellion will get you somewhere? In my world, defiance comes at a cost.”
But Amara wasn’t intimidated. She had faced bigger challenges in her life than a disgruntled man with a swollen ego. “In my world, Mr. Whitmore, dignity isn’t for sale,” she responded, her voice carrying the weight of unyielding conviction.
Amara’s words sliced through the tension, resonating with an unexpected audience. Some diners, initially shocked, found themselves quietly applauding her courage. A ripple of support began to spread across the room, a testament to the silent solidarity shared among those who understood her plight.
Charles glowered, his bluster momentarily deflated. He reached for his wine glass, the momentary distraction giving him a brief respite from the confrontation. Yet, it was clear that Amara’s message had struck a chord far deeper than he had anticipated.
Amara knew she had taken a significant risk, potentially jeopardizing her job. But her mother had always taught her that self-respect was a treasure worth more than any paycheck. “I understand if I need to leave,” she said, addressing the maître d’ with a calm assurance. “But I won’t be treated as less than human, no matter who I’m serving.”
The maître d’, caught between maintaining the restaurant’s image and dealing with an unruly customer, hesitated. The staff watched, unsure of how the evening would unfold. Then, slowly, a few more guests began to show their support, clapping softly, their gestures spreading like wildfire.
Charles, seeing the tide turning against him, realized that further confrontation would only embolden Amara’s stance and his own notoriety. He scowled, muttering under his breath about the state of the service industry, and abruptly signaled for the check.
As he left, Amara felt the weight of the moment lift slightly, replaced by a newfound respect from her colleagues and patrons alike. Her heart raced, but she stood unbroken, a symbol of resistance against systemic arrogance.
As the evening resumed its course, the impact of her actions lingered, a reminder that sometimes standing for one’s principles can spark a ripple of change. And while Charles Whitmore left with his pride bruised, Amara remained steadfast, embodying the truth that dignity and respect are never earned through submission, but through courage and conviction.