According to CNN, FBI sources are stating Syed Farook was “radicalized” and was in touch with “Terror Suspects” according to his cyber trail. In addition Saudi Arabia is confirming travel in 2014 as last known official travel, and also in 2013.

CALIFORNIA – San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook traveled to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2014, according to Saudi and U.S. officials. Records show Farook was in the country on that trip for nine days, a Saudi official said. A U.S. official described the 2014 trip as Farook’s “last recorded” trip to Saudi Arabia.

Two U.S. government officials have also said there’s information about Farook traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj in 2013.

Syed Rizwan Farook — who along with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, carried out the San Bernardino shooting massacre — apparently was radicalized and in touch with people being investigated by the FBI for international terrorism, law enforcement officials said Thursday. (more…)

The latest Ipsos/Reuters Poll (full pdf below) for December was released today.  This poll has been consistent over time but unfortunately the registered republican sample size is small.  Donald Trump continues to lead the entire field; but there’s an interesting hiccup noted in the “Republican Voter” alone filter – Jeb Bush has better numbers.

Via Ipsos/Reuters – […] Donald Trump continues to lead among Republicans at 36% nationwide among all self-identified Republicans.

• Ben Carson has re-established position in second with 17% of Republicans.
• Jeb Bush has also climbed slightly, now tied with Ted Cruz in third.

(more…)

Updated Details: Suspects: Syed Farook (28-yr-old male) Tashfeen Malik (27-year-old female) ♦ Married / Relationship ♦ Both Dead ♦ Two handguns ♦ Two long guns ♦ Large amount of Ammo ♦ Wearing Tactical Gear ♦ Pipe bomb(s) in vehicle ♦ Wearing Go-Pro Cameras ♦ “Very Religious” (per dad) ♦ Devout Muslim (per dad) ♦ Prepared to engage “for sustained attack” (per police) ♦ Appeared to understand “military tactics” (per police) ♦ Left 6-month-old baby with Mother ♦ Neighbors report numerous young males in/out of apartment “seemed suspicious” ♦ …

….yet, police/media speculate “spontaneous act of workplace violence“.  Go figure.

Associated Press – The suspect in the Southern California shooting that left 14 dead traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier this year and returned with a wife.

Co-worker Patrick Baccari says Syed Farook was gone for about a month in the spring. When he came back word got around Farook had been married, and the woman he described as a pharmacist joined him shortly afterward. A baby followed. (more…)

In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “2016 Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Presidential Race and/or any of the candidates therein.

This thread will refresh daily and appear above the Open Discussion Thread.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †

GOP Presidential candidate and front-runner Donald Trump gave an amazing speech and took questions at a campaign rally in Manassas, VA. He was joined on the stage briefly by several black pastors who endorsed him.

Here’s a Link to Farook Syed “Health Specialist“

(NY Daily News) One of the suspects in Wednesday’s mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif. has been identified as Syed Farook, according to reports.

Farook was linked to the horrific slaughter that took place at the Inland Regional Center, according to NBC News.

After police announced that two suspects — a male and a female — were dead following a car chase and shoot out with police, a search began at a nearby Redlands apartment linked to the suspects.

A man who identified himself as Farook’s father told the Daily News his son worked as a health technician inspecting restaurants and hotels. (more…)

Imitation is the GOPe’s sincerest form of flattery…

A leaked NRSC memo (full pdf below) written by executive director Ward Baker discusses the Donald Trump phenomenon and instructs republican candidates to tap into The Trump, but don’t mimic the controversial stuff.

The memo is interesting because of the timing of when it was written (September 22nd), which is post GOP debate #2 (Operation Hummingbird – CNN Jake Tapper debate where all candidates were pitted against Trump 9/16),  and the content within it.

Essentially the memo tries to instruct GOPe candidates how to accept the seismic shift in the political landscape.   It also urges them to adopt many of Trump’s tactics, issues and approaches including adjusting the way they dress and how they use Twitter to engage genuine support from ordinary citizens.

…”[…] Avoid Washington-speak (legislation, bills, insider talk) in favor of Main Street common sense. And, tell your communications and media teams to up the vibe and change the look. Voters are on to you when you do the standard walk and talk through a business, school, or factory”…

(more…)

FBI Spox:  “We do not know if this is a terrorist incident“

Details sketchy and evolving:  San Bernardino California, Location = at/near Inland Regional Medical Center, active Shooting Coordinated Attack Event being reported with numerous fatalities and victims.

Early Reporting:

♦ Possibly 3 Shooters – ♦ Armed, Masked and Possible Body Gear – ♦ 20 Victims – ♦ 12 Deceased – ♦ Long Rifles Used – ♦ Bomb Squad on Scene – ♦ Suspects are on loose – ♦ Coordinated Attack – ♦ (more…)