LEO Round Table, June 8, 2026

LEO Round Table, June 8, 2026

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock S11E111, Florida Puts The Hammer Down On Thugs Who Target Police Dogs And Horses Florida puts the hammer down on thugs who target police dogs and horses. Death of Henry Nowak overseas sparks worldwide policing debate. Florida man in G-string arrested for thrusting at doorbell camera. Naked man who assaulted multiple people fatally shot by officer. Ex-trooper sentenced in death of child during pursuit of suspect. Protecting Police Animals, Policing Under Pressure, and Use-of-Force Judgment Calls Chip DeBlock Opens LEO Roundtable In this episode of LEO Roundtable, host Chip DeBlock welcomes the panel of law enforcement professionals, including Dr. Travis Yates, retired Tulsa Police Major; Lieutenant Randy Sutton, founder of The Wounded Blue; and Officer Danny King. Chip previews the day’s topics, including proposed protections for police animals, a controversial case from England, Florida indecent-exposure allegations, officer-involved shootings involving nude or mentally distressed suspects, a police workplace firearm incident, qualified immunity, and other law enforcement-related news. Senator Ashley Moody’s Police Animal Protection Bill The first major discussion centers on Florida Senator Ashley Moody’s proposed LEO Canine Protection Act, which would increase penalties for people who intentionally harm or kill federal police dogs or horses. Chip explains that the bill is named in honor of K-9 Leo, a fallen deputy canine from Marion County, Florida, and that a companion bill has been introduced in the House. The panel supports stronger protections for law enforcement animals and discusses how canines and horses help with apprehensions, searches, narcotics, explosives, crowd control, and public safety. Medical Transport and the Limits of Protecting K-9s Chip also notes that the bill would authorize emergency medical providers to transport injured law enforcement animals to medical facilities at their discretion. This leads into a broader discussion of how police animals are legally treated. Chip explains that while harming a K-9 can carry enhanced penalties, officers generally cannot use deadly force solely to protect a police dog because the animal is often legally treated as property. The panel discusses the tension between how officers emotionally and operationally view K-9 partners and how the law actually classifies them. England Case and Politics Over Policing Lieutenant Randy Sutton brings up a case from England involving a young white male who was stabbed and, according to Randy’s description, did not receive proper help from responding police. Randy argues that the case reflects a broader problem of politics overriding policing, especially when laws or policies treat people differently based on race. The panel connects this to concerns in the United States, saying some modern policing reforms are designed more around political pressure than practical public safety. Travis Yates and Danny King broaden the discussion to officer assaults, race narratives, de-escalation training, and the effects of reform movements on policing. Florida Man in a G-String Arrested After Doorbell Camera Incident The show then shifts to a lighter but bizarre Florida story. Chip describes a 79-year-old man accused of exposing himself to neighbors and thrusting at a doorbell camera while wearing a G-string thong. According to the discussion, neighbors had complained about repeated behavior in common areas, and the man allegedly confronted a responding officer while still dressed in the G-string. The panel treats the story with humor while noting that the man faced multiple indecent-exposure and lewd-behavior charges. Louisville Police Shooting of Naked Assault Suspect The most serious use-of-force discussion involves a Louisville Metro Police shooting of a naked man who had reportedly assaulted multiple people. Chip explains that the man was not visibly armed, but was sitting in the street, showing only one hand at a time, then stood up and walked toward the officer despite repeated commands to stop and show his hands. The officer shot him, and the panel discusses whether the shooting may still be legally and tactically defensible despite the man being nude and apparently unarmed. Use-of-Force Analysis and Officer Expectations Officer Danny King emphasizes that the officer was responding to reports of violence, possible weapons, and assaults, and that the suspect closed distance while failing to comply. Travis Yates argues that police leaders and reform movements often expect officers to perform unrealistic “Superman” actions in high-stress encounters. The panel notes that if an officer already has a gun drawn and a suspect closes distance, the officer may not have time to holster and go hands-on without risking a fight over the firearm. Randy Sutton adds that drug intoxication, excited delirium-type behavior, or extreme mental crisis may be relevant factors, even if not yet confirmed. New York Trooper Sentenced After Thruway Crash The panel also discusses former New York State Trooper Christopher Baldner, who was sentenced after a 2020 Thruway crash that killed 11-year-old Monica Goods. The transcript explains that the father, Tristin Goods, had been stopped while driving at high speed, was pepper-sprayed during the encounter, then drove away. Baldner pursued and rammed the vehicle, with the second impact causing the crash that killed the child. Danny King says he is confused that the father was not charged, since he fled with his family in the car. Randy Sutton calls the outcome another example of an officer being sacrificed politically. Closing and Wounded Blue Summit The episode closes with Chip thanking the panel and sponsors. Randy Sutton also promotes The Wounded Blue’s National Law Enforcement Survival Summit, scheduled for September in Las Vegas, and says Dr. Travis Yates will be one of the featured speakers. Chip ends by directing listeners back to LEO Roundtable and its sponsors, closing out another law-enforcement-focused discussion of policy, officer safety, public perception, and difficult real-world police decisions.

LEO Round Table, June 5, 2026

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock S11E110, Housing Boss William Pulte Made Acting Director Of National Intelligence Housing boss William Pulte made acting Director of National Intelligence. AG Todd Blanche releases details on DOJ hunt for Donald Trump. Trump announces new date for White House Correspondent's Dinner. Chicago officer mistakenly kills his partner during pursuit of suspect. Acting police chief in Minneapolis replaced after on week. Intelligence Shakeups, White House Security, and Police Leadership Under Fire Intelligence Appointment Raises Questions The episode opens with host Chip DeBlock introducing former Secret Service guests Frank Loveridge and Rich Staropoli before moving into the lead story about William Pulte being tapped as acting director of national intelligence following Tulsi Gabbard’s departure. Chip expresses surprise at Pulte’s housing and finance background, questioning whether someone without intelligence-community experience is suited for such a powerful role. Rich explains the importance of the intelligence briefing process, including the president’s daily briefings, while Frank argues that loyalty and trust may be central to the appointment. Trust, Loyalty, and the Intelligence Community The panel discusses whether President Trump may distrust people already inside the intelligence apparatus and therefore prefer someone outside that world. Rich and Frank both suggest that Trump may have reason to appoint someone he personally trusts, citing prior conflicts involving intelligence and law-enforcement agencies. Chip acknowledges that he initially had difficulty accepting the appointment but says the trust-factor argument helped him understand why the president might avoid selecting someone from the traditional intelligence chain. DOJ Files and the Todd Blanche Interview The next segment turns to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and his discussion with Sean Hannity about missing DOJ files, special-counsel material, burn bags, and documents connected to investigations involving President Trump. Chip summarizes Blanche’s claim that Trump likely would have faced prison time if the election had gone differently. Frank focuses on the importance of finding and reviewing documents related to the Trump-Russia probe, Crossfire Hurricane, the Durham report, and alleged weaponization of the Department of Justice, while emphasizing that the claims still need to be confirmed through the material. White House Correspondents’ Dinner Security The panel then discusses a new date and possible venue for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, focusing heavily on security concerns. Rich notes that a publicly announced date and venue can become a challenge to adversaries, while Frank explains the difficulty of securing an operational hotel filled with ordinary guests, event attendees, high-ranking officials, and multiple access points. The guests stress concerns about access control, room sweeps, paper tickets, guest lists, explosives, weapons, and architectural vulnerabilities, arguing that a secure White House ballroom would be a better long-term solution. Chicago Officer Shooting Case The broadcast moves into a body-camera story from Chicago involving Officer Crystal Rivera, who was fatally shot by her partner, Officer Carlos Baker, during a foot pursuit inside an apartment building. Chip summarizes the footage and lawsuit allegations, including the claim that Baker fired behind himself, struck Rivera in the back, failed to promptly render aid, and had a prior romantic relationship with her. Frank cautions that investigators need to complete a full review before reaching conclusions, while Rich says the video raises serious questions because it appears, from his perspective, as though the officer turns and shoots his partner rather than continuing into the apartment. Minneapolis Police Leadership Turmoil The final major topic concerns Minneapolis police leadership after former chief Brian O’Hara’s resignation and the brief appointment of Katie Blackwell before Bill Peterson was named interim chief. Chip discusses Alpha News reporting, Liz Collin, Bob Kroll, The Fall of Minneapolis, and sworn statements by officers related to Blackwell’s testimony in the Derek Chauvin trial. Rich and Frank criticize Minneapolis leadership, Mayor Jacob Frey, and the politicization of policing, particularly in relation to ICE and crowd-control issues. Chip closes by promoting LEO Affairs, The Wounded Blue, the show’s sponsors, and the next broadcast.

LEO Round Table, June 4, 2026

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock S11E109, Viral Video Shows Cop Believing Woman Had Phone Out With Missing Hand Trump signs the Medal Of Sacrifice Act inspired by fallen Florida officers. Family tree leads decades long cold case to arrest. Cop sentenced to 12 years for shooting unarmed man in the back. Suspect shot after stabbing officer during attack. Bad guy fatally shot after striking officer with a machete. Officers not charged for fatal shooting of armed man at gas station. Federal Honors, Cold Case DNA, and Officer-Survival Lessons in High-Risk Encounters Federal Recognition for Fallen First Responders The episode opens with host Chip DeBlock introducing Leo Roundtable as a law-enforcement-focused news discussion show and welcoming attorney Ken, a former police officer and attorney who represents law enforcement officers. Chip highlights the episode’s upcoming topics, beginning with the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025, a federal measure signed by President Donald Trump to create a posthumous presidential honor for law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. Chip explains that the law was inspired by the deaths of three Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies and says he views the presidential recognition as meaningful, while Ken adds that the honor is overdue and worthwhile, even though he would have liked to see additional benefits attached. Cold Case DNA and Genetic Genealogy The show then turns to a 28-year-old Florida cold case involving a woman who was brutally attacked after a late-night ride home from Ybor City in 1998. Chip explains that DNA evidence collected in the case was later connected to a suspect through modern genetic genealogy work involving FDLE and law enforcement task-force support. He uses the case as a reminder to smaller and medium-sized police agencies that cold-case evidence should not sit unused on a shelf when state agencies and larger partners may have access to new DNA tools. Ken agrees, noting that genetic genealogy and consumer DNA databases have become powerful investigative resources for agencies revisiting old cases. Deputy Sentenced for Shooting a Fleeing Man Chip and Ken next discuss the federal sentencing of former San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Richard Russell, who received 12 years in prison for fatally shooting an unarmed man who was running away from custody in 2020. Chip describes the court’s ruling, the consecutive sentences, the surveillance footage, and witness testimony that the man was shot from behind. Ken analyzes the incident from a legal and tactical standpoint, explaining that modern standards after Tennessee v. Garner limit the use of deadly force against fleeing felons unless they pose an immediate threat of death or great bodily harm to officers or innocent civilians. The discussion emphasizes how law enforcement standards have evolved over time. Buffalo Officer Stabbing and Tactical Criticism The episode then focuses on a Buffalo police video in which officers confronted a suspect armed with a box cutter and scissors. Chip describes how one officer went hands-on with the suspect while holding a firearm and flashlight, was stabbed in the back, and then another officer initially approached with a Taser rather than lethal cover. Both Chip and Ken strongly criticize the tactics, saying the officers exposed themselves, the public, and each other to unnecessary danger. Ken argues that the suspect’s weapons made the encounter a deadly-force situation, not a Taser situation, and says the video should be used as a training example of what not to do. Susanville Machete Incident and Children in Danger The show continues with a Susanville, California, officer-involved shooting involving a suspect armed with a machete and three children inside an apartment. Chip explains that the suspect allegedly held a two-year-old child near a second-floor window and then appeared to swing or stab with the machete near where the child had been placed. Officers fired shots from outside, entered the apartment, and one officer was struck in the shoulder by the machete. Chip and Ken again criticize the use of less-lethal tools during what they describe as an obvious deadly-force situation, especially with children and an injured officer inside the apartment. Ken stresses that officers must recognize when a machete threat requires immediate lethal-force readiness. Gastonia Convenience Store Shooting and Closing Remarks For the final case, Chip describes a Gastonia, North Carolina, convenience-store shooting that occurred while plainclothes officers were conducting an unrelated alcohol-sales operation. The officers observed a dispute between two men, and one man appeared to threaten another with what looked like a firearm. When the armed man moved toward the door, an undercover detective shot him, and another officer also fired as the man ran outside. Chip notes that the weapon was later determined to be an imitation firearm, but the district attorney found the shooting justified. Ken says the suspect chose the wrong store at the wrong time. Chip closes by thanking viewers, commenters, sponsors, and The Wounded Blue, while encouraging listeners to support the show’s sponsors and return for the next episode.

LEO Round Table, June 3, 2026

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock S11E108, Viral Video Shows Cop Believing Woman Had Phone Out With Missing Hand DOJ sues multiple states over undercover license plate refusal. ICE agent arrested on suspicion of covering up a shooting. Suspect fatally shot after stabbing cop and K9. Man with hammer shot dead after advancing at officer. Former CIA official detained after agents found $40M in gold bars at home. Viral video shows cop believing woman had phone out with missing hand. Federal License Plates and State Resistance Chip DeBlock opens the episode by introducing LEO Round Table, Captain Brett Bartlett, the show sponsors, and the day’s lineup of law enforcement stories. The first major topic covers the Department of Justice suing Maine, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts over policies that allegedly deny confidential license plates to federal law enforcement agents while still allowing similar plates for state agencies. Chip frames the issue as a safety and operational concern for federal agents, while Brett compares the states’ behavior to petulant children resisting lawful authority. Minnesota ICE Agent Arrest Raises Political Concerns The next story focuses on ICE agent Christian Castro, who was arrested after being accused of shooting through a closed door in Minnesota and later falsifying his account. Chip explains that local authorities claim video evidence contradicted the agent’s statement, but he repeatedly cautions that he distrusts the Minnesota officials involved and views the case as politically charged. Brett notes that video alone does not show fear, perception, or what an officer was thinking, and he says ICE agents should be carefully briefed because they are being targeted. Aurora Stabbing Incident Prompts Tactical Questions Chip and Brett then discuss a disturbing Aurora, Colorado, body-camera video involving a suspect with a knife who allegedly stabbed a police canine and then stabbed a canine officer in the head. Chip expresses concern that the canine was released toward an armed suspect and questions why nearby officers using less-lethal tools did not transition to lethal force once the officer was being stabbed. Brett notes the extreme closeness of the shooting and emphasizes that real police shootings often happen from awkward positions rather than ideal firearms stances. Verona Hammer Suspect and the Importance of Cover The show moves to a Verona, Wisconsin, incident in which a man armed with a hammer tried to take a police cruiser and was fatally shot after advancing on the officer. Chip describes the sequence in which the officer backed away from his vehicle, left the door unsecured, and then had to confront the suspect as he attempted to steal the cruiser. Brett argues that the officer should have stayed behind cover and says the suspect’s raised hammer provided the clear justification for the shooting. Former CIA Official and the Gold Bar Mystery Chip next reviews a report about former CIA official David J. Rush, who was detained after federal agents allegedly found $40 million in gold bars in his Virginia home during a background fraud investigation. Chip points out that the article raises more questions than it answers, including what Rush did at the CIA, whether his departure was connected to the case, and why he allegedly had such a large quantity of gold. Brett jokes about the absurdity of someone acquiring that many gold bars and questions how such a cache could have been obtained or hidden. Viral Palm Beach Traffic Stop Ends the Show The final story centers on a viral Palm Beach County traffic stop in which a woman was cited for distracted driving after a deputy claimed she held a phone in her right hand, even though she did not have a right hand. Chip explains that the citation was later dismissed, but only after the woman posted video of the encounter and it spread online. Brett says the deputy should have immediately apologized and ended the stop, arguing that the officer’s handling of the situation made the case look far worse than it needed to be. SEO Keywords / Key Phrases LEO Round Table Chip DeBlock Captain Brett Bartlett DOJ undercover license plates ICE agent Minnesota shooting Aurora police canine stabbing officer stabbed in the head Verona hammer suspect shooting former CIA official gold bars Palm Beach distracted driving ticket missing right hand traffic stop law enforcement body camera analysis

LEO Round Table, June 2, 2026

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock S11E107, Day Two At The PLECET Conference With A Few Friends Day two at the PLECET conference with a few friends Live From Day Two of the PLECET Conference Chip DeBlock opens this LEO Round Table episode from the PLECET Conference in Dallas, Texas, introducing the show’s law enforcement panel and guests. He highlights the show’s sponsors, distribution partners, and daily broadcast schedule before turning the focus to the conference. The episode features discussion with guests representing law enforcement technology, community engagement, federal service, Asian American law enforcement leadership, and local police community programs. Community Engagement as a Professional Discipline Demetrius, a retired Master Police Officer from Arlington County, Virginia, explains that community policing cannot remain informal or event-based if agencies want real results. He argues that law enforcement needs evidence-based practices, structured relationship-building, and unified strategies to address problems such as homelessness and downtown violence. His comments frame community safety as a co-produced outcome involving police, government agencies, social services, and community partners. Agent Shane Discusses Asian Representation in Policing Agent Shane, a federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security and president of the National Asian Peace Officers’ Association, discusses recruitment and representation challenges within Asian communities. He explains that many Asian families expect careers such as medicine, law, accounting, or engineering, and that law enforcement may not always be viewed as an acceptable path. He describes efforts to show Asian communities that policing is an honorable way to give back to one’s country and community. Federal Agencies and Community Access The panel discusses comments made at the conference by Kash Patel, with Brett noting that he heard an unusual and encouraging message from a federal leader about bringing federal law enforcement closer to the community. Demetrius expands on that idea, saying that local police are more commonly seen working directly in neighborhoods, while state and federal agencies often remain more separated. The discussion presents federal participation in the conference as a sign that community engagement may be becoming a core value across more levels of law enforcement. Homeless Outreach, Mental Health, and Non-Lethal Tools A central part of the episode focuses on homelessness, behavioral health, and the burden placed on police and county jails. Demetrius explains that police departments often say they cannot arrest their way out of homelessness but do not always have a clear model for what to do instead. Jeff Nicholas connects this issue to the need for behavioral health facilities and discusses the role of Complaint Technologies’ glove as a low-optics, non-lethal tool intended to reduce injuries and improve officer confidence during hands-on encounters. Training, Relationships, and the Future of PLECET Reverend Markel Hutchins explains that the PLECET Conference grew out of National Faith and Blue Weekend and is designed to professionalize law enforcement community engagement through training, research, and best practices. Lieutenant Matthew McKinney and Officer Maria Owens describe how the conference has helped agencies build relationships, develop programs, and support one another across jurisdictions. The episode closes with Officer Owens discussing Philadelphia’s Police Explorers program and the panel emphasizing that conferences like PLECET create lasting professional relationships that strengthen community-focused policing. SEO Keywords / Key Phrases LEO Round Table Chip DeBlock PLECET Conference 2026 law enforcement community engagement National Faith and Blue Weekend Complaint Technologies glove non-lethal policing tools police homelessness outreach law enforcement mental health response police explorer program National Asian Peace Officers Association community policing training