LEO Round Table, June 5, 2026

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

LEO Round Table, June 1, 2026

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock S11E106, LRT Arrives At The PLECET Conference In Dallas With A Few Friends Live from the PLEASANT Conference: Training, Community Trust, and the Future of Law Enforcement Chip DeBlock Opens LEO Roundtable from Dallas In this episode of LEO Roundtable, host Chip DeBlock broadcasts live from the PLEASANT Conference in Dallas, Texas. He explains that the show may sound different because the team is on location with foot traffic, background noise, and conference activity happening around them. Chip introduces co-host Captain Brett Bartlett, sponsor and guest Jeff Nicholas of Compliant Technologies, and Sergeant Corlea Moore of the Brookhaven Police Department in Georgia, who works in community engagement. The episode is less of a standard news breakdown and more of a live conference discussion about law enforcement, training, community relations, leadership, and non-lethal technology. The PLEASANT Conference and National Law-Enforcement Leaders The panel discusses the importance of the PLEASANT Conference and the major law-enforcement figures scheduled to speak. They mention hearing from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and look ahead to appearances by FBI Director Kash Patel, the heads of the ATF, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service, and other major federal leaders. The panel notes how unusual and significant it is for a relatively new event to attract so many high-level law-enforcement officials, framing the conference as evidence that community engagement and police training are becoming national priorities. Community Trust, Respect, and Faith-Based Outreach Captain Brett Bartlett reflects on the conference’s message that policing and community purpose must be brought closer together. He says law enforcement needs to close the gap between police work and community trust, and he suggests that this kind of training should begin in the academy rather than being treated as a special-unit function. The panel also discusses the faith-based component of the conference, including initiatives such as Faith & Blue, and the idea that changing hearts can change outcomes. The conversation presents law enforcement as both an enforcement role and a human endeavor built on respect, relationships, and service. What Law Enforcement Does Best When asked what law enforcement does best, Sergeant Corlea Moore says officers share a common mission: protecting communities, helping people, and making sure everyone can go home safely. She explains that many recruits enter policing because they want to help people and create change in their communities. For Corlea, one of law enforcement’s greatest strengths is that officers across agencies and regions often share the same core mission of protection, service, and community safety. Training as the Key Area for Improvement The panel agrees that training is one of the greatest areas where law enforcement can improve. Corlea emphasizes the need for leadership training, tactical training, and practical preparation for real-world situations. Brett argues that patrol officers are the most powerful tools an agency has, because they know their zones, their people, and their communities. The group stresses that community engagement should not be left only to specialized units; patrol officers should be trained from the beginning to know people, open doors, communicate effectively, and handle situations before force becomes necessary. Media, Public Perception, and Telling the Police Story Jeff Nicholas argues that one of law enforcement’s biggest challenges is the way media coverage can create discouragement, division, misinformation, and demonization of officers. The group says negative or incomplete coverage can make policing look far more violent and chaotic than most officer-citizen interactions actually are. Corlea responds that agencies cannot fully control the media, but they can control how they tell their own stories. She describes how Brookhaven Police Department uses transparency, social media, YouTube, body-camera footage, drone footage, and community relationships to help residents understand what officers are actually doing. Confidence, De-Escalation, and Command Presence Jeff Nicholas says one of the best de-escalation tools on the street is not a product, but a confident, well-trained officer. He argues that officers who understand policy, law, equipment, and themselves are better able to command a situation, communicate clearly, and prevent unnecessary escalation. Corlea adds that articulation is a major challenge for some officers, especially when they do not fully understand policy or law. The panel connects these issues back to training, emphasizing that poor training or lack of training often leads to mistakes, discipline problems, and weak case outcomes. Leadership, Retention, and Agency Culture The discussion also highlights the importance of leadership and command climate. The panel says officers make better decisions when they know supervisors and agency leaders will support them if they act in good faith. Jeff argues that leadership support reduces stress and helps officers communicate and perform better. Corlea says officers should be trained and mentored at every level, from rookie to supervisor to command staff, so each person is preparing the next generation. The group agrees that training needs to be valued at the highest levels of an agency, not buried under layers of administration. Compliant Technologies and the Glove A major sponsor discussion focuses on Compliant Technologies and its flagship product, the Glove, which uses conductive distraction and de-escalation device technology. Jeff Nicholas explains that the product is designed to help officers gain control quickly in a humane, low-optics way, potentially stopping a fight in seconds and reducing injuries, viral violent videos, lawsuits, workers’ compensation claims, and officer stress. He says the company’s mission fits the PLEASANT Conference because both are focused on safer streets, safer officers, better community relations, and less violent outcomes. Sergeant Corlea Moore’s Closing Message Near the end, Sergeant Corlea Moore encourages listeners not to base their entire view of police on what they see on television. She urges people to get to know their local police departments, attend a Citizens Police Academy if one is available, and learn firsthand what officers do and how community members can help. Chip asks how people can find her, and she points listeners to LinkedIn and the Brookhaven Police Department in Georgia. The episode closes with thanks to the sponsors, acknowledgment of the conference setting, and a preview that the next show will follow Kash Patel’s address.