Native American tribe responds to Billie Eilish’s Grammy remarks about ‘stolen land’

The Tongva tribe in Southern California responded to singer Billie Eilish‘s comments declaring “no one is illegal on stolen land” at the Grammy Awards Sunday night.

While accepting the Grammy for Song of the Year, the 24-year-old singer drew backlash for using her acceptance speech to attack border enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“No one is illegal on stolen land,” Eilish said while wearing an “ICE OUT” pin. “I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. Our voices really do matter, and the people matter.”

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“And f— ICE, that’s all I’m gonna say, sorry,” she added.

Several commentators pointed out that Eilish herself owned a multimillion-dollar Los Angeles property on what is considered “stolen land” that was historically inhabited by the Tongva people, a Native American nation whose territory includes the greater Los Angeles Basin.

The tribe released a statement to Fox News Digital on Tuesday confirming her home’s presence on “ancestral land,” adding that Eilish has not contacted the tribe regarding her ownership.

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“We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity regarding the recent comments made by Billie Eilish,” the statement read. “As the First People of the greater Los Angeles basin, we do understand that her home is situated in our ancestral land. Eilish has not contacted our tribe directly regarding her property, we do value the instance when Public Figures provide visibility to the true history of this country.”

The statement continued, “We have reached out to her team to express our appreciation for her comments. It is our hope that in future discussions, the tribe can explicitly be referenced to ensure the public understands that the greater Los Angeles basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory.”

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Fox News Digital reached out to Eilish’s representatives for comment.

Eilish was one of several celebrities who used the Grammy Awards to bash ICE officers and the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

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“ICE out,” singer Bad Bunny said while accepting the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens — we are humans, and we are Americans.” 

Melinda Gates expresses sadness over Epstein records and reflects on past marriage

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ ex-wife Melinda French Gates distanced herself from him during a Tuesday appearance on NPR’s “Wild Card” podcast, saying that society is in for a “reckoning.”

The Department of Justice (DOJ) released more than 3 million Jeffrey Epstein investigative records, including Epstein’s personal emails, on Friday. Some of the emails allege that Bill Gates had additional affairs and tried to get medication to treat a sexually transmitted infection. He also allegedly wanted to give the medication to his wife at the time without her knowing.

A spokesperson for Bill Gates denied the claims, telling Fox News Digital, “These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false. The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.”

NPR “Wild Card” podcast host Rachel Martin asked Melinda Gates about the claims. 

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“Well, let me say this. I think we’re having a reckoning as a society, right? No girl, no girl should ever be put in the situation that they were put in by Epstein and whatever was going on with all of the various people around him. No girl, I mean, it’s just it’s beyond heartbreaking, right?” French Gates said. “I remember being those ages those girls were. I remember my daughters being those ages, right? So, um for me, it’s personally hard whenever those details come up, right? Because, um, brings back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage.”

While saddened, she emphasized that these allegations are for people like her husband to deal with. 

“But I have moved on from that. I purposely pushed it away and I moved on. I’m in a really unexpected, beautiful place in my life. So whatever questions remain there of what I don’t — can’t even begin to know all of it. Those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need the answer to those things, not me! Well, and I am so happy to be away from all the muck.”

Martin later asked French Gates what her dominant emotion is when she reads news coverage about the crimes and scandals surrounding Epstein. 

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“Sad. Just unbelievable sadness. Unbelievable sadness. Right?” she said. “Again, I’m able to take my own sadness and look at those young girls and say, ‘My God, how did they — how did that happen to those girls?”

“And so for me, it’s just sadness,” she continued. “I left my marriage. I had to leave my marriage. I wanted to leave my marriage. I had to leave the — I felt I needed to eventually leave the foundation. So, it’s just sad. That’s the truth, right? And it’s kind of like, at least for me, I’ve been able to move on in life. And I hope there’s some justice for those now-women, right? We see them standing up in front of microphones in D.C. Um, what they went through is just unimaginable.”

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Comedian reacts after venue cancels six sold-out shows over Renee Good joke

A Minnesota comedy club abruptly canceled six sold-out shows by comedian Ben Bankas after a viral clip of his stand-up routine — in which he mocked a woman who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent — ignited outrage.

Laugh Camp Comedy Club in St. Paul pulled the plug on Bankas’ scheduled January 30–February 1 performances after backlash erupted over jokes he made about Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis mother of three who was killed during an encounter with federal immigration authorities earlier this month. 

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Bankas replied bluntly to the cancellations in a recent video posted to Instagram.

He told an audience, “I just found out that my shows were canceled in Minnesota,” prompting loud boos.

“F— ’em,” he added, appearing to refer to the venue.

In the caption, Bankas wrote that he is “working on a new venue and dates for the fine people of Minnesota.” 

His response comes after he posted an Instagram video on January 13, filmed during a show in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., just days after Good’s death.

In the clip, which has racked up more than 8.9 million views as of February 3, Bankas said, “Her last name was Good. That’s what I said after they shot her,” and also referred to Good’s wife as a “dog.” He also called Good “r—–ded.”

Good was shot and killed on January 7 after authorities said she swerved her vehicle toward an ICE officer. Her death sparked protests in Minneapolis and beyond, intensifying scrutiny of federal agents’ use of force. 

Tensions escalated further after another Minneapolis agitator, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by federal agents on January 24. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other local leaders have publicly criticized ICE’s actions.
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As Bankas’ clip gained traction, St. Paul residents began signaling plans to protest outside his upcoming shows, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune — a development that pushed the comedy venue to cancel. 

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, club owner Bill Collins said the decision came after weighing escalating risks.

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“After discussions with, and concern from, public authorities, legal counsel and staff, combined with heightened threats, increasing media attention and civil disorder, we have determined the risks and related liabilities cannot be overcome,” Collins said in an email.

“A small club like ours does not have the needed resources to mitigate current risks,” he added. “We are obligated to place the highest priority on the safety of our guests, staff and talent, and we are left with no option but to cancel.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Bankas and Collins for comment.

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Collins, who has operated the club since 2007, told the Tribune the cancellations could cost him roughly $17,000. He also said Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which represents Bankas, is demanding full compensation for the canceled shows because the comedian was prepared to perform.

According to Collins, CAA has also barred its other clients from booking the club until the dispute is resolved.

Bankas was born in Toronto and is now based in Austin, Texas. 

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He hosts YouTube’s “The Tanakas Show,” which his website says reaches more than 10,000 monthly listeners.

New England snack tradition crumbles as iconic chip maker leaves state

A popular potato chip brand is leaving its coastal hometown after more than four decades of operations — but its signature name will remain.

The Campbell’s Co. announced that it was closing the Cape Cod chip plant in Hyannis, Massachusetts, according to a Jan. 29 news release. 

The brand was founded in Hyannis — a beach town known for its association with the Kennedys — and the plant, which will end production in April, has been in use since 1985.

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The production of Cape Cod chips will “be transferred to more modern and efficient plants, enabling a more agile and flexible manufacturing network,” Campbell’s said in a statement.

The main plants are in Beloit, Wisconsin; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Hanover, Pennsylvania — where Campbell’s said that “high-quality, carefully selected ingredients” will continue to be used. 

The company said the Hyannis plant only produces 4% of Cape Cod chips and its continued operation “no longer makes economic sense for the business.”

Forty-nine employees will be let go. The employees will be given “separation benefits, job placement support and guidance on how to access state assistance programs,” Campbell’s said. Meanwhile, its investment initiatives in the region will remain.

The news was poorly received by some New England residents on social media.

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“I have been a consumer of Cape Cod chips for YEARS. I’m very, very sad to hear this,” one X user wrote.

Another commenter described it as “very disappointing,” as the chips were a “big part of growing up” in New England, the person said. 

Others were unbothered by the news, considering the plant’s relatively low output.

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“They closed the old plant because it was just for show,” an X user said. “It made 4% of the chips.”

Elizabeth Duggan, president of Campbell’s Snacks, said in a statement that the decision was made due to the need “to strengthen our operations and position our snacks business for long-term growth.”

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“We will maintain a community presence by honoring the brand’s heritage and continue local investment to support the next generation of food innovators on Cape Cod,” Duggan said.

Suspected Kirk assassin’s bid to shake up trial dealt major blow by judge

PROVO, Utah – PROVO, Utah — The Utah man accused of gunning down Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk appeared in court Tuesday as his defense team is asking to have the Utah County Attorney’s Office disqualified from the case after it was revealed a member of the prosecution team had an adult child who was present for the murder.

Attorneys for Tyler Robinson continued arguing their motion to dismiss the Utah County Attorney’s Office from the case, telling the court last month that they were “very concerned we are getting off on the wrong foot.” Tuesday’s hearing was a continuation of a Jan. 16 court appearance, which was adjourned after more than two hours of testimony. 

The 22-year-old was seated in the courtroom as press and members of the gallery streamed in. His parents, Matthew and Amber, were present in court. He was shackled at the waist. 

The hearing opened with what has become a hotly-debated subject in pre-trial proceedings thus far — what, if any, media should be allowed in the courtroom. One of Robinson’s defense attorneys, Richard Novak, argued that even still images of his client could interfere with his right to a fair trial. Attorney Michael Judd, arguing on behalf of the media, countered by saying photography should be allowed. 

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Ultimately, Judge Tony Graf ordered still photographers to the back of the courtroom, and ordered them not to zoom in on the faces of any parties. The video camera was also moved to the back of the courtroom, and honed in on the backs of the parties’ attorneys as they argued before Graf.

Robinson spent the beginning of the hearing looking down at a document shared with him by another defense lawyer, Kathryn Nester. 

After the arguments over media coverage concluded, the court took up the issue at hand. 

The defense insists that a conflict of interest is at play, given that an adult child of a member of the prosecution team was present at Utah Valley University during Kirk’s Sept. 10 assassination. 

Graf said at the outset that while a potential conflict could be conceivable, the defense had not yet met the statutory threshold required to remove county prosecutors or refer the case to the Utah Attorney General’s Office.

Novak picked up where he left off last month, questioning Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray, and trying to pinpoint the exact time when Gray decided he would seek the death penalty against Robinson. 

A PROSECUTOR’S CHILD WITNESSED CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION — CAN HE TAKE PART IN THE CASE?

The court then heard testimony from an unnamed senior prosecutor, identified only as “Prosecutor A,” who described the office’s internal handling of the case and the decision to disclose the child’s presence to the defense.

The prosecutor testified there was no recollection of a specific conversation with Gray about how to proceed because of the child’s presence, but acknowledged it was routine for Gray to consult senior prosecutors in death penalty cases.

The prosecutor testified Gray expressed early on that he intended to seek the death penalty and wanted that decision announced at the same time charges were filed — earlier than is typical, when such notices often come after a preliminary hearing.

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The prosecutor said disclosure of the child’s presence was made out of professionalism and transparency and was not a concession that a conflict existed. The prosecutor also testified the child’s presence did not influence charging decisions or the decision to seek the death penalty.

Testifying about the day of the shooting, the prosecutor said they were attending an out-of-county conference when family group text messages began coming in. One message read, “CHARLIE GOT SHOT.”

The prosecutor testified they later went to campus, described the scene as chaotic, and informed officers that a backpack left behind belonged to the child but did not remove it. The prosecutor said they later walked the scene from what was described as the “shooter’s perch” and concluded the child was not within the zone of danger, estimating the distance at about 85 feet.

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The state then called Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent Dave Hall, one of the lead investigators in the case.

Hall testified the investigation focused on identifying the shooter and said eyewitness accounts did not identify the suspect. He told the court investigators collected more than 40 witness statements, along with extensive video, digital and forensic evidence.

WATCH: Kirk’s accused assassin wants to bar murder video

Videos shown included footage of Kirk arriving behind the stage, entering the amphitheater and interacting with the crowd, as well as graphic cellphone video capturing the moment he was shot. Other footage showed crowd reactions and a rooftop area where bystanders could be heard discussing someone running.

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Hall testified investigators determined the bullet came from straight in front of Kirk. He said he did not learn that a prosecutor’s adult child had been present at the event until the defense filed its conflict-of-interest motion and that the information had no impact on the investigation.

Hall also testified investigators recovered a firearm from a wooded area near campus and a screwdriver from a rooftop, and said DNA found on the firearm was consistent with Robinson’s DNA. He said investigators reviewed social media messages tied to Robinson that included admissions indicating involvement in the shooting.

As prosecutors played videos and images of Kirk before and during the event, Robinson accepted a tissue from Nester and wiped his face, looking down during portions of the presentation. When the hearing concluded, Robinson was led out, still shackled and gave his family a small grin as he exited the courtroom.

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After Hall was excused, the defense said it would call no additional witnesses.

Graf reiterated that he is accepting the defense’s alleged facts as true for purposes of the motion but emphasized he has not yet made up his mind. He scheduled a Feb. 24 hearing at 10 a.m. via WebEx, where he will issue an oral ruling followed by a written decision on whether county prosecutors should be disqualified — a ruling that will determine how the case proceeds.

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Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty. He has not entered a plea. Motions to block video evidence and further restrict courtroom cameras remain pending.

Legal experts say removing an entire prosecutor’s office is rare and difficult, but the issue raised by the defense carries broader implications.

“I think to remove an entire office can be very difficult,” Skye Lazaro, a Salt Lake City–based criminal defense attorney not involved in the case, told Fox News Digital. “What this is ultimately going to turn on is whether or not that played any role in their decision to charge this case, and I don’t think that it really did. They were going to prosecute this case regardless, so I think this is an uphill battle.”

At the same time, Lazaro said the argument is not frivolous.

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“I also think it probably is an argument that has merit and is worth bringing by the defense,” she said.

Lazaro said the issue could become a true conflict if the prosecutor’s family connection becomes part of the evidence presented to jurors.

“If this person’s child were to be put on a witness list, or the text messages they’d want to use as evidence were introduced, then yes — at that point, that becomes a real conflict,” Lazaro said.

She also emphasized public perception.

“When you look at conflicts, it’s also about holding public trust in prosecutorial agencies and them being unbiased when they investigate and prosecute cases,” Lazaro said. “There’s no personal ties, no personal feelings — they’re able to do what’s best for the state.”

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Finally, Lazaro noted the motion could affect who controls the death-penalty decision.

“This isn’t going to keep Tyler Robinson from being prosecuted,” she said. “It just means either a different county attorney’s office would handle it or a special prosecutor would be appointed. And whoever prosecutes the case is the one who decides whether to seek the death penalty — a decision that can change.”

Trump offers support for missing mother of NBC host despite past tensions

President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday to personally call NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie and offer additional federal assistance following her mother’s apparent abduction in Tuscon, Arizona.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and was reported missing by her family around noon Sunday, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

While officials did not immediately elaborate on the circumstances of her disappearance, they said they believe Nancy Guthrie was either kidnapped or abducted, and noted blood was found outside the home.

During a Q&A session in the White House Oval Office Tuesday, Trump said he is considering sending additional federal agents to assist with the investigation.

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“I think it’s terrible,” Trump said. “I’m going to call [Savannah Guthrie] later on. I think it’s a terrible thing. … Very unusual situation, but we’re going to find out.”

Despite the pair’s showdown in an October 2020 NBC town hall, Trump added, “I always got along very good with Savannah.”

During the Miami town hall, Savannah Guthrie pressed Trump on his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his social media reposts questioning Osama bin Laden’s death.

At one point, she accused Trump of “sending a lie” to his followers, comparing him to “someone’s crazy uncle.”

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While the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI continue to investigate Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, officials on Tuesday confirmed they are “aware” of reports of a possible ransom note.

“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a statement Tuesday afternoon. “Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”

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News outlets TMZ and KOLD 13 News announced on Tuesday they received unverified ransom notes demanding money for Nancy Guthrie’s return.

The note received by TMZ reportedly demanded millions in Bitcoin cryptocurrency, with the outlet verifying the Bitcoin address was “real.” 

TMZ said the letter, which was sent to authorities, included unreleased details about her disappearance and had a deadline.

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It is unclear if the notes received by TMZ and KOLD are identical.

Anyone with information on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is asked to call the tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

NBC did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Staff sergeant’s selfless battlefield sacrifice earns nation’s highest military award

The White House has approved the Medal of Honor for fallen Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a Staten Island, New York, native who died in Afghanistan in 2013, while shielding an allied soldier, according to Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., who said she was notified of the decision in a statement posted to social media.

The decision follows years of advocacy from veterans’ groups, elected officials and the Staten Island community to formally recognize Ollis’ actions, which supporters have long argued met the standard for our nation’s highest military honor.

In a Facebook post, Malliotakis said she had been notified directly by the White House.

“We were notified by the White House that Staten Island’s hometown hero, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, has been approved for the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary act of heroism,” Malliotakis wrote.

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Ollis was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 28, 2013, when he used his body to shield a Polish Army officer during a suicide bombing. He was 24 years old.

“In 2013, Staff Sergeant Ollis gave his life to save an allied soldier, and his courage, selflessness, and sacrifice represent the very best of our nation,” she continued.

Malliotakis credited years of advocacy efforts, adding: “After years of advocacy from the American Legion, our elected officials, and the Staten Island community, we are grateful to President Donald Trump for recognizing Staff Sergeant Ollis’ extraordinary heroism with our nation’s highest military honor.”

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military decoration and is awarded for acts that go above and beyond the call of duty. While the standards for awarding the medal have evolved over time, it has always recognized “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life,” according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

The current criteria were established in 1963 during the Vietnam War.

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Under those standards, the medal may be awarded for actions taken against an enemy of the U.S., during military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving alongside friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict in which America is not a belligerent party.

Awarding the Medal involves a rigorous review process. Each recommendation requires detailed reports on the act itself and battlefield conditions, at least two sworn eyewitness statements, and additional corroborating evidence. 

Recommendation packets must be approved through the full military chain of command before reaching the president, who serves as commander-in-chief.

Federal law also imposes strict timelines on the process, with recommendations requiring submission within three years of the valorous act and the medal awarded within five years. Any submission outside those limits requires an act of Congress to waive time restrictions.

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Ollis’ family also addressed the reports in a statement shared by the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation.

“We are extremely grateful to the President of the United States for recognizing the heroism of our son, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, with the Medal of Honor,” the statement said. “Knowing that Michael’s life, legacy and final act of courage have not been forgotten leaves us with a feeling of overwhelming pride and eternal gratitude.”

The statement also thanked supporters in a separate statement who have advocated for the recognition.

“We also greatly appreciate the letters, emails and phone calls of support from government and military officials, local leaders, non-profit organizations and the many friends we are blessed to know here in Staten Island and beyond. It is deeply moving to know that you haven’t forgotten Michael or our family.”

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and the Department of War for additional details regarding the Medal of Honor process, including timing and ceremony plans. 

The Ollis family did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional comment.

NFL fan launches legal battle against player, others over stadium incident

Ryan Kennedy, a Michigan resident and self-described Detroit Lions fan, is taking legal action following a December altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf at Ford Field.

Kennedy and his legal team held a news conference in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on Dec. 26. On Tuesday, attorneys representing Kennedy announced that a lawsuit had been filed in Wayne County Court. The lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages stemming from the Dec. 21 incident and names DK Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ford Field, the Lions’ longtime home stadium.

Former NFL player Chad Johnson, Ford Field management and multiple media platforms were also listed in the lawsuit, alleging that they played a role in making “defamatory and life-altering statements” against Kennedy in the aftermath of the incident.

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The filing outlines nine counts, including negligence against Ford Field and multiple defamation claims against Metcalf, Johnson and former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media.

During the first half of the Lions–Steelers game on Dec. 21, Metcalf appeared to take a swing at Kennedy, who was seated in the Ford Field stands. The NFL later disciplined Metcalf with a two-game suspension to close the regular season.

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On an episode of Shay Shay Media’s “Nightcap” podcast released the day after the incident, co-host Chad Johnson said Metcalf told him Kennedy directed a racial slur at the Steelers receiver and used a derogatory term toward Metcalf’s mother.

Kennedy denied using any slurs at a December press conference, a claim reiterated in the lawsuit.

“The statements were false and reckless,” the lawsuit states. “Plaintiff Kennedy did not call Defendant Metcalf the ‘N-word’; did not call Defendant Metcalf’s mother a ‘c—‘; and did not ever use any racial slurs or hate speech whatsoever … Defendant Metcalf provided false information to Defendant Johnson about what Plaintiff Kennedy allegedly said, thereby instigating and authorizing the publication of the defamatory and reckless statements, which were intended to harm Plaintiff Kennedy.”

Kennedy is also taking legal action against the Steelers for the team’s alleged liability in the incident, while Metcalf is accused of committing assault and battery in the lawsuit. The claims against Ford Field management are also based on liability.

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“Defendant Ford Field Management, LLC breached its duty by failing to establish or enforce adequate barriers, protocols, or security measures to prevent players from reaching into the stands and making physical contact with patrons,” the lawsuit reads.

Fox News Digital contacted the Lions requesting comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

Metcalf recorded 850 receiving yards in his first season with the Steelers.

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Leaked docs expose Iran’s secret deadly blueprint for crushing protesters

Leaked documents from the Iranian regime reveal a coordinated plan by its security apparatus, approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to violently suppress nationwide protests using force, surveillance and internet shutdowns.

Excerpts of the documents, reviewed by Fox News Digital, show that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council developed the strategy after the 2019 nationwide protests that came amid fuel price hikes and economic collapse.

At a National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) press briefing Tuesday covering the regime’s pre-planned orders behind the protests and mass killings, Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington office, said the documents “were obtained from within the regime” and later cited The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) as having gained access to them.

“This Directive by the National Security Council was obtained by the network in Iran of the MEK, which has access to sources within the regime,” he confirmed to Fox News Digital.

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“These documents show the regime’s efforts to prevent the resurgence of the uprising and, if it occurred, to suppress it,” Jafarzadeh added before stating that there are “clear operational plans allocated to the IRGC to use lethal force to kill as many people as needed to stay in power.”

The first document, classified “top secret,” was issued Mar. 3, 2021, with the regime codifying four escalating law enforcement and security conditions. The regime defined how unrest would be handled and which authorities would be in command at each stage.

Initial law enforcement and non-armed security situations placed command authority with Iran’s national police force, with support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Intelligence Ministry (VAJA).

In the most severe category, designated an “armed security situation,” full command authority rapidly shifted to the IRGC.

“For now, this compilation should be communicated for two years,” Khamenei wrote before ordering the blueprint implemented nationwide.

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The secret guidelines became the blueprint for crushing the January 2026 protests, which erupted amid soaring inflation, currency collapse and anger toward clerical rule.

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 6,854 people have been killed during the protests, with 11,280 cases under investigation.

Internal regime assessments cited in other leaked files describe three phases of the 2026 uprising: an initial law enforcement phase, followed by a non-armed security phase and finally an armed security situation beginning Jan. 8 when authority shifted fully to the IRGC that played the command role and carried out armed killings.

The documents specify that during armed security situations, the IRGC operated with support from other security bodies, while Iran’s Ministry of Communications was ordered to impose internet restrictions, including full shutdowns.

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A second classified document, compiled in 2024 by the IRGC’s Sarallah Headquarters, reveals how far the regime went to prepare for dissent.

The 129-page “Comprehensive Security Plan of Tehran” details extensive surveillance and repression measures, identifying members of the opposition MEK and family members of executed dissidents as “level number one” enemies subject to monitoring and control.

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“It also shows how far the regime is prepared to go to kill as many people as needed, which they did in January 2026. However, these killings further convinced the people that there is only one way to end the killings, and that is to overthrow the regime,” Jafarzadeh added.

“There are more people, especially young ones, who have joined the ranks of the organized force to confront the IRGC and liberate the nation,” he said.