SOFREP Evening Brief: Trump’s Insurrection Act Deadline Looms, Classes Resume Monday at Florida State University After Mass Shooting, Pope Francis’ Easter Mass Message
President Trump in the newly gilted Oval Office on April 17th. AP Photo by Alex Brandon.
President Trump hasn’t invoked the Insurrection Act—yet. But he’s certainly been laying the groundwork. Back on Inauguration Day in January 2025, he declared a national emergency at the southern border. Alongside that, he signed an executive order directing the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to submit a report by April 20 recommending whether to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807. That law gives the president the power to deploy the military inside the United States under certain conditions, like quelling civil unrest or enforcing federal law when state authorities won’t.
There’s been plenty of speculation, especially in the media and on social platforms, that Trump might use the law to federalize the National Guard and send troops into states that are resisting his immigration policies. Some have even tossed around the phrase “martial law,” but that’s not accurate. Legal experts point out that the Insurrection Act doesn’t suspend the Constitution or civil law—it’s not martial law. What it does do is allow the president to use federal troops for law enforcement purposes inside the country, which is rare and controversial.
The situation escalated earlier this month when, on April 11, Trump signed a memo expanding the Defense Department’s authority to operate on public lands along the border. That opens the door to a more active military presence in civilian areas. At the same time, Trump has reshuffled Pentagon leadership, bringing in loyalists and pushing out military legal advisors who might push back on these decisions. While neither the Pentagon nor DHS has publicly recommended using the Insurrection Act, it’s worth noting that their advice isn’t binding. Trump can act on his own if he chooses.
If he goes through with it, we could see the National Guard federalized and used for mass deportations or even to suppress protests. That would mark a serious escalation and a major break from modern precedent. Civil rights groups and legal scholars have already sounded the alarm, warning that such a move could pose a real threat to democratic norms and civil liberties. Of course, nothing has happened yet, but they like to get worked up with “what ifs”.
As of today—April 20—Trump hasn’t made the call. But everything suggests he’s keeping the option open, and the next few days will be critical in determining whether this administration takes that dramatic step.
Classes To Resume Monday At Florida State University Following Mass Shooting
Classes are set to resume at Florida State University on Monday, April 21, just four days after a mass shooting rocked the campus community. The attack, carried out by 21-year-old student Phoenix Ikner, left two people dead and six injured. Ikner was stopped by police gunfire and remains hospitalized. Among the victims were Tiru Chabba, a vendor employee who worked on campus, and Robert Morales, the university’s dining coordinator and a former assistant football coach. Their loss has deeply shaken students and staff alike.
Despite the trauma still fresh in everyone’s minds, FSU President Richard McCullough announced that the university will move forward with reopening. He emphasized flexibility, stating that mandatory attendance policies are suspended for the final week of the semester. Students will not be penalized if they choose to stay home. Professors are allowed to hold classes either remotely or in person, depending on the nature of the course. While some lab-based classes may still require students to show up in person, the majority are expected to offer remote options. McCullough also said students who feel unable to complete their coursework can request an incomplete grade.
President Trump hasn’t invoked the Insurrection Act—yet. But he’s certainly been laying the groundwork. Back on Inauguration Day in January 2025, he declared a national emergency at the southern border. Alongside that, he signed an executive order directing the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to submit a report by April 20 recommending whether to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807. That law gives the president the power to deploy the military inside the United States under certain conditions, like quelling civil unrest or enforcing federal law when state authorities won’t.
There’s been plenty of speculation, especially in the media and on social platforms, that Trump might use the law to federalize the National Guard and send troops into states that are resisting his immigration policies. Some have even tossed around the phrase “martial law,” but that’s not accurate. Legal experts point out that the Insurrection Act doesn’t suspend the Constitution or civil law—it’s not martial law. What it does do is allow the president to use federal troops for law enforcement purposes inside the country, which is rare and controversial.
The situation escalated earlier this month when, on April 11, Trump signed a memo expanding the Defense Department’s authority to operate on public lands along the border. That opens the door to a more active military presence in civilian areas. At the same time, Trump has reshuffled Pentagon leadership, bringing in loyalists and pushing out military legal advisors who might push back on these decisions. While neither the Pentagon nor DHS has publicly recommended using the Insurrection Act, it’s worth noting that their advice isn’t binding. Trump can act on his own if he chooses.
If he goes through with it, we could see the National Guard federalized and used for mass deportations or even to suppress protests. That would mark a serious escalation and a major break from modern precedent. Civil rights groups and legal scholars have already sounded the alarm, warning that such a move could pose a real threat to democratic norms and civil liberties. Of course, nothing has happened yet, but they like to get worked up with “what ifs”.
As of today—April 20—Trump hasn’t made the call. But everything suggests he’s keeping the option open, and the next few days will be critical in determining whether this administration takes that dramatic step.
Classes To Resume Monday At Florida State University Following Mass Shooting
Classes are set to resume at Florida State University on Monday, April 21, just four days after a mass shooting rocked the campus community. The attack, carried out by 21-year-old student Phoenix Ikner, left two people dead and six injured. Ikner was stopped by police gunfire and remains hospitalized. Among the victims were Tiru Chabba, a vendor employee who worked on campus, and Robert Morales, the university’s dining coordinator and a former assistant football coach. Their loss has deeply shaken students and staff alike.
Despite the trauma still fresh in everyone’s minds, FSU President Richard McCullough announced that the university will move forward with reopening. He emphasized flexibility, stating that mandatory attendance policies are suspended for the final week of the semester. Students will not be penalized if they choose to stay home. Professors are allowed to hold classes either remotely or in person, depending on the nature of the course. While some lab-based classes may still require students to show up in person, the majority are expected to offer remote options. McCullough also said students who feel unable to complete their coursework can request an incomplete grade.
“We want everyone to receive the support and help they need,” McCullough said. “For some students, that may mean not going back into the classroom. For others, the idea of community and gathering, as well as the opportunity to focus on academics, may be beneficial. There is no single answer for everyone.”
But not everyone is convinced. Many students are pushing back, saying the decision to resume classes so quickly shows a lack of empathy. Some student organizations, including the FSU College Democrats, have publicly criticized the administration’s response. “I don’t feel safe again on campus,” said Madalyn Propst, president of the FSU College Democrats. “Being asked to pretend like this never happened and go back to an active crime scene less than a week after members of our community were killed.”
Concerns over safety have been front and center. Students are calling for concrete changes, including installing locks on classroom doors and requiring active shooter training for faculty and staff. Meanwhile, makeshift memorials have appeared across campus as students continue mourning and trying to process what happened. FSU has urged the community to make use of available counseling and support services, but the broader question remains—was the decision to reopen too soon?
In the days ahead, FSU will have to reckon not just with the aftermath of the shooting, but with how its response will shape the trust and well-being of its students moving forward.
Classes are set to resume on Monday at Florida State University after Thursday’s deadly mass shooting. FSU says it is waiving all mandatory attendance policies that could affect any students’ grades. @ReporterFaith has the latest. pic.twitter.com/d0hkn6jMMc
Pope Francis, still recovering from a serious case of double pneumonia, did not lead the Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica this year. Instead, Cardinal Angelo Comastri presided over the ceremony. The Pope made a brief appearance from his wheelchair to greet the crowd and deliver his traditional Easter blessing, the Urbi et Orbi, from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
Even though he did not read the message himself, the address was composed and authorized by the pontiff.
In his Easter message, Pope Francis focused heavily on the theme of peace, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He urged the release of hostages and demanded that humanitarian aid be allowed to reach those in need. He spoke directly to the suffering of Gaza’s people, especially its Christian community, and condemned the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding there. The Pope also extended prayers and appeals for peace in other conflict zones, including Ukraine, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, the Congo, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, Myanmar, and more. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and aid for those caught in the crossfire.
Another major theme in the Pope’s message was the rise of antisemitism around the world. He condemned this trend and reminded the global community that peace is impossible without religious freedom, freedom of thought, and respect for differing opinions. “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others,” he said.
Despite his frail health, the Pope’s message carried a powerful spiritual message rooted in the hope of Christ’s resurrection. He spoke of the triumph of love over hatred, light over darkness, and forgiveness over revenge. “Evil has not disappeared from history,” he said, “but it no longer has the upper hand.” He urged the faithful to let the light of Easter shine in their hearts and to become “messengers of hope” by showing compassion, especially to the vulnerable and victims of violence.
Pope Francis also addressed world leaders directly, urging them to turn away from fear and military buildup. Instead of investing in weapons, he encouraged them to focus on fighting hunger, promoting development, and building a more compassionate world—what he called the real “weapons of peace.” He closed his message with prayers for the release of prisoners of war and political detainees, and for those who are persecuted for their faith.
Even in poor health, Pope Francis delivered a message filled with strength, compassion, and urgency. His Easter remarks served as both a spiritual reflection and a firm call to action, asking the world to choose peace, stand with the suffering, and build a more just and caring global community.
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