Cross posted to the MRC's NewsBusters blog
On Friday's Fox and Friends, and again on Fox and Friends Saturday, Fox News Channel gave coverage to a story ignored by the other networks as the show recalled for viewers that two illegal immigrants have been charged with murdering a El Dorado County, California, police officer, Brian Ishmael, who was shot to death on October 23 while responding to reports of a robbery. A second deputy was also injured in the attack.
The show also highlighted the country's sheriff, John D'Agostini, criticizing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and the state's liberal policies toward marijuana and illegal immigrants for his deputy's death.
At 7:40 a.m. Eastern, on the Friday, November 8, Fox and Friends, news reader Jillian Mele recalled: "A California sheriff blames the governor's policies for a deputy's killing, Two illegal immigrants are charged in the death of Deputy Brian Ishmael, who was shot while investigating a marijuana theft. The sheriff says Gavin Newsom's sanctuary and marijuana policies contributed to the tragedy."
Then came a clip of Sheriff D'Agostini speaking to reporters: "If you allow criminal-minded illegal aliens to infiltrate our communities with more protections than our average citizens, they will take advantage of that and victimize our communities."
Mele jumped back in: "He's also slamming Newsom for missing the deputy's funeral."
This is at least the third shooting of a police officer by illegal immigrants covered by Fox News so far this year. One other non-fatal case occurred in California in September, and another deadly killing was perpetrated in Washington state last March.
It was near the end of 2018 that Newman, California, police officer Ronil Singh was also murdered by an illegal immigrant.