Order Dismissing Contempt Allegation And Vacating Direct Criminal Contempt Conviction of Neil J. Gillespie

Order Dismissing Contempt Allegation And Vacating Direct Criminal Contempt Conviction of Neil J. Gillespie 

On September 18, 2024 Marion County Circuit Judge Robert W. Hodges (left) entered Order Dismissing Contempt Allegation And Vacating Direct Criminal Contempt Conviction of Neil J. Gillespie in Marion County, Florida cases 2019CF4193, 2021CF0286 and 2022CF1143.

On August 2, 2024, the Fifth District Court of Appeal Reversed and Remanded the order of Marion County Circuit Judge Peter M. Brigham holding me in direct criminal contempt. The Fifth DCA ruling held in part: "We reverse and remand for the trial court to hold a hearing which adheres to the express requirements of rule 3.830." see my earlier post Marion County Circuit Judge Peter Brigham Reversed and Remanded 

The events leading to the Order of Judge Hodges dismissing the contempt allegation and vacating my conviction for direct criminal contempt are as follows:

On September 10, 2024, Marion County Administrative Judge Lisa Herndon entered Order Of Reassignment stating:

PURSUANT TO the August 2, 2024, Opinion from the Fifth District Court of Appeal, filed on August 29, 2024, this case is removed from the docket of the Honorable Peter Brigham and reassigned to the Honorable Robert Hodges for a hearing on the matter.
DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers, at Ocala, Marion County, Florida, on September 10, 2024.

On September 11, 2024 Judge Hodges entered Order Scheduling Hearing Tuesday October 8, 2024 at 3:30 PM. The attached order does not mention a 3.830 hearing.

THIS CAUSE shall come before the undersigned Circuit Judge on
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 3:30 p.m., at the Marion County Judicial Center, Courtroom 3A, 110 Northwest First Avenue, Ocala, Florida.
DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at Ocala, Marion County, Florida this
11 day of September 2024.

Oddly, on September 11, 2024, Judge Hodges entered a separate Order Setting Trial in each of three Marion County, Florida cases 2019CF4193, 2021CF0286 and 2022CF1143. The orders set a pretrial conference for pro se defendants on September 30, 2024 @ 1:00 PM, and a jury trial on October 14, 2024 @ 9:00 AM. The orders were mailed and not served on the Florida Portal.

The three orders were questionable because I pleaded no contest and adjudication was withheld in those cases. Although I was NOT GUILTY, I pleaded no contest to get out of jail in order to pay my rent, vehicle payment, and other bills. The state had revoked my bond on the grounds that the alleged direct criminal contempt was alleged "new crime" committed while released on bond. Otherwise I would have remained incarcerated for at several months, or longer, until trial. Later after I was released, I moved to withdrawal my plea of no contest for manifest injustice and other grounds. Judge Brigham denied my motion. The 5th DCA affirmed Judge Brigham (5D23-2005) and a Mandate was entered by the 5th DCA on March 18, 2024. So those cases appeared to settled. Because those cases were settled, it appeared the trial court lacked jurisdiction to conduct new trial, under the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution.

So why did the trial court enter orders setting jury trial? And why did the trial court fail to serve me the orders electronically by email on the Florida Portal? I only learned about the orders by reading the public online case docket, although the orders themselves were "locked" and not viewable. To get answers, on September 12, 2024 I made a pubic records request to Gregory C. Harrell, Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller.

In response, I got an email from Sarah Driggers, Criminal Courts Manager, Administration. Ms. Driggers wrote in part:

I have been asked to assist with your request due to Clerk Harrell and Mr. Davis being out of the office. Please know the documents requested below are now available for viewing through our public site.

On September 14, 2024, I responded to Ms. Driggers by email:

Thank you Ms. Driggers. May I ask why Judge Hodges entered Order Setting Trial in cases 19cf4193, 21cf286 and 22cf1143? I pled no contest and adjudication was withheld in those cases. I moved to withdrawal my plea. Judge Brigham denied my motion. The 5th DCA affirmed Judge Brigham (5D23-2005) and a Mandate was entered by the 5th DCA on March 18, 2024. So those cases appear settled.

Why was the Order Setting Trial not served on the Florida Portal? As of the time of this email I have not received the Order in the mail.
Neil J. Gillespie

Generally speaking, non-receipt of an order is no excuse for failing to appear (FTA). The court will usually issue an arrest warrant, also called a "pickup order" where the sheriff or police will place the FTA person under arrest, transport them to jail, where the FTA person becomes incarcerated, held on no bond, until the court can schedule a hearing.

On September 16, 2024, I got a response, not from Ms. Driggers, but from Rob Davis, General Counsel to Clerk Harrell. Mr. Davis wrote in part:

Good afternoon Mr. Gillespie,
Thank you for your email. I wanted to acknowledge receipt and let
you know that I will respond in greater detail after further review.
Take care,
Rob Davis

Without the details, on September 18, 2024 @7:56 AM, I emailed the Clerk of the Appellate Court, Sandra Williams, Clerk of the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal.

Sandra Williams
Clerk of the Court
Fifth District Court of Appeal
300 S Beach St
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-5002
Office: 386-947-1530
Email: williamsa@flcourts.org

RE: Opinion-Disposition 5D2023-0888

Dear Clerk Williams:

Good morning. On August 2, 2024, the Fifth District Court of Appeal Reversed and Remanded the order of Judge Brigham holding me in direct criminal contempt. The ruling held in part: "We reverse and remand for the trial court to hold a hearing which adheres to the express requirements of rule 3.830."

On September 10, 2024 Judge Robert Hodges was reassigned to my criminal cases.

On September 11, 2024 Judge Hodges entered Order Scheduling Hearing Tuesday October 8, 2024 at 3:30 PM. The attached order does not mention a 3.830 hearing.

On September 11, 2024 Judge Hodges entered Order Setting Trial in cases 19cf4193, 21cf286 and 22cf1143. The order sets a pretrial conference for pro se defendants on September 30, 2024 @ 1:00 PM, and a jury trial on October 14, 2024 @ 9:00 AM. The orders were mailed and not served on the Florida Portal.

I pled no contest and adjudication was withheld in those cases. I moved to withdrawal my plea for manifest injustice and other grounds. Judge Brigham denied my motion. The 5th DCA affirmed Judge Brigham (5D23-2005) and a Mandate was entered by the 5th DCA on March 18, 2024. So those cases appear settled. Because those cases are settled, it appears the trial court lacks jurisdiction to conduct new trials. So why has the trial court entered orders setting jury trial?

Last week I asked the Marion County Clerk's office this question, but do not yet have an answer. Furthermore, last year in each case I filed notice of prosecutorial misconduct. A reasonable person viewing this matter could reasonably conclude that I cannot get a fair hearing or trial in the Fifth Judicial Circuit with State Attorney William Gladson.

Copies of the orders are attached. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Neil J. Gillespie
(Signature block omitted)

Cc: Office of the Attorney General [Ashley Moody]
444 Seabreeze Blvd.
5th Floor
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
crimappdab@myfloridalegal.com

About a half-hour later, September 18, 2024, Judge Hodges entered Order Vacating Order Setting Trail in each case, served on the Florida Portal.

By the end of the day on September 18, 2024, Judge Hodges entered Order Dismissing Contempt Allegation And Vacating Direct Criminal Contempt Conviction of Neil J. Gillespie in Marion County, Florida cases 2019CF4193, 2021CF0286 and 2022CF1143.

A composite document with the foregoing is posted on Scribd.

Judge Hodges was appointed to serve as Circuit Judge in 2007 by Former Governor Charlie Christ. Hodges previously served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Judge Peter Brigham previously served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Many judges are former prosecutors.

Catholic Charities Eligibility Determination Services

Catholic Charities Eligibility Determination Services

Harold called me today (Sunday Dec-29-2024) and said he was being discharged today from Ocala Regional Hospital (HCA) but without having kidney dialysis. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) website says county health departments provide medical care and case management to anyone who is eligible. Catholic Charities provides Eligibility Determination Services. I have advocated for Harold with the health department since September 15, 2024, and again yesterday. 

Still no word from Marissa Duquette, General Counsel for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, on the alleged "blockage in the county" preventing Harold from getting help. However I did hear from the office of U.S. Congresswoman Kat Cammack; as a legislator she cannot help "due to the principle of separation of powers". So we are all at the mercy of a corrupt justice system. President-elect Donald Trump knows about our corrupt justice system. So does President Biden, who pardoned his own son in part due to lawfare. 

A number of Americans believe the United States is a Christian nation. The good book has numerous examples of Jesus Christ healing the sick. So why can it be so difficult for Americans to get healthcare? Jesus cured a blind man who was uninsured. Jesus cured ten lepers without a co-payment. Jesus cured a paralytic without prior authorization. Maybe Jesus was sending a message.

I fund Justice Network from my Social Security retirement income. I welcome financial support through PayPal. Also, if anyone has a washing machine they don't need, I can pick it up for the landlady at Harold's group home. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. Neil Gillespie 

Marion County Circuit Judge Peter Brigham Reversed and Remanded

Fifth District Court of Appeal, State of Florida 

Neil Joseph Gillespie, 

Appellant,

v. 

State of Florida, 

Appellee.

Case No. 5D2023-0888; Lt Case Nos. 2022-CF-1143, 2021-CF-0286, 2021-CF-4193
REVERSED AND REMANDED.

On appeal from the Circuit Court for Marion County. Peter M. Brigham, Judge.

Neil Joseph Gillespie, Ocala, pro se.

Ashley Moody, Attorney General, Tallahassee and Douglas T. Squire, Assistant Attorney General, Daytona Beach, for Appellee.

August 2, 2024

PER CURIAM. 

Neil Joseph Gillespie ("Gillespie") Gillespie appeals his conviction of direct criminal contempt. Because the trial court failed to comply with Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.830 during the contempt hearing, we reverse and remand for the trial court to hold a hearing in accordance with rule 3.830

Facts 

On January 3, 2023, Gillespie appeared pro se for a hearing in his pending criminal cases. During a discussion regarding a proposed order, Gillespie allegedly "yelled" at the court.[fn1] The court admonished Gillespie for this conduct, at which point Gillespie stated that because of a speech impairment he has a hard time projecting his voice. [fn1] While the written transcript was provided on appeal, the audio recording was not.

Twenty-two days later, on January 25, 2023, Gillespie appeared for a scheduled pretrial conference. After finishing the conference, the court brought up Gillespie "yelling" during the January 3, 2023 hearing and indicated that it was going to hold him in contempt. Although there was then some discussion between Gillespie and the court, the court neither "inquire[d] as to whether [Gillespie] ha[d] any cause to show why he . . . should not be adjudged guilty of contempt by the court and sentenced therefor" nor "provide[d] [Gillespie] the opportunity to present evidence of excusing or mitigating circumstances." See Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.830. Ultimately, the court pronounced Gillespie guilty of criminal contempt and sentenced him to thirty days in jail.

Analysis 

"The rules of criminal contempt must be strictly followed so as to protect the due process rights of the defendant." M.J. v. State, 202 So. 3d 112, 113 (Fla. 5th DCA 2016) (quoting State v. Diaz de la Portilla, 177 So. 3d 965, 973 (Fla. 2015)). Although Gillespie did not object to the trial court’s failure to scrupulously follow the requirements of rule 3.830, the trial court’s failure to do so constitutes fundamental error. As we explained in Schoenwalder v. State, 70 So. 3d 745, 746 (Fla. 5th DCA 2011):

Before being adjudicated guilty of his contemptible behavior, Petitioner was entitled to "the opportunity to present evidence of excusing or mitigating circumstances." Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.830. Petitioner did not receive this opportunity. Beyond a perfunctory request whether there was just cause not to hold Petitioner in contempt, the trial court did not provide Petitioner with the opportunity to present evidence of excusing or mitigating circumstances. A trial court’s failure to afford a defendant this opportunity constitutes fundamental error.

(footnote omitted) (citing Garrett v. State, 876 So.2d 24 (Fla. 1st DCA 2004)); see also Hutcheson v. State, 903 So. 2d 1060, 1062 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005) ("‘The provisions of rule 3.830 define the essence of due process in criminal contempt proceedings and must be scrupulously followed.’ . . . [T]he failure to follow the procedural requirements in contempt proceedings is fundamental error." (quoting Keeton v. Bryant, 877 So. 2d 922, 926 (Fla. 5th DCA 2004))).

Conclusion

We reverse and remand for the trial court to hold a hearing which adheres to the express requirements of rule 3.830. See Swain v. State, 226 So. 3d 250, 252 (Fla. 4th DCA 2017) ("The proper remedy for a trial court’s failure to strictly adhere to the requirements of rule 3.830 is a new hearing at which the rule will be followed." (citing Golant v. State, 202 So. 3d 946, 949 (Fla. 4th DCA 2016))). In an abundance of caution, and because the trial judge has already held Gillespie in contempt, a different judge shall be assigned to the case on remand. See Osteen v. State, 12 So. 3d 927, 929 (Fla. 2d DCA 2009) ("Because [the trial judge] has already ruled that Osteen’s claim is without merit and a reasonable person in Osteen’s position might well fear that [the trial judge] would not fairly and impartially determine this claim, a different judge shall be assigned to the case on remand.").

REVERSED AND REMANDED.
MAKAR and HARRIS, JJ., concur.
KILBANE, J., concurs in part and dissents in part, with opinion.

Christmas Day update for Harold Minnis

Christmas Day update for Harold Minnis.

Harold is back in the hospital, but at least now there is an explanation for his situation. Harold is unable to obtain SSI and Medicaid benefits because Marion County is not showing his status as released from custody, according to a social worker I spoke with at the hospital. Persons held in custody cannot obtain outside benefits. The social worker told me on Monday that there is a "blockage in the county", which is also preventing the Marion County Health Department from providing services to Harold. This helps explain why lawyers I contacted cannot help Harold, including Morgan & Morgan of Ocala, and Johnnie Chalkley, a referral from The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service. Jayme Cassidy of the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services said contact Community Legal Services for pro bono legal services. Harold was threatened with eviction for non-payment of rent. Harold's landlady is a kind and understanding person who may have been misled by the Marion County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office allegedly to her that Harold could be evicted without notice. But the social worker says no, Harold must be served with a 30 day eviction notice. Funny how none of the lawyers could help. So Harold has at least another 30 days in his home, which is a group home with several other men. I promised Harold's landlady I would get a washing machine to replace one that broke. Eventually Harold plans to move to assisted living. A flight of stairs at his current home is a hazard for Harold.   

On Monday I emailed Marissa Duquette, General Counsel for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, " please immediately remove the blockage in the county that is violating Mr. Minnis' civil rights and preventing him from receiving government services." I provided a copy of my email to Hallie Mallard, a Constituent Advocate & Field Rep. for U.S. Congresswoman Kat Cammack. "Ms. Mallard, please bring this situation to the attention of Congresswoman Cammack. Official corruption is rampant in Marion County Florida."

Still no word from the DaVita Ocala-west Florida Regional Kidney Center, and its failure to provide transportation for Harold to get life-saving Kidney dialysis. DaVita has failed to respond to multiple phone calls and emails. So Harold is back in the hospital.

I fund Justice Network from my Social Security retirement income. I would welcome any financial support through PayPal or Zelle. Also, if anyone has a washing machine they don't need, I can pick it up for Harold's landlady. Thank you. Wishing you and your family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Neil Gillespie. 

DaVita Ocala-west Florida Regional Kidney Center Failure To Provide Transportation

DaVita Ocala-west Florida Regional Kidney Center Failure To Provide Transportation

Harold Minnis is a person whom I help without charge. Harold has been hospitalized several times recently. On November 27, 2024 I spoke with "Sarah" at the DaVita Ocala Regional Kidney Center-west about transportation for Harold so he can get kidney dialysis three times a week. I spoke with Sarah in person at DaVita Ocala, 8585 SW Highway 200, Ocala, Florida. Sarah told me DaVita Ocala contracts with a ride service for dialysis transport. Harold is an elderly man who uses a wheelchair and does not drive but must get to DaVita Ocala three time a week for life-saving kidney dialysis. There is no public transportation where Harold lives in Dunnellon on an unpaved road. As of today Harold still does not have transportation. Harold has to get dialysis tomorrow morning, Monday December 16, 2024. Previously I called the DaVita corporate office in Malvern, PA. DaVita corporate said to call 911 for an ambulance if DaVita Ocala does not provide transportation. No wonder healthcare in America costs so much. Facebook link

Harold is from Umatilla, Florida, but now lives in Dunnellon. Harold would like to see his old friend Ruby but lost contact. If anyone knows Harold or Ruby, please let me know. Thank you.

"We Have Lost All Credibility": Hala Rharrit on Quitting State Dept. & Ending Complicity in Gaza

 

"We Have Lost All Credibility": Hala Rharrit on Quitting State Dept. & Ending Complicity in Gaza, Democracy Now YouTube video

As human rights groups continue to call out war crimes committed by the Israeli military, we speak to the only U.S. diplomat to publicly resign from the Biden administration over its policy on Israel. We first spoke to Hala Rharrit when she resigned from the State Department in April, citing the illegal and deceptive nature of U.S. policy in the Middle East. "We continue to willfully violate laws so that we surge U.S. military assistance to Israel," she says after more than a year of Israel's war on Gaza. Rharrit says she found the Biden administration unmovable in its "counterproductive policy," which she believes has gravely harmed U.S. interests in the Middle East. "We are going to feel the repercussions of that for years, decades, generations."

Follow Hala Rharrit on Instagram:   /hala_rharrit_official

 

Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained, BBC

The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel on 7 October, with hundreds of gunmen infiltrating communities near the Gaza Strip. About 1,200 people were killed, and more than 250 were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli tallies. More than 33,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in air and artillery strikes carried out by the Israeli military in response, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says. Read more

 

List of US officials who resigned over Biden's support for Israel in Gaza war. Wikipedia article

A small number of US staff, including officials who worked closely on the arms trade and human rights policy, have resigned over the Biden administration's continued arms transfers to Israel for its war in Gaza.[1] A group of staff members resigned amidst anger in the country over Biden's support for Israel, despite rising casualties in the Gaza Strip as Israeli forces continue to commit genocide against Palestinians in the territory.[2]

In a joint statement entitled "Service in Dissent", the resigned officials wrote that "America's diplomatic cover for, and continuous flow of arms to, Israel has ensured our undeniable complicity in the killings and forced starvation of a besieged Palestinian population in Gaza. This is not only morally reprehensible and in clear violation of international humanitarian law and U.S. laws, but it has also put a target on America’s back."[3][4] Resigned officials who spoke to CNN stated that unnamed and non-confirmed former colleagues felt the same way but could not afford to resign.[3] The officials included Lily Greenberg Call, Harrison Mann, Hala Rharrit, Maryam Hassanein, Mohammed Abu Hashem, Riley Livermore, Alexander Smith, Stacy Gilbert, Anna Del Castillo, Annelle Sheline, Tariq Habash, Josh Paul, and Andrew Miller.[5] Read more

The Deep State Hiding in Plain Sight

The Deep State Hiding in Plain Sight
Moyers & Company YouTube Channel

Mike Lofgren, a congressional staff member for 28 years, joins Bill Moyers to talk about what he calls Washington's "Deep State," in which elected and unelected figures collude to protect and serve powerful vested interests. "It is how we had deregulation, financialization of the economy, the Wall Street bust, the erosion or our civil liberties and perpetual war," Lofgren tells Moyers.

The Deep State, by Mike Lofgren
The Fall of the Constitution and the Rise of a Shadow Government, Penguin Random House. Mike Lofgren, Wikipedia

 

THEY OFFER 20K TO PREGNANT WOMEN IN JAILS & PRISONS [MARION COUNTY JAIL, OCALA, FLORIDA]

  

THEY OFFER 20K TO PREGNANT WOMEN IN JAILS & PRISONS 

[MARION COUNTY JAIL, OCALA, FLORIDA]

Jen Jen Gomez YouTube Channel, Feb-04-2024

"Unfortunately.. this is a reality & many women fall this trap out of desperation!! Let me know what you all feel because I’m truly torn between the predatory nature of this, and the benefit the child might have being placed with a good family.." 

 

I HAD MY BABY IN JAIL AND WAS GONE 8 YEARS
Jen Jen Gomez YouTube Channel, Jun-13-2022

Giving birth while I was in the Marion County Jail and then chopped off to for 8.5 years, until my son was 8 years old, was literally one of the hardest things I ever had to experience. I can’t be mad at anyone but myself for putting him and I in that situation to begin with, but at the same time, I would? be lying if I said that it wasn’t difficult and if I said that I thought it was not excessive given the circumstances. Nonetheless, children are resilient and thank God for that. I am now home and because he had such a wonderful first 8 years with his father, his father's side of the family, and my side of the family, because everyone gave him so much love, because everyone worked together so well, and because everybody was so understanding of each other‘s situation and position regarding the situation, things have now turned out beautifully. His father is an amazing man who made it a point to bring our son to visit me almost EVERY WEEKEND for 8.5 straight years!!! Just to help foster a good bond between us!!!! That in itself is a true miracle, you don’t find many men anymore who would willing to do that and I was blessed to have those visit and that time to bond.

Memorial Day 2024, Remember the USS Liberty June 8, 1967, 34 American crew killed in an unprovoked attack

 

Memorial Day 2024, Remember the USS Liberty June 8, 1967, 34 American crew killed in an unprovoked attack

Al Jazeera English: The Day Israel Attacked America

"Al Jazeera investigates the shocking truth behind a deadly Israeli attack on a US naval vessel.

In 1967, at the height of the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War, the Israeli Air Force launched an unprovoked attack on the USS Liberty, a US Navy spy ship that was monitoring the conflict from the safety of international waters in the Mediterranean.

Israeli jet fighters hit the vessel with rockets, cannon fire and napalm, before three Israeli torpedo boats moved in to launch a second more devastating attack. Though she did not sink, the Liberty was badly damaged. Thirty-four US servicemen and civilian analysts were killed, another 171 were wounded.

Later Israel apologised for what it claimed to be a tragic case of mistaken identity. It said that it had believed the ship to be hostile Egyptian naval vessel. US President Lyndon Johnson was privately furious but publicly the White House chose not to challenge the word of its closest Middle East ally and accepted that the attack had been a catastrophic accident.

However, as this exclusive Al Jazeera investigation reveals, fresh evidence throws new light on exactly what happened that fateful day – and the remarkable cover up that followed." 

Jan 14, 2024 USS Liberty Veterans Association
New Hampshire Committee Hearing on USS Liberty

New Hampshire House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Bill HB1041 "Relative to Establishing a Commission to investigate the USS Liberty Incident and its Aftermath." USS Liberty Survivors Larry Bowen, Phil Tourney and Bryce Lockwood Testify.

New Hampshire House Bill HB 1041, Title: relative to establishing a commission to investigate the USS Liberty incident and its aftermath. 

American Legion 2017 Resolution on the USS Liberty (PDF download)

American Legion Resolution No. 40: USS Liberty

'We're Fed Up With It': Survivors of the USS Liberty Look for Answers 55 Years Later

USS Liberty Veterans Banned Forever From American Legion National Convention

Wikipedia, USS Liberty incident (Memorial Day 2024). The USS Liberty incident was an attack on a United States Navy technical research ship (spy ship), USS Liberty, by Israeli Air Force jet fighter aircraft and Israeli Navy motor torpedo boats, on 8 June 1967, during the Six-Day War.[2] The combined air and sea attack killed 34 crew members (naval officers, seamen, two marines, and one civilian NSA employee), wounded 171 crew members, and severely damaged the ship.[3] At the time, the ship was in international waters north of the Sinai Peninsula, about 25.5 nautical miles (47.2 km; 29.3 mi) northwest from the Egyptian city of Arish.[1][4]

Israel apologized for the attack, saying that the USS Liberty had been attacked in error after being mistaken for an Egyptian ship.[5] Both the Israeli and U.S. governments conducted inquiries and issued reports that concluded the attack was a mistake due to Israeli confusion about the ship's identity.[6] Others, including survivors of the attack, have rejected these conclusions and maintain that the attack was deliberate.[7][8] Read more on Wikipedia