Fox News Hourly Update – 2AM ET 09/29/2025 Newscast
Date: September 29, 2025
Host: Angelo Bavaro (FOX News)
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This fast-paced episode delivers breaking national and international news highlights, focusing on multiple deadly shootings in the U.S., ongoing developments in U.S. and global politics, and rising tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict threatening NATO borders. The episode features on-the-ground reporting, expert commentary, and direct quotes from law enforcement and officials.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Tragic Shooting at Michigan Mormon Church
[00:03–01:02]
- Incident Details: At least five people died—including the suspected gunman—after a violent attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Michigan. The suspect, identified as Thomas Sanford (age 40), drove his truck into the church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze.
- Law Enforcement Statement:
- “There were some suspected explosive devices that were located, but as far as using them to initiate the blaze, I can't say that.” – James Deer, ATF Detroit Special Agent [00:23]
- Eyewitness Account:
- A church member described the chaos after a “crash and a boom from the wall right behind the pulpit,” with bricks buckling inward and some congregants thinking it was a bomb, prompting them to flee.
- “It was so loud that some of the members of the congregation thought a bomb had gone. They started to run out the back doors.” – Eyewitness interview with Garrett Tenney [00:35–01:02]
- A church member described the chaos after a “crash and a boom from the wall right behind the pulpit,” with bricks buckling inward and some congregants thinking it was a bomb, prompting them to flee.
2. Deadly Shooting at North Carolina Waterfront Bar
[01:02–01:41]
- Incident Details: A gunman, Nigel Edge (age 40), allegedly began shooting from a boat into a crowd at the American Fish Company restaurant, leaving three dead and five injured.
- Aftermath:
- Edge was arrested soon after the attack, is held without bond, and faces first-degree murder charges with more pending.
- Atmosphere Recounted by Reporter:
- “People were just out enjoying their Saturday night...” – Madison Scarpino summarizes the shock and sudden violence. [01:07]
3. Political Update: Trump Pursuing Gaza Peace Plan
[01:41–01:59]
- Key Point: President Trump remains optimistic about a possible Gaza peace plan and is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister at the White House the following Monday.
4. High-Profile Assassination Case: Tyler Robinson
[03:19–04:05]
- Case Details: Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has secured legal counsel after a two-week search for a qualified defense attorney.
- Legal Overview:
- “Utah county commissioners have tapped Katherine Nestor, a seasoned trial attorney and a former federal public defender. She'll be going up against chief prosecutor Chad Grunander tomorrow.” – Fox’s Claudia Cohen [03:26]
- Utah taxpayers expected to bear the cost, possibly exceeding $1 million, due to Robinson’s inability to afford his own defense.
5. Growing Tensions: Russia, Ukraine, and NATO Airspace
[04:05–05:00]
- Incident Sequence:
- Russian drones and fighter jets have repeatedly violated NATO airspace (notably Poland, Romania, Estonia, and near Alaska).
- Escalation Risks:
- When asked if NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft in their airspace, President Trump answered,
- “Yes, I do.” [04:30]
- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned aggression would be met with a "decisive response."
- When asked if NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft in their airspace, President Trump answered,
- Defense Response:
- NATO has scrambled jets to intercept Russian incursions.
- European defense ministers are planning a “drone wall” along western borders with Russia.
- Expert Analysis:
- “The spark could happen for Russian military jet to shot down over NATO territory. President Trump warned it was possible.” – Steve Harrigan (Fox News, Moscow) [04:17]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
ATF Detroit Special Agent James Deer:
“There were some suspected explosive devices that were located, but as far as using them to initiate the blaze, I can't say that.” [00:23] -
Eyewitness at Michigan Church:
“It was so loud that some of the members of the congregation thought a bomb had gone. They started to run out the back doors.” [00:57] -
President Trump on NATO’s Response:
“Yes, I do.” [04:30]
(On whether NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft violating airspace) -
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s Warning:
“Aggression against Russia will be met by a, quote, decisive response.” [04:31]
Important Timestamps
- 00:03: Michigan church shooting – incident overview
- 00:23: ATF Agent comments on explosives
- 00:35: Witness account from inside the church
- 01:02: North Carolina bar shooting begins
- 01:41: Update on President Trump’s peace plan with Israel
- 03:19: Charlie Kirk murder case and court proceedings
- 04:05–05:00: Russian incursions, NATO response, rising international tensions
Tone and Language
The episode maintains a concise, factual, and urgent tone, characteristic of breaking news bulletins. Quotes from law enforcement and political figures are direct, with little editorializing, ensuring the delivery remains news-focused and impartial.
Conclusion
This newscast stands out for its rapid coverage of critical, unfolding stories—from domestic violence to escalating international conflict and high-profile legal drama. Listeners receive succinct updates with firsthand insights and authoritative statements, keeping them informed of the most important stories of the hour.
