Fox News Hourly Update — 4AM ET 09/12/2025: Newscast Summary

Date: September 12, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts team (Sue Guzman, Chanley Painter, Nate Foy, Mark Meredith, et al.)
Theme: Fast-moving overnight newscast covering the latest on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, reactions from political and public figures, related security incidents, and significant national news.

Overview

This broadcast centers on the investigation and national reaction following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The episode delivers new details on the investigation, honors and ceremonies, the political response, related incidents of violence, and other notable headlines. The tone is urgent and somber, reflecting both the gravity of the events themselves and the sharply divided political climate.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Manhunt for Charlie Kirk's Killer

• Investigation Update (00:02–00:38)
  • Authorities released new video footage showing the suspect escaping after the shooting.
    • "Authorities said they had a high powered rifle they found in a palm print on the rooftop."
      — Sue Guzman (00:27)
  • The public is urged to assist by identifying the individual.
    • Details: Black t-shirt, black pants, white on the soles of Converse-style shoes.
    • "Important to note his black T shirt, his black pants, and there appears to be some white on the soles of those Converse tennis shoes."
      — Bo Mason, Public Safety Commissioner (00:18)
  • The FBI has received over 7,000 tips, likened to the scale of the Boston Marathon bombing case.
    • "I would just note that the FBI hasn't received this many digital media tips from the public since the Boston Marathon bombing."
      — Governor Spencer Cox (00:38)

2. Honoring Charlie Kirk

• Presidential Honors & Funeral (00:50–01:32)
  • President Trump, joined by President J.D. Vance, is directly involved in the funeral proceedings.
    • "Vance escorted Charlie Kirk's casket before a flight on Air Force Two... flew with his casket to Phoenix, Arizona, where the organization he founded, Turning Point USA, is based."
      — Chanley Painter (00:59)
  • Trump announces plans to attend the funeral and to bestow the highest civilian honor on Kirk posthumously.

3. Social Media Fallout & Threats

• Online Reaction & Safety Concerns (01:32–01:59)
  • Authorities warn about a surge in threats towards Republicans on social media, especially on Blue Sky.
  • Discussion of celebration and toxic rhetoric online in response to the assassination.

4. Unrelated Security Incident

• Accidental Shooting at U.S. Naval Academy (01:59)
  • "A midshipman mistook authorized law enforcement as a threat, engaged and was injured in the process."
    — Sue Guzman

5. National Commemorative Events

• Trump Attends Yankees Game on 9/11 Anniversary (03:11–03:52)
  • Trump marked the 24th anniversary of September 11th with events in DC and New York, including a Yankees game:
    • "Players received Trump very well. Some fans did as well, chanting USA when he arrived in the stands."
      — Nate Foy (03:20)

6. Political Fallout and Debate in Washington

• Capitol Hill Reactions & Debate Over Rhetoric (04:03–04:46)
  • Lawmakers grapple with potential political and rhetorical causes behind the assassination.
  • Controversy over a post by Occupy Democrats, countered by bipartisan condemnation:
    • "Murder and political violence is absolutely un-American. It's disgusting."
      — Senator Bernie Sanders (04:28)
  • Tensions erupted as efforts to hold a moment of silence for Kirk devolved into interruptions and shouting.

7. Global News Brief

• Middle East Developments (04:46)
  • FBI releases two persons of interest in Kirk’s case.
  • Qatar accuses Israel of neglect regarding hostages in Gaza and vows ongoing negotiation efforts after attacks in Doha.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "So far we've received more than 7,000 leads and tips...since the Boston Marathon bombing."
  — Governor Spencer Cox (00:38)
• "Vance escorted Charlie Kirk's casket before a flight on Air Force Two..."
  — Chanley Painter (00:59)
• "Murder and political violence is absolutely un-American. It's disgusting."
  — Senator Bernie Sanders (04:28)
• "Players received Trump very well. Some fans did as well, chanting USA..."
  — Nate Foy (03:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02: Investigation introduction, suspect details
• 00:18: Description of suspect by Commissioner Mason
• 00:27: Evidence and FBI tip count update
• 00:50: Honoring Charlie Kirk, funeral details
• 01:32: Social media threats, online reaction
• 01:59: Accidental shooting at US Naval Academy
• 03:11: Trump at Yankees game for 9/11 remembrance
• 04:03: Congressional reaction, debate over rhetoric
• 04:28: Sanders condemnation of political violence
• 04:46: FBI releases persons of interest, Middle East developments

Tone and Language

The newscast maintains a terse, direct, and urgent tone, emphasizing factual coverage but allowing moments of rhetorical emphasis, especially when quoting public figures—reflecting the heightened atmosphere surrounding national tragedy and political division.

This summary covers the primary themes, important details, and major soundbites of the 4AM Fox News Hourly Update for September 12, 2025—providing a concise and comprehensive overview of the nation’s top stories at that hour.