Fox News Hourly Update – 4PM ET 08/27/2025 Newscast

Date: August 27, 2025
Host: Lisa Brady (FOX News Podcasts)

Overview

This episode delivers breaking national news and key updates on notable events, focusing primarily on the FBI's investigation of a mass shooting in Minneapolis, government responses, ongoing federal crime crackdowns, and economic developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Mass Shooting: FBI Deems Hate Crime and Domestic Terrorism

• FBI Director Cash Patel confirms that the recent Minneapolis church shooting, in which two Catholic school students died and 17 were injured, is being investigated as both a hate crime targeting Catholics and an act of domestic terrorism.
  • (00:03)
• The attack occurred during a children's mass marking the first week of school, with the shooter firing from outside the church.

First-Person Accounts:

• A 10-year-old survivor describes the chaos and fear during the incident and notes the lack of active shooter drills in the church:
  • "It was very scary. It was like my friend got shot in the back. He's in the hospital right now." – 10-year-old Survivor (00:28)
  • "We've only practiced it in the main school. So we really didn't know what to do. We just got into the pews and he shot through the stained glass windows." – 10-year-old Survivor (00:41)

Casualty Update:

• 14 of the wounded are students; 3 are elderly parishioners.

Shooter's Identity:

• The shooter, Robin Westman (formerly Robert Westman), died by suicide at the scene.
  • Court documents revealed a name and gender identity change in 2019, and reports indicate the shooter's mother previously worked at the school.
  • Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara notes ongoing raids at multiple residences to secure more weapons.

Manifesto:

• FBI confirms the existence of a manifesto, intended for release on YouTube, featuring on-location content and "disturbing writings." It has since been removed.
  • "We are also aware of a manifesto that the shooter had timed to be released on YouTube. This manifesto appeared to show him at the scene and included some disturbing writings." – FBI Director Cash Patel (01:20)

Political & Societal Response:

• Governor Tim Walz addresses the tragedy and calls for action beyond "thoughts and prayers":
  • "It's Minnesota's day to day and it's my strongest desire that no state, no community, no school ever experiences a day like this." – Governor Tim Walz (01:39)
• President Trump orders flags at half-staff in memory of the victims.

2. Crime & Policing in the Nation’s Capital

• D.C. Mayor Mariel Bowser discusses both benefits and drawbacks of increased federal presence:
  • Notable improvements include reduced gun crimes, homicides, and a significant decrease in carjackings.
    • "We know that we have had fewer gun crimes, fewer homicides and we have experienced an extreme reduction in carjackings." – Mayor Mariel Bowser (02:29)
  • Concerns persist regarding strained police-community trust, particularly due to the presence of masked ICE agents and out-of-state National Guards, which Bowser labels as inefficient.
    • "We know having masked ICE agents in the community has not worked and National Guards from other states has not been an efficient use of those resources..." – Mayor Mariel Bowser (02:37)
• Bowser maintains ongoing conversations with President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to resolve these challenges and seek legislative reforms for enhanced accountability.

3. Federal Crime Crackdown & Economic Policy

• The Trump administration, led by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is considering acquiring stakes in additional American companies following this week’s Intel deal.
• Lutnick justifies the move, arguing that government investment aligns with public interests, especially where taxpayer dollars support firms like Lockheed Martin.
  • "If you give someone $11 billion who's just building in America, they're not doing something special. They're building in America. And their CEO told the president he didn't need the grant and you said, well, then why don't we get something for it now?" – Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (03:37)
• Lockheed Martin issues a brief statement affirming ongoing cooperation with the administration.

4. Economic Update

• The Dow closes up 147 points, S&P up 15 at a record close (6481), and the NASDAQ gains 45.
  • (04:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It was very scary. It was like my friend got shot in the back. He's in the hospital right now."
  — 10-year-old Survivor (00:28)
• "We are also aware of a manifesto that the shooter had timed to be released on YouTube. This manifesto appeared to show him at the scene and included some disturbing writings."
  — FBI Director Cash Patel (01:20)
• "It's Minnesota's day to day and it's my strongest desire that no state, no community, no school ever experiences a day like this."
  — Governor Tim Walz (01:39)
• "We know that we have had fewer gun crimes, fewer homicides and we have experienced an extreme reduction in carjackings."
  — Mayor Mariel Bowser (02:29)
• "If you give someone $11 billion who's just building in America, they're not doing something special. They're building in America..."
  — Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary (03:37)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02 — Breaking: FBI updates on Minneapolis church shooting
• 00:28 — Survivor testimony
• 01:20 — Manifesto and investigation details
• 01:39 — Governor Walz statement
• 02:16 — D.C. safety and policing; Mayor Bowser interview
• 03:18 — Commerce Secretary Lutnick on government stakes in industry
• 04:01 — Market wrap-up

Summary

This newscast delivers comprehensive updates on a tragic mass shooting in Minneapolis, efforts to address safety and community trust in Washington, D.C., and the Trump administration’s new approach to federal investment in major American firms. The episode is marked by heartfelt on-the-ground testimonies and a frank discussion of policy challenges post-tragedy, capturing both the immediacy of unfolding events and the ongoing political and economic responses.