Global News Podcast — Trump on Charlie Kirk Shooter: “I Think We Have Him”

Host: Valerie Sanderson (BBC World Service)
Date: September 12, 2025

Episode Overview

This edition of the Global News Podcast covers major global stories from September 12, 2025, with a particular focus on U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement concerning the apprehension of the suspect in the Charlie Kirk shooting. Also featured are international developments: Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction in Brazil, Israel’s intensified military action in Gaza, the deportation of South Korean workers from the U.S., devastating floods in Pakistan, a push for women in Malawi’s politics, and Albania’s appointment of an AI government minister. The episode closes with a look at a meteorite fall in Scotland.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. The Charlie Kirk Shooting and Trump’s Response

(00:00–04:53)

• President Trump’s Statement:
  On Fox & Friends, Trump announced that authorities believe they have the shooter in custody:

  “I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody. Right in custody. Everyone did a great job. We worked with the local police, the governor. Everybody did a great job.” (Donald Trump, 01:23)
  He noted the suspect was turned in by someone “very close to him,” with more details to come.

• Manhunt and Community Reactions:
  After conservative youth leader Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at a student event in Utah, vigils were held and a large police presence was noted. Attendees emphasized unity and the emotional impact:

  “Regardless, we’re here together to help each other grow and to heal. And I believe it’s important to realize this is not a battle of right versus left. This is a battle of good versus evil.” (Vigil attendee, 02:20)
  “I feel like people are feeling angry, but I’m just feeling sadness. My heart’s broken.” (McKay Miller, 17, 02:57)

• Concerns About Division:
  Young people at the vigil expressed anxiety about political polarization:

  “We’re so radically left side and right side, we’re both radically positioned so far that we’re going to extreme lengths for this. And this is an example of that right here today.” (Vigil attendee, 03:15)

2. Jair Bolsonaro’s Conviction and U.S.-Brazil Tensions

(04:53–08:49)

• Bolsonaro Convicted:
  Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro faces 27 years in jail for plotting a coup. The U.S., under Trump, threatened further action.

  “It’s very similar to what they tried to do in the United States with a former president, now President Donald Trump. The difference is the institutions in Brazil weren’t strong enough to resist the weaponization of the Supreme Court.” (Paolo Figueiredo, Bolsonaro supporter, 05:37)

• Divided Brazilian Response:
  Bolsonaro’s supporters seek amnesty, citing political divisions and long-standing traditions of forgiveness for political figures.

• U.S. Reaction and Sanctions:
  The Trump administration backed Bolsonaro and criticized the verdict, increasing tariffs and sanctioning a judge.

  “Washington have said they're going to take appropriate action… even widened the divide.” (Mimi Swabi, 07:53)

3. Israel’s Escalation in Gaza City

(08:49–11:18)

• Mass Evacuation Orders:
  Israel issued evacuation orders for Gaza City amid intensified military campaign, but the designated “safe zones” like Al Mawasi have also been attacked.

  “There is nowhere really in Gaza that can be categorized as safe.” (Wiri Davis, 09:09)

• Civilian Hardship:
  Many residents have been displaced multiple times, often with nowhere to go and no shelter except tents; large-scale destruction is reported.

• Military Objectives:
  No formal declaration of a full ground offensive yet, but intentions remain to “control the whole of Gaza and defeat Hamas completely.” (Wiri Davis, 11:00)

4. South Korean Workers Deported from U.S.

(11:18–14:08)

• Return to South Korea:
  Over 300 South Korean workers detained by U.S. immigration returned home after a week in detention; they had gone to help build a car battery factory.

• Shock and Tension:
  The detentions, including the use of handcuffs, shocked South Korean public and business community.

  “You invest in your country and you arrest us, you treat us like criminals. … That is what people here are struggling to come to terms with.” (Gene McKenzie, 12:49)

• Root of the Dispute:
  U.S. cited visa issues, while South Korea claims it's been trying to resolve them for years.

5. Flood Emergency in Pakistan

(14:08–17:41)

• Massive Displacement and Death Toll:
  Severe monsoon floods in Punjab province displaced 2 million and killed over 900 nationwide.

  “People have been stuck for the past six days. There’s no food.” (Azadeh Mushiri, 15:22–15:25)

• Personal Struggles:
  Accounts include families wading through floods, losing livestock, and queues for aid; many refuse evacuation due to repeated disasters or lack of means.

• Poverty and Climate Vulnerability:

  “That’s the reality of climate change. It hits the poorest the worst.” (Azadeh Mushiri, 17:41)

6. Russian-Belarusian Military Exercises and Tensions with Poland

(17:54–20:28)

• Drone Incursion:
  After a Russian drone incursion into Poland, Warsaw closed border points with Belarus.

  “These are no mistakes. … We’ve had these triennial ZAPAD exercises before. They always have an aggressive scenario that includes invading NATO territory.” (Radek Sikorski, 18:40)

• Hybrid Warfare:
  The influx of migrants and military exercises are described as “hybrid operations” against Poland and the EU.

7. Women’s Political Participation in Malawi

(20:28–24:06)

• Activism and Training:
  NGOs and activists are pushing for increased female representation in upcoming elections, despite cultural and financial hurdles.

  “The majority of voters are women and yet very few get elected. … Women have not been afforded the opportunity to go to school.” (Nogsa Maseko, 21:57)

• Financial Barriers:
  High candidate fees for council and parliamentary seats limit female involvement.

• Hope for Change:

  “Trust me, in 2030, our generation … is going to ensure that this never happens again. We’re working towards breaking down those barriers.” (Helen Chabunya, 22:35)

8. Albania Appoints AI Government Minister

(24:06–25:11)

• AI Minister “Diella”:
  Albania names “Diella,” a digital avatar, as ministerial head of public procurement, aiming to tackle corruption in government tenders.

  “Prime Minister Edi Rama has promoted her, boldly promising … she’ll make Albania a country where public tenders are 100% free of corruption.” (Reporter, 24:41)

9. Meteorite Fragments in the Scottish Highlands

(25:11–27:42)

• Meteorite Search:
  Scientists appeal to hill walkers to look for fragments after a meteor exploded over Scotland in July.

  “If you want to bag a Munro, you can bag a meteorite and quite literally, we’d like you to bag it.” (Dr. Onya O’Brien, 26:23)

• Scientific Value:
  Fragments from the meteorite could be older than Earth. The public is urged to handle discoveries carefully to avoid contamination.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Trump on Shooter Custody:

  “I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody.”
  (Donald Trump, 01:23)

• Vigil Attendee on Kirk’s Death:

  “This is an opportunity for us to come together because we’re so radically left side and right side...”
  (03:15)

• Supporter on Bolsonaro’s Conviction:

  “That’s why we have right now the most popular leader in the country being sent to prison for 27 years—more than drug dealers, murderers, and serious criminals.”
  (Paolo Figueiredo, 05:37)

• Wiri Davis, On Gaza:

  “There is nowhere really in Gaza that can be categorized as safe.”
  (09:09)

• South Korea-US Tension:

  “You invest in your country and you arrest us, you treat us like criminals.”
  (Gene McKenzie, 12:49)

• Pakistan Flood Victim:

  “People have been stuck for the past six days. There’s no food.”
  (15:25)

• Radek Sikorski, Poland:

  “These are no mistakes … They always have an aggressive scenario that includes invading NATO territory.”
  (18:40)

• Helen Chabunya, Malawi:

  “Trust me, in 2030, our generation … is going to ensure that this never happens again.”
  (22:35)

• Dr. Onya O’Brien on Meteorites:

  “If you want to bag a Munro, you can bag a meteorite and quite literally, we’d like you to bag it.”
  (26:23)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump on Charlie Kirk Shooter: 00:00–04:53
• Bolsonaro Conviction and US-Brazil Tension: 04:53–08:49
• Israel-Gaza City Offensive: 08:49–11:18
• South Korean Workers’ Detention/Return: 11:18–14:08
• Pakistan Flood Crisis: 14:08–17:41
• Russia-Belarus Military Exercises/Poland Tensions: 17:54–20:28
• Women in Malawi Politics: 20:28–24:06
• Albania’s AI Minister: 24:06–25:11
• Scottish Highlands Meteorite: 25:11–27:42

Conclusion

This brisk, wide-ranging episode delivers a snapshot of global upheaval and grassroots change: from headline-grabbing incidents like the Charlie Kirk shooting and Bolsonaro’s conviction, through humanitarian crises and technological innovation, to symbols of hope and progress in Malawi and Scotland. The reporting maintains a sober tone, amplifying local voices, emotional testimony, and high-stakes diplomatic decisions.