Morning Wire – Episode Summary
Episode: Deadly Church Assault & FBI Admits J6 Presence
Date: September 29, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley and Georgia Howe, with reporting from Amanda Presa Giacomoso, Cabot Phillips, and Tim Pierce
Overview
This episode covers three major news stories:
- A deadly assault and arson at a Mormon church in Michigan, with analysis on the ongoing investigation and political reactions.
- President Trump's escalation of his national crime crackdown, specifically his decision to deploy troops to Portland and the political fallout.
- A significant admission from the FBI about the presence of hundreds of plainclothes agents in the crowd during the January 6 Capitol riots, along with the political and legal implications.
The episode aims to provide fact-driven updates and in-depth context on these issues, with a focus on crime, government accountability, and public trust.
Tragedy at Michigan Church
[02:39–06:54]
What Happened
- On Sunday morning, a man attacked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan (a suburb of Flint), by ramming his truck into the building and opening fire on congregants.
- Ten people were shot. The assailant set the building on fire with an accelerant, engulfing the church in flames.
- As of recording, the suspect and four victims are confirmed dead. Officials fear the casualty count will rise once searches resume post-fire.
Notable Quote:
"Just hundreds of people just practicing their faith. We do know that there are some that are unaccounted for."
— William Rennie, Grand Blanc Police Chief [00:41]
Emergency Response and Investigation
- The suspect was neutralized by police at 10:33 a.m. in the church parking lot. Identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, from nearby Burton, MI.
- Pickup truck had two large American flags; some reports (unconfirmed) suggest the suspect may be an Iraq War veteran.
- Active search warrants are being executed at the suspect's home and phone records are being reviewed for motive.
Notable Quote:
"We do believe that we will find additional victims once we're able to search that. Once there's no signs of a fire."
— William Rennie [04:06]
Political and Community Reactions
- President Trump condemned the attack, calling it “yet another targeted attack on Christians,” and urging prayer and an end to violence.
- The FBI quickly dispatched agents to assist local authorities.
- Ongoing investigation involves coordination with federal law enforcement due to the number of witnesses and scale.
Notable Quote:
“This epidemic of violence in our country must end immediately.”
— President Trump (via Amanda Presa Giacomoso) [05:37]
Police Coordination:
"We had FBI, you know, they're devoting 100 agents to this area because...that's a lot of witness information statements that we have to obtain."
— Police Chief William Rennie [06:20]
Trump’s Crime Crackdown: Troops to Portland
[07:54–12:13]
Announcement and Context
- President Trump announced, via Truth Social, the deployment of troops to Portland, Oregon to protect ICE facilities, in response to persistent crime and Antifa activity.
- The move echoes recent federal crackdowns in other Democrat-run cities, notably Washington, D.C.
Notable Quote:
“I’m directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide all necessary troops to protect war ravaged Portland. I’m authorizing full force if necessary.”
— President Trump, via Cabot Phillips [08:11]
Why Portland?
- Since 2020, Portland has seen homicides spike over 200%.
- Designated as an "epicenter" for Antifa violence, particularly around ICE facilities, with ongoing attacks and civil unrest.
Designation:
- Trump administration officially labels Antifa a “domestic terror organization,” opening the possibility for RICO statutes and elevated charges.
Notable Quote:
"This is part of an organized campaign of radical left terrorism. It is structured, it is sophisticated, it is well funded, it is well planned. It is terrorism on our soil."
— Trump advisor Stephen Miller [09:48–09:58]
Local Resistance and Legal Challenges
- Portland’s city government, led by Democratic officials, reaffirms its status as a “sanctuary city,” vowing non-cooperation with federal agents.
- The state of Oregon and the city of Portland jointly filed a lawsuit to block the deployment of the National Guard.
- In contrast, Tennessee welcomes increased federal presence to tackle Memphis crime.
Notable Quotes:
“There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our major city. They are not needed here.”
— Oregon Governor Tina Kotek [11:11]
“The story of crime in Memphis is about to be a story of the past.”
— Tennessee Governor Bill Lee [12:13]
FBI Admits Presence at January 6 Capitol Riot
[13:21–17:20]
The Admission
- After years of vague responses, the FBI now acknowledges that around 280 plainclothes agents were present in the crowds during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
- The revelation sparks questions about previous denials and the conduct of then-FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Notable Quote:
“This is different from what former FBI Director Christopher Wray stated over and over again. ... they got caught lying.”
— President Trump (via Tim Pierce) [13:49]
Fallout and Accusations
- Newly appointed FBI Director Cash Patel claims agents were sent “against FBI standards” and criticizes past leadership for lying to Congress and the public.
- After Action reports describe deep dissatisfaction inside the Bureau, with complaints of politicization and “woke ideology.”
Notable Quote:
“This was the failure of a corrupt leadership that lied to Congress and the American people about what really happened.”
— Cash Patel [14:34]
Insider’s View:
“By 2020, his own rank and file... told an after action report of Congress that they believe the FBI had become incurably biased, that it was infected with WOKE ideology and it was beginning to treat liberals and conservatives differently.”
— John Solomon, journalist [15:09]
Legal and Political Implications
- Questions arise about possible perjury by Wray. Rep. Andy Biggs cites a 2023 exchange where Wray appeared evasive about the presence of agents.
- Legal experts note that perjury is difficult to prosecute due to the need to prove intent and Wray’s careful phrasing.
Notable Exchange (2023 Hearing):
“Are you acknowledging then there were undercover agents? ... As I sit here right now, I do not believe there were undercover agents on scene.”
— Rep. Andy Biggs questioning Wray [16:15]
Bottom Line
- While Trump calls for answers, and some politicians seek consequences for Wray and former Director Comey, the path to legal accountability remains uncertain.
Memorable Moments
- Police Chief Rennie’s somber confirmation of expected additional victims at the church: [04:06]
- President Trump’s forceful condemnation of violence and direct linkage to a broader “epidemic”: [05:37]
- Stephen Miller’s strong words on Antifa as a terror threat: [09:48]
- Transparency finally forced from the FBI on January 6, and the subsequent reactions from current leadership and lawmakers: [13:49–16:45]
Episode Highlights With Timestamps
- Michigan Church Attack (Details, Police, Motive): [02:39–06:54]
- Trump’s Deployment of Troops to Portland (Government, Local Response, Legal Challenge): [07:54–12:13]
- FBI Admits J6 Presence (Scope, Director Accountability, After-Action Report, Legal Analysis): [13:21–17:20]
Tone & Takeaways
- The episode delivers urgent, no-nonsense reporting with a focus on facts and speaker perspectives.
- Hosts and reporters emphasize the gravity of church violence, the complicated politics of federal crime response, and the enduring questions about government transparency.
- Listeners come away with a clear sense of escalating national tensions—over violence, political division, and public trust in authorities.