Evening Wire: Iran Strikes Back & Hero Stops Church Shooting | 6.23.25

Summary

Evening Wire: Iran Strikes Back & Hero Stops Church Shooting | 6.23.25

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe of The Daily Wire, this episode of Evening Wire delves into escalating geopolitical tensions, domestic legal battles, acts of terrorism, and significant political and sports developments. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

---

1. Escalation of Iran-US Tensions

Georgia Howe opens the episode by highlighting Iran's latest missile strikes targeting a U.S. base in Qatar.

• John Bickley elaborates:

  "Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes today targeting a US Base in Qatar, but no casualties were reported. Qatari air defenses intercepted the missiles and condemned the attack. The Al Udayid air base is the largest U.S. military installation in the region. Three Iranian officials say the move was symbolic retaliation aimed at minimizing casualties while signaling strength. They likened the strategy to Iran's 2020 missile strike on an Iraq base after the killing of General Qasem Soleimani." (00:21)

Following Iran's actions, Georgia Howe reports Israel's subsequent retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard headquarters. Notably, explosive footage revealed prison gates being blown open, leading to the escape of political prisoners.

2. Political Reactions and Regime Change Debates

John Bickley discusses President Trump's stirring of debate regarding regime change in Iran:

"If the current Iran Iranian regime can't make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be a regime change?" (01:24)

Trump lauds the precision of U.S. military strikes, leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him. Meanwhile, Donald Trump emphasizes:

"History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons. His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace." (01:48)

In contrast, Iran condemns these actions as aggression, with their foreign minister warning the U.S. of sole responsibility for ensuing fallout.

3. Domestic Legal Developments: Kilmar Abrego Garcia Released

John Bickley transitions to domestic news, reporting on the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national accused of trafficking illegal aliens.

• Spencer Lindquist provides:

  "The Salvadoran man accused of trafficking illegal aliens was previously deported but returned to the US after a Supreme Court order demanded his release. Judge Barbara Holmes ruled that the government failed to prove the case involved a minor or that Abrego Garcia posed an unmanageable danger to the community." (04:44)

Tom Papert adds depth:

"Last week I reported that he is no longer represented by public defenders in this criminal case out of Tennessee, but instead has secured representation from four private defense attorneys that are very well respected in their respective areas." (05:07)

Despite his release, ICE asserts it will detain Abrego Garcia under separate immigration authority. The case remains a focal point amid heightened political tensions surrounding immigration policies under President Trump’s administration.

4. Activism and Law Enforcement Challenges

Georgia Howe highlights the actions of a left-wing activist group in aiding the escape of Jose Reyes Leon Deras, a child rapist wanted in Italy.

• Amanda Presto Giacomo details:

  "Jose Reyes Leon Deras, an El Salvador native who's wanted for child rape in Italy, was under surveillance by both ICE and the FBI. On Friday, the ICE Denver field office blasted the Colorado Rapid Response Network on X, alleging that the group alerted the illegal to his impending arrest and allowed him to escape." (06:10)

The Colorado Rapid Response Network responded by stating their mission to resist deportations, while ICE seeks tips on Deras's whereabouts, emphasizing the group's interference with public safety efforts.

5. Acts of Terrorism: Syria and Michigan Incidents

John Bickley reports on a tragic suicide bombing at an Orthodox church in Syria.

• Zach Jewell provides eyewitness accounts:

  "The ISIS affiliated terrorists targeted Mar Elias Church on the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday. According to one witness, a group of church members charged the attacker and tried to stop him before he blew himself up." (07:03)

This marks the first successful jihadist attack on a Christian church in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, highlighting the severe persecution faced by Christian communities in the region.

In a related domestic incident, Georgia Howe covers a near-tragedy in Wayne, Michigan, where churchgoers thwarted a potential shooting during a Sunday service.

• John Fetterman describes the event:

  "The suspect arrived at the church and began to drive recklessly, drawing the attention of church staff members... several staff members shot the gunman causing fatal wounds." (07:54)

Authorities are investigating the shooter's motives, noting he was not affiliated with the church.

6. High-Profile Prosecution: Sean "Diddy" Combs

John Bickley updates listeners on the prosecution against Sean "Diddy" Combs, noting unresolved questions in the case.

• Nicole Blank Becker comments:

  "It is very difficult as jurors and or as humans to separate things when you hear them. Those types of things are often used not only to show what the government's trying to bring show on in their case, but it definitely brings an emotional side to a human. And sometimes that emotional part it's very difficult to overlook when you're back there as a juror." (09:02)

Combs' attorneys have requested additional time to present their defense, with potential closing arguments slated for Thursday.

7. Political Landscape: New York City Mayoral Race

Georgia Howe introduces the potential rise of a Democratic socialist in the NYC mayoral race.

• Tom Papert discusses polling:

  "The Emerson College polling picks Zohran Mamdani beating former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Ranked Choice primary... Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, says he plans to spend $65 million on transgender medical procedures, including for minors." (09:52)

Despite his opponent Cuomo's initial lead, Mamdani's strong performance in later rounds positions him as a formidable candidate, with policies focusing on expansive social programs.

8. Sports Highlight: Oklahoma City Thunder Clinches NBA Championship

Concluding the episode on a high note, Georgia Howe and David Cohn celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder’s historic NBA championship win.

• David Cohn reports:

  "The Thunder took Game 7 of the Finals over the Indiana Pacers, 103 to 91. It's the franchise's first title since 1979... MVP Shea Gillis Alexander led the way with 29 points and 29 rebounds, earning Finals MVP honors." (11:21)

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Thunder, reflecting a magical season capped by their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City.

---

Conclusion

John Bickley wraps up the episode, reminding listeners to visit dailywire.com for more details and previews tomorrow’s edition of Morning Wire. The episode provided a thorough exploration of international conflicts, domestic legal and political issues, acts of terrorism, and uplifting sports achievements, catering to listeners seeking factual and in-depth news coverage.

---

For more information and detailed discussions, visit dailywire.com.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

Iran strikes back, targeting a US Base in Qatar. Kilimar Abrego Garcia is released for now and a democratic socialist polls ahead in the New York City mayor's race. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley. It's Monday, June 23rd, and this is Evening Wire.

[John Bickley]

Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes today targeting a US Base in Qatar, but no casualties were reported. Qatari air defenses intercepted the missiles and condemned the attack. The Al Udayid air base is the largest U.S. military installation in the region. Three Iranian officials say the move was symbolic retaliation aimed at minimizing casualties while signaling strength. They likened the strategy to Iran's 2020 missile strike on an Iraq base after the killing of General Qasem Soleimani.

[Georgia Howe]

Following Iran's retaliatory strikes, Israel struck the regime for a second time. That comes several hours after Israel hit one of Iran's nuclear facilities that the US Struck over the weekend. The IDF says it struck roads to Iran's Fordo nuclear site this morning to disrupt access to the underground site, which was hit by a US Bunker buster bomb on Saturday. Meanwhile, Iran says the Islamic Revolutionary Guard headquarters was hit, as well as one of the country's most notorious prisons. Explosive footage shows the prison gates blown open, allowing some political prisoners to escape.

[John Bickley]

President Trump stirred up debate about regime change in Iran following this weekend's strikes. In a truth social post Sunday, Trump wrote, quote, if the current Iran Iranian regime can't make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be a regime change? He applauded the US Military's precision strikes, calling the damage monumental. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated President Trump on the mission.

[Donald Trump]

History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons. His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle east and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace.

[John Bickley]

Electronic billboards across Israel show Trump with the message, quote, thank you, Mr. President. Meanwhile, Iran is blasting the move as an act of aggression. At an emergency Organization of Islamic Countries meeting yesterday, Iran's foreign minister warned the US Would be solely responsible for any.

[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]

Fallout while President Trump was elected on a platform of putting an end to America's costly involvement of forever wars in our part of the world. He has betrayed not only Iran by abusing our commitment to diplomacy, but also deceived his own voters by submitting to the wishes of a wanted war criminal.

[John Bickley]

Iran has called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting and is reportedly holding talks with Russia.

[Georgia Howe]

Iranian officials aren't the only ones condemning the US Strikes. Democrat members of Congress have responded online with a vengeance, with some on the right joining in as well. On the progressive side, New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez claimed Trump, quote, has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment. Others, like Senator Bernie Sanders echoed that rhetoric. Democratic Senator John Fetterman, however, broke with his party, voicing strong support for U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Here he is on Fox News.

[John Fetterman]

I've been always calling to destroy these nuclear facilities. Now let's talk about the context in the middle of all that now, too. Now, our party has been often wrong and they were pushing for a cease fire last year and now Israel pushed through that and has broken Hamas and Hezbollah as well now, too. And now here it is right now. Israel has air supremacy over Iraq right now. And now here's where Iraq, I mean, excuse me, where Iran is right now. Their capabilities are severely limited. And now that was an entirely appropriate to finally take out those nuclear facilities.

[Georgia Howe]

On the other side of the aisle, Representatives Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene both voiced opposition to the strikes. President Trump will attend a two day summit of NATO leaders in the Netherlands starting Tuesday. The US Strikes on Iran's nuclear program loom large over the meeting, with American allies expected to increase national defense spending to 5% of GDP. This would be a notable departure from their current rates, which the president has often criticized.

[John Bickley]

A judge in Tennessee has denied the government's motion to keep Kilmar Abrego Garcia in pretrial detention. Daily Wire reporter Spencer Lindquist has more.

[Spencer Lindquist]

The Salvadoran man accused of trafficking illegal aliens was previously deported but returned to the US After a Supreme Court order demanded his release. Judge Barbara Holmes ruled that the government failed to prove the case involved the minor or that Abrego Garcia posed an unmanageable danger to the community. For more about this ruling, Morningwire spoke to Tennessee Star reporter Tom Papert. He says that this legal saga is far from over.

[Tom Papert]

Last week I reported that he is no longer represented by public defenders in this criminal case out of Tennessee, but instead has secured representation from four private defense attorneys that are very well respected in their respective areas. The first one is Rascoe Dean, the son of former Mayor Carl Dean in Nashville who created the Office of New Americans. The Dean family is also connected through a foundation to various immigration nonprofits that it's given more than $200,000 to over the past five years.

[Spencer Lindquist]

He pleaded not guilty and denies any ties to Ms.13. Despite the DOJ's allegations, even if released, ICE says it will detain Abrega Garcia under separate immigration authority. The case has drawn national attention amid growing political tensions, President Trump's immigration policies in his second term.

[Georgia Howe]

A left wing activist group helped a child rapist escape from federal authorities. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo has the details.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

Jose Reyes Leon Deras, an El Salvador native who's wanted for child rape in Italy, was under surveillance by both ICE and the FBI. On Friday, the ICE Denver field office blasted the Colorado Rapid Response Network on X, alleging that the group alerted the illegal to his impending arrest and allowed him to escape. The Colorado Rapid Response Network, in its own words, seeks to build a robust statewide network of people resisting deportations in their communities. In the same post, ICE noted that groups interfere with their ability to keep communities safe and they asked for tips regarding the location of Leon Deras, who is still at large.

[John Bickley]

A jihadist suicide bomber killed 20 people and wounded dozens at an Orthodox church in Syria yesterday. The attacker opened fire on the congregants before detonating an explosive vest. Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell has more.

[Zach Jewell]

The ISIS affiliated terrorists target Mar Elias Church on the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday. According to one witness, a group of church members charged the attacker and quote, tried to stop him before he blew himself up. The bombing marks the first successful jihadist attack on a Christian church in Syria since the Assad regime fell in December. The Islamic State was behind multiple recent attacks on Christian churches in Syria, but none had been successful until now. Syrian churches regularly face both government oppression and Islamic extremism and the country ranks as 18th in the world for anti Christian persecution.

[Georgia Howe]

In a near miss over the weekend, churchgoers in Wayne, Michigan averted a tragedy when they took out a would be shooter during a Sunday service. Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong described the incident at Cross Point Community Church in a statement yesterday afternoon.

[John Fetterman]

The suspect arrived at the church and began to drive recklessly, drawing the attention of church staff members. The suspect exited his vehicle wearing a tactical vest, armed with a long gun and a handgun. He approached the church building and began firing his weapon. Several staff members from the church approached the gunman. A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle and as the gunman shot the vehicle repeatedly, at least two staff members shot the gunman causing fatal wounds.

[Georgia Howe]

According to police. The shooter was a 31 year old man who did not appear to be a member of the church local, state and federal authorities are on the ground investigating the shooting.

[John Bickley]

The prosecution against Sean Diddy Combs has wrapped up, but many questions remain. A former federal prosecutor notes that some key witnesses were not called. Combs chief of staff was not called to testify, even though a witness said she ran the enterprise. A woman named as another victim in the indictment also did not testify. As lawyer Nicole Blank Becker tells Fox News that jurors may have trouble separating fact from emotion.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

It is very difficult as jurors and or as humans to separate things when you hear them. Those types of things are often used not only to show what the government's trying to bring show on in their case, but it definitely brings an emotional side to a human. And sometimes that emotional part it's very difficult to overlook when you're back there as a juror.

[John Bickley]

Combs attorneys told the judge they'll need two days to present a defense. Closing arguments could be as early as Thursday.

[Georgia Howe]

A far left Democratic socialist might become New York City's next mayor. Daily Wire deputy managing editor Tim Rice has more.

[Tom Papert]

The Emerson College polling picks 11 and the Hill survey shows Zohran Mamdani beating former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Ranked Choice primary. The poll gave Cuomo a three point lead in the first round of voting. Mamdani got over 50% in the eighth round. The poll shows most supporters for eliminated Ken candidates backing Mamdani instead of Cuomo. Cuomo's team dismissed the poll as an outlier. A previous poll showed Cuomo with a double digit lead. Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, says he plans to spend $65 million on transgender medical procedures, including for minors. Some of his other policies include free public bus fares, free childcare and city run grocery stores. The primary takes place tomorrow.

[John Bickley]

Maine governor Janet Mills was booed off the stage at a recent Moose Lottery, so please welcome. Mills has supported trans identifying athletes in sports even though most of her state is against it. The federal government has filed a lawsuit against the state and frozen federal funds. And the Thunder have taken the NBA by storm for the first time. The NBA champion resides at Oklahoma City.

[David Cohn]

The storybook season is complete.

[Georgia Howe]

The Oklahoma City Thunder are NBA champions. Here with more on their historic win is Crane and Co. Co host David Cohn.

[David Cohn]

The Thunder took Game 7 of the Finals over the Indiana Pacers, 103 to 91. It's the franchise's first title since 1979, when they were still the Seattle SuperSonics and their first since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. MVP Shea Gillis Alexander led the way with 29 points and 2912 assists, earning Finals MVP honors. Jalen Williams added 20 and rookie Chet Holmgren came up big with 18 points and five blocks. The Pacers lost star guard Tyrese Halliburton to a first quarter Achilles injury and could not recover. Oklahoma City pulled away with a dominant third quarter, capping a magical season with a title win.

[John Bickley]

All right, there's your drive home updates. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, this morning we covered some major stories, including the United States massive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, plus a conversation with an Iran military expert. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with a full edition of Morning Wire.