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.