Morning Wire — Evening Wire: Kirk Suspect Faces Judge & Another Drug Boat Bombed | 9.16.25

Date: September 16, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe (The Daily Wire)
Episode Theme:
The episode provides a concise, fact-based roundup of major national and international news, led by politically and culturally significant stories including updates on the Charlie Kirk assassination case, evolving legal battles, and notable global developments.

Main Stories and Key Discussion Points

1. Charlie Kirk Assassination Case

Segment Start: 00:52

• Suspect Faces Judge

  • Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder, making him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. He's under special mental health watch in jail.
  • Evidence: Bolt-action rifle with DNA evidence found near the scene; suspect allegedly confessed privately on Discord.
    • "Authorities say the suspect also confessed in a private Discord message just before his arrest." —Cabot Phillips [01:26]
  • Online confession detailed by Amanda Presto Giacomo.
    • "Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at Utah Valley University yesterday. I'm sorry for all of this." —Tyler Robinson, via Discord [01:39]
  • Suspect described as having "left-wing political views," and in a relationship with a trans-identifying male roommate.

• Tributes and Movement Aftermath

  • Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erica, vows to keep his show going.
  • Vice President J.D. Vance guest hosts from the White House:
    • "Maybe the best way that I can contribute and the best way that I could honor my dear friend is to be the best husband that I can be, to be the kind of husband to my wife that he was to his." —J.D. Vance [02:41]
  • Matt Walsh, Michael Knowles, and Ben Shapiro contribute tributes, remember Kirk's youth and irreplaceable influence:
    • "The thing that I remember stunning me is when they reported... the fact that Charlie was 31 years old and had accomplished all of these things. I mean, just utterly irreplaceable." —Andrew Colvette [03:16]

2. Luigi Mangioni Case Update

Segment Start: 03:31

• Terrorism charges dismissed by a New York judge; second-degree murder charge remains.
• Mangioni accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a premeditated attack; Attorney General Pam Bondi vows to seek the death penalty.
  • "The dropped terrorism charge means he may eventually be able to walk free." —Georgia Howe [03:47]
• Next court date: December 5th.

3. Trump Lawsuit Against New York Times

Segment Start: 04:06

• Trump files $15 billion defamation/libel suit over three articles and a book published before 2024 election.
  • Targets "malicious" content intended to influence the election.
  • "The Times has been allowed to, quote, freely, lie, smear and defame me for far too long." —Donald Trump [04:34]
• Book involved: "Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success."

4. US Bombs Drug Boat Off Venezuela

Segment Start: 05:05

• Trump announces US military bombed a narco-terrorist drug boat with a large drug payload; three traffickers killed, no US casualties.
  • "These extremely violent drug trafficking cartels pose a threat to US national security, foreign policy and vital US Interests." —Donald Trump [05:24]

5. Israel Launches Ground Campaign in Gaza City

Segment Start: 05:39

• Israeli military moves into Gaza City against Hamas; 2-3,000 fighters estimated remaining.
  • "This has been something nobody has wanted to do. It’s going to be very difficult. Urban warfare. The security of the hostages is, of course, an agonizing dilemma…” —Victoria Coates [06:01]
• Diplomacy has failed; Israeli government sees no other option.

6. Fani Willis’ Trump Election Interference Appeal Denied

Segment Start: 06:19

• Georgia Supreme Court declines Fani Willis' final appeal; Trump cannot be prosecuted for election interference in Georgia.
  • "Willis's misconduct during the investigation and prosecution of President Trump was egregious and she deserved nothing less than disqualification." —Steve Sado, Trump Attorney [06:56]
• Marks the end of Georgia's legal pursuit of Trump over election claims.

7. FBI Director Cash Patel Testifies on Kirk Investigation

Segment Start: 07:07

• Patel says under him and Trump, FBI is most transparent in history; over 100 interviews and “thousands of tips” processed.
• Patel faces heated criticism from Senate Democrats; exchanged words with Senator Cory Booker.
  • Booker: “That rant of false information does not bring this country together.” [07:51]
  • Patel: “My God, my God. You want to talk about fighting this country? It is. I follow you on your social media post that Country Apart…” [07:55]

8. Federal Reserve Meeting and Developments

Segment Start: 07:59

• Fed expected to announce first interest rate cut since December.
• Appeals court rejects Trump’s effort to remove Fed governor Lisa Cook (mortgage fraud allegations).
• Senate confirms Stephen Myron to open Fed seat.

9. US-South Korea-Japan Military Drill

Segment Start: 08:36

• Launch of “Freedom Edge,” the most advanced trilateral defense exercise to date.
  • Aimed at countering North Korea; features marines, jets, missile defense, medical evac drills.
  • North Korean response: Kim Yo Jong calls it “reckless,” threatens “bad results.”
• Nepal protests (Gen Z anti-corruption; social media ban); 72 dead, prime minister resigned, interim gov’t to prepare for new elections.

10. Trump State Visit to UK

Segment Start: 09:45

• Trump arrives in the UK; expects “a beautiful event.”
  • "It's going to be a beautiful event. Everyone's looking forward to it and we'll just relax and have a good time." —Donald Trump [09:54]
• Recent dismissal of British ambassador after Epstein association; Trump and PM Starmer to discuss trade and security.

11. Congressional Gold Medal: ‘Miracle on Ice’ Hockey Team

Segment Start: 10:17

• Congress honors 1980 Olympic hockey team; medals sent to three locations.
  • "The squad of college kids led by coach Herb Brooks, stunned with a 4-3 win over the mighty Soviets in Lake Placid, a triumphant victory that Sports Illustrated later called the greatest sports moment of the 20th century." —David Cohn [10:22]
• Bill expected to be signed by Trump.

12. Robert Redford Dies at 89

Segment Start: 11:07

• Iconic actor/director dies peacefully at home; famous for "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men."
• Founded Sundance Institute; survived by wife, daughters, and grandchildren.

Notable Quotes

• “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at Utah Valley University yesterday. I'm sorry for all of this.” —Tyler Robinson confession via Discord [01:39]
• “The fact that Charlie was 31 years old and had accomplished all of these things. I mean, just utterly irreplaceable.” —Andrew Colvette [03:16]
• "The Times has been allowed to, quote, freely, lie, smear and defame me for far too long." —Donald Trump [04:34]
• “These extremely violent drug trafficking cartels pose a threat to US national security, foreign policy and vital US Interests.” —Donald Trump [05:24]
• "This has been something nobody has wanted to do. It’s going to be very difficult. Urban warfare." —Victoria Coates [06:01]
• “Willis's misconduct... was egregious and she deserved nothing less than disqualification.” —Steve Sado [06:56]
• “It's going to be a beautiful event. Everyone's looking forward to it and we'll just relax and have a good time.” —Donald Trump [09:54]

For More

• Visit dailywire.com for additional details.
• Morning Wire will return with a full morning edition covering expanded stories.

Summary prepared for listeners who want the key facts, context, and memorable moments from the September 16, 2025 episode of Morning Wire.