Evening Wire: Rioter Arrested & Sen. Padilla Handcuffed | 6.12.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary
Episode: Evening Wire: Rioter Arrested & Sen. Padilla Handcuffed | June 12, 2025
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host: John Bickley & Co-Host: Georgia Howe

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1. Arrest of Alleged Riot Organizer

The episode opens with the arrest of Alejandro Theodora Orellana, identified as a key organizer behind recent riots in Los Angeles. According to Meredith Lordy at [00:32], Orellana is accused of distributing tactical gear, including face shields, to rioters, thereby escalating the violent demonstrations.

U.S. Attorney Bill Asale emphasizes the significance of this arrest:

“We want to understand who these people are and where this organization is coming from” ([01:06]).

Joel Niedler adds:

“This is just the beginning” ([01:07]).

The FBI anticipates further arrests as investigations continue to unveil the network coordinating the unrest.

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2. Senator Alex Padilla’s Press Conference Interruption

A notable incident involved Democratic Senator Alex Padilla attempting to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, leading to his physical removal from the press conference ([00:22]). The confrontation was captured on video, showing Padilla being escorted out after interrupting the event.

Padilla demanded accountability, stating:

“Half criminals that you're rotating on your heads off” ([00:32]).

Georgia Howe reports that Secretary Noem remains open to a private discussion, while Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, have condemned the removal as “unacceptable,” calling for further explanations.

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3. Testimony on Sanctuary Policies by Democratic Governors

Democratic governors from Minnesota, New York, and Illinois testified before the House Oversight Committee regarding their states' sanctuary policies. Meredith Lordy outlines how Republicans on the committee criticized these policies, linking them to increased illegal immigration and ensuing violent riots.

Representative Elise Stefanik confronted NY Governor Kathy Hochul with specific accusations:

“Do you know who Sebastian Zapita Khalil is?” ([02:20])
“He found a sleeping woman on the subway, lit her on fire and burned her alive” ([02:35]).

Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois defended his state's policies, whereas House Oversight Chairman James Comer cited violent incidents, including the death of a University of Illinois student, labeling sanctuary policies as a “direct threat to American safety” ([02:57]).

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4. President Trump Repeals California’s Electric Vehicle Mandates

In a major policy shift, President Donald Trump announced the termination of California’s electric vehicle (EV) mandates, which had previously banned the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. John Bickley reports on the bipartisan support from major automakers celebrating this move ([03:15]).

Trump declared:

“We officially rescue the US Auto industry from destruction by terminating the California electric vehicle mandate once and for all” ([03:26]).

Subsequent resolutions also repealed EPA approvals for zero emissions regulations targeting heavy-duty trucks, aligning with industry demands for more flexibility.

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5. President Trump and First Lady’s Kennedy Center Appearance Amid Boycott Threats

Despite reports of potential boycotts by some cast members, President Trump and the First Lady attended a high-profile event at the Kennedy Center. Georgia Howe notes the presence of Daily Wire White House Correspondent Mary Margaret Olihan covering the event ([04:22]).

Trump addressed economic achievements, stating:

“There’s no inflation. People are happy, people are wealthy. The country is getting back to strength again” ([04:37]).

He also touched on tariffs and trade policies, highlighting the administration's focus on economic revival.

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6. CIA Releases Documents on Robert F. Kennedy Assassination

Joel Niedler discusses the recent CIA release of over a thousand pages related to the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) assassination ([05:24]). The documents include a federal personality assessment of assassin Sirhan Sirhan, which concludes there is no evidence of a broader conspiracy.

Key findings:

“Obviously we cannot see him as part of a conspiracy. It is very unlikely that he could have effectively acted under precise instructions” ([05:36]).

The release aims to provide transparency, debunking longstanding conspiracy theories surrounding the tragic event.

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7. RFK Jr. Appoints New Members to CDC’s Vaccine Panel

RFK Jr. has appointed eight new members to the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, aiming to restore public trust through enhanced scrutiny of vaccine safety and efficacy. Amanda Presto Giacomo and Caroline Levitt provide details ([06:19]).

Caroline Levitt highlights:

“The new committee will meet on June 25 to review COVID vaccine guidance, a major shift as Kennedy pushes for more transparency, stricter oversight and accountability in federal vaccine policy” ([06:29]).

This move marks a significant change from previous panels, which critics accused of rubber-stamping vaccine approvals.

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8. Israel Considers Military Action Against Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

Rising tensions between Israel and Iran over nuclear capabilities have led to reports of potential Israeli military action. Tim Pierce outlines the situation ([07:07]):

Iran and Washington's stalled nuclear talks have heightened concerns. President Trump reiterated a strong stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions:

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon” ([07:48]).

The State Department has initiated the evacuation of non-essential personnel from several U.S. Embassies in the region, anticipating possible retaliatory actions from Iran.

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9. Hamas Attacks U.S.-Backed Aid Workers in Gaza

A tragic incident occurred when Hamas attacked a bus carrying U.S.-backed aid supplies in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least eight aid workers. Georgia Howe reports that the Gazan Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) confirmed no American contractors were on board and that the victims were Gazan civilians ([08:01]).

The GHF condemned the attack unequivocally, emphasizing their commitment to providing humanitarian aid despite the ongoing conflicts.

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10. Air India Flight Crash in Ahmedabad

John Bickley covers the devastating crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport ([08:32]). With 242 people on board, initial reports suggest nearly 300 fatalities, including residents in the impacted area.

Key points:

• At least one survivor found near an emergency exit, currently hospitalized.
• Cause of the crash remains under investigation.
• Emergency responders are actively searching for additional survivors.

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11. Harvey Weinstein Trial Declares Mistrial for Third Charge

Georgia Howe updates listeners on the tumultuous developments in the Harvey Weinstein trial ([09:10]). The presiding judge declared a mistrial for the third rape charge due to intense jury deliberations and one juror’s refusal to continue, citing intimidation.

Current status:

• Weinstein was convicted of one charge of forced oral sex (2007-2006) and acquitted of a second similar charge.
• A retrial is scheduled for the unresolved third charge of third-degree rape in 2013.

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12. Fugitive Travis Decker Tracked in Chelan County

Authorities believe they have located Travis Decker, a fugitive accused of the kidnapping and murder of his three young daughters near Seattle ([09:41]). Meredith Lordy and John Bickley detail the manhunt:

• Decker, a National Guard veteran known for his wilderness skills, was spotted by hikers and via helicopter surveillance.
• The search is ongoing, with authorities maintaining high alert for any leads.

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13. Trump's Stance on Peaceful Protests and Upcoming Military Parade

During a recent briefing, House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt defended President Trump’s support for peaceful protests while drawing a line at lawlessness and police attacks ([10:21]).

When questioned about allowing peaceful protests at the upcoming military parade, Levitt responded sharply:

“Of course the president supports peaceful protests. What a stupid question” ([10:42]).

Trump reiterated his commitment to maintaining order, warning that any violence during the parade would be met with “very big force” ([10:46]).

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Conclusion

The Morning Wire episode delivered a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, from political confrontations and policy changes to significant legal and security developments. The hosts, John Bickley and Georgia Howe, provided insightful analysis, enriched by firsthand reporting from contributors like Meredith Lordy, Amanda Presto Giacomo, and Joel Niedler. With notable quotes and detailed coverage, the episode serves as an essential briefing for listeners seeking clarity on today’s most critical events.

For more information on these stories, visit dailywire.com.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

An alleged riot organizer has been arrested and charged. Three Democrat governors are grilled over their state's sanctuary policies. And a judge declares a mistrial for the third charge. Facing Harvey Weinstein, I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley. It's Thursday, June 12th, and this is.

[John Bickley]

Evening Wire, and we have people handing out masks and gas masks and we just saw people graffiti ing the sidewalk right in front of this truck.

[Meredith Lordy]

Several news outlets caught LA rioters receiving tactical gear from a truck a few days ago. And now the FBI says they've arrested a distributor and a key riot organizer. Prosecutors allege that Alejandro Theodora Orellana delivered dozens of face shields to rioters using a truck, aiding violent demonstrations that have rocked the city for days. He now faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit civil disorder. Officials say more arrests are expected as authorities continue identifying those coordinating the unrest. U.S. attorney Bill Asale says this is just the beginning.

[Bill Asale]

We want to understand who these people.

[Joel Niedler]

Are and where, where this organization's coming from.

[Bill Asale]

And today was one of those first arrests, the key arrests that we did.

[Georgia Howe]

Democratic Senator Alex Padilla interrupted and then was physically removed from a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Video shows Padilla being grabbed and escorted out after he interrupted the event.

[John Bickley]

I'm Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary because.

[Meredith Lordy]

The fact of the matter is a.

[John Bickley]

Half criminals that you're rotating on your.

[Georgia Howe]

Heads off. Noem later says she's open to speaking with Padilla privately. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats including Chuck Schumer called the removal unacceptable and demanded answers.

[Meredith Lordy]

Democratic governors from Minnesota, New York and Illinois testified today before the House Oversight Committee about their state's sanctuary policies.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire reporter Meredith Lordy has the details.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

Republicans on the committee blasted the governors for shielding criminal illegal immigrants and fueling the violent anti ice riots currently spreading across the country. In one now viral exchange, Representative Elise Stefanik grilled New York Governor Kathy Hochul over the state's policies, which Stefanik says have led to illegal immigrant crime.

[Elise Stefanik]

Do you know who Sebastian Zapita Khalil is?

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

I'm sure you'll tell me. There's many cases. Whether they're.

[Elise Stefanik]

These are high profile cases. New Yorkers know about them and you don't. So let's talk about Sebastian Zapita Khalil. Do you know who that is?

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

I don't have the specific details at my disposal, no.

[Elise Stefanik]

Well, this is an illegal migrant in New York because of your sanctuary state policies. Do you know what crime he committed?

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

I'm not familiar at this moment, I.

[Elise Stefanik]

Bet you're going to be familiar when I remind you he found a sleeping woman on the subway, lit her on fire and burned her alive. This is In Kathy Hochuls, N.Y. illinois Gov.

[Amanda Presto Giacomo]

J.B. pritzker also clashed with Republicans on the panel. He defended his state's policies on the matter. House Oversight Chairman James Comer cited multiple violent crimes, including the death of a University of Illinois student killed by a previously deported illegal immigrant. Calling these sanctuary policies a direct threat to American safety.

[John Bickley]

The auto industry is revving up as President Trump slashes California's electric vehicle mandates. The state had banned the sale of new gas powered cars by 2035.

[Donald Trump]

I want to thank everybody for being here. We officially rescue the US Auto industry from destruction by terminating the California electric vehicle mandate once and for all. The federal government gave left wing radicals in California dictatorial powers to control the future of the entire car industry all over the country. All over the world, actually.

[John Bickley]

Trump signed the congressional resolution this morning. A second resolution repeals EPA approval for California's zero emissions regulations for heavy duty trucks. The third eliminates a low nitrogen oxide regulation targeting heavy duty trucks and off road vehicles. The move was celebrated by a group representing major automakers that includes General Motors, Toyota, Stellantis, Hyundai and Volkswagen.

[Georgia Howe]

The president and first lady made a high profile appearance at the Kennedy center last night despite reported boycott threats from some cast members. Daily Wire White House correspondent Mary Margaret Olihan was there. It's been reported that some actors may be boycotting.

[Donald Trump]

I couldn't care less. Honestly I could. All I do is run the country. Well, the economic numbers, you saw them today, they're setting records. We took $88 billion in tariffs in two months, far beyond what anybody expected. There's no inflation. People are happy, people are wealthy. The country is getting back to strength again. That's what I care about.

[Georgia Howe]

Do you think that Gavin Newsom wants to be arrested?

[Bill Asale]

I think probably it would probably help his 2020 Democratic primary prospects and that's all he seems to think about, his politics. But I really would love for Gavin Newsom just to do his job because California, it's such a beautiful state, it's got so much potential. But what's happening in LA really is a disgrace and I think it traces directly back to his and Karen Bass's leadership.

[John Bickley]

The CIA released more than a thousand pages on the Robert F. Kennedy assassination, but the documents show no sign of a wider conspiracy. Daily Wire senior editor Joel Niedler has latest.

[Joel Niedler]

The documents contain a federal personality assessment of the gunman Sirhan Sirhan. The assessment found under no circumstances would we have predicted that he was capable of doing what he did. It continues, quote Obviously we cannot see him as part of a conspiracy. It is very unlikely that he could have effectively acted under precise instructions. Included in the documents were Sirhan's family history and international connections, but they say he had no ties to terrorists. The documents also include some of Sirhan's handwritten notes. Among those is an entry stating Kennedy must fall. This release follows more than 10,000 pages on the RFK assassination. Declassified in April.

[Georgia Howe]

RFK Jr. Has appointed eight new members to the CDC's influential vaccine panel. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo has the details.

[Caroline Levitt]

The picks include Dr. Robert Malone, who's an early MRNA researcher and an outspoken critic of the COVID vaccines. There are also several other experts who challenged the medical establishment during the pandemic. Kennedy says that the new panel will restore public trust by demanding stronger safety and efficacy data before they recommend vaccines. Critics have long accused the previous panel of rubber stamping every vaccine, even those later pulled for safety reasons. The new committee will meet on June 25 to review COVID vaccine guidance, a major shift as Kennedy pushes for more transparency, stricter oversight and accountability in federal vaccine policy.

[John Bickley]

Israel is reportedly weighing military action against Iran's nuclear facilities in the coming days. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has more.

[Tim Pierce]

The move comes as nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran have stalled, according to NBC News. U.S. officials are on high alert, concerned Iran may retaliate against American forces in Iraq and across the region. Iran's leaders have vowed to rebuild any damaged nuclear sites, while its Revolutionary Guard has threatened a more forceful response than in previous conflicts. The State Department has begun evacuating non essential personnel from US Embassies in Iraq, Bahrain and Kuwait. President Trump has long vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He signaled doubt this week that a new nuclear deal will be reached, saying Iran continues to delay negotiations.

[Donald Trump]

It's very simple, not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Other than that, I want them to be successful. I want them to be. We'll help them be successful. We'll trade with them. We'll do whatever is necessary.

[Georgia Howe]

Hamas killed at least eight aid workers in Gaza on Wednesday night and may have taken other workers hostage. The terror group attacked a bus carrying supplies from a U.S. backed aid program which was en route to an aid distribution center. The Gazan Humanitarian foundation, which has distributed more than 16 million meals across the Gaza Strip, confirmed to the Daily Wire that none of its American contractors were on the bus during the attack and that the victims were Gazan civilians. The GHF condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms.

[John Bickley]

Another tragic airline crash An Air India flight bound for London crashed into a residential area just minutes after taking off from an airport in Ahmedabad. 242 people were on board. The plane was a 787 Boeing Dreamliner. The cause of the accident is currently unknown. First responders found at least one survivor. He was seated next to an emergency exit and has been hospitalized. Local Police believe nearly 300 people were killed in the crash, including people in the buildings struck by the plane. Emergency responders on the ground have cleared a majority of the affected area and are still searching for survivors.

[Georgia Howe]

The judge presiding over the Harvey Weinstein trial has declared a mistrial for one of three sexual offense charges. Weinstein faces jury deliberations over the charge became so heated that one juror refused to continue deliberating, citing bullying and threats from other jurors. The panel convicted Weinstein of one charge of forced oral sex in 20072006 and acquitted him of a second similar charge. They could not reach a verdict on a third charge of rape in 2013. Weinstein will now face a retrial for that single charge of third degree rape.

[Meredith Lordy]

Authorities in Washington state believe they've tracked fugitive Travis Decker to a hiking area in Chelan County.

[John Bickley]

Decker is accused of kidnapping and murdering his three young daughters, aged nine, eight and five. The girl's bodies were found near his abandoned pickup truck at a campground outside of Seattle. Decker is a veteran and member of the National Guard, and authorities have described him as an experienced outdoorsman who's been known to disappear off grid for months. A man believed to be Decker was spotted by a hiking party who reported seeing a lone, ill prepared traveler on the trail. The suspect was also spotted by helicopter but fled out of sight. The manhunt is still ongoing and White.

[Georgia Howe]

House press secretary Caroline Levitt hit back at a reporter's question implying that the president doesn't support peaceful protests. At yesterday's briefing, Levitt said that Trump supports Americans First Amendment rights but dropped draws the line at lawlessness and attacks on police. When asked if peaceful protest would be allowed at Saturday's military parade, Levitt pulled no punches.

[Caroline Levitt]

Of course the president supports peaceful protests. What a stupid question.

[Donald Trump]

Raquel, thank you so much.

[Georgia Howe]

The president earlier warned that any violence during the parade will be met with very big force.

[Meredith Lordy]

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 Trump's newly announced deal with China, the latest inflation numbers, plus who's winning the anti ice PR battle. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with more news you need to know.