New Years Terror Fallout & U.S. Treasury Hacked | 1.3.25

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: New Years Terror Fallout & U.S. Treasury Hacked | 1.3.25
Release Date: January 3, 2025
Host: John Bickley with Co-host Georgia Howe
Produced by: The Daily Wire

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1. New Year's Terror Attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas

Overview: The episode opens with a detailed examination of two simultaneous terror attacks that occurred on New Year's Day—one in New Orleans and the other in Las Vegas. Host John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe, along with guest Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice, delve into the specifics of each incident, potential connections, and ongoing investigations.

Details of the Attacks:

• New Orleans Attack:
  Timestamp [00:04]
  John Bickley introduces the topic: "More info on two suspected terror attacks on New Year's is revealed, including similarities between the incidents."

  • Attacker: Shamsa Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran.
  • Method: Drove a truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers.
  • Casualties: 14 killed, at least 35 injured.
  • Motivation: Jabbar displayed an ISIS flag and expressed support for the Islamic State.

• Las Vegas Attack:
  Timestamp [02:13]
  Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahl provides insights: "We also discovered through the coroner's office that the individual had sustained a gunshot wound to the head prior to the detonation of the vehicle... the car contained fireworks style explosives, fuel, and a detonating device."

  • Attacker: Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty Green Beret from North Carolina.
  • Method: Exploded a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel.
  • Casualties: Several bystanders injured.
  • Evidence: Gunshot wound indicates possible prior conflict; motive remains unclear.

Potential Connections and Parallels:

• Both attackers served in the Army, specifically at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
• Both rented their attacking vehicles through the app Turo.
• Deputy Director of FBI's Counterterrorism Division, Christopher Rea, states at [04:00], "We're confident at this point that there is no accomplices," addressing earlier speculation about Jabbar's potential co-conspirators.

FBI Investigations and Statements:

• Tim Rice outlines [01:26] the lack of definitive links between the two attacks but notes growing parallels.
• The FBI initially considered possible accomplices for Jabbar but later retracted, asserting he acted alone:
  [04:00] Christopher Rea clarifies, "A lot of the early reports came out that there were people that extra people that were setting the coolers down... they were just patrons on the street."

Jabbar's ISIS Connections:

• [04:30] Tim Rice explains Jabbar's radicalization: "Jabbar had posted at least five videos on Facebook explaining his motives... he was inspired to join ISIS by a series of dreams."
• Additional concerning behaviors include:
  • Bomb-making activities at home with religious texts referencing martyrdom.
  • Connections to a mosque in Texas advising against cooperating with FBI inquiries.
  • The imam of the mosque has a history of anti-Semitic remarks.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Rice on the attackers' backgrounds: [01:35] "Both men served in the army... they both served at Fort Liberty."
• Christopher Rea on lack of accomplices: [04:00] "We're confident at this point that there is no accomplices."

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2. Chinese Hackers Breach U.S. Treasury Department

Overview: The podcast shifts focus to a significant cybersecurity breach wherein Chinese hackers infiltrated the U.S. Treasury Department. Host John Bickley and senior editor Cabot Phillips provide an in-depth analysis of the breach, its implications, and the political fallout.

Details of the Cyberattack:

• [00:23] John Bickley announces: "Chinese hackers have breached the US treasury accessing several agency workstations and documents."
• Method of Breach:
  Cabot Phillips elaborates at [06:10] that the hackers exploited a vulnerability through a third-party software provider used by the Treasury Department.
• Accessed Information:
  The specifics remain unclear, but intelligence officials suspect the hackers targeted sensitive data related to sanctions and international monetary policy.

Government and Law Enforcement Response:

• [06:53] Cabot Phillips mentions: "The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have launched an investigation..."
• Lawmakers, led by Missouri Republican Jason Smith, demand robust cybersecurity measures and retaliatory actions against China:
  [07:00] Jason Smith states, "America's enemies will continue to test our resolve until we make clear that there are consequences."

Beijing's Reaction:

• [07:52] China denies involvement, with their Foreign Ministry spokesperson saying, "We've repeatedly stated our position on such groundless accusations that lack evidence."
• Cabot Phillips critically notes, "There is no one outside of Beijing who actually believes that denial," citing ongoing Chinese cyber operations.

Background on Chinese Cyber Warfare:

• [08:25] Cabot Phillips provides context on Operation Salt Typhoon, detailing China's extensive cyber espionage targeting the West.
• Recent breaches include major U.S. telecommunications providers and even government wiretapping tools:
  "Chinese hackers breached virtually every major American provider, including AT&T, Verizon and T Mobile... they compromised wiretapping tools used by our own government."

Ongoing Threats and Political Repercussions:

• [09:31] Anne Neuberger highlights continued risks: "We do not believe any have fully removed the Chinese actors from these networks... the risk of ongoing compromises..."
• President Trump vows retaliation:
  [09:55] "There will be consequences for Beijing."

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Smith on cybersecurity and retaliation: [07:00] "America's enemies will continue to test our resolve until we make clear that there are consequences."
• Cabot Phillips on the extent of Chinese cyber activities: [08:25] "According to the FBI, Beijing steals around 250 to 500 billion dollars with a B worth of American intellectual property every single year."

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3. Guardian Angels Return to New York City Subways

Overview: In response to a surge in subway-related crimes in New York City, the Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime prevention group, have resumed their patrols after a four-year hiatus. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presta Giacomo discusses the group's objectives, challenges, and the city's current crime statistics.

Guardian Angels' Mission and Activities:

• [10:10] Amanda Presta Giacomo explains: "These volunteers, who are unarmed, say they want to make the subway safer."
• Activities Include:
  • Patrolling subway trains day and night.
  • Alerting NYPD to any witnessed issues.
  • Conducting wellness checks and distributing water bottles.
  • Planning to expand membership beyond the current 150 members.

Background of Guardian Angels:

• Founded 45 years ago by Curtis Sliwa during high crime periods in NYC.
• Expanded to over 130 cities with a mission to promote safety and serve as role models.
• Historically supported by mayors like Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg.
• Current NYC Mayor Eric Adams criticizes the group, leading to tensions.

Current Subway Crime Crisis:

• [12:16] Amanda cites alarming statistics:

  • Nearly 50 people shoved onto subway tracks in the past two years.
  • Murders have increased by 60% compared to the previous year.
  • Recent high-profile cases, including the fatal fire of a 57-year-old woman.

• Public Sentiment:
  Citizens feel unsafe, leading to increased reliance on volunteer groups like the Guardian Angels.

City Leadership Responses:

• Mayor Eric Adams:
  [13:21] Claims NYC is a success despite rising violent incidents. Implemented measures adding 1,000 police officers daily to subways, which have reportedly reduced overall crime.

• Governor Kathy Hochul:
  Deployed 750 National Guard members and 250 Metropolitan Transportation Authority personnel ahead of the holidays. However, faced backlash for insensitive public statements amidst ongoing violence.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Presta Giacomo on the group's visibility: [10:30] "They wear bright red jackets and berets... patrons know that they're there to help."
• Curtis Sliwa's stance on subway safety: [11:10] "I've never seen the subway so out of control... [Mayor Adams] are engaging in theatrics."

Case Highlight: Daniel Penney Verdict

• [12:16] The podcast references the acquittal of Daniel Penney, who intervened during a confrontation on the subway, challenging media narratives and highlighting citizen-driven safety measures.

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Conclusion

The episode of Morning Wire provides a comprehensive look into pressing national security issues, including dual terror attacks and significant cyber intrusions, while also addressing local safety concerns in New York City's subway system. Through expert analysis, firsthand reports, and impactful quotes, host John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe deliver a nuanced perspective on these critical events.

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Notable Quotes Summary:

• John Bickley:
  [00:23] "Chinese hackers have breached the US treasury accessing several agency workstations and documents."
  [01:09] "Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know."

• Georgia Howe:
  [00:11] "What have law enforcement officials uncovered about the two events?"
  [05:39] "This is a developing story and we're going to stay on top of it."

• Tim Rice:
  [01:35] "Both men served in the army... they both served at Fort Liberty."
  [04:30] "Jabbar had posted at least five videos on Facebook explaining his motives."

• Christopher Rea:
  [04:00] "We're confident at this point that there is no accomplices."

• Cabot Phillips:
  [06:10] "This week the Treasury Department notified lawmakers of a, quote, major cybersecurity incident..."
  [08:25] "According to the FBI, Beijing steals around 250 to 500 billion dollars with a B worth of American intellectual property every single year."

• Amanda Presta Giacomo:
  [10:30] "They wear bright red jackets and berets... patrons know that they're there to help."

• Jason Smith:
  [07:00] "America's enemies will continue to test our resolve until we make clear that there are consequences."

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Stay Informed: For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary captures the essential discussions and insights presented by Morning Wire, ensuring you remain informed on these critical issues.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

More info on two suspected terror attacks on New Year's is revealed, including similarities between the incidents.

[Georgia Howe]

What have law enforcement officials uncovered about the two events?

[Christopher Rea]

At this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Friday, January 3rd, and this is MORNING Wire. Chinese hackers have breached the US treasury accessing several agency workstations and documents.

[Georgia Howe]

I think it's very serious because small pieces of unclassified information put together a piece of the puzzle that could lead to classified information. And a rash of violent crime on the New York subway has prompted citizens to step in where they say the government has failed.

[Kevin McMahl]

We'll obviously make sure that that train is stopped and that the police respond and that we in the car so that nobody gets hurt.

[Georgia Howe]

We discuss the return of the Guardian Angels.

[John Bickley]

Thanks for waking up with MORNING wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know. As law enforcement continues its investigations into the New Year's Day terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, a surprising number of parallels have emerged.

[Georgia Howe]

Here with the latest on this ongoing saga is Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice. So, Tim, a lot of information flying around. What do we know for sure?

[Tim Rice]

Yeah. Good morning, Georgia. So to quickly recap, we're talking about two separate attacks here, both of which took place on Wednesday in New Orleans. Shamsa Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers in the early hours of the morning, killing 14 and injuring at least 35 more. Jabbar, a US citizen and army veteran, had an ISIS flag in the truck with him and has a history of making statements about wanting to support the Islamic State. More on that later. A few hours later, a Tesla cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, injuring several bystanders. Authorities have identified the Las Vegas attacker as Matthew Livelsberger. Here's Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahl.

[Anne Neuberger]

We also discovered through the coroner's office that the individual had sustained a gunshot wound to the head prior to the detonation of the vehicle. One of the handguns was found at his feet inside of the vehicle. Obviously, in how we're trying to identify him, and I'm feeling comfortable to give you this information, is a tremendous amount of substantial evidence to include he rented the Toro vehicle.

[Georgia Howe]

So this is two shocking and tragic terror attacks happening just within hours of each other. That's obviously going to raise some questions. Is there any evidence right now that they're connected.

[Tim Rice]

Law enforcement are investigating this as a terror attack as well and have determined that the car contained fireworks style explosives, fuel, and a detonating device. They've yet to identify Livelsberger's motive. Authorities are stressing that there's no evidence the two attacks are connected. But there are a growing number of parallels between the incidents and their attackers. For instance, both men served in the army. Livelsberger was actually an active duty Green Beret. And they both served at Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg in North Carolina. It doesn't seem like they overlapped at the fort, but they did live in North Carolina at the same time. Finally, both men rented the vehicles used in their attacks on the app Turo. So we'll have to see if any further evidence comes out linking these two together. We should also note that there's some evidence Jabbar had accomplices. The FBI keeps reversing its stance on this. As of this recording, they're saying he acted alone. But initially the bureau said it was looking into three men and one woman who had been seen planting explosives around Bourbon street before the attack. The FBI now says it only wanted to talk to those people as witnesses and that Jabbar can be seen on video planting the two IEDs that have been found in New Orleans. Here's deputy director of the FBI's counterterrorism division, Christopher Rea.

[Christopher Rea]

We're confident at this point that there is no accomplices. And I'll give you an idea of how that information sometimes. A lot of the early reports came out that there were people that extra people that were setting the coolers down. Right. It turns out those were just patrons on the street that were looking. Looking inside the coolers, Right? Well, we didn't know that at first. We had to kind of track all that down and put that to rest.

[Georgia Howe]

You mentioned Jabbar's ISIS connection. What do we know about that?

[Tim Rice]

Yeah. According to the FBI, Jabbar had posted at least five videos on Facebook explaining his motives. Just before Wednesday's attack, Jabbar said he was inspired to join ISIS by a series of dreams and that he was originally planning to kill his friends and family before deciding to launch the Bourbon street attack. Jabbar also had a bomb making station in his home where he left a Quran open to a passage about martyrdom. It's unclear when exactly Jabbar converted to Islam. His brother said, as far as I know, he was a Muslim for most of his life. But his first ex wife's current husband implied that Jabbar converted sometime in the past few months, during which time he was also, quote, being all crazy, cutting his hair, and during which time Jabbar's wife had reportedly prevented their daughters from seeing him. Another thing to note, a mosque near Jabbar's home in Texas directed congregants to refer any FBI inquiries to cair, the controversial Muslim civil rights group with ties to Hamas. We're not sure if Jabbar attended that mosque, but it's certainly notable that it's essentially telling patrons not to cooperate with law enforcement. One final wrinkle, the imam of that mosque has a history of making anti Semitic comments. He once said that Jews control the world's financial system and praised Hitler for making that same assessment.

[Georgia Howe]

So definitely some concerning behavior at the very least. As we've said, this is a developing story and we're going to stay on top of it. Tim, thanks for reporting.

[Tim Rice]

Of course.

[Georgia Howe]

Chinese hackers gained access to a number of Treasury Department workstations last month in yet another brazen example of cyber warfare waged by the ccp.

[John Bickley]

Here are the details Is Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips. Hey, Cabot. So a story that's growing disturbingly common now. What can you tell us here?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah. This week the Treasury Department notified lawmakers of a, quote, major cybersecurity incident after hackers who they've identified as being sponsored by the Chinese Communist Party remotely gained access to a number of their workstations. The statement said the hackers found a way in through a third party software provider used by the Treasury Department, but stopped short of saying just how many devices had been compromised or, more importantly, what documents the hackers actually gained access to. Intelligence officials say they could have been after sensitive information regarding sanctions or other international monetary policy. The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have launched an investigation to try and figure out exactly what they got access to and to make sure they're not still in the system.

[John Bickley]

So we still don't even know if they've been weeded out yet. Now, what sort of response have we seen from lawmakers?

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, news of the hack has resulted in new calls for beefing up cybersecurity across the federal government. Leading the way on that front is Missouri Republican Jason Smith, chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Smith is demanding not only a full accounting of how this hack took place, but a detailed plan for how the Treasury Department and other agencies will prevent it from happening again. He also wants a swift retaliatory response against the Chinese. In a statement Tuesday, he Said, quote, america's enemies will continue to test our resolve until we make clear that there are consequences. This is yet another cyber attack on President Biden's watch, and the details are worrisome. He went on to add calls for the Office of the Inspector General to, quote, detail how they plan to help the incoming Trump administration succeed in warding.

[John Bickley]

Off such attacks, not sparing the Biden administration there at all. Right, and what about Beijing? What have they said regarding this hack?

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, the Chinese gave their standard response, which is just totally denying any involvement. The country's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, quote, we've repeatedly stated our position on such groundless accusations that lack evidence. China consistently opposes all forms of hacking, and we are even more opposed to the dissemination of false information against China for political purposes. But there is no one outside of Beijing who actually believes that denial, and for good reason. The Chinese have done little to hide the fact that they're waging a cyber war on the West.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, we've touched on some of this in the past. Get us up to speed on that front.

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, in recent years, the CCP has launched Operation Salt Typhoon, employing a literal army of hackers to steal sensitive information and intellectual property from the west, mainly America. For context. According to the FBI, Beijing steals around 250 to 500 billion dollars with a B worth of American intellectual property every single year. And in recent months, they have become even more brazen, targeting US Telecommunications providers. According to the White House, Chinese hackers breached virtually every major American provider, including AT&T, Verizon and T Mobile. They stole a vast trove of private information, text messages and geolocation data. They even compromised wiretapping tools used by our own government to listen in on sensitive phone calls from lawmakers, intelligence officials and military personnel, including even President Donald Trump and VP JD Vance. And more concerning the White House says the hackers could very well still have access to those telecommunications systems. Here's Anne Neuberger, a Biden National Security Advisor, in December.

[Jason Smith]

The affected companies are all responding right now. We do not believe any have fully removed the Chinese actors from these networks. So the risk of. There is a risk of ongoing compromises to communications. Until U.S. companies address the cybersecurity gaps, the Chinese are likely to maintain their access.

[Cabot Phillips]

So the key word there is ongoing. These hacking efforts are far from over.

[John Bickley]

Yeah.

[Cabot Phillips]

President Trump has vowed to address this threat, saying there will be consequences for Beijing.

[John Bickley]

In the meantime, very concerning developments here that have really shaken Washington. Kevin, thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Anytime.

[John Bickley]

A volunteer crime prevention group known as the Guardian Angels has vowed to increase their numbers and once again patrol the New York City subway system, where there's been a spike in homicides. Here to discuss is Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presta Giacomo. Hey, Amanda. So the Guardian Angels are back in New York City after a four year hiatus. What exactly do they plan on doing?

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

So these volunteers, who are unarmed, say they want to make the subway safer. They've already started making a presence on the subway trains during days and at night. And they say that they'll alert the NYPD to any problems they witness. They wear bright red jackets and berets, and from that iconic look, most citizens know that they're there to help and they can contact them. The Angels say that they'll also be handing out water bottles and conducting wellness checks for the homeless or anyone who might seem emotionally disturbed. They're looking to add hundreds of new volunteers, but currently there are 150 members just in New York City.

[John Bickley]

And for those who don't know who the Guardian Angels are, give us a little background if you would.

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

Yes. So they were founded 45 years ago in New York City at a time when crime and homicide was elevated, not unlike today. The group's leader, Curtis Sliwa, who's known to be a bit of a character, was a night manager at a McDonald's when he formed this group of 13 unarmed peacekeeper volunteers. They're now a nonprofit that's expanded to over 130 different cities. And their mission is to promote safety and be role models for younger people. They've even had public support from past New York City mayors, including Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg. Though the current mayor, Eric Adams, has disparaged the group. Adams office recently suggested that the mayor was solving the crime crisis while these volunteers and Sliwa were engaging in quote, theatrics. On the other side of that, Sliwa has said that he's never seen the subway so out of control. And he cited Adams's failures for his decision to bring back the Guardian Angels. I'll note that Sliwa has run for New York City mayor before and he says that he's running to take Adam's seat in 2025.

[John Bickley]

And about that, do we have any numbers on the city's subway crime crisis?

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

Yes. So in just the past two years, data shows that nearly 50 people have been shoved onto the subway tracks. Murders have spiked by 60% compared to last year. And recently a 57 year old woman was intentionally and fatally set on fire while riding the subway. The suspect in that case is a man who's illegally in the country. Which brings up another issue the city is facing since it's fashioned itself a sanctuary for illegals. Generally, New Yorkers just don't feel safe on the subway. And some good evidence of that was the verdict that was just rendered last month in the case of Daniel Penney. As we've reported here, Penney stepped in to help subway passengers when Jordan Neely, a homeless man with a lengthy rap sheet, threatened people on the train. Neely died after police arrived. The media tried to make that case about race, but the jurors, it seems, even in a liberal place like Manhattan, saw through that and recognized how citizens are being forced to protect themselves. Penny was acquitted on all charges, a.

[John Bickley]

Verdict many in the city cheered as we documented. So what exactly are New York leaders doing about this subway crime issue?

[Amanda Presta Giacomo]

Well, Mayor Adams has maintained that New York City is a success, and he's said that random acts of violence are overshadowing that. He said this week that he's added 1,000 police officers per day into the subways, and that has brought down overall crime. As for Governor Kathy Hochul, she said she added 750 National Guard members and 250 members of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ahead of the holidays. Still, though, violence on the subway is a huge issue for New Yorkers. Hochul was just widely criticized for a tone deaf post that championed subway safety and that was published on the same day Someone was fatally set on fire and two others were stabbed.

[John Bickley]

And now citizens are taking each other's safety into their own hands. Amanda, thanks for reporting.

[Tim Rice]

You're welcome.

[John Bickley]

Hey, thank you for listening this morning. We created this show to bring more balance to the national conversation. If you love our show and stand with that mission, consider subscribing, giving us a five star rating. And most importantly, sharing our podcast with a friend.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back later this afternoon with more news you need to know.