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

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."

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."

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.

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.

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."

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.