Morning Wire Episode Summary: “No Kings’ Riots & Minnesota Manhunt | 6.16.25”

Release Date: June 16, 2025

In this episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe delve into the escalating “No Kings” protests sweeping across the United States, a shocking political assassination in Minnesota, and the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. The hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of these critical events, offering insights and expert commentary to keep listeners informed.

1. Escalation of “No Kings” Protests Across the Nation

The episode opens with a dramatic portrayal of the nationwide “No Kings” protests, which have rapidly devolved into violent confrontations. These demonstrations, initially framed as expressions of free speech, have increasingly targeted government institutions and specific figures, leading to chaos and unrest.

Key Highlights:

• Portland, Oregon:
  Tim Rice provides a detailed account of the events in Portland, where a “No Kings” protest spiraled out of control. Starting around 1 PM with tens of thousands in attendance, the focus shifted to the ICE facility, resulting in broken glass, forced entries, and the use of rocks and fireworks against federal law enforcement. This violence left several officers injured and led to the arrest of four rioters.
  “The situation in Portland really spun out of control Saturday night... the rioters broke glass and forcibly entered the ICE facility.”
  — Tim Rice [02:38]

• Other Affected Cities:
  Violence wasn’t confined to Portland. Los Angeles emerged as a new epicenter, Salt Lake City experienced a shooting during a protest, Culpepper, Virginia saw a driver accelerate into a crowd with an SUV, and Philadelphia was marked by anti-oligarchy sentiments.
  “We saw yet more violence in Los Angeles... and there was a no Kings protest in Culpepper, Virginia, where police say one person was struck by an SUV...”
  — Tim Rice [03:47]

Expert Insight: Jonathan Schanzer comments on the ineffectiveness of violence in achieving political change, emphasizing its rarity in successful historical movements.
“I have rarely seen in my career... a time where successful change has come as a result of violence.”
— Jonathan Schanzer [03:30]

2. President Trump’s 250th US Army Anniversary Celebration

Contrasting sharply with the chaos of the protests, President Trump hosted a grand celebration for the US Army's 250th anniversary. This patriotic event showcased a display of military might and honor, aimed at unifying Americans amidst the surrounding turmoil.

Event Highlights:

• Patriotic Display:
  The celebration featured a diverse array of military vehicles, including vintage jeeps, tanks, helicopters, and rows of marching troops, symbolizing the enduring strength and legacy of the US Army.
  “It was a huge patriotic display that highlighted the heroism of American troops throughout the decades.”
  — Tim Rice [04:35]

• Trump’s Role:
  President Trump not only presided over the event but also delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking the army and expressing pride in their service. The event coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday, which was subtly highlighted by the protesters as well.
  “The president gave a speech in which he thanked the army and essentially said, you know, it's about time we had a parade like this.”
  — Tim Rice [04:35]

Future Plans: Trump has initiated Task Force 250, an executive order aimed at coordinating a series of patriotic events leading up to the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026.
“A final note, this weekend's celebration of the army is just the first of many patriotic events that Trump called for in an executive order.”
— Tim Rice [05:38]

3. Political Assassination and Manhunt in Minnesota

A deeply disturbing event unfolded in Minnesota with the assassination of prominent state figures, triggering a massive manhunt and igniting fears of politically motivated violence.

Incident Details:

• Assassination:
  State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were critically injured in their home by an assailant dressed as a police officer. The perpetrator used deception to gain entry, leading to the brutal attack on both the Hoffmans and fellow Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband.
  “They found Hortman and her husband dead... impersonating a police officer.”
  — Tricia McLaughlin [07:16]

• Manhunt and Capture:
  The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Bolter, a former private security officer with no prior criminal record, was apprehended 50 miles from the crime scene after an intensive search. Initially evading police by fleeing in a disguised vehicle, Bolter was later captured while hiding in the woods.
  “Authorities quickly identified 57-year old Vance Bolter as the suspect... By 10 PM last night, he was in custody.”
  — Tricia McLaughlin [08:24]

Possible Motives:

• Political Extremism:
  A manifesto and a list of 70 potential targets, including Democrats and abortion providers, suggest a broad and violent political agenda. Contradictory signs of support for the “No Kings” movement and ties to Democratic governors hint at complex ideological motivations.
  “Authorities say a list of 70 potential targets was found in his car... Bolter also had ties to Governor Tim Walz.”
  — Tricia McLaughlin [09:04]

• Recent Political Tensions:
  The assassination occurred shortly after Melissa Hortman supported a Republican budget measure, which cut taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants, provoking significant backlash from Democrats.
  “Just hours after that vote... she was assassinated.”
  — Tricia McLaughlin [09:04]

Broader Context of Political Violence: Tricia McLaughlin highlights a series of recent violent attacks targeting political figures and institutions, underscoring a disturbing trend of political extremism.
“In the last year alone, we've seen Israeli diplomats murdered in Washington... multiple attempts on Donald Trump's life.”
— Tricia McLaughlin [10:28]

4. Intensifying Israel-Iran Conflict and U.S. Involvement

The episode transitions to international affairs, focusing on the escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran. Jonathan Schanzer, a Middle East expert, provides an in-depth analysis from a bomb shelter in Jerusalem.

Current Situation:

• Israeli Strikes:
  Israel has conducted over 700 strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, military installations, and leadership figures within a short span, aiming to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
  “I think what we can say with certainty is that the Israelis have carried out... more than 700 different strikes since this thing started.”
  — Jonathan Schanzer [11:26]

• Iranian Counterattacks:
  In response, Iran has launched numerous missile attacks against Israel, creating an ongoing cycle of retaliation and defense.
  “The Israelis have been fending off missile attacks... a direct strike near Haifa.”
  — Jonathan Schanzer [12:00]

U.S. Involvement:

• Military Support:
  The United States is assisting Israel by providing advanced military technology and intelligence sharing, including F-35 jets and high-powered ordnance. Schanzer suggests a coordinated effort, especially following President Trump’s executive orders.
  “Israel is striking Iran right now with a number of American platforms, F35s... intelligence sharing.”
  — Jonathan Schanzer [13:24]

• Potential Escalation:
  There is speculation about the U.S. potentially increasing its military involvement to support Israel further, including the deployment of additional carrier strike groups to impose restraint on Iran's actions.
  “There are actually even a couple of carrier strike groups on their way from the United States...”
  — Jonathan Schanzer [13:24]

Future Implications: Schanzer warns of a possible war of attrition if the current trajectory continues, emphasizing the finite resources of Israel's missile defense against Iran's extensive missile arsenal.
“There's a little bit of cat and mouse here... the Iranians are trying to make the Israelis lose as many of their missile defense interceptors as possible.”
— Jonathan Schanzer [12:30]

Conclusion

The Morning Wire episode effectively navigates through a tumultuous array of events shaping the national and international landscape. From the surge of violent protests challenging political stability to the grim reality of targeted assassinations and the volatile Israel-Iran conflict, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe provide listeners with a thorough and engaging analysis. Expert insights from figures like Tim Rice and Jonathan Schanzer add depth to the discussions, ensuring that the audience remains well-informed amidst the chaos.

Notable Quotes:

• “Everyone's running.”
  — Tim Rice [00:22]

• “Up when this becomes antagonistic and violent...”
  — Jonathan Schanzer [03:30]

• “It's about time we had a parade like this.”
  — Tim Rice [04:35]

• “Remember, in the last year alone, we've seen Israeli diplomats murdered in Washington...”
  — Tricia McLaughlin [10:28]

• “Israel is striking Iran right now with a number of American platforms...”
  — Jonathan Schanzer [13:24]

Stay Informed:
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