Reiner Son Arrested & FBI Kneecaps Terror Plot | 12.16.25

Summary

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Morning Wire – “Reiner Son Arrested & FBI Kneecaps Terror Plot”

Date: December 16, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe
Key Reporters: Megan Basham, Cabot Phillips, Tim Pierce

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Overview

This episode of Morning Wire focuses on three major national news stories:

1. The shocking double homicide of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle, with their son Nick arrested as a suspect.
2. The FBI’s successful intervention in a large-scale left-wing terror plot targeting Los Angeles.
3. The ongoing investigation into a mass shooting at Brown University, with updates on the search for the perpetrator and tributes to the victims.

The hosts and reporters deliver the information in a factual, urgent, yet empathetic tone, reflecting both the gravity of the events and their wide-reaching impact.

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1. Hollywood Stunned: Rob Reiner and Wife Murdered, Son Arrested

Segment Start: [02:53]

Key Points

• Incident Details ([03:17])

  • Rob Reiner and wife Michelle were found dead (stab wounds and throats cut) in their Brentwood home; LAPD classifies as homicides.
  • Son Nick Reiner, 32, arrested, held on $4 million bail. No charges or motive officially given yet.

• Family Background ([04:00])

  • Nick Reiner’s struggles with drug addiction widely known, public since his teenage years.
  • He and Rob Reiner co-wrote the film “Being Charlie” about their personal experience with addiction and its toll on families.
  • Daughter Romy (28) reportedly found the bodies and informed police; a loud argument had occurred the previous night at a Christmas party at Conan O’Brien’s house.

• Community and Industry Response ([05:25])

  • Hollywood and political responses describe devastation and admiration for Reiner’s legacy.
  • Notable quotes:
    • Ron Howard: “A superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague, and at all times a dedicated citizen.” ([05:41])
    • Ben Stiller: Reiner's death is “a huge loss.”
    • Barack Obama: Reiner gave “some of our most cherished stories.”
    • Political Tensions: Donald Trump, on Truth Social, blamed “Trump derangement syndrome” for the tragedy, yet expressed condolences. ([06:25])
    • Ted Cruz: “His films touched us deeply and spoke to fundamental humanity.”

Memorable Quotes

• Megan Basham on Nick’s struggles:
  “Nick has publicly struggled with drug addiction since he was 15 years old. He’d been in and out of rehabs… The father and son said at the time that it mirrored some of their real life experiences.” ([04:23])

• Georgia Howe reflecting on family bonds:
  “It really clicked for me because we didn’t bond a lot as a kid. When I saw him do that and it was something that I’m interested in, I was like, wow, like he really knows a lot and, like, it made me feel closer to him.” ([04:47])

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2. FBI Thwarts Major New Year’s Eve Terror Plot in Los Angeles

Segment Start: [08:13]

Key Points

• Plot and Group Details ([08:30])

  • The Turtle Island Liberation Front, described as a “militant Antifa-style group,” planned to detonate backpack IEDs at five high-profile LA locations on New Year’s Eve.
  • The group’s online rhetoric included “death to ICE, death to America, and Capitalism prevents liberation.”

• How the Plot Was Foiled ([09:29])

  • FBI obtained plans when leader Audrey Carroll provided an eight-page outline (“Operation Midnight Sun”) to a law enforcement contact.
  • The group purchased bomb components and tested explosives in the Mojave Desert—FBI surveillance captured their actions and led to arrests.

• Arrests and Aftermath ([11:44])

  • Four group members were arrested, each charged with conspiracy and possessing unregistered destructive devices, with more charges pending.
  • The operation was credited in part to President Trump’s 2025 executive order targeting left-wing domestic terror groups.
  • The FBI says further plots targeting ICE and immigration offices were being discussed.

Notable Quotes

• Cabot Phillips on the plot's seriousness:
  “What we are doing will be considered a terrorist act… this was not just a case of, you know, some left wing kids hanging out in their basement talking a big game. This was seemingly very real.” ([10:38])

• Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Asale acknowledging policy impact:
  “This investigation was initiated in part due to the September 2025 executive order signed by President Trump to root out left wing domestic terror organizations in our country such as Antifa and other radical groups like the Turtle Island Liberation Front.” ([11:44])

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3. Brown University Mass Shooting: Pursuit of Suspect Continues

Segment Start: [12:56]

Key Points

• Investigation Update ([13:02])

  • After holding a person of interest, law enforcement released him for lack of evidence, triggering speculation about tensions between local police and the FBI.
  • FBI Director Cash Patel cited federal teams’ contributions but local police emphasized process transparency and public safety.

• Community Response and Ongoing Search ([14:47])

  • Surveillance footage of the likely perpetrator was released, and Providence officials appealed to the public for additional video or information.
  • $50,000 FBI reward offered for leads.
  • Despite public concern, officials insist there is no credible ongoing threat to the wider community.

• Victims Honored ([16:16])

  • Two students killed:
    • Ella Cook, sophomore from Alabama, vice president of Brown’s Republican club, described as “generous and a bright light.”
    • Muhammad Aziz Umerzakov, an Uzbek national in his first year at Brown, remembered as “incredibly kind, funny, and smart.”

Notable Quotes

• CNN law enforcement expert John Miller on interagency friction:
  “You see FBI agents, you see US marshals, a lot of federal officials there and police were very careful to subtly point out during this press conference. This was an FBI handled lead… Has there been some friction between the Providence police and the FBI today over this? I’m going to tell you there has been…” ([13:45])

• Providence Mayor Brett Smiley appealing for help:
  “If you’re in that area and you have video… please reach out to us.” ([15:20])
  On community safety:
  “We’ve received, continue to receive zero credible threats to our community, Brown or the broader community.” ([15:54])

• Birmingham church tribute to Ella Cook:
  “She was a just incredibly grounded and generous and faithful and bright light.” ([16:38])

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Timeline & Timestamps

• Hollywood Reiner murder reports: [02:53]-[07:09]
• FBI terror plot bust in LA: [08:13]-[12:23]
• Brown University shooting investigation: [12:56]-[17:24]

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Conclusion

The episode delivers crucial updates on high-profile tragedies and law enforcement breakthroughs, providing context, emotional resonance, and direct quotes from both officials and those impacted. The hosts and correspondents maintain a measured, fact-driven approach while recognizing the gravity and human element of each story.

Transcript

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[John Bickley]

Hollywood is reeling after the gruesome stabbing death of iconic director Rob Reiner and his wife and the arrest of their.

[Georgia Howe]

Son Nick Reiner, a suspect in this case. He was subsequently booked for murder and is being held on $4 million bail.

[John Bickley]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley. It's Tuesday, December 16th, and this is Morning Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

The FBI says they foiled a major terrorist plot aimed at Los Angeles, arresting four members of a radical left wing group. Each is charged with conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device in Violation.

[Cabot Phillips]

Of Title 26, United States Code Section 5861.

[John Bickley]

And the latest on the manhunt for the Brown university shooter.

[Cabot Phillips]

The FBI is now offering a reward of 50,000 doll for information that can.

[Georgia Howe]

Lead to the identification, the arrest and the conviction of the individual responsible, who we believe to be armed and dangerous. Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

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[Georgia Howe]

Hollywood icon Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were found dead in their Brentwood home Sunday. In a shocking turn, their son Nick Reiner has been arrested for their murders.

[John Bickley]

Joining us now with the latest is Daily Wire culture reporter Megan Basham. So Megan, this news stunned Hollywood. These were two famous people living in a very safe, high end neighborhood. What have investigators disclosed so far?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah, so what authorities are telling us right now, Georgia, is that emergency services were called to the Reiners home. At that point, firefighters arrived and they discovered the bodies of Rob and Michelle Reiner. Now it's been widely reported that the couple were stabbed to death and that specifically their throats were cut. Now the Los Angeles County Coroner's office has not officially released their causes of death yet, but the LAPD has classified them as homicides. And the Reiner son, 32 year old Nick Reiner, has been taken into custody. He was picked up later that night and he's being held on $4 million bail.

[John Bickley]

And what do we know about the circumstances leading to Nick Reiner's arrest? Do we know where that took place or where he was?

[Megan Basham]

We have some information. So police have not officially named Nick Reiner the sole suspect and they haven't offered any on motive. And we don't have formal criminal charges yet. But LA Police Chief Jim McDonald has said that he was quote unquote booked for murder. And this comes amid a backdrop of some known family issues. So just to go over a few of those, Nick has publicly struggled with drug addiction since he was 15 years old. He had been in and out of rehabs. He'd experienced extended periods of homelessness. In 2015, he co wrote and his father directed the semi autobiographical film Being Charlie about drug addiction and the pressures that it can put on families. In fact, the father and son said at the time that it mirrored some of their real life experiences.

[Georgia Howe]

It really clicked for me because we didn't bond a lot as a kid. When I saw him do that and it was something that I'm interested in, I was like, wow, like he really knows a lot and like it made me feel closer to him.

[Megan Basham]

Then another thing that we do know is that the Reiner's daughter romy, who is 28 years old, reportedly found her parents bodies. And there are reports that she was the one who told police that her brother was the likely perpetrator. There have been reports of a shouting match, very loud family argument between father and son the night before at a Christmas party at Conan o' Brien's house. But we don't know what that argument was about.

[John Bickley]

Now. Reiner and his work were beloved. Audiences will recognize a lot of the films that he directed. Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally, many more. So this is devastating to the entertainment industry. What's the reaction from Hollywood been so far?

[Megan Basham]

Yeah, it really has been devastating. There has been just an outpouring of grief, of shock to give you just a few of the condolences that we're hearing from across the entertainment industry. Ron Howard said Reiner was a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague, and at all times a dedicated citizen. Ben Stiller called his death a huge loss. Former President Barack Obama credited Reiner for giving audiences, quote, some of our most cherished stories. And then speaking of Obama, a lot of stars also highlighted Reiner's political activism. Of course, Reiner was a man of the political left and he was very outspoken and that did at times ruffle some feathers on the other side of the political aisle. He was known for calling President Trump things like mentally unfit and treasonous. Which might be why in his reaction to the news, President Trump posted on Truth Social that Reiner suffered from Trump derangement syndrome and even suggested that that might have had something to do with these murders. Though he did also say that the Reiners deaths was a very sad thing and said that he hopes they rest in peace. Other Republicans just simply offered some prayers. Senator Ted Cruz, for instance, said that he and his family are mourning the loss of a comedic and storytelling master. And he said that his films touched us deeply and spoke to fundamental humanity.

[John Bickley]

Well, a tragic story. And he'll be remembered for some of those iconic films. Megan, thanks for reporting.

[Megan Basham]

Yep, my pleasure.

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[John Bickley]

FBI officials say they've foiled a left wing terror plot targeting Los Angeles on New Year's Eve.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips joins us now with the details on this rather stunning revelation. Hey Cabot. So a sigh of relief in Los Angeles this week. What have we learned so far about this plot?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, one of those stories that gets scarier the more you dig into it. So on Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that after a thorough FBI investigation, the DOJ had thwarted what they called a quote, massive and horrific left wing terror plot to bomb a number of locations across LA on New Year's Eve. The alleged plan was being organized by a group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. They are a militant antifa style group. A social media account for this radical group includes a slew of anti American and anti Israel posts including slogans like, quote, death to Ice, Death to America and Capitalism prevents liberation. One recent post reads, quote, there are no morals for us to appeal to, no sense of justice or what is right. We cannot vote ourselves out of a mass colonizer occupation. So you get the idea. This is a radical and now violent left wing group.

[Georgia Howe]

All right, so some violent language leading apparently to some violent action.

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah.

[Georgia Howe]

How was this plot uncovered?

[Cabot Phillips]

So we're still learning the details. Attorney General Bondi simply said that this had been a long investigation, but it appears the turning point came when the FBI first obtained clear plans for this terror attack. According to the DOJ affidavit, which was obtained by Daily Wire, White House correspondent Mary Margaret Olahan, one of the group's leaders, Audrey Carroll, unknowingly provided an eight page outline of the plot to a law enforcement source. That document, dubbed Operation Midnight sun, outlined plans to drop backpacks containing IEDs at five separate locations across Los Angeles. Those bombs would then be detonated simultaneously. The FBI said the targets chosen included large American corporations and companies. They didn't give us any specific names, but did say in a press conference that they were, quote, similar to Amazon. In recent weeks, the group allegedly took concrete steps to carry out their attack, purchasing bomb making materials and then traveling to a remote location in the MOJAVE Desert to test their explosives. Now it was there that the FBI, who was monitoring them with a surveillance plane, swept in with a SWAT team to arrest four individuals. Here's Akil Davis from LA's FBI field office describing the scene and then playing just really remarkable surveillance footage from that FBI plane. They had precursor chemicals there and they were going to, they were going to create these, these bombs in the desert. What they are starting to do is put their chemicals and, and wares and the components out on the, on the table. On the table there. Now look, there might be some folks at home who are skeptical about the seriousness of this plot. Well, based on the affidavit, the suspects knew exactly what they were doing. Carol, the apparent leader of the group, allegedly told her co conspirators, quote, what we are doing will be considered a terrorist act. So this was not just a case of, you know, some left wing kids hanging out in their basement talking a big game. This was seemingly very real. The FBI says the group also planned a number of follow up attacks after this one on New Year's Eve. Those would potentially target ICE personnel and other immigration enforcement offices. And it's also worth noting, according to the FBI, this plot was thwarted in large part thanks to President Trump's recent crackdown on domestic terror groups like Antifa. Here's Assistant US Attorney Bill Asale making that point.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

This investigation was initiated in part Due to the September 2025 executive order signed.

[Georgia Howe]

By President Trump Trump to root out.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Left wing domestic terror organizations in our.

[Georgia Howe]

Country such as Antifa and other radical groups like the Turtle Island Liberation Front.

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As a result of those directives, we built this case.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now each of the four individuals arrested have now been charged with conspiracy and possession of a destructive device. The FBI says they do plan on filing additional charges in the coming weeks as they gather more evidence.

[Georgia Howe]

Sounds like a very serious attack thwarted here by the FBI. Thank goodness. Kevin, thanks so much for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Absolutely.

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[Georgia Howe]

Law enforcement continue to investigate a shooting at Brown University that killed two students and injured nine others.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce is here to give us the latest on the shooting. So, Tim, a major bombshell in this case dropped on Sunday day when they released the person of interest that they had initially apprehended. What do we know so far?

[Georgia Howe]

Yeah, as we reported yesterday, officials concluded that they didn't have the evidence to charge that man, which has made some wonder how law enforcement came to detain this man in the first place. There's been some speculation in the media that this has caused some tension between local law enforcement and federal agents. The lead that led to this detainment was apparently worked by the FBI Director. Cash Patel even seemed to take credit. On Sunday, Patel posted on x that the FBI's Cell Analysis Survey team provided critical geolocation capabilities. And As a result, FBI's Boston Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the US Marshals and Coventry PD detained a person of interest in a hotel room in Coventry, Rhode Island. And then of course, late Sunday night they held a big press conference where local officials announced that they would actually be releasing their person of interest. Here's CNN law enforcement expert John Miller reading between the lines of what happened in that press conference. You see FBI agents, you see U.S. marshals, a lot of federal officials there and police were very careful to subtly point out during this press conference. This was an FBI handled lead and you know, they got it once it was brought back to the station and the involvement of the attorney general and so on. Has there been some friction between the Providence police and the FBI today over this? I'm going to tell you there has been so potentially a lot of interagency friction going on on this case. And that of course is made worse because of the stakes here.

[John Bickley]

So they've released their initial person of interest. Does that mean they're back to square one with this search?

[Georgia Howe]

Well, it looks like they at least took a huge step back. But as we noted yesterday, officials have been pretty tight lipped about what they have and what they don't have. But what state and local officials have told us so far is that they are still looking for the person that was seen in CCTV footage that the police released over the weekend. Here was Providence Mayor Brett Smiley asking for help from the community. That is one piece of additional evidence and a way in which this community can help if you have a camera and you are nearby. The video that was released was the Corner of Hope and Waterman streets. And if you are in that area and you have video, you have home video, ring camera, security camera, you're a small business owner, please reach out to us. And community members have apparently responded. The FBI and local law enforcement released new video and photos of the suspect yesterday. And the FBI also posted, posted a $50,000 bounty on information that would lead to his arrest. Meanwhile, Smiley has been adamant that the community remains safe here. He was on ABC News yesterday morning. We understand that there is a high degree of anxiety. And after this individual was released last night, I understand that that anxiety level has risen in our community. But it's no different than a day ago, which is that we've received, continue to receive zero credible threats to our community, Brown or the broader community. So Mayor Smiley obviously trying to project calm, but that is pretty tough job when there is a mass shooter out on the loose.

[John Bickley]

Yeah, very unnerving. Now we finally have the names of the two student victims from Brown University. What do we know about those students?

[Georgia Howe]

Yeah, their names are Ella Cook and Muhammad Aziz Umerzakov. Cook was a second year student from Alabama, vice president of Brown's Republican club and from all accounts will be dearly missed. Here's the cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama. That was Cook's home church announcing her death to the congregation. Many of you heard about the tragedy which happened at Brown University, the shootings which took place and a number of young people who died. And sadly, tragically, one of those people is one of our parishioners. Ella Cook was one of those. And for those, those of you who knew her, who know her, she was a just incredibly grounded and generous and faithful and bright light. Umerzakov was an Uzbek national in his first year at Brown. A GoFundMe written by his sister described him as incredibly kind, funny and smart.

[John Bickley]

These were undergrads, very young students. Tim, thanks for reporting.

[Georgia Howe]

Good to be on. Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're listening to the show, you can now watch the show free on daily wireless. We'll be back this evening with more news you need to know.

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