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

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.

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])

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])

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])

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]

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.