Shooter’s Past Uncovered & Britain Raises Colours | 8.29.25

Summary

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Morning Wire Episode Summary

Podcast: Morning Wire
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe
Date: August 29, 2025
Episode: Shooter’s Past Uncovered & Britain Raises Colours

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Overview

This Morning Wire episode examines three major stories:

1. Ongoing fallout and political debate following the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting, particularly focusing on the shooter's background and manifesto.
2. The rise of a widespread “flagging” craze in the UK, reflecting deepening tensions over immigration and national identity.
3. Changes and high anticipation surrounding the start of the college football season, now shaped by recent Trump administration policies and landmark shifts in athlete compensation.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Minneapolis Shooting: Shooter’s History, Motive, and Political Reactions

[02:17–06:43]

• Shooter’s Background (02:26–03:23):

  • The shooter attended the targeted Catholic school as a teenager.
  • Nine victims remain hospitalized, one (a child) in critical condition.
  • The shooter’s manifesto revealed anti-Christian, anti-Trump, and anti-Semitic views, written partly in cryptic Russian code.
  • Struggled with transgender identity, posting:

    “I am tired of being trans. I wish I never brainwashed myself.” — Shooter's manifesto [03:01]
    “I regret being trans. I wish I was a girl. I just know I cannot achieve that body with the technology we have today. I also can't afford that.”

• Political Reactions: Transgender Identity Debate (03:23–05:22):

  • Right-leaning voices highlight the shooter's transgender identity as key, framing transgenderism as a potential mental health issue contributing to violence.
  • Quote:

    “Statistically, the trans population has been prone to violence. That’s not villainizing, that’s reality.” — Jesse Watters, Fox News [04:01]

  • White House Press Secretary deflected when asked whether gender-affirming care could have contributed to the incident.
  • On the left, many claim the focus on transgender identity is bigoted or a distraction.
  • Quote:

    “Anybody that is going to use this as an opportunity to villainize our trans community… has lost touch with a common humanity.” — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey [04:54]

  • Jen Psaki (MSNBC) emphasized gun policy over identity:

    “Weaponizing the shooter’s identity is meant to distract from what matters… It’s the guns, everyone.” [05:15/05:22]

• Motive Discussion and Hate Crime Concerns (05:29–06:43):

  • FBI investigates the shooting as domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics, given the manifestos and anti-Christian symbolism.
  • Senator Amy Klobuchar shifted focus back to gun laws:

    “There’s no way to pin an ideology on this, but what I learned from this once again is that… there’s gotta be more we can do [about guns].” [06:06]

• Broader Trend (06:18–06:43):

  • Surge in attacks and threats against Catholic and evangelical churches—over 400 incidents last year, up 700% since 2018.

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2. UK “Flagging” Movement: Immigration Backlash and National Identity

[06:46–11:42]

• What is “Flagging”? (07:08–08:20)

  • Grassroots movement: British flags (Union Jack, St. George’s Cross) placed on lampposts, especially near migrant hotels.
  • Roots in migration protests; response to hotels being converted for illegal immigrants, local unrest, and high-profile crimes.
  • Rapid spread; groups (like Flagforce UK) fund and organize “flagging.”
  • Some locals mark public spaces with flags, e.g., painting crosses on roundabouts.

    “It's really grown quite substantially. Some people are calling it Operation Raise the Colors.” — Guy Dampier [08:20]

• Is It Xenophobic? (08:20–09:37)

  • Some see the movement as anti-immigrant or xenophobic.
  • Observers note perceived double standards: UK authorities quicker to remove British flags than Palestinian ones post-Israel attack, especially in heavily Muslim areas.
  • Guy Dampier comments:

    “A lot of those people complaining about flagging and saying it’s xenophobic don’t really have anything to say about that [the Palestinian flags]. All it really exposes is that there are some very deep divisions… over mass immigration and the failure to control the borders.” [09:29]

• Crime, Viral Video, and Rising Tensions (09:37–11:37)

  • Notable rise in crimes by foreign nationals, especially sex offenses (1 in 7 last year; 62% rise since 2021).
  • Viral Scottish video: two young girls (one wielding weapons) confronting an apparent pursuer, reflecting heightened sense of threat and public anxiety.
  • The police charged the girl with possession—uncertainty remains about the incident specifics.
  • Guy Dampier summarizes:

    “…Until the government regains control of the borders, the mood is going to continue to worsen. And unfortunately, in order to do that, the government is going to need to tackle human rights law and so far they've shown no appetite to do that.” [11:31]

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3. College Football: New Era and Blockbuster Kickoff Weekend

[11:45–15:29]

• Changing Landscape (12:09–13:13)

  • Year two of a 12-team playoff, increased revenue-sharing post NCAA settlement.
  • Athletes earn from their name, image, and likeness, plus direct university revenue participation.
  • Emotional farewell to broadcaster Lee Corso.
  • Massive opening matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. preseason #1 Texas, led by Arch Manning.

• Key Games and Personalities (13:13–15:23)

  • Alabama (now post-Nick Saban) vs. Florida State, which rebuilt through transfer portal but struggled last year.
  • LSU vs. Clemson; LSU seeking to end a five-year losing streak in season openers.
  • Sunday and Monday feature more marquee matchups—Miami vs. Notre Dame ("Catholics vs. Convicts"), and North Carolina hosts TCU under new coach Bill Belichick.
  • Quote:

    “It’s going to be a very exciting weekend.” — David Cohn [15:23]

  • Crane and Company live streams highlighted for major games.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the shooter’s troubled identity:

  “I am tired of being trans. I wish I never brainwashed myself.” — Shooter's manifesto [03:01]

• On the role of identity and violence:

  “Statistically, the trans population has been prone to violence. That's not villainizing, that's reality.” — Jesse Watters [04:01]

• On accusations of bigotry:

  “Anybody that is going to use this as an opportunity to villainize our trans community has lost touch with a common humanity.” — Jacob Frey [04:54]

• On "flagging" in the UK:

  "Other people are sort of adding the crosses in Georgia thinks it's quite easy... It's been given the name Operation Raise the Colors." — Guy Dampier [08:20]

• On British/Palestinian flag controversy:

  "Birmingham council have been happy to take down the British flags that have been put up, but they're leaving the Palestinian ones up." — Guy Dampier [09:12]

• On the mood in Britain:

  "Until the government regains control of the borders, the mood is going to continue to worsen." — Guy Dampier [11:31]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minneapolis School Shooting – Background & Debate [02:17–06:43]
• UK “Flagging” Movement & Immigration [06:46–11:42]
• College Football Preview & Landscape [11:45–15:29]

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Tone and Language

The hosts maintain a clear, factual delivery with direct attributions to sources. Guests present views candidly, in keeping with the show’s intent to surface sharp political divides, especially regarding identity, crime, and policy.

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This episode delivers timely updates and pointed commentary on divisive issues in the U.S. and U.K., blending reporting with analysis and notable perspectives from across the political spectrum.

Transcript

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[John Bickley]

As Minneapolis still reels from Wednesday's tragic shooting. We're learning more about the shooter.

[David Cohn]

We know ultimately the purpose of the.

[Sponsor/Advertiser]

Shooter'S actions was to obtain notoriety for the shooter themselves.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Friday, August 29th, and this is Morning Wire.

[David Cohn]

Get away from us.

[Host/Interviewer]

Don't touch her. A video of a Scottish girl with a hatchet goes viral as a new flagging movement sweeps through the uk the reason? Immigration backlash.

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, we've had enough.

[John Bickley]

And after a series of actions from Trump impacting college athletics, the football season begins with billions of dollars at play.

[Host/Interviewer]

Thanks for waking up with Morning wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

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[Host/Interviewer]

Two days after a mass shooter attacked a Catholic school in Minneapolis, new details have emerged about his background, sparking a heated political debate nationwide.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips is here to break down the continued fallout from this tragedy. Hey, Cabot. So what have we learned in the last 24 hours?

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, the latest count, nine victims remain hospitalized. One of those is a child who is in critical condition. Authorities say that they are, quote, touch and go. As for the shooter himself, we now know that he attended Annunciation Catholic School as a teenager. So that certainly seems to be a factor in picking it as a target. We talked yesterday about the shooter's manifesto, which included clear anti Christian and anti Trump anti Semitic sentiments. But many of his writings were in this sort of cryptic Russian code. According to a translation from the New York Post, one page says, quote, I am tired of being trans. I wish I never brainwashed myself. Elsewhere, he allegedly writes, quote, I can't cut my hair now, as it would be an embarrassing defeat. I regret being trans. I wish I was a girl. I just know I cannot achieve that body with the technology we have today. I also can't afford that.

[David Cohn]

Now.

[John Bickley]

Much has been made about that transgender identity of the shooter and the role it might have played in his actions. Walk us through that.

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah. There seems to be a clear political divide happening right now on this issue. Many folks on the right say the fact he was transgender is an important aspect of the story. They also point to a growing number of mass shootings in recent years committed by transgender offenders, typically in their teens or early twenties. They view transgenderism more broadly as a form of mental illness and argue that affirming sexual transitions, especially for youth, only creates more mental anguish and confusion, which in their view, can lead to more violence, like we saw yesterday. Here's Fox News host Jesse Watters making that case this week.

[David Cohn]

Statistically, the trans population has been prone to violence. That's not villainizing, that's reality. The left's weaponizing trans kids and turning them into culture. Warri and now there's a growing trans epidemic and they won't even admit it. But their fake compassion is getting people killed.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now to that point, Daily Wire White House reporter Mary Margaret Olihan asked the administration yesterday if they feel that gender affirming doctors bear any of the blame for this growing number of transgender shooters. Here's what press secretary Caroline Levitt had to say.

[Host/Interviewer]

HHS is investigating perhaps links between some.

[Guy Dampier]

Of these drugs and these prescription drugs.

[Host/Interviewer]

That some of these minors may be.

[Guy Dampier]

Taking and an increase in violence.

[Cabot Phillips]

But it's worth noting, many on the left have just ignored the transgender element of this story entirely or said that even discussing it is a form of bigotry. Here's Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, for example, on cnn.

[John Bickley]

Anybody that is going to use this as an opportunity to villainize our trans.

[David Cohn]

Community or any community has lost touch.

[John Bickley]

With a common humanity.

[Cabot Phillips]

Elsewhere, MSNBC host and former Biden press secretary Jen Psaki said that talking about the shooter's transgender identity is an attempt to distract from gu.

[David Cohn]

Weaponizing the shooter's identity is meant to.

[Guy Dampier]

Distract from what matters. That is what they are doing, trying to distract from what matters. Here's what matters.

[David Cohn]

Today's shooter bought the what rifle, handgun and shotgun. They used to do what they did today. Legally. It's the guns, everyone. It's not really a secret.

[John Bickley]

All right, so Psaki, like Gavin Newsom, directing the conversation toward gun control again. Now, we've seen a big discussion about the potential motive here. What do we know there?

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, as we mentioned yesterday, the FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and also a hate crime against the Catholic Church. Many feel the motive is clear given the shooter's blatantly anti Christian manifesto. Remember that video of Jesus Christ's face on the shooting target as well as a slew of other things mocking God? While talking about a potential motive, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar quickly pivoted and said that the conversation again should be about guns. There's no way to pin an ideology.

[David Cohn]

On this, but what I learned from this once again is that guns and we're a proud hunting state, there's a lot of law abiding gun owners in Minnesota, but there's gotta be more we can do.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now zooming out. This all comes amid an uptick in violence, harassment, vandalism and bomb threats against Catholic and evangelical churches here in the U.S. according to the Family Research Council, there were more than 400 such incidents in the last calendar year. That represents more than a 700% increase since 2018.

[John Bickley]

Well, certainly a very alarming trend and again, a really tragic situation that played out in Minneapolis. Cabot, thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Absolutely.

[John Bickley]

A new craze has hit Britain, raising the flag. The Union jack and the St. George's Cross have been raised on lampposts across the country. Supporters say it shows renewed national pride, but critics say it's xenophobic and anti immigrant.

[Host/Interviewer]

Joining us now to discuss is Guy Dampier of the UK Based Prosperity Institute. Guy, thanks for coming on.

[Guy Dampier]

Good morning and great to be back on.

[Host/Interviewer]

So what exactly is this craze called? Flagging and what's behind it?

[Guy Dampier]

So it's a pretty organic craze. It's come out of the protest movement about migrant hotels. These are Hotels which have been requisitioned by the government to put illegal immigrants in. Those are illegal images across this channel on small boats. And a lot of local people have been very upset about this because they're paying for it and also because they're losing access to hotels. But also, more seriously, there's been a number of cases where illegal immigrants in these hotels have attacked or raped locals. So this summer there have been protests outside a lot of these hotels and a lot of the people coming to the protest have brought flags with them and some of them have started putting the flags up on lampposts. It's hard to tell who the very first people do that were, but it spread very quickly. Groups have formed, they go flagging together, they'll put them up across lots of lampposts. Down the street you've got online fundraisers for groups like Flagforce UK who are raising money and then shipping out flags to people who want to do it themselves. And you've even got workmen and, you know, sort of coming in with their cherry pickers and helping people put these up. So it's really grown quite substantially. Other people are sort of adding the, the crosses in Georgia thinks it's quite easy. So if there's a white roundabout, they're going to paint a big red cross over it. So it looks like an England flag and it's been given the name. Some people are calling it Operation Raise the Colors.

[Host/Interviewer]

So as you say, this is an organic movement and in direct response to what people perceive to be a migration crisis in the country. Now, as John said at the top, some people have also criticized it as xenophobic. Can you unpack that?

[Guy Dampier]

So it's worth remembering, in recent years we've seen flags used a lot in order to express political opinions. Famously the pride flag, which has been for a lot of left wing causes in black lives, massive versions in particular. But in Britain, it's been the use of Palestinian flags that's been most controversial. So in some areas, particularly heavily Muslim areas like Tower Hamlets in London, those flags went up quite soon after the October 7 attack on Israel. And in Birmingham, which is Britain's second biggest city and also quite heavily Muslim, the council has reportedly said that they are actually afraid of taking down the Palestine flags that have been hung up by people there. So the use of British flags is very much a response to this. And I think there is a bit of a double standard in the different reactions. Birmingham council have been happy to take down the British flags that have been put up, but they're Leaving the Palestinian ones up. And a lot of those people who are complaining about flagging and saying that it's xenophobic don't really have anything to say about that. I think all it really exposes is that there are some very deep divisions in Britain at the moment over the issue of mass immigration and over the failure to control the borders. So people are putting up flags because they feel their country is under threat and they want to defend it.

[Host/Interviewer]

Now we've also seen some disturbing statistics about rising crime, specifically from foreign nationals. And there was also a recent viral video just this past week showing a Scottish girl wielding an ax and machete, seemingly trying to fend off a man pursuing her. Can you tell us a little bit first about those stats and then that specific incident?

[Guy Dampier]

There is absolutely no doubt there has been a surge in sex crimes by foreign nationals. In the last year. About 1 in 7 of all sexual offense convictions was a foreign national. And the rated increase in these convictions between 2021 and 2024 was 62%. So that's a big rise. In those three years there's been a similar rise in convictions, foreign national theft, robbery, drug possession. So the problem is getting worse and a lot of people are connecting that to the increase in legal immigration and illegal immigration over the last few years. As I mentioned, there's been several high profile cases where illegal immigrants have sexually attacked women, girls and even men. It's hard to tell with this viral video in Scotland whether that is the case there. We only have the video, which is recorded by what we presume is a foreigner or a migrant in some way. It shows a 14 year old girl with her younger sister. They seem to have been harassed or at least they want this person to go away. One of the girls is brandishing weapons, an axe and a machete. The other one is saying, you know, leave my little sister alone, she's only 12, don't touch her. The police have subsequently charged the girl with the weapons with possession of a knife because that, that is illegal in Britain when the knife is over a certain length and you're in public. But we really don't know what has actually happened yet. And I feel a bit cautious about it. But clearly the girls did feel under threat. And the fact that incidents like this are happening, the fact that they are being seized upon online like this, shows just how febrile the mood is in the country at the moment. So until the government regains control of the borders, the mood is going to continue to worsen. And unfortunately, in order to do that the government is going to need to tackle human rights law and so far they've shown no appetite to do that.

[Host/Interviewer]

So it sounds like things are reaching something of a boiling point over there. Guy, thanks for coming on.

[Guy Dampier]

My pleasure.

[Host/Interviewer]

President Trump has taken a series of steps to shore up collegiate athletics, including through his Title 9 policies and establishing a commission designed to fortify the most lucrative of college sports, football. Now a new season begins for the rapidly changing multi billion dollar sport.

[John Bickley]

Joining us now to discuss is David Cohn, co host of the Crane and Company Show. Hey Dave, always good to have you on.

[David Cohn]

Thank you for having me, John.

[John Bickley]

So you and I have talked a lot about the changing landscape of college football in particular going into this season. And now it's here with billions of dollars at play.

[David Cohn]

That's right, John. We made it back week one of college football. So many interesting storylines here. Obviously it's year two of that expanded 12 team college football playoff which the Buckeyes won a season ago. It's also the first season post that house versus NCAA settlement that we've talked about so much this summer, which means the college athletes can not only profit from their name, image and likeness, but also share in the revenues directly from the universities. And also Lee Corso, his final appearance on college game day. It's going to be a very emotional morning on Saturday. Coach Corso has given so much to the college football game that'll be in Columbus, Ohio. And that's going to take us right into that noon kickoff where the Buckeyes host preseason number one Texas. Arch Manning is going to be the starting quarterback for the Longhorns. He's the grandson of Archie Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli. We can't wait for that football game.

[John Bickley]

It really is the ideal way to start the day. And there's a bunch of other great matchups, major brands, one of them I particularly like. What else should we watch out for?

[David Cohn]

That's right. In that 3:30 eastern window, we're going to get the Alabama Crimson Tide going on the road to play Florida State and do Campbell in a game that I know you'll be watch. Obviously this is year two for Alabama without Nick Saban. And on the Florida State side, we've talked at nauseam about the transfer portal in college athletics. Now how it's wide open. You don't have to sit out a year anymore if you transfer. Well, Florida State leaned on that heavily a couple years ago and went undefeated and won the ACC not so much a year ago when they went 2 and 10 under Mike Norvell. Now they're going to get to kick off the season against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Very excited for that game. And then the night game, the 7:30 eastern window. LSU going on the road to play Clemson in another top 10 showdown. You know LSU has lost five straight season openers, which I know their fan base is really excited to turn that around. And Dabo Sweeney, who won two national championships at Clemson, ready to host LSU in another top 10 matchup. We can't wait for that one.

[John Bickley]

And then this weekend things don't actually stop on Saturday. The games keep coming, correct?

[David Cohn]

That's right. With no NFL this weekend, the party keeps going into Sunday. We got Virginia Tech and South Carolina in the AFLAC kickoff game. And then at night Miami hosting Notre Dame. How cool is this one for a week one matchup. The old school Catholics versus Convicts as it used to be called in the Lou Holtz and Jimmy Johnson era where now we're going to get Mario Cristobal and Marcus Freeman. Remember Georgia quarterback Carson Beck transferred out from the Bulldogs and went down to Miami. And Notre Dame is going to be starting a new quarterback in C.J. carr. And look, the party doesn't even stop there. We go on into Monday as North Carolina will be hosting tcu and we finally get to see Bill Belichick, six time super bowl winning head coach, two more Super Bowls as the defensive coordinator with the Giants. We get to see him on the college level as he becomes the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. It's going to be a very exciting weekend.

[John Bickley]

Well, I know I for one certainly can't wait for it. And Georgia is going to be glued to the tv. Dave, thanks so much for coming on.

[David Cohn]

Thank you for having me, John.

[John Bickley]

Also, don't miss out on Crane and company's live streams this week. Tune in with them Friday night as Auburn takes on Baylor and Sunday for the Miami Notre Dame game.

[Host/Interviewer]

Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're watching on YouTube, please like and subscribe. We'll be back later this evening with more news you need to know.

[David Cohn]

These are questions that take cultures thousands.

[John Bickley]

Of years to answer. During Answer the Call, I take questions.

[David Cohn]

From people just like you about their.

[John Bickley]

Problems, opportunities, challenges or when they simply need advice.

[Guy Dampier]

How do I balance all of this grief, responsibility?

[David Cohn]

How do you repair this kind of damage?

[John Bickley]

My daughter Michaela guides the conversations as we hopefully help people navigate their lives.

[David Cohn]

Everyone has their own destiny.

[John Bickley]

Everyone.