Another Assissination Attempt on POTUS? plus Mexico on Fire as Cartels Throw a National Tantrum After El Mencho Falls

Summary

Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode Title: Another Assassination Attempt on POTUS? plus Mexico on Fire as Cartels Throw a National Tantrum After El Mencho Falls
Date: February 23, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)

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Episode Overview

This episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson tackles two major breaking stories:

1. A thwarted assassination attempt against President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
2. A surge of cartel violence across Mexico following the killing of El Mencho, the CJNG cartel boss, including American involvement and the fallout for U.S. tourists.

Ben brings his trademark direct tone and mixes tight news updates with political commentary, emphasizing the seriousness of both domestic security and international cartel issues.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Assassination Attempt on President Trump at Mar-a-Lago

Timestamps: [04:38] – [07:11]

• Incident Details:

  • Early Sunday morning, around 1:30am, a 21-year-old man from North Carolina (Austin Tucker Martin) approached the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, carrying a shotgun and a gasoline canister.
  • Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy confronted the suspect as he neared the North Gate.
  • The suspect failed to comply with orders, "put down the gasoline can but then raise[d] a shotgun in what they described as a firing position" ([04:56], Ben Ferguson).
  • Agents opened fire; suspect was killed at the scene.
  • President Trump and First Lady were not present; no law enforcement officers were injured.

• Investigation Status:

  • FBI is leading the investigation, reviewing body cam and surveillance footage, and the AP provided new suspect details.
  • The suspect had been reported missing by his family and had recently acquired the shotgun ("he was reported missing by his family a few days ago... investigators believe he picked up a shotgun along the way" ([06:21], News Reporter)).
  • Authorities are checking camera footage from local residents to determine how the suspect breached security, believing he may have 'piggybacked' behind a vehicle entering the property lawfully.

• Immediate Impact/Analysis:

  • No confirmed motive or broader threat as of now: "No indication of a broader threat at this time. This appears to have been a rapid security response to an armed individual breaching a protected perimeter" ([05:29], Ben Ferguson).
  • Likely to hear from the White House soon.

Notable Quote:

"Another assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. Now, here's more of what Fox News had to say about this incident."
— Ben Ferguson, [05:52]

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2. Mexico on Fire: Cartel Violence Post-El Mencho

Timestamps: [07:22] – [15:10]

• Trigger Event:

  • Mexico's government confirmed the death of El Mencho, the leader of the CJNG cartel, in a high-stakes military operation.
  • Death followed increased U.S. pressure and designation of cartels as terrorist organizations.

• Immediate Aftermath:

  • Cartel gunmen initiated widespread attacks: setting up roadblocks in four states, carjacking vehicles, shooting civilians, and setting fire to “buildings, grocery stores, and gas stations” ([08:29], Ben Ferguson).
  • Major cities, including on the border and in the interior, were paralyzed; even airports such as Guadalajara saw attacks, with people fleeing across the tarmac.

• U.S./Mexican Cooperation:

  • Ben details American involvement in training Mexican elite forces:
    • U.S. Navy SEALs provided specialized training in mid-February.
    • Mexican Senate had authorized U.S. special forces to provide training, which included strict communication security measures to prevent leaks.
    • The objective was to capture, not kill, El Mencho, but a gun battle with CJNG security led to his death and several casualties.
    • The operation strengthens Mexico’s credibility in fighting the cartels, aligning with President Trump’s policy that if Mexico does not act, the U.S. will ("There's the real threat from President Trump that if you won't take out these narco terrorists, America will. So you can either do it yourself or we'll do it for you." [14:37], Ben Ferguson).

• Impact on Americans:

  • U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued urgent warnings, advising Americans to shelter in place due to "ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity" ([11:31], Ben Ferguson).
  • The State Department advises travelers to monitor the website and seek evacuation if in affected areas.

Notable Quotes:

"Mexico has erupted into flames after the death of the largest terrorist cartel boss known as El Mencho... creating panic and also the warning for American tourists."
— Ben Ferguson, [07:22]

"Instructors from the US Navy SEALs and other top-tier groups were scheduled to be in Mexico from mid February to April. They first arrived, we're being told, on February 15th on a US air transport with their own equipment and weapons for the training seminars."
— Ben Ferguson, [10:59]

"Maybe you or someone you know is in Mexico right now. What should you do? You should go to the State Department's website and look at the warnings for where you are and also what to do to be safe and to get out of the country."
— Ben Ferguson, [13:32]

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Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode opens with a personal, matter-of-fact tone—Ben transitions immediately from breaking news to macro-political implications.
• A moment of tension: Ben’s description of the “rapid security response” at Mar-a-Lago and the gravity of another threat to the President.
• Vivid language paints a chaotic picture of post-El Mencho Mexico: talking about “cartel terror exploding,” and describing “terrorist attacks in various different states.”
• Ben’s commentary underscores skepticism of previous Mexican anti-cartel efforts, suggesting U.S. assistance made the recent operation possible.

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• [04:38-07:11]: Detailed account of the Mar-a-Lago incident, suspect identification, and investigation status.
• [07:22-12:56]: Fallout in Mexico post-El Mencho: attacks, blockades, and U.S. Embassy warning.
• [10:34-11:58]: U.S.-Mexico military cooperation and SEAL training specifics.
• [12:59-14:39]: What Americans should do, implications for ongoing cartel operations, and Trump’s policy stance.

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Takeaways

• Presidential Security: Despite increased threats, the Secret Service’s swift action prevented any harm to President Trump and nearby personnel.
• Cartel Turmoil: El Mencho’s death unleashed unprecedented violence in Mexico, with American tourists at risk and U.S.-Mexico relations under new scrutiny.
• Policy in Action: This episode highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive anti-cartel approach, illustrated by direct U.S. involvement in Mexican security operations.
• Public Advisory: Strong warnings for Americans in Mexico to heed State Department advice and stay alert.

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For continuous updates on these fast-moving stories, Ben promises immediate coverage once additional official information is released. Listeners are reminded to subscribe for the latest developments and in-depth news.

Transcript

[Ben Ferguson]

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[President Donald Trump]

That was an unbelievable game. I don't know one person that wasn't. Everybody that called me said I'm watching the hockey game. I don't know of anybody that wasn't. And you're going to be proud of that game for 50 years as you grow older. I mean it was amazing. So we love you guys. Congratulations. And I hope to see Tuesday night and I want to shake hands. I'm going to shake hands with everybody, but I got to shake hands with that goalie.

[News Reporter]

We'll see you Tuesday night, Mr. President.

[President Donald Trump]

I'm driving the bus, boss.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

Good Monday morning. Nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. And we've got two major stories for you this morning. First up, another assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, this time with a gunman at Mar a Lago. We have the latest news on that story for you in just a moment. Also, cartel terror is exploding all over Mexico as one of the top kingpins is taken down. We have the latest as panic breaks out and also the warning for American tourists. But before we get to that, I want to talk to you about the International fellowship of Christians and Jews. Israel is a very hot topic right now and with so many opinions and emotions surrounding it, it can feel hard to know where to start. The Bible tells us I will bless those who bless you. That isn't just a comforting promise. It's a clear calling from God. And today, with anti Semitism rising around the world, that calling is more urgent than ever. At a time when Jewish communities are experiencing more hostility, more threats and and more violence than ever, Christians have a powerful opportunity to respond with God's love to say, you are not alone. When Christians choose to bless Israel, we're not entering a political issue. We're honoring the root of our faith and standing against hatred. Supporting Israel is more than a belief. It's a biblical mandate. And by partnering with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, you can push back against darkness and be a light to God's people. Learn how you can bless Israel and be blessed in return. Visit IFCJ.org today. That's IFCJ.org today. Be a blessing. Live in the world. Answer the call. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

Story number one.

I want to start with an update on what happened at Mar a Lago. Early Sunday morning. Around 1:30am A 21 year old man from North Carolina approached a secure perimeter of of Mar a Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. According to law enforcement, he was armed with a shotgun and also had a gasoline canister with him. Secret Service agents and a Palm beach county sheriff's deputy confronted him near the north gate area of the property. That is where officers ordered him to drop the weapon. Authorities say put down the gasoline can but then raise a shotgun in what they described as a firing position. At that Point Secret Service agents and the responding deputy opened fire. The suspect was killed at the scene. Now importantly, President Trump was not at Mar A Lago at the time. He and the first lady were in Washington D.C. no law enforcement officers were injured in Mar a Lago as well. Now the FBI is now leading that investigation. They're reviewing the body cam footage, the surveillance video and evidence from the scene. As of now, officials have not announced a confirmed motive and there's no indication of a broader threat at this time. Now this appears to have been a rapid security response to an armed individual breaching a protected perimeter. Another assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. Now here's more of what Fox News had to say about this incident.

[News Reporter]

And killed an armed man who unlawfully entered the perimeter at Mar a Lago early this morning at 1:30 this morning. The Associated Press is out with some new details right now. They have named and we have confirmed the name of the suspect, 21 year old Austin Tucker Martin. According to the Associated Press and this, this bulletin that just crossed. He was reported missing by his family a few days ago. Investigators believe he headed south and picked up a shotgun along the way. And they think that because they found a box for the shotgun in his car. The FBI is right now asking people that live near Mar a Lago to check their doorbell cameras, check any cameras that they have in their yards so they can figure out exactly how this guy got into the area. But it is now believed, according to the ap, that he might have piggybacked behind a vehicle entering Mar a Lago lawfully when the gate opened.

[Ben Ferguson]

There's no doubt that more information will be coming on this story and we will hear directly, I'm sure, from the White House. And when that happens, we will bring it for you right here.

Now story number two.

Mexico has erupted into flames after the death of the largest terrorist cartel boss known as El Mencho Cartel. Gunman have begun carrying out terrorist attacks in various different states in Mexico, all in response to the death of the country's most powerful terrorist cartel leader. Mexico's government confirmed the death of the cartel boss which resulted from an enforcement operation is how they described it. Now why did this happen in the first place? It's very clear that the President's threat of going after the narco terrorist cartel leaders was enough for Mexico to decide they should do it on their own instead of having the US Involved directly. This after the President clearly showed he wasn't flinching after he declared many of these individuals as terrorists, including one that we went and got in Venezuela, who's now in American custody, the man who claimed he was in charge of that country after stealing the last election. Now, this chaos began on Sunday early morning when cartel gunman began setting up blockades in four key states that are controlled by El Mancho's terrorist organization, the cartel known as the cjng. It's one of several cartels that have been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US Government. Now, the gunmen around the country, they deployed roadblocks. Clearly they knew how to do this and planned it in advance for if this day ever happened. They carjacked vehicles and shot innocent individuals. They set fire to buildings, grocery stores and gas stations. And they brought several different cities to a standstill, some of them on the border and others more in the interior, even airports being attacked and people fleeing on the tarmac and running out of those airports in Guadalajara. Now, all of this reaction follows the high profile military operation that was carried out where military forces reportedly killed El Mencho during a clash with his gunmen. Several top news organizations in Mexico began reporting the death of El Mencho on Sunday morning. Now, there's also other information that points to an attempt to capture one of his top lieutenants as well as additional operations aimed at decapitating the cjng. As violence erupted across the region, the US Embassy and consulates in Mexico issued a strong security warning saying, quote, due the ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, US Citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice. Now, the death of El Mencho, as it's being reported right now, and the capture of top CJNG figures would strengthen the credibility of Mexico's efforts as they claim to fight drug cartels. That has been a mandate by President Donald Trump and his administration. Now, in the past, Mexico had acted against other organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel, the Gulf Cartel and other smaller cartels. But the CJNG remained largely untouched. Clearly, they were paying off the top people in Mexico's government and certainly local law enforcement agencies. Which brings us to the other part of this story and what's being reported right now. We are now being told that America was actually involved in helping train many of the elite fighters who actually went after the top cartel members. The Mexican army team that tried to apprehend but ultimately killed the fearsome leader of the terrorist organization received what now is being described as specialized training from U.S. navy SEALs. Shortly before the operation Breitbart, Texas was able to confirm from high level members of the US Intelligence community that Navy SEAL instructors traveled to Mexico earlier this month for a series of training aimed at targeting and apprehending top level cartel figures. Earlier this month, amid much controversy, Mexico's Senate voted to allow U.S. special forces operators to travel into the country to train their Mexican counterparts. The cartels obviously were very angry about that. Instructors from the US Navy SEALs and other top tier groups were scheduled to be in Mexico from mid February to April. They first arrived, we're being told, on February 15th on a US air transport with their own equipment and weapons for the training seminars. The sources consulted by Breitbart Texas revealed that as soon as the top level Mexican army team was turned over to the U.S. navy SEAL instructors, they sequestered their phones and all communication devices to prevent any leaks of information. Something that has been an ongoing issue in prior attempts to capture El Mencho and other cartel figures in recent years. Now, while details, the training and the operation remain classified, we're being told that again it was confirmed that Mexican military forces working off U. S and Mexican intelligence tracked down the cartel leader where they carried out the high level operation aimed at capturing, not killing, but capturing that cartel. Later during the operation, security forces of the CJNG tried to fight off the military forces leading to a fierce firefight when Mexico's military forces killed four gunmen and injured three others who were airlifted to a hospital for emergency care but died en route. According to information provided Mexico's military, one of the individuals who died during the air transport was a man more commonly known as the biggest cartel leader in Mexico. Again, this coming from the government. The death of the feared cartel boss unleashed a wave of terror in Mexico and new threats that also coming from local reports. You also now know that Mexican states carjacking vehicles skyrocketed, the roadblocks were set, torching of buildings and widespread terror by the criminal organization reached such levels that now the U.S. department of State is warning Americans to not travel and being clear about the threats of danger that could be faced by any American that goes to Mexico. Now here's the part that's the most important. Maybe you or someone you know is in Mexico right now. What should you do? You should go to the State Department's website and look at the warnings for where you are and also what to do to be safe and to get out of the country. Now this may not be the last operation. Obviously the cartels are fighting back and hoping that that will make the government of Mexico stop from doing anything else. But there are many now that believe that there is more that could be happening. And if nothing happens moving forward, then there's the real threat from President Trump that if you won't take out these narco terrorists, America will. So you can either do it yourself or we'll do it for you. One thing is for sure, President of the United States of America will be talking about this in the State of the Union.

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now and for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.

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[Ben Ferguson]

This is an Iheart podcast.

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