The Ben Shapiro Show

Ep. 2293 - Meet The Democrat Who Fantasizes About SHOOTING A GOP Leader
Date: October 6, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Produced by: The Daily Wire

Episode Overview

Ben Shapiro tackles a series of recent incidents he argues exemplify a growing “permission structure” for left-wing political violence in America and the West. The episode focuses on alarming comments made by a Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee, the mainstream media and Democratic responses to left-leaning violence, recent attacks on federal agents in Chicago and Portland, and international events—in particular, anti-Israel protests in London. The latter portion of the show delves into ongoing negotiations regarding Gaza and Hamas, U.S. foreign policy, and the crucial roles that Qatar and Turkey play.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Left’s “Permission Structures” for Violence

(00:00 - 07:10)

Jay Jones Controversy:
Shapiro discusses Democratic Virginia AG nominee Jay Jones, who was caught in texts fantasizing about shooting the GOP House Speaker Todd Gilbert and making crude jokes about Republican children as “little fascists.”
- Quote:
  
  "According to the Daily Wire, Democrat Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones in recently uncovered text messages, fantasized about murdering a state GOP leader with, quote, two bullets to the head and then pissing on the graves of other Republicans." – Ben Shapiro (05:20)
Shapiro’s Analysis:
- Argues that such rhetoric isn’t isolated, but the product of a generationally built “thought structure” that normalizes violence towards political opponents.
- Points to recent poll data from Skeptic Research Center showing much higher support for political violence among self-identified liberal and very liberal Americans than conservatives.
  - “44% of very liberal people in the United States, 44% say, quote, violence is often necessary to create social change… The levels of support on the right are not even close.” (03:00)
- Suggests political violence is now a “luxury belief,” more prevalent among the highly educated.
- Cites generational and demographic divides—young liberals, especially women and minorities, reportedly most likely to endorse political violence.
Media Coverage Critique:
Shapiro criticizes how Politico and other outlets allegedly downplayed the seriousness of Jay Jones’s comments, referring to it as “musing about violence.”
- Quote:
  
  “If you text someone and then you confirm... you mean a thing, and then you say that children should die because they’re... little fascists – at a certain point, can we take you at your word?” (07:10)

2. Responses to Left-Wing Violence & Judicial Inconsistencies

(07:12 - 17:40)

Attempted Assassination of Justice Kavanaugh:
Shapiro details the sentencing of Sophie Rosky, who attempted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, noting the relatively light eight-year sentence and attributing judicial leniency to Rosky’s transgender status.
- Quote:
  
  “Women are getting real violent these days. Like, shockingly violent. I never would have expected, for example, a woman to be the person who tried to kill Brett Kavanaugh. And that’s because it wasn’t a woman.” (11:26)
Media Pronoun Usage:
Ben expresses incredulity that mainstream media outlets refer to Rosky as a woman, which he sees as further ideological capture by the left.
Roots of Violence:
Shapiro connects these instances to a systemic problem: selective enforcement and double standards in prosecution and punishment for political violence, shaped, he argues, by identity politics and left-wing ideology.

3. Attacks on Federal Agents & Institutional Response

(17:41 - 23:22)

Chicago ICE Attacks:
Shapiro outlines an organized violent assault against Border Patrol and ICE agents, referencing a DHS statement about “domestic terrorists” ramming federal vehicles and injuring officers.
- Quote:
  
  “This is an organized terrorist assault on agents of Border Patrol and ICE. Again egged on by the left.” (19:31)
Local Political Pushback:
Plays a clip from a commentator blaming ICE and federal agencies for “creating a war zone” (19:57), and notes Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s opposition to federal intervention.
Federal Law Enforcement Perspective:
Gregory Bevino (ICE official) accuses local leaders of “feeding violence” against federal agents (22:07).
- Quote:
  
  “They feed violence, they foment this violence... I wonder if they actually want Border Patrol agents and ICE officers hurt at this point... That’s awfully concerning to me." – Gregory Bevino (22:07)
- Secretary Kristi Noem promises harsh consequences for anyone attacking federal agents (23:12).

4. Lawlessness in Portland & Suppression of Reporting

(24:10 - 29:52)

Physical Assault on Journalist:
Shapiro covers an incident where pro-MAGA journalist Nick Sorter is assaulted at an antifa protest in Portland, then arrested by police after asking for help—highlighting the lack of protection for dissenters and perceived bias.
- Quote:
  
  “For the great crime of... walking around and not being a radical leftist. He’s just walking down the street... This sort of violence has become fairly commonplace in Portland.” (25:25)
Hostility to Federal Enforcement:
He critiques Portland’s longstanding resistance to federal law enforcement and recounts the BLM/Antifa courthouse sieges and activist judges’ opposition to National Guard deployment.
National Security Perspective:
White House adviser Stephen Miller frames attacks on ICE and Border Patrol as “organized terrorist attacks on the federal government,” justifying aggressive federal response.

5. Anti-Israel Protests & Anti-Semitism in London

(29:53 - 38:50)

Van Jones on Democrat Responses to Political Violence:
Van Jones criticizes his own party's lack of grace following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which Shapiro sees as evidence of permission structures for violence.
- Quote:
  
  “People in my party throwing rocks at the corpse before it could even be buried. Blood still on the widow's shoes. And people want to post every dumb thing he ever said.” – Van Jones (29:32)
Matthew Syed’s Firsthand Account (UK Times):
Shapiro cites a column by Matthew Syed, who describes being berated and threatened at a pro-Palestinian rally in London for asking if Hamas bears any responsibility for the Gaza conflict.
- Quote:
  
  “Go away. You’re a bad faith actor. We don’t want to talk to you. Just f off... You are a charlatan. You are an effing racist.” – Protesters at London rally (32:31)
Shapiro’s Diagnosis:
He explains this as evidence of a broader “scavenger coalition”—a range of leftist groups cynically united by anti-Western sentiment, regardless of the issue.
Impact on Jewish Community & Western Civilization:
Shapiro warns that anti-Semitism on display in London is symptomatic of a larger “importation of barbarians” and tearing down of Western institutions, with “fellow travelers” from the political left eager to side with any anti-West cause.

6. Gaza Negotiations and the Role of Qatar & Turkey

(38:51 - 46:00)

US & Regional Plan for Gaza:
Shapiro outlines progress on a US-brokered plan to secure a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, with pressure mounting on Qatar and Turkey (main Hamas patrons) to finish the deal.
Qatar’s Financial Support for Hamas:
He details Qatar’s substantial financial aid to Hamas, arguing only Qatar and Turkey can force Hamas into compliance.
- Quote:
  
  “Qatar has provided an estimated $1.8 billion in financial support to Hamas-run Gaza since 2005... A significant portion... as fuel, which Hamas then sells for cash and as humanitarian aid..." (41:40)
Trump Administration’s Stance:
Shapiro quotes President Trump’s optimism about a ceasefire and emphasizes Trump’s willingness to pressure allies.
- Quote:
  
  “Bibi, this is your chance for victory... He’s got to be fine with it, he has no choice with me... Erdogan helped a lot. He’s a tough guy, but he’s a friend of mine and he was great.” – Donald Trump (44:05)
Deal Details and Tensions:
The deal would include Israel withdrawing from parts of Gaza, exchange for hostages, and the exclusion of Hamas from future governance.
- Questions linger about whether Israel is prepared to accept these terms, and what happens if Hamas continues to demand unacceptable concessions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Left’s Support for Political Violence:
- “More mainstream liberals than very conservatives believe that violence is often necessary to create social change…” – Ben Shapiro (03:00)
On Media Euphemisms:
- “Jay Jones mused about violence... He was just musing a little bit... like when you call for someone’s murder, it’s you musing about what would happen.” – Ben Shapiro (07:55)
On Violence Against Law Enforcement:
- “The true villain is the person enforcing the law. This has been the case made by rotund governor of Illinois J.B. Pritzker, who said the feds need to get the heck out of Chicago.” – Ben Shapiro (20:27)
On Anti-Semitism in Protests:
- “My sense is that many felt liberated to say what they really thought by the proximity of like-minded others, the classic symptom of mob mentality...” – Matthew Syed (cited at 35:25)

Key Timestamps

00:00–07:10 — Jay Jones’s violent texts & left-wing permission structure for violence
07:12–17:40 — Attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh and sentencing controversy
17:41–23:22 — Organized attacks on ICE agents, federal/local government tensions
24:10–29:52 — Lawlessness in Portland, attack on journalist, suppression by authorities
29:53–38:50 — Anti-Israel protests in London, Van Jones calls out Democratic rhetoric
38:51–46:00 — Gaza negotiations, Qatar and Turkey’s leverage, Trump administration’s plans

Tone and Style

The episode is highly charged, argumentative, and unapologetically conservative—marked by Shapiro’s rapid-fire delivery, sarcasm, and willingness to name political adversaries as enablers or perpetrators. Quotations are often direct and pointed, with additional commentary imbuing a sense of urgency and indignation.

This summary is designed to serve listeners who missed the episode and want a comprehensive, detailed overview of the substance, flow, and rhetorical highlights of Ben Shapiro’s October 6, 2025 show—without needing to navigate advertising or non-content segments.

The Ben Shapiro Show

Ep. 2293 - Meet The Democrat Who Fantasizes About SHOOTING A GOP Leader
Date: October 6, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Produced by: The Daily Wire

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Left’s “Permission Structures” for Violence

(00:00 - 07:10)

Jay Jones Controversy:
Shapiro discusses Democratic Virginia AG nominee Jay Jones, who was caught in texts fantasizing about shooting the GOP House Speaker Todd Gilbert and making crude jokes about Republican children as “little fascists.”
- Quote:
  
  "According to the Daily Wire, Democrat Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones in recently uncovered text messages, fantasized about murdering a state GOP leader with, quote, two bullets to the head and then pissing on the graves of other Republicans." – Ben Shapiro (05:20)
Shapiro’s Analysis:
- Argues that such rhetoric isn’t isolated, but the product of a generationally built “thought structure” that normalizes violence towards political opponents.
- Points to recent poll data from Skeptic Research Center showing much higher support for political violence among self-identified liberal and very liberal Americans than conservatives.
  - “44% of very liberal people in the United States, 44% say, quote, violence is often necessary to create social change… The levels of support on the right are not even close.” (03:00)
- Suggests political violence is now a “luxury belief,” more prevalent among the highly educated.
- Cites generational and demographic divides—young liberals, especially women and minorities, reportedly most likely to endorse political violence.
Media Coverage Critique:
Shapiro criticizes how Politico and other outlets allegedly downplayed the seriousness of Jay Jones’s comments, referring to it as “musing about violence.”
- Quote:
  
  “If you text someone and then you confirm... you mean a thing, and then you say that children should die because they’re... little fascists – at a certain point, can we take you at your word?” (07:10)

2. Responses to Left-Wing Violence & Judicial Inconsistencies

(07:12 - 17:40)

Attempted Assassination of Justice Kavanaugh:
Shapiro details the sentencing of Sophie Rosky, who attempted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, noting the relatively light eight-year sentence and attributing judicial leniency to Rosky’s transgender status.
- Quote:
  
  “Women are getting real violent these days. Like, shockingly violent. I never would have expected, for example, a woman to be the person who tried to kill Brett Kavanaugh. And that’s because it wasn’t a woman.” (11:26)
Media Pronoun Usage:
Ben expresses incredulity that mainstream media outlets refer to Rosky as a woman, which he sees as further ideological capture by the left.
Roots of Violence:
Shapiro connects these instances to a systemic problem: selective enforcement and double standards in prosecution and punishment for political violence, shaped, he argues, by identity politics and left-wing ideology.

3. Attacks on Federal Agents & Institutional Response

(17:41 - 23:22)

Chicago ICE Attacks:
Shapiro outlines an organized violent assault against Border Patrol and ICE agents, referencing a DHS statement about “domestic terrorists” ramming federal vehicles and injuring officers.
- Quote:
  
  “This is an organized terrorist assault on agents of Border Patrol and ICE. Again egged on by the left.” (19:31)
Local Political Pushback:
Plays a clip from a commentator blaming ICE and federal agencies for “creating a war zone” (19:57), and notes Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s opposition to federal intervention.
Federal Law Enforcement Perspective:
Gregory Bevino (ICE official) accuses local leaders of “feeding violence” against federal agents (22:07).
- Quote:
  
  “They feed violence, they foment this violence... I wonder if they actually want Border Patrol agents and ICE officers hurt at this point... That’s awfully concerning to me." – Gregory Bevino (22:07)
- Secretary Kristi Noem promises harsh consequences for anyone attacking federal agents (23:12).

4. Lawlessness in Portland & Suppression of Reporting

(24:10 - 29:52)

Physical Assault on Journalist:
Shapiro covers an incident where pro-MAGA journalist Nick Sorter is assaulted at an antifa protest in Portland, then arrested by police after asking for help—highlighting the lack of protection for dissenters and perceived bias.
- Quote:
  
  “For the great crime of... walking around and not being a radical leftist. He’s just walking down the street... This sort of violence has become fairly commonplace in Portland.” (25:25)
Hostility to Federal Enforcement:
He critiques Portland’s longstanding resistance to federal law enforcement and recounts the BLM/Antifa courthouse sieges and activist judges’ opposition to National Guard deployment.
National Security Perspective:
White House adviser Stephen Miller frames attacks on ICE and Border Patrol as “organized terrorist attacks on the federal government,” justifying aggressive federal response.

5. Anti-Israel Protests & Anti-Semitism in London

(29:53 - 38:50)

Van Jones on Democrat Responses to Political Violence:
Van Jones criticizes his own party's lack of grace following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which Shapiro sees as evidence of permission structures for violence.
- Quote:
  
  “People in my party throwing rocks at the corpse before it could even be buried. Blood still on the widow's shoes. And people want to post every dumb thing he ever said.” – Van Jones (29:32)
Matthew Syed’s Firsthand Account (UK Times):
Shapiro cites a column by Matthew Syed, who describes being berated and threatened at a pro-Palestinian rally in London for asking if Hamas bears any responsibility for the Gaza conflict.
- Quote:
  
  “Go away. You’re a bad faith actor. We don’t want to talk to you. Just f off... You are a charlatan. You are an effing racist.” – Protesters at London rally (32:31)
Shapiro’s Diagnosis:
He explains this as evidence of a broader “scavenger coalition”—a range of leftist groups cynically united by anti-Western sentiment, regardless of the issue.
Impact on Jewish Community & Western Civilization:
Shapiro warns that anti-Semitism on display in London is symptomatic of a larger “importation of barbarians” and tearing down of Western institutions, with “fellow travelers” from the political left eager to side with any anti-West cause.

6. Gaza Negotiations and the Role of Qatar & Turkey

(38:51 - 46:00)

US & Regional Plan for Gaza:
Shapiro outlines progress on a US-brokered plan to secure a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, with pressure mounting on Qatar and Turkey (main Hamas patrons) to finish the deal.
Qatar’s Financial Support for Hamas:
He details Qatar’s substantial financial aid to Hamas, arguing only Qatar and Turkey can force Hamas into compliance.
- Quote:
  
  “Qatar has provided an estimated $1.8 billion in financial support to Hamas-run Gaza since 2005... A significant portion... as fuel, which Hamas then sells for cash and as humanitarian aid..." (41:40)
Trump Administration’s Stance:
Shapiro quotes President Trump’s optimism about a ceasefire and emphasizes Trump’s willingness to pressure allies.
- Quote:
  
  “Bibi, this is your chance for victory... He’s got to be fine with it, he has no choice with me... Erdogan helped a lot. He’s a tough guy, but he’s a friend of mine and he was great.” – Donald Trump (44:05)
Deal Details and Tensions:
The deal would include Israel withdrawing from parts of Gaza, exchange for hostages, and the exclusion of Hamas from future governance.
- Questions linger about whether Israel is prepared to accept these terms, and what happens if Hamas continues to demand unacceptable concessions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Left’s Support for Political Violence:
- “More mainstream liberals than very conservatives believe that violence is often necessary to create social change…” – Ben Shapiro (03:00)
On Media Euphemisms:
- “Jay Jones mused about violence... He was just musing a little bit... like when you call for someone’s murder, it’s you musing about what would happen.” – Ben Shapiro (07:55)
On Violence Against Law Enforcement:
- “The true villain is the person enforcing the law. This has been the case made by rotund governor of Illinois J.B. Pritzker, who said the feds need to get the heck out of Chicago.” – Ben Shapiro (20:27)
On Anti-Semitism in Protests:
- “My sense is that many felt liberated to say what they really thought by the proximity of like-minded others, the classic symptom of mob mentality...” – Matthew Syed (cited at 35:25)

Key Timestamps

00:00–07:10 — Jay Jones’s violent texts & left-wing permission structure for violence
07:12–17:40 — Attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh and sentencing controversy
17:41–23:22 — Organized attacks on ICE agents, federal/local government tensions
24:10–29:52 — Lawlessness in Portland, attack on journalist, suppression by authorities
29:53–38:50 — Anti-Israel protests in London, Van Jones calls out Democratic rhetoric
38:51–46:00 — Gaza negotiations, Qatar and Turkey’s leverage, Trump administration’s plans

wavePod

Ep. 2293 - Meet The Democrat Who Fantasizes About SHOOTING A GOP Leader

Get Free Podcast Summaries in Your Inbox

Pick Your Shows

Subscribe Free

Get Instant Summaries

Summary

The Ben Shapiro Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Left’s “Permission Structures” for Violence

2. Responses to Left-Wing Violence & Judicial Inconsistencies

3. Attacks on Federal Agents & Institutional Response

4. Lawlessness in Portland & Suppression of Reporting

5. Anti-Israel Protests & Anti-Semitism in London

6. Gaza Negotiations and the Role of Qatar & Turkey

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Tone and Style

Summary

The Ben Shapiro Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Left’s “Permission Structures” for Violence

2. Responses to Left-Wing Violence & Judicial Inconsistencies

3. Attacks on Federal Agents & Institutional Response

4. Lawlessness in Portland & Suppression of Reporting

5. Anti-Israel Protests & Anti-Semitism in London

6. Gaza Negotiations and the Role of Qatar & Turkey

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Tone and Style