The Glenn Beck Program
Episode: Chaos in DC: Afghan National Shoots Two National Guard Members Near the White House | 11/28/25
Date: November 28, 2025
Host: Justin Barkley (for Glenn Beck) | Blaze Podcast Network
Episode Overview
This episode, guest-hosted by Justin Barkley, responds to the shocking breaking news of two National Guard members shot near the White House by an Afghan national. The episode explores the implications of this tragedy on American culture, the political fallout, and the broader issues of national security, border policies, and foreign influences. Featuring commentary from investigative journalist James Simpson and Nigerian missionary Brad Brandon, the episode also addresses the ideological roots of current chaos, the global rise of radicalism, and practical responses for listeners—including spiritual resilience in troubled times.
Key Segments & Timestamps
- Reaction to Breaking News: DC Shooting (03:33–09:26; 15:25–22:20)
- Political Rhetoric & National Division (09:26–14:13)
- Discussion with James Simpson – Manufactured Crisis & The Cloward-Piven Strategy (26:54–40:40)
- Nigeria & Global Christian Persecution: Brad Brandon (45:30–63:10)
- Hearing God in Noisy Times: Ed Rush Interview (85:59–116:03)
- Media/Political Reactions & Blame Shifting (67:38–75:50)
- Other Topics: Black Friday, AI, and Social Issues (118:30–end)
1. Breaking News: Afghan National Shoots Two Guard Members Near White House
Initial Reaction & Details (03:33–09:26; 15:25–22:20)
- Justin Barkley expresses shock at reporting such devastating news during the holiday.
- Both Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom (20, West Virginia) and Andrew Wolf (24), were attacked at close range—Sarah was killed, Andrew remains in critical condition.
- The shooter—a recent Afghan evacuee, reportedly shouted "Allah Akbar" during the attack.
- Barkley highlights the personal and national pain, offering prayers for victims' families.
Quote
"This attack that took place in broad daylight, point blank with a man who we're learning even more and more about... showed and shouted Allah Akbar at the, at the same time. Sarah Beckstrom... how young she was, how much life she had ahead of her... It's incredible. It's heartbreaking and on a scale that—I can't even imagine."
— Justin Barkley (04:40)
Accountability & Political Fallout
- Barkley and President Trump both blame the Biden administration’s Afghanistan withdrawal and resettlement policy, alleging poor vetting (18:13–21:18).
- Trump’s remarks blame Biden for enabling such individuals to enter the U.S. (19:54).
- Barkley notes emerging attempts by political opponents to shift blame to Trump and gun laws (67:38).
Notable Quotes
- "Why do you blame the Biden administration?"
"Because they let him in."
"Are you stupid? Are you a stupid person?" — Donald Trump responding to a reporter (20:19–20:24) - “This individual should have never been here. So he was brought in from Afghanistan under the Biden regime and this happened.”—Justin Barkley (16:42)
2. Political Rhetoric & Division in America (09:26–14:13)
- Barkley discusses the rise of heated political rhetoric, specifically recent comments by Michigan Senator Alyssa Slotkin and "the seditious six" implying the military need not follow "illegal orders".
- He laments the climate of distrust and divisive language from media and politicians, blaming both for stoking tension and misunderstanding about the role of law enforcement and the military.
Quote
"There's no sticking your hat in the sand like an ostrich. There's no just trying to pretend like this didn't happen. So we've got to face it. We've got to come to grips with what is really going on."
— Justin Barkley (11:00)
3. James Simpson: Manufactured Crisis, the War to End America
(Author, Investigative Journalist)
(26:54–40:40; 77:24–82:25)
The Cloward-Piven Strategy & Cultural Marxism
- Simpson traces current chaos to decades-old leftist strategies—Marxism, critical theory (critical race, legal theory, etc.), and planned social breakdown.
- He compares what's occurring to historic violent revolutions, arguing the left's goal is to manufacture crisis, create chaos, and justify draconian measures (martial law, gun confiscation).
Key Points
- American institutions have been ideologically subverted since the 1930s via academic infiltration (Frankfurt School, Columbia University).
- Recent events (mass migration, crime, unrest) are deliberate, not accidental or the result of incompetence.
- The Biden administration’s immigration policies are purposeful and vindictive, favoring chaos and punishing former U.S. allies.
Quote
"They have been working away at it, whittling away at it for about 100 years... They proceeded to instruct the majority of future teachers, college professors and administrators throughout the United States with their poisonous ideology, which we've come to know as Cultural Marxism...
— James Simpson (28:15)
The Urgency of the Midterm Elections
- Simpson argues decisive action is needed at the state and federal level in the upcoming midterms to counteract these trends.
- Warns that failure to retake Congress will result in further chaos, impeachments, and erosion of traditional freedoms.
Quote
“We absolutely have to win that election. And the people who are behind all this, they need to be demonetized and many of them need to be arrested. We need to take serious action or we'll change our country.”
— James Simpson (40:00)
4. Nigeria: Genocide & Radical Islam—Interview with Brad Brandon
(Missionary, acrossnigeria.org)
(45:30–63:10)
On-the-Ground Report on Christian Genocide
- Brad Brandon describes a decade-long, essentially ignored genocide against Christians in northern Nigeria, with over 50,000 dead since 2009.
- Radical Islamist groups like Boko Haram and ISWA conducted the majority of massacres, targeting Christians but also moderate Muslims and other groups.
- Sharia law in 12 Nigerian states creates a legal environment of religious and gender oppression.
Quote
“Northern Nigeria is a foreshadow of things that are happening here... Wherever radical Islam is given a foothold, this is what happens. And we're allowing that to enter the United States.”
— Brad Brandon (50:08)
What Can Be Done
- President Trump recently called for military intervention (airstrikes/boots on ground); Brandon notes it’s a complicated issue involving both terrorism and underlying socio-economic disputes (e.g., Fulani cattle-farmer conflicts).
- Brandon urges Americans to leverage their abundance for global advocacy and, above all, to engage in persistent prayer for persecuted Christians.
Quote
"To those that are given much, much will be required... We need to use that [privilege] to be a voice for people who have no voice and take a stand for people who, who can't stand for themselves, particularly our brothers and sisters in Christ."
— Brad Brandon (50:07)
5. Navigating a Chaotic World: Ed Rush on Hearing God
(Former Marine pilot, author of 'God Talks’)
(85:59–116:03)
Discernment in the Age of Noise & AI
- Ed Rush shares actionable advice on developing spiritual discernment in a world overwhelmed by noise, misinformation, and AI-generated content.
- Emphasizes turning off external noise and cultivating a daily practice of stillness and listening to God for both small and major life decisions.
Practical Steps
- Stillness: Regularly unplug from news/social media to enter a receptive state (theta brainwave zone).
- Questioning: Ask God specific, open questions for clarity—filters the mind to recognize truth.
- Practice: Begin with small things; the habit strengthens discernment for important moments.
Quotes
“When you are focused on what God created you to do, you're going to change the world and there's going to be a lot in the story.”
— Ed Rush (104:06)
“I will just tell you, if only we brought our initial questions to God, I think it would change everything... Our politics would certainly change, our health systems would change. Poverty would probably go away very, very, very quickly.”
— Ed Rush (108:18)
Childlike Faith
- Rush highlights the power of teaching children to hear from God, noting their lack of mental filters allows greater receptivity.
6. Political Blame-Shifting & Media Response
(67:38–75:50; 77:24–82:25)
- Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) appears on CNN blaming the Trump administration and "gun violence" for the Guard shooting.
- Janine Pirro delivers a fiery critique on Fox, attacking the Biden administration's Afghanistan evacuation vetting and the resulting violence.
Notable Quotes
- "If you think there was vetting, I have a bridge to sell you... that chaos is not a success. That is a nightmare."— Janine Pirro (71:38–72:33)
- "Did you hear that? Not only did she blame Trump, but she also blamed guns... These people, it's shameful. They'll never admit it, but it's just absolutely shameful." — Justin Barkley (68:24)
7. Additional Themes & Memorable Moments
- AI & Fake News: Barkley laments the rise of AI-generated recipes and news, making it harder to distinguish reality—reinforces the importance of spiritual discernment (105:32–108:02).
- Social Resilience: The episode closes with Barkley urging Americans to focus on gratitude, family, and tradition, especially amid crisis—a recurring holiday message.
Summary of Notable Quotes & Moments (Chronologically)
- “This attack…in broad daylight…is heartbreaking and on a scale that I can't even imagine." — Justin Barkley (04:40)
- "Because they let him in." — Donald Trump on Biden (20:19)
- “We're being influenced ... by foreign actors that want nothing more than to sow the division and tear this country apart.” — Justin Barkley (13:20)
- "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family... who was doing her duty to the people of this country.” — Janine Pirro (70:08)
- “Every scientific discovery...has done nothing but show and prove. Everything that we're teaching is totally right.” — Ed Rush (97:33)
- “If only we brought our initial questions to God, I think it would change everything.” — Ed Rush (108:18)
- “Whatever radical Islam is given a foothold, this is what happens.” — Brad Brandon (50:08)
- “We have to face it. We've got to come to grips with what is really going on.” — Justin Barkley (11:00)
Final Thoughts
This episode is a rapid-fire blend of breaking news analysis, cultural criticism, spiritual guidance, and political commentary. With recurring themes of manufactured chaos, the need for discernment, and the enduring importance of faith and community, it offers a unique, multi-perspective take on one of the most jarring events to shake DC in recent memory. The tone is urgent, sometimes mournful, but ultimately hopeful—calling listeners to vigilance, prayer, education, and action.
For full interviews and segment replays, listeners are encouraged to visit BlazeTV or glennbeck.com for the complete episode audio.