Podcast Summary: The Matt Walsh Show - Ep. 1590

Title: This Man Was Just Arrested For Murdering A Retired Cop. Now He’s Being Hailed As A Hero
Host: Matt Walsh
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Podcast: The Matt Walsh Show, The Daily Wire

Introduction

In Episode 1590 of The Matt Walsh Show, host Matt Walsh delves into the troubling phenomenon of individuals committing heinous crimes and subsequently being glorified as heroes on social media platforms. The episode primarily focuses on the case of Rodney Hinton, who was arrested for murdering a retired police officer, and examines the broader implications of societal and media-driven double standards.

Section 1: The Rodney Hinton Case

Overview of the Incident

At approximately 10:00 AM on Friday, Rodney Hinton visited his lawyer's office in Ohio to review body camera footage of his son Ryan Hinton's fatal encounter with police. The footage clearly depicts Ryan, an 18-year-old, exiting a stolen vehicle while wielding a handgun. Despite Ryan dropping and subsequently picking up his firearm, he was fatally shot by a police officer.

Legal Perspective

Ryan’s father, Rodney Hinton Jr., contemplates a lawsuit against the city for wrongful death. Representing the Hinton family is a lawyer from the renowned Cochran firm. At [02:36], the lawyer presents a controversial argument:

"Being in a stolen car, having a firearm, firearms. We're in Ohio, you know, so you can open carry in Ohio. That's not a death penalty."
(Timestamp: 03:11)

This assertion attempts to shift blame to Ryan for merely carrying an open firearm, despite the clear circumstances leading to his death.

Rodney Hinton’s Retaliation

Furious over his son's death, Rodney Hinton took extreme measures. Within hours, he was involved in another tragic incident, intentionally running over and killing retired Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson during a traffic duty at the University of Cincinnati commencement ceremony. Ronald’s actions were aimed at revenge for his son's death, despite Deputy Henderson having no prior connection with the Hinton family.

At [05:58], Chief Terry Thiji of Cincinnati Police confirms Rodney Hinton Jr. has been charged with aggravated murder for Deputy Henderson's death:

"Rodney Hinton Jr. is now charged with aggravated murder for the deputy's death."
(Timestamp: 05:41)

Section 2: Social Media’s Role in Glorifying Perpetrators

Public Reaction

Matt Walsh expresses outrage over the social media backlash that Rodney Hinton has received, drawing parallels with two other recent cases where individuals committing severe crimes were lauded as heroes online. He laments the societal shift where such actions are celebrated rather than condemned.

At [08:34], a Social Media Commentator remarks:

"The kid is only 16 years old... they actually show his father the video of them unloving his son. And that's what led to this."
(Timestamp: 08:34)

Walsh highlights the dangerous normalization of vigilante justice, emphasizing that Rodney Hinton's act of murdering Deputy Henderson was premeditated and unrelated to his son's death, thereby undermining the legitimacy of his retaliation.

Notable Social Media Quotes

1. TikTok Positive Reaction:

   "He really tried to use over 30 deputies to intimidate Rodney Hinton, but he kept his head up."
   (Timestamp: 16:12)

2. Supportive Tweet:

   "If a cop killed my son, I'm airing out the precinct. Rodney Hinton Jr. Is a saint and a hero."
   (Timestamp: 09:22)

Walsh uses these examples to illustrate a pervasive racial resentment fueling the glorification of individuals like Hinton, further deepening societal divides.

Section 3: Comparisons with Other Neglected Cases

Walsh contrasts the high-profile social media support for Rodney Hinton with other similar cases that receive minimal attention. He references incidents involving individuals like Logan Federico and the Joneses in Wellington, Florida, who were victims of random violence yet did not garner the same level of public sympathy or outrage.

Section 4: Trump’s Response to the AI Pope Controversy

Background

Earlier in the episode, Walsh addresses the "AI Pope Trump" controversy, where a fabricated image of Donald Trump dressed as the Pope circulated online, sparking backlash from the media and the Catholic community.

Trump’s Statement

At [20:46], Tricia Mackey relays Trump’s response:

"Somebody made up a picture of me dressed like the Pope and they put it out on the Internet. That's not me that did it. I have no idea where it came from."
(Timestamp: 20:46)

Matt Walsh’s Analysis

Walsh critiques both the media’s overreaction and the misplaced outrage from some Catholics, emphasizing that genuine followers of the faith should be more concerned with substantive issues rather than superficial memes. He argues that real offenses to Catholics stem from actions like political figures receiving Communion improperly, not from harmless internet jokes.

Section 5: Virginia’s New Law Restricting Social Media Use for Minors

Legislation Details

At [17:32], Walsh discusses the newly signed Consumer Data Protection Act in Virginia, which limits social media usage for minors under 16 to one hour per day. The law mandates that platforms like Facebook and Instagram implement age verification mechanisms, requiring parental consent to adjust screen time limits.

Walsh’s Support and Counterarguments

Walsh staunchly supports the legislation, attributing high screen time to various negative outcomes among youth. He refutes common objections about government overreach, arguing that protecting children from digital harm justifies these measures.

Listener Feedback and Objections

Walsh reads and responds to several listener comments expressing concerns about government control and parental responsibilities:

• Comment 1:

  "This is stupid. This is a parent's job, not the government's. How could this be enforced?"

• Comment 2:

  "Freedom means having the ability to make bad choices and hopefully learn from them."

• Comment 3:

  "There are many things that could cause mental illness in children. I believe that this is something that parents should control and not the government."

(Timestamps: Throughout Section 5)

Walsh’s Rebuttal

He counters by emphasizing the ineffectiveness of relying solely on parental control, drawing parallels with existing laws that prevent minors from accessing alcohol or cigarettes. According to Walsh, legislation is necessary because not all parents enforce protective measures effectively.

"Talking about what people should do is not a solution to the problem that we're talking about."
(Timestamp: Approximately 19:00)

Conclusion

Matt Walsh wraps up the episode by reiterating the dangers of societal double standards, particularly in how certain violent acts are glorified while other serious issues receive scant attention. He underscores the urgency of addressing these cultural shifts to prevent further erosion of law and order.

"People are tired of it. If large numbers of black people are openly defending and cheering for actual murderers who kill white people in cold blood, then you cannot tell white people that they have to make a big show of condemning a woman who said a bad word."
(Timestamp: 09:22 - 10:00)

Walsh closes by reaffirming his support for protective legislation like Virginia's new law and calls for a cultural reawakening to uphold justice and societal norms.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Rodney Hinton’s Lawyer:

   "Being in a stolen car, having a firearm, firearms. We're in Ohio, you know, so you can open carry in Ohio. That's not a death penalty."
   [03:11]

2. Deputy Larry Henderson's Death:

   "We need this shut down right now. Officer down. Officer down."
   [05:58]

3. Social Media Commentator:

   "This murderer is being lionized and defended on social media."
   [09:22]

4. David French on MSNBC:

   "Barbarians are at the gate."
   [26:19]

5. Virginia Law Description:

   "Republican Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a bill into law on Friday to limit the social media use of minors under the age of 16 to 1 hour per day."
   [Daily Cancellation Section]

This episode of The Matt Walsh Show provides a critical examination of contemporary societal issues, highlighting the unsettling trend of glorifying perpetrators of violence on social media, questioning media and public biases, and advocating for legislative measures to protect vulnerable populations. Walsh's passionate discourse underscores the need for vigilance in upholding justice and combating cultural double standards.