The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update – February 23, 2026

Episode Highlights:

• Armed Man Killed at Mar-a-Lago
• Violence in Mexico After Cartel Leader's Death
• NYC Snowstorm Controversy over ID Requirements
• USA Men’s Hockey Wins Olympic Gold

Overview

This AM Update episode, hosted by Megyn Kelly, covers dramatic overnight news and timely political issues. Major headlines include the armed breach and shooting at Mar-a-Lago, violent cartel reprisals in Mexico after the country's most-wanted drug lord is killed, controversy over New York City’s emergency snow shoveling ID requirements, and a thrilling Olympic gold by the US Men’s Hockey team over Canada. The tone is brisk, direct, and occasionally wry, reflecting Kelly’s hallmark “no BS” approach to current affairs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Armed Breach and Shooting at Mar-a-Lago

Timestamps: [00:45] – [05:45]

• Incident Recap:

  • A 21-year-old man, Austin Tucker Martin from North Carolina, was shot and killed by law enforcement after breaching the inner perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, armed with a shotgun and a gas can at 1:30am.
  • President Trump and First Lady Melania were not on the premises.

• Law Enforcement Response:

  • Martin entered through the north gate as a vehicle exited. He was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy.
  • Officers “ordered Martin to drop the items. Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw telling reporters Martin put down the gas can, then raised the shotgun into a firing position. All three officers opening fire, killing Martin at the scene.” – [02:47]

• Investigation:

  • FBI now leads investigation; area residents asked to review security footage.
  • Martin had purchased the shotgun along his route. His mother reported him missing.
  • In the days leading up, Martin “had grown increasingly obsessed with the Epstein files,” according to TMZ. He texted a friend:
    • “I don’t know if you read up on the Epstein files, but evil is real and unmistakable.” – [03:37]

• Secret Service Under Pressure:

  • “Crabtree pointing to staffing shortages, morale issues, including a recent suicide attempt by an agent on President Trump's detail… agents are, ‘stretched way too thin, working six days per week and hitting maximum overtime.’” – [04:35]

2. Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’ Killed; Mexico Erupts in Violence

Timestamps: [05:45] – [09:40]

• El Mencho Taken Down:

  • Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (‘El Mencho’), head of Jalisco New Generation Cartel, killed with several associates in a Mexican military raid in Jalisco.
  • He was “one of the most violent and powerful criminal organizations in Mexico.” – [06:12]

• Aftermath:

  • Intense gun battles; cartel violence flared with vehicles and businesses torched in major cities, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
  • “In the hours after the attack, plumes of smoke seen across the skies of Puerto Vallarta... more than 20 burning vehicles blocking roads. The Times reporting several state-run banks and supermarkets also torched.” – [08:42]

• US-Mexico Cooperation:

  • The US Joint Interagency Task Force Countercartel aided by supplying intel, but US defense officials stress, “this was a Mexican military operation, so the success is theirs.” – [07:55]

• Diplomatic Response:

  • Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted:
    • “This is a great development for Mexico, for the U.S. Latin America and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys.” – [07:34]

• US Travel Warning:

  • “Several airlines, including United and Southwest, canceling flights… Officials in Jalisco suspending public transportation, warning people to stay inside. The US State Department urging Americans in five Mexican states to shelter in place until further notice.” – [09:08]

3. Nor’easter Paralyzes Northeast; NYC ID Controversy

Timestamps: [09:40] – [13:26]

• Storm Impacts:

  • 35 million people under blizzard warnings, state of emergencies declared, with up to 28 inches possible in places.
  • “Officials warning powerful winds with gusts upwards of 50 mph could knock down trees and power lines, raising the threat of outages.” – [10:43]

• NYC Mayor Mamdani’s Policy U-turn:

  • Under fire after 19 die in previous cold snap; this time, Mamdani re-implements homeless encampment sweeps and deploys warming buses.
  • Encourages residents to sign up as “emergency snow shovelers.”

• ID Requirement for Snow Shoveling:

  • City requires “five, count them, five forms of ID in order to get paid, including two photo ID, two original forms of ID and a Social Security card just to shovel.” – [12:03]
  • Widespread criticism for hypocrisy, as Mamdani and DSA oppose voter ID laws.
  • DSA response:
    • “This bill is part of an escalating campaign to reverse the gains of the civil rights movement and marginalize working class Americans…” – [12:38]

• Mayor’s Defense:

  • Mamdani: “This is a long standing program and long standing requirements and this is a way that New Yorkers get paid to shovel snow...Federal law requires that employers get authorization and documentation to pay people for their work.” – [12:58]
  • Megyn Kelly’s retort: “So ID to vote in an election is racist and overly burdensome, but to shovel snow it’s fine. Got it.” – [13:26]

4. USA Men’s Hockey Strikes Olympic Gold, Echoes the Miracle on Ice

Timestamps: [13:26] – [17:47]

• Historic Win:

  • Team USA defeats Canada in Milan for gold, 46 years after the original ‘Miracle on Ice’.
  • Overtime goal by Jack Hughes after a bloodied, hard-fought battle; goalie Connor Hellebuyck delivers a legendary performance.

• Post-Game Emotion:

  • Jack Hughes (mouth bloodied, teeth chipped):
    • “This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates. It's unbelievable...Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck. He was our best player tonight by a mile. That's American hockey right there.” – [14:52]

• Legacy:

  • Both US men’s and women’s hockey teams win gold, setting Olympic record with 12 golds and 33 medals.
  • President Trump facetimes the team, inviting them to the State of the Union:
    • Trump: “We’re giving the State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. I could send a military plane or something, but if you would like to.” – [16:04]
    • Hughes: “Can you pick us up in Miami on Tuesday morning?” – [16:25]
    • Trump: “We'll get cash and we'll get the military to get you guys over to... I'm gonna get gold.” – [16:31]
    • Kelly: “Boys are going to the State of the Union and I want to shake hands… but I got to shake hands with… that goalie.” – [16:44]
  • “This victory marking the first time in history the US Men's and Women's hockey teams won Olympic gold, both triumphing over bitter rival and evil top hat Canada…” – [16:49]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Mar-a-Lago Incident:

  • Press Secretary Caroline Levitt: “In the middle of the night… the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person armed with a gun and a gas canister who intruded President Trump’s home.” – [04:12]

• On Cartel Operation:

  • Christopher Landau: “The good guys are stronger than the bad guys.” – [07:34]
  • US Defense Official: “I want to emphasize that this was a Mexican military operation, so the success is theirs.” – [07:55]

• On NYC ID Policy:

  • Megyn Kelly: “So ID to vote in an election is racist and overly burdensome, but to shovel snow it's fine. Got it.” – [13:26]

• On Hockey Gold:

  • Jack Hughes: “That’s just a ballsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there. That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re USA. We’re so proud to be Americans.” – [14:52]
  • Trump: “I could send a military plane or something…” – [16:04]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Mar-a-Lago shooting: [00:45]–[05:45]
• El Mencho cartel violence: [05:45]–[09:40]
• Northeastern storm & NYC snow shoveling ID: [09:40]–[13:26]
• USA Hockey Olympic Gold recap: [13:26]–[17:47]

Conclusion

This AM Update is a fast-moving survey of breaking political, legal, and sports stories. Kelly delivers pointed, sometimes sardonic commentary, especially on bureaucratic policies and political figures. The discussion moves deftly between high-stakes law enforcement, US-Mexico diplomacy, urban policy critiques, and celebratory sports nationalism—all in under 20 minutes. Perfect for listeners seeking a succinct, opinionated overview of the morning’s biggest headlines.