Arsonist Arrested for Targeting PA Gov, Bukele's WH Visit, Blue Origin's Quick Trip: AM Update 4/15

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 4/15, 2025

Hosted by Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM

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1. Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence

Overview: The episode opens with a harrowing report on an arson attack targeting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence. The suspect, 38-year-old Cody Ballmer, orchestrated an attack that posed a significant threat not only to the Shapiro family but also to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Details of the Attack: Ballmer voluntarily surrendered to authorities and is currently facing state charges, including attempted murder, aggravated arson, and terrorism. Investigators suspect that mental health issues may have influenced his actions. Ballmer confessed to creating Molotov cocktails using a lawnmower, gasoline, and beer bottles, and admitted to walking approximately one hour from his home in Harrisburg to the governor's residence early Sunday morning ([02:13]).

Security Footage and Aftermath: Security camera footage revealed Ballmer breaking two windows with a hammer, throwing a Molotov cocktail through one, and entering the residence through the other window. Inside, he ignited a second bottle to amplify the fire. Governor Shapiro and his family were awakened around 2 a.m. by state troopers who alerted them to the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the residence sustained extensive damage.

Governor Shapiro’s Response: In a press conference, Governor Shapiro expressed gratitude for the support received, stating:

“Press conference last night we experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania here at the governor's residence. I spoke a couple hours ago with Director Kash Patel of the FBI. He promised all of the resources of the federal government... Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and the messages of support that we've received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United States.” ([03:16])

Political Reactions: Leaders from both major political parties denounced the attack. Former President Biden emphasized unity against such violence:

“There is no place for this type of evil in America and as I told the governor yesterday, we must stand united against hatred and violence.” ([04:07])

Vice President JD Vance also condemned the violence, expressing relief that the Shapiros were unharmed and calling for swift justice.

President Trump addressed the incident, dismissing the attacker as a general anti-social individual rather than someone targeting him specifically:

“The attacker was not a fan of Trump. I understand... It's probably just a whack job and certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.” ([05:05])

Ballmer’s Background: Ballmer has a history of criminal activity, including guilty pleas for forgery and theft in 2015 and 2016. He was also facing court proceedings related to a 2023 assault charge. His social media activity revealed anti-government sentiments against both Democrats and Republicans, including posts that glorified Molotov cocktails, suggesting a propensity for political violence ([04:07]).

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2. Nayib Bukele’s White House Visit and Deportation Controversy

Background: El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele, visited the White House to discuss cooperation with the Trump administration regarding the deportation of foreign gang members residing illegally in the United States. The focus was on the case of Kilmar Albrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador with ties to the MS-13 gang.

Legal and Diplomatic Tensions: Garcia was ordered deported in 2019 but successfully lobbied an immigration court to prevent his return to El Salvador, citing potential gang violence threats. Despite the Department of Justice declaring Garcia deportable in March, he was inadvertently loaded onto a plane to El Salvador due to an "administrative error." A recent Supreme Court ruling criticized a lower court's mandate requiring the federal government to facilitate Garcia's return, asserting that neither the Secretary of State nor the President can be compelled to forcibly retrieve a foreign citizen ([06:56]).

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Statement: Pam Bondi clarified the administration's stance:

"That's up to El Salvador. If they want to return him, that's not up to us... If they wanted to return him, we would facilitate it, meaning provide a plane." ([06:56])

Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller’s Elaboration: Stephen Miller reinforced the administration's position, highlighting the legal impossibility of forcibly returning Garcia:

“The Supreme Court said the district court order was unlawful and its main components were reversed 90 unanimously stating clearly that neither Secretary of State nor the president could be compelled by anybody to forcibly retrieve a citizen of El Salvador.” ([07:20])

Nayib Bukele’s Response: When pressed by reporters on how he plans to ensure Garcia's return, Bukele responded dismissively:

“Him to the United States? Like I smuggle him into the United States or what do I do?... How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I don't have the power to return him to the United States.” ([08:26])

President Trump’s Stance: President Trump sided with the administration's approach, emphasizing the importance of keeping criminals out of the country and collaborating with El Salvador to remove illegal aliens:

“Why don't you just say, isn't it wonderful that we're keeping criminals out of our country?” ([08:51])

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3. Investigation of Wisconsin Teen's Plot to Assassinate President Trump

Case Overview: Federal authorities are investigating a 17-year-old Wisconsin resident, Nikita Kassap, suspected of plotting to assassinate President Trump. The investigation unveiled a disturbing sequence of events leading up to the alleged plot.

Discovery of the Crime Scene: In March, authorities conducted a wellness check at the home of Kassap’s mother and stepfather after a family member reported being unable to contact them. They discovered both victims deceased, showing signs of bullet wounds and neglect, suggesting Kassap had been living with their bodies for weeks.

Kassap’s Arrest and Evidence: Kassap was apprehended in Kansas with substantial amounts of cash, a smashed home safe, multiple electronic devices, his stepfather’s gun, and ammunition. Charges include two counts of first-degree murder, hiding a corpse, theft of property, and unauthorized operation of a vehicle ([10:08]).

Manifesto and Motive: A 34-page manifesto found among Kassap’s possessions revealed his intent to assassinate President Trump to "foment a political revolution in the United States" and "save the white race from Jewish controlled politicians." The document also contained instructions on using drones and Molotov cocktails for attacks, indicating premeditation and a desire to evade detection ([10:08]).

Current Status: While awaiting formal charges, Kassap remains in Waukesha County Jail on a $1 million bond, with an arraignment scheduled for May 7th. Federal authorities continue to review the case, assessing the breadth of Kassap’s plans and potential threats.

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4. Blue Origin’s All-Female Spaceflight Triumph

Mission Success: In a groundbreaking mission, Blue Origin launched an all-female crew aboard the New Shepard rocket. The mission, which lasted a mere 10 minutes and 21 seconds, successfully took the crew to the edge of space and returned them safely to Earth in an unprecedentedly short time frame.

Crew Composition: The diverse team included Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos's fiancée Lauren Sanchez, pop star Katy Perry, TV host Gayle King, film producer Carrie Anne Flynn, civil rights activist Amanda Wynn, and NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe. The mission garnered widespread praise from the media for its efficiency and the crew's camaraderie.

Crew Experience and Reflections: Journalists observed that the team dynamic resembled that of an Apollo mission, highlighting the intense training and teamwork required for such endeavors. Upon landing, the crew members expressed profound reflections on their experience:

Lauren Sanchez shared her awe of Earth from space:

“Earth looked so. It was so quiet. It was just quiet. And is it what you expected? No. No.” ([13:37])

Her colleague elaborated:

“Yeah. I don't think you can describe it. Cause you know what I was saying, it was like quiet, but then also really alive. And you look at it and you're like, we're all in this together.” ([13:49])

Impact and Future Missions: The mission not only underscored Blue Origin's technological advancements but also emphasized the growing role of women in space exploration. The swift duration of the flight showcased Blue Origin's capability to streamline space travel, potentially paving the way for more frequent and accessible missions in the future.

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Conclusion: In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Megyn Kelly navigated through a spectrum of intense and varied topics, from a violent attack on a political figure to high-stakes international deportation negotiations, a chilling assassination plot, and groundbreaking achievements in space exploration. Each segment was enriched with direct quotes and insights from key players, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the day's most pressing issues.

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For those interested in further details, the full transcript and additional context are available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, April 15th, 2025. This is your AM update.

[Josh Shapiro]

Last night we experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania here at the Governor's residence.

[Megyn Kelly]

Disturbing new details about the suspect in the arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence.

[Nayib Bukele]

How can I return him to the United States? I smuggle him into the United States. What?

[Megyn Kelly]

President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele saying he will not return a suspected MS.13 gang member to the U.S. federal authorities investigate a disturbing plot allegedly by a Wisconsin teen to kill President Trump. And the all female Blue origin spaceflight goes off without a hitch and without much time and space. All that and more coming up in just a moment. On your AM update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

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[Megyn Kelly]

Disturbing new details in the arson attack against Democrat governor from Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro's home. 38 year old suspect Cody Ballmer turning himself into police held on state charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson and terrorism. With the likelihood of federal charges still to come, CNN reporting investigators believe mental health issues may be a factor in this attack. Mr. Ballmer admitting to making Molotov cocktails with lawnmower, gasoline and beer bottles. The suspect telling police he walked about one hour from his home in Harrisburg to the Governor's home early Sunday morning. The affidavit alleging security cameras captured Mr. Ballmer breaking two windows with a hammer, throwing one Molotov cocktail through a broken window and climbing in through the other. Once inside, according to the affidavit, Mr. Ballmer tossed a second bottle to further spread the flames. Governor Shapiro and his family were awoken around 2am by state troopers alerting them to the fire. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Photos of the aftermath showing extensive damage to the home. The governor speaking out in a Sunday.

[Josh Shapiro]

Press conference last night we experienced an attack not just on our family, but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania here at the governor's residence. I spoke a couple hours ago with Director Kash Patel of the FBI. He promised all of the resources of the federal government. He was extremely kind and courteous and thoughtful in his conversation with me, and I thanked him and the women and men of the FBI and the president of the United States for their support. Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and the messages of support that we've received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United states.

[Megyn Kelly]

Authorities say Mr. Ballmer admits to harboring hatred toward Governor Shapiro, the affidavit reading, quote, balmer was asked specifically what he would have done if Governor Shapiro found him inside of his residence, to which Ballmer advised he would have beaten him with his hammer. Mr. Ballmer's social media presence suggesting anti government views against both Democrats and Republicans. NBC reporting. In 2022, Mr. Ballmer posted an image of a Molotov cocktail with the words be the light you want to see in the world. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle speaking out against political violence. Former President Biden posting to X. There is no place for this type of evil in America and as I told the governor yesterday, we must stand united against hatred and violence. Vice President JD Vance posting to X. Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack. Ra really disgusting violence and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice. President Trump speaking out from the Oval.

[Donald Trump]

The attacker was not a fan of Trump. I understand. Just from what I read and from what I've been told, the attacker basically wasn't a fan of anybody. It's probably just a whack job and certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Ballmer has a criminal history. In 2015, pleading guilty to forgery and theft, again in 2016, pleading guilty to forgery. Mr. Ballmer also expected in court in a matter of days relating to a 2023 assault charge. President of El Salvador. Nayib Bukele visiting the White House today to advance cooperation with the Trump administration in cracking down on foreign gang members illegally living in the US Mr. Bukele agreeing in February to accept deported illegal aliens from the US in exchange for a small fee. Reporters in the Oval pressing administration officials on the status of Kilmar Albrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador previously found by two immigration judges to have ties to Ms. 13. In 2019, Mr. Garcia was ordered deported but then convinced an immigration court to protect him from being sent to one country, El Salvador, claiming that he could face gang violence there. The DOJ acknowledging in March Mr. Garcia who is deportable. The question is to where was loaded onto a plane destined for El Salvador due to, quote, an administrative error, end quote. Last week, the Supreme Court ruling a lower court may have overstepped its authority by ruling the federal government must facilitate and effectuate Mr. Garcia's return. The DOJ providing daily status updates to the court on Mr. Garcia now stating he is held in the terrorism confinement center and is in good health. Attorney General Pam Bondi weighing in from the Oval.

[Pam Bondi]

That's up to El Salvador. If they want to return him, that's not up to us. The Supreme Court ruled President that if as El Salvador wants to return him, this is international matters, foreign affairs. If they wanted to return him, we would facilitate it, meaning provide a plane.

[Megyn Kelly]

Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, elaborating on the Supreme Court's ruling.

[Stephen Miller]

It's very arrogant even for American media to suggest that we would even tell El Salvador how to handle their own citizens as a starting point as two immigration courts found that he was a member of Ms. 13. When President Trump declared Ms. 13 to be a foreign terrorist organization, that meant that he was no longer eligible under federal law, which I'm sure you know, you're very familiar with the ina that he was no longer eligible for any form of immigration relief in the United States. A district court judge tried to tell the administration that they had to kidnap a citizen of El Salvador and fly him back here. That issue was raised to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court said the district court order was unlawful and its main components were reversed 90 unanimously stating clearly that neither Secretary of State nor the president could be compelled by anybody to forcibly retrieve a citizen of El Salvador.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Miller going on to say if Mr. Garcia were sent back to the United States, he would be deported a second time. CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins asking President Bukele if he has plans to return Mr. Garcia, how can I return.

[Nayib Bukele]

Him to the United States? Like I smuggle him into the United States or what do I do? Of course I'm not going to do it. It's like, I mean, the question is preposterous. How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I don't have the power to return him to the United States. I mean, we're not very fond of releasing terrorists into our country.

[Megyn Kelly]

Pressed again by Ms. Collins about returning Mr. Garcia, President Trump saying, and they.

[Lauren Sanchez]

Said it must be facilitated.

[Donald Trump]

Why don't you just say, isn't it wonderful that we're keeping criminals out of our country?

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Trump then saying the US will work with El Salvador to remove as many illegal aliens from this country as as possible. Coming up, federal authorities investigating a Wisconsin teenager for allegedly plotting to kill President Trump. And the details are alarming. And the all female space crew, including pop star Katy Perry returns safely to Earth after a trip that took less time than it would to load your dishwasher.

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[Megyn Kelly]

Federal authorities investigating a disturbing case out of Wisconsin involving a suspected plot to assassinate President Trump by a 17 year old named Nikita Kassap. In March, state authorities conducting a wellness check on the home of Tatiana Kassap and Donald Mayer following a request from Mr. Mayor's mother, Kassap's step grandmother, telling local police she was unable to contact the family. And learned from the high school that Kassapp had not attended in two weeks. Authorities discovering Kassap's mother and stepfather deceased. Both bodies badly decomposed with visible bullet wounds, covered in blankets. Kassap nowhere to be found. His stepfather's car and the family dog. Missing Waukesha authorities alleging Kassap fatally shot his parents and lived with the bodies for weeks before fleeing with the dog. He was arrested by local authorities in Kansas. Discovered with thousands in cash, a smashed home safe, a number of electronic devices, his stepfather's gun and ammo. Wisconsin state authorities slapping Kassap with a slate of charges including two counts of first degree murder, two counts of hiding a corpse, theft of property and operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent. The 34 page document reading, quote, the killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and the autonomy necessary to carry out his plan. An FBI review of documents discovered by state police include a manifesto in which they say Kassap calls for the assassination of President Trump to, quote, foment a political revolution in the United States and quote, save the white race from Jewish controlled politicians. According to the warrant, Kassap allegedly studied an image with, quote, directions on how to extend the range of an attack by drone and ways to avoid detection. The instructions provide direction to use a small dropper to drop an explosive Molotov cocktail or very strong topical poison. Federal authorities have yet to formally charge Kassap. The suspect, currently held on $1 million bond in Waukesha County Jail is set for a May 7th arraignment relating to the state charges. The ladies of the Blue Origin space crew back safely on Earth after a brief, and we do mean brief, trip to space. The all female crew, including Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, fiance Lauren Sanchez, pop star Katy Perry, TV host Gayle King, film producer Carrie Anne Flynn, civil rights activist Amanda Wynn, and NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, blasting into space in a round trip totaling 10 minutes and 21 seconds. The New Shepard rocket spending about three minutes just beyond the Earth's atmosphere. The group lauded by journalists covering the event for Blue Origin who sounded almost like they were watching an Apollo mission. Two days. Becoming a crew, becoming a team. After you go through an experience like this, it's. It's more than a team. It's almost like a family. That intensive training consisted of learning how to enter and exit the vessel, buckle their seatbelts and talk to mission control. Katy Perry and Gayle King kissing the ground upon their return. Jeff Bezos swooped up Lauren Sanchez like she was just back from a trip to Iraq. Ms. Sanchez offered this profundity just back from her flight.

[Lauren Sanchez]

Earth looked so. It was so quiet. It was just quiet. And is it what you expected? No. No.

[Commercial Voiceover]

Better?

[Lauren Sanchez]

Yeah. I don't think you can describe it. Cause you know what I was saying, it was like quiet, but then also really alive. And you look at it and you're like, we're all in this together.

[Megyn Kelly]

Super quiet, but also really alive. And that'll do it. For your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platforms.

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