The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update – December 16, 2025

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode, hosted by Emily Jaszynski, delivers a fast-paced and somber news update covering a string of disturbing national headlines. The show’s main focuses are: grisly updates on the murder of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, developments in the Brown University shooting investigation, the foiling of a left-wing extremist bombing plot in Los Angeles, and early political maneuvering ahead of the 2028 Democratic primary, spotlighting Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rob Reiner Murder Update

• Tragedy Details (02:33)

  • Rob Reiner and wife Michelle found murdered at their Brentwood mansion, throats slit and stabbed, discovered by their 28-year-old daughter, Romy.
  • Romy allegedly told others her brother, Nick Reiner (32), was “dangerous and should be considered a suspect.”
  • Nick Reiner was arrested around 9:15 PM Sunday, currently being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, noted for mental health services.
  • Nick reportedly struggled with addiction and behavioral issues since youth.

• Legal Process (02:33)

  • Case to be handed to the LA District Attorney; charging decisions pending.

• Political Fallout: Trump’s Comments (03:57)

  • Former President Trump made a critical post about Rob Reiner on Truth Social, sparking backlash, even within his own base.

  • Trump doubled down, with supporters invoking “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” blaming Reiner for the Russia collusion allegations.

    "He became like a deranged person… Trump derangement syndrome. So I was not a fan of Rob Reiner at all in any way, shape or form. I thought he was very bad for our country."
    — Trump Supporter/Commentator (03:58)

2. Brown University Shooting Investigation

• Suspect Images Released (04:30)

  • Providence, RI police release videos and images of the alleged shooter: a husky male in dark clothing, beanie, face mask, seen Saturday afternoon near the crime.
  • Investigators canvassing neighborhoods and searching for digital evidence; residents urged to check doorbell cameras.
  • $50,000 reward for information leading to arrest.

• Safety & Public Perception (05:32 – 06:15)

  • Mayor Brett Smiley and law enforcement stress commitment to finding the suspect and assert public safety.

  • Attorney General Peter Nerona warns suspect is still “armed and dangerous”—no firearm recovered.

  • Frustration grows over slow progress.

    “We want to make sure that all Rhode Islanders know that everything that is physically possible is being done… There’s no one that wants to put this individual in handcuffs than us.”
    — Providence Official/Investigator (05:42)

• Victim Profiles (07:36)

  • Mukhamed Aziz Umerzakov, 18, sophomore from Uzbekistan, aspiring neurosurgeon.
  • Ella Cook, 19, sophomore, vice president of College Republicans from Alabama, remembered as a “bright light.”

3. Foiled Los Angeles Bombing Plot

• Arrests and Details (09:23)

  • Four suspects from the Turtle Island Liberation Front (“TILF”), a radical anti-capitalist/anti-government group, arrested in Lucerne Valley, CA.

  • Suspects: Audrey Carroll (30), Zachary Aaron Page (32), Dante Gaffield (24), Tina Le (41). All charged with conspiracy and possession of unregistered destructive devices; more charges expected.

    “The defendants are all radical anti-government members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front... calls for their associates to rise up and fight back against capitalism.”
    — Federal Prosecutor / Law Enforcement Spokesperson (09:52)

• The Plan (“Operation Midnight Sun”) (10:58)

  • Carroll provided a handwritten plan to infiltrate and bomb five locations, targeting companies at midnight New Year’s Eve.
  • Group’s faction, Order of the Black Lotus, involved undercover FBI agent.
  • After NYE, intended secondary attacks on ICE agents and vehicles.

• Other Developments

  • Fifth suspect arrested in New Orleans; details pending.

4. 2028 Democratic Presidential Primary Preview

• Harris vs. Newsom (11:30 – 16:59)

  • Kamala Harris prepping a likely run; new book tour focused on key Black voting populations.
  • Gavin Newsom seen as frontrunner per party insiders and polling (Newsom: 24.6%; Harris: 22.2%; Buttigieg: 11.2%).
  • Donors express concerns over Harris despite her polling performance.
  • Newsom’s vulnerabilities discussed—publicized affair (2007), French Laundry COVID scandal (2020).

• Notable Quotes:

  “Democrats, we must also have a clear vision for what comes after the midterms and then after Trump. … For so many, the American dream has become more of a myth than a reality… America is facing an affordability crisis.”
  — Kamala Harris (13:18)

  “I want to make it clear that everything you’ve heard and read is true and I am deeply sorry about that. I’ve hurt someone I care deeply about… and that is something that I have to live with.”
  — Gavin Newsom, on scandal (14:59)

  “This is not the book you’d expect me to write… Nobody’s family is easy. Nobody’s story is tidy. And I’m no different… self doubt, and yes, ambition.”
  — Newsom, book promo (15:59)

• Political Ambitions

  • Newsom’s memoir, Young Man: A Memoir of Discovery, to be released as potential campaign launchpad.

    “Everyone’s going to see it through a cynical set of eyes. I mean, it’s a politician writing a book. Let the 2028 games begin.”
    — Emily Jaszynski (16:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Providence Investigation:

  “There’s no one that wants to put this individual in handcuffs than us.”
  — Providence Official / Investigator (05:42)

• On Trump’s Comments About Rob Reiner:

  “He became like a deranged person... I was not a fan of Rob Reiner at all.”
  — Trump Supporter / Commentator (03:58)

• Kamala Harris’ Critique:

  “So many, the American dream has become more of a myth than a reality. … America is facing an affordability crisis.”
  — Kamala Harris (13:18)

• Newsom’s Self-Aware Campaign Message:

  “I get it. This is a story of a kid who always felt like he wasn’t quite enough. This is a truly vulnerable book.”
  — Gavin Newsom (15:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• (02:33) – Rob Reiner Murder Case Details & Suspect
• (03:58) – Trump’s Negative Comments on Reiner
• (04:30) – Brown University Shooting Suspect Images Released
• (05:42) – Providence Official on the Investigation
• (06:15) – Public Safety Messaging & Reward Offered
• (07:36) – Victim Profiles from Brown University Shooting
• (09:23) – Foiled LA Bombing Plot Details
• (09:52) – Prosecutor on Turtle Island Liberation Front
• (10:58) – Details of the “Operation Midnight Sun” Bomb Plot
• (13:18) – Kamala Harris’ Early Campaign Rhetoric
• (14:59) – Gavin Newsom Addresses Past Scandal
• (15:59) – Newsom’s Memoir and its Implications

Summary

Emily Jaszynski delivers a packed AM Update, moving from true crime to domestic extremism, and ending on political chess moves as the 2028 primary season looms. Listeners get a fresh inside look at the week’s most explosive stories—as well as the candid, sometimes raw rhetoric of major political players and officials wrestling with shock, grief, and ambition.