The Megyn Kelly Show — AM Update (August 28, 2025)

Episode Theme:
A breakdown of the tragic mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, early statements from investigators on the Baby Emmanuel Harrow case, and a look at Democratic Party strategy amid surging crime and tough poll numbers.

1. Tragic Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic School

Main Focus:
A mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis targeting Christian children; rapid politicization of the incident, questions about motive and response, and discussion on reactions from public figures.

Key Events and Discussion Points

• Shooting Overview

  • Timeframe: [03:00–03:43]
    • A gunman opened fire on students and staff attending the first mass of the school year.
    • Two children (ages 8 & 10) killed; 14 other children and three adults wounded (all expected to survive).
    • Fifth grade student witness describes chaos and heroism among classmates:

      "It was very scary. It was like my friend got shot in the back. ... He was like laying on top of me, like making sure I was safe and he got hit. So that was really brave of him."
      — Fifth Grade Student [03:09]

• Shooter’s Background

  • Alleged shooter: 23-year-old male, identified as female, graduated from the school in 2017; no criminal record; his mother was a former school employee.
  • Disturbing evidence from YouTube videos: handwritten diary with imagery of evil, threatening images and statements targeting Christians and conservatives, and weapons decorated with provocative messages.

• Authorities’ Response

  • Weapons used: Rifle, shotgun, pistol — all legally purchased.

    "There was a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol. All three had been lawfully purchased by the shooter."
    — Minnesota Police Chief Brian O'Hara [05:04]

  • Four search warrants executed (church + three related residences), additional firearms recovered.

The Debate Over Motive and Politicization

• Ideology & Online Radicalization

  • Andy Ngo, journalist, ties the attack to growing far-left trans propaganda online:

    "...far left trans propaganda encouraging Trantifa and other leftists to take up arms to kill transphobes and fascists. Their targets: Christians and conservatives."
    — Paraphrased by Megyn Kelly, quoting Andy Ngo [05:46]

• Public Officials’ Response

  • Mayor Jacob Fry: Focus on protecting trans community from backlash, warns against villainizing:

    "Anybody who is using this as an opportunity to villainize our trans community ... has lost their sense of common humanity."
    — Mayor Jacob Fry [06:20]

  • On prayer and response:

    "Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying."
    — Mayor Jacob Fry [06:52]

  • Megyn Kelly comments on perceived double standards about public expressions of grief.

• Media and Religious Leaders Weigh In

  • Jen Psaki (MSNBC) criticizes "thoughts and prayers" as a response, argues for action instead.

    "Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayer does not end school shootings. ... Enough with the thoughts and prayers."
    — Quoted by Megyn Kelly [07:06]

  • Archbishop Bernard Hebta offers hopeful message, emphasizing the importance of both prayer and action:

    "We have to be men and women of hope. ... It's through prayer and ... action that we can indeed make a difference."
    — Archbishop Bernard Hebta [08:01]

2. Arrest in the Case of Baby Emmanuel Harrow

Main Focus:
Authorities detail the abuse and disappearance of 7-month-old Baby Emmanuel Harrow in California: evidence, ongoing investigation, legal outlook.

Key Discussion Points

• Charges and Investigation

  • Suspects: Jake (32) and Rebecca Harrow (41), parents of Emmanuel, charged with murder and filing a false police report.
  • DA alleges child abuse over time led to death:

    "Baby Emanuel was abused. ... He succumbed to those injuries."
    — Riverside County DA Mike Hester [10:49]

• Evidence and Legal Strategy

  • Prosecutors confident in pursuing "no-body homicide," common in their jurisdiction:

    "But we have a lot of experience ... and we're confident that we can gain convictions in this case."
    — DA Mike Hester [11:15]

  • Reports of a confession by Jake Harrow denied by DA.
  • No plea bargains planned; both parents held on $1 million bail.

• Law Enforcement Insight

  • Some cooperation from suspects; every lead being followed:

    "There is some level of cooperation with the suspects ... Our job is to follow every lead."
    — Sheriff Shannon Dykus [11:46]

3. Democrats’ Struggles and Crime as a Key Political Issue

Main Focus:
Analysis of Democratic Party poll troubles, upcoming party strategies, and crime as a pivotal voter concern.

Key Discussion Points

• Democratic Party Brand Problems

  • Axios reports of early convention planning as Dems seek to regain momentum before 2026 midterms.
  • Polling:
    • 63% of voters unfavorable toward Democrats (lowest in 35 years)
    • Republicans gaining in swing state voter registration (Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania: +3 to +8 points)

    "The Democratic brand right now has about the appeal with the American voter as the crackle barrel racing rebrand has with the American consumers. Bad, bad, bad. ... The Republican Party is in their best position ... since at least 2005."
    — CNN Data Analyst Harry Enton [13:43]

• Debate over Crime Policy

  • Dem strategists told to avoid focusing on high-profile crime:

    "Don't take the bait in talking about migrant crime, crime or carjackings or the things that actually don't matter to that many Americans."
    — Criminal Justice Reform Institute Speaker [15:04]

  • Polling shows the opposite: 81% of Americans say crime in cities is a top concern; 55% support National Guard deployment in cities.

    "As it turns out, new AP polling showing 81% of Americans are in fact deeply concerned about crime in big cities."
    — Megyn Kelly [15:45]

• Trump’s Approval on Crime

  • Trump's approval for handling crime hits personal best (53% approve his crime policies; overall approval to 45%).

4. Memorable Quotes & Emotional Moments

• Fifth Grade Student’s account of the shooting:

  "It was very scary. ... He was like laying on top of me, like making sure I was safe and he got hit." [03:09]

• Mayor Jacob Fry on scapegoating:

  "Anybody who is using this as an opportunity to villainize our trans community ... has lost their sense of common humanity." [06:20]

• Archbishop Bernard Hebta on hope:

  "We have to be men and women of hope. ... It's through prayer and ... action that we can indeed make a difference." [08:01]

• CNN’s Harry Enton on polling:

  "The Democratic brand right now has about the appeal ... as the crackle barrel racing rebrand has with American consumers. Bad, bad, bad." [13:43]

5. Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tragic shooting details and student account: [03:09–03:43]
• Suspect’s history and motives: [03:43–05:04]
• Law enforcement investigation: [05:04–05:46]
• Media, political, and religious reactions: [05:46–08:49]
• Baby Emmanuel Harrow case update: [10:49–12:23]
• Democratic polling crisis and party response: [13:43–15:45]
• Crime, polling, Trump’s approval: [15:45–16:49]
• Inspirational ending with children: [16:49–17:09]

Summary

This episode tackled two major stories: the instant political and cultural response to a devastating shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school and church, and the first public statements by investigators in the haunting case of missing Baby Emmanuel Harrow. Megyn Kelly unpacked not just the facts, but the narratives swiftly forming in the aftermath—about mental health, gun access, ideology, and how the media and politicians frame such tragedies. The show finished with a broad look at why crime is shaping the 2026 political landscape, the challenges Democrats face in polling and strategy, and a striking spike in public support for tough-on-crime policies and for Donald Trump himself. Throughout, voices from affected communities, law enforcement, and political analysts provided a raw, wide-angle view on the day's breaking issues.