The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update – December 17, 2025

Episode Theme:
A fast-paced morning update covering the still-unfolding search for the Brown University mass shooter, the high-profile indictment of Nick Reiner for the murder of his famous parents, new details linking the Bondi Beach (Australia) attack to ISIS, and brief highlights on U.S. military action and a Trump family engagement.

Brown University Mass Shooter Manhunt

[00:39–07:29]

Key Updates and Law Enforcement Response

• The suspect remains at large over 72 hours post-attack.
  • Law enforcement in Providence released enhanced surveillance video capturing a “husky male” person of interest seen before the shooting.
  • Authorities ask the public to review personal camera footage for any new leads.
• Speculation swirls online regarding student identity and motive.
  • Some suggest the attack targeted conservative student Ella Cook (a known Republican club vice president, also a victim), but Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez states they do not believe she was the intended target as of yet.
  • Attorney General Peter Nerona urges caution about connecting speculation online to the real investigation:

    “There are lots of reasons why a page might be taken down… If that name meant anything to this investigation, we would be out looking for that person.” – AG Peter Nerona [03:10]

Expert Analysis: FBI Retired Agent James Fitzgerald

• On video evidence:

  “It does give a better picture in terms of height and weight… white male, 20s to early 30s perhaps, kind of an unusual gait. That can be analyzed with various software programs… Let’s hope there’s some video… getting into a car… business. Then they can further narrow down the search.” – James Fitzgerald [04:26]

• On investigation process and timeline:

  “A ground search of the immediate area is investigation 101… go door to door. That’s what you do… The first 24 to 48 hours are the most important… sometimes it takes extra days. After the Olympic bombings… we knew his name. It still took us five years to find him… Certainly now with the FBI involved… this guy’s days are numbered.” – Fitzgerald [06:25]

• Summary: Law enforcement is expanding typical search areas, leveraging technology, and continuing exhaustive canvassing, even as public anxiety grows about the timeline.

Nick Reiner Charged in Parents’ Murder

[07:29–08:59]

Criminal Charges and Legal Context

• 32-year-old Nick Reiner (son of director Rob Reiner and wife Michelle) officially charged.
• Details from LA County District Attorney Nathan Hockman:

  “Two counts of first degree murder… special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, that being a knife. These charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison… or the death penalty… No decision at this point has been made with respect to the death penalty.” – DA Nathan Hockman [07:51]

• Special circumstances cited: Multiple murders elevate the case; arraignment postponed for medical clearance.
• Reiner’s defense: High-profile attorney Alan Jackson retained (previously defended Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Karen Read).

Timeline of the Murders

• Saturday: Nick Reiner accompanies parents to a holiday party hosted by Conan O'Brien.
• Witnesses note a loud argument; Nick described as “anxious and uncomfortable.”
• Early Sunday: Nick checks into the Santa Monica PierSide Hotel, appearing “tweaked out.” Later, hotel staff discover blood-stained evidence in his room.
• Victims found: Rob and Michelle Reiner found stabbed to death in bed; both possibly asleep.
  • "…throats slit in addition to other stab wounds." – Reporting via Daily Mail

Bondi Beach (Australia) ISIS-inspired Shooting

[09:00–13:51]

Attack Overview

• Shooters: Sajid Akram (50) and son Navid Akram (24) attack a Jewish celebration on Hanukkah.
• Outcome: 15 dead, dozens injured; father killed by police, son hospitalized.
• Investigation reveals:
  • Attackers traveled to the Philippines in November, possible ISIS training.
  • Car contained IEDs and two “homemade ISIS flags.”

  “I also confirmed that the vehicle… contained IEDs, but I also confirmed that it contained two homemade ISIS flags.” – Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon [12:19]

Intelligence and Security Context

• Australian intelligence had previously investigated the son for extremist links but found “he did not pose a threat” at the time.
• Officials believe military-style training may have taken place during Philippines trip.

U.S. Military: Drug Boat Strikes & Venezuela

[13:51–16:29]

Congressional Tensions

• Closed-door briefings about recent U.S. “drug boat strikes” in the Caribbean and Pacific.
  • Democrats demand transparency, want unedited video of controversial strike released.

    “If they can’t be transparent on this, how can you trust their transparency on all the other issues swirling about in the Caribbean?” – Sen. Chuck Schumer [13:57]

  • Secretary of War Pete Hegseth refuses to release video to public but offers committee access.
• President Trump addresses Venezuela:

  “Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in the history of South America. It will only get bigger and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before…” [15:12]

Legal Justification for Military Operations

• Speaker Mike Johnson:

  “The President determined that the United States is in non-international armed conflict… with designated terrorist organizations… Over the last four years alone, America has lost more lives to drug overdoses and other drug related deaths than we did to the enemy actions in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq combined.” [15:35]

Trump Family News: Donald Trump Jr. Engaged

[16:30–16:57]

• Donald Trump Jr. announces engagement to Bettina Anderson.

  “I just want to wish all of you guys an incredible holiday season… and to thank Bettina for that one word. Yes… She said yes.” – Donald Trump Jr. [16:38] “I get to marry the love of my life and I feel just like the luckiest girl in the world.” – Bettina Anderson [16:58]

• Relationship timeline: Together 1.5 years after breakup with Kimberly Guilfoyle; DJTJ previously married to Vanessa Trump.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Brown shooting investigation:

  “If that name meant anything to this investigation, we would be out looking for that person.” – AG Peter Nerona [03:29] “There is no normal timeline... In the mid to late 90s, we knew [Eric Rudolph’s] name. It still took us five years to find him.” – James Fitzgerald [06:25]

• On Venezuela and U.S. force projection:

  “It will only get bigger and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before...” – Donald Trump (quoting from Truth Social) [15:12]

• On Opioid/Drug Crisis:

  “America has lost more lives to drug overdoses and other drug related deaths than… World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq combined.” – Speaker Mike Johnson [15:35]

Timestamps for Reference

• Brown U. Mass Shooter Manhunt: 00:39–07:29
• Nick Reiner Murder Charges: 07:30–08:59
• Bondi Beach ISIS Link: 09:00–13:51
• U.S. Drug Boat Strikes, Venezuela: 13:52–16:29
• Trump Family Engagement: 16:30–16:57

Tone & Style: Direct, urgent, and news-focused—consistent with Megyn Kelly’s AM update approach. The episode offers rapid-fire news with brief legal and expert commentary on major cases and security events, balanced with lighter personal news at the close.

Recommended for: Those seeking a crisp, insightful rundown of current high-profile criminal cases, terrorism connections, and geopolitical developments, all delivered in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner.