
A gunman from Las Vegas opened fire inside a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper Monday evening, killing a police officer and three civilians, injuring others, and ultimately taking his own life. President Trump and VP JD Vance fire back at accusations the Trump DOJ is shielding Epstein associates. In a sweeping Q&A, President Trump weighs in on Gaza ceasefire talks, China trade negotiations, and hideous windmills. New reporting highlights President Trump’s informal, direct approach to foreign policy, favoring personal texts and late-night calls over traditional diplomacy. Birch Gold: Text MK to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Ground News: Go to https://groundnews.com/megyn
Loading summary
Megyn Kelly
Avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start.
Donald Trump
Thumbtack knows homes so you don't have to. Don't know the difference between matte paint, finish and satin or what that clunking sound from your dryer is.
Megyn Kelly
With Thumbtack, you don't have to be.
Donald Trump
A home pro, you just have to hire one. You can hire top rated pros, see price estimates and read reviews all on the app. Download Today. Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, July 29, 2025 and this is your AM update.
Jessica Tisch
The building security camera footage shows the shooter enter the lobby, turn right and immediately open fire.
Donald Trump
A lone gunman opening fire in a midtown Manhattan skyscraper, killing one police officer and three civilians. The shocking details, if they had anything.
Megyn Kelly
Why didn't they use it when I was killing Joe? And then he gave out because he was 25 points down.
Donald Trump
President Trump pushing back on the left's claims he's hiding damaging information relating to the Jeffrey Epstein story. And a look inside President Trump's handling of foreign leaders. Less diplomatic back channeling, more late night calls and texting. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. Since Trump was sworn in, his administration has made enormous progress at a breakneck pace. But while they're moving mountains for the good of the nation, they cannot fix your personal savings. You're going to be the one who has to do that. One of the best ways to look after your savings is through diversification, particularly with gold from Birch Gold Group. In the past 12 months, the value of gold has increased by 40%. That's amazing. Central banks continue to bolster demand for gold by buying in record quantities. Birch Gold makes owning physical gold extremely easy. Convert an existing IRA or 401k into a tax sheltered IRA and physical gold or buy some to store in your home Safe. Just text MK to the number 989898 and Birch Gold will send you a free info kit on gold. There's no obligation, just useful information. With an A plus rating from the Better Business Bureau and tens of thousands of happy customers. Take control of your savings today. Text the letters MK to 989-898. Early Monday evening, a gunman opening fire in a midtown Manhattan skyscraper, killing one police officer and three civilians, leaving a fourth in critical condition before killing himself. The 44 story building located between park and Madison avenues, just blocks away from St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. Home to the NFL, Blackstone, KPMG, bank of America and others, including Rudin Management NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch Monday night providing a tragic update on the police officer who was killed.
Jessica Tisch
But today, four innocent victims are dead. Among them is NYPD Police Officer Dideroul Islam, 36 years old, four years on the job. Officer Islam was married with two young boys. His wife is pregnant with their third child. He's assigned to the 47 precinct in the Bronx. He was doing the job that we asked him to do. He put himself in harm's way. He made the ultimate sacrifice. Shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise that he made to this city. He died as he lived. A hero.
Donald Trump
Authorities are withholding the names of the other victims until the families are notified. Consistent with Megyn Kelly show policy, we do not name mass shooters on AM Update. The shooter here was identified by Commissioner Tisch and as a 27 year old black male from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jessica Tisch
The vehicle he exited is registered in Nevada. Inside of that vehicle, officers found a rifle case with rounds, a loaded revolver, ammunition and magazines, a backpack and medication. The vehicle was searched by our bomb squad and found to be clear of any explosives. The initial investigation shows vehicle traveled cross country through Colorado on July 26, then Nebraska and Iowa on July 27 and then in Columbia, New Jersey as recently as 4:24pm today. The vehicle entered New York City shortly thereafter.
Donald Trump
Commissioner Tisch describing the rampage, noting the shooter had a license to carry a concealed weapon in Nevada and in addition to the revolver found in his car had an M4 rifle which with which he conducted the shootings.
Jessica Tisch
Surveillance video shows a male exit a double parked black BMW on Park Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets. Carrying an M4 rifle in his right hand, he walks towards the building's entrance. That individual was seen exiting the BMW alone. The building security camera footage shows the shooter enter the lobby, turn right and immediately opened fire on an NYPD officer. He then shoots a woman who took cover behind a pillar and proceeds through the lobby, spraying it with gunfire. He makes his way to the elevator bank where he shoots a security guard who was taking cover behind the security desk. One additional male is shot in the lobby per his own statement from the hospital. The shooter then calls the elevator which opens in the lobby. A female exits that elevator and he allows her to walk past him unharmed. He goes up to the 33rd floor which is rooted in management and begins to walk the floor firing rounds as he traveled. One person was struck and killed on that floor. He then proceeds down a hallway and shoots himself in the chest.
Donald Trump
The FBI deploying to the scene to assist the nypd. Initial checks to FBI databases not turning up any additional information about the shooter. A chilling photo circulating on social media showing one office space where workers piled a mountain of furniture across the entryway, barricading themselves in employees waiting hours as police methodically swept each floor before they could be released. Authorities believe the shooter acted alone. The beyond his quote, documented mental health history. No motive has yet been identified. We'll have much more on this later today on the Megyn Kelly Show. President Trump and Vice President J.D. vance going on offense in separate public appearances, firing back at accusations from legacy media and Democrats suggesting the Trump DOJ is running cover for powerful figures and potentially even child sex abusers by not releasing the remainder of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Vice President Vance speaking at a rally in Canton, Ohio. Hitting back hard, the president has been.
J.D. Vance
Very clear he wants full transparency. He's asked that from the attorney general. And I know because I talk to her all the time. The attorney general is hard at work on that issue right now. For four years under Joe Biden's Department of Justice, the media didn't give a damn about the Epstein files or about the Epstein case. For 20 years you had Obama and George W. Bush's Department of Justice this go easy on this guy. They didn't fully investigate the case. They didn't show any curiosity about the case. And now Donald J. Trump is asking his Department of Justice to show full transparency. And somehow that's a criticism of Donald J. Trump and not Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Donald J. Trump, I'm telling you, he's got nothing to hide. His administration has got nothing to hide. He's going to keep on being an advocate for full transparency. But while we're focused on that case, Donald J. Trump is also worried about making sure these great workers get more take home pay and better jobs. Jobs. And that's the focus of the administration.
Donald Trump
Meanwhile, President Trump speaking from Scotland, shedding new light on his fallout with Jeffrey Epstein before the disgraced financier was convicted on two charges of solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor, which most people understand to be statutory rape in a sweetheart deal cut in 2008.
Megyn Kelly
For years, I wouldn't talk to Jeffrey Epstein. I wouldn't talk because he did something that was inappropriate. He hired help. And I said don't ever do that again. He stole people that work for me. I said don't ever do that again. He did it again and I threw him out of the place. Persona non grata. I threw him out and that was it. I'm glad I did, if you want to know the truth. And by the way, I never went to the island and Bill Clinton went there supposedly 28 times. I never went to the island. But Larry Summers I hear went there. He was the head of Harvard and many other people that are very big people. Nobody ever talks about them. I never had the privilege of going to his island and I did turn it down. But a lot of people in Palm beach were invited to his island. In one of my very good moments, I turned it down. I didn't want to go to his island.
Donald Trump
President Trump also questioning why if there was any suggestion of wrongdoing tied to his name, the DOJ did not use it against him when they had the chance. Under the Biden administration which indicted him twice and cases riddled with legal problems.
Megyn Kelly
Those files were run by the worst scum on earth. They were run by Comey, they were run by Garland, they were run by Biden and all of the people that actually ran the government, including the auto pen. Those piles were run for four years by those people. If they had anything, I assume they would have released it. The whole thing is a hoax. They ran the files I was running against somebody that ran the files. If they had something they would have released. Now they can easily put something in the files that's a phony. Like as an example Christopher Steele, a person you know well happens to be from your country. But Christopher Steele as an example wrote a book at dossier, we call it the fake news dossier and the whole thing was a fake. Those files were run by bad sick people. If they had anything, why didn't they use it when I was killing Joe and that he gave out because he was 25 points down.
Donald Trump
On Monday, Ghislaine Maxwell's legal team filing a petition with the Supreme Court to overturn her 2021 conviction and 20 year sentence for her role in the Epstein sexual abuse and as an abuser herself. Her attorneys arguing Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 non prosecution agreement, often described as a sweetheart deal, should have shielded Maxwell from prosecution. According to that agreement, the U.S. attorney's office in Florida agreed not to quote, institute any criminal charges against any potential co conspirators of Epstein, including but not limited to four other associates. Maxwell was not one of the four named, but her legal team argues the deal extends broadly to all potential co conspirators. The feds contending the agreement is only binding in the Southern District of Florida with where it was negotiated under then U.S. attorney Alex Acosta and therefore is not binding. In the Southern District of New York, where Maxwell was tried and convicted. The timeline on when and whether the Supreme Court will weigh in is not yet clear. Coming up, more from President Trump in Scotland weighing in on everything from the war in Gaza to the ugliness of windmills. And a look at how President Trump is bucking traditional diplomatic channels. A lot of people worry about the online platforms and which one to trust for your general online news source. Right. They don't know. Most of them are left and you can't trust them. Some are right, but you know, you don't want to be manipulated against righties who, like, hate Trump, for example. And this is where Ground News comes in. This is an important app you need to know about right now. Unlike other platforms amplifying or suppressing certain narratives to shape your worldview, this is an independent platform pulling in perspectives from across the political spectrum to show you the truth. Mainstream media will not with more context than you will find in virtually any other place. I see your comments. I know you're worried about immigration, the economy, simply finding the truth missing from your online feeds. Well, Ground News is here to help. Right now you can get 40% off their vantage plan. That's five bucks a month. When you go to groundnews.com Megan that's G R O U N dnews.com Megan ground news helps you think freely and hold the powerful accountable. President Trump meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland on Monday at the Trump Turnberry Resort. The meeting coming on the heels of the Trump administration's latest trade breakthrough. The framework outlining a 15% tariff on imports from the EU alongside an agreement from the EU to purchase $750 billion worth of American energy and to invest an additional 600 billion in America. There would be no reciprocal tariff by the EU on American goods. The deal coming just days ahead of the US Imposed Friday deadline. President Trump referring to it as, quote, the biggest deal ever made. On Monday, Mr. Trump addressing several hot topics, including the latest on the trade deal negotiations with China.
Megyn Kelly
They're meeting right now and you know, we have a good relationship with China, but China's tough. And like, you're tough. You know, we're all tough. We're going to see what happens. We made, we just concluded our deal with Japan. It's very good, good for everybody. We're making, you know, great deals. We're making deals that are good for us, but we want them to be good for everybody. I'd love to see China open up their country. We're dealing with China right now as we speak. Yeah, we're dealing with China right now.
Donald Trump
President Trump also remarking on the latest efforts in bringing the war in Gaza to an end. Negotiations collapsing last week. Special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of not acting in good faith. Witkoff has been working to restore a ceasefire agreement, but dismissed Hamas's latest proposal as unserious, though the exact terms of the rejected offer have not been made public. President Trump weighing in on the stalled talks, suggesting Hamas's growing desperation is making them harder to deal with.
Megyn Kelly
It's very difficult to deal with Hamas, as I said, you know, we got a tremendous amount of hostages out, but it would take place in drips and drabs. You get 10, you get 5, you get 2, you get 10. 12, we get 12. One time, many of them would come to the White House and they were so thankful. But I always said when you come, when you get down to the final 10 or 20, you're not going to be able to make a deal with these people because they use them as a shield, and when they give them up, they no longer have a shield. And the people of Israel feel so strongly about the hostages. Some people would take a different view, but they feel so strongly about the hostages. So that's an ongoing process. Hamas has become very difficult to deal with in the last couple of days because they don't want to give up these last 20 because they think as long as we have them, they have them, they have protection. But I don't think it can work that way. So I'm speaking to Bibi Netanyahu, and we are coming up with various plans.
Donald Trump
Israel facing mounting pressure from the international community as disputed reports of mass starvation in Gaza continue to emerge. President Trump addressing US Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the region.
Megyn Kelly
We want to get the children fed. We only hope the food goes to the people that need it, because so much as, you know, when you do something there, it gets taken by Hamas or somebody, but it gets taken. But we're prepared to help. I spoke yesterday with the President of the European Union, Ursula, who was terrific also on the subject, and she's going to play a big role also in helping us. So we have a good group of countries that are going to help with the humanitarian needs, which is food, sanitation and some other things. And we're going to set up food centers, and we're going to do it in conjunction with some very good people, and we're going to supply funds, and we just took in trillions of dollars. We have a lot of money and we're going to spend a little money on some food. And other nations are joining us.
Donald Trump
President Trump also railing against wind energy, the top form of electricity in the.
Megyn Kelly
UK Wind is the most expensive form of energy and it destroys the beauty of your fields and your planes and your waterways. When we go to Aberdeen, you'll see some of the ugliest windmills you've ever seen. They're the height of a 50 story building and you can take a thousand times more energy out of a hole in the ground. This big. This big. It's called oil and gas because the wind is intermittent, it doesn't work, it's extremely expensive. All the windmills are made in China. They say that the blades, which are carbon fiber, you can't bury. Oh, okay, you can't bury. What are you going to do, dump them in the ocean someplace? Because they only last as certain period of time. And remember, a windmill has a life of eight years, especially when they're out in the salty sea and they start to rot and to rust. I've restricted windmills in the United States because they also kill all your birds. You know, they wipe out. You know, it's interesting, if you shoot a bald eagle in the United States, they put you in jail for five years, and yet windmills knock out hundreds of them. They don't do anything. You explained that. So it's a very expensive energy, it's a very ugly energy, and we won't allow it in the United States.
Donald Trump
President Trump set to conclude the Scotland trip today. Over the weekend, Politico dropping a story shedding new light on President Trump's unique relationships with world leaders, revealing the personal touch the president brings to maintaining ties with other heads of state by handing out his personal cell phone number from the piece, quote. Six months into his second term, world leaders who want to remain in the president's good graces regularly call and text, sometimes to discuss matters of global import, sometimes just to schmooze. One source describing calls between President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron as, quote, broing out, going on to say, quote, it was oddly amusing. Trump would say Emmanuel and really draw out the L, and then Macron would go Donald and draw out the D. All right, that's what I'm guessing it sounded like. And it sort of went back and forth. The informal chats appearing to pay off, fueling major progress on new trade deals. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer telling journalists in mid May about a late night call from Mr. Trump that sealed a tariff reduction agreement. This direct line of contact appearing to drive a steady stream of world leaders making their way to Washington earlier this month, the White House touting President Trump's 23 in person meetings with foreign leaders, compared to just 13 under President Obama and five under President Biden in their first six months. The new reporting standing in sharp contrast to a moment outlined in the new book 2024 How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America. Co author Tyler Pager describes reaching out to former President Biden via his cell phone in March to interview him for Pager's book. Pager says he was met with waves of panic from Biden aides flooding him with texts and calls, quote, freaking out and demanding to know how he got the number. Two days later, Pager says that number was disconnected. 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 Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platforms. The sun's blazing and the pavement sizzling. Time for my Mochi ice cream. My mochi is little scoops of cool, creamy ice cream wrapped in soft, chewy dough. It comes in tons of amazing flavors like strawberry, mango and cookies and cream. Gluten free, snack ready and just 70 calories a piece. My mochi's perfect for pool days, barbecues and just chilling with your coffee crew. When the heat's on, grab a purple box of my Mochi ice cream, pop one, cool down joyfully chill.
Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show – "NYC Shooting Leaves Five Dead Including NYPD Officer, Trump Fires Back Over Epstein: AM Update 7/29"
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Overview of the Incident
The episode opens with a detailed update on the tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan. The incident occurred in a 44-story skyscraper located between Park and Madison Avenues, in proximity to landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. The gunman, a 27-year-old black male from Las Vegas, Nevada, entered the building’s lobby at approximately [00:37] and launched a coordinated attack.
Details from NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided an emotional tribute to one of the fallen officers:
"Among them is NYPD Police Officer Dideroul Islam, 36 years old, four years on the job. Officer Islam was married with two young boys. His wife is pregnant with their third child. He was doing the job that we asked him to do. He put himself in harm's way. He made the ultimate sacrifice." ([02:50])
Commissioner Tisch elaborated on the shooter's actions, supported by surveillance footage:
"Surveillance video shows a male exit a double parked black BMW on Park Avenue... carrying an M4 rifle in his right hand, he walks towards the building's entrance... He then proceeds through the lobby, spraying it with gunfire... He shoots himself in the chest." ([04:39])
Impact and Investigation
The shooting resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including Officer Islam, and left a fifth in critical condition before the shooter took his own life. Initial investigations revealed the shooter had a concealed carry license from Nevada and had traveled extensively across the United States with his vehicle, which contained multiple firearms and ammunition. Authorities are currently withholding the names of the victims pending family notifications. The FBI has been deployed to assist the NYPD, but no additional motives have been identified as of the episode's airing.
Defending His Administration
President Donald Trump addressed claims regarding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's case, vehemently denying any wrongdoing:
"Why didn't they use it when I was killing Joe?" ([00:47])
Trump criticized previous administrations and current DOJ practices, suggesting a conspiracy to suppress damaging information:
"Those files were run by the worst scum on earth. They were run by Comey, they were run by Garland, they were run by Biden... The whole thing is a hoax." ([09:20])
Vice President J.D. Vance's Endorsement
Vice President J.D. Vance appeared at a rally in Canton, Ohio, to support Trump's stance:
"For four years under Joe Biden's Department of Justice, the media didn't give a damn about the Epstein files or about the Epstein case... Donald J. Trump is asking his Department of Justice to show full transparency." ([07:01])
Vance emphasized the Trump administration's commitment to transparency and economic growth, contrasting it with previous administrations' handling of the Epstein files.
The episode delved into the legal challenges facing Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell's legal team filed a petition with the Supreme Court to overturn her 2021 conviction and 20-year sentence. They argue that Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution agreement, often termed a "sweetheart deal," should extend protection to Maxwell as well.
"The agreement is only binding in the Southern District of Florida... and therefore is not binding in the Southern District of New York, where Maxwell was tried and convicted." ([10:21])
The Supreme Court has yet to respond to the petition, leaving Maxwell's future uncertain.
Meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
President Trump met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. The meeting focused on recent trade breakthroughs, including:
Trump hailed the agreement as:
"The biggest deal ever made." ([07:58])
Engagement with China
Discussing ongoing negotiations with China, Trump emphasized the tough stance both nations maintain:
"They're tough, and like, you're tough. We're all tough. We're going to see what happens." ([13:29])
He highlighted recent successes with Japan and expressed a desire for China to open its markets further.
Efforts to Resolve the Gaza Conflict
Trump addressed the stalled negotiations to end the war in Gaza:
"It's very difficult to deal with Hamas... When you come down to the final 10 or 20 [hostages], you're not going to be able to make a deal with these people because they use them as a shield." ([14:27])
He outlined ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and provide humanitarian aid, collaborating with international partners like the European Union.
President Trump voiced strong criticism against wind energy, particularly focusing on its implementation in the UK:
"Wind is the most expensive form of energy and it destroys the beauty of your fields and your planes and your waterways." ([16:37])
He enumerated several drawbacks:
Trump concluded by stating that the U.S. would not adopt wind energy on the same scale:
"It's a very expensive energy, it's a very ugly energy, and we won't allow it in the United States." ([16:37])
A segment of the episode explored President Trump's unconventional approach to maintaining relationships with global leaders, as reported by Politico:
Direct Communication Channels
Trump has provided his personal cell phone number to world leaders, fostering informal and direct communication:
"Six months into his second term... world leaders who want to remain in the president's good graces regularly call and text." ([17:54])
Examples include playful interactions with French President Emmanuel Macron, described as "broing out," and instrumental late-night calls with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that led to significant trade agreements.
Contrast with Current Administration
The report contrasted Trump's proactive engagement with former President Biden's reluctance to communicate, illustrating differing diplomatic styles and their respective impacts on international relations.
Megyn Kelly wrapped up the episode by teasing upcoming discussions, including further insights from President Trump's trip to Scotland, updates on global conflicts, and the administration's ongoing diplomatic strategies.
Notable Quotes:
Jessica Tisch: "He made the ultimate sacrifice. Shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise that he made to this city. He died as he lived. A hero." ([02:50])
Donald Trump: "The whole thing is a hoax. They ran the files I was running against somebody that ran the files." ([09:20])
J.D. Vance: "Donald J. Trump is asking his Department of Justice to show full transparency." ([07:01])
Donald Trump on Trade Deal: "The biggest deal ever made." ([07:58])
Donald Trump on Wind Energy: "Wind is the most expensive form of energy and it destroys the beauty of your fields and your planes and your waterways." ([16:37])
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions from the episode, providing listeners with insights into the tragic NYC shooting, President Trump's responses to ongoing legal and political challenges, foreign policy maneuvers, and critiques of renewable energy, all while highlighting significant quotes and moments from the conversation.