Seventh Iran War U.S. Death, IED Attack in NYC, New Epstein Security Guard Questions: AM Update 3/9

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update – March 9, 2026

Episode Theme:
This episode delivers a fast-paced news update anchored by Tom Bevin, covering urgent national security and political events: the escalation of U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, a deadly incident at an NYC protest involving an IED, fresh scrutiny into Jeffrey Epstein’s prison death, and new polling that signals trouble for President Trump ahead of the midterms. The tone is urgent, analytical, and occasionally adversarial, with sharp insights and direct quotes from top officials and commentators.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Ongoing U.S.–Israeli Operation in Iran

• Conflict Escalates:
  • The combined U.S.–Israeli military operation in Iran has entered its second week, with “no end in sight” ([01:11]).
  • CENTCOM has confirmed the death of a seventh American service member, wounded March 1 in Saudi Arabia. Over 3,000 Iranian targets have been struck ([02:31]).
• Civilian Casualties Controversy:
  • Satellite and news investigations indicate a U.S. strike may have killed up to 175 Iranian schoolgirls at a girls’ elementary school near a Revolutionary Guard base ([03:26]).
  • U.S. military officials have not denied the possibility, stating the incident is under investigation ([04:06]).
    • Quote:
      • “The US does not target civilians, but not disputing the potential for an accidental strike and noting it is currently under investigation.” — Tom Bevin ([04:06])
• Official Reactions and Theories:
  • President Trump: Suggests Iranians themselves may have accidentally hit the school, denying U.S. culpability ([04:06]).
  • Sec. of War Pete Hegseth: Emphasizes U.S. efforts to avoid civilian casualties but admits mistakes can occur ([04:06]).
  • U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz: Draws parallels to Gaza, urges caution before blaming the U.S. ([04:06]).
• Iranian Perspective:
  • Iranian President issues regional apology, promises to halt strikes on neighbors if attacks against Iran cease ([05:49]).
  • Trump maintains a hardline, stating there will be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender” ([05:49]).
  • Iranian officials vow continued resistance:
    • “We never surrender and we continue to resist as long as it takes. We continue to defend ourselves and we are defending our territory, our people and our dignity. And our dignity is not for sale.” — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi ([07:29])
  • Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as successor to Supreme Leader, drawing Trumps’s public opposition ([07:45]).
• U.S. Political Debate:
  • Senator Lindsey Graham urges Gulf states to “get in this fight now” ([07:59]).
  • Conservative analyst Kurt Mills argues the conflict is damaging the U.S.’s global diplomatic credibility and may further empower Iranian hardliners ([08:06]).
    • Quote:
      • “This really harms Trump's ability to make a deal with the Russians to end the war in Ukraine…may permanently scar any future president's maneuverability and diplomacy.” — Kurt Mills ([08:06])
• Economic Fallout:
  • Israeli strikes on Iranian fuel depots send oil prices soaring over $100/barrel, affecting the U.S. cost of living ([09:04]).

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2. IED Attack Amid Protests in New York City

• Incident Recap:
  • An 18-year-old man, Amir Balat, threw an IED during dueling protests outside the mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion ([09:04]).
  • The device ignited but didn't detonate fully, landing in a crosswalk a few feet from NYPD officers ([10:08]).
  • Second device was recovered; both Balat and his alleged accomplice were arrested on the scene ([10:08]).
• Details and Response:
  • Balat was filmed shouting “Allahu Akbar” as he threw the device and later in the police car. He and his co-suspect are U.S. citizens of Turkish and Afghan descent ([11:11]).
  • The NYPD and FBI are investigating potential terrorism links after one suspect referenced ISIS ([11:11]).
  • A further suspicious device was found in a vehicle connected to the suspects ([11:11]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • “At approximately 12:38pm a counter protester identified as Amir Balat, an 18 year old man, lit and threw an ignited device toward the protest area... Mr. Balat then ran southbound... Officers immediately secured the area and they took both men into custody.” — NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch ([10:08])

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3. New Jeffrey Epstein Files and Security Questions

• Latest Developments:
  • DOJ records reveal correctional officer Tova Noel, on duty when Epstein died, searched for “latest on Epstein in jail” minutes before his death ([13:04]).
  • Both guards accused of failing routine checks, one shopping for furniture and falling asleep, the other browsing motorcycles ([13:04]).
  • Bank records flagged Noel for 12 suspicious cash deposits totaling nearly $12,000, including a $5,000 deposit days before Epstein’s death; this wasn’t addressed in DOJ interviews ([13:04]).
  • FBI briefing identifies Noel in surveillance video near Epstein’s cell shortly before his death, but she denies distributing linens ([13:04]).
  • Key Quote:
    • “I don't remember doing that. I don't recall looking him up.” — Tova Noel, regarding web search minutes before Epstein’s death ([13:04])
• Official Ruling:
  • NYC Medical Examiner maintains Epstein’s death was suicide with “no foul play” ([13:04]).

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4. Political Winds: Polls and Upcoming Midterms

• Trump Approval and Party Standing:
  • NBC poll places Trump’s approval at 44% (54% disapprove), unchanged since October. Worrying comparisons made to the 2018 Democratic wave ([16:08]).
    • “This is almost exactly where he was at that point too. Of course there was a 40 seat Democratic landslide that year.” — Steve Kornacki ([16:08])
  • Trump’s ratings on handling inflation and cost of living have dropped significantly:
    • Approval for inflation: Down from 42% a year ago to 36% now ([16:28]).
    • “It's twice as bad now for him.” — Steve Kornacki ([16:36])
  • Midterm generic ballot: Democrats at 50%, Republicans at 44% ([16:58]).
  • Issue breakdown:
    • Democrats hold a significant edge on “threats to democracy,” Republicans lead on border security/immigration.
    • The economy, previously a Republican stronghold, is now a tied issue ([17:41]).
      • “It's the economy. It's a tie between the parties. Republicans have had the advantage on this issue for nearly a decade now. It's wiped away.” — Steve Kornacki ([17:41])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kurt Mills (on diplomatic fallout):
  • “This really harms Trump’s ability to make a deal with the Russians to end the war in Ukraine…may permanently scar any future president’s maneuverability and diplomacy.” ([08:06])
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi:
  • “We never surrender and we continue to resist as long as it takes. We continue to defend ourselves…our dignity is not for sale.” ([07:29])
• NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch:
  • “At approximately 12:38pm... lit and threw an ignited device toward the protest area…Officers immediately secured the area and they took both men into custody.” ([10:08])
• Steve Kornacki (on Trump’s polling):
  • “It's twice as bad now for him” on handling the economy ([16:36])
  • “It's the economy. It's a tie between the parties…Question going forward, did Democrats actually open advantage on the economy? That could be key to them if they are going to have a big midterm.” ([17:41])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S.–Israeli Strikes, Civilian Casualties, Diplomatic Tensions – [02:31]–[09:04]
• NYC IED Attack During Protests – [09:04]–[11:50]
• Epstein Security Guard Investigation – [13:04]–[15:28]
• Midterms Polling & Political Analysis – [16:08]–[18:10]

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Summary

This AM update brings a sharp, thorough run-down of U.S. war actions in Iran (with civilian casualties and unpredictable global fallout), domestic terror scares erupting in the heart of NYC, the slow drip of Jeffrey Epstein scandal files, and a tightening grip around President Trump’s re-election chances as the economic impact of global conflict hits home. The tone is urgent and unsparing: “No BS. No agenda. And no fear.” For listeners wanting an unflinching overview of the day’s crises and controversies, this episode delivers hard facts, pointed debate, and critical context.

Transcript

[Tom Bevin]

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[Political Analyst]

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[Tom Bevin]

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[NYPD Officer]

Amir Balat, an 18 year old man lit and threw an ignited device toward the protest area.

[Tom Bevin]

Two suspects in custody after a man threw an IED into an anti Islam protest in New York City. Authorities now investigating ties to terrorism. Newly released Epstein files reveal shocking details about what a prison guard was doing moments before the disgraced financier was found dead in his cell. And a new poll signals potential trouble for President Trump heading into the midterms. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[News Reporter]

as

[Tom Bevin]

the US Israeli strikes on Iran continue this week. Central Command announcing yesterday a seventh American service member was killed in action. CENTCOM posting to X. The service member was seriously wounded at the scene of an attack on US troops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 1. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released. The strikes continuing at full intensity with more than 3,000 Iranian targets hit since the start of the operation. Questions now emerging about one of the earliest strikes launched on the first day of the campaign, reportedly hitting a girls elementary school in Iran. According to Iranian health officials, as many as 175 people were killed, mostly schoolgirls between the ages of 7 and 12. CBS News reporting the school was located near two sites controlled by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. A CNN investigation of satellite imagery among multiple media outlets finding it likely that US military forces were responsible for the destruction.

[News Reporter]

So nearly a week after a strike killed scores of Iranian students in Minab, it seems more and more likely that the US Was responsible. A new satellite image shows an Iranian Revolutionary Guards base and an elementary school in southern Iran. Here you see craters in several of the buildings, including the school. They were hit in their exact centers. And suggesting precision strikes. Experts say a wall separates the school and the base. Satellite images from December show dozens of people in what appears to be a handball court at the school. Reuters now reports that US military investigators believe US forces were responsible, though they haven't yet reached a final conclusion.

[Tom Bevin]

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth telling reporters on Wednesday the US does not target civilians, but not disputing the potential for an accidental strike and noting it is currently under investigation. President Trump Saturday on Air Force One offering a different theory. We think it was that, we think it was done by Iranians are very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever. It was done by Iran. Secretary Hegseth at that same gaggle, reiterating that the matter is under investigation while emphasizing that Iran is the one that targets civilians. U.S. ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz yesterday on ABC conceding the possibility of an accident. The New York Times did a meticulous look at that satellite photos. They're not saying the US would do that on purpose, but they said it appears that the US Is responsible for that bombing. Why did the president say he believes it is Iran? Well, I'll leave that to the investigators to determine. We've seen instances like we saw in Gaza, for example, where Hamas immediately blamed the Israelis. The international community jumped on it and it turned out it was an errant rocket from Hamas. So we've seen those kind of incidences in the past. As Secretary Hegseth said, it's under investigation. I could tell you as a veteran in no uncertain terms, the United States does everything it can to avoid civilian casualties. Sometimes, of course, tragic mistakes occur. Meanwhile, President Trump rebuffing Iranian offers to go back to the negotiating table. Speaking at the White house on Thursday, Mr. Trump saying, quote, they're calling, they're saying, how do we make a deal? I said, you're being a little bit late. In an early Friday morning True Social post, the president writing, quote, there will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender. These statements coming as Iran fires hundreds of retaliatory missiles and drones at neighboring Gulf states, damaging civilian sites like airports and hotels. Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian on Saturday morning apologizing to its neighbors, saying Iran would halt strikes on the other countries if attacks against Iran launched from those countries housing military bases also stopped. Mr. Trump responding with another True Social post early Saturday declaring Iran, quote, is being beat to hell and will be hit very hard until they surrender to the US or collapse. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi releasing a statement, if Mr. Trump seeks escalation, it is precisely what our powerful armed forces have long prepared for and what he will get overnight. Iranian strikes continuing in Saudi Arabia. Two people reported killed when a military projectile landed in a residential area. The Iranian foreign minister yesterday on NBC asked if Iran would consider unconditional surrender. We never surrender and we continue to resist as long as it takes. We continue to defend ourselves and we are defending our territory, our people and our dignity. And our dignity is not for sale. Last night, Iranian state media reported Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late supreme leader selected as his father's successor. President Trump previously saying he is opposed to the ayatollah's son serving as the next leader of Iran, insisting on US Input in the decision. Back in the US Opinion on the operations split on the political right. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a longtime leading advocate for intervening in Iran, yesterday on Fox urging Gulf states to get involved. Now to our Arab friends, you're being hit, too. Has any Arab country struck Iran? Now, if you want a treaty with the United States, you need to get in this fight now. America's not going to the Mid east just to fight alone. So I'm urging our Arab allies to fight back. You're being hit, too. Executive director of the American conservative magazine Kurt Mills last week on the Zero Hedge Debate podcast arguing the operation risks serious long term damage to US Diplomatic efforts far beyond the Middle East.

[Political Analyst]

I stipulate that the President can cut his losses. I think currently the biggest macro problem actually is that the US's diplomatic word is getting crushed. I mean, I have, I think this really harms Trump's ability to make a deal with the Russians to end the war in Ukraine. And I think that it harms the ability of this president to do positive things on the global stage. But I think it also potentially could permanently scar any future president's maneuverability and diplomacy. So I don't think that's, it's much has changed. I think if you think the Iranians are bad dudes, they just replaced the 90 year old Khamenei with a 58 year old Khamenei and they very possibly further entrenched their military and economic elite, the irgc, in control of that country. And there's every evidence that we have politically vindicated the ultra conservatives in that country and the hardliners, which is that you cannot deal with the United States and that Donald Trump and that the US only responds to force.

[Tom Bevin]

Israel on Saturday striking 30 Iranian fuel depots, lighting up the sky with bright orange flames and billowing black smoke, reportedly far beyond what the US anticipated by Sunday evening. Oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel, raising new economic headaches for the Trump administration as it grapples with domestic affordability. The nypd, confirming an improvised explosive device, or ied, capable of causing serious injury or even death, was thrown during dueling protests outside the mayor's residence Saturday. The incident unfolding outside the mayor's residence, Gracie Mansion on Manhattan's Upper east side, where one protest was organized by individuals associated with pardoned January 6th writer Jake La, including about 20 people marching to stop the Islamic takeover of New York City. The counter protests called Run the Nazis out of New York City stand Up against hate, drawing about 125 people as tensions flared between the two groups. One member of the anti Islam group Pepper sprang a counter protester. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch describing what happened shortly after that.

[NYPD Officer]

At approximately 12:38pm a counter protester identified as Amir Balat, an 18 year old man, lit and threw an ignited device toward the protest area, landing in the crosswalk of East 87th street and East End Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke as it traveled through the air before it struck a barrier and extinguished itself a few feet from police officers. Mr. Balat then ran southbound on East End Avenue toward 86th street and gets a second device from a man tentatively ID'd as Ibrahim Nick, 19 years old Mr. Balat lights the device and starts running with it. He then drops the device on the west side of East End avenue between East 86th and East 87th streets. Officers immediately secured the area and they took both men into custody.

[Tom Bevin]

Balat seen on video shouting Alu Akbar as he threw the device. Later footage showing him repeating the chant as NYPD officers placed him in the back of a police vehicle. Fox News reporting. Both suspects are believed to be U.S. citizens. Fox reporting. Balat's parents are naturalized U.S. citizens from Turkey and Kuyumi's parents are naturalized from Afghanistan. NBC News reporting. The NYPD and FBI are also examining the incident as a potential act of terrorism after one of the suspects allegedly referenced ISIS in statements to law enforcement. The NYPD yesterday discovering another suspicious device in connection with the incident located in a vehicle. The suspects are in custody. It's not yet clear whether charges have been filed. Coming up, new Epstein files revealing something very strange a guard on duty did the night the disgraced financier died. And new polling highlights some red flags for President Trump heading into the midterms.

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[Tom Bevin]

New details emerging about the night Jeffrey Epstein died in federal custody, with newly released Justice Department records raising fresh questions about the conduct of one of the guards assigned to watch him. Metropolitan Corrections center guard Tova Noel and fellow officer Michael Thomas were on duty the night Epstein was found dead in his cell on August 10, 2019. Both guards accused of falsifying records to claim they checked on Epstein throughout the night as required, though a federal judge later dismissed the charges under a prosecution agreement, the New York Post reports. Previously undisclosed FBI records revealing Noel searched online for updates about Epstein just minutes before his body was discovered. According to the documents, Noel typing, quote, latest on Epstein in jail into a Bureau of Prison's computer at 5:42am and again at 5:52am less than 40 minutes later, at 6:30am Thomas discovering Epstein dead in his cell of an apparent hanging. Prosecutors previously saying the two guards failed to conduct the required 30 minute security checks during their shift, with Noel browsing online furniture listings and at times falling asleep and Thomas spending part of the shift looking at motorcycles online. According to the Post. When questioned In a sworn 2021 interview with the Justice Department, Noel denied making the searches, telling investigators, quote, I don't remember doing that. I don't recall looking him up. Separate DOJ records also drawing attention to Noelle's finances, according to a document released in the Epstein files. Chase bank filing a suspicious activity report with the FBI in November 2019 flagging multiple cash deposits into her account. Bank records cited in the file showing 12 cash deposits beginning April 2018 totaling $11,880, including a $5,000 deposit on July 30, 2019, just days before Epstein's death. Noel beginning work in the special housing unit where Epstein was held in early July 2019. The Post reporting Noel was not asked about those deposits during her Justice Department interview. The newly released files also containing an internal FBI briefing identifying Noel as the officer believed to be seen in blurry security footage carrying linen or inmate clothing toward the special housing unit tier around 10:40pm which investigators say was the last time any correctional officer approached the entrance to the area where Epstein was being held. In her sworn statement, Noel told investigators the last time she saw Epstein alive was somewhere around after 10. She denies distributing linens to inmates, saying, quote, I never gave out linen ever. Asked by investigators whether she had any role in Epstein's death, Noel responding no. The NYC chief medical examiner ultimately ruling Epstein's death a suicide with no foul play. A new NBC News poll showing President Trump's approval rating at 44%, with 54% of voters disapproving of the president's performance, virtually unchanged from the one NBC conducted in October. The poll conducted from February 27 to March 3 as the US began strikes on Iran. NBC chief data analyst Steve Kornacki pointing out on Sunday a potential warning sign for Republicans heading into the midterms.

[Steve Kornacki]

But I think for Trump here in his first term, that 2018 midterm, this is almost exactly where he was at that point too. Of course there was a 40 seat Democratic landslide that year. Democrats took back the House.

[Tom Bevin]

The survey finding voters increasingly unhappy with the president's handling of the economy and cost of living. Kornacki with the details, asking folks, do

[Steve Kornacki]

you approve of how the president has handled Inflation, cost of living. Specifically, 36% approved, 62 disapproved.

[Tom Bevin]

That's down.

[Steve Kornacki]

A year ago it was 42, 55. It's twice as bad now for him.

[NYPD Officer]

Steve, that's a big dip on a critical issue for this midterm election.

[Steve Kornacki]

Absolutely, Kristen. Voters continue to say this one is of prediction pretty central importance to them. And then also are they feeling it, you know, have Trump's policies helped or hurt almost 50%? They're saying they have hurt. A majority of independents saying the same thing.

[Tom Bevin]

The poll also revealing a split in how voters view immigration versus border security. On immigration, 44% approve of the president's handling of the issue while 54% disapprove. But when voters are asked specifically about border security, the Numbers flip with 53% approving of Presidents Trump handling of the border and 44% disapproving on the generic congressional ballot. Democrats with the advantage, 50% of respondents saying they would pull the lever for a Democrat versus 44% who would prefer Republicans to maintain control of Congress. The poll suggesting that edge may be tied to changing perceptions around one critical issue in particular. Kornacki breaking down how voters now rate the two parties when it comes to handling the country's biggest challenges.

[Steve Kornacki]

When you ask about threats to Democracy, that's an 11 point advantage for Democrats. Their Democratic voters say that's their top issue. Republican voters say that border security, immigration, more important to them, big Republican advantages. But Kristen, this will be it. It's the economy. It's a tie between the parties. Republicans have had the advantage on this issue for nearly a decade now. It's wiped away. Question going forward, did Democrats actually open advantage on the economy? That could be key to them if they are going to have a big midterm.

[Tom Bevin]

The midterm is set for November 3rd. That'll do it for your AM update, I'm Tom Bevin. Catch the Megyn Kelly show Today live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com MeganKelly and all podcast platforms.

[Political Analyst]

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[Tom Bevin]

he buried my electrical wires. I knew I could trust him to bury my sweet nibbles after his untimely hand.

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This is very strange, Angie.

[Tom Bevin]

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