The President's Daily Brief Afternoon Bulletin | September 15th, 2025

Host: Mike Baker

Main Theme:
This episode covers two major national security and public safety stories: the foiled bombing of a Fox News vehicle in Utah, and President Trump’s announcement of National Guard deployment to Memphis in response to soaring violent crime rates. Former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker delivers up-to-the-minute analysis, providing insights into ongoing investigations and the federal response to urban violence.

1. Foiled Bomb Plot in Utah

[00:37 – 08:30]

Key Discussion Points:

• Incident Overview:
  A bomb was discovered under a Fox 13 News truck in Salt Lake City, Utah. The device was lit but malfunctioned, preventing detonation and allowing bomb squads and local police to secure the area.
  • "The bomb had been lit. What are we in the 1800s?" — Mike Baker [02:15]
• Context:
  The failed attack comes mere days after the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk nearby, turning Utah into a recent hotspot for political violence and threats against journalists.
• Suspects Arrested:
  The FBI arrested two men — Adib Nassir (58, Pakistani national with multiple aliases) and Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir (31, US-born). Their relationship is unspecified.
  • "Jail records list Adib as a Pakistani national with multiple aliases, while Adeel is recorded as a US Born resident of Utah. Authorities have yet to clarify whether the two men are related." — Mike Baker [04:23]
• Investigation Details:
  • The FBI executed a search warrant at a residence in Magna, Utah.
  • Seized items included two “hoax” weapons of mass destruction, firearms, narcotics, and electronic devices.
  • Both men were barred from owning firearms due to drug histories; Adib was further barred due to a protective order.
  • They are charged with possessing an incendiary device, making terrorist threats, and possession of weapons of mass destruction. More charges may follow pending further evidence.
• Community & Federal Response:
  • Both men denied bail as they are “a danger to the community and a flight risk.”
  • _"Utah Unified Fire Authority Officer Jeffrey Nelson labeled the two men as a, quote, danger to the community and a flight risk if released." — Mike Baker [04:48]
• Broader Implications:
  • Timing is notable as national media was focused on Utah after the Kirk assassination.
  • Authorities currently insist the two cases are separate, but the confluence underscores emerging threats to public safety and press freedom in Utah.
  • "Utah has become a flashpoint for political violence and threats on the lives of journalists." — Mike Baker [07:08]

2. President Trump’s Planned National Guard Deployment to Memphis

[09:03 – 14:37]

Key Discussion Points:

• Announcement Context:
  President Trump declared Memphis, Tennessee, as the next target for federal intervention via National Guard deployment in an initiative to curb violent crime.
  • "President Trump is setting his sights on Memphis, Tennessee, as the next city to receive National Guard assistance in the federal effort to crack down on crime..." — Mike Baker [09:04]
• Political Dynamics:
  • Unlike cities in Democratic-led states (like Chicago, where the governor opposed intervention), Tennessee's Republican Governor Bill Lee has welcomed the plan; coordination between the state and federal government is ongoing.
  • Memphis Mayor Paul Young (Democrat) was blindsided by Trump’s announcement but is now working with the governor’s office to get details about the scope and scale of the deployment.
  • "Young admitted he was, quote, certainly not happy about the Guard's potential arrival, but has been in conversations with the governor's office about ways to address crime through federal law enforcement agencies..." — Mike Baker [10:04]
• Memphis Crime Statistics:
  • Memphis has the nation’s highest violent crime and property crime rates, and the third-highest murder rate as of 2024.
  • "In 2024, the city posted the highest violent crime rate, the highest property crime rate and the third highest murder rate in America. Look at those winners." — Mike Baker [11:10]
• Community Concerns:
  • Some local officials, including Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, call the deployment “a threat to democracy.”
  • Echoes of Memphis history — the last National Guard deployment was after Dr. King's assassination in 1968.
  • City council members urge more investment in violence prevention programs rather than a militarized presence.
  • "Some city council members have urged the state to pursue more funding for violence prevention programs instead of relying on military support. Well, how about you don't defund the police?" — Mike Baker [12:45]
• Deployment Details:
  Awaiting confirmation on troop numbers and duties—potential roles may include traffic control, surveillance, and neighborhood support.

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I don't mean to make light of a serious situation, but the bomb had been lit. What are we in the 1800s?”
  — Mike Baker, [02:15] (regarding the primitive detonation attempt)
• “Utah has become a flashpoint for political violence and threats on the lives of journalists.”
  — Mike Baker, [07:08]
• “President Trump is setting his sights on Memphis, Tennessee, as the next city to receive National Guard assistance... pledging to, quote, fix that just like we did Washington.”
  — Mike Baker, [09:04]
• “In 2024, the city posted the highest violent crime rate, the highest property crime rate and the third highest murder rate in America. Look at those winners.”
  — Mike Baker, [11:10]
• “Oh, look, there goes another threat to democracy.”
  — Mike Baker, [12:35] (on Shelby Co. officials opposing troop deployments)
• “Community concerns also remain sensitive, as the last time that the National Guard was deployed to Memphis was back in 1968, following... Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
  — Mike Baker, [13:10]

4. Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:37] – Start of Brief: Summary of failed bombing & Memphis announcement teasers
• [01:10] – Details of Utah bomb incident, arrests, and investigation
• [04:23] – Discussion on backgrounds of suspects and law enforcement comments
• [07:08] – Reflections on Utah as a flashpoint for violence
• [09:03] – Return from break: Transition to Memphis National Guard deployment
• [10:04] – Governor and Mayor responses; policing vs. community solutions debate
• [11:10] – Memphis crime statistics highlighted
• [13:10] – Historical context: Guard's previous deployment to Memphis

5. Tone and Delivery

Mike Baker employs a mix of dry humor and serious commentary to discuss sensitive security issues. He blends data and analysis with sarcastic asides (“What are we in the 1800s?”; “Look at those winners;” “Oh, look, there goes another threat to democracy”) to underscore the gravity and sometimes the absurdity of current events.

Summary Takeaway:

This PDB Afternoon Bulletin delivers sobering updates on targeted political violence and escalating urban crime. Through FBI activity in Utah and federal moves on Memphis, listeners are reminded of the nation's complex law enforcement challenges—and the political disagreements that come with security responses in American cities.