Up First from NPR — December 2, 2025
Episode Summary: "Hegseth Boat Strikes, Witkoff To Moscow, National Guard Shooting Suspect"
Main Theme
This episode unpacks three pressing news stories:
- The controversial U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean, allegedly ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- Peace negotiations in Moscow involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- The background and mental health struggles of an Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
1. U.S. Boat Strikes and Legal Fallout
Key Segment: [03:05]–[06:45]
Speakers: A Martinez (Host), Layla Fadel (Host), Danielle Kurtzleben (NPR White House Correspondent)
Key Discussion Points & Insights
- Background:
The Trump administration conducted strikes against boats allegedly trafficking drugs from Venezuela to the U.S., resulting in dozens of deaths and rising questions about the legality of these actions. - Controversy Over Orders:
The Washington Post reported that on September 2, U.S. forces struck a boat, leaving survivors. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered a second strike to kill those survivors, an act that could constitute a war crime. - Official Responses:
- The Defense Department calls the narrative "completely false."
- White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt confirmed a second strike but did not deny Hegseth’s direct involvement. She said Hegseth authorized Admiral Frank M. Bradley to "ensure the boat was destroyed" and to "eliminate the threat."
- NPR sources say Hegseth gave commands for two strikes to kill and two to sink the boat.
- Congressional Response:
- Democratic Senator Mark Kelly (Arizona), a former naval officer, suggested the second strike "could have been illegal" ([06:19]):
"As somebody who has sunk two ships myself, folks in the military need to understand... what the law says."
- Senate and House Armed Services Committees will investigate, and Admiral Bradley is expected to give a classified briefing.
- Democratic Senator Mark Kelly (Arizona), a former naval officer, suggested the second strike "could have been illegal" ([06:19]):
Notable Quote
- "If the reporting is accurate, that second strike could have been illegal."
— Danielle Kurtzleben quoting Sen. Mark Kelly ([06:04])
2. U.S.-Russia Peace Talks on Ukraine
Key Segment: [06:54]–[10:23]
Speakers: A Martinez (Host), Layla Fadel (Host), Charles Maynes (NPR Moscow Correspondent)
Key Discussion Points & Insights
- Diplomatic Meeting:
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. - Kushner's Role:
Previously engaged in Ukraine negotiations in Florida. His presence in Moscow signals a heightened U.S. engagement (comparable to his past roles in Middle East talks). - Putin's Stance:
- Despite Witkoff’s optimism, Russian state television displays Putin celebrating military gains, casting Ukrainian forces as ill-equipped and suggesting, "what Putin wants is victory" ([08:05]).
- Putin described the war as a "tragedy for the Ukrainian people" and blamed the "criminal policies of their pro-Western government" ([08:18]).
- Peace Plan Dynamics:
- Russia’s demands: Ukraine must cede annexed territories and renounce NATO membership "full stop" ([09:18]).
- Ukraine’s position: President Zelensky, meeting with French President Macron, emphasized the need for "long term security guarantees" so that Russia cannot "just invade again later" ([10:00]).
- European and Ukrainian fears: Peace talks could result in deals made "over their heads," favoring Russian interests.
Notable Quotes
- "The video [of Putin and generals] seems to be a message... that any compromises towards Ukraine are out of the question."
— Charles Maynes ([08:50]) - "Ukraine must know for sure that when the war ends, the West is willing to provide protection so Russia doesn't just invade again later."
— President Zelensky (translated by Charles Maynes) ([10:00])
3. National Guard Shooting Suspect: More Than a Radicalization Case
Key Segment: [10:35]–[14:26]
Speakers: A Martinez (Host), Layla Fadel (Host), Brian Mann (NPR Reporter)
Key Discussion Points & Insights
- Suspect:
Rahmana Lakhinwal, an Afghan refugee, is accused of killing one and injuring another National Guard member in D.C. - Personal Crisis vs. Radicalization:
- A resettlement volunteer who knew Lakhinwal described him as initially "hopeful and outgoing" but later experiencing "intense personal and mental crisis," not signs of radicalization ([11:03]).
- Lakhinwal had served in a paramilitary unit ("Zero Unit") in Afghanistan, known for brutal tactics. Volunteer worried about his mental health, not violence toward others.
- Mental Health Concerns:
- Volunteer began advocating for mental health support in early 2024, especially after Lakhinwal became increasingly erratic.
- "My biggest concern was that Lakhinwal would harm himself," the volunteer shared ([12:04]).
- Despite efforts to get help, support from refugee agencies and mental health resources was limited.
- Behavioral Red Flags:
- Lakhinwal made repeated, unexplained cross-country trips; his final journey to D.C. did not alarm the community but his violent act did.
- Contested Radicalization Narrative:
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed on NBC’s "Meet the Press" that Lakhinwal was radicalized in the U.S., but the volunteer and supporting emails show no evidence of this ([12:44]).
Notable Quotes
- "My biggest concern was that Lakhinwal would harm himself."
— Anonymous resettlement volunteer ([12:04]) - "[Lakhinwal's] alleged violence... came without warning."
— Brian Mann summarizing the volunteer's perspective ([13:35])
4. Brief: Investigation into Veteran Disability Claims Company
Key Segment: [14:36]–[16:10]
Key Points
- Trajector Medical is reportedly billing disabled vets for help with disability claims despite a federal law prohibiting such charges for initial claims.
- Veterans’ Experiences:
- Army Ranger: "I think that they took advantage of me" after he received a $4,500 bill ([15:13])
- Marine Enrique Miranda Cardenas: "They were calling just about every day, sometimes even twice or three times a day." ([15:34])
- Further Coverage:
- Full investigation airs on NPR’s Morning Edition, with additional reporting to come on All Things Considered ([16:10]).
Memorable Moments & Quotes
-
On legal accountability:
"Folks in the military need to understand the law of the sea, the Geneva Conventions, what the law says." — Sen. Mark Kelly ([06:19]) -
On Russian intransigence:
"Any compromises towards Ukraine are out of the question." — Charles Maynes ([08:50]) -
On refugee support gaps:
"Volunteers supporting them got little help from trained experts on refugee care or mental health." — Brian Mann ([13:56])
Episode Timestamps
- [01:05] — Headlines and overview of top stories
- [03:05] — Deep dive: Venezuelan boat strikes and Hegseth controversy
- [06:54] — Ukraine peace talks: Witkoff, Kushner, and Putin
- [10:35] — Afghan suspect’s personal struggles and National Guard shooting
- [14:36] — Military veterans' dispute with disability claims company
For further information and in-depth reporting, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
