Up First from NPR – July 29, 2025

Hosts: Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, A Martinez, Ayesha Rascoe, Scott Simon

1. NYC Office Shooting

Overview: A tragic shooting unfolded in a Manhattan skyscraper, resulting in multiple casualties and leaving the city in mourning.

Incident Details: At [00:02], Amy Martinez reports that security cameras captured an armed man entering a lobby in Manhattan. Steve Inskeep elaborates at [00:06], stating, “He then shoots a woman who took cover behind a pillar and proceeds through the lobby, spraying it with gunfire.” The initial identification of the shooter was questioned by Sarah Ventri at [00:13], asking, “Who was the Las Vegas man holding the gun?”

Investigation Insights: By [02:08], Sarah Ventri reconnects with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch from New York City. Tisch provides a detailed account:

• The gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, entered the building with a military-style M4 rifle ([03:43]).
• During the attack, Tamura killed NYPD Officer Dideroul Islam ([05:09]), a 36-year-old immigrant from Bangladesh, who was working off-duty as security for the building.
• The shooter ultimately killed himself on the 33rd floor, as confirmed by NYPD Commissioner Tisch ([03:31]).

Casualties and Motive: As of [03:37], four individuals, including the gunman, are confirmed dead. The motive remains unclear, with Tisch noting, “There really is no known motive” ([04:26]). Authorities are investigating his recent travels across the country and any possible connections to the building, which houses NFL offices.

Community Impact: Steve Inskeep solemnly remarks at [04:48], “Our city is in mourning for the innocent lives lost. May their memories be a blessing,” reflecting the community's grief and the ongoing investigation.

2. President Trump in Scotland

Trip Overview: President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland was marked by both diplomatic engagements and recreational activities, amidst mixed local reactions.

Meetings and Golf: At [06:12], Lauren Freyr from Aberdeen, Scotland, reports that Trump met with Scotland's First Minister John Sweeney for a brief session before heading to the golf course. The president played a round of golf at his newly established course dedicated to his mother, Mary McLeod ([06:15]). Local residents expressed discontent, noting that the course disrupts their access to a pristine beach and has not significantly boosted local employment ([06:21]).

Trade Deal with the European Union: During a press briefing, Trump announced a new trade framework imposing a 15% tariff on European goods entering the United States ([07:04]). Lauren Freyr explains at [07:17], “The EU is the world's biggest single trading bloc, and it's now facing significant U.S. tariffs. This is kind of a blueprint for what could be coming,” highlighting Trump’s intent to apply similar tariffs globally ([07:36]).

Trump further stated, “[07:36] **‘To charge, I would say in the range of 15 to 20%, probably one of those two numbers.’” This marks an increase from the previously announced 10% baseline tariff ([07:44]).

Economic Implications: The implementation of these tariffs has caused the euro to fall over 1% against the dollar ([08:10]). Economists warn that American consumers may face increased prices for foreign goods, reaching levels unseen since the 1930s ([08:17]). In response, Trump asserts the tariffs are essential for boosting domestic industries and generating revenue ([08:29]).

3. Gaza Aid Latest

Humanitarian Efforts: Amid ongoing conflict, Israel has loosened restrictions to allow food and aid into Gaza, but the efforts remain insufficient. Emily Fang from Tel Aviv explains at [10:14] that over 300 trucks of food have entered Gaza in the last two days, a mere fraction of the humanitarian aid needed to address widespread malnutrition.

Challenges in Aid Delivery: Anas Baba, NPR’s producer in Gaza, reports significant difficulties in tracking aid deliveries due to irregular delivery times and immediate looting upon arrival ([10:26]). Israel’s military maintains that the blockade is not the issue, attributing delivery challenges to aid organizations ([10:45]).

International Concerns: A UN-backed expert panel issued an alert at [11:40], highlighting a worst-case scenario of famine in Gaza, driven by acute malnutrition affecting at least 30% of children ([11:47]). Despite this, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denies the existence of starvation, asserting that Israel is making concerted efforts to deliver humanitarian aid ([12:14]).

Israeli Public Debate: The situation has sparked division within Israel regarding the objectives of the conflict and the reality of hunger in Gaza. For the first time, Israeli human rights organizations have labeled Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, and mainstream media has begun to showcase harrowing images of starving children ([13:00]).

Conclusion

The episode of Up First from NPR on July 29, 2025, delves into three major stories:

1. NYC Office Shooting: A detailed account of the tragic incident, investigation updates, and the impact on the community.
2. President Trump in Scotland: Coverage of Trump's trade policies, tariff announcements, and the mixed reception in Scotland.
3. Gaza Aid Latest: An exploration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the challenges in aid delivery, and the international and local responses.

Through engaging reporting and insightful analysis, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these pivotal events shaping the day.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Inskeep [00:06]: “He then shoots a woman who took cover behind a pillar and proceeds through the lobby, spraying it with gunfire.”
• Jessica Tisch [04:26]: “There really is no known motive.”
• Donald Trump [07:36]: “To charge, I would say in the range of 15 to 20%, probably one of those two numbers.”
• Donald Trump [08:29]: “It's worth it to boost domestic US industries and raise revenue.”

Produced By: Russell Lewis, Miguel Macias, Hannah Block, Janaya Williams, Alice Wolfley
Production Team: Ziad Bach, Ben Abrams, Christopher Thomas
Engineering Support: Stacy Abbott
Technical Director: Carly Lestrange

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