Verdict with Ted Cruz

BONUS POD: 'No One Said Anything' as Warning Signs Emerge Online from Charlie Kirk's Investigation
Release Date: September 16, 2025
Hosts: Ben Ferguson, Senator Ted Cruz
Special Guests & Attributions: FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, Cash Patel

Episode Overview

In this bonus episode, Ben Ferguson (with commentary from the Verdict team) provides an in-depth update on the ongoing investigation into the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. The episode heavily features reporting and statements by FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and security analyst Cash Patel, focusing on the warning signs that were present before the crime, the collection of forensic evidence, and accountability for those who may have known in advance. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for law enforcement, political radicalization, and calls for solidarity with Israel in the wake of rising antisemitism.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Latest in the Charlie Kirk Investigation

• FBI Focus on Warning Signs
  • Multiple indicators suggested the suspect’s growing radicalization and intent to commit violence before the assassination.
  • Family, coworkers, and friends had observed the suspect becoming more politically extreme and isolated.
  • "It appears that this ideology had infected him and had taken over." (Dan Bongino, 10:10)
• Questions of Accountability
  • Law enforcement is investigating whether individuals in the suspect’s network heard credible threats but failed to act.
  • "The question is... did they know and not say? Did they hear it and think it was some kind of a joke? That’s what we’re trying to find out now." (Bongino, 08:26)
  • Co-host Ben Ferguson echoes concerns about holding these individuals accountable:
    • "Is there accountability for those that knew or may have known what was happening here?" (Ferguson, 12:01)

2. Forensic & DNA Evidence

• Key Evidence Collection
  • After the shooting, forensic teams recovered DNA from items left at the crime scene, such as a towel wrapped around the weapon and a screwdriver.
  • The forensic analysis provided a match to the suspect, confirming his presence at the scene.
  • "The DNA hits from the towel that was wrapped around the firearm and the DNA on the screwdriver are positively processed for the suspect in custody." (Cash Patel, 14:00)
• Investigation Tactics & Progress
  • Law enforcement expedited analysis and made rapid operational decisions to collect and process evidence.
  • A note allegedly left (and destroyed) by the suspect further corroborates intention and premeditation.
  • "We have since learned the note, even though it was destroyed, we have found forensic evidence of the note and we have confirmed what the note said because our aggressive interview posture at the FBI." (Patel, 14:13)

3. Suspect’s Motive and Network

• Ideological Radicalization
  • The suspect had reportedly announced his target (Charlie Kirk) in advance via private communications.
  • There was discussion about radical online channels and the signs missed by individuals around the suspect.
• Timeline of Communication
  • Questions raised about timing: When did the suspect express his intentions, and to whom? (Bongino, 09:23)
• Refusal to Cooperate
  • The suspect is reportedly not cooperating with authorities at this stage of the investigation.

4. Broader Political and Social Implications

• Public Reaction and Political Messaging
  • Ferguson highlights the need for a thorough investigation and expresses gratitude to law enforcement and former President Trump for establishing leadership in these agencies.
  • "What they were able to do to find him and what they've been able to do to make it very clear he did what he did is incredible police work. God bless him for what they're doing and God bless Donald Trump, by the way, for making sure that he picked the right people for these jobs." (Ferguson, 15:23)
• Call for Solidarity with Israel
  • Ferguson issues a passionate call for public support of Israel in response to continued anti-Semitic attacks, promoting the "Flags of Fellowship" initiative.
  • "The cries of the dead and dying have been drowned out by the shouts of antisemitism and just pure hatred, not just in America, but around the world." (Ferguson, 03:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Missed Warning Signs:

  • “It appears that this ideology had infected him and had taken over and he was just intent.” — Dan Bongino (10:10)

• On Accountability:

  • “Did they know and not say? Did they hear it and think it was some kind of a joke? That’s what we’re trying to find out now.” — Dan Bongino (08:26)

• On the Evidence:

  • “The DNA hits from the towel that was wrapped around the firearm and the DNA on the screwdriver are positively processed for the suspect in custody.” — Cash Patel (14:00)
  • “We have found forensic evidence of the note and we have confirmed what the note said because our aggressive interview posture at the FBI.” — Cash Patel (14:13)

• On Law Enforcement’s Response:

  • “This is incredible work, by the way, by the men and women in law enforcement.” — Ben Ferguson (14:13)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:07 — Introduction of Charlie Kirk assassination story; overview of FBI and law enforcement involvement.
• 06:59 — FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino details sequence after the shooting and evidence handling.
• 08:26 — Discussion of early warning signs and questions about the role of the suspect’s network.
• 10:10 — Insights into the suspect’s radicalization and intent.
• 12:01 — Ben Ferguson calls for accountability and recaps law enforcement findings.
• 14:00 — Cash Patel updates on DNA evidence and the suspect’s note.
• 15:23 — Ferguson praises law enforcement and ties in political accountability.

Summary Flow & Listener Takeaways

The episode delivers a tight, compelling narrative around the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination, highlighting the multitude of warning signs and missed opportunities for intervention in the suspect’s personal network. The hosts and guests make the case for increased vigilance and accountability, both for individuals and institutions. Law enforcement’s work is lauded, especially as new forensic evidence strengthens the case. The dialogue also situates the event within broader trends of political polarization and threats to public figures. Ferguson closes with a heartfelt call for solidarity with Israel, anchoring the episode’s focus on civic responsibility and action.