Professor slammed for ‘despicable behavior’ with controverisal reposts on Charlie Kirk
A University of Pennsylvania senior administrator is under fire for reposts and a controversial post of his own on X following Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination. ‘The white on white violence has gotten out of hand,” Professor Michael E. Mann, the director for the Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media, wrote in a now-deleted X post. He also retweeted multiple posts slamming Kirk, including one from Max Granger mocking Ezra Klein’s New York Times column on the conservative activist, which said “Ezra Klein: I had my differences with the head of Trump’s Hitler Youth, but we both wanted the same thing: to make America great again.” FLASHBACK: CHARLIE KIRK WARNED OF LEFT-WING ‘ASSASSINATION CULTURE’ MONTHS BEFORE HIS MURDER He retweeted another post on Klein’s “Charlie Kirk Was Practicing Politics the Right Way” column, dubbing it “whitewashing’ Kirk’s legacy. Mann himself posted that Utah Gov. Spencer Cox “was all ‘thoughts and prayers’ in the press conference” and included a link to Everytown, a gun control advocacy group, regarding a bill Cox previously signed. His posts got the attention of conservative commentators as well as Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Penn. “This is despicable behavior. This dangerous rhetoric cannot and will not be tolerated. I will unequivocally Comden this behavior and demand UPenn take immediate, decisive action,” McCormick wrote. SPORTS OUTLET SEVERS TIES WITH SUNS BEAT WRITER OVER CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION POSTS “When people in positions of power, like [Mann], continually demonize their political opponents, calling them “nazis’ and “threats to democracy,” they cannot act shocked when people act on their inflammatory rhetoric,” Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, posted. “This is wholly unacceptable, [University of Pennsylvania]. Fire him.” Zach Parkinson, a GOP communications director, pointed out Mann’s past Democratic ties, including being praised by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2024 on climate policy and being listed as a guest at a “Humanists for Harris” event hosted in Oct. 2024 by the Secular Democrats of America. “Mann isn’t some random lefty Twitter troll. He’s a part of the Democratic establishment.” Parkinson wrote. “He’s been repeatedly invited by Democrats to testify in front of Congress, was an advisor to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, and is regularly featured by Democrats at political events.” CHARLIE KIRK WARNED ‘ASSASSINATION CULTURE IS SPREADING ON THE LEFT’ IN EERIE ONLINE POST MONTHS BEFORE MURDER Conservative communicator Steve Guest called the reposts “absolutely ghoulish content.” Mann attempted to clear the air following the backlash on Thursday. “I reposted this earlier today. I was simply agreeing w/ the (widespread) criticism of Ezra Klein’s claim that Kirk was ‘practicing politics the right way.’ I do NOT approve of the inappropriate & inflammatory language used to describe Kirk (which I’d overlooked. Have deleted,” he said in regards to Granger’s “Hitler Youth” remarks. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In another post, Mann wrote that he hopes “they catch him” when referring to the suspect in the Kirk Shooting. “Political violence is completely unacceptable no matter what ‘side’ it is on. I hope we can all agree with that,” Mann wrote. Kirk’s assassination drew an outpouring of tributes for him and his family, but many people continue to fall into the spotlight for comments either praising or downplaying the tragedy. Fox News Digital reached out to the University of Pennsylvania, Mann and his public relations representative for comment.
Activists sound alarm on ‘deeply troubling’ poll showing support for Mamdani’s anti-Israel messaging
A poll released this week showing socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani with a commanding lead in the race also showed him leading the pack when it comes to messaging on the issue of Israel and Palestine. The New York Times/Siena College survey — which was conducted from Sept. 2 to 6 — found that the survey — which was conducted from Sept. 2 to 6 — asked likely New York City voters, regardless of which candidate they support, “which of the following mayoral candidates do you think has best addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the campaign.” Mamdani led the field with 43% followed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo at 16%, current mayor Eric Adams at 11%, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa at 8%. The poll also showed that 46% of likely voters sympathized with Palestinians compared to 29% with Israel. FLASHBACK: ZOHRAN MAMDANI SAYS ‘ISRAEL IS NOT A PLACE’ AND ‘NOT A COUNTRY’ Mamdani’s positions and past comments on Israel have been a hot button issue in the race as he has faced criticism from many in the Jewish community for refusing to explicitly denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada,” supporting economic boycotts of Israel, surrounding himself with advisers that hold anti-Israel views, and a social media post last year that critics say was mocking Jewish people. Human rights attorney Brooke Goldstein told Fox News Digital the term “Israeli-Palestinian conflict” is a “misnomer in itself” and called the poll results “deeply troubling.” “In reality, his record is clear: he is an anti-Israel radical, a pro-Hamas sympathizer in a suit, running for office to undermine the very fabric of what this country stands for,” Goldstein said. “The fact that this has even become a campaign issue reflects just how poisoned our political system has become. Foreign agendas and blood-soaked ideologies have seeped into our politics, shaping them in hateful ways.” Goldstein continued, “Our education system, from K-12 through college, is radicalizing students at an alarming rate. If we do not take this seriously, and if figures like Mr. Mamdani are elevated to office, the consequences for America’s future will be dire.” A spokesperson for StopAntisemitism also told Fox News Digital the poll results are “deeply troubling” and “underscores the growing hostility towards Israel we are seeing in New York”, adding that a Mamdani victory would be “disastrous” for the city. MAMDANI’S FATHER SITS ON COUNCIL OF ANTI-ISRAEL GROUP TIED TO TERROR, LEGITIMIZES ROLE OF SUICIDE BOMBERS “The fact that so many New Yorkers view Mamdani as the best voice on Israel and Palestine is a sign of how deeply antisemitism has taken root in the city,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “His rise is not about thoughtful policy but about the normalization of antisemitism through extremist groups, such as the red-green alliance. New Yorkers deserve leadership that unites, not one that scapegoats Israel and emboldens violence towards Jews in America.” In addition to his positions on Israel, Mamdani has been heavily criticized on the issue of crime due to his past calls to defund the police and hostile comments about the New York Police Department. While the majority of likely NYC voters said that crime and safety are their top concern, 30%, when asked regardless of who they support, which candidate would do the “best” job on crime, said Mamdani. Cuomo followed with 29%, Sliwa with 23%, and Adams with 15%. The poll showed that a head-to-head race between Cuomo and Mamdani would significantly narrow Mamdani’s lead to just four points. Rafael Mangual, senior fellow and head of research for policing and public safety at the Manhattan Institute, told Fox News Digital Mamdani’s numbers in that category are due to having three opponents in the race. UNEARTHED MAMDANI COLLEGE NEWSPAPER WRITINGS PROMOTE ANTI-ISRAEL BOYCOTT, RAIL AGAINST ‘WHITE PRIVILEGE’ “I read that as 70% don’t trust him on crime,” Mangual said. “The problem is that those skeptical of Mamdani’s approach to public safety are split between three candidates.” Overall, the survey found that on the question of who people would support if the contest “were held today,” a whopping 46% of likely New York City voters chose Mamdani, compared to just 24% who selected Cuomo. Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa scored only 15%, while incumbent Mayor Eric Adams earned just 9%. “New York City is not for sale. The backroom scheming from Donald Trump and the billionaire class is backfiring, as New Yorkers see Zohran Mamdani is the only candidate who will fight to make the most expensive city in the country more affordable,” Mamdani campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec said in a statement. “Our campaign is busy building a movement that puts working people first – mobilizing thousands to get involved in the democratic process and fight for a new kind of politics,” Pekec added. Fox News Digital’s Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
White House closes week mourning Charlie Kirk, remembering 9/11 terrorist attacks in NY
President Donald Trump closed the week mourning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and honoring those who were lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Kirk, 31, was assassinated during his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. His death comes a year after two assassination attempts against Trump. “To my fellow Americans, I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah,” Trump said in a video address to the nation on Wednesday, hours after announcing Kirk’s death. BASEBALL FANS PAY TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE KIRK AT YANKEES-TIGERS GAME “Charlie inspired millions and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” Trump said. “Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much, the United States of America. He fought for liberty, democracy, justice and the American people. He’s a martyr for truth and freedom, and there’s never been anyone who was so respected by youth.” Trump said in an interview with “Fox & Friends” on Friday that an arrest had been made in connection with Kirk’s assassination, and Utah officials confirmed the suspect as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. “I hope he’s going to be found guilty, I would imagine. And I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump said Friday. “What he did, Charlie Kirk was the finest person, he didn’t deserve this. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him.” ‘DARK MOMENT FOR AMERICA’: TRUMP DECLARES CHARLIE KIRK’S VOICE ‘BIGGER AND GRANDER’ AFTER ASSASSINATION Trump also commemorated the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks at the Pentagon and in New York City on Thursday. Trump, along with first lady Melania Trump, visited the Pentagon on Thursday morning to remember the 2,977 lives lost in the attacks. “This morning, we recall the light of America’s best and bravest and the love that they showed in their final moments,” Trump said. TRUMP ARRIVES AT YANKEE STADIUM, GIVES SPEECH TO TEAM AHEAD OF 9/11 ANNIVERSARY GAME Late on Thursday, Trump headed to New York and visited the Yankees home clubhouse, before being seated in a suite by the third base side with Yankees team owner Hal Steinbrenner and president Randy Levine. “USA” chants broke out before and after the anthem at the game. Trump hasn’t attended a baseball game since the 2021 World Series. Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
Kash Patel’s false start on Charlie Kirk killer draws scrutiny, but FBI nabbed suspect in the end
The FBI’s success in apprehending Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin came one day after Director Kash Patel initially misreported that the suspect was in custody, a move that sparked consternation and criticism as the nation reeled over Kirk’s violent death. Patel’s misstep during the fast-moving investigation was overshadowed Friday by the breakthrough news that a 22-year-old Utah man had been detained and will face charges for the deadly shooting. But the flaws during the whirlwind 33-hour manhunt did not go unnoticed. Patel on Thursday announced — then quickly retracted — that authorities had detained the person responsible for killing Kirk. Fox News’ Laura Ingraham responded “unreal” to Patel’s revelation that the gunman was still at large. Conservative activist Chris Rufo said Friday he was “grateful” authorities arrested a suspect but that it was “time for Republicans to reassess” whether Patel was fit for the job. CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING DETAILS ATTACK, MANHUNT FOR SUSPECT “He performed terribly in the last few days,” Rufo wrote on social media Friday, adding that he has been talking with conservative leaders who are questioning the FBI’s leadership structure, which includes Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and, as of next week, Andrew Bailey, who is taking on the unprecedented role of FBI co-deputy director. A White House spokesman said in a statement that “Patel and his team worked night and day to find this murderer and bring him to justice.” “Anyone who doubts his resolve and dedication – especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him – simply is using this extremely sad moment in a disgusting act of political gamesmanship,” Communication Director Steven Cheung said, adding the suspect will “face the full wrath of the justice system.” The backlash began after Patel said Thursday that “the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” before saying less than two hours later that he had the wrong person. It was the second time that day authorities had arrested someone in the case then let them go. “The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement,” Patel then said, adding the investigation was ongoing. CHARLIE KIRK’S SUSPECTED ASSASSIN IDENTIFIED AFTER FATAL SHOOTING OF INFLUENTIAL CONSERVATIVE VOICE IN UTAH At the same time that Patel said the killer had been caught, Utah law enforcement officials were giving a news conference saying the gunman was at large, leading social media users to convey confusion over the mixed messages. The blips during the manhunt for the person responsible for Kirk’s killing also put a spotlight on Patel’s and Bongino’s apparent fixation on social media, a point that a lawsuit against Patel and the Department of Justice laid out in thorough detail days prior. The lawsuit was brought by three top FBI officials who alleged their constitutional rights were violated when they were fired without explanation. One of the fired officials said Patel and Bongino lamented the “political capital” they had to spend to keep the official on the job, a reference to pressure Patel and Bongino were getting on social media about the official. Patel’s and Bongino’s actions were often dictated by social media comments, the lawsuit said. Also fueling the fire was a delayed news conference on Thursday that offered little new detail as the investigation was underway. Patel appeared at the news conference but did not speak. Upon announcing the suspect’s arrest Friday morning, the FBI director gave remarks of gratitude to the agency, local law enforcement, the media and public for contributing to the arrest. Patel made clear that he had been directing the FBI behind the scenes during the past couple days. “Warroom” podcast host Steve Bannon, a former Trump advisor, said on his show that he didn’t “know why Kash Patel flew out there, thousands of miles” merely to thank people. Bannon suggested he wanted more details about the suspect and any possible accomplices. At this stage, the Trump administration has shown no outward signs of wavering on Patel. DEMS, GOP LAWMAKERS JOIN FORCES TO CONDEMN POLITICAL VIOLENCE AFTER CHARLIE KIRK SHOT In addition to the White House commending him, one source familiar said Patel’s social media posting during the Kirk case could have been handled better but that his initial erroneous message and the surrounding criticism of it came during the “fog of war,” as the investigation was rapidly evolving and emotions were high. The source said the focus should be on the success of the FBI’s operation and the “good police work” involved. A spokeswoman for Patel pointed to a statement she posted online highlighting that the FBI’s mission to identify Kirk’s assassin was a success and that Patel was intentional every step of the way. “Over these last few days, what has mattered isn’t ignorant criticism or petty assumptions — it’s been the pursuit of justice. Justice that was promised, justice that has now been delivered,” spokeswoman Erica Knight said. One retired FBI agent who worked at the bureau for two decades said Patel’s premature post seemed “reckless” and “too quick to the draw,” but the retired agent also said he viewed it as a problem that went beyond Patel. “It’s becoming a popularity contest,” the retired agent told Fox News Digital. “It’s not necessarily something that’s new either, because J. Edgar Hoover was big about leveraging the press to make the FBI look good. I mean, he was notorious for that. That tradition in the bureau has continued, but now it’s sort of like that on steroids.”
Following Kirk’s assassination, lawmakers react to lethal political climate: ‘Violent words precede violent actions’
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle were in agreement that political discourse in the United States has reached a startling level following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and other recent acts of political violence. Kirk’s assassination is the latest in a string of political violence that has left several high-profile figures dead or injured since July 2024, when President Donald Trump was shot while campaigning for his second term in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was targeted again by a would-be assassin just months later. In April, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was the victim of an arson attack. And in June, two Minnesota lawmakers and their families were attacked, leaving two dead. The political violence has had a chilling effect on the nation, with some lawmakers going so far as to cancel public appearances amid fears of physical violence. “We have a climate right now where people who are frankly unhinged … like the two guys who tried to shoot President Trump, one who did shoot him, the person – whoever it is – who killed Charlie, the person who went after the Minnesota lawmakers – these people are nuts,” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., told Fox News Digital. “But they are egged on by a climate that says, ‘Hey, you know, it’s okay basically to go out and shoot your opponents because they’re really Hitler.’” ANTI-TRUMP VOICES PRAISE CHARLIE KIRK’S LEGACY AFTER ASSASSINATION, SAY HE WAS DOING POLITICS ‘THE RIGHT WAY’ The sentiment was echoed by Democratic lawmakers on the Hill as well. “It’s really sad and just scary, you know, honestly, just how dire things have gotten in this country in terms of our political discourse,” said Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J. “I was actually just remarking the other day how, in a survey, over 50% of Americans surveyed said that they would call people in the other political party ‘the enemy.’ I just think that’s terrifying, that’s so dangerous of a place for our country to be.” Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon added that in order for this Republic to work, people must be able to “passionately share [their] viewpoints and do so knowing that we resolve our differences through advocacy and voting, not through violence.” CHARLIE KIRK WARNED ‘ASSASSINATION CULTURE IS SPREADING ON THE LEFT’ IN EERIE ONLINE POST MONTHS BEFORE MURDER “I don’t know what it says about political discourse, but it certainly says something about violence, and it has no business in political discourse. You can have a robust disagreement with people, but when it turns to violence, something’s gone badly wrong,” responded Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., when asked about what Kirk’s death said about the current state of political discourse. Kirk was known for engaging passionately, but also respectfully, with students of all political stripes on college campuses as part of Turning Point USA, the grassroots organization he co-founded in 2012. He would regularly visit college campuses all around the country and debate with students from different perspectives on various issues of the day. Oftentimes, Kirk would hold “Prove Me Wrong” events, where he would give students a chance to do just that – prove him wrong. “I mean, that’s the shame of this. Charlie Kirk was polite, he had a message, and he spread that message, and he engaged people to speak and debate, and then he lost his life for that,” said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. “That’s the thing about this country, we have freedom of speech. Nobody should ever take out violence based on something somebody said.” “I would hope that all people would take a moment, reflect, and bring down this political rhetoric,” Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., told Fox News Digital. “These violent words precede violent actions.” Hawley, meanwhile, suggested a tactic to help solve the issue. “I’ll just say again, part of the way we stop it, is we realize that there’s stuff in life that’s more important than politics,” he told reporters.
California legislature passes bill prohibiting law enforcement from wearing face masks to shield identities
California lawmakers passed a measure that would ban most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while on the job in response to recent immigration raids in the Los Angeles area where some federal agents wore masks and hid their identities. The bill, approved on Thursday, now heads to Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. If he signs it into law, it is unclear whether the state could enforce the ban on federal agents who have been carrying out raids and arrests at local businesses under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan. The bill is the first of its kind to pass through a state legislature, although similar legislation has been introduced elsewhere, including in Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Democrats on Capitol Hill have also proposed a mask ban for law enforcement officers. Under the bill, local and federal officers, including immigration enforcement agents, would be banned from wearing neck gators, ski masks and other facial coverings while carrying out official business. LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUSHES TO PROHIBIT LAW ENFORCEMENT FROM HIDING THEIR IDENTITIES WHILE ON THE JOB Exceptions would be permitted for undercover agents, for those using medical masks like N95 respirators or as part of tactical gear. Newsom has about a month to sign the legislation into law. While he has criticized federal agents’ use of masks during arrests, he has also raised questions over the summer about the state’s authority over federal agents. Federal agents have conducted immigration raids in Southern California since June, sparking protests and the subsequent federal deployment of the National Guard and Marines. Proponents of the bill said the proposal is needed following a Supreme Court ruling earlier this week allowing the federal government to resume sweeping immigration raids in Los Angeles, which also permits agents to target migrants based on things like race or ethnicity, speaking in Spanish or presence at specific locations. Assembly member Juan Carrillo, a Democrat, said the court ruling is “effectively allowing federal agents to stop suspects based solely on their race, language or job.” MASSACHUSETTS BILL WOULD FORCE ICE AGENTS TO UNMASK “How is anyone supposed to reasonably believe that they are law enforcement officers and not masked individuals trying to kidnap you?” he said ahead of the vote. “Imagine the absolute fear of being pulled over at gunpoint by a group of masked individuals.” Bill supporters also cited constitutional law expert Erwin Chemerinsky at the University of California, Berkeley. He wrote in an opinion piece published in the Sacramento Bee that a state cannot directly regulate the federal government, but that does not mean federal employees can ignore state rules “unless doing so would significantly interfere with the performance of their duties.” “ICE agents have never before worn masks when apprehending people, and that never has posed a problem. Nor have other officers of local, state and federal law enforcement faced dangers from the public because they don’t wear masks in the streets,” he wrote. Republican lawmakers and law enforcement agencies argue that the legislation would only make the job more dangerous for officers. “Bad guys wear masks because they don’t want to get caught. Good guys wear masks because they don’t want to get killed,” GOP state Sen. Kelly Seyarto said. Trump administration officials have attempted to defend the practice of face coverings by stating that federal immigration agents have been subject to an increase in harassment in public and online. But others, including several state attorneys general, argued that the use of face masks generates fear among the public and must be stopped. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Connecticut GOP accuses Democratic school board chairman of celebrating Charlie Kirk’s murder
The Connecticut Republican Party on Friday accused a Democratic state education official of posting a “chilling reaction” on social media to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s death. The party shared a screenshot of what appeared to be a social media account belonging to Farmington Board of Education Chairman Bill Beckert, reposting a comment that said, “They Reap What They Sow.” Fox News Digital has reached out to Beckert for comment. SPORTS OUTLET SEVERS TIES WITH SUNS BEAT WRITER OVER CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION POSTS “As the official responsible for the education of Farmington’s children, you’d expect Mr. Beckert to show restraint and basic decency,” Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto said in a statement. “Instead, he celebrated the brutal murder of a young husband and father of two, whose only ‘crime’ was having an opinion. That is grotesque. It is a betrayal of the values every educator and public servant should embody.” Proto added that Kirk’s beliefs were “grounded in faith and love of country,” and he “never called for violence.” Proto also accused Beckert of wanting to silence those who disagree with him. “His words read like an endorsement of political violence,” Proto wrote. “Farmington parents and taxpayers must ask themselves: is this the example they want for their children? STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS IT WILL REVOKE VISAS OF FOREIGNERS WHO ‘GLORIFY VIOLENCE’ AFTER KIRK SHOOTING “Farmington deserves leadership that teaches students to win arguments with ballots, not bullets. Charlie Kirk lived that principle. Chairman Beckert’s statement shows he rejects it. The community must decide which lesson it wants its schools to teach.” In Florida, a teacher was suspended after allegedly sharing a post on social media that said, “This may not be the obituary. We were all hoping to wake up to, but this is a close second for me.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In response, Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas wrote in a memo sent out to state school superintendents this week that said the Florida Department of Education plans to investigate any teachers in the state who engage in “vile, sanctionable behavior” related to Kirk’s death.
Democratic donors reluctant to give to Biden’s presidential library: report
Former President Joe Biden’s new effort to raise money for a presidential library is struggling to attract Democrat donors, according to a report. More than half a dozen people who were once major Biden donors or fundraisers spoke to NBC News. Most said they have no animosity toward the former president, but they either would not give to the library or would only give a limited amount. The donors pointed to several factors, including not wanting to make themselves a target of the Trump administration and reserving their money for the Democratic Party’s future. Some of them said they had personal interactions with Biden’s inner circle that were so unpleasant they believed it would be difficult to ever raise significant funds for the former president. “I’d like him to have some nice library,” one donor told NBC News. “I just don’t see that’s where I’m going to spend my money.” KAMALA HARRIS FUNDRAISING EVENTS HAVE BEEN A FLOP TO HELP RAISE MONEY FOR DNC: REPORT Another donor said “no way” when asked by the outlet about giving to the library. Biden also faces residual frustration from the party over his decision to initially seek re-election despite health issues that ultimately led to him dropping out of the race last summer after his highly scrutinized mental acuity was put on display during a presidential debate against Donald Trump. Former Vice President Kamala Harris then quickly secured the party’s nomination before losing to Trump in November. “I want an $800,000 refund,” personal injury lawyer John Morgan told NBC News, referring to money he said he raised for Biden that went to Harris last year. “I don’t believe a library will ever be built unless it’s a bookmobile from the old days,” Morgan joked. Susie Buell, a major donor to the party, told the outlet nobody had asked for her donation but that she is “not inclined to give to libraries.” The chairman of the library board, Rufus Gifford, who led fundraising for Biden’s re-election campaign and was finance director for former President Barack Obama, expressed optimism that donors will want to contribute. “Those of us who have been around for a while and love the guy but also understand the full picture want to see what we can do to protect and promote his legacy,” Gifford told NBC News. “This isn’t about the past. It’s about the future.” One person familiar with the Biden team’s plans said the project seeks between $200 million and $300 million. By comparison, the Obama Presidential Library set to open in Chicago in the spring cost $850 million. President Donald Trump has also raised millions of dollars for a future library, and the luxury jet gifted to the U.S. government by the Qatari royal family will later be transferred to a Trump library foundation — both moves scrutinized by Democrats. “It is my opinion no significant building will be built,” Morgan said, adding that Biden’s age and medical issues could mean the former president might not be much help in raising money for the library. “Couple that with the perception that [the party’s] woes rest with his decision to seek a second term, and we have the Hindenburg heading straight towards us.” HARRIS TAPS DEM EMAILS LISTS TO MARKET NEW BOOK, SPARKING PARTY NEUTRALITY CONCERNS Donors often complained about a lack of access to Biden when he was in office, saying they were asked to write checks but then could not get a phone call returned. People who frequently interact with major Democratic donors say other potential obstacles include the threat of becoming a target of Trump. “This is a very difficult time to raise large checks for Democrats because of how vindictive Donald Trump is,” Democratic National Committee Fundraising Chair Chris Korge told NBC News, citing conversations with donors. Korge also said he had personally called on Biden and his team to focus on raising money for a library and to put aside plans for a second term.
Erika Kirk delivers moving tribute to husband, Charlie: ‘I will never let your legacy die’
Erika Kirk, the widow of the late Charlie Kirk, gave an emotional tribute to her husband and declared that his mission will not end at Turning Point USA’s headquarters Friday. It was her first public statement since her husband’s assassination on Wednesday at Utah Valley University. “To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die,” Kirk said. “It won’t. I refuse to let that happen. … No one will ever forget my husband’s name. And I will make sure of it. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever. My husband’s mission will not end. Not even for a moment. “My husband’s voice will remain, and it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. And his wisdom will endure.” She delivered a steely message to the “evildoers responsible” for her husband’s death, proclaiming that they “have no idea what they have done.” “They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God’s merciful love. But they should all know this. If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea,” she said. “You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country.” Speaking at a podium next to the desk where her husband conducted his popular podcast show, Kirk said that Turning Point USA, the grassroots organization her husband co-founded, will continue with its fall campus tour as planned and said there will be even more tours in the years to come. The group’s annual “America Fest” conference will also continue as planned, which will be held in December in Phoenix, and Charlie’s popular weekly podcast will also continue. DAVE RUBIN SAYS CHARLIE KIRK’S DEATH A TURNING POINT FOR THE NATION: ‘UNIMAGINABLE TRAGEDY’ Kirk, who spoke to President Donald Trump Thursday, also told the president she wants to keep alive her late husband’s grassroots organization. During her address, she remarked how much Charlie “loved” the president and how much the president “loved” him in return. Kirk also praised her late husband for his work ethic and his presence as a father and husband. She recounted that, on a daily basis, he would ask her how he could be a better husband and father. “Now and for all eternity, he will stand at His Savior’s side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr,” Kirk remarked Friday evening. “Charlie loved, loved life. He loved his life. He loved America.” TOP UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATOR CALLS CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION ‘FAIR’ DUE TO STANCE ON GUNS: ‘NO PRAYERS’ In addition to his wife, Charlie leaves behind two small children. Charlie co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, about six years before he and Erika met in 2018. Charlie reflected at a TPUSA event once on the moment he realized Erika was “the one.” “We had a very, very long dinner, which was very close to almost an interview, and — no, you’re going to laugh — but you should absolutely interview for your spouse. If they don’t check the boxes, move on and go to the next one. Dating for dating’s sake is bad for you, it’s bad for them, it’s bad for everybody,” Kirk said when asked about how he knew Erika was “the one.” “Five years ago today, we sat inside Bills Burgers in NYC deep in conversation and banter over theology, philosophy, and politics and at the end, you paused, looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to date you,’” Erika wrote in a social media post in 2023 reflecting on the pair’s first date. She also shared several photos of the two together. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Erika frequently supported Charlie at his events and was present at Utah Valley University Wednesday when he was shot. Erika is the host of a weekly podcast called “Midweek Rise Up,” the founder of a faith-based apparel company called “PROCLAIM” and heads a Christian ministry called BIBLE365, according to her website. She was an NCAA women’s basketball player at Regis University in Colorado and later transferred to Arizona State University to earn duel majors in political science and international relations. She earned a master’s degree in American legal studies from Liberty University in Virginia, where she is pursuing a doctorate in Biblical studies. In 2012, she was crowned Miss Arizona USA. As she concluded her remarks Friday, Erika promised her late husband that she will never let his legacy die. “I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen,” she said. “I love you, baby. Rest in the arms of our Lord.”
Judge allows ICE to continue courthouse arrests in New York City following legal challenge
A federal judge ruled on Friday ICE agents can continue making courthouse arrests in New York City, shutting down a challenge brought by the ACLU and immigrant rights groups. District Judge P. Kevin Castel, a George W. Bush appointee, found there was not enough evidence to suggest that ICE’s courthouse arrest policy changes were “unexplained, arbitrary and capricious” after 2021 guidance allowed arrests at or near immigration courts. Noting the 2025 guidance is more “expansive and permissive,” Castel acknowledged ICE made the changes because local correctional facilities and prisons, which are considered “safe” locations due to security screenings, are not available due to state and local policies regarding immigration detainers. FEDERAL JUDGE REJECTS MILWAUKEE JUDGE’S IMMUNITY CLAIM IN ICE OBSTRUCTION CASE However, the judge did block a Department of Justice policy encouraging immigration judges to dismiss cases so ICE could immediately arrest migrants. The Trump administration in June launched an initiative to arrest illegal immigrants after asylum hearings. The tactic stirred controversy, with critics claiming migrants seeking legal citizenship would be less likely to show up to hearings, and those who are arrested after hearings may not have additional criminal histories. NEW JERSEY’S BAN ON PRIVATELY OPERATED ICE DETENTION CENTERS STRUCK DOWN BY COURT Videos of the arrests went viral on social media, with some going so far as accusing ICE of “kidnapping” migrants. “In its fervor to expel as many immigrants as possible from the country, the Trump administration is targeting immigrants in the very place set up to adjudicate their status: immigration court,” Diana Konaté, deputy executive director of Policy and Advocacy at African Communities Together, wrote in a statement published by the ACLU. “Every day, our members are forced to choose between being kidnapped and/or put into expedited removal or risking deeper legal consequences because they’re too scared to go to court. “This is exactly what the administration intended — for people to be so fearful of enforcement that they forfeit the very resources and systems in place to protect them. We’re bringing this lawsuit on behalf of our members and fighting for justice.” LOS ANGELES JUDGE WEIGHS SEVERE LIMITS ON TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IN CALIFORNIA Some judges have fought back against the policy, allegedly aiding migrants’ escape after hearings. Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted in May on federal charges after she allegedly told an illegal immigrant to leave through a private exit at the Milwaukee County Courthouse as ICE officials were serving a warrant for his arrest. Fox News Digital’s Audrey Conklin and Fox News’ Bill Melugin contributed to this report.