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.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Ammo engravings reveal Kirk assassination motive
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… -What is a bolt action rifle? What we know about the gun used to kill Charlie Kirk -Charlie Kirk murder spurs first-in-the-nation state political violence hate crime legislation -Charlie Kirk memorialized by dozens of House lawmakers condemning political violence The rifle that federal investigators believe was used in the shooting that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk contained ammunition inscribed with anti-fascist messaging, shedding light on the suspect’s motive. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed the messaging at a news conference Friday, saying investigators discovered inscriptions on casings found with a bolt-action rifle near the Utah Valley University campus, where Kirk was killed during an event. One used casing and three unused casings contained the writings, Cox said. News of the ammunition inscriptions was first shared on social media Thursday morning in a preliminary bulletin attributed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives…READ MORE. SECURITY GAP: Questions mount over security failures in Charlie Kirk shooting as manhunt intensifies ROGUE AGENT: Secret Service employee who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s assassination put on immediate leave ‘LEGACY WILL ENDURE’: Top conservative speakers vow they ‘will not be silenced’ after Charlie Kirk’s assassination ‘SURE HE DOESN’T MIND’: Ex-prosecutor Carol Siemon sparks outrage after blaming Charlie Kirk for assassination HIS LAST DAY: Charlie Kirk’s last 24 hours before his Utah assassination: messages of faith, justice MEDIA MADNESS: White House torches media after killer’s mother admits son should’ve been jailed before Zarutska murder PRESIDENTIAL PUNCH: Trump reveals new nickname for Mamdani weeks before Election Day RYAN ROUTH TRIAL: Flashlight, rifle, backpacks: prosecutors outline Ryan Routh’s alleged sniper setup STEALTH SUPREMACY: America’s new stealth B-21 Raider takes next step with second bomber’s first flight BLAME GAME: ‘This is on all of us’: Lawmakers take hard look at how political rhetoric played role in Kirk’s assassination ‘FULL OF SH–‘: Social media erupts over ‘Squad’ Dem’s interview after Charlie Kirk assassination: ‘Needs to resign’ GUARD DOGS: Blackburn cheers Trump’s move to ‘Make Memphis Safe Again’ MEMPHIS ON GUARD: Memphis rep torches ‘Trump Show 2.0’ with National Guard, says DC isn’t safer after last crackdown GUARDING IN MEMPHIS: Trump’s Memphis National Guard news boosts Hagerty’s aisle-crossing work to crush city crime, senator says POWER PLAY POLITICS: Trump-backed congressional map passes Senate in crucial Midwestern state: ‘Commonsense values’ Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Florida will target teachers for any ‘vile behavior’ related to Charlie Kirk assassination
The Florida Department of Education plans to investigate any teachers in the state who engage in “vile, sanctionable behavior” related to the assassination Wednesday of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. “It has been brought to my attention that some Florida educators have posted despicable comments on social media regarding the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas wrote in a memo sent out to state school superintendents and shared with Fox News Digital. “These few are not a reflection of the great, high-quality teachers who make up the vast majority of Florida’s educators. Nevertheless, I will be conducting an investigation of every educator who engages in this vile, sanctionable behavior.” Kamoutsas said the memo should serve as a reminder that teachers are “held to a higher standard as public servants.” SPORTS OUTLET SEVERS TIES WITH SUNS BEAT WRITER OVER CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION POSTS The memo came after a teacher in Clay County was reportedly suspended for 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,” according to Florida’s Voice. Kamoutsas shared a news article about the suspension on Thursday, writing on X, “I commend Superintendent Broskie @oneclayschools for taking swift action to suspend a teacher who despicably celebrated the death of Charlie Kirk — a dedicated conservative, Christian, and family man. Such behavior is unacceptable and must have consequences.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also shared the Department of Education memo on his X page, writing, “Celebrating the assassination of a 31-year-old father of two young kids is disturbing; that teachers would be among those who do so is completely unacceptable. Glad @StasiKamoutsas is bringing accountability. It is sad that we’ve seen a number of teachers across America celebrate Charlie Kirk’s murder.” STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS IT WILL REVOKE VISAS OF FOREIGNERS WHO ‘GLORIFY VIOLENCE’ AFTER KIRK SHOOTING The memo noted that teachers are subject to ethical guidelines and said the commissioner could use “probable cause to sanction an educator’s certificate.” An educator’s conduct that makes a student or their family feel “unwelcome or unwilling to participate in the learning environment” could also be a violation. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “Although educators have First Amendment rights, these rights do not extend without limit into their professional duties,” Kamoutsas added. “An educator’s personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families that they serve.”
Fox News Poll: Despite dip in approval, congressional Republicans still outperform Democrats
Congressional Republicans’ approval rating outperformed their Democratic counterparts for the second time this year, according to the latest Fox News national survey. Thirty-three percent of registered voters approve of the job Democrats in Congress are doing (66% disapprove), up 3 points from a near record-low 30% in March. While their Republican colleagues garner a higher 38% approval rating (61% disapproval), that’s down 5 points from a record-high 43% six months ago. The decline in congressional Republican approval comes from within: 76% of self-identified GOPers approve, but that’s down from 88% in March. And while congressional Democrats earn the approval from just 58% of self-identified Democrats, that’s up from 49% six months ago. FOX NEWS POLL: TRUMP’S RATINGS ARE STRONG ON BORDER SECURITY, WEAK ON THE ECONOMY The survey, released Friday, was completed before the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Among all figures and groups tested, the congressional parties rank at the bottom. By contrast, 49% approve of both Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and ICE, while 46% approve of President Donald Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS WANT GREATER INVOLVEMENT IN UKRAINE, SUPPORT CURRENT APPROACH IN ISRAEL The survey also asks about a range of policy ideas. The most popular are providing a valid form of photo identification to vote (84% favor vs. 16% oppose), banning members of Congress from trading stocks (75% favor vs. 24% oppose), banning cellphones in K-12 classrooms (65% vs. 34%) and allowing U.S. citizens to vote by mail (63% vs. 36%). Voters are split on banning the purchase of candy and soft drinks with SNAP funds or food stamps (50% favor vs. 49% oppose) and narrowly oppose ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government (46% favor vs. 52% oppose). There’s also significant opposition to allowing transgender students to use their bathroom of choice (34% favor vs. 64% oppose) and flag burning (31% say it should be legal vs. 67% illegal). There is partisan consensus on several issues, with majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents favoring banning members of Congress from trading stocks, prohibiting cellphones in classrooms, thinking flag burning should be illegal and requiring photo identification to vote. “Contrary to the conventional wisdom, Republicans and Democrats agree on several consequential issues,” says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducts Fox News surveys alongside Democrat Chris Anderson. “The data also show the president does not pick his fights as haphazardly as some suggest. There is a broad consensus in support of voter ID and opposition to flag burning and transgender bathrooms, issues that invoke patriotism or protecting our kids.” Trump’s highest approval ratings are on his handling of border security (57% approve), followed by crime and public safety (50%) and immigration (47%). Fewer approve on Ukraine (40%), the economy (39%), Russia (36%), tariffs (36%) and cost of living (32%). Overall, 46% approve of the job Trump is doing as president while 54% disapprove, unchanged since June. Although voters say flag burning should be illegal by a wide 36-point margin, the number saying it should be legal (31%) is up 10 points from 20 years ago. That comes mostly from increases among Democrats (+17 points), voters under age 30 (+11), and independents (+10), as well as a small bump among Republicans (+5). CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE Conducted Sept. 6-9, 2025, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,004 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (119) and cellphones (638) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (247). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics of respondents are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis and voter file data.