EXCLUSIVE Nate Morris says last week's assassination of his friend Charlie Kirk was a "gut punch."But the Republican businessman from Kentucky, who was the last Senate candidate Kirk endorsed and joined on the campaign trail before he was shot and killed, said in an exclusive national interview with Fox News Digital that "we're picking up the mantle for Charlie."And Morris, who's one of three major candidates vying for the Republican nomination in the 2026 race to succeed retiring longtime former Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, emphasized, "We're going to honor him by running an incredible campaign and winning this thing."Morris said that when he was considering a Senate run, "I got a chance to meet Charlie and get to know him. And, you know, he didn't know me from Adam. He didn't know really anything about me, other than I was a business guy, and I was looking at the race."TRUMP NOT ON BALLOT BUT FRONT-AND-CENTER IN 2025 ELECTIONS"I think Charlie's superpower was his ability to listen and give people an opportunity to share what's on their mind," Morris said. "He certainly did that for me, and he came away motivated to help me, which, which was unbelievable to have that kind of support early on."RISING REPUBLICAN STAR ASHLEY HINSON LAUNCHES SENATE BID TO SUCCEED IOWA'S ERNSTKirk, the conservative firebrand, activist, media superstar on the right, co-founder of the extremely influential Turning Point USA organization, and ally and outside adviser to President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Donald Trump Jr., invited Morris on his radio show.And in June, he teamed up with Morris at a campaign kickoff event just south of Louisville, Kentucky."It was such a shot in the arm to our campaign. I mean, you couldn't ask for anything greater," Morris said. "When you're launching something like a United States Senate campaign, an iconic leader like Charlie, who believes in you and believes in your vision, it changes everything, and it changes the way you look at the race. It gives you a confidence that I think very few candidates are lucky enough to get."FOUR KEY SENATE SEATS THE GOP AIMS TO FLIP IN NEXT YEAR'S MIDTERM ELECTIONSMorris added that "Charlie was all in on this campaign from the very beginning, and I think it set the tone as well, and showed conservatives what kind of campaign we're going to run.""But also, he spoke for me, my beliefs and my character, before a lot of people knew me," Morris said. "I'm running as an outsider. I'm not a career politician. I've never run for office before, and having Charlie vouch for me in this campaign changed everything for us."Morris is facing off against fellow major contenders Rep. Andy Barr and former Kentucky Attorney General and 2023 gubernatorial nominee Daniel Cameron, in a growing field of candidates in a Republican race that's turning combustible."The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a national disgrace and a wake-up call for America. Enough is enough. I continue to pray for Charlies family during this unspeakable tragedy," Barr wrote in the hours after Kirk's murder.And Cameron, this week, said that in Kirk's "honor, we will continue to stand for truth and this Nations founding ideals."In the wake of Kirk's shooting death, while speaking to college students at Utah Valley University, Morris said he's more motivated than ever to win the Senate race."I had a burning desire from the moment I started thinking about this race that I felt like I had to get in. I felt that with every fiber of my being," he said. "Let me tell you, since this has happened, this fire is like a fire I can't describe. We have to win, and we have to honor Charlie and what he did for us. We have no choice."

FIRST ON FOX: House Main Street Caucus Chairman Mike Flood, R-Neb., will refer his Democratic colleague Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., for a House Ethics Committee investigation, he first told Fox News Digital.It is the latest move in the GOP-led fallout over Omar's response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot and killed in Utah during a college campus speaking event last week."I will be filing tomorrow a complaint with the Committee on Ethics in the House of Representatives with 18 very concerning incidents and/or behaviors and/or statements that, on their face, reflect poorly on the House of Representatives," Flood said of Omar.The top of the list of complaints will include the progressive Democrat's "obnoxious, insulting and dismissive comments following the assassination of Charlie Kirk," he said.ABC REPORTER CALLS CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN'S TEXT MESSAGES WITH TRANSGENDER PARTNER VERY TOUCHING"Second, harboring illegal immigrants I believe in February of this year, that Omar hosted a workshop advising Somalians on how to avoid being deported after protecting the laws of the United States," Flood continued of his points. "Number three, she's used TikTok for mixed official and campaign content, which specifically violates other House rules."Flood was one of four House Republicans to help Omar narrowly avoid being censured by the House on Wednesday evening.Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., moved to force a vote on censuring Omar over her reaction to Kirk's killing, but the move was quashed when four Republicans and all Democrats voted to table the measure.Flood said at the time of his vote, "Ilhan Omar's statements and social media posts are reprehensible and should be referred to the Ethics Committee. The appropriate time to consider a censure motion would be after ethics reviews her conduct."He told Fox News Digital on Thursday that first initiating an ethics investigation would make a censure "far more credible."Flood pointed out that he similarly voted to table a censure threat against Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., for her conduct outside a New Jersey ICE facility, before the ethics committee could issue a report on the matter."And so I have gathered enough information, starting yesterday, before I voted to table, understanding that this was an issue," Flood said.He also disagreed with the other three House Republicans who all said Omar's comments were protected by the First Amendment."This isn't a free speech issue. This is a, have you demonstrated that you are behaving at all times in a manner that reflects credibly on the House?" Flood said.Omar specifically faced backlash over an interview with progressive news outlet Zeteo, where she criticized Kirk's past commentary and Republicans' reaction to the shooting. She later accused Republicans of taking her words out of context, and she called Kirk's death "mortifying."SCRUTINY INTENSIFIES OVER SECURITY LAPSES SURROUNDING THE CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTINGShe previously told Zeteo days after Kirk's assassination that he had "downplayed slavery and what Black people have gone through in this country by saying Juneteenth shouldn't exist.""There are a lot of people who are out there talking about him just wanting to have a civil debate," the "Squad" member said. "There is nothing more effed up, you know, like, than to completely pretend that, you know, his words and actions have not been recorded and in existence for the last decade or so."She later posted on X amid the backlash, "While I disagreed with Charlie Kirk vehemently about his rhetoric, my heart breaks for his wife and children. I dont wish violence on anyone. My faith teaches me the power of peace, empathy, and compassion. Right-wing accounts trying to spin a false story when I condemned his murder multiple times is fitting for their agenda to villainize the left to hide from the fact that Donald Trump gins up hate on a daily basis."Omar also reposted a video on X where others who are not associated with the congresswoman said, "Don't be fooled, these people don't give a single s--- about Charlie Kirk. They're just using his death to further their Christo-fascist agenda."The Minnesota Democrat's colleagues have vehemently defended her against Mace's censure and Republican criticism.Fox News Digital reached out to Omar's office for a response to Flood but did not immediately hear back.

On his "Soul Boom" podcast Wednesday, "The Office" star Rainn Wilson recounted some of his liberal friends having a "kind of a good riddance" reaction to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk last week."I spoke to a couple of let's say some liberal friends last night at an event, and they were like, 'You won't find me shedding any tears,' and someone else was like, Oh well. There was a little bit of a, kind of a good riddance thing, and it's like, 'Guys, no," he told actor Mark Ruffalo. "We cannot think or talk that way. That is not okay."Earlier in the podcast, Wilson noted that while he didn't agree with Kirk's ideas, "shooting someone that we disagree with, even if they're vociferous and loud and out there, is so colossally wrongheaded."'THE OFFICE' STAR RAINN WILSON PRAISES 'COURAGEOUS' CHARLIE KIRK DESPITE POLITICAL DIFFERENCESThe exchange between the two actors, Wilson explained, was a clip of a future episode that has not yet aired.Ruffalo also chimed in with his take on Kirk's assassination and the deepening political divide within the country. He mentioned that Kirk's death hit especially close to home for him, considering his brother was also shot and killed."There's no winning. We'll never win this way," he told Wilson. "There's no idea that if we cheer on our opponents being hurt or harmed in any way that we win as a society. And we all lose, like those I know what his family is going through. Like, I understand that on such a personal level, and it's a tragedy that not only the person who is killed experiences, but the entire family and community around that person."The actor continued, saying that although Kirk was his "political opponent," his heart still broke for him when he learned the news of his assassination.MICHAEL RAPAPORT BLASTS LIBERALS CHEERING CHARLIE KIRKS ASSASSINATION, WARNS NO ONE IS SAFEWilson pushed back on Ruffalos use of the word "opponent," arguing that kind of rhetoric fuels division."Someone who disagrees with, who we disagree with, even vehemently, and we think they're sending the country in exactly the opposite, wrong direction that goes against even Jesus's teachings himself like how can we reframe it from opponent to, you know, just someone we disagree with?" Wilson pondered.Ruffalo then shifted the conversation to gun control, saying that people are walking around with "weapons of war." He admitted that he didn't know the exact type of gun used to kill Kirk but insisted it fell into that category.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE"It was a sniper rifle, so this was planned," Wilson interjected."Yeah, for nothing more than to kill human beings," Ruffalo responded. "That's what these weapons are for, you know, and so when we keep signing off on that as a nation, we're signing off on more and more of When you keep signing off on those weapons being acceptable, you're actually tacitly signing off on them being used on human beings as the ultimate solution to any kind of conflict."The gun recovered by authorities in the assassination of Kirk was a bolt-action rifle, a common hunting weapon valued for its reliability but limited to a single shot before reloading.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPUnlike a semiautomatic, the shooter must manually operate the bolt handle to cycle the weapon. Lifting and pulling it back removes the spent cartridge, while pushing it forward chambers a new round from the magazine. Lowering the bolt locks the round and seals the chamber, making the rifle ready to fire again a simple, durable design that has kept it popular among hunters and target shooters.Fox News' Amanda Macias contributed to this report.

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier responded with one word after former President Barack Obama accused the Trump administration of taking "cancel culture" to a "dangerous level" after Disney pulled Jimmy Kimmels late-night show off the air."Scary," the five-time WNBA All-Star wrote.Collier scored 24 points on Wednesday night as the Lynx swept the Golden State Valkyries in the playoffs. The game occurred in the midst of uproar on social media as Kimmels show was pulled.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe late-night comedian accused conservatives of reaching "new lows" on Monday in trying to pin a left-wing ideology on 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson, even though prosecutors reaffirmed those ties in Tuesdays indictment."We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said.Kimmels comments came one day after both FBI officials and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said that Robinsonheld a "leftist ideology"and was increasingly radicalized in recent years. It was also revealed that he had a romantic relationship with a transgender partner who was biologically male and transitioning to female. The comments from Kimmel drew massive backlash.Nexstar Media Group said it would preempt Kimmels shows on its ABC affiliates with other programming. Sinclair called for more action over the remarks.LIBERALS RAGE AS ABC PULLS JIMMY KIMMEL OFF AIR FOLLOWING CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN COMMENTSFederal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, issued a threat against Disney on Wednesday if it didn't address the controversy. Carr described Kimmel's comments as "the sickest conduct," and suggested there were potential "avenues" the FCC could pursue during an interview on "The Benny Show," hosted by conservative commentator and podcaster Benny Johnson.As Kimmels show was yanked on Wednesday night, much of the reaction came on Thursday."After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesnt like," Obama wrote on X.Kirk, 31, was shot and killed last week while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Thousands of people have mourned his death in vigils across the U.S.Kirks funeral is set for Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.Fox News Amanda Macias contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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-Obama accuses Trump administration of taking 'cancel culture' to 'dangerous level' amid media threats-Turning Point elects Erika Kirk as new CEO, chair of the board following Charlie Kirk's assassination-Trump renews attacks on Biden autopen pardons, claims he never gave the ordersFormer Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is getting blasted on social media after posting a picture supportingAmerican Federation of Teachers (AFT) chief Randi Weingartens new book that suggests her political opponents are "fascists.""Congratulations to my friend [Weingarten] on Why Fascists Fear Teachers. From banning books to controlling curriculum, authoritarians go after public education because it's a cornerstone of democracy," Clinton posted on Wednesday, along with a picture of Weingarten holding the book."Randi's new book is a critical read for this moment," she wrote.Clinton was criticized by conservatives for the post, which they argued continued the smear campaign against political opponents that many believe contributed to the assassination of Charlie KirkREAD MORE.BORDER BATTLE: Federal judge blocks Trump administration from deporting hundreds of Guatemalan minorsCHOPPER ISSUE: Trump forced to transfer helicopters after Marine One suffers 'minor hydraulic issue' in UK'MODERN TUSKEGEE': DC watchdog sues for docs on modern-day Tuskegee Experiments giving transgender Rx to youthWAR ON DRUGS: WATCH: Coast Guard seizes cocaine, suspected narco-terrorists in Pacific Viper raidJOKE'S OVER: Trump says Jimmy Kimmel pulled off air due to 'lack of talent'GEN Z RISES: 'We won't cower': Young conservatives build on Kirk legacy in nationwide speaking tourBAGRAM OR BUST: Trump just said he's trying to get Bagram Airbase back in AfghanistanNO PEACE IN SIGHT: Trump: Putin has 'really let me down' on Ukraine peace effortsDOJ DILEMMA: Schiff: Patel's FBI leadership replaced expertise with 'rabid partisanship''UN-AMERICAN': Schumer accuses Trump of exploiting Charlie Kirk's death to launch political 'witch hunt''MENTAL BREAKDOWN': Omar celebrates censure vote failure, alleges 'emergency' need to get Mace 'help' before she harms someone'CANT SEE STRAIGHT': Thune pans Democrats' shutdown stance as 'borderline pathological,' 'like a disease'SAFETY TALKS: SCOOP: Iryna Zarutska stabbing fuels transit safety overhaul talks in HouseCOMEDY POLICE: Eric Swalwell dons 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' hat in solidarity for CNN interviewMURDER DEFENDER: Lawmaker who tied Kirk to domestic terrorism facing expulsion calls amid politician blowback nationwideRIGHTS FIGHT: Virginia boys notch court win after being labeled 'sexual harassers' over transgender locker room complaintOFF TRACK: Blue city bus attack heightens commuters' fears after Charlotte train stabbingGet the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

A college volleyball game in California Wednesday night was hit by a crowd of protesters amid controversy over a transgender player on one of the teams.Santa Rosa Junior College faced Sierra College in Rocklin weeks after multiple Santa Rosa players filed a Title IX complaint about the school's handling of a biologically male teammate. Sierra won the game in straight sets.One of the protesters, local women's sports activist Beth Bourne, handed out the protest signs to students who attended the game and said it was the first time she'd seen college students protest the issue in-person.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"This was the first time we experienced college students spectating the game, asking us if they could also hold a sign to show their support for the women. We have been at dozens of volleyball games, track meets, cross country races, and other sporting events with males, but this was the first time we saw this type of support. We are hopeful the tide is turning and more people feel comfortable speaking out on this injustice to women," Bourne told Fox News Digital.Bourne added that Sierra's men's athletes even joined in on the protesting."We were unsure if the signs were allowed at the game, but we waited until a timeout was called before handing them to the young male athletes to hold. We had them out for less than a few minutes," she said. "We heard one young man from Sierra College say: Yes, maam! Yes, maam! Then this group of young men asked her if they could also hold some of our signs."We left the game feeling very hopeful that more people are willing to speak out on behalf of these girls and women impacted by males in their sport."Fox News Digital has reached out to Santa Rosa and Sierra College for a response.Santa Rosa previously provided a statement addressing the initial Title IX complaint."Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and employees. The District complies with California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) regulations, which govern student eligibility and participation in our athletic programs," the statement read."We respect the legal privacy rights of all students and cannot discuss individual circumstances. What we can affirm is that SRJC takes all reports seriously and responds through established procedures."Two of the female Santa Rosa athletes that signed the complaint, Madison Shaw and Gracie Shaw, told Fox News Digital about alleged physical harm caused by the trans teammate.INSIDE GAVIN NEWSOM'S TRANSGENDER VOLLEYBALL CRISISMadison alleged, last spring, she saw the trans athlete spike a ball in her teammate's face so hard, that it caused a concussion."It had so much force and so much impact with my teammate's head that it resulted in a concussion, she was out for two weeks of her sophomore year, and she was upset. And obviously, injuries happen, it's inevitable, especially in a contact sport, but this one particularly could have been prevented by not having this male athlete on the team," Madison said."She was telling me how infuriating (it was) because she didn't believe this athlete belonged on our team and now that she's suffering the consequences, it really bothered her. But, a majority of our team, unfortunately, doesn't see it the way we see it. They support the male athlete being on the team."Meanwhile, Gracie alleged she herself was struck in the head by one of the trans athlete's spikes."I myself got hit in the face by this male athlete in practice in August. I was ready, I knew this male athlete was about to hit the ball, and I couldn't move out of the way and the ball spiked me in the face and it was way harder than any other hit that I'd gotten from the other female athletes on our team," Gracie said."It did hurt pretty bad it came at my face so fast I didn't even have time to react."The two women, alongside teammate Brielle Galli, filed their Title IX complaint against the school to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights earlier this month, in consultation with the Independent Council for Women's Sports (ICONS). Their complaint alleged the school administrators retaliated against them when they spoke up, internally, in opposition to letting the trans athlete on the team."We've told our coach, our athletic director and our Title IX coordinator from the get-go that we want to play, we want to be part of this team, but we're not willing to take the court while a male athlete is on the team," Madison said.She added that the school administrators gave her a delayed response as to whether they would honor her request, and declined it. Then, when Madison prepared a speech to tell her teammates that she would stepping away from the team because of the trans athlete, her coach told her she "can't.""Our coach sends me a text saying no, you can not tell the team your reasons for not taking the court, and we really need to respect the male athletes privacy," Madison said.California has become a hotbed of national controversies involving trans athletes, specifically volleyball players, dating back to last year. The state's department of education is already being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for its continued policies that allow biological males to compete in the girls' and women's categories in sports.At the NCAA Division I level, San Jose State University's women's volleyball team faced a controversy involving trans athlete Blaire Fleming last fall, which prompted a federal Title IX investigation into the school after President Donald Trump returned to office earlier this year.At the high school level, a trans athlete for Jurupa Valley High School girls' volleyball team has prompted two other players to step away from the team and file a lawsuit against the school district, while at least four opponents have forfeited games to the team.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A 22-year-old New Hampshire man is facing felony charges after police say he threatened to kill Gov. Kelly Ayotte using a "weapon of mass destruction" and invoking antisemitic and anti-government rhetoric in a series of disturbing online messages, court records show.Tristan Alexander Anderson, of Merrimack County, was arrested on Aug. 28 after Pembroke police received a report that Anderson had made threats against Ayotte, a Republican, via Snapchat. Anderson's roommate shared the messages with her ex-boyfriend, who contacted police, according to a probable cause statement.In one of the messages, Anderson wrote, "Im going to target the NH Mayor Kelly ayott. With my weapon of mass destruction," according to the document.RESEARCHERS WARN OF RISING 'ASSASSINATION CULTURE' AFTER MURDERS OF CHARLIE KIRK, BRIAN THOMPSONAuthorities said Anderson continued his tirade with references to the "Israel Deep State" and claimed he was "going insane."Another message reportedly read: "These Jew feds need to f------ die."COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CHARLIE KIRKAccording to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Anderson's roommate told New Hampshire State Police that he not only made violent threats but had access to firearms and bombmaking materials, including metal pipes, nuts and bolts.The roommate provided screenshots of messages and claimed Anderson spoke about making pipe bombs, raising fears he could carry out an attack. Police arrested him later that day under a felony warrant.PENNSYLVANIA MAN CHARGED FOR ALLEGEDLY THREATENING TO KILL TRUMP BEFORE HE TOOK OFFICEProsecutors allege Anderson knowingly threatened to harm or kill Ayotte as retaliation for her role in public office. He is charged with criminal threatening and harm or threats to certain government officials.Anderson is being held without bail as he waits for his next court date, which is a dispositional conference set for Nov. 20.Jesse O'Neill, a former criminal prosecutor, told WMUR 9 that depending on how the case develops, prosecutors could likely push for additional charges as the case moves into the indictment phase.FEDERAL AUTHORITIES ARREST OHIO MAN FOR ALLEGEDLY THREATENING TO MURDER ICE AGENTS"I think it's going to be important to watch as additional information about this case comes to light," O'Neill told the outlet.Fox News Digital reached out to Ayotte's office and Anderson's lawyer for comment.The arrest comes amid heightened concerns about political violence nationwide, including the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The founder of Turning Point USA was killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, had become "radicalized" as he lurched left and became more political, according to his family members.On Wednesday, Ayotte addressed concerns about the safety of public officials, according to the Concord Monitor, mentioning that discussions are underway between state legislators and law enforcement regarding the security needs of elected officials.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPAyotte also noted that any significant changes, such as increased security or restricted access, would require action by the Legislature, which has jurisdiction over the building.Chris Vetter, who oversees Safety Services at the State House, told the Monitor that his team has not been informed of any specific threats targeting lawmakers or staff.

Democrat Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is under fire after posing for a picture alongside a Chicago-area resident involved in the city's "peacekeeper" program, who just days later was charged in a fatal crash-and-grab robbery that resulted in the death of a soon-to-be father.Pritzker's office confirmed to Fox News that it removed a photo within an official government press release of the governor and the man donning a "peacekeepers program" vest, identified as Kellen McMiller, who was charged last week in connection with the deadly burglary. The photo with Pitzker was taken as part of a week-long initiative where the governor traveled to various locations around Chicago to meet with different community leaders, such as school administrators, community violence interventionists, and local business leaders.Meanwhile, court records showed that at the time McMiller posed with his photo next to Illinois' highest ranking official, he had four outstanding arrest warrants, the Chicago-Sun Times reported.PRITZKER URGED TO AVOID PLAYING POLITICS ON CRIME ISSUE BY FORMER OBAMA ADVISORIn response to the photo faux-pas, Pritzker's office put out a statement indicating they were "extremely troubled" to learn of McMiller's arrest and his alleged involvement in a fatal robbery. "The Governor meets hundreds of people in communities every week and is often asked to take photos," a Pritzker spokesperson said in a statement shared with the media. "We were extremely troubled to learn that this individual was arrested for his alleged involvement in this serious crime, and we expect them to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The Governor will keep doing everything in his power to fight crime, keep our neighborhoods safe, and support community violence intervention, which have been proven to work. For example, the Peacekeepers Program has a strong track record reducing violent crimeby 41% over the past two yearsand providing community members with a path towards rehabilitation." McMiller, who is 35-years-old, was charged with murder, burglary and retail theft alongside six co-defendants for a Sept. 11 crash-and-grab theft at a Louis Vuitton store along Chicago's Miracle Mile. The photo with Pritzker took place six days prior, during an event highlighting the city's "peacekeepers" who work in community violence prevention to help reduce the ongoing violent crime in Chicago. McMiller wore the groups uniform as he stood next to the governor.ICE RIPS PRITZKER FOR SIDING WITH CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIEN AFTER OFFICER DRAGGED, SUSPECT SHOT DEADProsecutors alleged that McMiller was part of a team that smashed a pickup truck into the Louis Vuitton store, stealing nearly $700,000 in merchandise. As police arrived, one of the getaway cars slammed into another vehicle that was driven by 40-year-old Mark Aceta.Aceta was subsequently killed in the crash, which occurred one day before his girlfriend gave birth to their son.This incident with Pritzker comes as he and President Donald Trump continue to spar over whether the federal government should deploy National Guard troops into Chicago to help quell the city's violent crime. However, Pritzker has argued back that there is no crime emergency going on in Chicago that would call for federal troops to intervene.Still, the president has threatened to send the National Guard even if Pritzker tries to stop him."If Pritzker was smart, he would say, 'Please come in,'" Trump told reporters earlier this week. "If they lose less than six or seven people a week with murder, they're doing a great job in their opinion. Chicago is a death trap, and I'm going to make it just like I did with D.C., just like I'll do with Memphis."

The Pentagon is pushing back hard against an NBC News report alleging military leaders were weighing a new recruitment drive connected to the legacy of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson told Fox News Digital the report was "100% wrong," blasting NBC for "publishing false claims based on anonymous sources.""This is not happening, yet Fake News NBC published this report as if it were true using anonymous sources with no knowledge of what the recruitment task force at DOW is working on," Wilson said.The Pentagon also released the original statement it gave NBC, in which Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell accused the media of inventing lies about recruitment efforts in an attempt to undermine the administration.PENTAGON SPEECH CRACKDOWN ON ANTI-KIRK POSTS ECHOES 2021 DRIVE AGAINST RIGHT-WING EXTREMISM"The media is so desperate to attack this administrations success that they are now inventing lies," Parnell said. "Under the strong leadership of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, men and women are coming out in droves to serve this great nation."NBCs article, written by reporter Courtney Kube, cited two unnamed officials who claimed Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata was leading discussions on a recruitment campaign framed as a national "call to service."CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN'S MOTIVES REMAIN 'ELUSIVE,' CBS NEWS ANCHOR CLAIMSAccording to NBC, potential slogans included: "Charlie has awakened a generation of warriors." The report also claimed Turning Point USA chapters might be tapped as recruitment hubs.The outlet noted that some officials allegedly warned such an effort could be viewed as "exploiting" Kirks assassination.Fox News has reached out to NBC News for comment on the Pentagons denial. NBC News did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPCharlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated earlier this month.His casket was flown aboard Air Force Two to Arizona, where President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and other senior officials are scheduled to attend his memorial service.

Christian apologist and author Frank Turek was just feet away when Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University. In a new podcast episode, he recounted the Sept. 10 shooting and the frantic rush to the hospital where doctors pronounced the 31-year-old dead.Kirk first reached out to Turek years ago for mentorship in Christian apologetics, Turek said in the podcast titled "The Greatness of Charlie Kirk: An Eyewitness Account of His Life and Martyrdom."Their relationship blossomed, with Turek saying he came to consider Kirk a son.On the morning of the event, Turek joined Kirk's team on the car ride to Utah Valley University, discussing potential student questions and fine-tuning answers.UTAH STUDENTS LIFT VOICES IN PRAYER AT VIGIL FOR CHARLIE KIRKS CHRISTIAN LEGACY: 'FELT CALLED BY GOD'After making a quick stop to speak to a local entrepreneur group, the team arrived at the outdoor venue and Kirk began taking photos with supporters and tossing hats into the large, energetic crowd.Though Turek told Kirk he was concerned about the large number of nearby buildings and the safety risk they could pose, he said Kirk seemed confident in his private security and the local police detail.Eager to share the excitement, Turek FaceTimed family members as he stood about 30 feet to Kirk's right. He explained that during a question about transgender violence, he heard a single shot and watched as Kirk fell backward."Im still on the phone, and my daughter-in-law told me these were the first words out of my mouth, No, no, no, no, no. If your son got hit, what would you do I got in the car because if there was any way I could save him, I had to do something."Turek and the security team jumped into the SUV that they used to travel to the event, and sped to the hospital while performing CPR and reciting prayers."And Charlie's so tall, we can't close the door," he said. "We drove four miles all the way to the hospital with the door open."Turek said he kept yelling: "Come on, Charlie! Come on! Come on!"CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING DETAILS ATTACK, MANHUNT FOR SUSPECTTurek said as they frantically raced to the hospital he realized Kirk was gone."Charlie wasnt there," Turek said through tears. "His eyes were fixed. He wasn't looking at me, he was looking past me right into eternity. He was with Jesus already. He was killed instantly and felt absolutely no pain."Turek said despite their best efforts, there was nothing they could do to save Kirk."If that's any comfort at all, Charlie didn't suffer," he said. "He was gone. He was with Jesus. Absent from the body present with the Lord. That's where he was."Doctors briefly restored Kirk's pulse at the hospital, but a surgeon pronounced Kirk dead within half an hour, according to Turek.Hospital staff described Kirk's injuries as "catastrophic," he said.ANTI-TRUMP VOICES PRAISE CHARLIE KIRK'S LEGACY AFTER ASSASSINATION, SAY HE WAS DOING POLITICS 'THE RIGHT WAY'The Turning Point USA team immediately contacted Kirk's wife, Erika, and sent a plane to get her, Turek said. They also called Vice President JD Vance.When Erika arrived at the hospital, Turek said she vowed to continue his legacy, even taking a moment to reassure him amid her own anguish."She said, He loved you, and he was doing what he wanted to do," Turek said. "Then we just held one another, and she expressed that she wanted to keep Charlie's legacy going. That woman is not going to be denied. If this assassin thought that he was going to end Charlie's legacy, he just poured gasoline on it and Erika is going to lead the charge."WATCH: CLICK HERE FOR FULL PODCAST EPISODEThe group did not have access to the SUV they traveled in, or their personal items, due to an initial police investigation. However, when the vehicle was cleared, Turek said Erika asked for her husband's cross necklace, which went missing during the rush.Turek found the cross draped over his own computer bag, which Kirk was lying on as the team drove him to the hospital.Erika would later hold up the necklace in a heartbreaking photo taken as she escorted his body to a chapel in Arizona.Throughout the podcast episode, Turek described Kirk as a fearless, relentlessly Christ-centered leader.He highlighted Kirk's humility, discipline, and devotion to family, pushing back on critics who he said "twisted" some of Kirks more controversial remarks.Turek added, in one of his final texts the day before he was killed, Kirk sent him the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 16:9: "A wide door for effective work has opened up to me, and there are many adversaries."

Fox Nation will premiere two specials honoring Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk following his assassination last week.The first special, "Charlie Kirk: The Last Interview," will debut on Friday and feature never-before-seen footage of Kirk in his final interview recorded the morning he was killed during a campus event at Utah Valley University."The Last Interview," filmed at the "Restaurantology" summit in Salt Lake City, Utah, will show Kirk speaking with Andrew K. Smith, managing partner of Savory Fund, where Kirk discusses entrepreneurship, the growth of Turning Point USA, his leadership philosophy and creating a lasting movement.'CHARMING, EARNEST, TRUSTED': CHARLIE KIRK'S COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS REFLECT ON AN EXTRAORDINARY AMERICAN LIFEThe special will give viewers a look at some of Kirks final reflections in the hours before he was killed, including his ambitions, advice to fellow entrepreneurs and what his vision was for the future."The Last Interview" will premiere exclusively on Fox Nation before airing on the Fox News Channel on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET with an encore presentation on Sunday at 11 p.m. ET.Along with "The Last Interview," Fox Nation will air "Charlie Kirk: In His Own Words," a 2018 interview with Kirk on the founding of Turning Point USA, what shaped his worldview and his perspective of what it means to be a conservative in America.FOX NEWS PERSONALITIES OFFER EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES TO CHARLIE KIRK: 'HE LOVED AMERICA SO MUCH'Fox News Channel previously aired the primetime special "Charlie Kirk: An American Original" on Sept. 13, a one-hour program reflecting on Kirks extraordinary impact as a conservative thought leader, gifted communicator and monumental force for the MAGA movement.ERIKA KIRK DELIVERS MOVING TRIBUTE TO HUSBAND, CHARLIE: 'I WILL NEVER LET YOUR LEGACY DIE'The special featured guests such as Donald Trump Jr.,"My View"host Lara Trump, Graham Allen, OutKicks Riley Gaines and Pastor Jack Hibbs, along with Fox News personalities Jesse Watters, Lisa Boothe, Will Cain, Laura Ingraham, Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt, Lawrence Jonesand Jason Chaffetz, who was on location in Utah during Kirks assassination.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPKirk was a frequent guest on Fox News programs. His last television appearance was on "The Will Cain Show" on Sept. 9, and he also served as a guest co-host on "FOX & Friends Weekend" in July.

FIRST ON FOX: Shortly after announcing a strategy to go after deceptive direct-to-consumer advertising by the pharmaceutical industry, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services released a parody video of a drug advertisement, a pointed way of emphasizing the fact that the United States is largely unique in allowing drug ads."Tired of endless drug ads promising quick fixes but leaving you sicker than you were before? That can change today. Ask your doctor about MAHA," the parody commercial begins, referring to Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative."MAHA may cause healthier living, fewer chronic diseases and lower drug costs," the video's narrator continues. "Some Americans reported more time spent with family instead of at the pharmacy. Other side effects may include healthier children, a stronger nation, more transparency in healthcare, honest advertising and accountability from Big Pharma."The drug advertisement parody comes after Kennedy and HHS laid out their plans to target direct-to-consumer drug advertising something that isn't widely allowed outside the United States in a new children's health strategy released earlier this month.JILLIAN MICHAELS HAMMERS NY TIMES FOR 'BLATANT HIT PIECE' PORTRAYING HER AS DANGEROUS CONSPIRACY THEORISTThe strategy said it will ramp up enforcement of current prescription drug advertising laws, with a priority on "egregious violations demonstrating harm from current practices." The strategy noted these violations could include the dissemination of "risk information and quality of life through misleading and deceptive advertising on social media and digital platforms."The strategy to go after direct-to-consumer drug ads will also include interagency cooperation to explore the development of potential new industry guidelines that limit direct-to-consumer advertising for certain "unhealthy foods" to children. These efforts include "evaluating the use of misleading claims and imagery," the MAHA children's strategy stated.Kennedy said alongside the release of HHS's parody advertisement that the Trump administration plans to begin holding the pharmaceutical industry accountable for not sharing full safety information in drug ads on television, radio and beyond.WHY TRUMP BROKE WITH RFK TO DEFEND THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINES"No more hiding vital information in small print or pushing it off to a website or a 1-800 number," Kennedy said in a video released in conjunction with the parody advertisement. He also noted that regulators have been letting pharmaceutical manufacturers avoid providing complete warnings in their marketing materials.Kennedy said in the accompanying video that, in the past, regulators let companies mention a vague "major statement" of risk that required consumers to go elsewhere for important details about the drug. The secretary said this "loophole" opened the door to a "tsunami" of misleading advertisements."Drug ads drove up prescription drug costs and distorted doctor-patient conversations. Patients saw glossy ads and often asked for new medications," Kennedy continued. "Big Pharmas marketing hooked the country on prescription drugs. We're taking action to end that practice."