Table of contents
• Deadly Shooting at Dallas ICE Facility • Political Rhetoric and the Cycle of Division • Jimmy Kimmel's Return • Tylenol Use During Pregnancy • President Trump's UN SpeechDeadly Shooting at Dallas ICE Facility
Ben Shapiro opens by detailing a tragic incident in Dallas where a sniper attacked an ICE detention center, killing two migrants and injuring several others before taking his own life. The shooter, Joshua John, a 29-year-old Texan, reportedly fired from an elevated position on the roof adjacent to the facility, targeting ICE agents and collateral victims inside a transport van. Shapiro highlights the grim symbolism uncovered at the scene, including bullet casings engraved with "anti-ICE," which strongly indicated an ideological left-wing motive behind the attack. The FBI, led by Cash Patel, affirmed the ideological underpinnings as part of their ongoing investigation.
This shooting, according to Shapiro, is part of a distressing pattern of escalated violence against ICE personnel and facilities nationwide over the past year. He recounts prior attacks, including a violent assault on a Texas ICE detention center on July 4th, where armed militants shot a law enforcement officer, and other incidents in Washington state and Los Angeles. Texas Governor Greg Abbott characterized the Dallas shooting as an attempted assassination of ICE officers and expressed deep concern about a skyrocketing number of assaults on law enforcement, particularly related to immigration enforcement, noting a 1,000 percent increase over recent times.
Shapiro critiques the inflammatory rhetoric from prominent Democrats and media figures who demonize ICE agents by comparing them to Nazis or slave patrols, citing examples such as Governor Gavin Newsom, NPR's Maria Hinojosa, and Representative Jasmine Crockett. This kind of rhetoric, Shapiro warns, creates "permission structures" that embolden fringe actors to commit violence against law enforcement under the guise of political activism. He stresses that while he does not directly blame specific politicians for acts of violence, repeated dehumanizing language substantially raises the risk of such outcomes.
Jenny Taylor, the Daily Wire's immigration reporter and guest on the show, provides insights into the shooter's background. She confirms his Texas origin, lack of stable employment at the time, and that his mother expressed anti-gun-rights sentiments online. Taylor affirms that although initial findings highlight clear ideological motives given the "anti-ICE" bullet casings, the shooter's brother disputes any overt political intent, pointing to potential mental health issues. Still, she situates the event within a broader milieu of escalating left-wing violence targeting conservative figures and law enforcement, referencing the assassination of Charlie Kirk and multiple attacks over the summer months.
Political Rhetoric and the Cycle of Division
Ben Shapiro expands on the underlying political climate fueling division and violence in the United States. He points to prevailing national polls that show Americans increasingly believe their political opponents are enemies, a perception deeply polarized and layered with moral condemnation particularly on the left against conservatives. This dynamic has intensified since about 2013-2014, worsening the chances of bipartisan dialogue and contributing to widespread mistrust.
Shapiro argues that the left has for years treated conservatives as existential threats, pushing them toward fringe rhetoric which ultimately normalizes hostility. He highlights how political leaders such as Gavin Newsom exacerbate tensions by painting scenarios that border on dystopian — for example, Newsom's warnings about "Putin-style" elections and dystopic notions of the republic ending if Republicans win federal power. Shapiro asserts this kind of hyperbolic language is disingenuous, designed for political theater but dangerously potent in its real-world consequences.
He also describes incidents of escalating conflict on college campuses, such as a near-riot at Tennessee State University sparked by a debate on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics, showcasing how ideological disputes spill into aggressive behavior and physical threats, underscoring the deep fractures in American society.
Jimmy Kimmel's Return
Transitioning to media and culture, Shapiro covers the recent controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's temporary suspension from airwaves by several major affiliates, including NextStar and Sinclair, after politically charged segments. Kimmel had controversially appeared to accuse MAGA supporters of indirectly fostering violence such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Although public outrage from the left decried his suspension as a threat to free speech, Shapiro enters a nuanced critique—expressing distaste for Kimmel's rhetoric but opposing government interference in broadcast media.
Kimmel's return was marked by a partial apology and praise for Erica Kirk's forgiveness of her husband's assassin, reflecting moments of grace amid political turmoil. Shapiro applauds conservative figures who defended Kimmel's right to speech despite political disagreements, including himself, though he remains skeptical about the motives and legitimacy of Kimmel's audience recovery.
He also notes the broader implications of FCC involvement and political censorship pressures, highlighting investigations into government pressure on platforms like Google to remove content. Shapiro warns that mutual distrust intensifies when government agencies are perceived as weaponizing policy against partisan foes, leading to escalating cycles of suppression and retaliation.
Tylenol Use During Pregnancy
Shapiro then shifts to evaluating President Trump's claims that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy might be linked to increased autism risk. Trump's broad statement that "taking Tylenol is not good" during pregnancy was met with caution and disagreement from medical experts, including Dr. Oz and Senate GOP leader John Thune, who emphasize the complexity of the issue.
Shapiro explains that many studies show only a weak correlation at best, often confounded by the underlying illnesses (like fevers) for which Tylenol is taken. Fever itself can pose risks during pregnancy, and there is limited safe medication to manage it. The consensus among health professionals is that occasional, doctor-advised use of acetaminophen remains appropriate, while chronic and prolonged use could be problematic. He stresses that pregnant individuals should follow medical guidance rather than broad-brushed warnings.
The episode highlights expert commentary debunking myths and urging reliance on rigorous scientific evidence over politicized claims, reinforcing that no definitive causal link between Tylenol and autism has been proven.
President Trump's UN Speech
The episode closes on an international note with a report on President Trump's recent speech at the United Nations, which was marked by technical difficulties like a stuck escalator and a frozen teleprompter. Trump used the moment to criticize the UN as ineffective and a failed institution, arguing that it has never lived up to its potential, especially in conflict resolution and peacekeeping. Shapiro agrees, calling the UN a "terrible invention" that has contributed to global dysfunction, given the veto power of nations like China and Russia.
Trump condemned the UN for funding refugee flows into Western countries, accusing it of funding groups hostile to those countries, and warned of the damaging policy decisions in Europe, including mass migration and green energy initiatives that jeopardize energy independence. Shapiro praises Trump's foreign policy approach, highlighting its emphasis on pragmatic responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Trump urged NATO members to take assertive actions to defend their airspace and backed substantial support for Ukraine's defense, reflecting a nuanced but firm stance on the ongoing conflict.