NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Sunday, September 21, 2025

Episode Date: September 22, 2025

Charlie Kirk honored by Trump & Republican leaders at memorial service; Trump puts new pressure on AG Bondi to go after political rivals; England, Canada, Australia recognize Palestinian state in break with U.S.; and more on tonight’s broadcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight, tens of thousands gather to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, nearly two weeks after he was assassinated. President Trump, the vice president, most of the cabinet, joining a stadium of supporters to remember the conservative activist. Charlie, my brother, we love you, we miss you, and we will not let you down. The message from Charlie Kirk's widow, Erica, the reunion between the president and Elon Musk, plus the FBI director's new update on the investigation. Kirk's death also setting off new questions over free speech and the spotlight ahead on the future of Jimmy Kimmel's now suspended show. The new pressure President Trump is putting on his attorney general to take new action against his political rivals and the latest on an undercover investigation involving the Trump administration's borders

are and why it was dropped. A stark division as some of America's closest allies now recognize a Palestinian state just days ahead of a key summit. And what it means, means for the possibility of a Gaza peace deal. Tracking Gabrielle, the storm now strengthening into a hurricane, will tell you where it's headed next. The future of TikTok and late developments today on just who may take it over what it means for millions of users. This season's dilemma for some Buffalo Bills fans to cross the border or not to see their

favorite team play why what's happening in Washington is testing their loyalty. And there is good news tonight about this boy's selfless act. that doctors say saved his father's life. This is NBC Nightly News with Hallie Jackson. Good evening. We begin tonight with the massive memorial service for Charlie Kirk. Tens of thousands of people packing in Arizona Stadium to honor the life of the conservative activist who was assassinated less than two weeks ago in Utah. President Trump speaking right now at an event that is part commemoration and part call to action

with the who's who of the MAGA faithful looking to galvanize a generation of conservatives in Kirk's name. His killing, setting off a series of new questions, and new concerns reverberating tonight well beyond Arizona about the future of free speech in America. We have team coverage tonight, starting with Garrett Hake in Glendale. Garrett, good evening. Halle, good evening. The president took the stage just a few moments ago after a program that included many of the leading voices in the Republican Party, all here to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk.

But the most powerful moment of the day before this crowd of tens of thousands happened just a few minutes ago when Erica Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, told this crowd she forgives the man who killed her husband. Tonight, President Trump closing out a day of prayer and politics at the Arizona Memorial Service for assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk. None of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk and neither now will history. The president's speech following remarks by members of his cabinet and inner circle, including an emotional vice president, J.D. Vance, who was close to the 31-year-old Kirk. I have talked more about Jesus Christ in the past two weeks than I have my entire time in public life.

And that is an undeniable legacy of the great Charlie Kirk. God bless all of you. Kirk's widow Erica, who will succeed her husband as CEO of Turning Point, the conservative youth organization he founded, speaking emotionally about her husband. But I will miss him. I will miss him so much because our marriage and our family were beautiful. I still are. Erica Kirk earlier saying she would not weigh in on whether the government should seek the death penalty for her husband's accused killer,

telling the New York Times, quote, I do not want that man's blood on my ledger. Earlier today, FBI director Cash Patel posting a lengthy, the update on the investigation into alleged shooter Tyler Robinson, promising the FBI is, quote, meticulously investigating theories and questions about the case, including some internet-fueled conspiracy theories. While back in Glendale, tens of thousands of attendees packed State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, many lining up overnight to secure seats amid extensive security measures. Oh, this is amazing. We love Charlie so much. And all the work that he did in this

country we're coming here to appreciate him and and uh you know appreciate what he spoke for and garrett is back with us now inside that stadium and garret as the president speaks behind you there striking and significant to see so many high level government officials there tonight current and former government officials hallie it would probably be easier to name the key republicans who weren't here in attendance tonight but one of the most notable people in the skybox above the arena who did not speak, Elon Musk, the president's former top ally turned adversary. The two as best we know, hadn't spoken or hadn't met in person since they're falling out earlier this spring brought together again by this memorial today for Charlie Kirk.

Halley. Garrett Haig in Arizona, thank you. Kirk's death has sparked a series of questions and in some cases concerns over free speech in this country as the firestorm also intensifies over the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late night show. Here's Dana Griffin. We just have a difference of a worldview. A staunch proponent of free speech, Charlie Kirk openly debated hot-button issues. Go bring 10 libs. You can all have your phones, and you could debate me on all of no notes, and we'll see who wins.

But in the wake of his death, that fundamental right is being challenged. A presidential warning. I would think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr. We're allowed to disagree in this country. Many Americans say they're concerned over perceived pressure by FCC chair Brendan Carr. Senator, do you believe that Brendan Carr's comments were appropriate? Absolutely inappropriate.

I'll fight any attempt by the government to get involved with speech. I will fight. As questions remain over whether ABC will return Jimmy Kimmel to air. After the late-night comedy hosts claimed the suspect may have been part of MAGA. Maga gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them. According to three sources familiar with the federal investigation, There is no evidence connecting the suspect with any left-wing groups. Meanwhile, the Defense Department telling journalists they can no longer gather or report

information, even if unclassified, unless it's been authorized by the government. The debate ramping up frustrations across generations. The country has gone into a terrible discourse, and it needs to stop and turn it up so that we all get along. He had the right to say that, but there are still consequences for your actions. Turning Point USA also weighing in at Charlie's Memorial. We believe free speech is there to protect even ugly speech, vile speech, and there should be no classification for hate speech. Dana Griffin is joining us now, and Dana, as you note, that free speech debate very much in the spotlight at the memorial service behind you.

Absolutely. And many people agree that speech should not be suppressed. Don Jr. even saying that when we disagree with people, we shouldn't silence them, definitely not sink to violence, adding we win with our ideas. Callie? Dana Griffin, live for us in Glendale. Thank you. Also, tonight, new public pressure on the Attorney General after President Trump called on her and the Justice Department to go after his political enemies. Kelly O'Donnell is at the White House. On a day when the president warned his friend Charlie Kirk, Mr. Trump backed away from very public pressure he appeared to exert on the Attorney General this weekend. I think Pam Bondi is going to go down as one of the best Attorney Generals of the ages. Glowing praise after a lengthy post that vented his frustration on the Justice Department that has not prosecuted several named political adversaries. The president wrote, We can't delay any longer.

It's killing our reputation and credibility. And justice must be served now. As today, whether he would fire Pam Bondi for not taking action, the president said no. No, she's doing a great job. But the president's post calling for prosecutions set off alarms in both political parties. This is the path to a dictatorship. We need to get politics out of the judicial system.

This comes amid allegations around Trump borders are, Tom Homan. It's not okay to enter the country league. It's a crime. In an FBI undercover operation last year, Holman accepted $50,000 in cash, after telling agents who posed as businessmen, that he could help with future Trump administration contracts, according to multiple sources and documents reviewed by MSNBC. According to that report, the case stalled after Mr. Trump returned to office. Trump appointees closed the investigation in recent weeks, according to two sources.

The FBI director and deputy AG responded to the report that current officials reviewed the findings. They found no credible evidence of any criminal wrongdoing. and the White House called the investigation blatantly political. Kelly is joining us now from outside the White House, and Kelly, there's also a separate dispute over pressure to prosecute, right? That involves a U.S. attorney in Virginia who resigned Friday. The president said he was fired after declining to prosecute New York's Democratic Attorney General Letitia James.

The president also said he wants one of his former personal attorneys to take over that role long term. Hallie? Kelly O'Donnell at the White House. Thank you. To a major announcement now by some of America's closest allies, officially recognizing a Palestinian state just days ahead of a key United Nations summit. And as our Danielle Hamamjan reports, it's showing the sharp divisions and the support for Israel globally. Britain played a major role in the creation of Israel. Now, it's also backing a Palestinian state. The United Kingdom formally recognizes the state of Palestine. Words the Palestinian envoy to the UK has long waited to hear. This moment carries profound meaning. Around the same time, Canada and Australia also recognized Palestine with France set to follow. The group hoping they can revive negotiations that could finally bring peace to the region.

Two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side. But the move is a break with U.S. policy and has infuriated Benjamin Netanyahu. You are giving a huge reward to terrorism, and I have another message for you, he said, it will not happen. Israeli air strikes on Gaza City leading to desperate scenes like this, with hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes. And some of those added to the death toll had yet to be born. These tiny bodies killed not by airstrikes, but due to the stress of the journey and malnutrition. The conflict still killing the most vulnerable and innocent after nearly two years. Today's recognition will give Palestinians more diplomatic standing, but on the ground, not much will change for now.

Hallie. Danielle Hammamgin in London. Thank you. New reaction tonight to a ban now signed into law by California's Democratic governor. It prohibits law enforcement from wearing masks during operations. And it's in response to federal immigration agents covering their faces during arrests in the state earlier this summer. It's not clear yet how California will enforce the ban, which goes into effect next year. The Trump administration says the masks are necessary because of the harassment immigrants receive. The U.S. attorney for Southern California says agents will continue to protect their identity. To the questions now, over a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas put in place by the Trump administration, a move that set off travel chaos and confusion for some international workers.

Adrian brought us is joining us now with more. Adrian, good evening. Allie workers feared they would be locked out of the U.S. Tech companies like Microsoft and some banks sent memos to their employees advising them not to leave the country. obtained by NBC News shows chaos on an outbound flight from San Francisco to Dubai after the announcement. H-1B visas are temporary work permits that let U.S. companies hire foreign workers and specialty jobs for three to six years. And a post on X, the White House Press Secretary clarified saying this change doesn't impact current visa holders.

And the $100,000 is a one-time fee applying only to new visas, not renewals. Hallie. Adrian brought us. Thank you. Still ahead for us tonight. The future of TikTok, what we're learning about Fox's potential involvement in a major deal and what it could mean for the app's millions of users. Plus, tracking Gabrielle as that storm now strengthens into a hurricane. Back now with some breaking news, Gabrielle, now a category one hurricane gaining strength in the Atlantic. Right now it is east of Bermuda. expected to turn away from that island without making landfall there. Gabrielle is the seventh named storm of the season.

You see the track. Some big changes now in the works for millions of TikTok users with new details on a deal to let the app keep operating in the U.S. with some key changes and the family behind Fox potentially getting involved. Here's Maya Eaglin. Tonight, TikTok users bracing for what's next. I think my biggest fear is just, okay, we all have to migrate to a new app. As the White House outlines what a new U.S. controlled app could look like and who could be involved.

President Trump suggesting the Murdox will have a role. It's really great people, very prominent people, and they're also American patriots. A source familiar tells NBC News that Lachlan Murdoch would not be involved in the TikTok deal individually, but that Fox Corp would serve a role. Murdoch officially took over Fox Corp and News Corp earlier this month. The deal would spin off the popular social media app from Chinese ownership. A U.S. version would. be majority owned and controlled by Americans. And Americans would hold six of the seven board positions.

The U.S. would also control the app's algorithm, curating what content shows up on the feeds of over 170 million users in this country. It is by far the most valuable piece of TikTok. If you've ever been on TikTok, you see how one you can shape it, how it can shape you. How do you think the user experience is going to change if this deal does go through? Well, they keep talking about a new app. A new app could be a little bit of a frustration for some people. TikTok briefly shut down in the U.S. in January over a bipartisan law passed last year by then President Biden, banning the app unless it was sold to an American company. The White House says this deal is expected to be signed with China in the coming days with the clock ticking

to finalize it before a mid-December deadline. My England NBC News. We are back in a moment with the tensions between Canada and the U.S. creating a kind of divide for the Bills Mafia. Next. With the NFL season in full swing, some Buffalo Bills fans say they're struggling to balance their love of the game with pride in their country. As Ryan Noble's discovered, American football may be a bridge too far for some Canadians. Matt Granito is a longtime Bills fan and a lifelong Canadian. This is football. This is where you get away. Those two things have never come into conflict for him. And you're not thinking politics.

at all. No, there's nothing, nothing like that. But this is no ordinary year. Canadians are a proud people. Canadians are sending a message over the Trump administration's decision to institute heavy tariffs and suggest Canada should become America's 51st state.

I think that's really gotten under the skin of Canadians and it's influencing their purchasing decisions. Tourist stops like the Martin House in Buffalo, a Frank Lloyd Wright design property, have seen their Canadian visitor base plummet. We're at 3% Canadian visitation. So that's a huge concern for us.

But the one thing Canada cannot replicate is this, the game day tailgate experience. It is unique to the NFL and specifically to Buffalo. Crossing the border was a tough decision for Lindsay Teal, the mom of a rabid bills fan. I just don't cross the border right now, and I used to go a lot. This is the first time I'm doing it just because they really wanted to come to the game, and I didn't want to miss it with my kids. The western New York metro area is among the smallest in the NFL. But when you include the booming metropolis of Toronto, a three-hour drive from the Bill's stadium,

the potential for Bill's fans explodes. Tim Graham covers the bills for the athletic. They make up 15% of the Bill's season ticket base, roughly. And that's a lot of people, for a small market team especially. Across the border. Hi, how are you? At Manhattan's sports bar in St. Catherine's, Ontario, Bill's Sundays are packed. For three hours a week, the only country you've got to worry about is Bill's country.

These fans love their team, but are paying much closer attention to where their money goes. You've been a lifelong Bill's fan? 51 years. Even when it comes to football. As much as I love the bills and the new stadium and everything, I would never go over. I'd just watch it on TV. Back in New York, it's clear that for fans like Granito, politics and football don't mix. has been so close as countries, right? So, I mean, it's going to get settled one way or the other.

He loves his country, but has already signed up for Bill's season tickets in their new stadium for the next 30 years. Confident, his team will finally win the big one soon. Yeah, Super Bowl would just be the icing on the cake. Ryan Noble's NBC News, Orchard Park, New York. When we come back, there is good news tonight on why this father calls his own son his biggest hero in his battle with cancer. There is good news tonight about a second chance at life and the extra special bond between a father and son.

Ten-year-old Stephen Mondack isn't just a teammate. There you go. For his dad, Nick, he's a workout buddy. And his hero. When Nick suffered a relapse of leukemia back in April, he desperately needed a stem cell donation to save his life. life. No matter how hard he looked, he couldn't find a match. But then, an idea. At what point did you look to your right and think maybe that could be an option?

I'm thinking about my sons. I'm thinking about how much I still want to be around. And it just, it kind of hit me that I'm not ready to go yet. And the doctor came in. I looked at him and said, could a nine-year-old who's 70 pounds donate enough stem cells to save me? Careful not to put pressure on his son, Nick asked and explained the procedure. The answer, Stephen says, obvious. I wanted to make my dad's cancer go away, and if I was sick, I would think he would do the same thing for me. It is so good. I'm so proud of you.

The hospital collected his stem cells. And Nick went through his own procedure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Finally discharged. I got out of the hospital about two hours ago. It's the first time seeing my son in three and a half weeks is number seven. I ended up donating six million stem cells to save my life. And then, an emotional reunion and relief at baseball practice. You're your dad's hero.

What's that like for you? He was really good to save his life. For Nick, who's healing every day, it's the greatest gift of all. I used to hold this kid in my hand 10 years ago. ago. And now he just completely altered the course of my life. What does it mean to you that it was your son who did that? Now, there's that old saying that not all heroes wear capes. Well, mine didn't wear a cape. Mine put out a hospital gown and donated six million stem cells and save my life. Incredible strength and bravery there. That's nightly news for this Sunday. Sunday night football is coming up next with the chiefs taking on

the Giants. Stick around for that. And Tom will be back tomorrow. I'm Hallie Jackson. For all of us here at NBC. Thanks for watching and have a great week.