NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Episode Date: July 24, 2025

WSJ: Trump was told he’s named in Epstein files; Families of Idaho victims confront killer; Man indicted for planting homemade bombs in Manhattan; and more on tonight's broadcast.

Tonight, the Epstein Files bombshell, a new report by the Wall Street Journal revealing the DOJ told President Trump months ago that his name is in the unreleased Epstein Files. The Attorney General, Pam Bondi, tonight doubling down, saying nothing in the files warrants further investigation. And this just in, congressional lawmakers setting a date to depose Ghislaine Maxwell in person. Also breaking tonight, we'll take you inside the Idaho courtroom and that gut wrenching testimony.

Friends and family of Brian Koberger's victims addressing the convicted killer directly, sharing heroin impact statements, one surviving roommate from that brutal night speaking publicly for the first time. The chilling plot to bomb New York City, homemade explosive devices found in one of Manhattan's busiest neighborhoods.

The Jacksonville man punched during a traffic stop speaking out for the first time after his video went viral. What he told me about the moment, police punched him in the face. The high profile apology from one of the biggest names in sports, months after this Ole Miss college student spoke exclusively to us on camera about a vicious and false rumor that changed her life forever. A doctor charged in Matthew Perry's shocking 2023 overdose death pleading guilty to charges. Shocking and tragic moments in Italy, a small plane

nose diving down onto a busy highway. And our good news tonight, the seventh grade kidcaster, the moment he got his big break, then taking over the Mets broadcast booth, calling the game alongside baseball legends. Nightly news starts right now. This is NBC nightly news with Tom Yama. And good evening. A bombshell new report from the Wall Street Journal reveals that President Trump's name appears in the unreleased Epstein files multiple times and that the DOJ told the president

this months ago. Senior administration officials telling the Wall Street Journal that Trump is among many other high-profile names listed. It comes as archived images obtained by CNN show Jeffrey Epstein at President Trump's 1993 wedding to Marla Maples and show the two together in 1999 at a fashion show, which the White House is calling, quote, out of context. A name in the files is not in itself an indication of any type of wrongdoing. And tonight, Attorney General Pam Bondi repeated that, quote, nothing in the files warranted

further investigation or prosecution. But questions about the Epstein files are only growing with Congress setting a date now to depose Epstein's longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. We start tonight with Kelly O'Donnell at the White House. Tonight a new report that President Trump is named in the Epstein files and the Wall Street Journal states that he was briefed in May by the Attorney General, Pam Bondi, that his name appeared multiple times according to senior administration officials. The Journal writes the files contained what officials felt was unverified hearsay about

many people, including Trump, who had socialized with Epstein in the past, saying Trump was told many other high-profile figures were also named. Tonight, neither the White House nor the Justice Department would respond specifically to whether the president's name is included. But a DOJ official points out a mention of anyone would not necessarily suggest wrongdoing. Further, the Attorney General Pam Bondi did release a statement. Nothing in the files warranted further investigation or

prosecution. As part of our routine briefing, we made the president aware of the findings. Asked by reporters last week if the Attorney General told him his name is in the files, the president denied it. Did she tell you at all that your name appeared in the file? No, no. She's given us just a very quick briefing and in terms of the credibility of the different things that they've seen. President Trump has said he had a falling out with Epstein two decades ago. The White House says the president kicked him out of his club for being a creep, dismissing the new report as fake news.

In a separate update, a blow to the president's call to unseal secret grand jury testimony in the Epstein case, a push made by the DOJ after pressure, including the president's MAGA base. A federal judge in Florida denied the request, stating the government failed to meet any of the rare exceptions for disclosure allowed under the law. All right, Kellie joins us now live.

Kellie, you also have new information about efforts to get more information from convicted Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. There are two different efforts to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, who's serving 20 years in prison, for her role in trafficking underage girls. to the White House. We'll have more on that in a minute. Thank you. And now let's talk about the White House's former lawmaker, Nicholas Galen Maxwell.

There are two different efforts to interview Galen Maxwell, who's serving 20 years in prison, for her role in trafficking underage girls. The White House says the DOJ expects to meet with

Maxwell very soon, and the House Oversight Committee plans to subpoena Maxwell for a deposition August 11th. Maxwell's attorney says she is considering whether she will answer questions or

take the fifth. Tom? Okay, Kelly O'Donnell leading us off tonight Now to those powerful and emotional moments in an Idaho courtroom as the family and friends of four University of Idaho Students face the man who pleaded guilty to murdering them. Here's Liz Kreutz Tonight a gut-wrenching day in court Why did I get to live and not them? gut wrenching day in court. Why did I get to live and not them? As family members and friends of the four University of Idaho students

brutally murdered in their off-campus home three years ago. You're a joke, complete joke. Face convicted killer Brian Koberger directly ahead of his sentencing. There are the panic attacks, the guy that slam into me like a tsunami out of nowhere. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't think.

I can't stop shaking. One of the victims surviving roommates, Dylan Mortenson, who saw Koberger in the house that night speaking publicly for the first time. He is a hollow vessel, something less than human, a body without empathy, without remorse. Coburger expressionless throughout his sentencing hearing as grieving loved ones read emotional victim impact statements. Today we are here to prove to the world that you picked the wrong families. The father of Kaylee Gonzalez even turning the podium to face his daughter's murderer

head on. The world's watching because of the kids, not because of you. Nobody cares about you. You're not worth the time, the effort to be remembered. Later, he spoke outside. When I was looking at him, we had a stare down and he's just filled with demons. In court, Koberger not flinching as Kayleelee sister taunted the former criminology Ph.D. student. The truth is as dumb as they come

stupid clumsy slow sloppy week dirty. I see through you. You want the truth. Here's the one you'll hate the most you had attacked them in their sleep, in the middle of the night, like a pedophile, Kaylee would have kicked your ass.

The courtroom at times erupting in applause, including for Zana Curnodle's stepfather. You took our children. You are going to suffer, man. I'm shaking so I want to reach out to you but I just I hope you feel my energy okay. Go to hell. The plea deal was controversial among the victims families some wanting a trial with a potential death penalty and the chance they might get more answers. Xana Cronotl's and with a surprising message for the

killer. Ryan. I'm here today to tell you I have forgiven you because I no longer could live with that hate in my heart. Coburger only breaking his silence once when asked by the judge if he'd like to make a statement for sentencing. I respectfully decline.

The judge laying into Cob or for his silence and lack of remorse throughout the case calling him a faceless coward before handing him down for consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole. The time is now come to end Mr. Coburgers 15 minutes of fame. But perhaps the most poignant moments today, the tributes to the four young lives that were stolen. Kaley Gonzalez, Madison, Mogan, to the four young lives that were stolen. Kaylee Gonzales, Madison Mogan, Ethan Chapin, and Zana Kernodle.

Because of him, for a beautiful, genuine, compassionate people, were taken from this world for no reason. He took away how they made everyone feel safe, loved, and full of joy. He took away the ability for me to tell him that I love him and I'm so proud of them. Emotions running so high there in court. Liz joins us now live. Liz, you were inside that courtroom and you noticed something about Koberger? Yeah, Tom, it was just striking to watch Brian Coburger sitting there emotionless while even his own mother was there sobbing, at times the judge even welling up, along with several

of the family members of the victims. But Coburger showed no indication of remorse as he was escorted out of that courtroom to begin life in a maximum security prison. Tom? All right, Liz Kreutz for us. Now to that foiled plot of a would-be bomber right here in New York City. The man who authorities say was placing homemade bombs on rooftops in downtown Manhattan, Stephanie Gossk has more.

Michael Gann's goal was to blow up multiple homemade bombs in Manhattan, according to federal prosecutors. The 55-year-old, who was arrested in June, was indicted Tuesday on three explosives-related charges. Authorities say he made at least seven improvised devices and brought them from Long Island to New York City. The NYPD says Gann had not been on their radar until receiving a tip. So this was a matter of hours, and important for the public to know that we follow leads not only thoroughly but incredibly quickly wherever we need to take them in order to keep the public safe. The bombs, according to the indictment, made with chemicals and components bought online,

including 200 cardboard tubes and 50 feet of fuses. One of the IEDs contained 30 grams of explosive powder which is approximately 600 times the legal limit for consumer fireworks. The indictment alleges Gann tossed one of the IEDs onto the subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge and stored five of the homemade bombs along with four shotgun shells in New York City's Soho neighborhood on multiple apartment rooftops. One of those rooftops is right here, a place where people live, work, where tourists come to shop.

It is chilling to imagine what may have happened if Gann had followed through with this alleged plot. We're still working to discern the intent. Authorities do not specifically say what Gann's motive was, but included this social media post in the indictment. Tagging President Trump, it reads in part, here in New York City, it's too bad the wall wasn't built. They seem to be coming and coming.

Gann has not entered a plea and his attorney would not comment on the case. Stephanie joins us live now. Stephanie, what else do we know about that suspect's background? Tom, he has a long rap sheet according to the criminal complaint, including 30 arrests. 12 of those were felony arrests and according to his neighbors and authorities, he has a history of mental illness. Tom? All right, Stephanie Gosper. Stephanie, thank you. We turn to the severe weather now. 135 million people are under dangerous heat alerts tonight with a huge swath of the country from the Midwest.

You see it all the way to the South and even the Northeast facing scorching temperatures. Buffalo and Syracuse get hit hard tomorrow and for Hartford and New York City, it'll be our turn on Friday. Also tonight, three police officers have been shot in Ohio. Authorities say two officers were parked

and having lunch when a suspect randomly shot at them. A third officer was shot when he responded to calls for help. Two of the officers were airlifted to the hospital and are undergoing treatment right now. The suspect was shot and killed at the scene, that according to police. The young man at the center of a viral video

showing him being punched in the face by a Jacksonville, Florida law enforcement officer is speaking out for the first time today, Marissa par has a story. I think I was a bit. He called the by the court. For the first time since this video of a Florida traffic stop turned violent captured the nation's attention the man at the center of it talking publicly about that

day. I just really wanted to know you know I was getting pulled over and I needed to step out the car and I know I didn't do nothing wrong. It is just here. The driver 22 year-old William McNeil Jr. posted this video of the February incident already in progress, recorded when Jacksonville officers pulled him over, according to the

arrest report in part because his headlights were off in the rain. Bodycam video released by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Department shows McNeil received several warnings. Open the door and exit or we are going to break the window. Foreign officer broke his window and punched McNeil in the face. Exit the vehicle! What he exhibited was a 21st century Rosa Parks moment. Now represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump,

Neal pled guilty to resisting an officer in driving with a suspended license. He can be seen in his booking photo with a bloody lower lip his family today demanding justice. And you need to tell me that also. The officer in question Donald Bowers had 5 previous complaints according to police records 3 of them were

substantiated resulting in either counseling or reprimand our statement in the arrest report says quote the suspect was reaching for the floorboard of the vehicle where a large knife was sitting today, McNeil spoke with Tom about that allegation. I'm never sure. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says officer powers has been stripped of his law enforcement authority of the department conducts an internal review.

For Separa and BC News. And for more of my interview with William McNeil Jr., tune in to Top Story following nightly tonight. Okay, we're going to be right back. The stunning apology from a high-profile sports host over a story we brought you months ago about an Ole Miss student and a shocking viral rumor. What Pat McAfee said and the family's reaction after this. We are back down with a story we first brought you a few months ago.

In April, I sat down exclusively with an Ole Miss freshman caught in a vicious and false online rumor. And now a public apology from a high-profile sports host. I deeply regret the pain that was caused nearly 5 months after first talking about a viral Internet rumor on his show ESPN host Pat McAfee finally making a public apology. I have since learned that the story was not true and that my

show played a role in the anguish caused to a great family and especially to a young woman. Back in February Mary Kate cornet that Cornette, then a college freshman, found herself at the center of that false rumor, which claimed an old Miss Sorority sister slept with her boyfriend's father. Her name and picture were attached to it. In April, I sat down with Cornette exclusively,

where she told us about her nightmare ordeal, including her phone number shared publicly. I was having thousands of calls come through, thousands of texts coming through, calling me a whore, calling me a slut, telling me I deserve to die. All because of an internet rumor. All because of an internet rumor that has zero truth to it. Zero. This is what is being reported by everybody on the internet.

McAfee later discussed the rumor with his millions of viewers though he didn't use her name. Cornett says she hit rock bottom when she realized her name would forever be linked to the rumor spread online. It's awful it's awful. Having your life ruined by people who have no idea who you are the worst feeling in the world today McAfee told his audience He met with Mary Kate and her family to apologize Admitting he repeated a story based solely on what others were saying online

As a girl dad I also was very thankful for the opportunity to let mr. Cornett know that I was wildly regretful for the part that our show, our program played in his daughter, Mary Kate's pain. Tonight, Cornett's father, Justin, telling me the meeting did happen, also writing, it was

refreshing to stand by Mary Kate's side and see a man that made a mistake, look her in the eyes and apologize with sincerity. I also asked that father if they reached a financial settlement. He told me, quote,

the matter was settled to each party's satisfaction. We're back in a moment with tragic and shocking video of a deadly plane crash in the middle of a highway. Plus, Matthew Perry's doctor pleading guilty to charges stemming from the actor's accidental overdose. That's next. We're back now with some shocking and tragic surveillance videos showing the moment a small plane crashes and explodes on a highway in Italy.

The plane appearing to fall out of the sky. Local media is reporting that the two passengers onboard were killed and that a car and van on the ground were grazed by the plane. It is not clear what caused that crash. Also tonight, a doctor charged in connection with Matthew Perry's shocking 2023 overdose death pleaded guilty to drug related charges today. It's part of a series of cases targeting those who supplied the friend's actor with

ketamine. Dr. Salvador Placencia has said he is profoundly remorseful. He's scheduled to be sentenced in December. All right, when we come back tonight, the dream come true for a local kid caster who's giving the pros a run for their money. Stay tuned. Finally, there's good news tonight for a 12 year old Mets mega fan. The moment he was told he would join the broadcast booth and have the chance to call the game. Sam Brock caught up with him right after his big break.

He does see me and I'm walking down. If a child saw his dreams come true. Hey Antonio, what's up man? Oh my God, he knows my name. I do know your name, you wanna know why? It might look something like this. Would you like to be the kid caster with Gary, Keith and Ron on July 22nd?

I would love to, really absolutely the heart melting moments landing 12 year-old Antonio Veneziano from Beth Page New York in the booth with a trio of Mets legends. It's a dance. That kid caster audition tape. that kid caster audition tape. He smacks this one right center field. Deliver with his signature line. Audio signora, ciao baby.

Your Amazon package has arrived. Special delivery to the seats. Now it's a home run for the Mets and this lifelong fan. What was that sensation like when he asked you if you wanted to be a kid caster? Definitely a blast of emotions. You know that I would be able to make my mark in SNY Met's history. It's just life changing.

And he's out! Before he was calling plays at Citi Field and partying with Mr. and Mrs. Met. Antonio is basking in the afterglow. The rising seventh grader got his feet wet in middle school broadcasting. 25. Your resume for lead anchor just got a lot stronger. I think yeah, I think it definitely boost me up in the rankings his message to kids everywhere is bigger than

baseball go for that role like try out for that you never know I love to Sam Brock NBC News New York. I would love to. Sam Brock, NBC News, New York. Antonio Veneziano, all right, remember that name. That's Nightly News for this Wednesday. I'm Tom Yama. Thanks so much for watching. Tonight and always, we're here for you.

Good night. Thank you so much. Did you have fun? Yeah, Mets scoreless through four. Were you nervous? I was. I was. I was.

I was. I was. I was. I was. I was. I was.