Top Story with Tom Llamas - Friday, April 25, 2025

Episode Date: April 26, 2025

Tonight's Top Story has the latest breaking news, political headlines, news from overseas and the best NBC News reporting from across the country and around the world.

Tonight, a special edition of Top Story, live from the Vatican, the funeral for Pope Francis now just hours away as the world prepares to say goodbye. The new images tonight, the Pope's casket sealed inside St. Peter's Basilica, a quarter million people waiting in line to pay their final respects. World leaders, including President Trump, arriving in Rome, the security preparations now underway. Also, tonight, the stunning arrest in Milwaukee, FBI agents taking a circuit court judge into custody, accusing her of helping an undocumented immigrant escaped detention. The protest erupting outside the courthouse. Luigi Mangione's plea, the man accused of that brazen CEO killing in Manhattan, pleading not guilty to federal charges, the show of force from Mangione's supporters.

The jury in the murder retrial of Karen Reed visiting the home where her police officer boyfriend was found dead. what they saw there. Former Congressman George Santos sentenced to more than seven years in prison, how he broke down in tears as he spoke in court. The new body cam footage tonight from the arrest of the wife of the Weezer bassist, police confronted at gunpoint ordering her to put down her weapon the dramatic moments before they opened fire. And new number one, the first pick in the NFL draft, quarterback Cam Ward, given the blessing to use his new number by the man that had retired it, NFL legend, Warren Moon. And here at the Vatican, it was a defining moment for Pope Francis, the young boy who worried his father wasn't going to heaven. That boy is telling us how that

moment changed his life. A special edition of Top Story starts right now. Good evening and welcome to this special edition of Top Story reporting from the Vatican. We're now just hours away from the funeral of Pope Francis. capping a week of mourning and remembrance in this building behind me, St. Peter's Basilica. Tonight, church officials holding a solemn ceremony, placing a white cloth over the face of the Pope before sealing his casket. The moment comes after three days of public viewing inside the basilica. Mourners coming from around the world waiting for hours on end just for a few seconds before the casket to pay their respects to the Holy Father. The Vatican tells us tonight over the last

three days, roughly 250,000 people took part in that solemn procession to say goodbye. And moments ago, President Trump, touching down in Rome, arriving to attend the Pope's funeral tomorrow. You see him here alongside the First Lady. And he won't be alone. Fifty world leaders are expected to attend the service, including former President Biden and heads of state from the UK, France, Ukraine, and others. The Vatican estimates a crowd of half a million people will join them. Tonight we are learning more about the security measures in place to protect the massive congregation tomorrow. But we begin tonight right here at the basilica as the world got the chance to see Pope Francis one last time. Tonight the next step in the ritual of saying goodbye to a Pope,

a white silk veil placed over Pope Francis's face, holy water sprinkled on his body, an inner lid marked with a cross, his name, and a coat of arms, and finally, the ceiling of the casket. Before this moment, the Vatican saying over the last three days, 250,000 people have passed through. Outside, the lines so long, tensions were high. This group told it was too late, no more visitors. But then, in the spirit of Pope Francis, those shut out were let in. They ran to line up and say goodbye. Earlier, we witnessed the crowd surge.

Today, on the last day of public viewing, the crowds have exploded in size. They stretch as far as the eye can see behind me. The Vatican estimating half a million people will come to the Pope's funeral tomorrow, including 50 world leaders. President Trump just arrived. And former President Biden, a devout Catholic, will also be there. Pope Francis's pension for simplicity will guide the day. It's something the Archbishop of Philadelphia, Nelson Perez,

says he often saw firsthand, including during a visit where he stayed in the Pope's residence. I went up to get my breakfast, and then standing next to me was the Pope, sticking something in the microwave. And it's like, this is different, right? That's the simplicity of him. He didn't change. He was the Pope, but he didn't change. No, he didn't. Greg Burke, an American, spent five years working closely with Pope Francis, including as his chief spokesman. Today, he said goodbye. If I can ask, what did you pray when you got to see him?

Well, I prayed thanks. Just thanks for being a small part of it. And we've seen so many people who have worked with the Pope make their way here to the Vatican to share that same gratitude that they were able to be part of his mission. I want to bring in now our good friend Molly Hunter because while tomorrow will be a day of celebration and remembrance, it will also be a giant logistical and security operation here in Rome. So, Molly, I know we're expecting hundreds of

thousands of people. That number has swelled from 100,000 one day to 200,000. Now we're at half a million. What do we know about how many people are expected here and what they're doing to make sure that everyone can watch in a safe manner? Yeah, it's going to be a hugely complex security operation. As you say, half a million people are expected 300,000 in the square, about 200,000 and kind of in the periphery. But so part of it is this about crowd control. But the Roman police, the Vatican police, they're very used to kind of major Vatican events.

But the Roman police that I spoke with, we actually went to headquarters. They said, this is extraordinary. So there are cameras all over St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Square, and they describe two layers of security. So the first layer, when people come, there will be bag checks, ID checks,

then metal detectors. There are 4,000 police special forces, Carabini on the ground, doing kind of individual checks, plane-closed police officers as well. Helicopters will be overhead. We heard some today doing aerial surveillance. There will be snipers on rooftops as well.

And there will also be an anti-drone military team deployed. So 200,000 people are going to get bag checks, go through those mags. It's going to take some time. People are going to have to get here early if they're not a VIP. But you do have people like President Trump here, former President Biden. I mean, there's going to be 50 world leaders here. I've got to be honest with you. I've been surprised at times.

I know you've been down there as well of the security. I mean, I know a lot of it, we can't say. but there have been so many people down there. We think it'll be a little different. We've noticed as civil servants and more police show up day by day. We've been talking about it. Essentially, this has been likened to the Olympics

to a U.S. American presidential inauguration. I haven't felt that. I don't know if you have, but walking in, yes, we have press passes. We've gone through some metal detectors, but it's been kind of freedom of movement. Tomorrow that is expected to change. As you mentioned, 50 world leaders,

130 foreign delegations. A lot of those guys coming with their own security, so that's already complicated. But Rome police say, actually, their biggest challenge is going to be once they leave Vatican City, once they leave St. Peter's Basilica and leave St. Peter's Square, once that procession starts, excuse me, and you have to move the Pope's body on the move through the city of center of Rome. They say that's unprecedented, and that is their biggest concern for tomorrow. Yeah, it's going to be a massive security operation, no doubt. Okay, Molly, so great having you on the show tonight. We thank you for that. And we're going to have much more from here at the Vatican in a moment. And a programming note, you can watch Pope Francis's funeral service. tonight at 4 a.m. Eastern, right here on NBC News Now. But for now, we're going to send you to Stephen Romo in New York in our top story studios with some of the other news we're watching today. Hey, Stephen.

Hey, Tom, we'll check back in soon. Thanks. And back here at home, the clash between the Trump administration and the courts reached new heights today when a sitting judge was arrested in the parking lot of her own courthouse. She's accused of obstructing federal agents as they tried to arrest an undocumented immigrant. Gabe Gutierrez has those details. Outside a Wisconsin courthouse, tonight a dramatic escalation in the fight between the Trump administration and the courts over deportations. It is clear that FBI is politicizing this situation to make an example of her and others across

the country who oppose these attacks on the judicial system. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan now out on bail after being arrested this morning in the parking lot of her own courthouse, accused of obstructed. the arrest of an undocumented immigrant. According to court documents, that immigrant is 31-year-old Eduardo Flores Ruiz, who had a deportation order against him. The FBI says federal agents showed up with that warrant at Judge Dugan's courthouse last week and planned to arrest Ruiz in a public hallway outside Dugan's courtroom, where Ruiz was facing charges of domestic abuse. According to a criminal complaint, when Judge Dugan heard about the planned arrest,

she became visibly angry and commented that the situation was absurd. Then the FBI says the judge instructed Ruiz to leave through a back door of the courtroom, then escorted Ruiz and his attorney to another non-public door. According to the documents, Ruiz made it outside and sprinted down the street before he was arrested after a foot chase. I think some of these judges think they are beyond and above the law and they are not, and we're sending a very strong message today. That message comes as a former New Mexico judge and his wife were also arrested this week for allegedly harboring a member. of the violent gang Trenneragua at their home, which he denied. President Trump today on Air Force 1 accusing the judiciary of standing in the way of his crackdown on illegal immigration. These are judges that just want to, you know, show how big and important they are. We have hundreds

of thousands of people that we want to get out of the country, and the courts are holding us back. And Gabe Gutierrez joins us now from outside FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. some dramatic developments, Gabe. Do we know what is the Wisconsin judge saying tonight? Well, Stephen, she just released a written statement saying that she's committed herself to the rule of law and principles of due process for her entire career, adding that she looks forward to be exonerated. Past that, she's declining further comments on it. Stephen. All right, more to come there. Gabe, thank you. New reporting tonight from NBC News about the chaos inside the Pentagon. As new details surface about Defense Secretary Pete Hedon,

Hakeseth's conduct, including his use of the messaging app signal and clashes with military officials. Our Peter Alexander has the latest. Tonight, NBC News has learned new details of growing drama involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including that his behavior has become, quote, erratic and that he seems increasingly insecure about his job and standing in the administration, according to two officials familiar with the situation. At one point last month, we're told there was a heated confrontation between Hegseth and

and then acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Chris Grady. Hegeseth was upset after news reports, he approved a military briefing on China for Elon Musk, which Hegseth strongly denied. The Pentagon had screaming at Grady that he will, quote, effing polygraph him to find out if he leaked the information, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the meeting.

This month, three Pentagon officials were fired in a leak investigation, but two of them were soon exonerated, according to multiple government officials. Those folks who are leaking, who have been pushed out of the building, are now attempting to leak and sabotage the president's agenda and what we're doing. And that's unfortunate. The latest scrutiny of Heggseth began in March. After a report, he discussed sensitive details of imminent U.S. airstrikes at a group chat on the encrypted signal app. Hegsef denied any classified information was shared.

But after the New York Times first reported, Hegsef texted military information to a signal chat, including his wife and brother, President Trump. made clear to Heggseth, he did not approve in a phone call describing Hegss actions as childish, according to two U.S. officials, but also telling Hexeth to keep fighting. You remain confident in Exf? Oh, totally. Why do you even ask a question like that? We have recruitment that's at an all-time high, the spirit, and the armed forces. It's fantastic.

Great confidence. And Peter Alexander, joining us now in studio. I understand we're also learning more about Hegst's use of a, unsecured internet line? What do we know? Yeah, that's right. So this is about an unsecured internet line that he had installed into his office at the Pentagon so that he could use the signal app on his personal computer, which two officials tell NBC News he was doing in defiance of Defense Department's usual security protocols, which, of course, Stephen raises concerns about how foreign adversaries may be able to hack into

or perhaps surveil the information that he was using on that computer. More questions there? All right. Peter, thank you. Thank you. ...accusing Ukraine of setting off a car bomb that killed a Russian military commander. It allegedly happened in a town near Moscow Friday. According to Russian officials, this was a, quote, detonation of a homemade explosive device filled with shrapnel that left the car in flames. That deadly blast comes the same day that President Trump's special envoy met with President Putin in Moscow. NBC's Keir Simmons joins me now with more.

So Keir, what more do we know about this bombing? Well, Stephen, that explosion today happened at almost exactly the moment President Trump's envoy landed in Moscow. A general Yaroslav Moskalik was the general who was killed in the blast. The Russians say it was an improvised explosive device packed with pellets. Local media say it happened when a car exploded next to the general's house. A general who represented the Russian general staff in talks with Ukraine back in 2015. he has been well known to the Ukrainians. It looks like another brazen assassination of a military commander deep inside Russia.

Russia calling it terrorist attack activity, Stephen. Dramatic video and the aftermath as well. Kira, today Russian state media releasing video showing U.S. envoy, Steve Whitkoff, meeting with Putin for that latest round of talks. Do we have any idea what they talked about and where the peace talks stand right now? Well, we know from the Russian side, not from the U.S. side. So Steve Wittkoff met with President Putin for the fourth time. He's met with him many times and every time flown to Moscow to see him.

The Kremlin called it constructive, saying they spoke for three hours, including, Steve, about direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. But the Kremlin making no mention of the unconditional ceasefire Ukraine wants full. first before any of those kind of conversations can happen, as far as Kiev is concerned. Your question about where the peace talks stand, it is honestly very difficult to tell. There are still enormous differences, not least about territory and about what kind of security would be put in place to ensure that Russia wouldn't do this kind of thing, if you like, again in the future. But there are signs, perhaps small signs, that may be.

on both sides, there's an appetite to compromise. All right, Keir Simmons, thank you. To the confusion now over the trade war between the U.S. and China, neither side agreeing on whether those talks between the two countries are even happening at this point. And now there's a new warning about the dire effects of an all-out trade war and how they could affect us here at home. Senior business correspondent Christine Romans explains.

Tonight, a leading financial firm warning of COVID-era shortages on store shelves in just weeks because of President Trump's global trade war, chiefly with China. The two countries so far apart, they can't even agree if they are talking. President Trump today saying of China's president Xi. But China says, quote, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs. The U.S. should stop creating confusion. The trade war between the world's two biggest economies has major companies ripping up their financial projections and has rattled financials.

markets. This level of uncertainty is not good. It's not healthy and it's affecting investment, spending and planning, and that will have an effect on growth in the economy. The president says countries are clamoring to make deals. I think the tariff plan is doing very well. We're resetting the table. We're going to make our country very rich, very, very rich. It's already happening. But with no new deals inked, global trade is collapsing. The number of containers coming from China to the U.S. cut in half. Dean Croke analyzes. freight logistics. It means higher prices for things like consumer goods, electronics, automotive parts, apparel, machinery, back-to-school season. It's not far away from those items

being ordered from overseas. Raising prices is going to be, I think, a very common thing. Are we talking about truckers and potential job losses for the people who handle these goods? We are. It's already happening. That warning from Wall Street firm Apollo says Main Street will feel it soon. Quote, in May, we will begin to see significant layoffs in trucking, and retail, particularly in small businesses. Meantime, polls show the public souring on the president's handling of the economy. And Christine Romans joins us now in studio. And Christine, we're learning that companies like Apple already moving some of their production to the U.S.

Yeah, remember, in the first Trump administration, there were tariffs against China. So you saw a lot of companies start to diversify their supply chains to other places like Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. India, where the vice president was this week, of course, it's a major democracy. It's an American ally. It doesn't have a trade deal with the U.S. quite yet here, but there are reports this week ending the week that Apple would like to have its U.S. made smartphones, U.S. sold smartphones made in India by the year of 2026,

the company not commenting directly to us about those reports. We know you will follow those developments. Christine Romans, thank you so much. Here in New York, Luigi Mangione, appearing in federal court today. The 26-year-old pleading not guilty, this time to those federal charges in connection to the murder of United Health Care CEO,

Brian Thompson. NBC's Sam Brock has more on what's at stake as prosecutors seek the death penalty. Inside a lower Manhattan federal courthouse where no cameras are allowed, Luigi Mangione's first court appearance in weeks, now wearing prison guard, produced this exchange with the judge fresh off a federal indictment. How do you plead, Mangione responding, not guilty. The plea comes after an early April declaration from Attorney General Pam Bondi on Fox News. The president's was very clear. We are to seek the death penalty when possible. If there was ever a death case, this is one. Mangione faces four federal counts, including murder through the use of a firearm, which makes him eligible for the federal death penalty. In the killing of United Health Care CEO

Brian Thompson, New York State doesn't permit the death penalty. This corporate breed has got to go. But as the public support for Mangione is manifested in the form of chance and major dollars, The government argued in an intent filing overnight that his case merits capital punishment because he sought to, quote, amplify an ideological message and to provoke broad-based resistance to the victim's industry. Mangione's attorneys have called it a political stunt and today pushed back on the idea of holding his state trial before his federal trial, telling the judge, constitutional issues will be impacted if we are forced to try that case first. It's going to be really tricky for them to get an impartial juror if they've already had this case litigated in the state. And Sam Brock joins us now with more. Sam, so much going on here with these dual cases. What's next in this case? Sure. So to circle our calendars for the federal case, the judge Stephen said that they're going to be reconvening in December with the idea for the trial to start in 2026.

To offer some clarity as to why you're seeing this sort of issues of concern, from Mangione's attorneys. What they are saying is that if the state case proceeds first and there is a conviction that could prejudice the jurors or jury selection for the federal trial or could impact the federal trial once he has already been declared guilty of murder, that's their primary concern. The judge though today said, look, we're going to set this based on whether there is another case or not. I'm just going to act like there isn't, and this is the only case. It doesn't seem like she's particularly sympathetic to Mangione's attorney's concerns. Stephen? So many eyes on this one. All right, Sam Brock. Thank you.

Well, we're back in just a moment with the jury visiting the scene of the alleged murder of Karen Reid's boyfriend, the evidence they saw in person. Plus, the body camera footage just released showing the moment's police shot at the wife of a Weezer band member. And George Santos back in court, new details on his tearful statement to the judge just before his sentence. We're back now with new development. in the Karen Reed murder retrial in Massachusetts. The jury taking a field trip to the scene of her boyfriend's death and hearing more dramatic testimony that suggested Reed had been in a fight with him in his final hours.

NBC's Emily Aketa has the latest. Karen Reid's widely watched retrial unfolding outside of court today. The purpose of the view is to help you better understand the evidence which you'll hear during the course of the trial. In an unusual move, the jury visited the Canton, Massachusetts neighborhood where Reid's police officer boyfriend John O'Keefe was found dead, though the spring day, in sharp contrast to the conditions his body was recovered in back in 2022. The prosecution and defense urging jurors to look closely at the black Lexis returned to the scene that Reed is

accused of hitting O'Keefe with before leaving him in the cold to die. I ask you to make a note on the Lexus about the height of the bumper. And it also asked you to take note of on the top of the hat there is a project of truth. The defense also pointing jurors' attention to the size of the home's front lawn that at the time belonged to a police officer. Consider the distance between that second floor front window and the front lawn. Reed's attorneys argue O'Keefe was not hit by a car, but injured by someone else indoors and then moved into the cold. Reid, opting not to join the jury on their visit to the crime scene today. I don't ever want to go back to 34 Fairview.

Back in court, more insight around what happened between the couple right before his death. After tense text exchanges between Reed and O'Keefe were read by a trooper on the stand yesterday. Sick of always arguing and fighting. It's been weekly for several months now. Today, a paramedic says Reid told him. The last conversation she had with her husband at the time was an argument. I didn't feel like it was my role to really find out the details on what was said. And Emily Aketa joins us now in studio.

So, Emily, we know from previous interviews that Reed said she should not have been driving the night O'Keeffe's body was found. Do we know more now about her blood alcohol levels? So remember that prosecutors allege that Reed had struck O'Keefe with her car in a drunken rage. Well, today, a pathologist took the stand and said that her blood alcohol levels were slightly above the legal driving limits, and that was hours after the couple had actually been in the car and had gone to several bars. Now, the defense in their cross-examination of that witness had suggested that Reed may have had some health conditions that impacted those levels. Court will resume Monday, Stephen. All right, more to come there. Emily Aketa, thanks so much. Well, we're back in a

moment with George Santos sentenced the prison time for the former congressman convicted of fraud and his tearful statement in court. Plus, an NBC news exclusive on the ground in Iran, Richard Engle with an eye-opening look at how that country is changing and how women are defying the oppressive rules there. We'll have much more from Tom Yamis in Rome as well ahead of the Pope's funeral. Tom? Stephen, thank you. We're going to bring you the story of a little boy who asked a question of the Pope years ago that melted hearts around the world. That young boy is now a young man, and he tells us how the Pope's answer changed his life when Top Story returns from the Vatican. We are back with our special edition of Top Story reporting from the Vatican.

We're standing in front of St. Peter's Basilica once again tonight, which has already seen such an overwhelming outpouring of grief and gratitude. Look at those crowds, with more than 250,000 people standing in line for hours to pay their respects to Pope Francis, some coming from thousands of miles away. But in a few hours, this area will truly transform. We can expect hundreds of thousands of people to fill this square, as they say their final farewell to their beloved Pope at tomorrow's funeral. World leaders are already starting to arrive, including President Trump, who landed here late today. And, of course, when the ceremony ends,

the next chapter begins as the Cardinals gathered here from around the world set out to elect their next holy leader during the elusive and secretive process known as the conclave. I'm joined now by Deborah Luboff. She's an NBC News Vatican analyst and a contributor who's been helping us out so much during our coverage here. Deborah, so great to see you tonight on Top Story. Talk to our viewers.

point out some things that you're going to be looking for during that funeral that will sort of separate this one and show how Pope Francis put a stamp on it. Well, certainly, Pope Francis has always been sort of the Pope of simplicity. He's been so humble. And he basically revolutionized the idea of the papal funeral by certainly maintaining past traditions, but really streamlining it, making it much more simple so that it's not so much about a sovereign, but about being about a pastor who Pope Francis really had shown to be. So that's what I'm really going to be having to say. How is he doing that? Like, how will people notice that in the mass? Well, if you were to look at the liturgical text from the original version to what it became with Pope Francis, the length is significantly reduced.

And for instance, he's even with the litany of saints. So when you hear the people praying to saints, he's added some of the saints that are closer to him, in a more personal way, which is very moving. And even some of the popes, like even John Paul II, who he had canonized, is now going to be among that. So we're going to see some of some of those elements, for instance. You know, some of the most powerful moments of tomorrow will likely come in that procession through Rome, people lining the streets.

That's what we're expecting and heading to the basilica where he will be in tomb there. What are you looking out for in those moments? Well, it's going to also be very moving because Pope Francis had such a pastor's heart for the poor and the needy and the marginalized. So even when his body will reach that basilica that you mentioned, Santa Maria Maggiore in the center,

there will be poor people there to be there at that moment when his body arrives before his burial. So that's going to be very moving. And even when the motorcade goes through Rome, it may pass by the Coliseum. So it's going to be very visually evocative. Yeah. And then finally, the conclave, we expect the College of Cardinals to make that announcement sometime after the funeral. How quickly do you think we'll hear about that? And how quickly do you think the conclave will start?

Oh, that's a guessing game. who knows but at the same time that's why you're here but but at the same time certainly all of these cardinals many of them have to go back eventually to their diocese etc so i think they're not going to be looking to draw things out they want to go back to their people but they also will be hoping the holy spirit guide them toward the right it could start as early as the second week of may possibly right as early as that uh it could start even the yeah for the end of the first week into the first week the the rule is that a conclave would need to start between 15 and 20 days after the death of a pope.

And then Benedict had slightly amended that, saying that if everyone agreed to start a little sooner, that could happen to. But generally, that 15th day is when you think things normally could start to happen. Deborah, so great to have you here. And I know you're going to be with us tomorrow during the funeral as well in that special coverage. Again, we thank you for joining top story tonight. We're going to have much more from here at the Vatican later in this broadcast, including a new interview with a man who sort of defined one of the Pope Francis's biggest moments

a young boy after he asked the Pope whether his father was in heaven. But for now, we want to go back to Stephen Romo in New York for some of the other stories we're tracking today. Stephen? All right, we don't want to miss that one. Tom, thanks. We want to turn now to Top Stories news feed, beginning with a manhunt underway in New York City after a commuter was fatally stabbed on a subway platform during rush hour. Police say a fight started on the train after one passenger stepped on another shoe that spilled out

onto the Brooklyn Bridge City Hall subway platform where the 38-year-old victim was stabbed. twice in the chest. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. And a sad update to a story we brought you earlier this week. A Princeton student has been found dead after he was reported missing last Saturday. A Princeton spokesperson saying 23-year-old Lauren Blackburn was discovered in the lake next to the university this morning. Cruise began a water search on Monday after Blackburn's phone was found pinging near the lake. He was set to graduate next year. So far, there have been no reports of foul play. A former Disney employee is facing three years in jail after he altered the menus at Florida's Disney World.

Court documents saying Michael Schuer hacked into Disney's computer system to change menu prices at profanity and change allergy information. Before Schur was fired by Disney for misconduct, he was responsible for creating and publishing those menus. He pleaded guilty to the hacking and was ordered to pay more than $600,000 to those victims. And NFL legend Warren Moon giving the Tennessee Titans new quarterback the surprise of a lifetime. Video showing Moon giving number one draft pick Cam Ward his blessing to wear his formerly retired number one Titans jersey. Ward set single season records for passes and touchdowns while playing for the Miami Hurricanes. Moon's number one jersey was retired back in 2006 when he was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Pretty cool.

Well, in New York today, the former Congressman George Santos sentenced to more than six. seven years in federal prison. That's after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The judge handing down the maximum sentence saying that Santos, who has been caught in lie after lie over the course of his career, did not show remorse for what he'd done. NBC's Rahima Ellis reports. Back up. Disgraced former Congressman George Santos once again surrounded by a crush of cameras, walking into a federal courthouse in Long Island, New York. Back up, everybody. Back up!

One side, he was sentenced to 87 months, more than seven years in federal prison. He told lie after lie until it caught up with him, until we caught up with him. Santos, who sobbed before the judge out of the view of cameras, had pushed for the mandatory minimum sentence of two years after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft last summer. I know that my actions have caused disappointment, frustration, and a loss of faith in me. And for that, I'm truly sorry. But prosecutors argued he was never truly remorseful for his actions, which included COVID relief fund fraud and credit card fraud.

He went so far as to seek out elderly people who suffered from cognitive impairment and dementia. Pants on Fire. Citing his recently launched podcast called Pants on Fire, which they called a tone-deaf effort to continue turning lies into dollars. You know when I used to drink apaltini's back in 2009 when they were still relevant. In 2023, Santos became just the six person to be expelled from the House of Representatives after serving his Long Island district for just over a year. A House Ethics Committee doing its own investigation, finding he used campaign contributions for personal expenses, including Botox treatments and payments to the adult website, OnlyFans.

I just discovered what OnlyFans was about three weeks ago. From the outset, Santos' political career was riddled with lies and controversy. ranging from the mundane to the absurd. Did I embellish my resume? Yes, I did. And I'm sorry. From falsely claiming his mother died in the 9-11 terror attacks. My parents were both down there, the day of the attacks, and fortunately none of them passed.

To waving away claims he performed as a drag queen in Brazil. I was young and I had to fly on a festival. After his departure from the halls of the Capitol, my fellow Americans, it is I, George Santos, forward congressman from the 3rd District of New York. Santos pivoted to selling personalized videos on the website Cameo, claiming to make hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits. Stop the deception! But today, he had no words for reporters or protesters as he left the courthouse in silence.

Stop the deception! And Rahima Ellis joins us now from in studio. Not the news that Santos wanted to hear today. We did see that video of him walking out of court. Do we know when he'll have to show up to start serving that sentence? We do indeed. He is on bond for now, but he's expected to surrender to authorities on July 25th to begin serving that 87-month prison sentence that he was handed today. All right, Rahima, thank you.

Turning now to Top Story's Global Watch, tensions escalating between India and Pakistan as soldiers briefly exchanged gunfire in the disputed Kashmir region. This comes after a mass shooting left 26 tourists dead and Indian-controlled Kashmir. on Tuesday. India is blaming Pakistan for what it's calling cross-border terrorism. Pakistan has denied any connection and a previously unknown militant group is now claiming responsibility. Both countries are taking retaliatory measures, including revoking visas. And Brazil's former president Fernando Kalora is behind bars two years after he was convicted for corruption charges. The Supreme Court ordering him to be arrested and began serving a prison sentence stemming from that 2023 conviction. He was found guilty of money laundering and receiving millions and dollars in

bribes from a then subsidiary of a state-run oil company. Galora has sentenced to eight years and 10 months in prison, but his lawyers had been requesting appeals since the trial. He served as president from 1990 to 1992. And the saying one man's trash is another man's treasure is taking on a whole new meaning and not a good one. A Dutch town hall says they likely threw away a print by iconic artist Andy Warhol. The 1980 silk screen of former Dutch monarch princess Beatrix is just one of dozens of missing works. Officials say they believe the pieces were accidentally disposed of

with bulky waste. And Dutch authorities say they do not expect that art will be found. Well, tomorrow begins another round of talks between the U.S. and Iran over that country's nuclear program. Tonight, our Richard Engel is the only Western reporter inside Iran. Richard has visited many times, But this time, he found a country in transition in ways that may surprise most Americans. Much of the world only knows Iran for its military.

Its missile strikes on Israel, its anti-American rhetoric, and strict Islamic laws. But there is another Iran few people get to see. It's difficult to gain access here, especially for journalists. Reporting visas are rare, but the view is worth it and is surprising. It's 9 a.m. and Iran's national women's hockey team is training hard. Even though this is the only rink in Tehran, the team is going from strength to strength. Last year, they won the Asian Cup. Do you think the outside world understands Iran, understand what this place is really like

for women? I think they can't understand, but it is one of our most important purpose to show the other concert and to show the board how much our women are capable and what they're capable of. Iranians are far more multidimensional than how they're generally portrayed. And change is happening. On the streets of the capital Tehran, women increasingly dare not to wear the Islamic headdress or hijab.

It's illegal for a woman to show her hair. But so many women are doing it, the government is doing little to stop it, at least for now. It's happening in rich and poor neighborhoods across the country. And it didn't come easily. Women protested and faced police violence until authorities relented. Iranians are seizing more personal freedoms, whether those in charge like it or not. And they're pinning their hopes that a deal with the United States on Iran's nuclear program could mean the end to sanctions that have kept Iran isolated and its economy in a prison.

The Azadi Innovation Factory is known as Iran's Silicon Valley. It's full of young entrepreneurs who are working on everything from AI and fintech to web design. But for now, it's mostly just for the internal market, making it nearly impossible for startups to gain any traction. But that doesn't mean they're not trying. What is it like living in a box? It's really difficult to work in this situation. But if we get outside the box, we can also... you know have a bright future ahead of us what about relations with the

United States relations with Europe what most people think of Iran they think everyone hates the US everyone hates the West well I can assure you and I can guarantee that it's completely wrong I'm an ordinary person and we have nothing we have like no problem with people in other countries we would actually love to see them as you know guests as tourists here. Iranians are proudly confident that if given a chance, this country will thrive. Even Iran's Islamic revolutionary government is showing more flexibility within limits.

I was allowed into parliament, generally off limits to foreigners, let alone an American journalist. I met Ibrahim Rezai, a member of Iran's National Security Committee, who said Iran doesn't want a nuclear weapon and is open to allowing inspectors. What is Iran hoping to get out of these negotiations? Our main demand is the lifting of all sanctions, he said. How far do you want to push this? We are ready for American investment in Iran. Our president has announced it, and we are ready now, he said.

But I wondered if Iran's new openness will last and why it's happening. Militarily, Iran has lost some of its most powerful allies. Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah and Lebanon. And the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad have all been either badly beaten or destroyed. Iran seems to be at a crossroads, and you can feel it in Tehran, where Iranians are pushing the boundaries. I've been to this country a few times, but never have I seen people openly speaking from the heart in this way.

What happened? What change? You reach to a point that you're fed up. You know, you don't want to experience more of that thing that's sanctioned, that misery, that thing that's, you know, every day you have to wake up to a bad news. So someday, you say, oh, enough is enough. The government here wants a deal, wants more trade, and to stay in power. The question is, can it do them all at once?

Richard Engel, NBC News, Tehran. when we return tonight dramatic new footage of that wild scene in l a police standing off with the wife of a weezer band member why they opened fire on her plus we'll take you back to tom yamas at the vatican and the boy behind this life-changing moment with pope francis we talked to top story about what he's doing all these years later When we return, dramatic new footage of that wild scene in L.A., police standing off with the wife of a Weezer band member, why they opened fire on her. Plus, we'll take you back to Tom Yamis at the Vatican, and the boy behind this life-changing moment with Pope Francis, talks to top story all these years later. Back now with terrifying moments for a family in Jacksonville, Florida. A mother clinging to her children in the backseat of a car as someone gets in the front seat and tries to drive away,

dragging her along with it. Bystanders racing into help. NBC's Marissa Para has the video and the story. These are the moments a mother and her children narrowly escaped with their lives thanks to strangers who jumped in. Police in Jacksonville, Florida, out with new video, they say shows a group of good Samaritans stepping in to stop a man from driving off with this woman's children after a violent domestic dispute. The video blurred by police to conceal the identities of minors.

You can see the moment two bystanders realized something is wrong. The car speeding away with the woman's legs dangling out the open door. They appear to yell at the driver to stop, and within moments a crowd of people descend from every angle, forcing the car to come to a halt. The group helping the mother and her children out of the vehicle. The driver seemed getting out of the car to yell at the crowd

before getting back in and driving away. But later that day... Officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office catch up with him. 26-year-old, Yanni Marcus Hume. Police say they found marijuana in his car along with two magazines of 45 caliber ammunition. He's charged with five counts, including child neglect and false imprisonment, both felonies.

According to the police affidavit, the incident began with a domestic dispute when human and the victim, who were in a relationship, were driving to the DMV. The affidavit says that he hit her in the face while driving and became even more enraged when they arrived late to their appointment. She tried to get out of the car with her children just six months and two years old. That's when human grabbed her and tried. tried to drive away, dragging her and one of the children through the parking lot. Human has pled not guilty to all charges and is out on bond before pretrial hearing next week,

a potential tragedy averted by bystanders who didn't stand by. Marissa Parra, NBC News. Now to the new images of the shooting involving Los Angeles police and the wife of a Weezer band member. Surveillance video, body camera footage, and 911 calls show how the bizarre confrontation unfolds. as police searched for a hit-and-run suspect in a totally unrelated case. NBC's Dana Griffin has this report. Drop the gun. You're going to get shot. Tonight, newly released footage showing the heart-pounding standoff between Los Angeles police.

It's a police. Drop the gun. And Julian Shriner, a best-selling author and wife of Weezer bassist, Scott Shriner. Is there another headshed way? The confrontation unfolded last month in her Los Angeles backyard. As officers were in the neighborhood, searching for suspects involved in an unrelated hit-and-run on a nearby freeway. One of those suspects seen here running through backyards. Look, as surveillance video released by LAPD, captures Shriner walking in her backyard, a gun in her right hand. Put a dog, put it down on the ground.

For several minutes, officers yell from behind a fence. Yeah, put the gun down, okay? Repeating commands to drop the weapon. She just pointed it. Not in us, but she just lifted it up. Instead, in this video, zoomed in and annotated by police, they say she racked the gun, pointed at them, and fired. Oh, she racked it!

Police fire several rounds hitting Shwiner, who appears to calmly walk away from the officers. Police say this 911 call was placed after the shooting. She says there were three men, and one of them shot her, and the cops are looking for him right now. Police have not identified the two people speaking to the dispatcher. my gun. Okay. And he said put down that gun and put down that gun is to put down your gun. Oh, okay. Police say Shriner surrendered to officers an hour later. She's seen in this

body camera footage lying face down in the middle of the street, arms stretched out wide. She's injured but alive. She's shot on her on her arm. Do you want to cuff her? Officers approach in handcuff her. Two officers fired those rounds, hitting Shrineer in the shotgun. Two officers fired those rounds, hitting Shriner in the shoulder, police say no one else was hurt. The 51-year-old was treated at a hospital and booked on suspicion of attempted murder of an officer. And Dana Griffin joins us now from Los

Angeles. Dana, we're also getting news about the physical evidence police allegedly recovered at the scene. What are we learning? Yeah, so Steve, an investigator say they recovered a Glock 9mm handgun. Shriner was armed with as well as the spent as well as a spent casing you see here on your screen. Jail record shows

that Shreiner posted a $1 million bond and is due in court April 30th. So far, no criminal charges have been filed by prosecutors who were still reviewing the evidence in this case. Shriner's manager telling NBC News, she has no comment at this time. Stephen? Reporting for us, Dana Griffin, thank you. When we return, we take you back to the Vatican and the moment with Pope Francis that inspired the world. We speak to the young boy at the center of it. And we're back now here outside the Vatican with Pope Francis's funeral now just hours away. Hundreds of thousands have passed through St. Peter's Basilica to pay their respects and remember the pontiff.

And since the Pope's death, a moment from years ago has been shared around the globe once again. It involves the Pope, a young boy, and a simple question. That young boy is now a young man, and our Ann Thompson spoke to him today. At an ordinary parish in Rome, far from the grandeur of the Vatican, 8-year-old Emmanuel L'A. Baldari was scared and emotional. Morning, his father, he had a question only Pope Francis could answer. I asked him whether he was in hell or in heaven, because he didn't believe in God. But I think he was a good man.

Today, at the same cement soccer pitch in Rome, where the Pope called to him. And embraced him as he whispered the question. The now 16-year-old says it was like talking to his grandfather. He tried to comfort me to make the way to feel easier than me. Did it change your life? It did change my life. It made my faith stronger.

Francis told the boy, even if his father didn't believe, because he had had his children baptized, it was enough. As Emanuele wept, Francis asked the crowd if God would abandon his father. The Pope said, Immanueli, you have your answer. Emmanueli never saw Francis again, although he heard from others that the Pope asked about him. I think of him as a gentle person who wasn't afraid to act. An act and answer that changed this life forever. Ann Thompson joins us now here at the Vatican.

Anne, what an interview. And I got to tell you, you know, watching that interview and growing up Catholic, and obviously spending a lot of time in mass. A lot of times it can be fire and brimstone, right? You were constantly reminded you have to repent for your sins. But here in this moment, and is it fair to say it was a defining moment for Pope Francis? You saw him as somebody who was not going to judge someone,

someone who was going to heal this little boy and help him out. I think more than a defining moment, it was a typical moment in the Francis papacy. I have traveled with him all around the world, and I've seen this time and time again, especially when it comes to children. And Emmanuelelie believed just like an eight-year-old that his father, because he was an atheist,

that he was going to burn in hell and he knew his father was a good man. And Pope Francis treated him like an equal, he said. He said, I never felt like I was talking to the head of the Catholic Church. I felt like I was talking to a friend and explained very clearly that his father loved him. And though he didn't believe, in the Catholic faith.

He had Emmanueli and his brothers and sister baptized. And that act, as Pope Francis told him, was harder for a non-believer than a believer. And God has a father's heart, he told them, and no father would abandon his child. And his father, I like to think today that maybe Emmanueli's father is talking to Pope Francis in heaven. What a beautiful sight and vision to think about

as we wrap up our show tonight. But I hope so, too, Anne. We thank you so much, Anne, for that. And we thank you for watching this special edition of Top Story live from the Vatican. A reminder that our coverage of Pope Francis's funeral starts tonight at 4 a.m. Eastern, right here on NBC News Now.

I'm Tom Yamma. Stay right there. More News Now on the way.