Top Story with Tom Llamas - Friday, October 20, 2023

Episode Date: October 21, 2023

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, breaking news from here in Israel. Two American hostages released after nearly two weeks in Gaza, Hamas militants handing them over to the Israeli military. A mother and a daughter from Chicago freed after a harrowing abduction. This is the first image of them, leaving Gaza, holding hands with a member of the Israeli military. Now they're finally reunited with family. A member of their family speaking to Top Story tonight, former NBC news correspondent Martin Fletcher.

What this might mean for other hostages as Hamas comes under immense pressure from unrelenting airstrikes. Israeli military releasing video bombing tunnels and munition warehouses, one missile hitting an Orthodox church with hundreds sheltering inside, people gathering around the dead,

including a mass funeral. Outrage along Israel's northern border, more protests erupting in Imam warning that a Hezbollah onsla onsla would mean, Armageddon for Israel. New video released by Hezbollah shows attacks over the border. The IDF striking back using drones in Lebanon. The deaths toll rising. Thousands of Israelis evacuate as fears of a two-front war grow. Jordan denied Congressman Jim Jordan's bid for Speaker of the House coming to an end. Now a candidate free-for-all for the next GOP nominee. How long will Congress

be paralyzed by this leadership vacuum? New Trump defection. Another ex-Trump lawyer flipping in a Georgia court, Kenneth Chesbrough pleading guilty and promising to testify for the prosecution. It's the third person to cut a deal spelling trouble for Trump's defense in the election fraud case. And in New York, a judge threatening to throw Trump in jail will tell you why. Plus, reporting the crime, shocking moments of a road rage incident, a driver barreling through roadblocks swerving between people, even children running for cover. the evidence all caught on his own camera and the fair scare rescue a carnival worker holding on for dear life a 12 year old girl trapped 30 feet in the air the worker trying to save her as terrified onlookers watched helplessly from below how he was able to keep her from falling out of that ride top story starts right now Good evening. I'm Ellison Barber in for Tom, reporting once again tonight from Tel Aviv.

We begin this special edition of Top Story with that major breaking news. Some of the only positive news we have seen since the start of this brutal and bloody war. A mother and daughter who were taken hostage by Hamas have been freed. This image showing the moment Natalie and Judith Renan were brought back into Israel by members of the Israeli military crossing over the border from Gaza, where they and more than 200 others have been held since that horrific Hamas terror attack on October 7th. The two take into a military base here in Israel, where they have been reunited with their family and are now getting medical care. And just moments ago, President Biden speaking to them both on the phone among the relieved family tonight, our very own Martin

Fletcher, a longtime NBC correspondent and former Tel Aviv Bureau Chief. In a moment, our conversation with him and his reaction to this remarkable development. The release coming as Israel ramps up, its retaliatory strikes on Gaza, bombarding targets from the air and continuing to build up troops along the Gaza border for that anticipated ground invasion. But the big questions tonight, does the release of these two hostages mean others could soon be set free as well? And could that delicate operation stall that looming ground offensive? NBC's chief foreign correspondent Richard Engle, following it all,

for us and leads us off. Tonight, they're finally free and safe in Israel. The first hostages released by Hamas, and a top negotiator directly involved tells NBC News, hopefully, it's just the start. Judith Tai Ranan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie Shoshana Ranan, are American Israelis. Natalie just graduated high school.

They live outside Chicago. They were taken hostage while visiting family at the Nahaloz Kabuts near the Gaza Strait. I can't speak to the condition of the two hostages who were just released, first out of respect for their privacy, second, because we haven't had a chance yet, maybe it's happening as we speak, to get our own team in there to see them, to evaluate them, and most importantly, to reunite them with their loved ones. The release was first announced by the Hamas military spokesman, who said the group freed the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons, and to disprove what he called false and base. claims about the group by President Biden. Earlier today, there were signs that negotiations were making progress. When Israel confirmed that of the more than 200 hostages, the majority are still alive and in Gaza.

Israel said 20 are under 18, and between 10 and 20 are over 60. It's a strong indication Israel has received proof of life, and that information is flowing. Hamas is under pressure in Gaza from Israeli airstrikes and from Arab mediators to release the hostages. On Monday, the group posted a video of a woman and made an offer to release foreign hostages. A senior Hamas official then told NBC News the group is willing to release all civilians and dual nationals with a condition. condition. We are ready to release all the civilians, including the foreigners. All of the civilians, including the Israeli civilians?

I'm sorry. Can I just clarify this? You say you're willing to release all of the civilians, including the Israeli nationals, if there is a stopping? Including the Israeli civilians and all the foreigners. And what are you asking for in order to do that? Do you want the airstrikes to stop? Is that the condition?

Stop the aggression. How can we, technically, logistically, it is impossible to do it. So our viewers might hear that and say that this offer doesn't mean anything. That if you're not willing to carry it out, then it doesn't mean anything. How? Why? If you stop the aggression, it can be implemented on the next hour. Israel never stopped bombing, and there's no sign it's willing to.

is continuing its military buildup around Gaza ahead of a possible ground invasion, and the airstrikes have been relentless. Israel says it's targeting and killing Hamas leaders, but neighborhoods are being flattened and civilians are dying. Today there were funerals for 16 Palestinian Christians. They were taking shelter in a church in Gaza, damaged by an Israeli air strike. Israel confirmed it attacked what it called a Hamas command center near the church, and says the church itself wasn't a target.

We're living a nightmare, I'd say. I hope that this ends very soon. Anger across the Arab world is growing, and Hamas is gaining popularity. Today in the West Bank near Jerusalem, we attended a protest. Nearly all of the cheers were in support of Hamas. Anger is growing here in the West Bank. These are Hamas reporters, and they say they must fight back against Israel. They are calling for attacks.

And they're calling for them to start right now. Calls for violence against Israel and the United States are spreading in the Middle East. America's allies in the region fear a wider war could be coming. But tonight, for one family, there's enormous relief and perhaps hope for others. And Richard Engel joins us now. Richard, the United States acknowledged Qatar's involvement in this, but didn't go into a whole lot of detail. What are you hearing tonight about how this agreement, this sense, exchange, this release actually came to fruition?

Very little, in fact. And I think the fact that we're hearing little is because these negotiations are still ongoing. We don't exactly know what Hamas is asking for in private. Hamas in the past has asked for the release of prisoners held in Israeli jails. And Hamas has already said to release Israeli soldiers, it wants all Palestinians to be released from Israeli prisons. But we know that Qatar was deeply involved, and Qatar is in a unique position because it has very close relations with the United States. They're American troops based in Qatar, and it has good relations with Hamas.

So there are a few countries that are better suited to be a mediator than Qatar. And Richard, based on your reporting, we know that Hamas has previously said they would willing to release civilian hostages if the air bombardments inside of Gaza were to stop. Do you believe that's a realistic ask? Is that what they still want? It is very hard to know. That is what they are asking for. And that is something that they insisted on once again tonight, that in order to free more hostages, they want the airstrikes to stop. It is, this is all posturing. Hamas has many asks. It also wants the siege on Gaza to be lifted.

It wants a resumption of the peace process. It wants to be recognized with more international legitimacy. This is going to be, I suspect, a very long negotiating process. But at least now, we know that information is flowing and that at least these two people as a start, hopefully there will be more, are safe and will soon be reunited with their families. And Richard, before we let you go, the aid that is, supposed to cross via the Egyptian border into Gaza. We thought that that could happen as soon as today.

I know there were repairs going on in the area of the Rafa border crossing. Any indication as to when that might actually open in that first run of trucks carrying humanitarian aid can get to people in Gaza. You know, I was surprised, Ellen, I thought that it was going to happen today. I had been told that it was going to happen. the Egyptian state news agency was reporting that it was going to happen today. And let's not forget, there are also Palestinian Americans still stuck in Gaza trying to get through that gate. And they just watched these two Israeli-American hostages go through, get into Egypt,

and then be taken by Israeli military back here into Israel. So if you're one of those Palestinian Americans sitting there, watching that gate closed, it must be enormously frustrating, and then let alone for the people of Gaza who are running out of basically everything to see these trucks or not see these trucks on the other side of the gate and not knowing why they haven't been able to come through yet. Richard Engel, thank you. As we mentioned in our reporting, those two American hostages released are actually family members of former NBC News correspondent and Tel Avid Bureau Chief Martin Fletcher.

Martin joins us now as this situation continues to develop. Martin, thank you so much for being with us. You were such a legend and so special in the NBC News family, and then now this has happened, and you've given us so much insight in the last couple of days. But what can you tell us about your family members? How are they doing tonight? And how did you first find out that they were actually being released? Well, Alison, what a roller coaster of emotions it's been.

You know, yesterday we were worried that they would be hostages in the way of the Israeli invasion. What would happen to them being used as human shields, you know, anguish in the family as all the hostage families. And then extraordinarily, today, suddenly we were told two hostages have been freed. And then it was their women. Then it was their Americans. Then it was mother and daughter. And it was ticking off all the boxes and said, wait. Wait a minute, that could be Natalie and Judith from our family.

And it was, it's extraordinary, really. So, you know, tears of, I mean, it was anguish, turned to joy. But then there was that moment of, wait a minute, okay, so now they're free. But what condition are they in? Had they been harmed? Are they physically safe? And when we saw the photograph that the Israeli army released of the, of Judith and Natalie being escorted out of Gaza with the Israelis, you know, they looked okay physically, as far as we know,

but they look exhausted, exhausted. And so, you know, celebrations of a kind, but also bearing in mind all the time, it's just one family, two hostages out of more than 200. So one family celebrating, but sharing the grief of many, many more. Yeah, Martin, we've heard so often from the families of people who have been abducted by Hamas, just this complete black hole where they say they have no information,

They don't know if their loved ones are even alive. They hope that they are. But what was your communication like with your family members prior to this? Did you have any sense of whether or not, Judith, whether they were alive even, or was this just the first window into anything when you found out they were being released? Well, I've got to be honest about it. Listen, I didn't even know they were hostages until yesterday. I saw the pictures.

I heard the names. I didn't put two and two together. And then suddenly yesterday, the family contacted me and said, you know, what can we do? And they were very active in trying to secure their release. And so, you know, I didn't do much at all. But they were basically, you know, when they were freed today, it was just a miracle that things all came together. You know, I can't overemphasize how frightened people were and how frightened people are about what's going to happen as the ground invasion goes on.

because now those hostages are becoming human shields, and then we know that's going to lead to the deaths of many. Martin, in your decades of experience reporting in this region, are you surprised by the release today, and for other families who are now watching that hopeful, that maybe Hamas will let more hostages out, based on what you know about the way that group operates. Is there a chance we could see more hostages released?

Well, if you put it that way, Alison, the answer is, yes. There have been hostage negotiations and releases in the past. And one thing we know is in this part of the world, or probably most parts of the world, you don't give away something for nothing. Releasing two hostages, they must have done some kind of deal, one assumes, anyway, with Israel to get their release. Did they just release them from the goodness of their heart? Did they release them because they wanted to somehow turn the narrative in their favor a little bit? We don't know. But I would say in all reality, there's probably some kind of deal going on in the background.

And we knew that we've been hearing now for about 10 days that there was a possibility of a partial exchange. Women and children hostages for women and children security prisoners kept in Israeli jails. So there is that possibility. There's about 30 Palestinian female security

prisoners inside Israeli jails and there's about 120, 130 minors inside Israeli jails for security reasons. So there exists the possibility of a swap. Of course those swaps that Israel's always done with Hamas, have been wildly one-sided. When they released it, when Hamas freed Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier who was kept

for five years, one soldier, Israel released to get him back a thousand prisoners. So I would assume that there are negotiations going on of some kind, not directly with Israel, because they never negotiate directly, probably through Qatar, through Egypt, with America's blessing. But hopefully it's a sign that there could be more releases. But I've got to emphasize, there's a small window of opportunity. Negotiations continue for the hostages. But when the ground invasion begins, the fighting starts and the talking stops.

Do you know, Martin, when Judith and Natalie might be able to come back home, back to the United States, their home there in the Chicago area. We understand they're being looked at. They're getting medical treatment here in Israel. But have you or your family gotten any sense as to when they could physically be back in the United States? Well, if I was there, I'd get the heck out of Dodge as quickly as possible. I'm sure they want to go home. They were tourists.

They came to Israel on vacation. So we don't know yet because they're still being on that Israeli army base. They're in touch. They've been greeted by the mother and sister. I don't know more than that at this stage of what they're discussing. But you can be pretty sure they're going to get on the first plane. I fight with them, I get on the first plane back to Evanston, Illinois, where I know that their local Jewish congregation is holding vigils for them, and today is celebrating.

Martin Fletcher, thank you so much for your time. You are such a treasure to the NBC News family, and we are so glad Judith and Natalie are heading home soon. Thank you. Thank you, Alison. And as more than 200 other hostages remain held by Hamas, U.S. officials say they are doing everything they can to secure their safe release. Andrea Mitchell has the latest on the diplomatic efforts now underway. Tonight, the urgent push to get all the hostages released from Gaza.

They include men, women, young boys, young girls, elderly people, from many. nations. Secretary of State, Tony Blinken, now saying the focus is on the 10 additional Americans who remain unaccounted for, along with around 200 others. The urgent work to free every single American, to free all other hostages, continues. Working with Qatar and other countries he visited last week, shutling around the mid-east, pressing them to use their connections to Hamas to get the hostages out. The freed Americans, Judith and Natalie Ranon, once they've gotten medical treatment will be invaluable sources for how the remaining hostages are being treated and held. NBC's David Road was held hostage for seven months by the Taliban in 2008 before getting

out in a daring escape. Israeli officials will talk immediately to this mother and daughter and try to get a sense of where they were held, how many other captives were held with them, and just get a sense of what Hamas is doing with all of these captives. Is there any way to find them? Is there any way to rescue them? It's a much bigger issue. now hostage-taking for civilians, for the hostages themselves, and for governments, and there has to be a more unified effort with the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East, its allies in Europe, to how to stop this kidnapping from happening.

The U.S. does not trust the terror group's promises, but Hamas has said it will release all the non-military hostages if Israel halts the airstrikes. Should even the airstrikes be stopped to see if you could get more people out? It's very simple. hostages should be released immediately and unconditionally. Yes, Allison, the president tweeted that he just spoke with the two Americans and let them know their government will fully support them as they recover and heal, and that he and the First Lady will continue holding close in their hearts, all the families of unaccounted for Americans. Allison.

Andrea Mitchell, thank you. Now to the protest intensifying across this region. Demonstrators outraged over the weeks-long bumpers. bargment of Gaza, the threat of a second front to this war looming amid clashes with Hezbollah. The chilling warning from an imam in southern Lebanon telling our team, if Israel moves into Gaza, it will be Armageddon. Matt Bradley is on the ground in southern Lebanon. Tonight, outrage exploding across the Arab world yet again. Protests against Israel in the United States shaking the region.

supporters of Hamas and Jordan clashing with police, authorities seen leading one of them away. Protests roiling streets from Bahrain to Baghdad. This protest are telling us he's here to support his brothers in Gaza, saying they can't do anything except go out to protest. Sudan and Lebanon South is a stronghold of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. But this protest was called by the Palestinian group Hamas. Many of these protesters are Palestinians, descended from refugees who fled here when Israel was founded in 1948. I asked this man, you're a young guy. You're not grown up yet. Are you ready for war? He tells me I'm ready. We're ready to die. Sacrifice for Gaza and sacrifice for Palestine. We're raised on rocks here.

It's been nearly two weeks since Hamas's bloody attacks on Israel. Two weeks of Israeli bombardments of Gaza. This crowd came right out of the mosque and into the streets. The question is, will their anger take them to the borders with Israel and into another war. We're not far from that border with Israel, where simmering tit-for-tat attacks between Hezbollah and the Israelis may be about to boil over. Israel said on Friday it will evacuate more than 20,000 people from its northern town of Kiryat Shmona and other nearby communities.

Fighting has already killed more than a dozen soldiers and civilians on both sides of the border. But even as the violence intensifies, Hezbollah and Israel appear to be stopping short of all-out war. for now. I spoke to a local imam who told me the threat from Hezbollah, a much larger and more powerful force even than Hamas, is keeping Israel from moving into the Gaza Strip. He told me Israel's holding back from invading Gaza worried about the threat of Hezbollah to its north. He pointed to Israel's own reports showing Hezbollah's rocket strength has grown

ten times since it fought its last war with Israel in 2006. If Hezbollah does decide to enter the war, he said, it'll drag with it an alliance of anti-Isabla. Israel nations, an axis of resistance led by Iran. I asked him if Israel's afraid of Hezbollah and its allies. Absolutely, he said, if Hezbollah joins the fight, it will be Armageddon for the Jewish state. Israel says they're more than ready to wage a war on two fronts. Both sides now rattling their sabres, but it's the civilians of this vast region who are once again caught in between. Matt Bradley joins us now once again tonight from Tire Lebanon.

Matt, listening to that Imam speak hearing from your reporting based on what Hezbollah leaders think, they seem to really believe that the strikes coming from Hezbollah into northern Israel is deterring an all-out ground assault on Gaza. From what your sources are telling you, is a ground invasion a red line for Hezbollah? No, I mean, we've been actually, asking people that it's a really good question, Ellison. You know, we've been asking, is there a red line? And we haven't really gotten a straight answer from any of the Hezbollah affiliated or Hezbollah

members that we've spoken to. It's pretty clear that there isn't necessarily a red line. It's kind of a we'll know it when we see it kind of thing. But the really interesting thing, Alison, that I've been observing here is that the fighting on the border behind me has escalated so much over the past week. And yet both sides still seem to be showing some kind of restraint. it's like this delicate dance with the choreography, but both sides really are just following each other's steps,

feeling each other out, and it's not entirely clear how much further that will go. I don't think Hezbollah knows, and I don't think the Israelis know either. Alison? Matt Bradley, important reporting. Thank you. We appreciate it. After two weeks of this devastating war,

many Palestinians and Israelis still coming to terms with their new realities. Loved ones, lost, homes, destroyed, and no end in sight to the violence. Tom Yama spoke to people on both sides of this conflict. Here are some of their stories. This couple, they're from the very start, survivors of the terror attack at the music festival, dancing one second, running the next. The terrorists are in every corner, on every vehicle, you can imagine, vehicle that's suited for, like, going on the roads, off the roads, with every kind of weapon, with missiles, modest, cycles like they had everything prepared like a Hollywood movie you've looked into

these terrorist eyes what type of people are these I don't think these people I mean when you look and make an eye contact with a human you see a little bit of his soul and no soul I mean they were shallow empty I don't know how to explain it some Israeli Americans answering the call like this father from New York my kids of course asked questions. My kid, you know, said, do you have to go? Also, and I said, yeah, I have to go. You're ready to fight for Israel and ready to fight till the end? It's not just till the end. The mentality is, we'll do whatever needs to be done. In Gaza, a daily battle for survival. At this point, not only there are not enough people, there are not enough beds in the hospitals,

there are not enough ventilators, this is absolute carnage. There is no safe haven in There's nothing, there's nothing but bombs and bombs and bombs and bombs and blood and bodies. And so many children living with war. We now want to see the area where my father and my brother died because of the patent. Your father and your brother died? Yes. Yes. I'm collecting units.

I want to keep them for feelings. the four-year-old doesn't understand though she has entered bombing into in her vocabulary and it's very complicated but our goal one day is peace and tonight we are getting more information about those two american israeli hostages who were released by hamas we are seeing updates from hamas on their social media programs their social media outlets in one they are talking about how they say this all played out, saying that Qatar was involved in the mediation. That is something the United States has already confirmed. Also saying that Egypt was involved in this, as well as what they describe as other sisterly

and friendly countries. Remember, this is just two of upwards of 200 people believed to be inside of Gaza right now, abducted by Hamas. All of it started on October 7th when Hamas militants launched numerous assaults inside of Israeli territory, killing over a thousand people. There have been so many stories from families talking about their devastation, wanting just a little bit of information as to whether or not their loved ones are alive. This is the first time that we saw any hostages be released and able to come back into Israel. They are originally from Illinois in the Chicago

area and those two American Israeli hostages. You see this video here. This is the new video that we're getting in just now. Hamas has just released this on their social media telegrams. They say it shows the moment when they handed over the American Israeli hostages, Natalie and her mother, Judith, Natalie and Judith Renan handed them over to Red Cross members inside of Gaza, who then took them to the Israel-Gaza border, where they were then handed over to Israeli military members. This video has just been released. You can see there's some blurring that was done by Hamas. wing that released this. Presumably, those are Hamas militants or other people associated

with Hamas, and that's why they have blurred them. But you see there, that would be Judith and Natalie walking with someone in a red cross vest into a vehicle to then make their way out of Gaza. The news of this, the fact that they appear to be safe has been welcome news here in Israel. It's giving families who are still waiting so desperately for answers. A little bit of hope tonight. We will stay on that story and let you know if we get any other news as the evening develops. Now we will turn for the day's other headlines and head to Top Story Studios in New York City where my colleague and friend Valerie Castro is ready. Good evening, Valerie. Good evening, Allison. Still ahead tonight. The urgent manhunt in Maryland. A judge

shot dead in his driveway just hours after a custody hearing. The search for the suspect who police say is one of the parents in that case. Plus another Trump lawyer flipping in Georgia. Leading guilty to the first felony charges in the case, could he testify against his former client? And a terrifying moment at a Texas fair, a worker hanging onto a ride 30 feet in the air, how he saved a 12-year-old inside. Top story. It's just getting started. on Capitol Hill. Tonight, Representative Jim Jordan no longer the Speaker nominee, the decision coming after a secret ballot was taken in the House caucus this afternoon. Jordan failed to win the position on a third vote this morning. Now the question is, who will be the next Speaker

of the House? NBC News, Capitol Hill correspondent Ryan Nobles joins us now from Capitol Hill. So, Ryan, please get us up to speed on where the race for the speakership stands tonight. Well, so far, Valerie, there is as many as 10 maybe more Republican candidates who, who are considering or have officially thrown their names into the ring to become the next speaker of the House. And the way that this is going to play itself out is that any potential candidate has to submit their name by Sunday. They're going to have a candidate forum on Monday evening and then a potential internal party vote on Tuesday morning with the hope of bringing a possible nomination to the floor by sometime Tuesday afternoon. And some of the names that we're hearing bandied about include Tom Emmer. He's the current House Majority Whip.

that's technically the third most powerful Republican. He already has the endorsement of the former Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy. Other names Kevin Hearn of Oklahoma, Austin Scott of Georgia, Jack Bergman of Michigan, who interestingly has said that he will only serve the balance of this Congress. He's not looking for the job long term. Also, Byron Donald's, a relatively new member from Florida and Pete Sessions of Texas. Those are just a couple of the names that are out there. There could be even more that get into this race before it's all set and done. But the big question, of course, Valerie, is can any of them get the 217 votes on the floor, which has been elusive to every other candidate that has tried to replace Kevin McCarthy up until this point. And Ryan, of course, that is the big question.

Is there anyone who can get enough votes in? Is there a way out of this mess? So that's what Republicans are hoping. They really kind of want a fresh start here. They feel as though this whole process has gotten way too divisive. I can tell you just talking to a lot of members today, they are sick and tired of this drama. They are certainly ready to move on to the next step. But there's a big difference between wanting to move on and just voting for someone that you're not 100% comfortable with.

And that's been the big problem because of the civil war within the Republican Party. The view of so many of these members is so far apart, and it only takes five members to derail the whole process. So they have hope, but we'll have to see how this all plays out next week. All right, Ryan Nobles, thank you. Another defendant in that sweeping Georgia election interference trial has struck a deal with prosecutors. former Trump campaign legal advisor, Kenneth Chesbrough, pleaded guilty today just as jury selection was getting underway. Chesbrough is the third co-defendant to accept a plea deal, and he's agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testify. NBC News legal analyst Angela Sinnedella joins us now.

So, Angela, he has been called the architect of the effort to use fake electors. How important is his testimony going to be? It's hugely important. And honestly, this is a great deal for Chesbrough. But really, it's a win for the prosecution for so many reasons. First of all, what he actually pled guilty to was a felony for conspiracy. Quite literally, to conspire means working with other people. That means he's already given up names. He's already spoken up against his co-defendants. Also, I would say that Chesbrough is not going to trial, which means that there's no longer going to be a preview of the entire case for Donald Trump's whole team. And we don't have a trial date yet for him. But we know they would have just been waiting.

and taking notes. We know Chesbrose's attorney said he accepted responsibility, but, quote, he didn't snitch against anyone, but he must have something to have kept him out of prison. How worried should the former president be? He should be very worried because in the proffer, he also agreed to provide additional documentation, additional digital evidence, text messages that would prove whatever it is that he is about to say. There is no way that he did no snitching because there was no way the prosecution would have offered that type of an amazing deal if he didn't offer extremely valuable information. And as the architect, he also must have information on the other lawyers in the room, mainly

Giuliani, and of course, also potentially against Donald Trump. All right. We know there could be other witnesses potentially in the future as well. Former President Trump was also admonished by a judge here in New York today in his civil fraud trial threatened with jail time for violating a gag order? Yes, this is a big deal because we know that none of these judges really want to throw him in prison. he is running for president, and that is a First Amendment right that people need to see a person

campaigning for the presidency. But the judge gave him a very clear order, which was do not post and take down any social media posts criticizing my staff. And he did not do that. So with these types of gag orders, when you violate them, the punishments become progressive. And so it's a little shocking he's threatened prison jail time this fast. But look, anything's possible at this point. All right. The judge is serious. And Adela, thank you so much for your time. We appreciate it. We are also following some wet weather marching east at this hour. Showers and gusty winds moving across New England. So let's get right to Bill Cairns, who joins us here in the studio.

Bill, I know people have been complaining about the rain. What are you watching? My mailbox is full. Not even answering letters anymore. It's ridiculous. Yeah, another weekend, another big rain event. If there's any good out of this, the travel hasn't been too bad. Airports have really haven't had any significant delays. We're not seeing flooding like this one with the other events we've had on the weekends. So let's kind of time it out. The good news from New York City southwards is that by about midday tomorrow, it's over. It's done. So then you get the rest of your weekend, it'll be dry.

Not going to be sunny and beautiful, it'll be dry. But from New York northwards, it's pouring during the day on Saturday. Northern New England, it pours Saturday night, and it's going to stay with you pretty much all weekend long. The Leafs are at their peak. You just feel horrible for all the businesses that rely on this stuff and all the fall festivals and stuff like that. And at the same time, we have two hurricanes making landfall tomorrow. One is going to be Hurricane Tammy. This is going to be near Barbuda and also Antigua.

And then the other one, if you've ever been to the Cabo San Lucas, beautiful resort city here in the southern portions of the Baja, they're going to be dealing with possibly Category 2 hurricane tomorrow afternoon. So some major headlines coming from the Caribbean. All right, Bill Cairns, thank you. When we come back, a shocking road rage incident all caught on tape. The driver plowing through parade barriers and into a crowd of people, the new video from inside the car and what we know about the dozens of charges that driver is now facing. Back now with Top Stories newsfeed, and we begin with the urgent manhunt underway after a Maryland judge was killed and what authorities are calling a targeted attack.

Police say Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson was gunned down in his driveway just hours after he gave the suspect's estranged wife custody of their children. Authorities warning the 49-year-old suspect is considered armed. and dangerous, and anyone with information should contact police immediately. And a festival worker risking his life to keep a 12-year-old girl safe after a ride mishap just outside Houston. New video shows the ride operator dangling 30 feet in the air, holding the corridor closed with his body as it swings with a 12-year-old inside. Officials say the operator was helping the girl onto the ride when the wind picked up and

caused it to fly up. The worker and the child were eventually brought safely to the ground. No one was seriously hurt. Now to the dangerous road rage incident caught on camera. Newly released dash cam video shows a pickup truck just missing several people, including small children, all along a parade route earlier this year. NBC's Aaron McLaughlin has the details and the shocking video from inside that car. Tonight, new harrowing footage of road rage and a close call that sent families at a parade in Portland running.

Dash cam footage obtained by NBC affiliate KGW, submitted by prosecutors as evidence in court, providing several views inside suspect Sidney Metchum's pickup truck. Oh my God. In the video, you see Metscham frustrated, stuck in traffic due to rogue closures clearing the way for Portland's grand floral parade. His anger boiling over. They got it all blocked off.

The light center exit, the convention center exit, every mother, f*** the exit. You, pop, my, I f*** you. You, fuck you. Mecham, then plowing through traffic cones and blowing past crews blocking a highway exit ramp. Bystanders sent running as the Chevy Avalanche lumbers onto the parade route. Thankfully, no one was injured. We would have been the first victim that he would have hit. Watching the parade that day with his family, a ref Muhammad Ali.

Go, get him. Get him. He took this video of the chaos unfolding before him. Is this guy going for a rampage? Is he going to be killing families at the parade? Or is he just angry at the blockage? Or what's going on? A police motorcycle and an unmarked police car unable to stop the vehicle

as it exited the parade route. Sidney Mecham eventually parked his vehicle and was later arrested. Charged with 38 counts, including attempted assault and reckless in danger. He has pleaded not guilty. Residents in Portland still shaken by this close call. I know it's pretty scary. It definitely makes me doubt what we're going to be doing, you know, in the future. Are we going to be continuing attending these parades and events in the city? Or are we going to just stay home, watch it on TV? According to police, he was driving on a suspended license and didn't have insurance. Court documents show Metchum is from Portland and has been in and out of prison and juvenile detention.

since he was 15 on sex abuse convictions against minors. No trial date has been set for these latest charges. Valerie. All right, Aaron, thank you. Coming up, a real estate fraud scheme, a popular radio host speaking out after his friend and one-time business partner was accused of scamming investors out of millions. Why some victims feel that host is partly to blame.

Back now with a real estate scandal rocking the New York area, A real estate developer who often promoted his businesses on the popular radio show, The Breakfast Club, accused him of scamming his investors out of millions. Now, one of the show's host is speaking out against his longtime friend and saying he is also a victim. It's DJ Envy. Popular radio host DJ Envy now distancing himself from an alleged multimillion dollar fraud scheme. Let's get in some front page news. Federal agents arresting his longtime friend and one-time business partner, Caesar Pena. this week in New Jersey on charges of wire fraud,

accusing him of a Ponzi-like real estate scheme that allegedly defrauded investors out of millions. Pena has pleaded not guilty to the fraud charge and has not responded to an NBC news request for comment. Started with no money, and here I am, $50 million later in real estate. Pena often appeared on the Breakfast Club, a top 20 IHeart radio show with millions of listeners

and YouTube subscribers to promote real estate investment. He also held seminars and created YouTube video. with DJ Envy. If all these apartments are rented out and all the storefronts to rent it out, how much profit monthly do you bring in? Oh, and this particular product, like gross, we're talking about 50K. But federal prosecutors say Pena exploited celebrity status and social media to develop a devoted following of potential victims and misled investors promising returns that were too

good to be true. We're giving away a house. NBC New York's investigative team speaking with some of those alleged victims. I lost $200,000. $835,000 in total. I lost a total of $64,000. I lost a million dollars. According to the criminal complaint,

Pena convinced investors to go in on properties that needed to be flipped and rehabbed, promising returns as high as 35%. But many of those same people now filing dozens of lawsuits saying he never followed through. It's unfair. We're trying to chase the American dream, just working, you know, provide the best for our family.

And that dream is being crushed. DJ Envy, whose real name is Rishon Casey, addressing the allegations on the show and denying any hand in the alleged scheme. I do understand how people feel if they did give them money because I gave him a lot of money. Jesus. That I didn't see a dollar of return. But for anybody to say I was involved, that's totally not true. I would never. Casey has not been charged in connection with the case, but many of the alleged victims say they were influenced by his celebrity status.

DJ envy absolutely is equally to blame. He is on a major platform, which is not only in New York, but across the United States. His lawyer saying Casey is a victim himself, investing $500,000 that were never repaid, and now combating lawsuits, accusing him of the fraud. Not only is he a victim of the underlying alleged fraud perpetrated by Mr. Pena, but he added to that. He's also being victimized by having to pay out. out monies for defense costs on legal fees to combat against improperly filed lawsuits.

Now, as for Pena, he was released on a $1 million bond and an electronic monitoring. He is not allowed to leave the state. When we come back and look at what you can binge watch and listen to this weekend, a new series based on the hit book, Lessons and Chemistry, plus two shows that are perfect for spooky season. And new music by the Rolling Stones with Paul McCartney. That's next. And we're back now with Bingeworthy, our look at the best things to watch and listen to this weekend.

Joining us tonight is NBC News Internet Culture Reporter, Callan Rosenblatt. Callan, thank you so much for being here. Of course, we have the popcorn, as you know. Let's get started. We've got a series on Apple TV Plus. Brie Larson is in this, and it's based on the best-selling novel. It's called Lessons in Chemistry. Let's take a look at a clip.

I stand proudly with the overlooked warhorse of the kitchen, Men and baked potatoes. What the fuck? Just like you cry and have the time of your life. You've got something almost no one has. A platform. What you say matters. Politics don't belong in the kitchen.

Okay, so this looks like something really interesting. What can you tell us about it? Yeah, so this follows a woman who is a scientist. She's kind of rejected by the science community, and she ends up hosting a television cook show. which she in the trailer explains, you know, cooking is science. It's chemistry. And so it's about how she's able to get both women to listen to her, but also men to listen to her through this cooking show. I love Brie Larson. People on social media are saying she's fantastic in this,

so it is a must watch. All right. Something to look forward to. Let's turn to something scary just in time for Halloween from Mike Flanagan, the creator of The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass. It's called The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix. Let's take a look. Rundrick, Asher, your family is a collection of stunted hearts. Where's time is coming? Who are you? Consequent. And tonight is consequential.

Okay, so just to clarify, this has nothing to do with Usher the R&B star, because I was talking to some other people about this today, and they were also confused. So clear that up for us. What is this about? confused as well. This is actually based on the work of Edgar Allen Poe. It's about a family that has a bunch of deaths around them and how those unfold. You know, a lot of people say we're in like a horror renaissance and they're adding this to the list of like fantastic horror watches. My boyfriend and his family are binging this right now. I'm going to be a little behind on catching up on this one, but everyone is talking about it is like horror,

some of the scariest jump scares that you will see in a show as well as a lot of campiness, which is what is horror without camp? Okay, and all of the episodes came out at once. right so you you can really can bench yes you can binge through this now okay sounds good something else that's scary the return of a spooky series wolf like me on Peacock back for season two let's take a look at that is dead man's a whale wolf my name's detective peg cross we've had a new piece of information for a homicide investigation did you see these gentlemen where are you asking what do you think of

about this one. Yeah, this one's a little bit lighter. This is about a couple who, uh, this Josh Gad starts dating Ila Fisher and discover she's a werewolf. This is now season two, uh, and it's about going through a pregnancy with a partner who's a werewolf. I saw a clip of that and she like transforms as she's getting birth, I think. Yes, and all those effects are apparently practical, which is very cool to see how they've done that. It's very scary but funny and silly. All right, Halloween's close up. Exactly. Good to know. All right. Up next is the series of Miami's music scene. The series is called Neon, executive produced by Daddy Yankee. It's on Netflix. Let's take a look at a clip. I am impressed. You write, you produce, you perform. You know how

rare that is? I'll be the biggest legaton star in the world. All right, so some regaton, too, and that. What can you tell? So this is about the reggaeton scene in Miami. I'm a South Florida girl myself, so I very much appreciate anything that takes place in Miami and sort of seeing that culture. I wasn't as familiar with reggaeton culture, but it's really cool to see it sort of exemplified in this movie. Nice.

Nice to hear it. Lastly, on our watch list, we have the reboot of Frazier on Paramount Plus starring Kelsey Grammer. Frazier Crane, he's back in Boston. So let's take a look. Sitting here with a cold brew in my hand, I feel amalgamated with the Hoyton. Palloy. You are the classic every man.

Surprise! Dad. What's going on with your son? I wish I knew. Got a girlfriend I've never even heard of. When I told him I wanted to spend more time with me, he said no. This is not a good time. Have you considered that he hates you? All right, so I'm hearing some mixed reviews around this one. What's your take?

Yeah, you know, I think it's hard with the reboot, especially because we're also familiar with the original. I want to let the audience sort of make up their mind and give it a watch, but I do think some of these reboots sort of stumble a little bit and trying to recapture, you know, lightning in a bottle like the original did. So take it all with a grain of salt. All right, we'll see. Maybe we'll pass on that one. Let's move to music now. Boy Genius is out with a new song. This one is called Black Hole. Let's take a listen.

All right, some moody tunes in that one with the black and white music video. Sad Girl Autumn, it's time. You know, you got Mitzki coming out with new music, you've boy genius. If you're a sad girl, this is your season. All right, perfect. Finally, Rolling Stones out with a new album, a song, Bight My Head Off featuring Paul McCartney. Let's listen to that. Come on

Come on World's nice to be a riot I can be the pilot But bad a lot of private I'm a huge Lady Gaga fan And that was a huge Lady Gaga fan And that was a little more a gospel This is a little more traditional rock, but also a little bit pop punk.

And so they're sort of exploring all these genres, and it's so cool to see all the different artists they're featuring from Lady Gaga to Paul McCartney. And this is one of their newest albums in a long time. In a long time, right? And so it's really great to sort of see them sort of back in their element and out in the public. All right, Rolling Stones, Beatles. Exactly. A little duo action. Yeah, yeah, perfect.

Old school rock. All right, lots to do this weekend. We will sit here and enjoy some popcorn. Kellynne Rosenblatt. Thank you so much for being here. We appreciate it. Thank you for having me. All right. Thanks so much for watching. Top Story for Tom Yamas. I'm Valerie Castro in New York. Stay right there. More news now is on the way.