Home Blog Page 289

Kimberly Williams-Paisley Hallmark Movies Fans Loved or Missed

Kimberly Williams-Paisley has become a familiar face to Hallmark viewers, thanks to a run of popular films and her long, famously private marriage to country singer Brad Paisley. But many of her newer fans may not realize that her screen career began in the 1991 comedy “Father of the Bride,” where she starred alongside Steve Martin. After appearing in shows including “According to Jim” and “Two and a Half Men,” she eventually found a regular place on the Hallmark Channel. Her first project with the network was the 2017 movie “Darrow & Darrow.”

In 2021, she teamed up with her younger sister, Ashley Williams, for two Christmas movies. “A lot of the time Hallmark movies I think are really fun to watch because it’s about a guy and a girl and whether or not they’re going to be together,” Williams-Paisley told People. She added that their films placed the focus on female friendship and solidarity. “For the two of us, these movies were really about women supporting women and that was a really fun thing. That’s a really important part of our relationship.”

Williams-Paisley was largely absent from screens between 2021 and 2025 after unexpectedly losing her voice in 2022. Doctors diagnosed her with muscle tension dysphonia, a condition that left her unable to speak and forced her to turn down acting opportunities. She later said the setback was heartbreaking. A medical procedure in 2024 restored her ability to speak, and she went on to host the reality series “Farmer Wants a Wife.” She now stars in ABC’s “9-1-1 Nashville.” Whether she will return to Hallmark remains uncertain, but her filmography includes both beloved favorites and titles that viewers have been far less enthusiastic about.

Follow the Stars Home was touching and emotional

In 2001, Williams-Paisley led the made-for-television drama “Follow the Stars Home.” Although CBS broadcast the film, it was produced for the Hallmark Hall of Fame, which at the time aired on major network television. She played Dianne Parker-McCune, a mother raising a daughter with a disability while deciding whether to reunite with her ex-husband or begin a relationship with his more compassionate brother. Dianne also faces the painful realities of having an alcoholic mother and an abusive maternal figure in her life.

Critics responded positively to the film’s emotional story and its willingness to address heavier subjects than Hallmark productions typically explored. “Kimberly Williams is a beautiful actress, and this movie has become one of my favorites,” one reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes wrote.

The same reviewer praised the movie as “a beautiful look at what love can do with the unexpected things that might seem ‘bad’ at first but turns out to be blessings in disguise.” Another viewer on IMDb called it “an incredible movie” that inspires gratitude, adding that Williams-Paisley portrayed the grieving, struggling mother beautifully.

Darrow & Darrow was criticized for the central mystery

After establishing herself as a wife, mother and performer in her own right, Williams-Paisley returned to Hallmark 16 years later with 2017’s “Darrow & Darrow.” She played Claire Darrow, an idealistic attorney who prioritizes justice over financial gain. Claire takes on the case of a local shop owner and friend accused of robbing a jewelry store, all while managing the demands of raising her preteen daughter and dealing with her estranged mother. Her legal battle becomes more complicated when she repeatedly clashes with assistant district attorney Miles Strasberg, played by Tom Cavanagh, who also keeps asking her out.

The movie drew mixed reactions, particularly over its tangled mystery. Some viewers felt the script failed to provide enough clues to make the solution satisfying, while others thought the climactic courtroom sequence delivered too much exposition at once. “I found myself going, ‘wait, when did we learn that?’ Or, ‘when did they find that out?’” one Redditor wrote.

A Letterboxd reviewer similarly argued that the central mystery was weakened by the many character-driven subplots. According to the review, Claire appears to interview only one witness before the entire case falls apart, while the courtroom finale tries to evoke “Perry Mason” but instead feels more like an unrealistic trial scene from a low-budget procedural.

The Christmas Train was too cliche for some viewers

While the “Darrow & Darrow” movies were being developed, Williams-Paisley also appeared in Hallmark’s 2017 holiday film “The Christmas Train.” Dermot Mulroney played Tom, a disillusioned journalist traveling by rail who unexpectedly encounters his former girlfriend, Eleanor, played by Williams-Paisley. Tom still has feelings for her, while the other passengers seem to understand more about the couple’s past than they initially reveal.

Despite its high-profile cast, which also included Joan Cusack and Danny Glover, “The Christmas Train” received a chilly response from many Hallmark fans. Critics called the story overly sentimental and objected to a twist that felt more suited to a psychological thriller than a holiday romance. One viewer on IMDb described the script as packed with corny clichés and said nearly every line and plot development was terrible, labeling it “The worst Hallmark Christmas movie ever made.”

A Letterboxd reviewer was equally unimpressed, writing that Tom and Eleanor had virtually no chemistry and questioning why viewers were meant to root for them as a couple. The reviewer also said the twist was so confusing that it seemed as if an important detail had been missed.

Darrow & Darrow: In the Key of Murder was a witty improvement over the first film

Williams-Paisley returned as Claire Darrow in the 2018 sequel “Darrow & Darrow: In the Key of Murder.” This time, Claire joins forces with ADA Miles Strasberg to clear Miles’ sister, a musician accused of murdering her manager.

The follow-up earned a warmer reception than the original, and Williams-Paisley enjoyed its lighter tone. “I definitely think this ‘Darrow and Darrow’ is even more playful than the first one and I love those playful scenes,” she told International Business Times. “I love this role and love doing these movies.” Although Cavanagh has been married to his wife since 2004, he and Williams-Paisley generated convincing on-screen sparks through Claire and Miles’ flirtatious dynamic.

Viewers also considered the sequel’s mystery more effective than the case in the first film. “An improvement on the first TV movie as Cavanagh and Williams-Paisley start to build a chemistry together,” one Letterboxd reviewer wrote. An IMDb user praised the casting and called the movie quirky and charming, describing its murder mystery as engaging without being overly complicated.

Darrow & Darrow: Body of Evidence was fun and kept viewers guessing

The “Darrow & Darrow” franchise continued later in 2018 with “Body of Evidence.” Williams-Paisley’s Claire and Cavanagh’s Miles investigated the case of a woman who may have been wrongly imprisoned for killing her husband a year earlier. As they worked to prove her innocence, Miles confronted the professional consequences of helping the defense, while he and Claire continued avoiding a clear conversation about their relationship.

Fans often describe the “Darrow & Darrow” films as improving with each entry, and “Body of Evidence” received particular praise for its storytelling and the increasingly entertaining relationship between Claire and Miles. Writing for Carstairs Considers, critic Mark Baker said he enjoyed the characters and their interactions, especially the playful teasing that produced several laughs before the conclusion.

An IMDb reviewer also praised the series for being well cast and directed. The reviewer called the plots light, accessible and enjoyable—a welcome alternative to the many television shows built around constant shock value.

Witness to Murder: A Darrow Mystery featured a weak story

The franchise concluded with 2019’s “Witness to Murder: A Darrow Mystery.” Claire and Miles once again found themselves on opposing sides of a courtroom battle. Claire represented a former colleague of her mother, while Miles handled the prosecution. Their developing romance was put on hold when Miles’ former love interest, a police lieutenant, returned to the story.

Some viewers felt the final installment was held back by flat writing and an overly predictable mystery. “The first few movies were charming, this time the characters were annoying about their ‘non’ relationship and most of the movie felt very contrived,” one IMDb critic wrote.

Another IMDb reviewer also compared this film unfavorably with the other “Darrow & Darrow” episodes and felt the chemistry between the leads was wasted on their tepid romance, writing, “There are so many things wrong with the story I don’t have the patience to list them. Not the least of these is the developing romance where the characters also act like Middle Schoolers. The court scenes come off like the juvenile’s take on a ‘Perry Mason’ episode.”

A Nashville Christmas Carol didn’t resonate with everyone

In 2020, Williams-Paisley left the “Darrow & Darrow” series and had a Southern accent to portray the Spirit of Christmas Present in the holiday film “A Nashville Christmas Carol.” The film starred Jessy Schram (one of the most surprisingly wealthy Hallmark stars) as Vivienne, a workaholic TV producer visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past and the Spirit of Christmas Present, who guide her toward a more peaceful inner life and a reunion with her ex.

The film featured appearances by country singers such as Wynonna Judd and Sara Evans. Reviewers unfamiliar with the country-music scene did not enjoy these cameos. A Letterboxd reviewer said, “A country music theme is a big challenge for me … Plus the singers shouldn’t have been giving actual speaking roles because they are lifeless, monotone, and absolutely terrible.” 

Although Williams-Paisley played only a minor role in this film, she was still called out for her attempt at a southern accent; an IMDb reviewer wrote that the Nashville-centric Hallmark films “are generally weak on plot and heavy on singers who can’t act. You’ll usually find at least one flat or embarrassing performance — hello, Wynonna Judd and Kimberley Paisley-Williams of the varying accent.”

Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday was uneven

Williams-Paisley teamed up with her younger sister, Hallmark stalwart Ashley Williams (who has experienced some ups and downs with her films’ receptions), for a duo of movies titled “Sister Swap” that were released a week apart in 2021. The two films were cut from the same roll of footage, with Ashley Williams telling PIX 11, “We talked about maybe making it one movie but it just didn’t feel like enough, you know?” Williams-Paisley added that creating the movie was “one of the great joys of my entire career.” 

The first film, “A Hometown Holiday,” focused on Williams-Paisley’s character, Jennifer, a widow who swaps places with her sister, Meg, to restore their late uncle’s small-town movie theater.

A Letterboxd reviewer thought the concept of one story told from two points of view was cool, but concluded, “This was just kind of boring? … And I’ve kind of already forgotten how it resolved even though I finished it a few hours ago lol.” A reviewer on IMDb felt the actors’ talents were wasted with the uneven writing: “The chemistry between Kimberly and Mark [Deklin, portraying a love interest] was fine. … Given that Kimberly and Ashley are both great at comedy, I’m surprised that this series was more of a drama. And not a very well done one at that.”

Sister Swap: Christmas in the City was confusing

The second “Sister Swap” film, “Christmas in the City,” focused on Ashley Williams’ character, Meg, as she takes over her sister Jennifer’s Salt Lake City restaurant. Though Williams-Paisley didn’t play as prominent a role, she emphasized, “I hope that people will see the love in these films. They are certainly made with love and joy” (per a Hallmark Channel promo).

However, the reception to the second installment was lukewarm. Reviewers complained that the storyline was confusing at times and that the two films together didn’t quite pull off the “one story, two points of view” concept. 

“I am not even sure what the storyline was supposed to be. But the most watchable part is the interaction and relationship between the sisters,” one IMDb viewer wrote. A Letterboxd user said, “It feels more like a few deleted scenes from the first with a lot of random stuff added on … It is fun to have two movies that when watched together tell a larger story. But this didn’t quite pull that off.”

Mamdani Says He Has No Plans to Fire NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch

0

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Tuesday that he has “no plans” to remove NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, appearing alongside the city’s top police official at a ceremony honoring officers who died in the line of duty.

“Jessica Tisch is the police commissioner. I have no plans to change that,” Mamdani told reporters in Queens at a news conference held before the memorial service.

Mamdani said he appointed Tisch because of her record of confronting corruption within the upper ranks of the NYPD.

His comments are likely to disappoint members of his left-wing political base, who have called for Tisch’s dismissal and urged the city to disband two specialized NYPD units after an encounter involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the Bronx last week.

The criticism comes as New York recorded its lowest number of murders during the first six months of any year, according to NYPD statistics released in July.

Mamdani and Tisch later attended a ceremony at the New York City Police Memorial in Lower Manhattan, where the names of 42 officers were added to the memorial wall on Liberty Street.

The appearance marked their first joint event since City Hall directed the NYPD to review its use-of-force policies a day earlier. Critics characterized the move as an attempt to ease mounting pressure from groups opposed to police practices.

Neither Mamdani nor Tisch appeared to show signs of tension over the directive as they addressed attendees at the memorial. First dedicated in 1997, the site honors members of New York’s Finest who lost their lives while serving the city.

The mayor said 41 of the officers recognized Tuesday were first responders who later died from illnesses linked to the September 11 attacks.

NYPD Detective and father Didarul Islam was also honored. He was killed in July 2025 when a gunman entered a Midtown office building.

“I thank you for loving these New Yorkers, for raising these New Yorkers, for tending to them as they tended to all of us,” Mamdani told the families gathered at the memorial.

“While we cannot fill the silence they left behind, we will refuse to let their memory fade,” he said.

Tisch thanked Mamdani for attending the ceremony before delivering her own remarks.

“Here, we pause. We pause to remember the people who helped make all of that possible, and who lost their lives in service to others,” she said.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Cuddle in Behind-the-Scenes “Patient Zero” Video

Swift continues to support Kelce wholeheartedly. Beyond serving as the Chiefs’ No. 1 cheerleader from the stands, she also encouraged his move into acting, according to Ryan Murphy.

“The only thing that [Travis and I] talked about was that she’s very supportive of him, and if he has an interest, she wanted him to try it,” the Grotesquerie creator told E! News after Kelce joined the series in 2024. “I was thrilled about that.”

Whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes, Swift and Kelce have consistently shown that they are unafraid to champion one another.

“When you say a relationship is public, that means I’m going to see him do what he loves, we’re showing up for each other, other people are there and we don’t care,” Swift told Time magazine in 2023 while discussing their high-profile romance. “We’re just proud of each other.”

Keep reading for a closer look at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story…

Questions Grow Over Katie Zacharia’s Qualifications as an Attorney

0

Donald Trump’s new White House press secretary has drawn scrutiny after giving a cryptic answer about where she obtained her legal credentials. Katie Zacharia, 41, a mother of four and longtime guest on conservative news programs, was selected last week to succeed Karoline Leavitt. Since her appointment, questions have mounted over whether she is qualified to describe herself as an attorney. Announcing her selection, Trump called Zacharia “a distinguished Graduate of Pepperdine University, and the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, an attorney, and a frequent Commentator on outlets, including Fox News and Newsmax.” However, becoming an attorney in the United States generally requires passing a state bar examination. Zacharia’s name does not appear on the California State Bar’s online database, and newsletter writer Judd Legum said he could not find her in attorney directories for any US state or territory. Legum has also questioned whether describing herself as an attorney could carry legal implications.

Zacharia’s bar exam answer raises questions

The issue came into sharper focus Tuesday afternoon as Trump left the White House. A reporter asked him where Zacharia had passed the bar exam, which is required to practice as an attorney in the United States. “You said she’s an attorney. Where did she pass the bar exam? Which state?” the reporter asked. Trump referred the question to Zacharia, who replied, “When I moved to China,” without offering additional details. Her answer quickly prompted criticism and renewed calls for clarification. Under current US rules, bar examinations are administered in person within the United States.

Questions surround Zacharia’s bar exam claim

It remains unclear what Zacharia meant by saying she passed the bar exam “in China,” or how that could have occurred under existing regulations. “To be clear, there is zero chance Zacharia took the Chinese bar exam,” Legum wrote on social media, noting that she does not speak Chinese and that only Chinese citizens are eligible to take that examination. Zacharia has previously said she speaks some Mandarin, however. In an interview with the South China Morning Post, she said she would interrupt conversations to practice the language.

Zacharia’s legal career in Beijing

Zacharia lived and worked in Beijing, China, for roughly two to three years after graduating from Pepperdine University's law school. She worked for the Zhong Lun Law Firm from about August 2011 to June 2014. Her husband, Tyler Zacharia, also worked in Beijing at the time for a private equity firm. 'I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials,' Zacharia told the Daily Mail in a statement. In addition to her roles in China, Zacharia has also served as the general counsel of conservative political group Fix California, according to her LinkedIn, and has claimed to be outside counsel for the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation.

Zacharia spent approximately two to three years living and working in Beijing after graduating from Pepperdine University’s law school. From around August 2011 through June 2014, she worked at Zhong Lun Law Firm, while her husband, Tyler Zacharia, was employed by a private equity firm in the city. “I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials,” Zacharia said in a statement to the Daily Mail. Her professional background also includes a role as general counsel for the conservative political organization Fix California, according to her LinkedIn profile. She has additionally claimed to have worked as outside counsel for the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation.

Woman Accused of Deadly Revenge Crash Faces Jury as Boyfriend’s Hospital Account Is Barred From Trial

0

A Florida woman intentionally drove an SUV carrying her boyfriend into the woods after becoming enraged over text messages from another woman, prosecutors told jurors Tuesday. The vehicle was traveling close to 100 mph when she made the sharp turn, they said.

Defense attorney Reid Hart presented a different account in opening statements, suggesting that something inside the SUV triggered the sudden maneuver—an event Leigha Mumby neither expected nor controlled.

Mumby, 25, has pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury in connection with the death of Daniel Waterman, 22. Waterman initially survived the Feb. 9, 2025, crash but died eight months later.

Assistant State Attorney Melissa Clark told jurors that Mumby and Waterman had left a Super Bowl party shortly before the crash on Interstate 95 in Flagler County, according to proceedings livestreamed by Court TV.

Leigha Mumby sits between attorney Reid Hart and a legal assistant during jury selection in Bunnell, Florida

Leigha Mumby sits between her attorney, Reid Hart, and her legal assistant Monday during jury selection for her trial at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Clark said the SUV’s speed topped 100 mph before the wreck. Data recovered from the vehicle showed it was traveling 94 mph in the final seconds before making an “abrupt, left-hand turn at 45 degrees,” sending it off the interstate and into the surrounding woods.

The prosecutor characterized the maneuver as “a dangerous and reckless” decision.

Waterman suffered a fractured neck and was paralyzed from the neck down, Clark said. He later slipped into a coma and, after regaining consciousness, was unable to breathe without assistance.

Waterman died Oct. 8, 2025, from injuries that were “directly related and caused by this crash,” Clark said. Jurors, however, will not hear Waterman’s own description of what happened—an account he gave detectives before his death.

From his hospital bed, Waterman told investigators that Mumby deliberately swerved off the road after the pair argued about messages from another woman. A judge ruled the statements inadmissible, preventing prosecutors from presenting that account to the jury.

Daniel Waterman smiling in hospital bed as he's hooked up to various machines

Daniel Waterman died on Oct. 8, 2025, from injuries he suffered in a February car crash. (Heather Waterman via FOX35 Orlando WOFL)

Hart described the case as a “pure and utter tragedy” and asked jurors to consider whether the SUV veered suddenly because of something beyond Mumby’s control.

“The crux of this trial effectively comes down to one steering wheel input, and ultimately one question,” Hart said, according to Court TV’s livestream.

Hart asked jurors to determine whether Mumby intentionally drove off the highway or whether something inside the vehicle occurred that “she did not expect, she did not anticipate, and she did not control.”

He said Mumby tried to avoid the collision but was unable to stop the SUV once it began racing toward the woods.

Leigha Mumby mugshot

Leigha Mumby, 24, had charges upgraded to vehicular homicide following Waterman’s death. (Flagler County Sheriff’s Office)

Among Tuesday’s witnesses was Sarah Stappenbeck, Waterman’s cousin and Mumby’s best friend, who hosted the Super Bowl gathering.

Stappenbeck testified that Mumby had announced earlier in the day that she was pregnant. At the same time, Mumby was worried about Waterman’s interactions with other women.

Mumby “expressed concerns of Daniel talking to other girls and said that she wasn’t going to let Daniel cheat on her,” Stappenbeck told jurors.

The couple left before the game ended. About 20 minutes later, Stappenbeck said, Mumby called her in a rage, claiming Waterman was texting another woman and saying she intended to bring him back to the house.

“She’s yelling at me,” Stappenbeck recalled.

Stappenbeck said she did not hear Waterman speaking in the background. She tried to calm Mumby and urged the couple to get home safely and address their disagreement the following day.

“She just said that ‘You’re taking his side,’ and hung up with me,” Stappenbeck testified.

About 20 minutes later, Mumby called again, still angry, and repeated that she was bringing Waterman back, Stappenbeck said.

They never arrived. Instead, Stappenbeck testified, Mumby’s roommate called and told her to go to the hospital because there had been a crash.

The trial is unfolding without Waterman’s account to investigators of what happened inside the SUV.

I-95 North highway in Florida

The portion of I-95 North in Flagler County, Fla., where the crash happened in February 2025. (Google Maps)

Before his death, Waterman told detectives Mumby deliberately caused the wreck after an argument over a text from another woman, according to charging documents previously reported by Court TV.

He said the last thing he remembered was Mumby telling him, “I don’t care what happens, you’ll get what you deserve,” before swerving off the road.

Judge Dawn Nichols ruled those statements could not be introduced at trial. Prosecutors said they wanted jurors to hear Waterman’s account, but acknowledged the rules of evidence prevented them from using it at trial, Court TV previously reported.

“The court is bound by the law and the court is bound by the rules of evidence,” Nichols said when explaining the ruling.

The first day of Mumby’s trial also brought an emotional moment for Waterman’s family. His mother, Heather Waterman, was seen wiping away tears as a photo of her son was shown in court.

Court adjourned for the day following Tuesday’s proceedings.

Mumby was initially arrested in July 2025 on charges of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

After Waterman died, prosecutors upgraded her charges to include vehicular homicide. She was booked into the Flagler County Jail and released after posting a $150,000 bond.

Waterman’s mother previously told Syracuse.com that he spent time in a coma before recovering enough to tell investigators what happened.

Waterman’s aunt, Tiffany Waterman, expressed anguish over the exclusion of her nephew’s statements in a Facebook post Monday as jury selection began.

She remembered his efforts to comfort a loved one watching a movie beside him in his hospital bed, smiling at her while trying to conceal his pain.

“That’s who Daniel was. Protective, loving, and sweet,” she wrote. “He had the biggest heart, even in those last moments of life.”

The family previously told News Media through attorney John Hager that they supported the charges filed following Waterman’s death.

“There are no real winners in this situation. It’s a terrible, horrible situation,” Hager said in November 2025, adding that the family believed the charges were “right and just.”

Mackenzie Shirilla

Mackenzie Shirilla makes a statement to the court during her sentencing in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court in Cleveland, Ohio on Aug. 21, 2023. Shirilla was found guilty of four counts of murder and other charges relating to the deaths of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and his friend, Davion Flanagan, in July 2022. (Law&Crime livestream)

Mumby gave birth to a baby girl three days after Waterman died, according to WSYR.

“Daniel was an excited, soon-to-be father of a baby girl,” his obituary said. “He wanted nothing more than to come home to her and to the family who loved him so dearly.”

Similar case

The trial comes amid renewed attention to another deadly crash involving a young woman convicted of intentionally driving into a building with her boyfriend inside.

Mackenzie Shirilla is serving two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life for killing her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend, Davion Flanagan, 19, in a 2022 crash in Strongsville, Ohio, News Media previously reported.

Shirilla’s case became the subject of Netflix’s “The Crash.” 

She was convicted in 2023 after prosecutors argued she deliberately drove into a brick building at nearly 100 mph to end her relationship with Russo.

The Ohio Supreme Court recently rejected her request to reconsider its decision, declining to hear her latest appeal. Shirilla has maintained the crash was not intentional.

Press Secretary’s First Briefing Receives Devastating Verdict

0

Katie Zacharia opened her first appearance in the James S. Brady Briefing Room on Tuesday with a bright, elongated “Good morninggg…” before taking her place behind the lectern. With her polished appearance and confident entrance, she initially looked like the glamorous, camera-ready White House press secretary Donald Trump might have envisioned.

But the promising first impression quickly began to fade.

“I am so honored to work for President Trump and the American people,” Zacharia, 41, read from her prepared remarks, keeping her eyes mostly on the page and only occasionally looking toward the cameras.

The White House press corps had been waiting six weeks for a successor to Karoline Leavitt, whose unexpected resignation in August left the administration without a permanent press secretary. Reporters and viewers around the world were eager to hear from Trump’s latest public face.

“Enthusiastic, hardworking Americans are lining up and packing arenas to support President Trump and Republicans and it… is… not… hard… to… see… why,” Zacharia declared, delivering the sentence in a slow, clipped rhythm.

The result sounded relentlessly upbeat but somewhat mechanical, suggesting that the new White House spokesperson was still adjusting to the demands of the briefing room.

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia grew in confidence as her first briefing went on, particularly when talking about her family

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia appeared increasingly comfortable as her first briefing progressed, especially when she spoke about her family

Trump is fighting for American workers “every… minute… of… every… day,” she recited from a prepared line known inside the White House as a “topper.” Zacharia seemed to have been instructed to slow down and pronounce each word clearly, though the effort came across as unusually deliberate.

During an opening statement lasting almost nine minutes, she ran through a heavily positive list of administration achievements, including rising real wages, one million new private-sector jobs, construction of Naval bases and reduced drug prices. The Iran war was absent from the account, while several phrases received emphatic, and at times seemingly random, vocal stress.

Zacharia said Trump had delivered the “biggest oil deal in WORLD history” and won a “historic one-day war with… VENEZUELA.”

As the statement continued, she increasingly looked down at her notes. A pause, a grimace and a confused attempt to describe investment in an Alaska pipeline followed: “In addition to that it will be… it, we, will be… he, it… ahh… there is 54 billion dollars…”

“And with that, I will take your QUESTIONS,” Zacharia said, sounding cautious as she opened the floor to reporters.

New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia shadows President Donald Trump as he walks to speak with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Washington

New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia accompanies President Donald Trump as he heads to speak with reporters before boarding Marine One on the White House South Lawn on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Washington

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia speaks at her first briefing

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia addresses reporters during her first briefing

The opening remarks at a White House briefing are normally followed by an extended question-and-answer session that can last close to an hour. On this occasion, however, Zacharia answered questions from just three reporters.

A reporter from Breitbart asked about the record of her predecessor. “Firstly, my predecessor Karoline Leavitt did an incredible job,” Zacharia replied.

One unnamed White House official, among several people said to have contacted the media, later remarked that staff members were “missing Karoline today.”

Fox News then asked how Zacharia intended to approach the press secretary’s role. She said she hoped to “amplify, multiply, and expand upon President Trump’s incredible agenda,” a string of phrases that veered into the kind of verbal muddle previously associated with former President Biden’s much-criticized press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre.

Before joining the administration, Zacharia had worked as a pro-Trump television commentator on conservative cable networks. Trump reportedly selected her despite her relative lack of public prominence, and she said she planned to draw on that background to “only build on, only amplify and only multiply, to the extent possible, all of the wins [Trump is] making for Americans.”

“[President Trump] is his own best spokesman,” she added. After her uneven first briefing, that claim appeared more convincing than it had the day before.

Though for one thing, Zacharia’s devotion to the President appears sincere. ‘My President… excuse me… my husband… that’s a good one’ she stumbled when speaking about her dedication to her spouse and four children.

Press Secretary Katie Zacharia joins President Trump's team at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland en route to Alaska

Press Secretary Katie Zacharia joins President Trump’s team at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland en route to Alaska  

Katie Zacharia watches as President Trump talks to the media at the White House

Katie Zacharia watches as President Trump talks to the media at the White House

The strongest moment of the outing may have been the White House’s worst.

Responding to a question from the Daily Mail, Zacharia revealed that the President asked embattled Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign. It was a mic drop moment that dominated the headlines. Shortly after the announcement Guilfoyle tweeted that she is stepping down, while denying all allegations against her.

Why Guilfoyle wasn’t afforded the opportunity to disclose her own career move before it was released publicly is unclear, but communications pros speculated that the information was released with purpose.

‘From a strategic perspective that was a smart move,’ Democratic strategist Melissa Derosa told Fox News. ‘You don’t want to be the story. [Zacharia] came out loaded with news, dropped the mic and walked away.’

Indeed, she did.

Approximately, seven minutes into the Q&A, Zacharia wrapped it up.

‘I am going to end it because President Trump is heading out to Marine One for our historic trip to Alaska, and we can ask him all of the questions out there,’ she said, as the color seemed to rush back into her face.

One well-known TV reporter was overheard noting that the briefing was the shortest that they had ever been to. Others muttered that Zacharia seemed a little nervous, but most extended her some grace.

Behind the scenes, questions were asked about why Zacharia was thrown into the deep end so quickly, having only been appointed on Friday after a whirlwind 72-hours that the Daily Mail exclusively reported blindsided Trump’s own West Wing. Four sources said she was even hired without consultation with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

Former Trump White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, now a co-host on Fox News, recalled that she was allowed two weeks in the job before briefing the media. Zacharia only had a weekend.

Of course, Zacharia is far from the first White House communicator to receive poor opening reviews.

Trump’s first press secretary Sean Spicer was mercilessly ridiculed on Saturday Night Live. He lasted about six months.

Ominously, one White House insider told MS NOW: ‘She needs to get much better, fast, otherwise she’ll break [Anthony] Scaramucci’s record.’

The Trump fundraiser and financer lasted just 11 days in the role. Scaramucci tweeted Tuesday: ‘The clock is running. Thus far 1/11th of a Scaramucci… I hope she makes it.’

Katie Zacharia is expected to be President Trump's press secreary for the remainder of his term after Karoline Leavitt left in August

Katie Zacharia is expected to be President Trump’s press secreary for the remainder of his term after Karoline Leavitt left in August

Katie Zacharia has long been a loyal supporter of president Trump

Katie Zacharia has long been a loyal supporter of president Trump

When it was all said and done, praise for Zacharia was hard to find – and the critics were gleeful.

Bill Clinton’s former press secretary Joe Lockhart told CNN: ‘It was a little bizarre to rush her out there, then rush her out of the room. I’m not sure what they were hoping to accomplish but I don’t think they built any confidence in her ability to go forward.’

Of course, there’s only one review that truly counts in this White House, and if the President was having any buyer’s remorse, he didn’t show it.

‘I thought she did excellent,’ said President Trump. ‘She did very good.’

There was then a slightly awkward moment, however.

As the President and Zacharia stood together near Marine One after the briefing, they were asked where Zacharia, an attorney, had passed the bar exam, no record of it having been found by journalists.

‘Which state?’ Trump chimed in, turning to his newly minted press secretary.

‘When I moved to China,’ she replied rather cryptically, leaving reporters, and possibly Trump, scratching their heads.

Perhaps all will be revealed at the next briefing.

The Everest Prize Money: Where the World’s Richest Turf Race Pays Out

0

A jockey could earn $350,000 for less than a minute’s racing when 12 of the world’s fastest sprinters compete in The Everest at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

That remarkable payday is just one part of the vast sums generated by the world’s richest turf race.

The October 17 feature carries a $20million prize pool, creating major financial rewards for trainers, stable staff, owners and the business figures who secure a place in the starting gates.

Even the horses that finish last will deliver their connections a share of $700,000.

According to The Sporting News, the winning horse earns $7million. However, the full amount does not go directly to the owner.

The published distribution shows $5.81million going to the slot holder and owner, with the trainer receiving $700,000 and the winning jockey taking $350,000.

The Everest offers a $20million prize pool, with even the last horse earning its connections $700,000. Pictured: attendees at the Australian Turf Club

The Everest features a $20million prize pool, and even the last-placed horse earns its connections $700,000. Pictured: attendees at the Australian Turf Club 

The winning jockey will pocket $350,000 if successful in Saturday's race

The jockey who wins Saturday’s race will collect $350,000 

The winning horse collects $7million, divided between its owner, slot holder, trainer, jockey and stable staff. Pictured, spectators cheer on their horses at the Australian Turf Club

The winning horse’s $7million prize is shared among its owner, slot holder, trainer, jockey and stable staff. Pictured, spectators cheer their horses at the Australian Turf Club

Stablehands will receive a further $140,000 in recognition of the behind-the-scenes work required to prepare the horse for the starting line.

The amount ultimately retained by the owner, however, is determined by a private agreement reached well before race day. 

The Everest has an unusual structure: 12 slot holders each pay $700,000 for the right to enter a horse.

A slot holder can choose a horse from their own stable or negotiate with another sprinter’s connections to secure a runner.

As a result, having a fast horse does not guarantee a place in the field, just as owning a slot does not mean owning a horse.

The two parties negotiate the terms of their partnership, including how the prize money will be divided. No standard split applies.

An owner and a slot holder could therefore celebrate the same victory while taking home markedly different sums from the $5.81million allocated to them.

Those negotiations make the months leading up to the race a high-stakes contest in their own right, as slot holders assess form and trainers make the case for their horses.

Defending champion Ka Ying Rising (left) will chase another lucrative prize at Royal Randwick on Saturday

Defending champion Ka Ying Rising (left) will pursue another lucrative victory at Royal Randwick on Saturday 

Fashion, champagne and elite racing combine to make The Everest one of Sydney's biggest spring occasions

Fashion, champagne and elite racing combine to make The Everest one of Sydney’s biggest spring events 

For those who fall short of the winner’s prize, the consolation payments are still substantial.

Second place pays $2.9million overall, including $2.407million for the slot holder and owner, $290,000 for the trainer, $145,000 for the jockey and $58,000 for stablehands.

Third place earns $2million, with the jockey’s share alone reaching $100,000. Fourth pays $1.5million, fifth returns $1.2million and sixth collects $950,000.

Every horse finishing seventh to 12th receives $700,000, including $581,000 for the slot holder and owner, $70,000 for the trainer, $35,000 for the jockey and $14,000 for stablehands.

Although that total matches the advertised cost of a slot, it does not mean a slot holder automatically gets their money back.

The purse is divided between several parties, and the slot holder’s return depends on their agreement with the horse’s owner.

There are also valuable trophies on top of the cash.

The owner’s trophy is valued at $625,000, while the winning trainer and jockey receive trophies worth about $52,500 each.

Glamorous outfits and trackside photos are as much a part of Everest Day as the action on the turf. Pictured, Gai and Kate Waterhouse, Duncan James and Tim Brimmer at the Everest Carnival in September 2025

Glamorous outfits and trackside photos are as much a part of Everest Day as the action on the turf. Pictured, Gai and Kate Waterhouse, Duncan James and Tim Brimmer at the Everest Carnival in September 2025 

Even runners finishing seventh to 12th earn $35,000 for their jockey and $70,000 for their trainer

Even runners finishing seventh to 12th earn $35,000 for their jockey and $70,000 for their trainer 

For trainers, the financial rewards can extend well beyond a single afternoon.

Clayton Douglas, whose sprinter Giga Kick won the race in 2022, revealed in a documentary interview that the victory helped him buy a house.

His experience illustrates the significant financial impact the race can have on those involved in preparing its runners. 

This year, defending champion Ka Ying Rising is set to chase another enormous payday for his connections, with David Hayes training and Zac Purton riding.

Last year’s runner-up Tempted is also in the field, trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by Chad Schofield.

Behind those headline names sits a business operation that has helped The Everest grow from a $10million race at its launch in 2017 to today’s $20million spectacle.

The 12 slot fees generate $8.4million, making them a substantial contribution but insufficient to cover the prize pool alone.

Wagering revenue, sponsorship and the wider commercial appeal of the event help underpin its financial model.

For spectators, Saturday’s attraction is a 1,200-metre sprint featuring some of the nation’s top horses. 

For those with a financial stake in its runners, it is the moment months of preparation and private negotiations are translated into prize money. 

Away from the racing, spectators can enjoy pop-up bars, food outlets and interactive trackside attractions, including the Chandon Spritz Garden, Canadian Club Bar and TAB Green.

Fashion Stakes competitions add to the glamour, giving racegoers another reason to dress to impress.

After the final race, BRIT-nominated UK dance artist Nathan Dawe will keep the party going with an exclusive DJ set.

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes Tie the Knot in Private Arkansas Ceremony

0

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are officially married after quietly exchanging vows at a private ceremony in Arkansas.

The former Good Morning America anchors—Robach, 53, and Holmes, 49—married on September 19 in an intimate ceremony held in his home state.

Their wedding comes roughly four years after the Daily Mail revealed the couple’s romantic relationship.

Robach and Holmes were suspended by GMA after their affair became public in November 2022.

Both later divorced their spouses, Marilee Fiebig and Andrew Shue.

In an unexpected turn, Fiebig and Shue began dating in 2023 and now live together.

Holmes and Robach’s Arkansas wedding took place a day after they applied for a marriage license in Washington County, according to People.

The license was registered with the county clerk’s office on Tuesday, the outlet reported.

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are officially husband and wife after the pair secretly married at a private ceremony in Arkansas on September 19

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are now husband and wife after secretly marrying in a private Arkansas ceremony on September 19

They started hosting GMA together in 2020 in what sources said was a platonic relationship at first

They began co-hosting GMA in 2020, with sources initially describing their relationship as platonic

The couple announced their engagement on October 14, 2025, during an episode of their podcast, Amy & T.J.

“We are sharing with all of you that we are engaged and we’ve been engaged for just about a month now,” Robach told listeners.

“We wanted to let you all know before anybody else was able to. We’ve learned that lesson, I guess, in the past about our relationship,” Holmes added, seemingly referring to the Daily Mail’s exclusive report.

In 2022, exclusive photos showed the co-workers getting close at a New York City bar, spending private time at their apartments and taking a weekend trip to a secluded cottage in Upstate New York.

At the time, sources told the Daily Mail: “Everyone knows that Amy and T.J. have been close friends for a long time now, running together and even socializing as a foursome with each other’s spouses.”

Sources said their friendship deepened in June of that year, if not earlier, when they traveled to London to film ABC’s coverage of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Staff members were reportedly commenting on the apparent intimacy between them.

Until that point, their relationship appeared platonic both on camera and away from the studio, despite having started anchoring GMA together in 2020.

Each of them divorced their partners, Marilee Fiebig and Andrew Shue (pictured with Robach), soon after their affair was exposed

Robach and Holmes each divorced their spouses, Marilee Fiebig and Andrew Shue (pictured with Robach), after their affair became public

Fiebig (pictured with Holmes) and Shue started dating in 2023 and currently live together

Fiebig (pictured with Holmes) and Shue began dating in 2023 and now live together

After their relationship was exposed, Robach and Holmes said they had reached “rock bottom.”

During a June 2024 episode of their podcast, Holmes told their guest, singer-songwriter Rachel Platten, that the couple attended her concert the night before, and Robach has been ‘wiping tears from her face.’ 

Robach gushed over the musician before sharing how the 2015 hit ‘Fight Song’ had resonated with her.

‘We know a little bit about walking through some darkness and coming through the other side and when the worst has happened,’ Robach said. ‘And I’ve thought I’ve hit rock bottom before and I actually hit rock bottom.’

She professed that the track had become her ‘anthem’ at the time of the couple’s dramatic ouster from the morning television program.

Holmes, meanwhile, characterized the process of letting go as ‘weird’ but ‘freeing.’

He said the experience was necessary to find ‘where I’m supposed to be,’ but conceded: ‘It sucks. It sucks even more than you think.’

The duo launched their self-titled podcast in 2023,  with the first episode releasing on December 5, exactly one year after their exit from GMA. 

The duo launched their self-titled podcast in 2023, with the first episode releasing on December 5, exactly one year after their exit from GMA

The duo launched their self-titled podcast in 2023, with the first episode releasing on December 5, exactly one year after their exit from GMA

Shue and Fienig pose on the red carpet at the 2024 Grassroot Soccer World AIDS Day in New York City

Shue and Fienig pose on the red carpet at the 2024 Grassroot Soccer World AIDS Day in New York City

Robach and Holmes were ‘temporarily removed’ from the show in 2022 after rumors of their affair began to circulate. They were officially let go on January 27, 2023. 

Shue wiped all traces of her from social media just days after news of the infidelity broke.

The couple tied the knot in 2008, following Robach’s split from Tim McIntosh. They shared a blended family, including five children from previous marriages.

Holmes and his ex-wife divorced in December 2022 after reportedly separating that August.

The pair welcomed a baby girl in 2013 and were married for 12 years. Holmes has two other children, a son and a daughter, from his previous marriage with Amy Ferson. 

Nephew Remembers Former SFPD Deputy Chief and Daughter Killed

0

The nephew of San Francisco’s former deputy police chief has paid tribute to his aunt and her 24-year-old daughter, who were fatally shot by the retired police chief’s husband. He said the killings had left the family “heartbroken” and “forever changed.”

Retired Deputy Chief of Police Ann Mannix, 65, and her daughter Katie were shot dead by retired police sergeant Kevin Mannix, 68, before he took his own life on Sunday night, police said.

Officers found all three bodies at a home in Marin County, an affluent area across the bay from San Francisco.

Brendan Mannix described his aunt as a trailblazer who supported women pursuing careers within the San Francisco Police Department. He remembered his cousin Katie as an aspiring nurse who regularly sent family and friends messages filled with love and encouragement.

He also condemned his uncle Kevin’s “senseless act of violence,” saying the tragedy had left him “lost for words.”

“My beloved aunt, retired Deputy Chief Ann Mannix, and my dear cousin, Katie Mannix, lost their lives in a senseless act of violence. We’re heartbroken, lost for words and forever changed,” Brendan wrote on Facebook.

He said Katie had been close to achieving one of her lifelong ambitions.

“My sweet Katie had her whole life ahead of her. She was so close to following in her older sister Lauren’s footsteps and becoming a nurse,” he wrote.

“Katie was the kind of person who would send you a random text just to say she loved you or to give you encouragement when you needed it. She had such a big heart and a way of making people feel special. It hurts knowing she won’t get to live out the dreams she was so excited about.”

Brendan also honored Ann’s career in law enforcement and her efforts to help other women advance through the San Francisco Police Department.

“My aunt Ann was a pioneer in the SFPD. She worked her way up to Deputy Chief, but she never forgot where she started. She looked out for the women coming up behind her and helped open doors for them. I’m so proud of what she accomplished and the example she set,” he wrote.

Brendan, who also worked as a San Francisco police officer, said serving alongside family members had been “one of the greatest honors of my life.”

“I’ll always treasure that,” he added.

He expressed his gratitude to police officers, friends and members of the community who had contacted the family and offered support.

“Your love and support mean more than I can put into words,” he wrote.

Brendan also asked people to pray for his two surviving cousins as the family mourns Ann and Katie.

“My heart is especially with my two surviving cousins. Please keep them and our family in your prayers,” he wrote.

“I know I’ll carry this loss for the rest of my life. Aunt Ann and Katie, I love you both and miss you more than I can say. I find comfort knowing our Lord and Savior is holding you in His arms, free from pain and suffering. Until we meet again.”

San Francisco police confirmed the deaths. Police Chief Derrick Lew sent a department-wide message, telling officers that the agency was sharing the news “with heavy hearts.”

Chief Lew added: “Please keep their family in your prayers. BSU is available to all members who may need it during this difficult time.”

A close family friend, who said she was Ann Mannix’s best friend of 60 years, also confirmed the deaths to The California Post, adding: “This is so sad for me. She was my best friend of 60 years. Love her, she didn’t deserve this.”

Deputies who responded to the scene after 5 p.m. found all three dead inside the home.

Shots were fired in the Strawberry Circle neighborhood, which is an unincorporated area of Strawberry east of Mill Valley, according to a news release.

Police arrived within minutes to the home and reached out to the person who made the initial call. That person had left the home, according to the sheriff’s office.

The perimeter around the residence was secured for further investigation. Detectives with the sheriff’s office investigations unit were still at the scene Sunday night.

“There is no known threat to the community,” they said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Ann Mannix climbed the ranks of the San Francisco Police Department, becoming deputy chief of the Field Operations Bureau in 2018 before taking charge of the Special Operations Bureau in 2019, according to department records.

She also made history as the first woman to serve on the department’s SWAT team and eventually lead the unit.

Her husband Kevin Mannix retired from the SFPD in June 2018 after serving 27 years on the force.

A close family member who spoke with The California Post confirmed that the relationship between Ann and Kevin was “not great” and that the two had their difficulties, but didn’t foresee this happening. 

They also said that to their understanding, the two were not estranged. 

In a farewell letter published by Taraval Station following Kevin Mannix’s retirement, he looked back on the friendships he had built throughout his career and expressed his desire to spend more time with loved ones.

“I leave the SFPD, but I am taking your friendships with me forever,” he wrote.

After the shooting Sunday night, San Francisco’s Police Officer’s Association said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness, shock, and heavy hearts that we address the devastating news that emerged out of Marin County on Sunday evening.

“The tragic loss of retired Deputy Chief Ann Mannix, her daughter Katie, and retired Sergeant Kevin Mannix in a suspected murder-suicide has left our entire SFPD family reeling.

“There are no words that can fully capture the depth of this tragedy, nor are there simple answers to the painful questions we are all asking.

“Ann Mannix was a trailblazer in our department—becoming the first woman to join and lead the SWAT team, and rising to lead both the Field Operations and Special Operations Bureaus.

“Many worked alongside Kevin during his 27 years of dedicated service at Taraval Station and beyond. To see their lives, and the life of their 24-year-old daughter Katie, end in such a horrific and senseless manner is a burden that weighs heavily on every officer, active and retired.”

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of retired SFPD Deputy Chief Ann Mannix and her daughter, Katie.

“Deputy Chief Mannix dedicated decades of her life to serving San Francisco. She was a trailblazer in the police department, becoming the first woman to join and lead the SWAT team and rising to lead both the Field Operations and Special Operations Bureaus.”


Charlie Kirk Case: Tyler Robinson’s Lawyers Seek Camera Ban

0

Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing Charlie Kirk, are once again asking a Utah judge to keep cameras out of the courtroom. Their latest request comes before a hearing that could establish a trial date, as they argue that intense attention on the cost of Robinson’s defense could jeopardize his right to a fair trial.

No witness testimony is expected at the hearing. Still, Robinson’s legal team says continued coverage of Kirk’s death could have an “incremental adverse effect” on the proceedings—one they believe would outweigh the public benefit of televising or recording the court’s scheduling discussions.

In a filing Monday opposing a request from local media to send a camera to the Oct. 23 hearing, Robinson’s attorneys pointed to recent reports about defense spending. “Only a few weeks ago, the media reported on costs associated with the defense,” they wrote. They argued that any discussion about the time and resources needed to prepare the case could be circulated immediately on social media and framed around expense, rather than Robinson’s constitutional rights to effective counsel, due process, a fair trial and a reliable penalty determination.

Tyler Robinson in court for the assassination of Charlie Kirk

Tyler Robinson, left, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, points with defense attorney Kathryn Nester during a hearing in 4th District Court in Provo on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (Bethany Baker/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah County had paid $1.6 million to Robinson’s defense team by last month, surpassing a special $1 million state allocation. Complex, high-profile murder cases can cost millions to defend, particularly when they proceed to trial.

Those expenses can include expert witnesses, investigative work, laboratory analysis and other services. Some experts have estimated that Robinson’s defense could ultimately cost as much as $10 million.

Tyler Robinson, charged with killing Charlie Kirk appears in court

Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)

The attorneys also said additional media attention “risks reinforcing existing prejudicial perceptions of Mr. Robinson and his defense.”

Robinson’s lawyers have repeatedly sought to bar both still photographers and video cameras from the courtroom, citing different concerns about the possible impact on his right to a fair trial.

“Although the resulting litigation schedule may be newsworthy, there is little additional news value in electronically recording and transmitting the back-and-forth among the Court and counsel concerning scheduling matters,” the defense wrote.

In earlier filings, the defense compared coverage of the case to a “reality TV show,” arguing that cameras could distract participants and increase pressure inside the courtroom.

During the opening of Robinson’s five-day preliminary hearing, defense attorney Richard Novak laughed after the judge ruled that a camera request had been submitted too late. The ruling allowed a pool photographer to take pictures beginning on the second day of the hearing.

Judge Tony Graf Jr., however, has generally favored public access, permitting cameras at most proceedings under conditions established in a courtroom decorum order.

Charlie Kirk at UVU in the courtyard throwing hats to the crowd in front of the TPUSA tent where he was later killed

Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd after arriving at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his “American Comeback Tour” when he was shot in the neck and killed. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk on Sept. 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. About 3,000 people were gathered when Kirk was killed, prosecutors say.

A conviction on the aggravated murder charge could make Robinson eligible for the death penalty.

He also faces charges of felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing a violent offense in front of a child.

At a brief arraignment in September, lead defense attorney Kathy Nester entered not-guilty pleas on Robinson’s behalf.