14 chapters across the catalog
Solingen Knife Attack, Diversity Festival Violence
A 26-year-old Syrian man confessed to a fatal knife attack at a "Festival of Diversity" in Solingen, Germany, which left three people dead. While ISIS claimed responsibility for the act, German authorities are investigating the suspect's background as an asylum seeker. The incident is discussed as part of a broader trend of knife violence in Europe.
UK Stabbing Epidemic, Prison Overcrowding, Operation Early Dawn
Alex Phillips reports on a surge of stabbings across the UK, including an incident where an asylum seeker allegedly stabbed his immigration lawyer. The hosts discuss "Operation Early Dawn," a UK government initiative to release prisoners early to make room for those arrested during recent protests and riots.
Mainstream media outlets reported on a "Global Day of Rage" called for by Hamas, leading to heightened security in New York and Los Angeles. Incidents reported during this period include a fatal stabbing of a teacher in France and an attack on an Israeli diplomat in Beijing. The hosts characterize the media coverage as an attempt to incite public anxiety.
Authorities made an arrest in the stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee in San Francisco. The suspect, Nima Momeni, was also a tech professional and reportedly knew Lee personally. While the event was initially framed by media as a symptom of random street crime in San Francisco, evidence suggests the killing resulted from a personal dispute between the two men.
Tokyo Train Attack, Under the Volcano Documentary
A man dressed as the Joker attacked passengers on a Tokyo commuter train with a knife and fire, reportedly seeking the death penalty. In a lighter segment, the hosts recommend the documentary Under the Volcano, which chronicles Sir George Martin's Air Studios in Montserrat and the legendary bands that recorded there before the volcano's eruption.
A stabbing attack on London Bridge involving Usman Khan, a convicted terrorist on early release, sparked a national debate on sentencing laws. The incident featured heroic interventions by citizens using a narwhal tusk and a fire extinguisher. The hosts analyze the "hoax bomb vest" worn by the attacker and question the timing of the event relative to the UK election.
Chemnitz Anti-Immigration Protests and German Tensions
Protests erupted in the German city of Chemnitz following the fatal stabbing of a German man, allegedly by a Syrian and an Iraqi. Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the "vigilante justice" seen in the streets. The discussion explores the rising tensions in Germany and the lack of Western media coverage regarding the severity of the social unrest.
A UC Berkeley student, Pablo Gomez Jr., was arrested for a brutal stabbing; the media coverage focused on the suspect's preference for "they" pronouns. The hosts discuss the "imposition" of being forced to use specific pronouns and the potential for identity politics to be used for financial gain, such as small business loans meant for women.
Faisal Mohammed, UC Merced Stabbing Investigation
The FBI concluded that Faisal Mohammed, the student who carried out a stabbing rampage at UC Merced in November, was inspired by ISIS propaganda found online. Mohammed stabbed four people before being killed by campus police. The hosts discuss how the use of knives in terror attacks is becoming more common among "self-radicalized" individuals and note that the story received relatively little mainstream media attention.
NYC Transgender Guidelines, Front-Stabbing Corporate Culture
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio released guidelines allowing for fines against businesses that "purposely" use incorrect pronouns or enforce gendered dress codes. Meanwhile, a Wall Street Journal report describes a trend of "front-stabbing" in corporate environments, where employees are encouraged to be blunt rather than polite to increase competitiveness.
Media outlets are questioning Ben Carson's stories of childhood violence, specifically an incident where he allegedly tried to stab a peer. Carson has defended his biography, calling the media scrutiny "pathetic" and a "bunch of lies." Donald Trump utilized the controversy during his SNL rehearsals to criticize Carson's honesty on social media.
White House Fence Jumper Curtis Smith Killed at Courthouse
A news report details the death of Curtis Smith, the man who previously jumped the White House fence, after he allegedly stabbed a deputy at a Pennsylvania courthouse. The hosts suggest Smith may have "known too much" and speculate on the convenience of the incident for those advocating for knife bans.
Isla Vista, Stabbing Victims and Crime Scene Investigation
Sheriff Bill Brown reported that Elliot Rodger murdered three male victims by repeated stabbing in his Isla Vista apartment before beginning his shooting rampage. The hosts express skepticism regarding how a 140-pound man could successfully stab three men and note early, unconfirmed reports of a second shooter in a BMW.
Franklin Regional High School Stabbing, Ritalin, and Media Narratives
A 16-year-old student at Franklin Regional High School near Pittsburgh injured 22 people in a stabbing rampage using kitchen knives. The hosts observe that the media narrative focused on the relief that a gun was not used, while completely ignoring the potential role of psychiatric drugs like Ritalin. They argue that the underlying causes of such violence are rarely addressed when they don't fit a specific political agenda.
