Morning Wire Rhode Island Shooter’s Past & Progress With Iran? | 2.18.26
35 snips
Feb 18, 2026 
Cameron Arkand, Daily Wire political reporter covering the 2026 midterms and hot GOP primaries. Benham Ben-Talablu, Iran program director and foreign policy expert. They unpack a deadly Rhode Island rink shooting and its social media context. They discuss U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, military posture, and chances of a deal or strike. They analyze a pivotal Texas Senate primary and Trump's influence.
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Bleachers Shooting And Heroic Bystander
- A lone gunman at a Pawtucket high school hockey game descended from the bleachers and opened fire, killing his ex-wife and one son.
- A bystander tackled the shooter, ending the attack before the shooter fatally shot himself.
Trans Identity Central To Family Conflict
- The shooter had long-standing family friction tied to his transgender identity and cited gender reassignment in divorce filings.
- His social posts mixed pro-trans violent rhetoric with antisemitic praise for Hitler, complicating motives.
Contested Pattern In Trans Shooter Coverage
- Hosts link multiple recent mass shootings carried out by transgender individuals and note a perceived pattern.
- They argue media outlets sometimes downplay transgender status, but conservatives call it a relevant factor for understanding motives.