Joey Hudson / Just The Truth

7,000 Tips and Counting: Inside the Manhunt for Charlie’s Killer | Air Force Two takes Charlie Home (Ep 532)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

We begin with the latest on the assassination of my colleague and friend, Charlie Kirk.

Overnight, authorities released new surveillance images and video of a person of interest—a lanky, college-aged male in dark clothing, wraparound sunglasses, gray cap, and Converse sneakers—seen near the scene at Utah Valley University. Tips have now topped 7,000, and the FBI is asking anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI; there’s a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The Washington Post+2The Washington Post+2

Investigators also confirmed recovery of a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon, found in a wooded area off campus, as the manhunt enters Day Three. Reuters+1

Late last night, Utah Governor Spencer Cox stood alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino to brief the media and again asked the public to study the images and send in tips. Cox reiterated the state will pursue the death penalty once the killer is caught. WJAR+2Fox43+2

And a solemn scene at sunset: Air Force Two carried Charlie’s body to Phoenix, Arizona, with Vice President JD Vance and his wife accompanying Erika and the Kirk family. AP News+2AP News+2

Locally, Greenville County Schools says the Southside High teacher tied to an “inappropriate” social post about Charlie’s murder is no longer employed following an investigation. WYFF+1

We’ll play President Trump’s Oval Office remarks on Charlie’s legacy, and we’re joined this hour by Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. Your calls and texts: 864-477-JOEY.

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QUICK HITS 

• New suspect visuals + 7,000 tips; reward now at $100k. The Washington Post+1

• Weapon recovered: high-powered bolt-action rifle near campus. Reuters+1

• Press conference: Gov. Cox with FBI leadership; death penalty pledge. CBS News

• Air Force Two: VP JD Vance escorts casket to Phoenix with family. AP News+1

• Upstate SC: Greenville teacher out after post on the shooting. WYFF

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Remembering Charlie Kirk (1993–2025) Gone too soon. (Ep 531)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Remembering Charlie Kirk (1993–2025)

A life lived out loud for faith, freedom, and America.

It’s a day of sadness and gratitude. Sadness, because our friend and colleague Charlie Kirk—conservative activist, founder of Turning Point USA, husband and father—was shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University yesterday and later died of his injuries. Gratitude, because even in grief we can give thanks for a life spent rallying young Americans to love their country and to speak boldly.

What happened in Orem

Witness video from the event shows a single shot as Charlie addressed a large crowd outdoors at UVU around 12:20 p.m. He was rushed to the hospital by his security team and pronounced dead later in the day. UVU closed campus and escorted students off site as law enforcement locked down buildings and launched an investigation.

As details have developed, authorities have offered evolving updates: early statements indicated a subject was detained; hours later, officials clarified that individuals initially questioned were released and the investigation remains active. We’ll keep tracking official briefings as the manhunt continues.

A nation responds

In a formal proclamation from the White House, President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff nationwide through sunset on Sunday, honoring Charlie’s memory. The president also spoke from the Oval Office about Charlie’s impact on the country—remarks we’ll share on today’s show. Leaders across the spectrum expressed condolences and called for an end to political violence.

Who Charlie was—and why he mattered

Charlie Kirk rocketed from suburban Chicago organizer to one of the most influential voices on the right. At 18 he co-founded Turning Point USA, building a student movement that packed arenas and pushed the free-speech debate squarely onto America’s campuses. He married Erika Frantzve in 2021; they have two young children. At just 31, Charlie had already authored books, hosted a top-ranked podcast, and helped energize a new generation of conservative voters.

Thankful Thursday

We’re grieving—but we’re not without hope. Charlie never hid his faith; he spoke openly about Jesus and the power of grace. On this Thankful Thursday, we’re thankful for a life that pointed people to conviction and courage. As believers, many of us take comfort in the promise that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

 

If you want to share a memory or prayer for Erika and the kids, call or text the Firmin Ford text line at 864-477-JOEY (5639). You can also leave a voice message to be aired on a future podcast.

 

Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA, UVU, Utah Valley University, political violence, half-staff order, Oval Office remarks, conservative movement, free speech, faith and freedom

“ICE Sweep Stuns SE Texas | Karoline Leavitt vs MSM | Trans Athlete Lawsuit Erupts” (Ep 530)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Texas immigration mega-operation: Federal agents in southeast Texas detained 822 illegal immigrants in one week—netting gang members, convicted murderers, child predators, and foreign fugitives. We break down who was caught, why it matters, and the policy shift behind it.

Media firestorm: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted legacy outlets for slow coverage of the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte. We examine the case, cashless bail, and the media double standard.

Girls’ sports lawsuit in California: Three Jurupa Valley HS athletes are suing CIF, CDE, and JUSD over a biological male on the girls’ volleyball team, citing safety, fairness, and religious-freedom concerns. What the complaint says—and what it could mean for school sports nationwide.

Freedom Farm Fest: It’s THIS Saturday at Joey’s farm in Greer, SC—BBQ, music, an old-style stump rally, and special guest Mike Gallagher joins today’s show to preview the event and the latest in Charlotte.

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#Texas #ICE #Border #LawAndOrder #IrynaZarutska #MediaBias #CIF #GirlsSports #TitleIX #TransPolicy #California #SouthCarolina #FreedomFarmFest #MikeGallagher

“Largest Immigration Raid Ever? 475 Detained in GA | Charlotte Tragedy | Clemson’s DEI Housecleaning (Ep 529)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Federal agents detained nearly 500 workers during a Homeland Security raid at a Hyundai battery plant construction site near Savannah, Georgia—a sweeping operation rattling U.S.–South Korea relations and raising questions about visa overstays, subcontracting, and illegal labor on mega-projects.

We also cover the viral Phillies home run ball dust-up (a mom pressuring a dad to hand over a souvenir meant for his son), a cashless-bail failure tied to the killing of a Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte (mental-health red flags + transit security gaps), and Clemson University’s decision to shut down multiple DEI advisory commissions (timing, legal pressure, and what replaces them).

Plus: SC GOP Chairman Drew McKissick joins us with the latest on the Pickens County Republican Party re-org and what it means for the grassroots.

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Russia’s Biggest Strike Yet — Trump Signals “Stage Two” | Billion-Dollar Jackpots & Billion-Dollar Roads (Ep 528)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Russia just carried out its largest air assault on Ukraine to date—800+ drones/decoys and missiles targeting Kyiv and striking a government building. President Donald Trump says he’s moving to “stage two” Russia sanctions—potentially secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers—as Ukraine’s Prime Minister signals support. We break down what “stage two” could mean, how it would choke Kremlin revenue, and whether Europe will follow.

At the US Open Men’s Final, Trump’s appearance reportedly caused VIP gridlock at Flushing Meadows—Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ben Stiller and more seen waiting in line as the USTA told broadcasters not to air “disruptions.” We unpack the security footprint, crowd reaction, and why big events lock down for a presidential visit.

Two tickets hit the $1.787 billion Powerball jackpot—the second-largest in U.S. history—sold in Texas and Missouri. We run the math on lump sum vs. annuity, federal 37% taxes, state tax differences (Texas no state income tax, Missouri ~4%), estimated after-tax take-home, and lottery winner pitfalls (asset protection, trusts, advisors).

Justice Amy Coney Barrett defends Dobbs v. Jackson in a rare CBS / Norah O’Donnell interview: Dobbs didn’t ban abortion, it returned the issue to the states. We clarify what Dobbs changed, what it didn’t (e.g., contraception/IVF not at issue in Dobbs), and why federalism now drives state abortion laws.

Finally, does South Carolina have more roads than it can maintain? With the 4th-largest state highway system and a $2.76B annual tab, DOT faces a maintenance backlog, 2017 gas tax limits, EV headwinds, and talk of turning smaller state roads over to counties/municipalities. We cover funding gaps (~$1B/yr), the Palmetto State’s growth, and reform ideas.

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#Ukraine #Russia #Trump #USOpen #Powerball #AmyConeyBarrett #Dobbs #Abortion #SouthCarolina #Infrastructure #Roads #Politics #News

WEEKEND: Farm Fest Weekend: Music, BBQ, and 2025 Candidates| Pepsi of Greenville Steps Up: LEAD Spotlight (Ep 527)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Good morning and welcome in! Big show today—next weekend is Freedom Farm Fest: BBQ, live music, and an old-school stump rally with elected officials and candidates shaking hands and making their case. And my friend Mike Gallagher is coming to town—he’ll join us later in the show with a preview and a few stories you won’t want to miss.

And circle September 19th—we pause to say thank you to the men and women who wear the badge. It’s LEAD—Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Brian Hightower and our friends at Pepsi of Greenville are among the local businesses proudly backing this year’s event. We appreciate you.

Busy weekend ahead—let’s roll.

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Trump: “Department of War” Returns | Portland Warning | Biden Health Update (Ep 526)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

President Trump plans to rebrand the Pentagon back to the Department of War—what the symbolism means and why the White House says “warrior ethos” matters. Portland’s Democratic mayor warns Trump could “target” the city next if homelessness isn’t fixed. We break down the email… and the results-first vs. optics-first debate.

Plus: Biden health update after Mohs surgery—what we know and why transparency matters. And South Carolina’s voter data fight: DOJ wants SC’s voter registration info sent to a federal database. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette joins us to dig into privacy, state sovereignty, and election integrity.

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#DepartmentOfWar #Pentagon #Trump #Portland #Homelessness #Biden #MohsSurgery #SouthCarolina #VoterData #ElectionIntegrity #PamelaEvette #TalkRadio #Politics

Tim Walz’s “Sick Joke,” Record China–Cartel Drug Bust & Drone Inspections?! (Ep 525)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is under fire after joking about rumors of President Trump’s health. We break down the backlash, the double standard, and why rhetoric matters. Then—Feds announce the largest ever seizure of drug precursor chemicals headed from Communist China to Mexican cartels. What it means for the synthetic-drug war on America.

Plus: Are insurance companies flying drones over your home to flag roof/tree “hazards” and cancel policies? Where’s the line between risk management and invasion of privacy? And in South Carolina, a judge hits pause on turning over state voter data to federal officials—privacy rights vs. federal reach.

Jump in:

• Walz’s Labor Day “joke” about Trump’s health

• Record China→Cartels precursor bust & what’s next

• Insurance drones and homeowner cancellations

• SC voter data court fight & election integrity

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#TimWalz #Trump #DrugCrisis #Fentanyl #Cartels #China #Insurance #Drones #Privacy #SouthCarolina #VoterData #ElectionIntegrity #Politics #TalkRadio