WINDSOR, England (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;relished the glow of a British royal spectacle as he opened a two-day state visit Wednesday, calling the hours of pageantry with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/king-charles-iii">King Charles III</a>&nbsp;“one of the highest honors of my life” while also making time for a quiet tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb.

The grandeur-loving president soaked up all the revelry, from the largest guard of honor in living memory — with 120 horses and 1,300 troops — to carriage rides, an air show and a Windsor Castle state dinner.

After the pomp comes the real work Thursday, when Trump and British&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/keir-starmer">Prime Minister</a>&nbsp;Keir Starmer meet to talk trade, technology and geopolitical issues.

No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has had the honor of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-trump-state-visit-67c610327fca8e99818c7f5980a9cfb3">second U.K. state visit;</a>&nbsp;Trump’s first was in 2019, during his previous term. The display of regal splendor was meant to bolster ties with Trump at a time when his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-imperialism-canada-panama-greenland-b4b53445dee97398b498b79eab54d49b">America First policies are putting pressure on trade</a>&nbsp;and security arrangements around the globe.

“This was the second state visit, and that’s the first, and maybe that’s going to be the last time, I hope it is actually,” Trump joked during the evening banquet.

The visit began with Prince William and his wife, Kate, meeting the presidential helicopter in the private Walled Garden on the vast Windsor estate, then walking Trump and first lady Melania Trump over to be greeted by Charles and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/queen-camilla">Queen Camilla</a>. A gigantic royal standard, the flag used for official celebration days, flew from the Royal Tower.

The guests traveled to the castle in a procession of horse-drawn carriages, past ranks of soldiers, sailors and aviators. The king and the Republican president chatted in the Irish State Coach during the short journey to the castle quadrangle, where both inspected an honor guard of soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats.

They continued to chat and joke as the day progressed, with the king occasionally putting his hand on Trump’s back. The president stepped in front of Charles during a review of troops after the king gestured for him to do so. The king’s invitation avoided a violation of protocol, which was not the case in 2019, when Trump stepped in front of Queen Elizabeth.

Part of the day was spent at St. George’s Chapel on the castle grounds, where Trump placed a wreath in honor of Elizabeth, who died in 2022.

The president and Charles toured the Royal Collection Display in an ornate room where officials laid out five tables of artifacts on U.S.-British relations.

Among the items were 18th-century watercolors and documents on the United States seeking independence from King George III. There were materials from the first trans-Atlantic cable, including messages between Queen Victoria and President James Buchanan, as well as a 1930s hot dog picnic that a young Elizabeth wrote about, and a large glass vessel that President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the queen during a 1957 state visit.

The president later walked a red carpet on the castle’s East Lawn to watch the Beating Retreat, a military parade ceremony that featured 200-plus musicians, dates to the 1600s and was once used to call patrolling soldiers back to their castle at day’s end.

A scheduled flyover by F-35 jets from the U.K. and U.S. militaries was scrapped because of poor weather conditions. But the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s aerobatics display team, thundered overhead, leaving streaks of red, white and blue smoke in their wake.

Charles and Camilla presented the president and first lady with a handbound leather volume celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Union flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on the day of Trump’s inauguration in January. The royals also gave first lady Melania Trump a silver and enamel bowl and a personalized handbag by British designer Anya Hindmarch.

Trump gave Charles a replica of an Eisenhower sword, and Camilla received a vintage Tiffany &amp; Co. gold, diamond and ruby brooch.

The history, tradition and celebrity of the royal family give it a cachet that means presidents and prime ministers covet joining them. In his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-trump-state-visit-starmer-334930dc7a467118b5551c6e4ec3d1db">talks with Trump,</a>&nbsp;Starmer will promote a new U.K.-U.S. technology agreement. The British government hopes the deal, and billions in investment from U.S. tech companies, will help show that the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong despite differences over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-starmer-palestinian-state-israel-gaza-recognition-bf50123e56404382ca0f7cfbd4161d14">Middle East</a>&nbsp;and the future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nato">NATO</a>.

Ahead of the banquet, Trump and Charles walked together, leading a procession. Trump wore white tie, while his wife was in a yellow gown. Charles was in white tie with a blue sash, and Camilla in a blue gown with a tiara.

Beefeaters in traditional red uniforms and ruff collars lined the entrance to the castle’s St. George’s Hall for the dinner, which featured 100 staff members attending to 160 guests. The grand Waterloo table was set with 1,462 pieces of silver sparkling in the light from 139 candles and elaborate floral arrangements handpicked from the castle grounds.

The guests included Apple’s Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Open AI’s Sam Altman and golfer Nick Faldo. Also appearing was publishing mogul Rupert Murdoch, whom Trump recently sued for $10 billion over The Wall Street Journal’s report on a sexually suggestive letter purportedly written by Trump for disgraced financier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>.

The menu featured Hampshire watercress panna cotta with Parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad, along with Norfolk chicken ballotine. Dessert was vanilla ice cream bombe with a raspberry sherbet interior and lightly poached Victorian plums.

Trump avoids alcohol, but the bar offerings included a cocktail known as a trans-Atlantic whiskey sour infused with marmalade, Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port — Trump is the 45th and 47th American president — and Hennessy 1912 cognac Grande Champagne. That was the year Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in Scotland.

The musical playlist included the theme from the James Bond movies and pop and rock staples, as well as top show tunes, often featured at Trump’s campaign rallies.

In his toast, Charles saluted Trump’s British roots and his recent visits to the U.K. In a nod to the president’s favorite sport, he said, “I understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses.”

Trump mostly stuck to his prepared remarks and was on his best behavior, declaring, “This is truly one of the highest honors of my life” and sneaking in only one dig about his predecessor, Democratic President Joe Biden, by saying the U.S. was “sick” a year ago. He also touched on Britain’s contributions to literature, history and the arts and said “special” does not begin to do justice to his country’s relationship with the U.K.

“Together we’ve done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history,” Trump said.

Trump being in Windsor doesn’t stop protests

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-britain-uk-state-visit-king-charles-11e2c897c9047f12614cfa70e0c17753">Thousands of demonstrators marched through central London</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday to protest Trump’s visit. Some held banners that said “No to the racism, no to Trump.” Though the activities were smaller than during Trump’s visit in June 2019, they included mini versions of the giant Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-8f5de6a976af473788bf74389df782dc">baby blimp</a>, an orange-tinted caricature of the president in a diaper that made a big impression during those demonstrations six years ago.

In Windsor, protesters projected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/images-of-trump-and-epstein-projected-on-windsor-castle-as-us-president-visits-uk-6b004c3ab53247078795780c5c4bf7b1">an image of Trump and Epstein</a>&nbsp;on a tower at the castle, a reminder of the president’s relationship with the late American financier. Police said they arrested four people.

Lawless and Price reported from London and Weissert from Washington.

<p>WINDSOR, England (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;relished the glow of a British royal spectacle as he opened a two-day state visit Wednesday, calling the hours of pageantry with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/king-charles-iii">King Charles III</a>&nbsp;“one of the highest honors of my life” while also making time for a quiet tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH IN FULL: President Donald J. Trump and the First Lady receive a marvelous welcome to Windsor Castle earlier today, kicking off the President&#39;s unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom. <a href="https://t.co/3IOBmn8cVo">pic.twitter.com/3IOBmn8cVo</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968393607976456671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/UpX0M1yM5c">pic.twitter.com/UpX0M1yM5c</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968412389054775622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome President Trump 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/Xpm5Nq2XRA">pic.twitter.com/Xpm5Nq2XRA</a></p>&mdash; The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1968305875686449290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇺🇸 🇬🇧 This afternoon, a Beating Retreat ceremony was held at Windsor Castle to mark President Trump’s State Visit.<br><br>The ceremony has its origins in the early years of organised warfare when the beating of drums and the parading of Post Guards heralded the closing of camp gates… <a href="https://t.co/UnFCeOYL29">pic.twitter.com/UnFCeOYL29</a></p>&mdash; The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1968387149734330404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WOW! A joint U.S.-U.K. flyover of F-35s and Red Arrows atop <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, and Their Majesties at Windsor Castle! 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/CvMEtO3o3a">pic.twitter.com/CvMEtO3o3a</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968343366929907847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and the First Lady listen to the Chapel Choristers inside St. George’s Chapel 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/Qzw0FVowkJ">pic.twitter.com/Qzw0FVowkJ</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1968337163357188250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> inspecting the Guard of Honor with King Charles 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/OtFaUxKMyp">pic.twitter.com/OtFaUxKMyp</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1968294714886734156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> arrive at Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/p0RMi3zKA8">pic.twitter.com/p0RMi3zKA8</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1968293874230767665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇬🇧 🇺🇸 The King and Queen inspect the banquet table in St George’s Hall ahead of this evening’s State Banquet <a href="https://t.co/T5OJm7MY3C">pic.twitter.com/T5OJm7MY3C</a></p>&mdash; The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1968356830087889211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, together with Their Majesties, arrive for a state banquet at Windsor Castle. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/tyO8lTW4xv">pic.twitter.com/tyO8lTW4xv</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968403182070960249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We&#39;re joined by history and fate, by love and language, and by transcendent ties of culture, tradition, ancestry, and destiny... The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal — it&#39;s irreplaceable and unbreakable.&quot; 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/RhFIaLNcAp">pic.twitter.com/RhFIaLNcAp</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968410080077832446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;On behalf of all Americans, I offer a toast to one of the great friendships, two great countries, and to His Majesty, King Charlies III — a very, very special man and also a very, very special Queen.&quot; 🥂🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/kzLKVhUFgA">pic.twitter.com/kzLKVhUFgA</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968409465629053016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> delivers remarks at the State Banquet at Windsor Castle: &quot;This is truly one of the highest honors of my life... for many decades, His Majesty The King has epitomized the fortitude, nobility, and the spirit of the British Monarchy, and the British people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/NhePpGOpJH">pic.twitter.com/NhePpGOpJH</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968408158696567144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">King Charles III: &quot;Allow me to propose a toast to President Trump and the First Lady — and to the health, prosperity, and happiness of the people of the United States of America.&quot; 🥂🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/KOjIIpHdwo">pic.twitter.com/KOjIIpHdwo</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968407680457887907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The grandeur-loving president soaked up all the revelry, from the largest guard of honor in living memory — with 120 horses and 1,300 troops — to carriage rides, an air show and a Windsor Castle state dinner.</p><p>After the pomp comes the real work Thursday, when Trump and British&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/keir-starmer">Prime Minister</a>&nbsp;Keir Starmer meet to talk trade, technology and geopolitical issues.</p><p>No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has had the honor of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-trump-state-visit-67c610327fca8e99818c7f5980a9cfb3">second U.K. state visit;</a>&nbsp;Trump’s first was in 2019, during his previous term. The display of regal splendor was meant to bolster ties with Trump at a time when his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-imperialism-canada-panama-greenland-b4b53445dee97398b498b79eab54d49b">America First policies are putting pressure on trade</a>&nbsp;and security arrangements around the globe.</p><p>“This was the second state visit, and that’s the first, and maybe that’s going to be the last time, I hope it is actually,” Trump joked during the evening banquet.</p><p>The visit began with Prince William and his wife, Kate, meeting the presidential helicopter in the private Walled Garden on the vast Windsor estate, then walking Trump and first lady Melania Trump over to be greeted by Charles and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/queen-camilla">Queen Camilla</a>. A gigantic royal standard, the flag used for official celebration days, flew from the Royal Tower.</p><p>The guests traveled to the castle in a procession of horse-drawn carriages, past ranks of soldiers, sailors and aviators. The king and the Republican president chatted in the Irish State Coach during the short journey to the castle quadrangle, where both inspected an honor guard of soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats.</p><p>They continued to chat and joke as the day progressed, with the king occasionally putting his hand on Trump’s back. The president stepped in front of Charles during a review of troops after the king gestured for him to do so. The king’s invitation avoided a violation of protocol, which was not the case in 2019, when Trump stepped in front of Queen Elizabeth.</p><p>Part of the day was spent at St. George’s Chapel on the castle grounds, where Trump placed a wreath in honor of Elizabeth, who died in 2022.</p><h2>A full day of pomp and circumstance</h2><p>The president and Charles toured the Royal Collection Display in an ornate room where officials laid out five tables of artifacts on U.S.-British relations.</p><p>Among the items were 18th-century watercolors and documents on the United States seeking independence from King George III. There were materials from the first trans-Atlantic cable, including messages between Queen Victoria and President James Buchanan, as well as a 1930s hot dog picnic that a young Elizabeth wrote about, and a large glass vessel that President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the queen during a 1957 state visit.</p><p>The president later walked a red carpet on the castle’s East Lawn to watch the Beating Retreat, a military parade ceremony that featured 200-plus musicians, dates to the 1600s and was once used to call patrolling soldiers back to their castle at day’s end.</p><p>A scheduled flyover by F-35 jets from the U.K. and U.S. militaries was scrapped because of poor weather conditions. But the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s aerobatics display team, thundered overhead, leaving streaks of red, white and blue smoke in their wake.</p><p>Charles and Camilla presented the president and first lady with a handbound leather volume celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Union flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on the day of Trump’s inauguration in January. The royals also gave first lady Melania Trump a silver and enamel bowl and a personalized handbag by British designer Anya Hindmarch.</p><p>Trump gave Charles a replica of an Eisenhower sword, and Camilla received a vintage Tiffany &amp; Co. gold, diamond and ruby brooch.</p><h2>Serious talks coming</h2><p>The history, tradition and celebrity of the royal family give it a cachet that means presidents and prime ministers covet joining them. In his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-trump-state-visit-starmer-334930dc7a467118b5551c6e4ec3d1db">talks with Trump,</a>&nbsp;Starmer will promote a new U.K.-U.S. technology agreement. The British government hopes the deal, and billions in investment from U.S. tech companies, will help show that the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong despite differences over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-starmer-palestinian-state-israel-gaza-recognition-bf50123e56404382ca0f7cfbd4161d14">Middle East</a>&nbsp;and the future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nato">NATO</a>.</p><p>Ahead of the banquet, Trump and Charles walked together, leading a procession. Trump wore white tie, while his wife was in a yellow gown. Charles was in white tie with a blue sash, and Camilla in a blue gown with a tiara.</p><p>Beefeaters in traditional red uniforms and ruff collars lined the entrance to the castle’s St. George’s Hall for the dinner, which featured 100 staff members attending to 160 guests. The grand Waterloo table was set with 1,462 pieces of silver sparkling in the light from 139 candles and elaborate floral arrangements handpicked from the castle grounds.</p><p>The guests included Apple’s Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Open AI’s Sam Altman and golfer Nick Faldo. Also appearing was publishing mogul Rupert Murdoch, whom Trump recently sued for $10 billion over The Wall Street Journal’s report on a sexually suggestive letter purportedly written by Trump for disgraced financier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>.</p><p>The menu featured Hampshire watercress panna cotta with Parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad, along with Norfolk chicken ballotine. Dessert was vanilla ice cream bombe with a raspberry sherbet interior and lightly poached Victorian plums.</p><p>Trump avoids alcohol, but the bar offerings included a cocktail known as a trans-Atlantic whiskey sour infused with marmalade, Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port — Trump is the 45th and 47th American president — and Hennessy 1912 cognac Grande Champagne. That was the year Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in Scotland.</p><p>The musical playlist included the theme from the James Bond movies and pop and rock staples, as well as top show tunes, often featured at Trump’s campaign rallies.</p><p>In his toast, Charles saluted Trump’s British roots and his recent visits to the U.K. In a nod to the president’s favorite sport, he said, “I understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses.”</p><p>Trump mostly stuck to his prepared remarks and was on his best behavior, declaring, “This is truly one of the highest honors of my life” and sneaking in only one dig about his predecessor, Democratic President Joe Biden, by saying the U.S. was “sick” a year ago. He also touched on Britain’s contributions to literature, history and the arts and said “special” does not begin to do justice to his country’s relationship with the U.K.</p><p>“Together we’ve done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history,” Trump said.</p><h2>Trump being in Windsor doesn’t stop protests</h2><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-britain-uk-state-visit-king-charles-11e2c897c9047f12614cfa70e0c17753">Thousands of demonstrators marched through central London</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday to protest Trump’s visit. Some held banners that said “No to the racism, no to Trump.” Though the activities were smaller than during Trump’s visit in June 2019, they included mini versions of the giant Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-8f5de6a976af473788bf74389df782dc">baby blimp</a>, an orange-tinted caricature of the president in a diaper that made a big impression during those demonstrations six years ago.</p><p>In Windsor, protesters projected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/images-of-trump-and-epstein-projected-on-windsor-castle-as-us-president-visits-uk-6b004c3ab53247078795780c5c4bf7b1">an image of Trump and Epstein</a>&nbsp;on a tower at the castle, a reminder of the president’s relationship with the late American financier. Police said they arrested four people.</p><p>___</p><p>Lawless and Price reported from London and Weissert from Washington.</p>

🎥 Highlights of the President's big day with the Royal family

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club has support for the Geary County Historical Society with a donation to their Hands-on-History programs.&nbsp; Heather Hagedorn, Executive Director/Curator shared information about the work she and her staff of Kim Neptune, Director of Programs and Education and John Sterling, Maintenance and craftsman, do to preserve and protect the history of Geary County.&nbsp; 

Hagadorn stated that there are 100,000 items from prehistoric fossils to current items.&nbsp; There are 10,000 photos from tin type to recent photos and newspapers and directories from their beginning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The most recent gallery display is the Black History Trail Gallery.&nbsp; "I have a passion for creating displays about history.&nbsp; History is also fun, interesting&nbsp;and remembered more when people get to physically touch and see things from the past", Heather said.&nbsp; 

This philosophy is evidenced&nbsp;in programs like 'History Alive!'&nbsp;which included tepis for visitors to go inside of, reenactors who shared information about&nbsp; fur trapping and trading and even a sheriff who "arrested" visitors and took them to jail. All of this and more took place at the historic site at the corner of K-18 and Spring Valley Road.&nbsp; One thousand visitors experienced this event and 350 of them were students.&nbsp; 

There will be another opportunity to experience 'History Alive!' next spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other activities put on by the Historical Society include an upcoming Ice Cream Social and Car show on September 20 titled Hot Dogs and Hot Rods.&nbsp; This will take place on the grounds outside of the Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets.&nbsp; There will be a Murder Mystery (Encore) in October; STEAM Saturdays; a sports history event; Acoustic Junction at the St. Joseph's Church site in eastern Geary County, and a cleanup day at the Highland Cemetery.&nbsp;

For more information about events, visitation or questions about Geary County History, please contact Heather Hagedorn at 785-238-1666.&nbsp; The Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 until 4:00 PM.&nbsp; Admission is free.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758138297387.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right: Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President and Heather Hagedorn, Executive Director/Curator for the Geary County Historical Society." />
                        <figcaption>Pictured left to right: Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President and Heather Hagedorn, Executive Director/Curator for the Geary County Historical Society.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By Dewey Terrill</p><p>JC Post</p><p>The JC Breakfast Optimist Club has support for the Geary County Historical Society with a donation to their Hands-on-History programs.&nbsp; Heather Hagedorn, Executive Director/Curator shared information about the work she and her staff of Kim Neptune, Director of Programs and Education and John Sterling, Maintenance and craftsman, do to preserve and protect the history of Geary County.&nbsp; </p><p>Hagadorn stated that there are 100,000 items from prehistoric fossils to current items.&nbsp; There are 10,000 photos from tin type to recent photos and newspapers and directories from their beginning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The most recent gallery display is the Black History Trail Gallery.&nbsp; "I have a passion for creating displays about history.&nbsp; History is also fun, interesting&nbsp;and remembered more when people get to physically touch and see things from the past", Heather said.&nbsp; </p><p>This philosophy is evidenced&nbsp;in programs like 'History Alive!'&nbsp;which included tepis for visitors to go inside of, reenactors who shared information about&nbsp; fur trapping and trading and even a sheriff who "arrested" visitors and took them to jail. All of this and more took place at the historic site at the corner of K-18 and Spring Valley Road.&nbsp; One thousand visitors experienced this event and 350 of them were students.&nbsp; </p><p>There will be another opportunity to experience 'History Alive!' next spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other activities put on by the Historical Society include an upcoming Ice Cream Social and Car show on September 20 titled Hot Dogs and Hot Rods.&nbsp; This will take place on the grounds outside of the Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets.&nbsp; There will be a Murder Mystery (Encore) in October; STEAM Saturdays; a sports history event; Acoustic Junction at the St. Joseph's Church site in eastern Geary County, and a cleanup day at the Highland Cemetery.&nbsp;</p><p>For more information about events, visitation or questions about Geary County History, please contact Heather Hagedorn at 785-238-1666.&nbsp; The Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 until 4:00 PM.&nbsp; Admission is free.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Optimists Support The Historical Society

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Michael Johnson Jr., Failure to appear, arrested 09/16

<p>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758132109352.jpeg" alt="Zyair Banister, Domestic battery; Failure to appear, arrested 09/16" />
                        <figcaption>Zyair Banister, Domestic battery; Failure to appear, arrested 09/16</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758132119175.jpeg" alt="Arthur Mickey, Probation violation, arrested 09/16" />
                        <figcaption>Arthur Mickey, Probation violation, arrested 09/16</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758132129064.jpeg" alt="Rosie Beneux, Criminal threat, cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member/dating relationship, arrested 09/16" />
                        <figcaption>Rosie Beneux, Criminal threat, cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member/dating relationship, arrested 09/16</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.</p><p>Michael Johnson Jr., Failure to appear, arrested 09/16</p><p>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.</p>

Geary County Booking Photos Sept. 17

PROVO, Utah (AP) —Authorities released new information Tuesday indicating that the 22-year-old Utah man accused in the fatal shooting of conservative activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;did a fair amount of planning before the attack on a college campus.

Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and other crimes. He appeared briefly Tuesday before a judge by video from jail. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray earlier said he would file a notice to seek the death penalty and that Robinson would remain jailed without bond.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26098852-tyler-robinson-indictment/">Click here to read the full indictment&nbsp;</a>

The judge said he would appoint a lawyer for Robinson.

Charging documents show that a note was left under Robinson’s keyboard saying he planned to kill Kirk and that those plans had been developed over a week’s time.

Kirk, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">confidant of President Donald Trump</a>, was fatally shot Sept. 10 during a speaking engagement on the Utah Valley University campus.

Robinson is “believed to have targeted Charlie Kirk based on Charlie Kirk’s political expression and did so knowing children were present and would witness the homicide,” Gray said. After Kirk was shot, “Robinson hid the gun, discarded the clothing he wore when he fired the rifle and told his roommate to delete incriminating text messages and not talk to police.”

Robinson, of Washington, Utah,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-cox-robinson-assassination-aef9fe8dc82d218a36d078536717d95d">was arrested</a>&nbsp;last week.

Here’s what we’ve learned about the case and evidence:

Robinson confessed to his romantic partner

Gray said Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the gun used to kill Kirk. The weapon was his grandfather’s rifle, which Robinson’s father told investigators was a gift.

Robinson texted his partner that he wanted to go back to the campus to retrieve the rifle, but never did.

Following the shooting and in text messages, Robinson also told his partner — whom he lived with — that Kirk was targeted because he “had enough of his hatred.”

“Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” Robinson texted.

Gray told reporters Tuesday that a note Robinson left for his partner stated: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”

Robinson split from family on political views

Moments before Kirk was shot, he was taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.

A Christian father of two, he demonstrated a combative new approach to conservatism that openly criticized racial justice movements, the news media and LGBTQ+ rights. Critics said his views perpetuated racist, anti-immigrant and anti-feminist ideas.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has described Robinson’s roommate as a transgender person. Gray said the partner has been cooperating with investigators.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">Robinson’s mother told investigators</a>&nbsp;that their son had turned left politically in the last year and became more supportive of gay and transgender rights after dating someone who is transgender, Gray said.

Robinson’s dating choice prompted several conversations with his family, especially between Robinson and his father. They had different political views, and Robinson told his roommate in a text message that his dad had become a “diehard MAGA” since President Donald Trump was elected.

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but is not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections.

Robinson confronted by family about killing

Robinson’s mother first recognized him when authorities released a photo of the suspect in the killing. That led his parents to confront him, at which time Robinson said he wanted to kill himself. The family persuaded him to meet with a family friend who is a retired sheriff’s deputy, who convinced Robinson to turn himself in.

Investigators had spoken to Robinson’s relatives and carried out a search warrant at his family’s home in Washington, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

Robinson grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah, between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

He became a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mormonism">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen said.

Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts.

Like many in that part of Utah, the family frequently spent time outdoors — boating, fishing, riding ATVs, zip-lining and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family visiting a military facility and posing with assault rifles. A young Robinson is seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.

It was unclear what caused Robinson’s personal politics to shift to the left.

It was also unclear how Robinson went unnoticed on the day of the shooting. Authorities have not said whether his partner would be charged.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758060123042.png" alt="Robinson during his first court appearance on Tuesday -Image from video provided by Utah State Courts" />
                        <figcaption>Robinson during his first court appearance on Tuesday -Image from video provided by Utah State Courts</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>PROVO, Utah (AP) —Authorities released new information Tuesday indicating that the 22-year-old Utah man accused in the fatal shooting of conservative activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;did a fair amount of planning before the attack on a college campus.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049682220.png" alt="Text message between Tyler Robinson and his roommate and romantic partner, according to the Utah County Attorney" />
                        <figcaption>Text message between Tyler Robinson and his roommate and romantic partner, according to the Utah County Attorney</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and other crimes. He appeared briefly Tuesday before a judge by video from jail. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray earlier said he would file a notice to seek the death penalty and that Robinson would remain jailed without bond.</p><p><a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26098852-tyler-robinson-indictment/">Click here to read the full indictment&nbsp;</a></p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray announces charges filed against Tyler James Robinson in the death of Charlie Kirk including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.&quot;<br><br>He also announces his intent to seek the death penalty. <a href="https://t.co/LqlpmMMR7O">pic.twitter.com/LqlpmMMR7O</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1968018452431380491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The judge said he would appoint a lawyer for Robinson.</p><p>Charging documents show that a note was left under Robinson’s keyboard saying he planned to kill Kirk and that those plans had been developed over a week’s time.</p><p>Kirk, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">confidant of President Donald Trump</a>, was fatally shot Sept. 10 during a speaking engagement on the Utah Valley University campus.</p><p>Robinson is “believed to have targeted Charlie Kirk based on Charlie Kirk’s political expression and did so knowing children were present and would witness the homicide,” Gray said. After Kirk was shot, “Robinson hid the gun, discarded the clothing he wore when he fired the rifle and told his roommate to delete incriminating text messages and not talk to police.”</p><p>Robinson, of Washington, Utah,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-cox-robinson-assassination-aef9fe8dc82d218a36d078536717d95d">was arrested</a>&nbsp;last week.</p><p>Here’s what we’ve learned about the case and evidence:</p><h2>Robinson confessed to his romantic partner</h2><p>Gray said Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the gun used to kill Kirk. The weapon was his grandfather’s rifle, which Robinson’s father told investigators was a gift.</p><p>Robinson texted his partner that he wanted to go back to the campus to retrieve the rifle, but never did.</p><p>Following the shooting and in text messages, Robinson also told his partner — whom he lived with — that Kirk was targeted because he “had enough of his hatred.”</p><p>“Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” Robinson texted.</p><p>Gray told reporters Tuesday that a note Robinson left for his partner stated: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”</p><h2>Robinson split from family on political views</h2><p>Moments before Kirk was shot, he was taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.</p><p>A Christian father of two, he demonstrated a combative new approach to conservatism that openly criticized racial justice movements, the news media and LGBTQ+ rights. Critics said his views perpetuated racist, anti-immigrant and anti-feminist ideas.</p><p>Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has described Robinson’s roommate as a transgender person. Gray said the partner has been cooperating with investigators.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">Robinson’s mother told investigators</a>&nbsp;that their son had turned left politically in the last year and became more supportive of gay and transgender rights after dating someone who is transgender, Gray said.</p><p>Robinson’s dating choice prompted several conversations with his family, especially between Robinson and his father. They had different political views, and Robinson told his roommate in a text message that his dad had become a “diehard MAGA” since President Donald Trump was elected.</p><p>State records show Robinson is registered to vote but is not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections.</p><h2>Robinson confronted by family about killing</h2><p>Robinson’s mother first recognized him when authorities released a photo of the suspect in the killing. That led his parents to confront him, at which time Robinson said he wanted to kill himself. The family persuaded him to meet with a family friend who is a retired sheriff’s deputy, who convinced Robinson to turn himself in.</p><p>Investigators had spoken to Robinson’s relatives and carried out a search warrant at his family’s home in Washington, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.</p><h2>What do we know about Robinson?</h2><p>Robinson grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah, between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.</p><p>He became a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mormonism">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen said.</p><p>Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts.</p><p>Like many in that part of Utah, the family frequently spent time outdoors — boating, fishing, riding ATVs, zip-lining and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family visiting a military facility and posing with assault rifles. A young Robinson is seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.</p><p>It was unclear what caused Robinson’s personal politics to shift to the left.</p><p>It was also unclear how Robinson went unnoticed on the day of the shooting. Authorities have not said whether his partner would be charged.</p>

What we've learned about the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination

WINDSOR, England (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;was greeted by royalty, military honor guards and mounted troops in red and gold as he arrived at Windsor Castle on Wednesday to begin a two-day state visit to Britain as the guest of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/king-charles-iii">King Charles III</a>.

Prince William and his wife Catherine met the president’s Marine One helicopter as it landed in the private Walled Garden on the vast castle estate, walking the president and first lady Melania Trump over to be greeted by the king and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/queen-camilla">Queen Camilla</a>.

The guests traveled to the castle in a procession of horse-drawn carriages, past ranks of soldiers, sailors and aviators, as military bands played the U.S. and British national anthems. The king and president chatted in the Irish State Coach during the short journey to the castle quadrangle, where Trump, accompanied by Charles, inspected an honor guard of soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats.

The day of royal pageantry is the highlight of the president’s unprecedented second state visit to Britain. And it's on a scale designed to impress the grandeur-loving president, involving some 120 horses and 1,300 troops, including the largest guard of honor in living memory.

It’s a spectacle with a purpose: to bolster ties with a world leader known for a love of bling at a time when his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-imperialism-canada-panama-greenland-b4b53445dee97398b498b79eab54d49b">America First policies are putting pressure on trade</a>&nbsp;and security arrangements globally.

Trump arrived in London late Tuesday and said he loved being back in the United Kingdom, calling it a “very special place.” Asked if he had a message for Charles, he said the king was a longtime friend of his and well-respected.

The backdrop for day one is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royal-family-windsor-burglary-b5a5d08666739169e3f720473e71f601">Windsor Castle</a>, an almost 1,000-year-old royal residence with gilded interiors, crenelated towers and priceless artworks. A gigantic royal standard, the flag used for official celebration days, flew from the castle’s Royal Tower as the king and queen prepared for the Trumps to arrive by helicopter from London, where they spent Tuesday night at the U.S. ambassador’s residence.

The prospect of a visit to the castle has seemed to enchant Trump, who ditched his trademark bluster and described the invitation as “a great, great honor.”

“I think that also is why he seems so visibly excited about the second meeting, because it isn’t an invitation given to (just) anyone,” said George Gross, an expert on the British monarchy at King’s College London.

While Britain’s royals long ago gave up political power, their history, tradition and celebrity give them a cachet that means presidents and prime ministers covet an invitation to join them. That makes the invitations, handed out at the request of the elected government, a powerful tool to reward friends and wring concessions out of reluctant allies.

No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has ever had the honor of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-trump-state-visit-67c610327fca8e99818c7f5980a9cfb3">second U.K. state visit</a>. That won’t be lost on a president who often describes his actions with superlatives and has made no secret of his fondness for Britain’s royals.

After a day of royal pomp, Trump will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-trump-state-visit-starmer-334930dc7a467118b5551c6e4ec3d1db">hold talks Thursday</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/keir-starmer">Prime Minister Keir Starmer</a>, who will tout a new U.K.-U.S. technology deal. The British government hopes the deal, and billions in investment from U.S. tech firms, will help show that the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong despite differences over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-starmer-palestinian-state-israel-gaza-recognition-bf50123e56404382ca0f7cfbd4161d14">Middle East</a>&nbsp;and the future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nato">NATO</a>.

Starmer also hopes to avoid awkward questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>. Days before the state visit, Starmer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-mandelson-epstein-fc3f953112ac10108e1109920fd9dca0">fired Britain’s ambassador to the U.S.,</a>&nbsp;Peter Mandelson, over the envoy’s past friendship with the convicted sex offender.

On Tuesday, the campaign group Led By Donkeys projected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/images-of-trump-and-epstein-projected-on-windsor-castle-as-us-president-visits-uk-6b004c3ab53247078795780c5c4bf7b1">an image of Trump and Epstein</a>&nbsp;on a tower at Windsor Castle, a reminder of the president’s relationship with the disgraced financier. Police said they arrested four people over the stunt.

After a private lunch and a visit to an exhibit of documents and artwork illustrating the ties between Britain and the U.S., it will be time for the glitz and glamour of a state banquet.

Tiaras and medals will be on display as up to 160 guests gather around a 50-meter (165-foot) long mahogany table set with 200-year-old silver to honor the president. Charles will deliver a speech, then the king and president will offer toasts.

Trump won’t, however, have the chance to address a joint session of Parliament&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-macron-state-visit-uk-king-charles-8ffb448b0fabe1c913d63329efb3cc6a">as French President Emmanuel Macron did</a>&nbsp;in July during his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/britain-france-macron-state-visit-royals-2a8b136d78f5693fb3a6afe50a2bf7ef">state visit</a>, because the House of Commons is in recess.

Most state visits are staged in London, against the grand backdrop of Buckingham Palace and the broad, flag-lined boulevard known as The Mall. But this one is taking place in the confines of Windsor, a historic town of just over 30,000 people about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of central London.

That makes it easier to control protests and protect the president at a time of increased international tensions, especially after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;of Trump ally Charlie Kirk last week in Utah. British police have mounted a massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-trump-windsor-arrest-drone-198b524f0762845dce0a4f6156a849c7">security operation</a>&nbsp;to ensure the president’s safety.

When Trump was in London on his first state visit in 2019, he was met by thousands of protesters who filled the streets outside the Houses of Parliament as a balloon shaped like a giant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-8f5de6a976af473788bf74389df782dc">diaper-wearing baby Trump</a>&nbsp;floated overhead.

Historian Robert Lacey, a consultant on the Netflix television series “The Crown,” said Windsor is also a more “photogenic setting” for a state visit than London.

“Buckingham Palace has got its balcony, it’s got its façade,” he said. But “inside it’s very dreary and it’s currently being renovated, which is one reason why Mr. Trump will not be staying there. Windsor is a proper castle.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758111550138.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
                        <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WINDSOR, England (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;was greeted by royalty, military honor guards and mounted troops in red and gold as he arrived at Windsor Castle on Wednesday to begin a two-day state visit to Britain as the guest of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/king-charles-iii">King Charles III</a>.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VIDEO OF THE DAY (so far…)<br>This is what President Trump came for…<br>A ride in a carriage with a King to a castle 🐴 👑 🏰 <br>Behind them Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump. <br>Next carriage Prince &amp; Princess of Wales with the US Ambassador to UK, Warren Stephens 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/NmWr0U9LTG">https://t.co/NmWr0U9LTG</a> <a href="https://t.co/o1rOSig2DE">pic.twitter.com/o1rOSig2DE</a></p>&mdash; Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisshipitv/status/1968289144964366776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, together with Their Majesties, make their way into Windsor Castle.🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/u9gzZ2rr8o">pic.twitter.com/u9gzZ2rr8o</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968283385597726991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and His Majesty The King proceed with the Inspection of the Guard of Honor at Windsor Castle<br><br>🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/Z4Ox6bnd4q">pic.twitter.com/Z4Ox6bnd4q</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968281249728094397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> — alongside <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> and Their Majesties — salutes as The Star-Spangled Banner is played at Windsor Castle.<br><br>GOD BLESS AMERICA! <a href="https://t.co/oVxw5mUYcw">pic.twitter.com/oVxw5mUYcw</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968280183175344138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📍Windsor Castle <br><br>🇺🇸 🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/T1nt0iVeo7">pic.twitter.com/T1nt0iVeo7</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968280883456299460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Star-Spangled Banner is played for <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> upon their arrival at Windsor Castle with Their Majesties. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/4wcie2Nt3L">pic.twitter.com/4wcie2Nt3L</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968278962691588144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A SIGHT! Carriages for <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, and Their Majesties arrive at Windsor Castle in a remarkable welcome for the unprecedented second state visit of President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/NAgxH5XAia">pic.twitter.com/NAgxH5XAia</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968278594318483482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Carriage procession to Windsor Castle for <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, courtesy of Their Majesties. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/YAVzp2EjbS">pic.twitter.com/YAVzp2EjbS</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968277732061794451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, together with Their Majesties, proceed to Windsor Castle in Carriages 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/DiYsOaRDmM">pic.twitter.com/DiYsOaRDmM</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968274993445568913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> are greeted at Victoria House by Their Majesties The King and the Queen 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/HVZQfQVxKl">pic.twitter.com/HVZQfQVxKl</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968274332628689052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Prince William and his wife Catherine met the president’s Marine One helicopter as it landed in the private Walled Garden on the vast castle estate, walking the president and first lady Melania Trump over to be greeted by the king and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/queen-camilla">Queen Camilla</a>.</p><p>The guests traveled to the castle in a procession of horse-drawn carriages, past ranks of soldiers, sailors and aviators, as military bands played the U.S. and British national anthems. The king and president chatted in the Irish State Coach during the short journey to the castle quadrangle, where Trump, accompanied by Charles, inspected an honor guard of soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats.</p><p>The day of royal pageantry is the highlight of the president’s unprecedented second state visit to Britain. And it's on a scale designed to impress the grandeur-loving president, involving some 120 horses and 1,300 troops, including the largest guard of honor in living memory.</p><p>It’s a spectacle with a purpose: to bolster ties with a world leader known for a love of bling at a time when his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-imperialism-canada-panama-greenland-b4b53445dee97398b498b79eab54d49b">America First policies are putting pressure on trade</a>&nbsp;and security arrangements globally.</p><p>Trump arrived in London late Tuesday and said he loved being back in the United Kingdom, calling it a “very special place.” Asked if he had a message for Charles, he said the king was a longtime friend of his and well-respected.</p><p>The backdrop for day one is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royal-family-windsor-burglary-b5a5d08666739169e3f720473e71f601">Windsor Castle</a>, an almost 1,000-year-old royal residence with gilded interiors, crenelated towers and priceless artworks. A gigantic royal standard, the flag used for official celebration days, flew from the castle’s Royal Tower as the king and queen prepared for the Trumps to arrive by helicopter from London, where they spent Tuesday night at the U.S. ambassador’s residence.</p><p>The prospect of a visit to the castle has seemed to enchant Trump, who ditched his trademark bluster and described the invitation as “a great, great honor.”</p><p>“I think that also is why he seems so visibly excited about the second meeting, because it isn’t an invitation given to (just) anyone,” said George Gross, an expert on the British monarchy at King’s College London.</p><h2>From pomp to politics</h2><p>While Britain’s royals long ago gave up political power, their history, tradition and celebrity give them a cachet that means presidents and prime ministers covet an invitation to join them. That makes the invitations, handed out at the request of the elected government, a powerful tool to reward friends and wring concessions out of reluctant allies.</p><p>No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has ever had the honor of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-trump-state-visit-67c610327fca8e99818c7f5980a9cfb3">second U.K. state visit</a>. That won’t be lost on a president who often describes his actions with superlatives and has made no secret of his fondness for Britain’s royals.</p><p>After a day of royal pomp, Trump will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-trump-state-visit-starmer-334930dc7a467118b5551c6e4ec3d1db">hold talks Thursday</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/keir-starmer">Prime Minister Keir Starmer</a>, who will tout a new U.K.-U.S. technology deal. The British government hopes the deal, and billions in investment from U.S. tech firms, will help show that the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong despite differences over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-starmer-palestinian-state-israel-gaza-recognition-bf50123e56404382ca0f7cfbd4161d14">Middle East</a>&nbsp;and the future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nato">NATO</a>.</p><p>Starmer also hopes to avoid awkward questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>. Days before the state visit, Starmer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-mandelson-epstein-fc3f953112ac10108e1109920fd9dca0">fired Britain’s ambassador to the U.S.,</a>&nbsp;Peter Mandelson, over the envoy’s past friendship with the convicted sex offender.</p><p>On Tuesday, the campaign group Led By Donkeys projected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/images-of-trump-and-epstein-projected-on-windsor-castle-as-us-president-visits-uk-6b004c3ab53247078795780c5c4bf7b1">an image of Trump and Epstein</a>&nbsp;on a tower at Windsor Castle, a reminder of the president’s relationship with the disgraced financier. Police said they arrested four people over the stunt.</p><h2>State banquet</h2><p>After a private lunch and a visit to an exhibit of documents and artwork illustrating the ties between Britain and the U.S., it will be time for the glitz and glamour of a state banquet.</p><p>Tiaras and medals will be on display as up to 160 guests gather around a 50-meter (165-foot) long mahogany table set with 200-year-old silver to honor the president. Charles will deliver a speech, then the king and president will offer toasts.</p><p>Trump won’t, however, have the chance to address a joint session of Parliament&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-macron-state-visit-uk-king-charles-8ffb448b0fabe1c913d63329efb3cc6a">as French President Emmanuel Macron did</a>&nbsp;in July during his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/britain-france-macron-state-visit-royals-2a8b136d78f5693fb3a6afe50a2bf7ef">state visit</a>, because the House of Commons is in recess.</p><h2>Protection from protests</h2><p>Most state visits are staged in London, against the grand backdrop of Buckingham Palace and the broad, flag-lined boulevard known as The Mall. But this one is taking place in the confines of Windsor, a historic town of just over 30,000 people about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of central London.</p><p>That makes it easier to control protests and protect the president at a time of increased international tensions, especially after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">fatal shooting</a>&nbsp;of Trump ally Charlie Kirk last week in Utah. British police have mounted a massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-trump-windsor-arrest-drone-198b524f0762845dce0a4f6156a849c7">security operation</a>&nbsp;to ensure the president’s safety.</p><p>When Trump was in London on his first state visit in 2019, he was met by thousands of protesters who filled the streets outside the Houses of Parliament as a balloon shaped like a giant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-8f5de6a976af473788bf74389df782dc">diaper-wearing baby Trump</a>&nbsp;floated overhead.</p><p>Historian Robert Lacey, a consultant on the Netflix television series “The Crown,” said Windsor is also a more “photogenic setting” for a state visit than London.</p><p>“Buckingham Palace has got its balcony, it’s got its façade,” he said. But “inside it’s very dreary and it’s currently being renovated, which is one reason why Mr. Trump will not be staying there. Windsor is a proper castle.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758111089407.png" alt="Trump" />
                        <figcaption>Trump</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>___</p>

🎥 U.K. gives President, First Lady Royal welcome in 2nd state visit

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an incident in northeast Kansas.

Just before 10a.m. September 10, a sheriff's&nbsp;deputy was on routine patrol and noticed plywood scattered on U.S. 36 highway just south of Hiawatha that appeared to have been lost off of a vehicle going to the landfill, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;

&nbsp; A vehicle description was passed on to landfill employees by the deputy , and the suspect vehicle and occupants were made available for questioning when the deputy arrived.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Upon conclusion of the investigation, the driver of the vehicle, 31-year-old&nbsp; Edubiel Vega Gonzalez of&nbsp; Dawson, Nebraska was arrested on requested charges of Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked&nbsp; and also cited for&nbsp; Littering&nbsp; The passengers in the Gonzalez vehicle were directed to clean the debris from the roadway.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758144874411.png" alt="Gonzalez photo Brown County" />
                        <figcaption>Gonzalez photo Brown County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an incident in northeast Kansas.</p><p>Just before 10a.m. September 10, a sheriff's&nbsp;deputy was on routine patrol and noticed plywood scattered on U.S. 36 highway just south of Hiawatha that appeared to have been lost off of a vehicle going to the landfill, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp; A vehicle description was passed on to landfill employees by the deputy , and the suspect vehicle and occupants were made available for questioning when the deputy arrived.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>Upon conclusion of the investigation, the driver of the vehicle, 31-year-old&nbsp; Edubiel Vega Gonzalez of&nbsp; Dawson, Nebraska was arrested on requested charges of Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked&nbsp; and also cited for&nbsp; Littering&nbsp; The passengers in the Gonzalez vehicle were directed to clean the debris from the roadway.</p>

Sheriff: Suspect with no drivers license dumped trash on Kan. highway

BROWN COUNTY —The search for a wanted suspect is over in northeast Kansas.

Just after 10:30a.m. Sunday, deputies aprehanded 39-year-old Josh Heideman of Corning at the Brown County State fishing lake, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

A deputy had received a tip that Heideman was staying at the lake in a tent.&nbsp; A coordinated effort with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officers and Sheriff's deputies resulted in an arrest without incident at the campsite.

Heideman is being held on requested chargesof Interference of Law enforcement officer and a parole violation stemming from an incident on September 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a series of criminal activity in Brown and Jackson County are asking the public for help in locating 38-year-old&nbsp; Joshua Heideman of Centralia, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

Heideman is&nbsp; &nbsp;Heideman is described as a 38-year-old&nbsp; white male,&nbsp; 6-foot tall and he weighs approximately 230 pounds.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758038702782.png" alt="Heideman -photo Brown County" />
                        <figcaption>Heideman -photo Brown County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BROWN COUNTY —The search for a wanted suspect is over in northeast Kansas.</p><p>Just after 10:30a.m. Sunday, deputies aprehanded 39-year-old Josh Heideman of Corning at the Brown County State fishing lake, according to Sheriff John Merchant.</p><p>A deputy had received a tip that Heideman was staying at the lake in a tent.&nbsp; A coordinated effort with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officers and Sheriff's deputies resulted in an arrest without incident at the campsite.</p><p>Heideman is being held on requested chargesof Interference of Law enforcement officer and a parole violation stemming from an incident on September 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>-------------------------</p><p>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a series of criminal activity in Brown and Jackson County are asking the public for help in locating 38-year-old&nbsp; Joshua Heideman of Centralia, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.</p><p>Heideman is&nbsp; &nbsp;Heideman is described as a 38-year-old&nbsp; white male,&nbsp; 6-foot tall and he weighs approximately 230 pounds.&nbsp;</p>

Wanted suspect was hiding in a tent at a Kansas lake

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Tyler Robinson, the man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;at a Utah university, was charged on Tuesday with aggravated murder.

The charge means Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted of killing Kirk last week at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.

“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said in announcing the charges. He said Robinson's DNA was found on the trigger of the gun used to kill Kirk.

Kirk was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">gunned down</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 10 as he spoke with students and died soon after. Prosecutors allege Robinson shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from the roof of a nearby campus building.

A Utah Valley University police officer was watching the crowd from an “elevated position” and identified the roof of the Losee Center as a potential position for a shooter, Gray said. The officer found evidence on the roof immediately, he said, and spurred officers to direct their attention to surveillance video leading to the roof.

Robinson, 22, also was charged with felony discharge of a firearm, punishable by up to life in prison, and obstructing justice, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He was scheduled to appear on camera for a virtual court hearing Tuesday afternoon.

It was unclear whether Robinson had an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and his family has declined to comment to The Associated Press.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-tyler-robinson-suspect-d893cc16fb0937d507283c710c551ef0">Robinson was arrested</a>&nbsp;late Thursday near St. George, the southern Utah community where he grew up.

Investigators have spoken to Robinson’s relatives and carried out a search warrant at his family’s home in Washington, Utah, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of where the shooting happened.

Kirk, a dominant figure in conservative politics, became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">a confidant of President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;after founding Arizona-based Turning Point USA, one of the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">largest political organizations</a>. He brought young, conservative evangelical Christians into politics. His shooting raised fears about increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">political violence in a deeply polarized United States</a>.

While authorities say Robinson hasn’t been cooperating with investigators, they say his family and friends have been talking.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spencer-cox-unity-speech-kirk-political-violence-17a8c23ba06428cbbc413a673cd0f986">Utah Gov. Spencer Cox</a>&nbsp;said over the weekend that those who know Robinson say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-cox-robinson-assassination-aef9fe8dc82d218a36d078536717d95d">his politics shifted left</a>&nbsp;in recent years and he spent a lot of time in the “dark corners of the internet.”

FBI Director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-patel-russia-epstein-c3e70633befef64b60613709c9919b0c">Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;said Monday on the Fox News Channel show “Fox &amp; Friends” that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-dna-fbi-patel-92a643a3f16bce587fd34896ca7f4f76">DNA evidence has linked Robinson</a>&nbsp;to a towel wrapped around a rifle found near the Utah Valley campus and a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop where the fatal shot was fired.

Before the shooting, Robinson wrote in a note that he had an opportunity to take out Kirk and was going to do it, according to Patel.

The FBI also is looking at “anyone and everyone” who was involved in a gaming chatroom on the social media platform Discord with Robinson, Patel said Tuesday during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patel-fbi-charlie-kirk-senate-hearing-048c7a7c575472b8a1a7d4ed6fb32b69">a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing</a>&nbsp;in Washington. The chatroom involved “a lot more” than 20 people, he said.

“We are investigating Charlie’s assassination fully and completely and running out every lead related to any allegation of broader violence,” Patel said in response to a question about whether the Kirk shooting was being treated as part of a broader trend of violence against religious groups.

Investigators are working on finding a motive for the attack, Utah’s governor said Sunday, adding that more information may come out once Robinson appears for his initial court hearing.

Cox said Robinson’s romantic partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign the suspect was targeting Kirk for his anti-transgender views. But authorities have not said whether that played a role. Kirk was shot while taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said Monday that Robinson’s partner has been cooperative. He said investigators believe Robinson acted alone during the shooting, but they also are looking at whether anyone knew of his plans beforehand.

In the days since Kirk’s assassination, Americans have found themselves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-killing-america-divided-violence-politics-9b75c05301668fa033f9b4cc98b046c9">facing questions</a>&nbsp;about rising&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">political violence</a>, the deep divisions that brought the nation here and whether anything can change.

Despite calls for greater civility, some who opposed Kirk’s provocative statements about gender, race and politics criticized him after his death. Many Republicans have led the push to punish anyone they believe dishonored him, causing both public and private workers to lose their jobs or face other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-trump-cancel-culture-assassination-4d69649e382ea46d8dcf794150a1d3c9">consequences at work</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758046618970.png" alt="Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announces the charges on Tuesday -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announces the charges on Tuesday -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>PROVO, Utah (AP) — Tyler Robinson, the man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;at a Utah university, was charged on Tuesday with aggravated murder.</p><p><a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26098852-tyler-robinson-indictment/">Click here to read the full indictment&nbsp;</a></p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray announces charges filed against Tyler James Robinson in the death of Charlie Kirk including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.&quot;<br><br>He also announces his intent to seek the death penalty. <a href="https://t.co/LqlpmMMR7O">pic.twitter.com/LqlpmMMR7O</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1968018452431380491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049682220.png" alt="Text message between Tyler Robinson and his roommate and romantic partner, according to the Utah County Attorney" />
                        <figcaption>Text message between Tyler Robinson and his roommate and romantic partner, according to the Utah County Attorney</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The charge means Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted of killing Kirk last week at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.</p><p>“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said in announcing the charges. He said Robinson's DNA was found on the trigger of the gun used to kill Kirk.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049347660.png" alt="Page 1 of the indictment -Utah County Attorney's office" />
                        <figcaption>Page 1 of the indictment -Utah County Attorney's office</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Kirk was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">gunned down</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 10 as he spoke with students and died soon after. Prosecutors allege Robinson shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from the roof of a nearby campus building.</p><p>A Utah Valley University police officer was watching the crowd from an “elevated position” and identified the roof of the Losee Center as a potential position for a shooter, Gray said. The officer found evidence on the roof immediately, he said, and spurred officers to direct their attention to surveillance video leading to the roof.</p><p>Robinson, 22, also was charged with felony discharge of a firearm, punishable by up to life in prison, and obstructing justice, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He was scheduled to appear on camera for a virtual court hearing Tuesday afternoon.</p><p>It was unclear whether Robinson had an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and his family has declined to comment to The Associated Press.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757689066912.png" alt="Robinson photo released by the Utah Governor's office" />
                        <figcaption>Robinson photo released by the Utah Governor's office</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-tyler-robinson-suspect-d893cc16fb0937d507283c710c551ef0">Robinson was arrested</a>&nbsp;late Thursday near St. George, the southern Utah community where he grew up.</p><p>Investigators have spoken to Robinson’s relatives and carried out a search warrant at his family’s home in Washington, Utah, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of where the shooting happened.</p><p>Kirk, a dominant figure in conservative politics, became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">a confidant of President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;after founding Arizona-based Turning Point USA, one of the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">largest political organizations</a>. He brought young, conservative evangelical Christians into politics. His shooting raised fears about increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">political violence in a deeply polarized United States</a>.</p><p>While authorities say Robinson hasn’t been cooperating with investigators, they say his family and friends have been talking.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spencer-cox-unity-speech-kirk-political-violence-17a8c23ba06428cbbc413a673cd0f986">Utah Gov. Spencer Cox</a>&nbsp;said over the weekend that those who know Robinson say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-cox-robinson-assassination-aef9fe8dc82d218a36d078536717d95d">his politics shifted left</a>&nbsp;in recent years and he spent a lot of time in the “dark corners of the internet.”</p><p>FBI Director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-patel-russia-epstein-c3e70633befef64b60613709c9919b0c">Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;said Monday on the Fox News Channel show “Fox &amp; Friends” that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-dna-fbi-patel-92a643a3f16bce587fd34896ca7f4f76">DNA evidence has linked Robinson</a>&nbsp;to a towel wrapped around a rifle found near the Utah Valley campus and a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop where the fatal shot was fired.</p><p>Before the shooting, Robinson wrote in a note that he had an opportunity to take out Kirk and was going to do it, according to Patel.</p><p>The FBI also is looking at “anyone and everyone” who was involved in a gaming chatroom on the social media platform Discord with Robinson, Patel said Tuesday during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patel-fbi-charlie-kirk-senate-hearing-048c7a7c575472b8a1a7d4ed6fb32b69">a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing</a>&nbsp;in Washington. The chatroom involved “a lot more” than 20 people, he said.</p><p>“We are investigating Charlie’s assassination fully and completely and running out every lead related to any allegation of broader violence,” Patel said in response to a question about whether the Kirk shooting was being treated as part of a broader trend of violence against religious groups.</p><p>Investigators are working on finding a motive for the attack, Utah’s governor said Sunday, adding that more information may come out once Robinson appears for his initial court hearing.</p><p>Cox said Robinson’s romantic partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign the suspect was targeting Kirk for his anti-transgender views. But authorities have not said whether that played a role. Kirk was shot while taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.</p><p>Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said Monday that Robinson’s partner has been cooperative. He said investigators believe Robinson acted alone during the shooting, but they also are looking at whether anyone knew of his plans beforehand.</p><p>In the days since Kirk’s assassination, Americans have found themselves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-killing-america-divided-violence-politics-9b75c05301668fa033f9b4cc98b046c9">facing questions</a>&nbsp;about rising&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">political violence</a>, the deep divisions that brought the nation here and whether anything can change.</p><p>Despite calls for greater civility, some who opposed Kirk’s provocative statements about gender, race and politics criticized him after his death. Many Republicans have led the push to punish anyone they believe dishonored him, causing both public and private workers to lose their jobs or face other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-trump-cancel-culture-assassination-4d69649e382ea46d8dcf794150a1d3c9">consequences at work</a></p>

🎥 Read the charges announced against accused Charlie Kirk killer

Jaselynn Cooper, Domestic battery, arrested 09/10

Robert West, Failure to appear, arrested 09/10

Chelsey Sims, Probation violation, arrested 09/11

Brian Griffith, Violate offender registration, arrested 09/11

Ray Irias,&nbsp;Violation of a protective order, arrested 09/11

Cierra Rice, Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device; Disorderly conduct; Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license; DUI-Liquor/Drugs (2nd offense), arrested 09/12

Jeremiah Johnson, Criminal deprivation of property; Domestic battery, arrested 09/12

Johnny Rines, Failure to appear, arrested 09/12

Deontae Baker, Prohibiting drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana, arrested 09/13

Isaiah Gooden, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer; Criminal threat, arrested 09/13

Talia Faulkner,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana (1 or more prior convictions); Criminal threat, arrested 09/13

William Mitchell, Failure to appear, arrested 09/13

Miguel Aguirre, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Aggravated domestic battery; Choke in rude manner - family member/dating relationship, arrested 09/14

Desirae Mender, Domestic battery, arrested 09/14

Deion Singleton, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 09/15

Kevin Garcia Calix, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 09/15

<p>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758052312077.jpeg" alt="Zachary Franklin, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 09/10" />
                        <figcaption>Zachary Franklin, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 09/10</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758052323430.jpeg" alt="James Kuntz, Theft by deception - value $1,500 to $25,000; Computer unlawful acts, exceed authorization with damage &lt; $100,000; Identity theft, misrepresent to cause economic or bodily harm &lt; $100,000, arrested 09/11" />
                        <figcaption>James Kuntz, Theft by deception - value $1,500 to $25,000; Computer unlawful acts, exceed authorization with damage &lt; $100,000; Identity theft, misrepresent to cause economic or bodily harm &lt; $100,000, arrested 09/11</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049303486.jpeg" alt="Azucena Jimenez Duran, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 09/11" />
                        <figcaption>Azucena Jimenez Duran, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 09/11</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049372448.jpeg" alt="Davion Rhodes, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license; Probation violation, arrested 09/12" />
                        <figcaption>Davion Rhodes, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license; Probation violation, arrested 09/12</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049444476.jpeg" alt="Mekiyah Fleming, Theft-all other; Criminal trespass, arrested 09/14" />
                        <figcaption>Mekiyah Fleming, Theft-all other; Criminal trespass, arrested 09/14</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049517721.jpeg" alt="Tanya Sutton, Criminal damage to property, arrested 09/14" />
                        <figcaption>Tanya Sutton, Criminal damage to property, arrested 09/14</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049560235.jpeg" alt="William Taylor, Criminal damage to property (Six counts); Interference with LEO, Knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case (Two counts); Burglary, arrested 09/15" />
                        <figcaption>William Taylor, Criminal damage to property (Six counts); Interference with LEO, Knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case (Two counts); Burglary, arrested 09/15</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049654272.jpeg" alt="Craig Pierce, Failure to appear, arrested 09/15" />
                        <figcaption>Craig Pierce, Failure to appear, arrested 09/15</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049684356.jpeg" alt="Branden Hornbuckle, Battery, arrested 09/16" />
                        <figcaption>Branden Hornbuckle, Battery, arrested 09/16</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.</p><p>Jaselynn Cooper, Domestic battery, arrested 09/10</p><p>Robert West, Failure to appear, arrested 09/10</p><p>Chelsey Sims, Probation violation, arrested 09/11</p><p>Brian Griffith, Violate offender registration, arrested 09/11</p><p>Ray Irias,&nbsp;Violation of a protective order, arrested 09/11</p><p>Cierra Rice, Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device; Disorderly conduct; Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license; DUI-Liquor/Drugs (2nd offense), arrested 09/12</p><p>Jeremiah Johnson, Criminal deprivation of property; Domestic battery, arrested 09/12</p><p>Johnny Rines, Failure to appear, arrested 09/12</p><p>Deontae Baker, Prohibiting drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana, arrested 09/13</p><p>Isaiah Gooden, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer; Criminal threat, arrested 09/13</p><p>Talia Faulkner,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana (1 or more prior convictions); Criminal threat, arrested 09/13</p><p>William Mitchell, Failure to appear, arrested 09/13</p><p>Miguel Aguirre, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Aggravated domestic battery; Choke in rude manner - family member/dating relationship, arrested 09/14</p><p>Desirae Mender, Domestic battery, arrested 09/14</p><p>Deion Singleton, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 09/15</p><p>Kevin Garcia Calix, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 09/15</p><p>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.</p>

Geary County Booking Photos Sept. 11-16

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement in McPherson are investigating a day care owner for alleged child abuse.

On September 11, Police arrested 50-year-old Kimberly Horn on requested charges of endangering a child, abuse of a child; knowingly cause great bodily harm/abuse head trauma and permit a dangerous animal to be at large, according to online jail records.

The following day, the Kansas Department of Health issued an <a href="https://khap.kdhe.ks.gov/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=gZHsN3Fp83scAM%2bpg20HPMfv8XtG9WEFWjhCJI44Hy9U%2b0Jc%2frJgLVsHKR%2fA2co4a8rwzYKVIwo%3d">emergency order of suspension</a> for&nbsp;Kimberly Kay Horn Day Care Home, 705 Hunter Court in McPherson, according to the KDHE website.

Just before 6p.m. on September 12 she met the requirement of bond and was released from jail and charged with child abuse involving a child, according to court documents.

Horn's preliminary hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758018037806.png" alt="Horn photo McPherson County" />
                        <figcaption>Horn photo McPherson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement in McPherson are investigating a day care owner for alleged child abuse.</p><p>On September 11, Police arrested 50-year-old Kimberly Horn on requested charges of endangering a child, abuse of a child; knowingly cause great bodily harm/abuse head trauma and permit a dangerous animal to be at large, according to online jail records.</p><p>The following day, the Kansas Department of Health issued an <a href="https://khap.kdhe.ks.gov/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=gZHsN3Fp83scAM%2bpg20HPMfv8XtG9WEFWjhCJI44Hy9U%2b0Jc%2frJgLVsHKR%2fA2co4a8rwzYKVIwo%3d">emergency order of suspension</a> for&nbsp;Kimberly Kay Horn Day Care Home, 705 Hunter Court in McPherson, according to the KDHE website.</p><p>Just before 6p.m. on September 12 she met the requirement of bond and was released from jail and charged with child abuse involving a child, according to court documents.</p><p>Horn's preliminary hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.</p>

Police arrest Kansas daycare owner for alleged child abuse

WASHINGTON (AP) —Vice President JD Vance on Monday jumped onto the conservative movement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-trump-cancel-culture-assassination-4d69649e382ea46d8dcf794150a1d3c9">demanding consequences</a>&nbsp;for those who have cheered Charlie Kirk's killing, calling on the public to turn in anyone who says distasteful things about the assassination of his friend and political ally.

“When you see someone celebrating Charlie’s murder, call them out,” Vance urged listeners on the slain activist’s podcast Monday. “And hell, call their employer.”

Vance's call also included a vow to target some of the biggest funders of liberal causes as conservatives stepped up their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-workplace-speech-firing-29717a8612ccedebabc7cba29e7ef627">targeting of private individuals</a>&nbsp;for their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dowd-msnbc-kirk-comments-e08f349022c9d69171cd575664141075">comments about the killing</a>. It marked an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dowd-msnbc-kirk-comments-e08f349022c9d69171cd575664141075">escalation in a campaign</a>&nbsp;that some warned invoked some of the darkest chapters of American history.

“The government involvement in this does inch this closer to looking like McCarthyism,” said Adam Goldstein of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, referring to the 1950s campaign to root out communists that led to false allegations and ruined careers. “It was not a shining moment for free expression.”

Campaign broadens to those who quote Kirk critically

Republican-controlled states such as Florida, Oklahoma and Texas have launched investigations of teachers accused of inappropriate statements after last week’s assassination. The U.S. military has invited members of the public to report those who “celebrate or mock” the killing and said some troops have already been removed for their comments.

At the same time, the Trump administration has vowed to target what it contends is a “vast” liberal network that inspired the shooter, even as authorities maintain it appears he acted alone and the investigation is ongoing.

The campaign has broadened to include even those whose statements were critical of Kirk without celebrating his assassination.

The Washington Post fired Karen Attiah, an opinion columnist, for posts on the day of the shooting that lamented how “white America” was not ready to solve gun violence and that quoted Kirk denigrating the intelligence of prominent Black women such as Michelle Obama.

PEN America, a press freedom group, warned in a statement that firings like Attiah's “risk creating a chilling effect.”

Goldstein worried there were many cases of people targeted for simply quoting Kirk or failing to mourn his passing adequately. “That’s one of the key symptoms of cancel culture,” he said. “Trying to paint everyone with the same brush.”

Conservatives coined the term cancel culture for what they claimed was persecution of those on the right for their views, especially related to the COVID-19 pandemic and Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, leading to campaigns to get regular people fired.

It was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-free-speech-first-amendment-columbia-student-3d4c835a673a24b793b2b045405231e6">significant cause for President Donald Trum</a>&nbsp;p, who pledged to end it during his campaign last year. But after the Kirk killing, he and his administration have instead&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-free-speech-first-amendment-columbia-student-3d4c835a673a24b793b2b045405231e6">leaned into it from the right</a>.

A hero to conservatives, a provocateur to many Democrats

A father of two and a Christian conservative, Kirk was a hero to many Trump Republicans for his fiery warnings about the dangers of Democrats and ability to organize young voters. But Kirk also was a provocateur and supporter of Trump’s attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss who left a long record of partisan quips that enraged many on the left.

“According to Kirk, empathy is a made-up new-age term, so keep the jokes coming. It’s what he would have wanted,” read one post on X that Melvin Villaver Jr., a Clemson University music professor, re-posted the day of the killing, according to a screenshot circulated by college Republicans demanding his firing. Clemson eventually fired one staffer and suspended Villaver and another professor after intense pressure from elected South Carolina Republican officials.

Other targeted posters, such as Army Lt. Col. Christopher Ladnier, simply quoted Kirk on the day of his assassination. This included Kirk calling the Civil Rights Act a “beast” that “has now turned into an anti-white weapon," his criticism of Martin Luther King Jr. and his statement that some gun deaths are the cost of a robust Second Amendment.

Ladnier, who has been targeted by conservative activists online, said in a Facebook message to The Associated Press that he would respond “when/if” his chain of command takes action.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approvingly posted a video of a Texas Tech University student who was arrested Friday after a confrontation at a campus vigil for Kirk, writing: “This is what happened to the person who was mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Texas Tech."

Some people targeted have been victims of mistaken identity.

A school district in rural Elkhorn, Wisconsin, reported receiving more than 800 messages after one conservative influencer mistakenly identified an associate principal at an elementary school as celebrating Kirk's death.

Top Republicans vow to go after ‘domestic terrorist network’

Authorities say Kirk was shot by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who grew up in a conservative household in southern Utah but was enmeshed in “leftist ideology,” according to the state's Republican governor, Spencer Cox.

Cox said investigators may reveal more about what motivated the attack after Robinson's initial court appearance, scheduled for Tuesday. The governor said the suspect, who allegedly carved memes onto his bullet casings, appeared radicalized by the “dark corners of the internet.”

On Monday, Vance was joined on Kirk’s podcast by Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, who vowed to crack down on what he called the “vast domestic terrorist network” he blamed for Kirk’s death.

Alluding to free speech concerns, Vance said: “You have the crazies on the far left that say, ’Oh, Stephen Miller and JD Vance, they’re going to go after constitutionally protected speech.'”

But he added: “No no no! We’re going to go after the NGO network that foments, facilitates and engages in violence,” — a reference to non-governmental organizations.

The White House did not immediately return a request seeking clarity on the remarks, including which groups might be targeted.

The idea of a retribution campaign against individuals or groups for expressing a particular viewpoint has alarmed many.

“Just having that ideology, just believing differently than some other American is not illegal,” Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma said on CNN on Sunday.

Instead, he said any groups that have been involved in illegal or violent acts should be targeted.

Killing as a pretext to go after political rivals

On Kirk’s show, Vance talked about the need for unity after the assassination, but then dismissed it as impossible given what he described as the left’s embrace of political violence. Naming two foundations that fund a wide range of liberal causes, Vance said: "There is no unity with the people who fund these articles, who pay the salaries of these terrorist sympathizers.”

Democratic officials have roundly condemned Kirk’s murder. Democrats also have been victims of political violence recently, including the June assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, and the 2022 beating of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband in their San Francisco home.

Caitlin Legacki of Stop Government Censorship, formed to fight the Trump administration’s use of government against its political rivals, said it was one thing for people making abhorrent statements to face consequences.

“When we get concerned is when there appears to be a concerted effort in the government to use this tragedy to punish political opponents,” she said.

Associated Press writers Collin Binkley and Chris Megerian in Washington; Meg Kinnard in Chapin, South Carolina; Juan Lozano in Houston, and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed to this report.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541376269.png" alt="Charley Kirk photo courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Charley Kirk photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) —Vice President JD Vance on Monday jumped onto the conservative movement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-trump-cancel-culture-assassination-4d69649e382ea46d8dcf794150a1d3c9">demanding consequences</a>&nbsp;for those who have cheered Charlie Kirk's killing, calling on the public to turn in anyone who says distasteful things about the assassination of his friend and political ally.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MUST WATCH: <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> powerfully delivers some hard truths on political violence in America.<br><br>&quot;While our side of the aisle certainly has its crazies, it is a statistical FACT that most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the Far Left.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mYnkCZhuXU">pic.twitter.com/mYnkCZhuXU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1967652535679721576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“When you see someone celebrating Charlie’s murder, call them out,” Vance urged listeners on the slain activist’s podcast Monday. “And hell, call their employer.”</p><p>Vance's call also included a vow to target some of the biggest funders of liberal causes as conservatives stepped up their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-workplace-speech-firing-29717a8612ccedebabc7cba29e7ef627">targeting of private individuals</a>&nbsp;for their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dowd-msnbc-kirk-comments-e08f349022c9d69171cd575664141075">comments about the killing</a>. It marked an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dowd-msnbc-kirk-comments-e08f349022c9d69171cd575664141075">escalation in a campaign</a>&nbsp;that some warned invoked some of the darkest chapters of American history.</p><p>“The government involvement in this does inch this closer to looking like McCarthyism,” said Adam Goldstein of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, referring to the 1950s campaign to root out communists that led to false allegations and ruined careers. “It was not a shining moment for free expression.”</p><h2>Campaign broadens to those who quote Kirk critically</h2><p>Republican-controlled states such as Florida, Oklahoma and Texas have launched investigations of teachers accused of inappropriate statements after last week’s assassination. The U.S. military has invited members of the public to report those who “celebrate or mock” the killing and said some troops have already been removed for their comments.</p><p>At the same time, the Trump administration has vowed to target what it contends is a “vast” liberal network that inspired the shooter, even as authorities maintain it appears he acted alone and the investigation is ongoing.</p><p>The campaign has broadened to include even those whose statements were critical of Kirk without celebrating his assassination.</p><p>The Washington Post fired Karen Attiah, an opinion columnist, for posts on the day of the shooting that lamented how “white America” was not ready to solve gun violence and that quoted Kirk denigrating the intelligence of prominent Black women such as Michelle Obama.</p><p>PEN America, a press freedom group, warned in a statement that firings like Attiah's “risk creating a chilling effect.”</p><p>Goldstein worried there were many cases of people targeted for simply quoting Kirk or failing to mourn his passing adequately. “That’s one of the key symptoms of cancel culture,” he said. “Trying to paint everyone with the same brush.”</p><p>Conservatives coined the term cancel culture for what they claimed was persecution of those on the right for their views, especially related to the COVID-19 pandemic and Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, leading to campaigns to get regular people fired.</p><p>It was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-free-speech-first-amendment-columbia-student-3d4c835a673a24b793b2b045405231e6">significant cause for President Donald Trum</a>&nbsp;p, who pledged to end it during his campaign last year. But after the Kirk killing, he and his administration have instead&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-free-speech-first-amendment-columbia-student-3d4c835a673a24b793b2b045405231e6">leaned into it from the right</a>.</p><h2>A hero to conservatives, a provocateur to many Democrats</h2><p>A father of two and a Christian conservative, Kirk was a hero to many Trump Republicans for his fiery warnings about the dangers of Democrats and ability to organize young voters. But Kirk also was a provocateur and supporter of Trump’s attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss who left a long record of partisan quips that enraged many on the left.</p><p>“According to Kirk, empathy is a made-up new-age term, so keep the jokes coming. It’s what he would have wanted,” read one post on X that Melvin Villaver Jr., a Clemson University music professor, re-posted the day of the killing, according to a screenshot circulated by college Republicans demanding his firing. Clemson eventually fired one staffer and suspended Villaver and another professor after intense pressure from elected South Carolina Republican officials.</p><p>Other targeted posters, such as Army Lt. Col. Christopher Ladnier, simply quoted Kirk on the day of his assassination. This included Kirk calling the Civil Rights Act a “beast” that “has now turned into an anti-white weapon," his criticism of Martin Luther King Jr. and his statement that some gun deaths are the cost of a robust Second Amendment.</p><p>Ladnier, who has been targeted by conservative activists online, said in a Facebook message to The Associated Press that he would respond “when/if” his chain of command takes action.</p><p>Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approvingly posted a video of a Texas Tech University student who was arrested Friday after a confrontation at a campus vigil for Kirk, writing: “This is what happened to the person who was mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Texas Tech."</p><p>Some people targeted have been victims of mistaken identity.</p><p>A school district in rural Elkhorn, Wisconsin, reported receiving more than 800 messages after one conservative influencer mistakenly identified an associate principal at an elementary school as celebrating Kirk's death.</p><h2>Top Republicans vow to go after ‘domestic terrorist network’</h2><p>Authorities say Kirk was shot by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who grew up in a conservative household in southern Utah but was enmeshed in “leftist ideology,” according to the state's Republican governor, Spencer Cox.</p><p>Cox said investigators may reveal more about what motivated the attack after Robinson's initial court appearance, scheduled for Tuesday. The governor said the suspect, who allegedly carved memes onto his bullet casings, appeared radicalized by the “dark corners of the internet.”</p><p>On Monday, Vance was joined on Kirk’s podcast by Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, who vowed to crack down on what he called the “vast domestic terrorist network” he blamed for Kirk’s death.</p><p>Alluding to free speech concerns, Vance said: “You have the crazies on the far left that say, ’Oh, Stephen Miller and JD Vance, they’re going to go after constitutionally protected speech.'”</p><p>But he added: “No no no! We’re going to go after the NGO network that foments, facilitates and engages in violence,” — a reference to non-governmental organizations.</p><p>The White House did not immediately return a request seeking clarity on the remarks, including which groups might be targeted.</p><p>The idea of a retribution campaign against individuals or groups for expressing a particular viewpoint has alarmed many.</p><p>“Just having that ideology, just believing differently than some other American is not illegal,” Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma said on CNN on Sunday.</p><p>Instead, he said any groups that have been involved in illegal or violent acts should be targeted.</p><h2>Killing as a pretext to go after political rivals</h2><p>On Kirk’s show, Vance talked about the need for unity after the assassination, but then dismissed it as impossible given what he described as the left’s embrace of political violence. Naming two foundations that fund a wide range of liberal causes, Vance said: "There is no unity with the people who fund these articles, who pay the salaries of these terrorist sympathizers.”</p><p>Democratic officials have roundly condemned Kirk’s murder. Democrats also have been victims of political violence recently, including the June assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, and the 2022 beating of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband in their San Francisco home.</p><p>Caitlin Legacki of Stop Government Censorship, formed to fight the Trump administration’s use of government against its political rivals, said it was one thing for people making abhorrent statements to face consequences.</p><p>“When we get concerned is when there appears to be a concerted effort in the government to use this tragedy to punish political opponents,” she said.</p><p>___</p><p>Associated Press writers Collin Binkley and Chris Megerian in Washington; Meg Kinnard in Chapin, South Carolina; Juan Lozano in Houston, and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed to this report.</p>

Trump admin. joins GOP campaign to police speech in reaction to Kirk's murder

BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kanas sex offender on new allegations.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757855211896.png" alt="Ferley photo KBI offender registry" />
                        <figcaption>Ferley photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kanas sex offender on new allegations.</p><p>Just before 3p.m. Friday, the El Dorado Police Department booked 44-year-old Peter Ferley of El Dorado into the Butler County jail on 23 counts of alleged sexual exploitation of a child, according to a media releas.</p><p>The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children task force and police executed a search warrant after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip that alleged sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices. The investigation led to police arrested Ferley.&nbsp; He has been a registered offender since November of 2012 following a conviction for attempted sexual exploit of child; Poss of visual depiction of a child under the age of 18, according to the KBI sex offender registry.</p>