FOUR Terror Attacks in Ten Days—And Still Democrats Refuse to Fund DHS

In one of the most urgent, sobering, and high‑stakes episodes of Verdict with Ted Cruz this year, Senator Ted Cruz and co‑host Ben Ferguson break down a reality that should shake Washington to its core: four radical Islamic terror attacks in just ten days on U.S. soil—at the exact moment Senate Democrats continue voting to defund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

This episode is a warning flare, a deep dive, and a call to wake up—all in one. For longtime Verdict listeners, it offers the rigorous analysis you expect from Senator Cruz, paired with the kind of blunt, real‑world commentary Ben delivers better than anyone. But even for seasoned followers of national security issues, the facts outlined in this conversation hit different.

Because this time, the danger isn’t theoretical.

This time, Americans are already dead.

A Nation Under Threat: Four Attacks in Ten Days

Senator Cruz begins the show by laying out the undeniable reality: America is in an extraordinarily dangerous moment. While the world watches instability flare across the Middle East, radical Islamic clerics have issued fatwas calling for attacks on Americans. And here at home, the consequences of the Biden administration’s open‑border agenda have started to unfold in deadly ways.

Over the past decade, Americans have seen terror plots emerge periodically—but rarely have we seen a cluster like this:

1. A Radicalized Shooter in Austin, Texas

An illegal immigrant walked onto Austin’s iconic Sixth Street wearing a “Property of Allah” sweatshirt, carrying weapons, and armed with a Quran and an Iranian flag. He opened fire at random, attempting to murder innocent Americans enjoying a night out.

2. Two ISIS‑Inspired Teens Attempt Bombings in New York

Two teenagers from Pennsylvania traveled to New York with homemade explosive devices packed with nails, screws, and bolts—designed explicitly for maximum casualties. Inspired by ISIS, they told investigators their goal was to kill more people than died in the Boston Marathon bombing. Thankfully for New Yorkers, the bombs failed to detonate.

3. A Vehicle Attack on a Michigan Synagogue and School

A radical Islamic terrorist drove his vehicle into a synagogue that also housed a preschool. With 140 children nearby, the situation could easily have been catastrophic. Only the bravery of an on‑site security guard prevented a mass casualty event.

4. A Released ISIS Supporter Attacks ROTC Students in Old Dominion

Perhaps the most enraging example: a terrorist convicted for providing material support to ISIS—released early under the Biden administration—entered a university classroom, asked for ROTC students by name, and then opened fire. A courageous student armed with a knife ended the attack before dozens could be killed.

Senator Cruz highlights that all four attacks share a common thread: every single one was committed by radical Islamic terrorists—several of whom were here because of the Biden administration’s catastrophic border policies.

The Border Crisis: A Gateway for Terrorists

The hosts then lay out the jaw‑dropping border numbers the mainstream media refuses to touch.

During the four years of President Trump’s administration, the number of individuals on the terror watch list caught crossing the southern border remained tiny—just a handful per year.

Then Joe Biden took office.

• 2021: 15
• 2022: 98
• 2023: 169
• 2024: More than 100 and climbing rapidly

And those staggering numbers don’t include the estimated two million “got-aways”—illegal immigrants detected but never apprehended. As Senator Cruz explains, these are overwhelmingly the most dangerous border crossers: criminals, gang members, violent offenders… and terrorists.

Under Biden, Border Patrol agents were explicitly warned to watch for potential infiltrators from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Pa

Why Buck Joined the CIA

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton recap four confirmed jihadist‑motivated attacks within a two‑week span: the deadly Austin, Texas shooting by an attacker wearing pro‑Iran and Islamic clothing; the attempted IED attack outside New York City’s Gracie Mansion; the mass‑casualty attempt at Temple Israel near Detroit, where an armed synagogue security officer killed the would‑be bomber; and the horrifying classroom attack at Old Dominion University in Virginia, where a convicted terror sympathizer opened fire on ROTC students before being killed in hand‑to‑hand combat by the cadets. The hosts repeatedly emphasize that all four attackers shared the same ideological motive, each acting in response to the ongoing U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. Buck, drawing on his CIA counterterrorism background after 9/11, explains that this pattern is exactly what intelligence analysts anticipate following major U.S. strikes on jihadist‑aligned regimes, and he predicts that more lone‑wolf or sleeper‑cell events are highly likely.
The hour also focuses heavily on updated messaging from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, whose early‑morning briefings continue dominating national conversation. Clay and Buck play and analyze Hegseth’s latest remarks confirming that Iran’s newly elevated figurehead, Mojtaba Khamenei—nicknamed “Little Mo”—is gravely injured, likely disfigured, and incapable of appearing on camera, forcing the regime to issue written statements pretending he is functional. Hegseth asserts that Iran’s leadership is hiding underground in bunkers and is unable to coordinate an effective counterattack, leaving the regime temporarily paralyzed as U.S. and Israeli forces dismantle its missile defenses, airfields, and naval assets. Buck notes that while the air campaign has been strategically devastating to Iran, the regime is not collapsing; the IRGC remains in control, citizens are too terrified to revolt, and true regime change is not in sight without boots on the ground—a step neither Trump nor the American public would support.

Steve Hilton Can Save CA

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, who discusses both lighthearted personal moments—such as his now‑famous “MAGA beard”—and the serious policy battles unfolding in the state. Hilton details the massive hospice and medical fraud uncovered through Califraud.com, explaining that billions in state funds have been siphoned off by corrupt networks tied directly to Democratic donors, including healthcare interests and government‑aligned unions. He emphasizes that this is not incompetence but systemic corruption, fueled by a political machine that profits from fraudulent schemes while taxpayers suffer. Hilton outlines his reform agenda, including the role of the state controller, who would have the power to audit and immediately shut off funding to fraudulent organizations—an authority he argues is essential for restoring accountability in California.
Much of Hour 2 focuses on the escalating California governor’s race under the state’s “top‑two” jungle primary system. Hilton explains that Democrats are consolidating behind Eric Swalwell, who is rapidly rising in polls thanks to backing from major unions and the Nancy Pelosi political machine. Hilton warns that if Republicans split their vote between him and his GOP rival, Chad Bianco—whom he criticizes for taking a knee for BLM and supporting amnesty—California could end up with a general‑election matchup between Swalwell and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer. He cites current RealClearPolitics averages showing him in the lead among Republicans and stresses that unifying behind a single conservative candidate is the only path to making the November ballot. Hilton and Clay also discuss California’s sky‑high gas prices, with Hilton explaining that Democratic environmental extremism—not global events—is responsible for the state’s $2‑per‑gallon premium over the national average. He reveals that California sits atop enormous untapped oil reserves, yet imports nearly 80% of its oil due to regulatory chokeholds that have shut down pipelines and refineries. Hilton pledges that as governor he will end the state’s war on fossil fuels, reopen production, keep refineries alive, and bring gasoline back to $3 a gallon.

Taxes, Taxes, Taxes

Clay and Buck focus on one of the most consequential long‑term demographic and political shifts underway in the United States: the accelerating exodus of high‑income earners from high‑tax blue states to low‑tax red states. Clay opens the hour by explaining that California, New York, Illinois,

Hour 1 of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show begins with both hosts broadcasting from Florida as Clay navigates spring break with a house full of teenagers, but the lighthearted opening quickly shifts to the escalating wave of Islamic extremist terror attacks across the United States. Clay and Buck recap four confirmed jihadist‑motivated attacks within a two‑week span: the deadly Austin, Texas shooting by an attacker wearing pro‑Iran and Islamic clothing; the attempted IED attack outside New York City’s Gracie Mansion; the mass‑casualty attempt at Temple Israel near Detroit, where an armed synagogue security officer killed the would‑be bomber; and the horrifying classroom attack at Old Dominion University in Virginia, where a convicted terror sympathizer opened fire on ROTC students before being killed in hand‑to‑hand combat by the cadets. The hosts repeatedly emphasize that all four attackers shared the same ideological motive, each acting in response to the ongoing U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. Buck, drawing on his CIA counterterrorism background after 9/11, explains that this pattern is exactly what intelligence analysts anticipate following major U.S. strikes on jihadist‑aligned regimes, and he predicts that more lone‑wolf or sleeper‑cell events are highly likely.

The hour also focuses heavily on updated messaging from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, whose early‑morning briefings continue dominating national conversation. Clay and Buck play and analyze Hegseth’s latest remarks confirming that Iran’s newly elevated figurehead, Mojtaba Khamenei—nicknamed “Little Mo”—is gravely injured, likely disfigured, and incapable of appearing on camera, forcing the regime to issue written statements pretending he is functional. Hegseth asserts that Iran’s leadership is hiding underground in bunkers and is unable to coordinate an effective counterattack, leaving the regime temporarily paralyzed as U.S. and Israeli forces dismantle its missile defenses, airfields, and naval assets. Buck notes that while the air campaign has been strategically devastating to Iran, the regime is not collapsing; the IRGC remains in control, citizens are too terrified to revolt, and true regime change is not in sight without boots on the ground—a step neither Trump nor the American public would support.

Clay and Buck explore multiple strategic theories circulating about the next phase of the Iran conflict. Clay references analysis suggesting that Little Mo may only be a symbolic placeholder while more moderate Iranian factions quietly negotiate with the U.S. behind the scenes; Buck strongly doubts this, arguing the regime is too fear‑driven and too brutal for internal moderation to emerge under bombardment. Clay also raises the provocative military proposal of U.S. and Israeli special forces seizing Iran’s critical oil‑refining hub on Kharg Island—responsible for processing approximately 90 percent of Iran’s crude—as a way to cripple the regime without a full‑scale invasion. Buck explains the immense geopolitical consequences such a move would trigger but acknowledges why strategists find the idea compelling, given refined oil is Iran’s economic lifeline.

The hosts then return to the domestic terror threats, praising the extraordinary bravery of U.S. citizens who stopped these attacks. Clay reads a full tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shaw, the highly decorated ROTC commander killed during the Old Dominion attack. Shaw’s students fought the gunman bare‑handed and killed him before he could inflict mass casualties—a display of courage that Clay and Buck argue exemplifies America’s resilience. They contrast these heroics with the dangerous disarming policies Democrats push nationwide, reiterating that every successful intervention in these attacks involved a “good guy with a gun” or an armed security officer. The hosts argue forcefully for armed security in every school and religious facility, calling it a necessary protection in an era where America is facing a clear resurgence of jihadist terrorism.

Hour 1 closes with discussions about firearm ownership, rising gun purchases among suburban women, and the collapse of the Democratic narrative that “white supremacy is the greatest threat” to national security despite the undeniable pattern of jihadist attacks. Clay and Buck end the hour honoring six U.S. service members killed in a mid‑air refueling accident in Iraq, reminding listeners that the Iran conflict—though tactically successful—is not cost‑free. They preview upcoming interviews, including an in‑depth conversation with California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton as the state heads toward a chaotic top‑two primary.

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Hour 2 of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show centers on the high‑stakes California gubernatorial race and the political, economic, and security crises gripping the nation. The hour opens with Clay and Buck welcoming California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, who discusses both lighthearted personal moments—such as his now‑famous “MAGA beard”—and the serious policy battles unfolding in the state. Hilton details the massive hospice and medical fraud uncovered through Califraud.com, explaining that billions in state funds have been siphoned off by corrupt networks tied directly to Democratic donors, including healthcare interests and government‑aligned unions. He emphasizes that this is not incompetence but systemic corruption, fueled by a political machine that profits from fraudulent schemes while taxpayers suffer. Hilton outlines his reform agenda, including the role of the state controller, who would have the power to audit and immediately shut off funding to fraudulent organizations—an authority he argues is essential for restoring accountability in California.

Much of Hour 2 focuses on the escalating California governor’s race under the state’s “top‑two” jungle primary system. Hilton explains that Democrats are consolidating behind Eric Swalwell, who is rapidly rising in polls thanks to backing from major unions and the Nancy Pelosi political machine. Hilton warns that if Republicans split their vote between him and his GOP rival, Chad Bianco—whom he criticizes for taking a knee for BLM and supporting amnesty—California could end up with a general‑election matchup between Swalwell and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer. He cites current RealClearPolitics averages showing him in the lead among Republicans and stresses that unifying behind a single conservative candidate is the only path to making the November ballot. Hilton and Clay also discuss California’s sky‑high gas prices, with Hilton explaining that Democratic environmental extremism—not global events—is responsible for the state’s $2‑per‑gallon premium over the national average. He reveals that California sits atop enormous untapped oil reserves, yet imports nearly 80% of its oil due to regulatory chokeholds that have shut down pipelines and refineries. Hilton pledges that as governor he will end the state’s war on fossil fuels, reopen production, keep refineries alive, and bring gasoline back to $3 a gallon.

The final half of Hour 2 turns to breaking national‑security stories and the media’s increasingly distorted coverage of terrorism. Clay and Buck highlight how ABC News framed the Michigan synagogue attack as a reaction to the suspect’s family losses in Lebanon—an attempt to rationalize a jihadist terror act, they argue, that the media would never extend to victims of anti‑Jewish terrorism. The hosts contrast the media’s sympathy for attackers with the heroism of everyday Americans who have stopped recent terror attempts. Buck revisits the Old Dominion University attack, where a convicted ISIS supporter—released early from federal prison—shot an ROTC instructor before being killed by cadets who fought him bare‑handed. Clay underscores the bravery of the fallen victim, Lt. Col. Brandon Shaw, and reiterates that five jihadist attacks in two weeks demonstrate a clear pattern that cannot be ignored. Buck explains how jihadists often seek ideological praise online, creating a copycat effect that can trigger more attacks, especially during geopolitical conflict such as the U.S.–Iran war. He warns that authorities likely have hundreds of high‑risk individuals under watch and that the country must brace for additional incidents.

The hour concludes with Clay and Buck emphasizing the strategic failure of progressive narratives that deny the role of Islamic extremism, noting that the same media figures who obsess over “white supremacy” are unwilling to report honestly on jihadist terrorism—even when attackers openly proclaim their motives. As the hosts prepare for Hour 3, they signal a shift toward another major national story: the mass exodus of high‑income earners from blue states like Washington, New York, and California to low‑tax red states such as Florida, a trend exemplified by Jeff Bezos and Howard Schultz fleeing newly imposed wealth taxes.

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From rising tensions in the Middle East to shocking developments in artificial intelligence, the conversation dives into the geopolitical, technological, and political forces shaping the future.

Rut covers the latest Iran conflict developments and oil market volatility, a controversial claim that advanced AI may be approaching sentience, and the civil lawsuit in the Netherlands alleging COVID-19 vaccine injuries involving major global figures.

He also examines the SAVE Act, a major legislative proposal aimed at tightening voter registration requirements and election security in the United States.

Plus — a lighter moment at the end celebrating the historic dominance of Penn State wrestling in the Big Ten.

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On this episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the latest 2026 election trends, including a major Republican flip in Prince William County, Democratic overperformance in special elections, and the high-stakes fight over Virginia redistricting. He also dives into what early voting numbers could signal for Republicans, why candidate social media history is becoming a bigger campaign issue, and answers listener questions on Dan Crenshaw, DHS leadership, voter ID, phone banking, Illinois politics, and the future of pro-life conservatism.

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Buck Sexton breaks down two apparent terror attacks in a single day, including a shooting near Old Dominion University allegedly carried out by a man previously convicted of supporting ISIS, and another incident targeting Temple Israel Synagogue. Buck examines the suspect’s background, questions surrounding U.S. immigration and naturalization policies, and the broader national security concerns tied to jihadist extremism and lone-wolf attacks inside the United States.

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TikTok - @BuckSexton                                                                                  

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Buck Sexton breaks down two apparent terror attacks in a single day, including a shooting near Old Dominion University allegedly carried out by a man previously convicted of supporting ISIS, and another incident targeting Temple Israel Synagogue. Buck examines the suspect’s background, questions surrounding U.S. immigration and naturalization policies, and the broader national security concerns tied to jihadist extremism and lone-wolf attacks inside the United States.

Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! 

 

Connect with Buck Sexton:
Facebook –   / bucksexton 
X –  @bucksexton 
Instagram –   @bucksexton

TikTok - @BuckSexton                                                                                  

YouTube - @BuckSexton  

Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor is joined by former Navy SEAL and the man who killed Osama bin Laden, Rob O’Neill, for a deep dive into today’s escalating global conflicts. They discuss the military operations behind Operation Epic Fury, the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, and the broader geopolitical strategy involving Iran, China, and Russia.

O’Neill explains how modern special operations are executed, why the strikes against Iranian and Venezuelan targets could reshape global power dynamics, and how these moves may impact China’s ambitions toward Taiwan. Tudor and Rob also discuss media narratives, national security threats at home, and what these conflicts mean for America’s future.

From covert missions to the global chessboard of power politics, this conversation breaks down the strategy behind the headlines and what Americans should understand about the rapidly shifting world order.

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