Fox News Latest Headlines
Stray bullet from nearby lounge fight kills Frito-Lay worker inside Sam's Club
A deadly argument outside a Nashville lounge sent a bullet tearing through the metal wall of a nearby Sam’s Club, killing an innocent Frito-Lay worker as he counted products in the chip aisle, police said.
The victim, identified as 55-year-old Paris Carlock of Murfreesboro, was conducting an early-morning product inventory near the middle of the store shortly after 4 a.m. when the bullet struck him in the head.
Sam’s Club staff rushed to Carlock’s aid before he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
POLICE SEARCH FOR GUNMAN AFTER WALMART EMPLOYEE SHOT DURING DISPUTE IN PENNSYLVANIA
Investigators believe the gunfire was connected to an argument that began inside Lavo Lounge on Antioch Pike, just down the street from the Sam’s Club.
Police said security removed the people involved from the lounge, but the dispute reportedly spilled outside and continued. Gunshots were heard as multiple vehicles left the area.
MISSOURI MOM OF 5 FATALLY SHOT WHILE BUYING SLUSHIES WITH CHILDREN; POLICE SEARCH FOR GUNMAN
One of those bullets pierced the Sam’s Club’s exterior wall and struck Carlock as he worked inside, police said.
The department described Carlock as an "innocent" victim.
POLICE SWARM MICHIGAN SHOPPING CENTER AFTER 'SIGNIFICANT' SHOOTING INCIDENT; AT LEAST 2 DEAD
Homicide Unit detectives are pursuing leads, but police have not announced any arrests or released descriptions of the people or vehicles involved.
Anyone with information about the gunfire or the vehicles seen leaving the area is asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
Fox News Digital reached out to Frito-Lay for comment.
Cody Rhodes says 'that addiction and sickness' to win WWE title again is more on Randy Orton's end
Cody Rhodes’ relationship with Randy Orton has been fraught with tension since the "Legend Killer" returned to "Friday Night SmackDown" to reignite his feud with the "American Nightmare."
The two had come to blows numerous times before SmackDown GM Nick Aldis said the two couldn’t lay a finger on each other before their match at Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta and if they did, they would have been barred from competing for a WWE championship.
COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON OUTKICK
In their last face-to-face meeting, Orton tried to coax Rhodes into hitting him with strong words about how Rhodes was an "addict" and "sick" for his desire to be the champion. But when it comes to pro wrestling, why was that a bad thing?
Rhodes responded to Orton’s words in an interview with OutKick Dropkick.
"He had said, ‘addicted to winning the championship’ and ‘sick’ and putting it in front of everything. What's the term kids use today? The rage bait, you know, or baiting me into ... because if I had hit him, then I don't get an opportunity for the WWE championship ever, and the same vice versa if he had hit me," Rhodes said. "I hate to put it in such terms, but at King of the Ring, I beat Randy Orton. At WrestleMania, I beat Randy Orton. I feel the desperation and the addiction. Every pro wrestler, to your point, you're in this to win. You're not trying to get second on the podium. I've never trusted a wrestler ever — hell, I've never liked a wrestler ever — who said he didn't want to be champion.
SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS
"But I think that addiction and sickness is actually more on Randy's end because Randy's close to the record. He's close to 17. He's close to John. I think Randy also feels that he's not been given the credit as one of the, you know, the GOATs of modern WWE, someone who's going to go down in history as one of the greatest to ever do it. He should know he is going to go down in history as one of the greatest to ever do it, but he's also going to go down in history as the guy who lost for a third time at Sunday Night's Main Event to his protege, which is me."
Rhodes, who spoke to OutKick Dropkick as part of his partnership with Clash of Clans and its new "Search for Cena" event, is among those vying to get back into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.
This match between Rhodes and Orton will certainly clear the picture up a little bit as Money in the Bank inches closer.
Sunday Night’s Main Event will also feature a six-woman tag team match between the team of Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley and the team of Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab, a match between Baron Corbin and Lil Yachty and a bout between Oba Femi and Bron Breakker.
How a booming coastal escape learned to coexist with the ocean’s top predator
As great white sharks increasingly frequent the waters off one popular seaside destination, tourists are flocking there, too — but they’re experiencing the hot spot in a different way.
Cape Cod is a renowned seaside destination in southeastern Massachusetts that has long drawn summer vacationers with its picturesque beaches, historic coastal towns and lighthouses. In recent years, though, it has also become increasingly known for its seasonal population of great white sharks.
Far from deterring visitors, the presence of sharks is helping fuel a whole new type of tourism.
SHARK WEEK ADVISORY AS WARMING SEAS PUSH BLACKTIPS FARTHER NORTH ALONG EAST COAST
The New York Times reported that Cape Cod’s tourism economy has grown from nearly $2 billion in 2019 to almost $2.8 billion, according to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.
At the same time, the National Park Service has recorded fewer recreational visits to Cape Cod National Seashore, the 40-mile stretch of coastline where white sharks are regularly detected.
Shark warning signs and "Stop the Bleed" rescue kits are now fixtures on the beaches.
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy created and runs Sharktivity, a shark-sighting and resource app designed to keep beachgoers apprised of the sharks’ presence. It features alerts for confirmed white shark sightings close to public beaches, along with other shark-safety information.
The increased presence of great white sharks in Cape Cod’s waters has been linked to the recovery of the Cape’s gray seal population following the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. The seal population grew from around 2,000 in 1994 to between 30,000 and 50,000 in 2017, the Times reported.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
A 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Marine Ecology Progress Series estimated that roughly 800 individual white sharks visited the waters off Cape Cod between 2015 and 2018, making the area one of the world’s larger white shark hot spots.
Despite their growing presence, there is no evidence Cape Cod’s white sharks have become more aggressive or changed their behavior by hunting closer to shore, according to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. The sharks have hunted seals in shallow coastal waters since they began predictably returning to the area during the summer and fall.
"Sharks have changed behaviors and conversations more than they’ve changed demand," Paul Bordé, a local real estate agent, told the Times.
When life gives your town sharks, make shark-spotting profitable.
Cape Cod is a rising "white shark ecotourism destination," according to the Times. Shark seekers can hire a private charter through the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy for $2,500 or join an open-boat charter for $500 per person.
The 2½-hour trips use spotter pilots to locate sharks, and private charters can book up weeks or even a month in advance, according to the conservancy.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS
The excursions aren’t purely sightseeing trips. Guests can participate in citizen science by logging shark sightings, using a hydrophone to detect tagged sharks and recording observations that contribute to ongoing research.
Because the trips directly support white shark research, a portion of the trip fee is tax-deductible, the conservancy writes on its website.
"The fact that we can go out and see them in a two-and-a-half-hour charter is incredibly unique," Hannah Leary, ecotourism coordinator for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, told the Times. "We can just come out of the inlet and they’re all right there."
The shark presence may also be benefiting some swimming pool companies. Demand for pools has "spiked," the Times reported, and "one Cape Cod pool builder even advertises ‘shark free swimming’ on its trucks."
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
The great white sharks’ presence has not been all adventurous sightseeing and tourism dollars, however.
A bodysurfer was bitten by a white shark in the area in 2012, and a swimmer was bitten in 2018. Both survived, but later in 2018, Massachusetts recorded its first fatal shark attack since 1936 when a white shark killed a 26-year-old boogie boarder.
"I understand the fear," Philadelphia resident Lisa DonDiego told the Times. "And at the end of the day, I recognize that the ocean belongs to them. But I still want to come to Cape Cod."
The National Park Service urges beachgoers to stay away from seals and schools of fish, swim in groups and avoid murky or low-visibility water. Purple shark flags at National Seashore beaches indicate that there has been a shark sighting, and swimmers are urged to follow all posted warnings and lifeguard instructions.
White shark activity also extends beyond Cape Cod’s peak summer season. The National Park Service warns that the predators remain active in the fall, even after seasonal lifeguard coverage ends at National Seashore beaches.
DAVID MARCUS: Congress set to protect AM radio and American discourse
In 2026, the WFMD radio station in Frederick, Maryland, is celebrating its 90th year on the AM airwaves, and thanks to a bipartisan bill set for a vote in Congress this week, every new car sold in America will have an AM antenna to pick up its signal.
The AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act already has more than 300 co-sponsors in the House, 60 in the Senate, and has been pitched mainly as a measure to ensure that emergency messages — the ones that start with the shrill whistle — can be sent out to cars through the AM stations.
The commonsense measure is a good plan B to have in place in cases of cyberattacks or cyber outages, because sometimes the old ways can be the best ways.
STEVE FORBES, STEPHEN MOORE: AMERICA MUST FREE ITS AIRWAVES BEFORE CHINA PULLS AHEAD
That is a laudable goal, and by itself enough to warrant the legislation. But in fact, this measure can do more than protect lives, it can protect civil American discourse. AM radio is one of the last vestiges of it we have left in this digital age.
All across the country, there are little stations like WFMD, with a predictable schedule that starts with a light-hearted but local-news-heavy morning show, then late-morning to mid-afternoon nationally syndicated news shows, followed by an afternoon drive-time call-in show that covers local, state and federal politics.
In Frederick, the local afternoon show, "Mid-Maryland Live," belongs to Tim May and Frank Mitchell: the former, a cantankerous conservative wordsmith with a Maryland twang, and the latter, the patient and pleasant liberal New York City transplant with the dulcet radio voice.
FCC CHAIR SUGGESTS ABC SKIPPING TRUMP'S SPEECH WILL FACTOR IN LICENSE RENEWAL DECISION
The discourse that Tim and Frank engage in for three hours a day, along with the callers — many of whom are longtime regulars — is arguably the most balanced view of what is happening in the world that one could ask for, and almost always free from yelling and vitriol.
Local AM radio is also the most reliable way to know what matters to people in communities outside major cities. For example, while data centers are a relatively new issue in the macro news ecosystem, I have been hearing about it for well over a year on local AM stations all over the country.
It was almost never inchoate rage or unvarnished praise over data centers, but rather a very nuanced conversation from listeners who understand the laws and regulations of their communities with almost encyclopedic knowledge.
We live at a time when, perhaps rightfully, we bemoan the demise of so many local small town newspapers along with the coverage and accountability they used to provide. But in many ways, that slack has been picked up by AM radio, where appearances by local officials are extremely common.
These same stations are usually also the repository for high school sports, giving kids the chance to feel that their effort matters when their exploits are broadcast live to the community.
Some small government types might object to the government handing local AM radio stations this boon of enforcing access to their product, but it is a much more sensible way to help the radio industry than the National Public Radio model of direct funding.
We have all seen that, for a myriad of reasons, publicly funded radio — absent the constraints of the free market — always winds up extremely far left. But local AM radio keeps the lights on by selling ads, usually to local businesses, and has a financial incentive to create a broad, cross-aisle appeal.
For those who think radio is a dying form, think again. Estimates suggest that 80-90% of Americans listen to AM or FM radio weekly, with more than 80% of car owners flipping it on when they fire up the engine.
No, AM radio is not heading to the dustbin of history. Not now, and not anytime soon. Just as our parents and grandparents did, we tune in to get the weather or the traffic, or just to find out what is going on. Not in New York, not in D.C., but where we live.
The fact that our Congress, which would struggle to pass "Go" in Monopoly, is set to pass the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act is a testament to the enduring power of our local radio stations, and a good sign that listeners in Frederick will have Tim and Frank to listen to for a long, long time.
WWE star Cody Rhodes, others hunt for John Cena in Clash of Clans, recalls why legend was booted from group
John Cena’s in-ring career may have come to a close, but WWE star Cody Rhodes is still dealing with him virtually.
Rhodes, Cena and several other WWE stars are a part of a second innovative crossover with Clash of Clans, the beloved mobile game that the "American Nightmare" has been playing for a decade. In this iteration, Rhodes and the rest of the Clash of Clans community are tasked with finding Cena’s base in the game.
COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON OUTKICK
The "Search for Cena" is officially on and lasts through Sept. 30.
"We've got millions of players on Clash of Clans globally, global chat being back to millions of players," Rhodes told OutKick Dropkick hours before Sunday Night’s Main Event. "And when I was in a clan, that was how I got in Clash of Clans in the first place — John Cena on the road, all of us finding a game that we wanted to play and could bond over, and it was Clash. He had the O’Leary Klan (OLK) and he was a pretty good clan leader. He was until he wasn't -- real, real, real tyrant behavior, I would say, from the record-breaking John Cena.
"And now we have the opportunity to get our receipt back, all of us, the entire Clash community, because we can get out there, find his base, raid it, get a three-star 100 on it. But probably the most pinch-yourself thing for me, and so much fun stuff happens working at WWE, so many fun moments and crossovers and things that we do, partnerships and things of this nature, to be able to open the game and see the Clash app logo with me against a barbarian, and then to get in there and see a new barbarian skin like the ‘Barbarian King’ skin, this is the second one, and now he's got the shades on and the music has been added. That's a trip."
Rhodes previously told OutKick Dropkick that it was Cena who first got him into Clash of Clans. He was a part of the OLK before the group booted Cena. Rhodes and others then started the Nicky Clan, which still runs to this day.
SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS
"The American Nightmare" explained that what Cena was doing was akin to going to an NFL game and everyone is only kicking field goals.
"I want to give him his due because he brings us all into the game. He certainly brings us all in. I think he was gemming a great amount — maybe too much gemming going on that not everyone wanted to do that.
"I think he also was notorious for what we'd call the 99% one-star, which is, man, that is not good. That's like going to an NFL football game and them just doing field goals the whole game and nobody actually scoring a touchdown. You got to get the town hall. The fact that you're getting 99% one-stars is bringing the clan down. Very notorious for it, and I'd say pretty hard on the clan in general, but also a good clan leader because he was giving the good troops. He really was. Wasn't as easy back then, but he was giving the good troops."
Cena said in a press release that his rivalry with Rhodes really began in Clash of Clans.
"People think this started in the ring with Cody. It didn’t. It started when I out-raided him in the game and he threw me off his team," Cena said. "Ten years later he still needs help. This time he’s asking millions of you to take on my base. That’s fine. As I have always said - if you want some, come get some."
Rhodes said it’s still a bit surreal to be featured in a game he had been playing for so long.
It’s a little bit different than being in a pro wrestling video game, which most fans expect Rhodes to be in because he’s at the pinnacle of the sport.
Rhodes has his own character as the "Barbarian King," which debuted last year.
"I got a couple of great memories from the fact that I get to do this and the ‘Search for Cena,’ and he's the one who brought us into the game and finding his base. But also, to do the commercial for all this with one of the greatest of all time, that being Shawn Michaels as the wise Clash player, Clash brings us as a group together, and for the guys, some of the OG's, some of the luminaries, some of the legends who don't know Clash," he said.
"Undertaker, for example. I remember texting him right away, ‘Hey, Clash of Clans, Supercell, this amazing company,’ and he's all in on it now, and he's on board, and this is his second time as the ‘Grand Warden.’ So, it's been a really good synergy that I don't think you would have ever expected, right? It doesn't seem like something that would happen. And maybe that's why it's so kind of at a loss for words almost over how cool this collaboration is."
Rhodes is not the only WWE star featured in the game.
Hero characters include Alexa Bliss as "Archer Queen," The Undertaker as "Grand Warden," Iyo Sky as "Royal Champion," Jey Uso as "Minion Prince" and Kane as "Dragon Duke."
Clash of Clans has been downloaded more than 2 billion times and is considered one of the best mobile games of all time.
After 'Lake America,' Trump suggests a new name for the state of New Mexico
The White House on Sunday amplified President Donald Trump's call to rebrand New Mexico as "New America," reposting an image from the president's Truth Social account showing the state's name crossed out and replaced with "America."
Trump's original post featured a map of the Southwestern state with the word "Mexico" crossed out in bright red and replaced with "America," effectively depicting it as "New America."
TRUMP RENAMES LAKE ONTARIO ‘LAKE AMERICA’ AMID INTENSIFYING US-CANADA TRADE DISPUTE
The White House later shared the image on its verified X account. Neither post included an explanation or indicated whether it reflected an actual policy proposal.
The post comes just days after Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario "Lake America" for U.S. federal use. The executive order followed a series of tariff disputes between Washington and Ottawa.
Trump said he directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the department to update the Geographic Names Information System to reflect the name change. Google and Apple later updated their maps for U.S. users to reflect the change.
MAJORITY OF AMERICANS REJECT TRUMP'S RENAMING OF LAKE ONTARIO TO 'LAKE AMERICA,' POLL FINDS
Trump also signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America" early in his second term.
Unlike lakes and other geographic features that can be renamed for federal use through executive action, a president cannot unilaterally rename a U.S. state. Trump and the White House have not announced any formal effort to change New Mexico's name.
The name "New Mexico" predates the state by centuries. Spanish explorers began using "Nuevo México" in the late 1500s. The territory kept the name after becoming part of the United States in 1848 and later achieved statehood on Jan. 6, 1912.
The White House and the Office of New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
Amazon cargo plane overruns Miami airport runway, striking 'multiple' vehicles and catching fire
A massive emergency response is underway at Miami International Airport after an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway, struck multiple vehicles and caught fire while landing around 2 p.m. local time, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and airport officials told Fox News Digital.
Prime Air flight 7598 overran Miami International Airport’s diagonal runway and is disabled at the northwest end of the airport, airport officials said.
Fire officials said the airplane caught fire following the crash, with more than 60 fire units responding to the scene involving multiple patients.
"Units arrived to find an airplane that had caught on fire as a result of this crash, with heavy flames and smoke showing. Firefighters are working on extinguishing the fire and assessing patients," the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said in a post on X.
"Firefighters are working on extinguishing the fire, and there are multiple patients," fire officials told Fox News Digital.
Authorities have not yet released details on injuries or fatalities.
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the plane experienced an "incident" while attempting to land, but did not elaborate on the circumstances.
"We can confirm that an Amazon Air plane operated by 21 Air experienced an incident while attempting to land at Miami International Airport today," Amazon said.
"This is a fast-moving situation and we're still gathering details. We're working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened. Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved. We're doing everything we can to support those affected."
The FAA said 21 Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300, departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
County CAD records indicate the emergency call was received at about 1:55 p.m.
The FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center noted there is a ground stop at MIA in effect until at least 4:30 p.m.
"All runways and taxiways at MIA are currently closed as of 3:00 p.m. and a ground stop is in effect," airport officials said.
The FAA will investigate the incident.
Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also said first responders were assessing the scene.
"We’ve issued a full ground stop at Miami International while first responders assess the scene after an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway. If you’re traveling through the area, please expect significant delays and potential cancellations," he said in a post on X.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Fisherman captures a crazy video of an alligator chasing a bear across a Florida river
Let's head down to Florida where anything can and does take place. If you can dream it up, there's a good chance it will go down in the Sunshine State. That goes for both people and animals.
The latest example to prove that point comes from a fisherman out on the Kissimmee river near Lake Okeechobee. Captain Justin Morgan, who runs a fishing guide service, captured the crazy video.
The clip shows a scene that you don't see every day, a bear swimming across the river with an alligator hot on its trail chasing it towards the shore.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE FROM OUTKICK OUTDOORS
"Alligator tracking down a bear across the Kissimmee river near Lake Okeechobee," the captain captioned the action.
"We were out bluegill fishing when what from a distance looked like a wild hog was a black bear swimming across the Kissimmee with a gator not far behind! Not something we get to see everyday but really cool to watch!"
SON OF FLORIDA ALLIGATOR ATTACK VICTIM SAYS TOURISTS AND TIKTOKERS ARE EMBOLDENING THE GATORS
This was close to giving us a straight out of a nature documentary look at what would happen if an alligator and a black bear ever went at it in the wild.
That begs the question. What would happen? Did the alligator give chase after mistaking the bear for something else it could easily take down?
Does the advantage lean towards the alligator in the water and the bear on land? That's what I would assume.
GEAR UP FOR FALL WITH LABOR DAY DEALS ON HUNTING, FISHING, CAMPING AND OUTDOOR LIVING ESSENTIALS
A bear did successfully fend off a couple of alligators trying to attack it in the water before, but is that how they always play out or do alligators put some in the win column?
In this case, the alligator appears to lose interest once the bear makes it to the shore. The bear takes a look back before wandering into the woods and doesn’t seem interested in the alligator either.
Who would have won a showdown between these two?
Raskin calls Piker’s rhetoric 'irrelevant distraction' after the streamer said he'd vote for Hamas over Israel
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., dismissed scrutiny of far-left streamer Hasan Piker's rhetoric about Hamas as an "irrelevant distraction" Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," as host Kristen Welker pressed him over Democratic divisions surrounding Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed's relationship with the controversial online personality.
Welker played Raskin a clip of Piker saying he would vote Hamas over Israel "every single time" and asked whether the Democratic Party’s tent was large enough to include the streamer.
"I don’t even know if Hasan Piker considers himself a Democrat. I know he attacked me for campaigning with Callie Barr and Sean McCann and other Democrats in Michigan. I think all of that is an irrelevant distraction," Raskin said. "Obviously, nobody supports Hamas, a terrorist organization which brutally attacked Israel on Oct. 7."
Natalie Baldassarre, national press secretary for the RNC, pointed to Piker’s growing role in Democratic politics and his support for socialist candidates as she warned that his influence could become a broader liability for the party heading into November.
"The Democrat Party is being driven off [a] cliff by socialists who are driving blindfolded while arguing about the view," Baldassarre said in a recent statement to Fox News Digital. "Unless Democrats hit the brakes, every candidate on the ballot will have to answer for socialists’ outrageous beliefs that will bankrupt our country and strip every American of safety, sanity, and freedom."
Raskin's comments came after he campaigned alongside El-Sayed in Michigan in late August. El-Sayed has continued to face questions over his ties to Piker as some Democrats have publicly distanced themselves from the streamer.
Piker, who endorsed El-Sayed and appeared at multiple campaign events during the Democratic primary, reiterated his comparison between Hamas and Israel during an April appearance on "Pod Save America."
"I’ve also said I’m a harm reduction voter. I’m a lesser evil voter, and therefore I would vote for Hamas over Israel every single time," Piker said in the clip played for Raskin on Sunday.
Piker has also faced renewed criticism for comments involving American Jews. Fox News Digital reported that he warned on a livestream that if American Jews continued presenting themselves as "singularly invested in Israel," someone could eventually "take action" against them.
HASAN PIKER INSISTS ABDUL EL-SAYED ASKED HIM TO 'STUMP' FOR MICHIGAN CAMPAIGN AMID BACKLASH
El-Sayed responded to that controversy by stressing that the streamer was not a spokesman for his campaign.
"I want to be crystal clear, nobody speaks for this campaign besides me and my campaign spokespeople," El-Sayed said.
El-Sayed has nevertheless resisted calls to fully disavow Piker. During a recent interview with Stephen A. Smith, he said his goal was to bring the streamer's millions of listeners into the electoral process rather than abandon them over disagreements.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
"What I’m saying is there are 3 million people who listen to Hasan," El-Sayed said. "I want to offer them a pathway into an electoral movement."
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., called the attention devoted to Piker "absolutely ludicrous," while Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash, said Democrats should engage his audience even if they disagree with some of his views. Other Democrats have urged the party to distance itself from him.
Fox News Digital reached out to Piker for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Army combat veteran challenging Mike Lawler calls Hegseth national security 'hazard,' backs impeachment
Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley, a 16-year Army combat veteran challenging Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District, said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" that she would support impeaching War Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of endangering U.S. national security.
Anchor Dana Bash asked Conley whether, if elected to Congress, she would support removing Hegseth from office amid recent scrutiny of his leadership at the Pentagon.
"I believe he has been a hazard to American national security and a disgrace to the office," Conley said. "I would absolutely support removing him from office because his actions and decisions are failing service members who have sworn an oath to this country and deserve respect."
DEM CANDIDATE CLEARS CROWDED FIELD TO FACE TRUMP-BACKED INCUMBENT IN NY
Bash pressed Conley to clarify whether "removing" Hegseth meant she would actually vote for articles of impeachment against the Pentagon chief.
"Against Pete Hegseth for his failure to protect America? Yes," Conley replied.
Lawler campaign manager Ciro Riccardi seized on the impeachment declaration in a statement to Fox News Digital on Sunday, linking it to his campaign’s broader criticism of Conley following her appearance on CNN.
"Cait Conley’s refusal to disavow Zohran Mamdani and the DSA is disqualifying. She is just as extreme as the rest and that was exposed today for all to see, including embracing impeachment," Riccardi said.
TRUMP RETALIATES AFTER IRAN ATTACK AS EXPERT WARNS REGIME IS GROWING MORE DANGEROUS
Conley's declaration came months after House Democrats formally introduced six articles of impeachment against Hegseth, accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors over his handling of the Iran war, military strikes on alleged drug vessels, his use of Signal to discuss military operations, congressional oversight and other matters.
Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson dismissed that effort in an April statement to Fox News Digital and said Hegseth would remain focused on the department’s mission.
"This is just another Democrat trying to make headlines as the Department of War decisively and overwhelmingly achieved the president's objectives in Iran," Wilson said. "Secretary Hegseth will continue to protect the homeland and project peace through strength. This is just another charade in an attempt to distract the American people from the major successes we have had here at the Department of War."
Hegseth has also rejected previous waves of criticism surrounding his leadership. Amid calls for his removal following scrutiny of his use of Signal in 2025, Hegseth accused critics and the media of relying on disgruntled former employees to damage his reputation.
HEGSETH TURNS TABLES ON DEMS AS SPARKS FLY DURING HEARING CLASH: 'I PUT THIS ON YOU'
"This is what the media does. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees, and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations," Hegseth said at the time. "It’s not going to work with me."
Pressure on Hegseth has more recently crossed party lines. Outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., called on President Donald Trump last week to replace Hegseth following Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation.
"I urge the President to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it," Tillis said.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
The White House pushed back on Tillis’ criticism in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying Trump remained firmly behind Hegseth.
"The President has complete trust in Secretary Hegseth, who is doing an incredible job leading the Pentagon," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said.
Driscoll’s departure followed reported tensions with Hegseth over Army leadership and modernization. A source familiar with the situation told Fox News Digital that Driscoll had raised concerns about Hegseth blocking Army transformation efforts by removing generals involved in them. Driscoll, however, publicly praised Hegseth upon leaving office, saying the Army’s progress would not have been possible without his support.
Fox News Digital reached out to Hegseth's office, the White House and Conley for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.