The Attorney Shot in the head now accused of plotting the attack himself. And the countdown to tonights historic spacex launch. Announcer this is Nbc Nightly News with Lester Holt good evening. We know them from another arena, celebrated gymnasts, olympians. But today they sat tearfully in front of a different audience in a Senate Hearing Room Simone Biles surrounded by fellow gymnasts, telling senators we have been failed, the young women accusing the fbi of Turning A Blind Eye to their complaints of Sexual Abuse at the hands of Team Dr. Larry nassar in 2017 nassar pleaded guilty to abusing 10 of the more than 265 women and girls who have come forward to say they were molested he is serving up to 175 years in prison. Tonight the emotional call for accountability for those the women accuse of protecting a serial Child Molester rather than them. Anne thompson was in the Hearing Room and has our report to be clear, i blame Larry Nassar, and i also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse. Reporter Simone Biles and her three fellow gymnasts told the Senate Judiciary Committee in words searing and emotional how adults failed them, ignoring for more than a year their claims of Sexual Abuse by Team Usa Dr. Larry nassar i dont want another young gymnast, olympic athlete, or any individual to experience the horror that i and hundreds of others have endured before, during, and continuing to this day in the wake of the Larry Nassar Abuse Reporter the women particularly blamed the fbi. Mckayla maroney testified in 2015 she told an agent what nassar did to her in excruciating detail before she told her mother i began crying at the memory over the phone, and there was just dead silence. I was so shocked at the Agents Silence and disregard for my trauma after that minute of silence, he asked is that all . Reporter the fbi didnt officially open an investigation until nearly a year after it first learned of the allegations. The fbi made me feel like my abuse didnt count and it wasnt a big deal. Reporter Aly Raisman described how the Bureaus Inaction haunts her its estimated nassar abused at least 70 gymnasts after the fbi was first told it was like serving innocent children up to a pedophile on a Silver Platter im deeply and profoundly sorry Reporter Fbi Director christopher wray, who did not lead the bureau at the time told the committee that the two agents who lied about their actions are no long were the bureau. One took retirement. The other was fired. He added reforms are already under way. We want to take the pain that occurred here and use it as a catalyst to teach people the importance of doing the work in the right way. Reporter but Maggie Nichols and her fellow gymnasts want more maggie, what is justice . I think justice is holding those accountable who failed us continuously and continue to fail us, and those who didnt protect us throughout our Gymnastics Career and throughout our childhood. Reporter until someone can answer the question Simone Biles asked. How much is a little Girl Worth . Anne, this was gutwrenching to watch. These women are asking for accountability so is there any chance any of the fbi agents involved could face charges for making false statements to investigators . There is, lester. Lying to the fbi is a crime. But so far the Justice Department has declined to prosecute the two former agents involved officials from the Justice Department were invited to todays hearing but declined to attend, and the gymnasts say that makes them feel as if the doj doesnt care lester Anne Thompson in washington, Thank You. Lets turn to the pandemic now and some sobering numbers out tonight. 1 in 500 americans have died from covid19, and about 1 in 8 have now been infected according to an Nbc News count. This comes as the fda is expected to decide within days about Vaccine Booster shots. Here is Miguel Almaguer reporter tonight, the battle over boosters as Vaccine Makers make their case ahead of Fridays Fda Review of Pfizers Booster Shot for the General Public and there you go. Reporter Today Both Pfizer and moderna releasing reams of new data and research in their 52page report, pfizer says boosters are needed six months after the second dose, saying the added shot may be an urgent emerging public health issue, citing data from israel showing individuals vaccinated in january had a more than twofold increased risk for Breakthrough Infections versus those vaccinated in april. But the question is not about how the vaccines are doing today or last month. Its really how are they going to do this winter. Reporter the president Of Moderna telling Nbc News their vaccine also shows waning protection against infection over time your data shows protection is dipping, but americans who are fully vaccinated are still protected from hospitalization. So why are boosters necessary . We do know as we get to a very large number of breakthrough cases, some of them do become severe, and some them do lead to hospitalization and death. So we think that as the numbers get larger, there will be a substantial number of severe cases that will start to crop up. Reporter its not just Moderna And Pfizer pushing a third dose eight months after your second shot, get a Booster Shot reporter almost a month ago, the White House announced its plan for a booster program, but a new Lancet Study and other experts say the science still isnt clear. All done. Reporter arguing while more of the fully vaccinated are suffering Breakthrough Infections, they are rarely hospitalized and nearly never die from the virus what if americans wait what if they go a year before getting a Booster Shot will that do harm . I dont think it will do a great deal of harm if we wait as long as a year to get that booster were going to continue to monitor how well these vaccines keep us out of the hospital. Thats their main job. And so far thats holding up very well reporter with our nation still in the midst of a deadly pandemic now approaching its 20th month, tonight a broad push, but no full consensus on boosters and whether a third shot is really needed now. And miguel, in addition to boosters, any update on vaccines for kids under 12 . Well, lester, pfizer will likely get approval first it can still be as early as october when shots are available for children 5 to 11 years old. The president Of Moderna told us today they could get the green light just a few weeks later. Lester all right, miguel, Thank You. The countrys top Military Officer is facing a strong Backlash Tonight after a new book claims he made calls to china without telling former President Trump. Kelly odonnell is at the White House with the latest reporter americas top general taking political fire, but Tonight President biden with a clear defense of army four star mark milley, chairman of the joint chiefs. I have great confidence in general milley. Reporter Milley Under Scrutiny after explosive claims in a new book by Bob Woodward and robert costa, including Milley Convening top officers after the January Insurrection to review nuclear Launch Protocols milley reportedly telling them, no matter what you were told, you do the procedure, you do the process, and im part of that procedure. Milley also sought to reassure a top chinese general that the american government is stable, then reportedly telling the u. S. Adversary, if were going to attack, im going to call you ahead of time. Its not going to be a surprise. Some republican officials said milley should be fired for going around an elected commander in chief. The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, a Military Leader basically ignoring the constitution, deciding he is going to call a potential adversary and an enemy of the united states and collude with them. If true, there is a word for it, and it sure seems like treasonous activity to me. Reporter 41 years in uniform former President Trump chose milley for joint Chiefs Chairman in 2018 last Year Milley apologized for this controversial event, walking with mr. Trump after protesters were cleared with tear gas. Tuesday, the former president said he never planned to attack china and slammed the Milley Call thats treason, Number One number two, its totally ridiculous i never thought of it. Reporter today the white House Call Milley a patriot i dont think the president is looking for the guidance of members of congress who stood by while the president of the united states and the leader of their party fomented an insurrection and many of them were silent. Reporter Today A Spokesman For General Milley confirms that call to chinas top general took place, adding these conversations are regular and vital to avoid unintended conflict and that general milley continues to act in the tradition of civilian control of the military lester kelly odonnell, thanks in california, there is new political life for Governor Gavin Newsom tonight after he survived that Recall Election by a wide margin. Jacob soboroff is in northern california. Jacob, its a victory for the governor, but hes got big challenges ahead thats right, lester here in California Governor Newsom handily defeated the Recall Attempt to remove him from office he called that no vote a validation of his policy priorities, including strict covid restrictions the pandemic was the top issue that helped Push Newsom to victory among democratic voters who have a 21 margin in this state now voters on both sides of the aisle are expecting the governor to step up to address noncovid crises crippling california, including record wildfires, violent crimes, and a growing homelessness epidemic. Tonight the recall is behind the governor, but he is already gearing up for the gubernatorial election one year away. Lester jacob soboroff, Thank You. Louisiana is under a state of Emergency Tonight as the remnants of Hurricane Nicholas soak the gulf coast. Six million people under Flash Flood watches from louisiana to the florida panhandle. The system expected to bring as much as 10 inches of rain to the region through friday. In just 60 seconds, a Murder Mystery and what Authorities Say was a 10 Million plan by a prominent lawyer to have himself killed. Authorities say was a plus our interview with the astronauts about to kick off a new era in Space Ogress with my Mental Health. So when i started having unintentional Body Movements called tardive dyskinesia. I ignored them. But when the movements in my hands and feet started throwing me off at work. I finally had to say, its not ok. it was time to talk to my doctor about austedo. She said that austedo helps reduce Td Movements in adults. While i continue with most of my Mental Health medications. Vo Austedo can cause depression, suicidal thoughts, or actions in patients with huntingtons disease. Pay close attention to and call your doctor if you become depressed, have sudden changes in mood, behaviors, feelings, or have suicidal thoughts. Common Side Effects include inflammation of the nose and throat, insomnia and sleepiness. Dont take austedo if you have liver problems, are taking reserpine, tetrabenazine, or valbenazine. Austedo may cause irregular or fast heartbeat, restlessness, movements mimicking parkinsons disease, fever, stiff muscles, problems thinking, and sweating. Man Talk to your doctor about austedo. Its time to treat td. Td is not ok. Visit askforaustedo. Com and now an alleged scheme by a man to arrange his own killing so his son could reap millions, all of it involving the same family, and causing a sensation in South Carolina and there is much more to all this. Catie beck is there tonight. Reporter tonight, police shedding new light on a bizarre and violent string of crimes in South Carolinas low country. Overnight, the arrest of 61yearold curtis edward smith, charged with assisted Suicide And Insurance fraud after Authorities Say prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh Directed A Scheme For Smith to kill him this comes after the unsolved murder of Alexs Wife and son at the Family Home in June Alex has denied any involvement in the crime. Murdaughs attorney telling today show his client, in rehab for opioid addiction, wanted his son to collect on a 10 Million life insurance claim. He was in a dark, dark, dark place and wanted to help his son. Reporter the staged shooting came one day after murdaugh had resigned from his Family Firm facing allegations he misappropriated millions but for murdaugh its the latest in a chain of devastating events. A 2015 Cold Case into the death of 19yearold Stephen Smith recently reopened due to evidence gathered while investigating the murdaugh double murder no member of the Murdaugh Family has been named a suspect police also investigating the 2018 death of gloria satterfield, the murdaughs housekeeper, who allegedly suffered a fall at their home in 2019 Alexs Son paul murdaugh, now deceased was charged with boating under the influence after a crash in 2019 that left 19yearold Mallory Beach dead mark tinsley, attorney for beech says crimes like these are being overlooked i think the common thread here is wealth and influence. There are two systems of justice one way the haves have a certain level of accountability and the havenots have a different level of Accountability Reporter many unanswered questions a Community Eager for answers. Catie beck, Nbc News, columbia, South Carolina also tonight, the historic launch. Spacex sending the first all civilian crew into orbit. Kerry sanders is in Cape Canaveral three, two, one Ignition And Liftoff Reporter History made this evening. Four socalled civilian astronauts now orbiting the globe, their mission scheduled to last three days. Officially the inspiration 4 crew are now on their way to space. Reporter Space X Founder Elon Musk believes this will one day be routine the longterm vision is Space Flight becomes airline like you buy a ticket and you go reporter if Space Travel is to reach those heights, it begins tonight with these four a 51yearold ph. D in geoscience, a 29yearold physicians assistant, an Aerospace Engineer and a Billionaire Entrepreneur in a little less from 12 minutes were going to go from being idle on the pad to traveling 17,500 miles an hour. Reporter Theyll Reach 357 miles from earth, the greatest distance since nasa went to the moon almost 49 years ago. Im The First Black Female pilot of a Spacecraft It means that i can now be that Role Model for the next Generation Reporter when Haley Arceneaux was up 10, doctors at st. Jude treated her for bone cancer. She will be the first to ever go to space with a prosthetic. 19 years ago, when i dont were worried that you were losing your hair to chemo, would you dog remember you without hair, and now youre going to Outer Space could you even imagine that you would be given this opportunity . I never could have imagined that i would be going in a rocket, launching off a planet, and getting to represent so many kids along the way. Reporter the inspiration 4 crew is now in space as they launched into space, they went first past the international space station, then past the orbit of the hubbell telescope. Theyre now beginning their orbit of earth, 15 a day they will get incredible sunrises and sunsets. Lester, this is a mission that opens a new door its been an exciting year in space. Kerry, Thank You up next, whats behind the latino Population Boom in areas you might not expect areas you might not expect. With rybelsus®. You are my sunshine my only sunshine. Rybelsus® works differently than any other Diabetes Pill to lower Blood Sugar in all 3 of these ways. Increases insulin when you need it. Decreases sugar. And slows food. The majority of people taking rybelsus® lowered their Blood Sugar and reached an a1c of less than 7. People taking rybelsus® lost up to 8 pounds. Rybelsus® isnt for peopl with type 1 diabetes. Dont take rybelsus® if you or your family ever had medullary thyroid cancer, or have multiple Endocrin Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 or if allergic to it. Stop rybelsus® and get medical help right away if you get a Lump Or Swelling in your neck, severe stomach pain, or an allergic reaction. Serious Side Effects may include pancreatitis. 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Tonight marks the start of hispanic heritage month, and were taking a closer look at the new Latino Landscape across the country. Immigrants expanding across more regions than ever before Gabe Gutierrez has more from New Hampshire. Reporter it is new England Postcard perfect, and in nashua, New Hampshire, a new boom is under way. I think The American Dream is constantly changing. Reporter Oscar Villacis is now one of more than 59,000 latinos who live in this state in the last decade, its total population grew by less than 5 , while the Hispanic Population skyrocketed 62 . Oscars mother was a factory worker, his dad a handyman and for this ecuadoran american, the journey has been a struggle. Have you felt prejudice here absolutely. Reporter thats why last Year Oscar launched his own local radio show, called first gen americans. You should be speaking english. Reporter after a woman was caught on Video Yelling at immigrants do you consider this home i do, for the most part. Reporter for the most part. Why not completely because as we try so hard to fit in, we do an amazing job sticking out. Reporter for years, oscar has gotten his Hair Cut at a barbershop owned by Rafael Almonte from the dominican Republic Rafael from the dominican re New Hampshire isnt the only state luring latinos because of jobs and affordable housing. North dakota has seen a 148 jump. South dakota 75 vermont, Louisiana And Tennessee are not far behind. We come to this culture with a dream and after a while, you feel like youre part of this united states. Reporter in 2010, New Hampshire was 94 white. Ten years later, thats dropped to 88 . How has nashua changed over the last two decades . Well, weve become more inclusive, more diverse. I think weve weve become a richer community. Reporter for Oscar Villacis, that diversity means much more than just new restaurants, new faces or even a new language its a new mentality until we understand as a whole country and were seen as americans, i think that there is still a great opportunity that we can come together to solve a lot of these issues, and it starts right here within our community. Reporter our community, he says, no someone elses. Gabe gutierrez, Nbc News, nashua, New Hampshire. And for more on the new Latino Landscape, visit our interactive website at nbcnews. Com. Up next, well meet a young Trail Blazer who is inspiring america. Blazer who is inspiring america. Or psoriatic arthritis, are rethinking the choices they make like the splash they create the way they exaggerate the surprises they initiate. Otezla. Its a choice you can make. Otezla is not an injection or a cream its a pill that treats differently. 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Finally, a Family Walk one 5yearold and his parents will never forget along the worlds longest hiking trail, spanning 14 states here is Rehema Ellis Reporter its an adventure of a lifetime you ready to start . Yep reporter josh and Cassie Sutton Left Virginia Last year with their young son harvey, hiking the appalachian trail. How does harvey describe what they did . Fun and hard. Reporter they went 2100 miles in 209 days to 2100 miles in 209 days to do Something Special as a family. How many miles did you have average a day we started out eight to ten, but most of the trip we were doing 13 to 15 miles a day. Reporter was it a surprise to you that you could walk so many miles in one day no. Reporter harvey soared, energized by skittles and Peanut Butter they endured drenching rain. My feet are sopsopsopping wet. Reporter howling winds. We made it, Woo Reporter even deep snow. Up to harveys belly. Happy birthday to you reporter along the way, harvey turned 5 cassie, would you do this again i wouldnt do it a second time, but i would always do it the first time. Reporter harvey, would you do this again . Yes. Reporter No Doubt from one of the youngest ever to finish americas grueling trails. What do you think awesome. Reporter making family Memories Hell never forget rehema ellis, Nbc News. Thats one hardy family thats nightly news for this wednesday Thank You for watching, everyone im Lester Holt. Please take care of yourself and each other. Good night good night. Im raj mathai. Governor newsom in the East Bay on the rest of his political life. What happens next . Critics are already talking about changing the recall rules, but what does that look like . Were joined by the lawmaker whos proposing new guidelines. Also, should we get that Booster Shot or not . The infighting at the fda is causing a lot of concern from the General Public. And this teenager is attempting to fly around the world by herself. Ive been flying since i was a baby. If she makes