By Hannah Parry, Amanda Castro, and Shane Croucher
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Vice President JD Vance ended his episode of The Charlie Kirk Show on Monday with a rallying call to report anyone sharing negative views of Kirk in the wake of his death, to their employers.
Vance was deeply critical of the left as he hosted the show, claiming they were "much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence," and adding that people focusing on things that Kirk had said during his lifetime, rather than condemning his murder, were only making another shooting more likely.
"By celebrating that murder... and emphasizing - not Charlie's innocence, but the fact that he said things some didn't like, even to the point of lying about what he actually said, many of these people are creating an environment where things like this are inevitably going to happen," Vance said. "So when you see someone celebrating Charlie's murder, call them out and hell, call their employer," he said.
What to Know:
- Miller pledged full use of federal agencies to dismantle violent network; "With God as my witness, we're going to use every resource we have at the Department of Justice, Homeland Security and throughout this government to identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy these networks," Miller said.
- Vance said the administration will target NGOs linked to political unrest.
- Kirk was killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
- He is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.
- Vance described Kirk as "a true friend" and praised his influence on his political journey.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Sep 15, 2025 at 06:17 PM EDT
Trump says Kirk shooting suspect was ‘radicalized’ over the internet
President Donald Trump said on Monday that he believes that the suspect in Charlie Kirk's shooting was "radicalized over the internet."
Trump said that Tyler Robinson seemed like he had "wonderful parents, wonderful neighbors" and was a "smart guy" and "great student" who
"And then something happened to him over a fairly short period of time. It looks like he was radicalized on the internet," Trump said.
"And it's radicalized on the left. He's a left. I have a lot problems with the left, and they get protected, but they shouldn't be protected."
Sep 15, 2025 at 06:10 PM EDT
Trump says he’ll likely say a few words at Charlie Kirk’s funeral
President Donald Trump says that he expects he'll speak at Charlie Kirk's funeral on Sunday.
"I guess I'll say a few words, I don't know, but I guess I will," Trump told reporters on Monday.
Trump had already indicated that he would attend the funeral which is set to take place on Sunday.
Sep 15, 2025 at 06:08 PM EDT
Trump cites Charlie Kirk for his early adoption of TikTok during campaign
President Trump cited Charlie Kirk for his early adoption of TikTok during his campaign, which helped him reach a younger demographic.
"Charlie helped me. He was the one who said, 'Get on TikTok.' Charlie was unbelievable," he told reporters in the Oval Office, before also thanking his youngest son Barron, then Don Jr. and Eric.
"And it worked," he said.
When asked if China will continue to have an ownership stake in TikTok's parent company, Trump said that his administration had not yet decided that.
Sep 15, 2025 at 05:57 PM EDT
Trump asked why he ordered flags half-staff for Kirk, not for murdered Minnesota lawmaker
President Donald Trump was asked on Monday why he ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff after Charlie Kirk's killing, but not after the fatal shooting of a Minnesota state lawmaker Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband in June.
Trump responded that if Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz had requested it, he would have but Kamala Harris' running mate never asked.
"Had the governor asked me to do that, I would have done that gladly," Trump told reporters on Monday.
However, at the time of shooting, Trump actually announced he did not want to speak to Walz, saying it would be a "waste of time."
Sep 15, 2025 at 04:46 PM EDT
Chris Pratt posts prayer amid Charlie Kirk backlash
The actor Chris Pratt has shared a video of himself praying online, following the shooting of Charlie Kirk and the online discourse and backlash that has ensued.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed as he spoke during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10. The right-wing activist was the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth movement.
Newsweek has emailed a representative for Pratt outside of regular working hours for comment.
In a video posted on X on September 14, Pratt invited viewers to pray. "Hey guys, just stop real quick and pray with me," he said in the video. He continues to pray, before saying: "Now, you can continue scrolling, or you can turn your phone off and go outside. Might I suggest the latter."
The Guardians of the Galaxy star does not explicitly mention Kirk in this clip, but many social media users replied to his post with images of the evangelical Christian. Pratt's video followed a post he shared after Kirk's death, in which he wrote, "Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God's grace. God help us."
The actor's post and encouragement for people to pray comes amid bitter polarization online and in the United States, and has been met with a largely positive response.
Sep 15, 2025 at 04:36 PM EDT
Vance says US has to be ‘honest’ about people celebrating and financing Kirk’s death
JD Vance warned that, if America wants to "stop political violence like what happened to Charlie Kirk, we have to be honest about the people who are celebrating it and the people who are financing it."
Sep 15, 2025 at 04:25 PM EDT
Homeland Security says Charlie Kirk was ‘martyred’
Homeland Security said that it believes Charlie Kirk was "martyred" for his "belief in free expression, his faith, and his unabashed love for our country."
In a statement on X, the government agency said that his shooting death at a university, had "steeled our resolve, redoubled our commitment and only increased our determination to save America at this critical turning point.
"We will not stop until our country is secure and the values upon which our nation was founded are protected," the agency added.
Sep 15, 2025 at 04:12 PM EDT
‘We Are All Charlie Kirk’ rally to be held at University of Alabama
Conservative commentator CJ Pearson is throwing a "We Are All Charlie Kirk" rally at the University of Alabama.
The rally aims to remember Kirk and "inspire the next generation of conservatives."
"The temptation in moments like this is to pull back—to grow quieter, less public, and more cautious," Pearson said.
"But to do that would be to give Charlie's assassin exactly what they wanted. Charlie was all about free speech, and this rally is to remind people that we must continue to speak up, as Charlie would have wanted."
Sep 15, 2025 at 03:57 PM EDT
House Republican seeks to remove Omar from committees over Kirk remarks
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) is introducing a resolution to strip Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) of her committee assignments, citing comments she made about Charlie Kirk following his assassination. Omar currently serves on the House Budget Committee and is the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.
The move comes amid ongoing fallout from Kirk's killing during a college event in Utah. Omar has faced criticism from Republicans over an interview with progressive outlet Zeteo, where she questioned Kirk's past rhetoric and GOP reactions to his death. She later called the assassination "mortifying" and accused critics of distorting her remarks.
Omar defended her comments by pointing to Kirk's record, including his opposition to Juneteenth, and said it was wrong to ignore his documented statements.
Sep 15, 2025 at 03:47 PM EDT
WATCH: Vance says there’s ‘no unity’ with those who celebrate Kirk’s killing
Sep 15, 2025 at 03:42 PM EDT
Kirk murder suspect allegedly confessed in private Discord chat
Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, reportedly confessed in a private Discord chat hours before his arrest, according to The Washington Post. Messages viewed by the outlet show Robinson telling a small group he had "bad news" and identifying himself as the shooter at Utah Valley University.
Robinson also said he planned to surrender and thanked the group for "all the good times and laughs." The chat reportedly received no replies. The messages were sent roughly two hours before Robinson was taken into custody.
Sep 15, 2025 at 03:35 PM EDT
WATCH: Trump blames left for Charlie Kirk’s days, says many political adversaries under investigation
Sep 15, 2025 at 03:30 PM EDT
Trump admin touts Charlie Kirk assassination to redouble deportation effort
The Department of Homeland Security said Monday that the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk had "redoubled" its commitment to preserving American values and cracking down on illegal immigration.
A weekly post on social media, usually dedicated to the work by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and the agencies she oversees, was dominated by a message linked to Kirk's shooting in Utah.
"Charlie Kirk was martyred for his belief in free expression, his faith, and his unabashed love for our country," the DHS posted on X. "His sacrifice has steeled our resolve, redoubled our commitment and only increased our determination to save America at this critical turning point."
The messaging from DHS comes as part of a wider stance from the Trump administration that Kirk's assassination was a direct attack on American and Christian values. The podcaster often spoke on the issue of immigration, and mirrored views held by the current president and his supporters of a perceived invasion of illegal immigrants under former President Joe Biden.
Read the full story by Dan Gooding on Newsweek.
Sep 15, 2025 at 03:19 PM EDT
Republican demands Ilhan Omar is stripped of committee assignments over her Kirk comments
Republican Rep. Buddy Carter is calling for Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, to be kicked off her House committees after she criticized Charlie Kirk's past comments on race following his death last week.
Carter's resolution would remove Omar from the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, where she is the top Democrat on its Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.
In the days after Kirk's shooting, Omar told news outlet Zeteo that Kirk had "downplayed slavery and what Black people have gone through in this country by saying Juneteenth shouldn't exist."
"There is nothing more effed up, you know, like, than to completely pretend that, you know, his words and actions have not been recorded and in existence for the last decade or so," she added.
Omar is the latest person to come under pressure over her Kirk comments. Multiple journalists, teachers and professionals have been suspended or even fired for their commentary about the conservative commentator following his shooting.
Sep 15, 2025 at 03:17 PM EDT
Utah Democrats report threats following Kirk assassination
Democratic leaders in Utah say they've received a wave of threatening messages in the days following Charlie Kirk's assassination. State Rep. Angela Romero told CNN the backlash has been intense, with one caller allegedly contacting nearly every Democratic lawmaker, urging them to "leave the state" in what she described as a "really frightening" tone.
Romero, who leads the state House Democrats, called the experience "a real eye-opener" and said lawmakers are now discussing possible legislative responses. Alongside Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, Romero is also considering a funding request to bolster safety and security measures. The threats come amid heightened tensions and ongoing investigations into Kirk's killing.
Sep 15, 2025 at 03:04 PM EDT
WATCH: Vance calls on supporters to call out anyone criticizing Kirk
Sep 15, 2025 at 02:53 PM EDT
Who Is Camryn Giselle Booker? Student accused of mocking Charlie Kirk death
Camryn Giselle Booker, a student at Texas Tech University, was arrested on charges of assault after an altercation with students mourning the death of Charlie Kirk.
People had gathered at the Texas university in Lubbock on Friday to hold a vigil for Kirk, 31, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday during a question-and-answer session on campus.
Videos circulating on social media show Booker interacting with Kirk supporters before her arrest. In a clip widely shared on social media, Booker can be heard singing: "F*** your homie dead. He got shot in the head."
A separate snippet shows Booker and someone recording her asking each other, "Why are you so hateful?"
In another clip, she argues with a man in a Make America Great Again cap who says, "Evil is real people, and it kind of looks like that," before pointing the camera at Booker. In the same video, a woman tells Booker she is "being emotional," and the person recording says she is "being aggressive." Booker denied both claims.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott shared a photo of Booker being handcuffed and wrote: "This is what happened to the person who was mocking Charlie Kirk's assassination at Texas Tech. FAFO."
Newsweek has contacted the Texas Tech Police Department, the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office and the Lubbock County Clerk for comment via email.
Sep 15, 2025 at 02:44 PM EDT
Steve Bannon urges investigation of Spencer Cox after Charlie Kirk shooting
Steve Bannon has called for an investigation into Utah Governor Spencer Cox following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Cox has earned bipartisan praise for his response to the assassination, but some more MAGA-aligned conservatives, such as Bannon, have been more critical. During an episode of his War Room podcast, the former White House chief strategist called on Cox to be investigated over the state's mental health initiatives.
No law enforcement has suggested Cox has done any wrongdoing to warrant an investigation.
During an interview with Sheila Matthews, a co-founder of a conservative parental rights group, Bannon raised concerns about Intermountain Support Coordination Services, a company that is contracted by the state to provide services for individuals who have disabilities. Robinson's mother, Amber Robinson, is a social worker who has reportedly worked for the company.
Read in full from Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.
Sep 15, 2025 at 02:29 PM EDT
Vance calls on supporters to report anyone speaking negatively about Kirk to their employers
JD Vance said, as he ended The Charlie Kirk Show, that people focusing on things that Kirk had said, that they disagreed with, were only making another shooting more likely.
"By celebrating that murder... and emphasizing not Charlie's innocence, but the fact that he said things some didn't like, even to the point of lying about what he actually said, many of these people are creating an environment where things like this are inevitably going to happen," Vance said.
Vance then shared a personal anecdote of a time he said that he had been confronted by protesters or activists while he was on vacation.
"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," Vance said, without citing the source for his statistics.
"We can thank God that most Democrats don't share these attitudes, and I do. While acknowledging that something has gone very wrong with a lunatic fringe, a minority, but a growing and powerful minority on the far left," he said.
"There is no unity with the people who celebrate Charlie Kirk's assassination, and there is no unity with the people who fund these articles, who pay the salaries of these terrorist sympathizers who argue that Charlie Kirk, a loving husband and father, deserved a shot to the neck because he spoke words with which they disagree," he said, adding that the Trump administration planned to "dismantle" the institutions that "promote violence and terrorism in our own country."
"So when you see someone celebrating Charlie's murder, call them out and hell, call their employer," he urged.
"We don't believe in political violence, but we do believe in civility. And there is no civility in the celebration of political assassination."
Sep 15, 2025 at 02:16 PM EDT
Vance rails against the left as he blames them for political violence in US
JD Vance claimed that "people on the left are much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence."
The Vice President, speaking on The Charlie Kirk Show, cited statistics that he said showed that liberals are more supportive of political violence then those on the right. He did not state where the statistics came from.
"This is not a both sides problem. If both sides have a problem, one side has a much bigger and malignant problem, and that is the truth. We must be told that problem has terrible consequences," he said.
"The leader of our party, Donald J. Trump, escaped an assassin's bullet by less than an inch. Our House Majority Leader, Stephen Scalise, came within seconds of death by an assassin himself, and now the most influential conservative activist in generations," he continued.
Vance failed to mention the June murders of a Minnesota Democrat and her husband, and the attempted murder of second Democrat politician. He also declined to cite the violent attack on Democrat Nancy Pelosi's husband.
"This violence, it doesn't come from nowhere. Now, any political movement, violent or not violent, is a collection of forces," Vance continued, before blaming donors, activists, journalists, social media influencers and politicians.
Sep 15, 2025 at 02:03 PM EDT
Kirk’s team coordinated with FBI amid rising threats before shooting
Charlie Kirk's team had been working closely with the FBI to manage ongoing security concerns in the months leading up to his fatal shooting, according to Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show.
Speaking to CNN, Kolvet said additional protective measures were considered but ultimately scaled back due to Kirk's desire to remain accessible to supporters.
Sep 15, 2025 at 02:00 PM EDT
Vance becomes emotional as he shares what Erika asked him after Kirk’s murder
JD Vance said appeared to choke back tears as he shared how Charlie Kirk's widow Erika had asked him for advice after the death of her husband.
"Erika asked me for advice on how she should tell her children that their father had been murdered," he said, before taking a pause for a moment. "She asked my wife how to tell her beautiful kids that their father and my dear, very dear friend is no longer with us.
"And as she was doing it, there were people dancing on that father's grave.
"Now, I have heard many calls in the last few days for unity and for healing in the wake of Charlie's assassination. You have no idea how desperately I want that. How gratified I was when Democratic friends and even former Senate colleagues reached out to offer their condolences to me. I'm so thankful, and I know there are so many like them all across our great country.
"I am desperate to wrap my arms around them as we all unite to condemn political violence and the ideas that cause it."
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:59 PM EDT
Vance calls for truth-based Unity after Kirk’s death
Vance spoke of a personal moment with Erika Kirk, who asked his wife, Second Lady Usha, how to explain Charlie Kirk's death to their children.
The exchange came as Vance reflected on the national response to Kirk's assassination, saying he's heard "many calls for unity," but warned that "real unity can only be found if we climb the mountain of truth."
Vance praised Kirk as "a man who told the truth," and urged Americans to confront hard realities about political violence
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:55 PM EDT
Tucker Carlson says Kirk was ‘sincere’ in Christianity
Tucker Carlson said one of the things he admired about Charlie Kirk, was his commitment to Christianity.
"His commitment to Jesus was totally sincere," he said. "And, you know, sometimes isn't. Especially, in public figures who throw out Bible verses they don't understand and stuff like that.
"In in his case, it informed every single part of his life from his marriage the way he treated his children to the way he treated his staff, to the way he approached disagreement, to the way he thought of other people, which was always primarily as people first."
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:54 PM EDT
WATCH: Tucker Carlson speaks with Vance
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:51 PM EDT
IN PICTURES: JD Vance hosts Charlie Kirk’s podcast in tribute to conservative commentator
...
...
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:50 PM EDT
Peggy Noonan warns of rising political violence after Kirk’s death
Former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan says the assassination of Charlie Kirk marks a dangerous escalation in America's political unrest. Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Noonan compared the rise of violence to Hemingway's line about bankruptcy—"gradually and then suddenly"—arguing that recent attacks, including attempts on President Trump and Kirk's killing, represent a tipping point.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot during his "American Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University. Noonan described the current moment as one of growing darkness, writing, "We know this can't continue and we don't know how to stop it."
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:46 PM EDT
WATCH: Vance hosts The Charlie Kirk Show
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:46 PM EDT
Kennedy praises Kirk for his ‘respectful’ conversations amid growing polarization
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised Charlie Kirk for holding "respectful" conversations with those he disagreed with, even amid the growing polarization and "hatred" within the U.S.
The health secretary told JD Vance, during the podcast, that the only thing that can "heal our country," is conversation.
"And [Kirk] understood that the only thing that could bridge that [gap'] was debate, open debate, and that censorship was the enemy of that," Kennedy said.
"And that in order to have real conversations, we had to end the vitriol we had to stop being poisonous toward each other. We need to say what we mean without saying mean."
"He was so respectful of the people who disagreed with them," he said, adding that there had been a pushback against social media, and "the polarization that ultimately led to his death, this growing hatred."
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:40 PM EDT
Wiles praises Kirk’s role in youth mobilization
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles highlighted Charlie Kirk's tireless work during the 2024 Trump campaign, saying he reached "every college campus in every part of the country" to rally young voters.
Vice President JD Vance added, "If it weren't for Charlie Kirk, I wouldn't be vice president of the United States."
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:39 PM EDT
RFK Jr. says Kirk persuaded him to take job as HHS
Robert F Kennedy Jr., health and human services secretary, described how Charlie Kirk had persuaded him to take the role in President Donald Trump's cabinet.
Kennedy admitted he was "tentative" about taking the role, despite Trump's support, because "I didn't know what I wanted to handle Medicaid, Medicare."
"And he really persuaded me that I should do it," he said of Kirk, adding that he helped him during the process.
Vance added that Kirk had been a "strong advocate" for Kennedy in the role.
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:29 PM EDT
Kirk was under ‘enormous pressure’ from his donors, says Tucker Carlson
Tucker Carlson told JD Vance that Charlie Kirk had been under "enormous pressure" from his donors.
"Man, some of the people who send money to Turning Point is donors were very tough on him," Carlson said, without elaborating on what his donors were pressuring him to say. However, the topic came up as Carlson and Vance discussed the U.S.' involvement in foreign wars and the strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
"So tough on him that I could feel it. You know, talk to him a lot in the last few months. And he was under enormous pressure. He never bent. He never became bitter," he added.
"He kept his integrity to the very to the very end," Vance added.
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:26 PM EDT
RFK Jr. credits Kirk for Trump alliance
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Charlie Kirk played a pivotal role in bringing him and President Trump together.
"Charlie was probably the primary architect in my unification with President Trump," Kennedy said, recalling their first meeting in July 2021.
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:21 PM EDT
Vance cites Kirk for increase in people self-deporting
JD Vance citied Charlie Kirk for some of the Trump administration's success with its self-deport scheme for undocumented migrants.
"We have actually, there are a lot of people who are self deporting because they don't want to be in the country knowing that eventually immigration enforcement will happen. But I think part of that success comes from people like Charlie applying pressure," Vance told Tucker Carloson.
"Pressure is a friend. Pressure is somebody who cares deeply about the issue," he said, adding that Kirk was an immigration "hardliner."
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:18 PM EDT
Rubio and Netanyahu condemn Kirk assassination as threat to democracy
During a joint press conference in Jerusalem on Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the assassination of Charlie Kirk, calling it a profound loss and a warning sign for democratic societies. Rubio described the killing as "a death in the family" for the White House, citing Kirk's close ties to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Netanyahu echoed the concern, warning that political violence aimed at silencing dissent undermines democratic values worldwide. The remarks came after the leaders met to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza, but shifted focus when asked about the implications of Kirk's death.
Kirk was shot and killed last Wednesday during a campus debate at Utah Valley University. Known for engaging with ideological opponents, his death has sparked renewed debate over political discourse and safety. Rubio emphasized that when disagreement is met with violence, "both silence and violence become destructive alternatives."
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:14 PM EDT
Tucker Carlson shares what he learned from Charlie Kirk
Tucker Carlson has discussed what he learned from Charlie Kirk, despite Kirk being the same age as one of his children.
"The main thing that I learned from him was how to disagree with people on topics that you take very seriously and that they take very seriously without hating them or without feeling bitterness," he told JD Vance.
Sep 15, 2025 at 01:01 PM EDT
Trump ‘loved Charlie deeply’ says Karoline Leavitt as she joins Vance
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt joined Vice President JD Vance on The Charlie Kirk Show on Monday.
Leavitt described how President Donald Trump had been deeply hurt by the loss of the conservative commentator.
"The president has said it himself; the president's massive gains with young Americans across the country was in no small part because of the efforts of Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA," Leavitt said.
She added that Trump's campaign team had gone to efforts to keep Kirk appraised of Trump's movements, and was "constantly checking in with him and keeping him apprized of what the president was doing and saying, because we needed his voice to relay that to his audience, which is made up of young people across the country. And the president spoke at many Turning Point events. He went into that lion's den at the invitation of Charlie to get his message across. And Charlie was incredibly supportive of the nontraditional new media strategy that the president took," she continued.
"And, you know, the president loved Charlie deeply. You know that, Mr. Vice President. And I know that and I know he deeply is hurt by this loss because, Charlie played an instrumental role in returning the president to the Oval Office."
Leavitt added that she had found Kirk deeply inspiring as a "young conservative woman."
She said that the biggest lesson she'd taken from him was "standing firm in your convictions and picking a fight, especially when you know you have the facts and the truth on your side, but doing it with a smile. And that's something Charlie did so brilliantly and well," Leavitt said.
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:57 PM EDT
Karoline Leavitt credits Charlie Kirk for inspiring young conservatives
White House aide Karoline Leavitt said Charlie Kirk played a pivotal role in energizing young voices in politics, including her own.
"Watching Charlie from a distance was so inspiring to me," she said, adding that their personal connection began when she launched her congressional run.
Leavitt praised Kirk's influence on youth engagement and noted, "The president loved Charlie deeply."
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:55 PM EDT
The Office star called for unity in wake of Charlie Kirk’s death
The Office star Rainn Wilson called for unity in the wake of Charlie Kirk's shooting death, as he warned that social media could "cause division and hatred."
"These are really dangerous, tragic times. I wanted to address the recent assassination-slash-murder of Charlie Kirk," Wilson said in the video over the weekend. "I didn't always agree with him, but this whole idea of 'I'm going to kill someone that I disagree with' is disgusting and dangerous, and our hearts go out to him, his soul, his wife, his kids, and all of his family and supporters."
Wilson, who described Kirk as "courageous" and someone "unafraid to speak his truth," said that Americans "need to go deeper" to "build bridges of love and unity, especially between those we disagree with."
"As Arthur Brooks says, we need to learn how to disagree better, and still know that we all love our country, and we all want to build a better tomorrow. We just have very different ideas of how to do that."
He ended with a warning about social media.
"There are so many things that cause division and hatred," he said. "There can be and should be spiritual tools that we can use to create community, to come together with people that are very different than us."
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:50 PM EDT
Trump officials vow crackdown on violent networks after Kirk assassination
Vance and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller are pledging a forceful response to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, framing the attack as part of a broader, organized effort. Vance said earlier during the podcast that the administration will target "NGO networks that format, facilitate and engage in violence," calling such acts unacceptable in American society.
Miller described Kirk's assassination as the result of an "organized campaign," and emphasized the need to channel "righteous anger" into dismantling extremist groups. "Focused anger directed for a just cause is one of the most important agents of change in human history," he said.
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:44 PM EDT
Kaelan Dorr recalls Charlie Kirk’s support and lasting impact
White House Deputy Communications Director Kaelan Dorr shared a personal story about Charlie Kirk's compassion, calling him a "personal cheerleader" who offered prayers and encouragement during a difficult time. During the podcast, Dorr reflected on Kirk's ability to uplift others behind the scenes.
"I don't know how he had the bandwidth, the sheer number of lives that he touched," Dorr said, emphasizing Kirk's deep emotional presence and generosity.
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:37 PM EDT
Taylor Budowich praises Kirk’s impact on youth engagement
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich remembered Charlie Kirk as authentic and accessible, saying, "What you see is what you get."
He credited Kirk with making political events approachable and creating a thoughtful path for young people outside traditional politics.
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:29 PM EDT
Vance says Kirk inspired him to be a better husband
Vice President JD Vance discusses how he sat down with Charlie Kirk's widow Erica to talk about her husband in the days after his death.
Vance said that at times he felt lost for words and did not try and console her "because how can you console the person who just lost a loving husband and father?"
Instead, he said they both "just talked about Charlie."
"We talked about who he was. We talked about some of our favorite stories. We talked about some of his idiosyncrasies and all the things that made Charlie Kirk who he was. And she said something to me that I will never forget.... She said to me that Charlie never raised his voice, that he never cussed at her, that he was never cross or mean spirited to her.
"And look, I am I'm a husband. I'm proud of being a husband. I think that on the great balance of things, that I'm a pretty good husband, but I can never say that I was never unpleasant with my wife. I can never say that I've never raised my voice to my wife.
"Like most husbands, even the good ones were sometimes imperfect and I took for that moment that I needed to be a better husband, and I needed to be a better father because of all these moments that I shared just in the last few days, the books that I've read to my kids going up to their bedroom and kissing them and hugging them before bed, I just realized that all of these moments that I get to have, Charlie is not able to have them anymore. Charlie's kids and his beautiful wife are not able to have them anymore.
"And maybe the best way that I can contribute and the best way that I can honor, my dear friend, is to be the best husband that I can be, to be the kind of husband to my wife, that he was to his."
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:25 PM EDT
Steven Miller remembers Charlie Kirk
White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Steven Miller reflected on his decade-long friendship with Charlie Kirk, calling him "everybody's supporter" and someone who "made you believe more in yourself."
Miller told Vance that Kirk's presence uplifted those around him, adding, "He made all of us better every single day."
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:17 PM EDT
Vance says Kirk was ‘critical part of getting Donald Trump elected’
JD Vance described Charlie Kirk as being "critical" in getting President Donald Trump elected in 2024, as he paid tribute to his friend.
"[Kirk] was a joyful warrior for our country. He loved America. He devoted himself tirelessly to making our country a better place," Vance said as he hosted The Charlie Kirk Show on Monday.
"He was a critical part of getting Donald Trump elected as president," he added of the conservative commentator and podcast host. "Getting me elected as vice president. And so much of our success over the last seven months.
"So I wanted to use this show today to advocate for Charlie, to talk about him, to talk about what kind of a guy was, talk about what kind of a man he was, what kind of a husband and father he was.
"And to take people, most of them from inside the administration, but some of them from without, who knew Charlie best. And to talk about what he meant, what he meant to them, what he meant to this administration and what he meant to the conservative movement."
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:16 PM EDT
Vance to speak to officials from Trump admin, friends of Kirk
JD Vance said he plans to meet with senior Trump officials and close friends of Charlie Kirk, honoring Kirk's wish to be remembered for "courage and faith."
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:14 PM EDT
JD Vance shares personal reflections on Charlie Kirk’s family legacy
Vance said that Kirk "died way too young but died a happy man" because of the love he shared with his family. Speaking about his conversation with Kirk's widow, Erika, Vance recounted, "I'm a person who speaks for a living but I had no idea what to say."
Erika's words left a lasting impression: Kirk "never raised his voice, never cussed at her, never was crass." Vance said the moment challenged him personally, adding, "I needed to be a better husband."
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:11 PM EDT
Vance says he’s standing in ‘for somebody who cannot be filled in for’ as he hosts The Charlie Kirk Show
Vice President JD Vance opened The Charlie Kirk Show, speaking from his office in the White House.
"I'm filling in for somebody who cannot be filled in for," Vance began, adding he would "try do to my best" for his "dear friend, the great Charlie Kirk."
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:09 PM EDT
JD Vance honors Charlie Kirk’s legacy in podcast tribute
...
Vance paid tribute to Kirk during a special broadcast of The Charlie Kirk Show, reflecting on the conservative activist's influence and the national grief following his assassination. "The last several days have been extremely hard for our country," Vance said, opening the segment with a somber acknowledgment of Kirk's impact.
Vance also credited Kirk with helping shape the political landscape that led to Donald Trump's presidency and his own vice presidential nomination. "He was a critical part of getting Donald Trump elected as president, getting me elected as vice president," Vance said.
Vance described Kirk as "the smartest political operative I've ever met," and emphasized the personal and professional debt many in the conservative movement feel toward him. "Every single person in this building, we owe something to Charlie," he added.
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:09 PM EDT
Charlie Kirk Show begins with tribute
The Charlie Kirk Show began on Monday with a series of clips of Kirk, played to moving music, in memory of its former host.
"Thank you Charlie," a message read at the end of the round up of Kirk moments, before the intro to the podcast began.
Sep 15, 2025 at 12:03 PM EDT
Podcast begins with tribute to Kirk
The podcast has begun with a series of moments featuring Charlie Kirk, set to memorial music.
Photos with Trump, Vance, Kirk's wife Erika, along with videos of notable moments in his career are playing.
Sep 15, 2025 at 11:59 AM EDT
Soon: Charlie Kirk podcast hosted by JD Vance
JD Vance is set to host The Charlie Kirk Show in just a moment. Tune in here.
Sep 15, 2025 at 11:56 AM EDT
FBI says suspect in Charlie Kirk killing left pre-attack message
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed Monday that Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination, left a message before the shooting indicating intent to target the conservative activist. Patel said the note—described as both a written message and part of a text exchange—stated Robinson had the "opportunity to take out" Kirk and planned to act. Though the message was reportedly destroyed, investigators recovered its contents.
Patel also confirmed that DNA evidence from a screwdriver and towel found with the firearm used in the killing matched Robinson, strengthening the case against the 22-year-old suspect. Robinson's family told authorities he had recently adopted left-wing political views, though Patel did not elaborate on specifics.
The FBI director's public comments mark a rare move, as federal officials typically avoid sharing investigative details during active prosecutions. Patel defended the agency's handling of the case amid internal criticism over his leadership and the pace of the investigation.
Sep 15, 2025 at 11:44 AM EDT
FBI confirms DNA links Tyler Robinson to Charlie Kirk shooting
FBI Director Kash Patel announced Monday that DNA evidence ties Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's killing, directly to the scene of the crime. Speaking on Fox & Friends, Patel said forensic teams identified Robinson's DNA on both a screwdriver and a towel wrapped around the firearm believed to have been used in the fatal shooting.
Robinson allegedly fled Utah Valley University moments after the attack, jumping from a rooftop and escaping through nearby woods. Investigators later recovered the weapon, still wrapped in the towel, abandoned in the wooded area.
Robinson remains in custody under "special watch" in Utah and has reportedly refused to cooperate with law enforcement interviews. The DNA findings mark a significant development in the case, reinforcing the charges ahead of Robinson's expected court appearance.
Sep 15, 2025 at 11:31 AM EDT
Turning Point USA releases Charlie Kirk memorial merchandise
Following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA has launched a line of memorial merchandise honoring its late founder. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of grief from supporters and political leaders.
The merchandise includes three commemorative shirts, each priced at $35. One features a line-art illustration of Kirk with the Bible verse "Here I am Lord, send me." Another displays the American flag with the message "Well done, good and faithful servant. Charlie Kirk 1993–2025." A third design shows Kirk walking hand-in-hand with his wife and children beneath the phrase "Never surrender. Love, an American mother".
The release comes ahead of a large-scale memorial service scheduled for September 21 in Arizona, where President Donald Trump is expected to attend. The merchandise aims to celebrate Kirk's legacy and support the principles he championed through Turning Point USA.
Sep 15, 2025 at 11:17 AM EDT
What to know about Charlie Kirk’s funeral
President Donald Trump, senior administration officials, and leading conservative figures are expected to gather Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for a memorial honoring Charlie Kirk, the political activist killed earlier this month. The event, organized by Turning Point USA, is open to the public and expected to draw tens of thousands, placing intense pressure on law enforcement and federal security agencies.
The U.S. Secret Service is coordinating with local and state authorities to secure the 63,000-seat venue, which may be designated a national special security event. Officials are preparing for a range of potential threats, including crowd disruptions, vehicle attacks, and biological hazards. Counter-snipers and magnetometers are being deployed as part of the security plan.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed joint planning is underway and pledged to release public safety updates as the situation evolves. The memorial comes amid heightened concern over political violence, with recent assassinations of public figures prompting campaigns to reassess event safety.
Former agent Jonathan Wackrow warned the gathering could be a high-profile target, citing the normalization of grievance-driven attacks. The timing also strains federal resources, with Trump's upcoming state visit to the UK and the United Nations General Assembly demanding simultaneous protection efforts.
Security officials face difficult choices as they balance visibility, access, and risk in an increasingly volatile political climate.
Sep 15, 2025 at 11:03 AM EDT
Who killed Charlie Kirk?
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, where he will face formal charges related to the incident.
Investigators say Robinson's family reported a recent shift in his political views. Bullet casings recovered at the scene were etched with anti-fascist messages, suggesting ideological motives. Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that Robinson was living with a transgender romantic partner and described his beliefs as aligned with "a leftist ideology."
Authorities have not yet released further details about the investigation or Robinson's background. The killing has sparked national attention and intensified political debate surrounding the circumstances of Kirk's death.
Sep 15, 2025 at 10:50 AM EDT
What JD Vance has said about Charlie Kirk
JD Vance paid tribute to Charlie Kirk in a series of heartfelt posts on X, describing the late conservative activist as "a genuinely good guy" and a trusted confidant throughout his political journey. Vance recalled Kirk's intellectual curiosity and openness to change, noting that he was among the first people Vance consulted before launching his Senate bid in 2021.
In a September 11 post, Vance shared personal reflections on the impact of his vice presidential nomination, including the strain it placed on his family. He credited Kirk with offering steady support during that transition, frequently checking in and praying for Vance's children as they adjusted to life under public scrutiny.
"Charlie Kirk was a true friend," Vance wrote. "The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him."
Sep 15, 2025 at 10:37 AM EDT
JD Vance to host Charlie Kirk tribute broadcast Monday
...
Vice President JD Vance will host a special edition of The Charlie Kirk Show on today, in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10. The tribute marks Vance's first public hosting role since Kirk's death and is expected to draw significant attention from conservative audiences.
The show will air live at 12 p.m. ET and can be viewed on Rumble, Real America's Voice, and the Salem News Channel. Vance announced the broadcast on X, calling Kirk "a true friend" and praising his influence on his political journey. Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA and is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.
The suspect in Kirk's killing, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, reportedly held anti-fascist views and had recently become politically radicalized, according to investigators. Vance's tribute is expected to reflect on Kirk's legacy and his role in shaping conservative youth movements.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines