Charlie Kirk assassinated [UPDATES below]
This is terrible terrible news:
Trump, 79, announced Kirk’s death in a post on Truth Social, writing: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
It’s awful on so many levels. There’s the human one: Kirk was 31 years old, with a wife and two small children. There’s the political one: the hatred and violence towards the right continues. There’s the ironic one: he was a man who was dedicated to reasonable debate rather than angry polemics; I’ve watched some of his videos on YouTube and that’s my impression.
Early reports were that the shooter was in custody, but now they’re saying that’s not the case. That is also terrible, terrible.
RIP to Charlie Kirk, and may his family find comfort and the killer be found and punished.
UPDATE 6:40 PM:
I’m watching a news conference right now about the killing. They said there’s a person of interest in custody; that doesn’t seem to be the person originally arrested who has been cleared. No details about the person of interest.
My guess – and it’s only a guess – is that the person who killed Kirk was not in the crowd, but on a rooftop or in a building.
They said they have some security footage of the shooter – potentially from a roof (the spokesperson just said that; when I made my guess I hadn’t yet heard it). There were supposedly eight security people of Kirk’s there, plus about six other security people connected with the campus.
I would say one lesson is: don’t have open-air events with buildings around.
ADDENDUM: Some of the reactions from the left, if you can stomach them.
UPDATE 9:05 PM:
I just saw a tweet from FBI director Kash Patel that the person of interest has been released.
I confess I only know Charlie Kirk as a name.
Perhaps some may enlighten me further while offering thoughts and prayers.
I’m heartbroken, and angry.
Huxley,
Founder of Turning Point which has made huge inroads into the leftist campus culture. He would regularly visit, as he was doing when assassinated, to reasonably debate with leftist students. Some great shorts on YouTube, but they are probably down now.
I’m more upset about this than past events. Ive just reached my breaking point with the left. I don’t believe one second all the D leaders condemning the assassination…they brought this on.
My problem is what to do now.
Like physicsguy mentioned above this one has really got me even though I’m not that big a follower of Kirk but this is different than an assassination of a politician which sadly have existed for all of man’s history this is a private citizen activist taking part in the public debate of issues which is about as American and liberal (in the classical sense) as any activity can be.
Physicsguy, you are right not to trust the Dem leaders condemnations. They are just mouthing the words. Some can’t even do that very well.
JB Pritzker blames “Trump’s rhetoric”
Matthew Dowd, while not a Dem leader, talking on MSNBC said it could have been one of Charlie’s supporters “shooting their gun off in celebration”
Katy Tur MSNBC “journalist” is worried that there might be a backlash against Democrats.
These are just some examples in the first hour.
I’ve already seen one leftist post on FB that he deserved to die because he was for the 2nd Ad. He prefaced with “I’m not for violence, but….”
Yeah, right.
huxley, he founded Turning Points USA when he was 18. Its founding principles, according to what I read, were personal freedom, free enterprise, and limited government. His approach was reasoned and civil debate with opponents, focused on college students and campuses.
Like physicsguy, I am very upset. I was not a close follower of Kirk, but if we cannot have reasoned discussion without fear of assassins our country is in dire straits.
May God receive his soul and comfort his wife and children.
huxley — a collection of current Turning Point USA videos, mostly quite short, featuring what Charlie has been doing recently.
https://rumble.com/c/turningpointusa
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Griffin says something I disagree with: “ Like physicsguy mentioned above this one has really got me even though I’m not that big a follower of Kirk but this is different than an assassination of a politician….”
To my mind, he was assassinated BECAUSE of his close support and association with Trump, and getting out the vote of youth in the past three prez election cycles. Kirk died for Trump’s (alleged) sins.
1. It may too early for this… but assuming the shooter is a leftist, this was an enormous strategic mistake on their part. If there was a person whose assassination would register with reasonable young people – and cause them to understand why Luigi Mangione should never have been lionized – it is Kirk. And he was shot on a college campus – which brings home the risks to those who play with the fire of radicalism.
This may become a galvanizing moment for many of them, accelerating their move rightward.
2. The big fear now is that this does not snowball. I pray there are no retributions.
It’s too bad Utah seems to have done away with the firing squad as a method of capital punishment. I think we still have it here as an option in Idaho.
Ben David, if you mean we don’t want angry conservatives out shooting leftists, I agree.
Ironically, Charlie Kirk’s assassination may be the Turning Point.
TJ,
Yes it was probably political (we don’t know until the shooter is caught) Charlie Kirk was not an elected official he was a private citizen which to me is a lot different than a politician.
I can’t help but feeling that a Civil War started today.
No idea where it goes, but it has begun.
A GRAPHIC and a comment stating 7,800 students opposed Charlie Kirk’s rally:
“InTheWillows
@WindyInWillows
7,800 students had signed petitions asking his events to be canceled in Utah. He was unwelcome citing “divisive rhetoric”. MAGA you need to rethink your hateful message or people will rethink it for you.”
via change.org
I replied “CENSORSHIP to protect minds from stirring up…and thinking or rethinking? — YOU ARE DESPICABLE.”
https://x.com/WindyInWillows/status/1965894611014136138
I’m hearing from Fox and CNN that he was killed with a single shot fired from roughly 200 yards away. Let’s hope they catch this person, who apparently is very capable with a rifle.
Horrible! Prayers for his family and loved ones, and may his killer and any enablers of the killer be brought to justice!
The Express in London reports video of a possible suspect has surfaced:
“Haunting video appears to show Charlie Kirk gunman fleeing on roof after shooting
Express.CO.UK ^ | Sep 10, 2025 |
A haunting video shows the sniper hiding out on the roof of the Losee Center at Utah Valley University after shooting Charlie Kirk during Turning Point USA
A chilling video has emerged showing a sniper lurking on the roof of the Losee Centre at Utah Valley University, following the shooting of Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA event on Wednesday.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/us/2107070/haunting-video-appears-show-charlie-kirk-gunman-fleeing-roof-after-shooting
I’m upset as well – not a long-time fan, really – but I knew of him, and knew of Turning Point. This is a very bad development – when interested and engaged conservative personalities, who aren’t politicians are seen as targets for assassination, we have gotten to a very dark place. I hope that other conservatives with any kind of prominence or following are being really, really careful now about security around any events that they are going to schedule. What with rising anger over the murder of that poor young woman on the light rail in Charlotte, assorted tranny and prog-inspired violence, rampant criminality by urban black gangsters and the incompetence of Dem party city politicians and now this, on top of it all. Tomorrow is the anniversary of 9-11. My daughter and I have the feeling that things are spinning wildly out of control. Others have been talking about a cold civil war for a few years. If assassination of conservative personalities is now operative — that cold civil war may be turning hot.
My tablet has not been able to load the Express video.
Here’s an 18 second vid posted to X.com, for anyone with similar difficulties.
https://x.com/epictreasure1/status/1965889240061120601
Just trying to wrap my head around some wisdom in all this…
“MAGA you need to rethink your hateful message or people will rethink it for you.”
That’s clearly a lethal threat based on what really happened.
“If assassination of conservative personalities is now operative (who have done nothing but engage in civil discourse I might add) — that cold civil war may be turning hot.” – True
“if you mean we don’t want angry conservatives out shooting leftists, I agree.”
Do I?
My heart-deep first response is, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21…But I also am very attuned to Bonhoeffer’s “put a spoke in the wheel” theology…when folks are DYING for their THOUGHTS… maybe there ought to come some return “hot”…? Do I advocate “angry conservatives shooting leftists”? I’m going to say “No”…but I’m not sure I know what else I would do…Outside of praying for Charlie’s family who saw the whole thing up close & personal…
The shooting was supposedly from several hundred yards away, so I do not know how the FBI has any certainty about the arrest but here is the headline
“Charlie Kirk shooting suspect arrested in Utah: FBI”
https://nypost.com/2025/09/10/us-news/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-arrested-in-utah-fbi/
Cap’nRusty and John Galt express what I’m thinking. And the very disingenuous remarks by the Democratic politicians shows to me that they understand very directly what this means for them.
I’ve already seen the backlash, at a comment at Power Line saying that this won’t end until Democrats begin dying. I don’t know where this is going.
Lord, have mercy on our country.
Kate,
That’s a disturbing remark. But at the same time I totally understand the anger behind it. I’m angry, but feel impotent to do anything about it. Others may act out on the anger. Trump, and the GOP, have some serious leading to do. And unless there are consequences for the left, things are at the boiling point.
I haven’t read all the comments above, but like physicsguy and griffin, this one hit me hard. On three (at least) levels. One, he was so young, with such a beautiful family. He’s younger than my sons! It’s so heartbreaking. I honestly don’t have words.
Two, his amazing way of reaching young people. He started Turning Point when he was only 18! People like him are rare, though I hope and pray that 50 people will rise up to carry on his work.
Three, the fact that people are happy about this. What in the world has our nation come to that you could be so full of hate because someone wants to have a reasonable, respectful dialog about current events.
Did the shooter think that Charlie’s message was so dangerous that the only way to counter (stop) it was to kill him? The left’s message is so awful and so nihilistic that they can’t argue their case (whatever the hell that case is)?
I haven’t felt this much rage and sadness and grief for our country I think ever in my life.
Brilliant, Brilliant young man. Extraordinarily articulate for some who never graduated college ( like Matt Walsh and Rush Limbaugh). His debate at the Oxford Union was priceless. I feel devastated.
Hate of those who disagree with them, reducing them to lives unworthy of living is becoming more and more the base state of the Left.
Charlie Kirk was a young man on a mission. It was to preach conservatism to other young people. He was inordinately wise for his age. He had a gift for debating reasonably with those who didn’t agree with him. Like Jesus, who was Charlie’s savior, he roamed the country’s colleges spreading the good news about conservatism and faith. And his following was growing. The left was becoming very concerned about his influence. He had to be stopped.
He is a political martyr now. We must raise his memory up as a peaceful, inspiring teacher of conservatism. He cannot be replaced. But we can all take courage from his example and strongly defend free speech and reasoned debate. It’s the very essence of our country.
Praters and deepest condolences for Charlie Kirk’s family. May he RIP.
I never listened to Charlie Kirk. I knew who he was, but I prefer other outlets, although some had connections to Turning Points.
What is upsetting is the leftist commenters on media and on social media haven’t figured out that this is pissing people off. I’m reading people worried about Trump, claiming MAGA has been stoking violence, and pretending to be sadden by the news, except the order is backwards, because they claim to be sadden yet end with a “but”.
Two assassination attempts on Trump. Now a successful assassination of Charlie Kirk. There is also the successful assassination of the UHC CEO, with leftist proudly wearing shirts featuring the killer (including a video of one woman wearing her Luigi shirt and berating a guy at a restaurant for wearing a MAGA shirt).
The right is not stoking this violence nor committing it. The left is. You have the Mayor Minneapolis and Governor of California criticizing prayers for recently murdered children at a Catholic church. You have the Police Chief of Cleveland saying the white guy and a woman that came to his aid beaten by a group of black men, they had it coming. You have the Mayor of LA openly claiming to fund a group that is seen the next day attacking ICE agents. And then an innocent young woman brutally murdered, and the left-wing news tries to hide it.
They have to stop. No “buts”. No wearing the shirts of killers. No saying crime is down when there are dozens of murders on the weekend. Stop it.
Charlie Kirk had every right to speak on that campus and say what he was saying. But the left couldn’t have it and violently took away that right. Their continued talking trash of the Right will not go over well.
We have a cancer in our society. You can’t reform it, you can’t redeem it, you can’t reduce it. You can only survive it. Either you kill cancer, or it kills you, The cancer in our society is the left.
I can only imagine the conversations in the homes of a lot of conservative media personalities tonight. Yes, on some level they all knew this was a possibility to some degree and many had ample security, but so did Kirk. Messed up times.
Instapundit has an old post highlighted this evening about the vile Southern Poverty Law Center classifying Turning Point as a “hate” organization like the KKK. Nothing could be further from the truth. Possibly some unstable leftist took it seriously.
A person of interest was detained and then released this evening. They don’t yet have the killer identified or in custody.
May God give his family the strength to survive this and continue on.
John Galt:
I can’t help but feeling that a Civil War started today.
No idea where it goes, but it has begun.
————————————
To be more accurate: the Left has been trying to set off a violent insurrection for some time. And conservatives have been trying to warn us.
Today a majority of Americans were finally convinced that this is true, not just scaremongering. Not just screeching spoiled kids with blue hair.
Seen on X (formerly Twitter)
Magills
@magills_
I don’t think they understand that Charlie was the nice version.
3:29 PM · Sep 10, 2025
To paraphrase, “Political violence is always falling on the Right, but lands on the Left.”
I can’t but think that the people committing these acts are hoping that the Cold cultural/political war turns Hot.
God help us all.
The fact that they have now detained and released two persons of interest is not exactly filling me with confidence in this investigation but hopefully I’m wrong.
So average bystanders saw a guy on the roof, it would seem?? There wasn’t a lot of security present, but there were 10 or more present in total, I believe. How hard is this?
A couple drones might have been very useful.
This has the earmarks of a professional hit, unlike the two Trump assassination attempts that were carried out by deranged individuals.
The left has relied on deranged individuals to carry out their violence–born out in the assassination attempts, but also in the rise of violence this raises the threats to a new level.
Kate; Griffin:
I didn’t read that the second person of interest has been released. Link? [Correction: I just saw it now on Kash Patel’s X feed.]
John Galt III
Ain’t no civil war happening. The people on this page are politically aware. Not very many people are. I would bet that the vast majority of the population don’t know a political assassination took place. And the vast majority don’t care. Don’t mistake what you see on a blog as “the state of things.”
Is anyone else reminded of the Kipling poem The Beginnings (often called When the English Began to Hate)?
It was not suddenly bred,
It will not swiftly abate,
Through the chill years ahead,
When time shall count from the date
That the English began to hate.
The 1917 poem seems to apply to half of the American people as of today. (And perhaps also to the actual English currently, for that matter.)
Here’s a very typical sample of what the left is posting:
“I won’t celebrate his death. But I’m not going to pretend he wasn’t a truly vile human being.
He was racist, misogynistic, transphobe and homophobe, called Jesus weak and celebrated each and every policy that flew in the face of Jesus’ teachings.
So yeah not gonna shed a tear and not gonna pretend he was different than he was. “
This was a real gut-punch. Kirk was so young (our “baby” is 39), and so doggone nice.
And effective at getting the conservative message to college students and other young adults, which was obviously why he had to be removed.
However, I am going to hold onto the 72-hour rule for sure.
But really: a political assassination in Utah???
Even worse for us to contemplate is that our first house was close enough to the original campus’s single building that I could walk to my job as a lecturer, when it was still just a 2-year community college (we didn’t “rate” professorships back then).
Looking at the map, I think our building is now completely taken over by the automotive trade shops, which makes sense. That was already a big part of the curriculum – the school’s name was then Utah Technical College and they were serious about the technical part. Dental hygienist was a popular major.
Our computer programming classes were actually part of the Accounting Division, and the emphasis was on learning the skills of keypunching (that disappeared the second summer after I started), practical application programming, and computer literacy in the new-age of small mainframes (PDP-11, IIRC). Fortran, COBOL, and RPG-II were the next step after Basic was mastered.
We had remote terminals in the classrooms, but personal computers had not made it to the campus yet; Apple was incorporated only two years before I started teaching there.
Now the map shows buildings and parking lots on top of our neighborhood, so our first house and the kids’ elementary school are long gone.
Like some of the other commentors here, I had not personally followed Kirk’s speeches, etc but knew of him.
From what I have read and watched today Charlie Kirk was outspoken about not only politics, but his faith and was a supporter of Israel. Apparently, the Israeli prime minister had recently invited Kirk to Israel.
Could the assassin’s motivation be American politics, religion or about the Israeli / Gaza war or more than one thing?
If I was a betting man, I would say there is more than a 50% chance this assassination was Culture War related.
“No wearing the shirts of killers.” [Leland at 8:08]
That really began with the insufferable “Che” shirts.
Thanks for the info and links on Charlie Kirk. I’m catching up. He was a force.
Perhaps I’m absurdly optimistic (as usual), but I don’t see Kirk’s assassination in vain any more than MLK’s. Horrible, of course. Dangerous too. But not leading to civil war.
MLK’s death IMO stiffened the resolve of a lot of Americans in the middle about what was right and where we should be going. The country was already moving in that direction.
Granted, today maybe twenty percent of America is irrational and filled with hate. It’s sad. But there are a lot of Americans in the middle who are watching, feeling and thinking about the recent violence.
They are not moving towards the Democrats.
BREAKING: Matthew Dowd has been FIRED from MSNBC after blaming the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Charlie himself, per Variety
Good riddance, loser!
https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/matthew-dowd-fired-msnbc-charlie-kirk-death-1236514875/
huxley: “…not leading to civil war.”
You are wrong. This is a turning point instigated by the left, on purpose and with pure malice.
liberals think killing a Second Amendment advocate with a gun is some kind of “gotcha” — like, “See? You loved guns, and now you died by one.”
But honestly, that logic is pretty dumb. A lot of 2A folks are religious, and if you’ve read the Bible, the devil’s number one move is to twist what someone loves or stands for and use it against them. Genesis was about devil corrupting god’s most beloved creature to get to him. So if you kill someone with the very thing they defend, you’re not proving a point — you’re basically just proving to them that evil exists and you’re playing the devil’s role.
And what does it even show? You hate guns, you want them banned, but you still pick up a gun to kill someone who supports them. That doesn’t prove your argument — it actually proves mine. It shows you’re willing to use violence, and that only makes the case stronger for self-defense. Even if you banned guns tomorrow, people like you would just find another weapon. At least with a gun, I’ve got a fair chance. The only reason you won this time is because you had the element of surprise. Next time, my allies be ready.
Many good comments above, covering most of the territory that goes with such a somber, and in some ways terrifying, tragedy.
A few thoughts about the ramifications of Kirk’s assassination:
(1) Borrowing a lot from Sarah Hoyt, who often addresses the topic of the Second Civil War (not if, but when) — conservatives going on a rampage (eg, one person wounded or killed by someone vaguely to the right of Lenin) is playing into the hands of the people who want to see martial law in the country, with the elements of confiscating guns, jailing anyone Trump-adjacent (as with the J6ers), and banning the Republican Party as a terrorist organization. For starters.
The Left was probably hoping to get that going under Biden Inc (via anti-immigration violence most likely); it will be a tougher haul under Trump, but the calls for the above will be many and loud.
(2) And yet, no consequences would also be disastrous, if the killer is not quickly found, with evidence showing he/she/zhe is clearly guilty (I am making one assumption before the 72 hours are up), and is promptly tried with all possible due process (“Kangaroo Court!! Political persecution!!” cry the Democrats and the Regime-in-waiting Media regardless).
(3) A petition with 7800 signatures isn’t really a lot, given that UVU’s 2023 count was 44,653 students.
BYU, the LDS education flagship “next door” only had 35,743 at about the same time. However, UVU is a “secular” public institution rather than a private religious one.
(4) Despite the danger of (1), there is probably going be some response by conservatives; hopefully that will take the form of increased vigilance and electoral activity rather than violence. As BenDavid suggested “This may become a galvanizing moment for many of them, accelerating their move rightward.”
(5) But it only takes one unwise act to start a fire, especially with the left throwing gasoline all over the building and handing out matches. And we all know that the left is very practiced at staging false flag (hoax) events if the conservatives don’t oblige (which I hope they don’t, just to beat that drum one more time).
(6) BenDavid again: “And he was shot on a college campus – which brings home the risks to those who play with the fire of radicalism.”
I suppose many of us have seen the quote from Orwell about the left playing with fire, but now it is even more chilling in context:
https://www.ourcivilisation.com/smartboard/shop/orwellg/whale2.htm
(7) Akin to the Kipling poem, quoted by matthew49, is an aphorism I have often seen from pundits on the right:
“The left thinks that violence is something that can be dialed up and down; the right knows it is a switch that is either on or off.”
Kipling says “When time shall count from the date – That the English began to hate” but I think it is more like when the English began to act on the hate that finally reached it’s tipping point.
(8) See also “The men who just wanted to be left alone.”
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/12279767-the-most-terrifying-force-of-death-comes-from-the-hands
(9) The true Left is not play-acting at politics and terror, but a lot of their useful idiot followers are. Some Republicans are play-acting at being the opposition to the Left.
Both of those groups will be surprised when the curtain comes down and the serious fighting begins.
Which I, with so many others, hope never happens.
If enough people are galvanized to shun the Democrats now, because of their naked hate on display, it might be possible to forestall any violent hostilities. However, since the Dems have made such an artform of gerrymandering, such that many states can have 40% or more Republican voters with NO representation in Congress, that might require more new rightwing voters in leftwing districts than is possible.
The Trans murderer, the beautiful young Ukraine woman and Veterinarian being savagely murdered, and now this politically-motivated assasination–I pray the tide will turn to properly respond to such grave evil.
This afternoon I was so shocked to hear the news that he was shot; yet, there was a part of me that wanted to believe that he would somehow or other survive. His death is very sad (on all 3 levels as Neo mentioned) and has left me sadden, angry, and fearful.
While I haven’t listened to his podcasts I did watch a lot of his YouTube content – he was a force to be reckoned with. He was always polite, always willing to have a civil debate, never seemed to have spoken in anger at someone, even when he was called fascist or other nasty names.
Although, I am certainly well past college age I think he helped to make it more acceptable to be politically non-leftist on college campuses. Something that colleges truly need.
As for news coverage, there was the usual garbage from the MSM and other left-of-center folks; but, I did watch the press conference from the Utah authorities"
I think Gov. Cox said it all very well. He starts around the 5:20 mark.
@The Other Chuck: You are wrong.
I prefer a more detailed discussion.
Stick a pin in it and we’ll revisit in four years.
@Sharon W: I pray the tide will turn to properly respond to such grave evil.
Me too. I believe it is.
The essay by Orwell that I quoted above is an eerily accurate description of the cultural and political climate today, despite being written about the literary world of England on the cusp of World War II. It is no accident that we terms we use to describe the Left’s values and operations are almost identical.
The leopard does not change his spots.
https://www.ourcivilisation.com/smartboard/shop/orwellg/whale2.htm
I had to look it up; the word is not bandied about in casual conversation.
deracinate /d?-r?s??-n?t?/
transitive verb
To pull out by the roots; uproot.
To displace from one’s native or accustomed environment.
As many have noted, this uprooting has been almost totally voluntarily committed by the Leftists, who I think are no longer partisans of the USSR-style “Communism,” but embrace a kind of free-floating abstract version of the Perfect Socialist Society, with themselves in charge of course.
160 yards is pretty close. Anything less than 300 yards is considered close range so not necessarily a super sniper needed here.
Aesopfan: When confronted by the typical “this time it will work and we won’t kill a third of the people, because us smart people will be in charge” claims of socialists, Jordan Peterson points out that this claim has been made many times before. The problem is that the rough socialists inevitably kill all the nice socialists first.
Then, because the rough socialists are few in number, they have to set up industrial killing programs to get rid of all “enemies” of the revolution. An enemy is anyone who disagrees with the rulers, or who might organize opposition.
These industrial murder programs lasted for decades in Russia, China and Cuba.
I read Kurt Schlicter’s book American Apocalypse. Kurt is a former Army NG officer who served in a couple of civil war zones in Europe.
He does NOT want one here. The book is a series of interviews with survivors. It’s not a fun read. But one of the most emphatic points is that the Red states will win, and they will make sure that the liberals/socialists NEVER have any power anywhere.
If they survived, they can submit to reeducation, or move to Canada or Europe or wherever. Life here would not be good for them.
Chases Eagles: Agree that the shot was not difficult. A typical shooter who has practiced could, using a scope, make that shot.
I saw a comment from one person who operates drones despair that the organizers of such events don’t employ drone surveillance. He said the cost is only $95/hour, and it would have revealed the shooter on the roof long before the shot.
Terrible assassination.
No one in custody as of early morning
Lots of anger, want a assassin apprehended quick.
What a horrible tragedy.
A very dark morning to rise, after little sleep. My heart hurts with grief and anger.
Richard F Cook
“Ain’t no civil war happening. The people on this page are politically aware. Not very many people are. I would bet that the vast majority of the population don’t know a political assassination took place. And the vast majority don’t care. Don’t mistake what you see on a blog as “the state of things.” ”
I disagree. The vast majority will start waking up. You think Charlie Kirk is the last? More to come and that’s what I am talking about. This thing is just getting started – warm up pitches – not even the 1st inning yet. Watch for it.
Emerald Robinson today on her “X”
The Right wants to debate you
The Left wants to kill you
Only one side is serious
And it’s not the Right
A few things strike me, in addition to all the excellent comments here.
We have now arrived to a time when public speakers need professional security protection from rooftop snipers.
Haters haven’t been deterred by this murder. The leader of the local BLM chapter drove through the campus vigil for Charlie Kirk shouting obscenities.
https://x.com/TRobinsonNewEra/status/1966084040928407912
I have to say that some Democrats are showing increasing signs of demonic possession. After a moment of silence in the House of Representatives, a Republican (Lauren Boebert) called for prayer for Kirk. Democrats began shouting no; no prayer, gun control.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/watch-dems-republicans-clash-house-floor-following-moment-silence-charlie-kirk
I’ve been praying regularly for our nation, that we will not descend into more violence. I’d like to share huxley’s optimism — but I’ll keep praying.
The Left wins again.
Huxley,
This is when we juxtapose:
#1
“I confess I only know Charlie Kirk as a name. Perhaps some may enlighten me further while offering thoughts and prayers.”
#2
“Perhaps I’m absurdly optimistic (as usual), but I don’t see Kirk’s assassination in vain any more than MLK’s. Horrible, of course. Dangerous too. But not leading to civil war.”
So, you have no clue who Charlie Kirk was, but you are quite sure that after he was assassinated we are not going into a civil war. One side is doing a lot of rioting, shooting and killing and the other side is doing a lot of talking. Think Antifa on one side and Mr. Kirk on the other.
That equation will change and when the side that is presently talking starts to righteously defend itself out of necessity you then have a civil war or whatever term you are comfortable with.
One side is going to win this and one side is going to lose. I suggest you pick a side. Wisely, of course.
After reading the updated news this morning, I have to agree with a previous commentator; this looks like a professional hit. Given the geography of Utah, and some basic planning by the perp, I’m afraid he will never be caught.
Kate: demonic possession seems appropriate. Looking at more FB post this morning, the left minions are all of the same as I quoted above: “I don’t condone murder, BUT…..he was a vile person so he deserved to die.” When millions of our fellow citizens think it’s OK to murder someone for their opinions, we are heading into uncharted waters with dangerous shoals everywhere.
I’m still undecided as how to personally respond and hope to receive some guidance today from those who are more thoughtful on these things such as the people here, and some of our political leaders and also conservative pundits.
physicsguy,
I find it REALLY hard to believe that a high profile assassination like Kirk’s will go unsolved. That never happens, ever.
It’ll take a few days, and he’s probably getting some help from Antifa and the like, but they’ll eventually catch this guy.
Thur morning, still a lot unknowns and speculations going on. A mysteries plane takes off from the local airport and “disappears” from radar – real or fake? I do know that there is a lot of anger out there over Kirk’s murder. It does sound like a professional did the hit. Will they be caught? Just don’t know. I do know that this FBI better be better than the previous FBI.
FBI has found a “high powered bolt action rifle” discarded in the woods, and “footwear and a palm print” in the area where the gun was fired.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15085851/Charlie-Kirk-shot-uvu-shooting-Utah-campus-1-1.html
physicsguy, I don’t know what people like you and I could do. I think continued investigation of and shutting down of radical funding sources is called for, and continued pressure on colleges and universities to eliminate discriminatory teaching and policies is called for. People are being taught to hate, often with public tax money.
VP Vance writes about his friend. Take a moment to read this, and to consider who we have lost.
https://x.com/JDVance/status/1965985360606888182
Kate, your mention of ‘radical funding’ brought this to mind, if true 8k a month would buy a lot of ‘influence’: https://www.wired.com/story/dark-money-group-secret-funding-democrat-influencers/
RIP.
May we be inspired by his strength, his optimism, his hard work, his genuine patriotism, his love and his humanity.
FWIW:
“Charlie Kirk shooter is of ‘college age,’ used since-recovered high-powered bolt-action rifle”—
https://nypost.com/2025/09/11/us-news/charlie-kirk-shooter-is-of-college-age-used-since-recovered-high-powered-bolt-action-rifle/
More clearly,
“FBI Updates Kirk Probe: ‘College-Age’ Shooter Tracked, Rifle Recovered”—
https://www.newsmax.com/us/shooter-tracking-charlie-kirk/2025/09/11/id/1226019/
sdferr, thanks for that JD Vance post. He’s another good man. May many more step up to fill the void Charlie Kirk leaves.
Chicks on the Right in their morning broadcast posted some interesting tweats indicating that several students(?) said that something big was going to happen to Kirk at the rally, Minute -55 to -51:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCsEzSWfVb8
This saddened me as much as Andrew Breitbart’s death. Like Breitbart, Charlie Kirk was a conservative on a mission, with a hugely likable personality, and someone who had an enormous impact, and had the potential to influence political “fence sitters.” I think he could’ve gone far. In an interesting coincidence, Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA the same year that Breitbart died.
(I still believe that Brietbart was assassinated. I know, I know, that the coroner confirmed his death was caused hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. But it wouldn’t have taken much to send him over the edge. As he had already been diagnosed the year before, the prognosis at that point was not that bad with treatment. And I am sure he was receiving treatment)
John Galt III
What do people mean exactly by civil war? I’ve been up close to a couple. Battalions on the move? Gigantic demonstrations? Guerilla warfare? Terror campaigns? I have a hard time visualizing this in the US. The places where I have been close to them were places of unbelievable brutality daily lived by everyone. And once started it’s never in control and ends up as score settling. I remain sceptical.
Seeing how democrats and leftists, maybe not all but many, have been rejoicing over the assassination of Charlie Kirk, they’ve removed the shroud and are showing their true character.
We were somewhat at fault in that we didn’t want to believe how sick and how evil they really are. Well they’ve let that cat out of the bag for the whole world to see. We won’t be that naive anymore.
physicsguy,
Many people spewing bile on social media are not there to reason, discuss or debate. There is no harm in ignoring their vitriol. Engaging with some will only help them take pleasure in causing a caring person, like you, pain.
However, some may be open to discourse and your words could positively impact other lurkers who see the exchange and rethink things based on a reasoned response from you. And, Charlie Kirk did exactly this. He engaged with people who held different opinions than his. So, it could be a useful way for you to honor his memory and that tradition.
If you do decide to respond to some I would advise taking the high road. Even when their words are vicious, heartless and vile, avoid getting dragged down. Maybe focus on the importance of civil discourse to a functioning, thriving society. Fascism and totalitarianism are, by definition, enforcing one’s politics through violence. If one truly wishes to sway political opinion the ideal method is civil discourse, as Charlie Kirk practiced. If you choose to engage, using this as an opportunity to stress the importance of civil debate may be a viable approach.
Perhaps emphasize that regardless of what one thought of his opinions, or words, Charlie Kirk met with the public and engaged in voluntary exchanges with people who wanted to debate and discuss with him. And he was always respectful and polite in these interactions. This is the key to America and Americans thriving. Open, sincere debate with both sides listening and working towards agreement. And where agreement is not possible, working towards peaceful, respectful coexistence.
Some newish info:
Doesn’t sound like a “professional hit”.
RTF,
I stopped engaging with them a long time ago. I found it a total waste of time and energy. They have no interest is seeing a different view. I keep watch on what they are saying in order to be informed as to what is going on with them. They have no idea I’m reading what they are writing.
And yes, my earlier assessment of a pro hit, seems to be sliding into a student organized murder. There may have been one shooter, but there could be more involved in the planning.
physicsguy,
Regarding your second paragraph; it’s an incredible coincidence he was shot when a student asked a question about trans violence. There certainly could be more involved with the planning.
Regarding the first paragraph; apologies. I misinterpreted your post and thought you were soliciting advice on whether to engage. I agree with your position. So much so that I don’t even have a Facebook account. 🙂
Not only do those bits of “evidence” not sound “professional” in the sense of “knowledgeable, experienced and paid as such”, but they nearly sound “professional” in the sense of * LOOK AT ME! I WANT TO BE CAUGHT! I’M PROUD OF MY DEED AND DEMAND RECOGNITION! *
I suggested it had the earmarks of a “professional hit” because of the execution of the plan as compared to the two assassination attempts on President Trump’s life and the recent episodes of shootings by mentally ill persons.
As this ex-FBI agent explains, the shooter took one shot. He didn’t fire into the crowd trying to kill others in anger. There was a plan of escape.
Does it matter if this was a coordinated, carefully planned assassination? I think it does as it suggests an escalation by the left to their methods. Up until now, they have relied on aggrieved persons/groups responding to rhetoric. This is a step above that.
Charlie Kirk assassination was a ‘professional hit,’ says ex-FBI agent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDPxol5csKM
the left’s reaction is quite appalling. It’s not about whether individuals privately feel satisfaction at a political opponent’s harm; it’s about publicly endorsing and celebrating it as virtuous or praiseworthy. when Giffords was shot like it was unimaginable that any right wing would celebrate openly even if secretly they were satisfied, the difference is celebrating the death of Kirk is not something the left needs to hide, in fact they openly do it intentionally to virtue signal.
So far it sounds like someone who watches too many movies.
To me, the ammunition engraved with expressions of ideology (or anything else) just sounds odd. Plainly it was deliberate; there would be not point in doing it if you didn’t want the ammunition to be found by somebody.
Why would the shooter do that ?
I can think of two reasons :
1. to intimidate, like Zorro carving a “Z” on his opponent; or
2. To misdirect, pointing attention on to someone else, like Jussy Smollet hanging a noose around his own neck and blaming Whites.
One side is going to win this and one side is going to lose. I suggest you pick a side. Wisely, of course.
John Galt:
Eye roll.
Possible images of the assassin. Appears to be a young man climbing the stairs. Possibly to the roof where he shot? Where is the rifle? He is not carrying it.
https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2025/09/11/fbi-releases-photo-person-interest-charlie-kirk-assassination-seeks-publics-help/
I’ve never seen the percentage or the scenario for a modern American civil war.
There were plenty of assassinations and attempts in the 60s/70s. Charles Manson wanted to start a civil war. The Weather Underground and its allies wanted a revolution to overthrow the US government. They committed a fair amount of violence towards that goal.
We had riots and bombings. No civil war.
I don’t think talking about civil war helps either. Unless one doesn’t mind following in the footsteps of Manson and the Weathermen.
Generally civil war is a tool of the left.
Richf, these people seem to draw from their children’s lit. Ring of Power and all that.
This pretty much encapsulates my CW skepticism:
https://x.com/jeremykauffman/status/1966102550144323676
I’m late to this discussion–for some reason this site is often not reachable by me–the only one that happens with.
Re this being a professional hit, I seriously doubt that. For one thing, it wasn’t an accurate shot. There is no way a trained professional would aim for the outside edge of the target’s neck. He was either aiming for center mass, the most logical shot, or the head, and missed but still hit a fatal spot by luck.
From 200 yards this is a putt for a rifle.I’m not a professional shooter by any means, I’m over 80 and a weekend shooter, but I can hit a chicken sized metal target 10 out of 10 times at 200 yards with a little AR15.
This was some punk with delusions of grandeur, who likely had other idiots helping him, IMO.
Huxley: Revisit in 4 years? Get real. If by “civil war” we mean full scale legions on both sides shooting it out, probably not, hopefully not. But what we will see is a hardening on the right. No more talking it out. No more tolerance. No more playing nice. The sides will become more firm in their resolve and the left WILL lose. Do you really believe that a populace owning between 400 and 500 million firearms will allow this to continue? That a country with 15 million veterans will quietly acquiesce to its destruction?
@ The Other Chuck > “Do you really believe that a populace owning between 400 and 500 million firearms will allow this to continue? That a country with 15 million veterans will quietly acquiesce to its destruction?’
Sadly, a fair number of gun owners, and veterans trained to use them, are leftists and/or Democrats.
Not sure how one would find out the actual numbers, unless Data Republican takes a crack at it.
@ sdferr > “VP Vance writes about his friend.”
Thank you for that link.
It explained to me so clearly why Charlie Kirk was not only important to the conservative community and Republican Party, but why he was so beloved by those who knew him.
While I support 2nd Amendment & had weapons training during Army basic, I don’t now own or use any guns.
So what makes a bolt action rifle “high powered”? vs. not high powered?
Ability to use ammo of a given size/ punch vs. other rifles of lessor capability?
Any reason the FBI or police would use such a description or adjective vs. not using it?