Democrat Assassination Culture Killed Charlie Kirk

September 14, 2025

By John Kass

“When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence. That’s when civil war happens, because you start to think the other side is so evil and they lose their humanity“ Charlie Kirk

Why did the Democrat left assassinate conservative youth organizer Charlie Kirk?

Because the courageous Christian patriot engaged young Americans across the political aisle on important ideas and the left–despite the Democrat Media Complex that usually protects them–had no answer for what he was doing. The founder of the organization Turning Point USA had charisma, brains and moral clarity. He was an inspiration to America’s young.

Hard leftists had shut down public discourse at the universities, as they’d shut down open discourse in American newsrooms. Kirk invited face-to-face public debate with those who disagreed with him on his “prove me wrong” tour of college campuses. Young Americans loved him and some hated him.

What infuriated the left was that Democrats couldn’t compete with him or his ideas.

So they killed him.

The one who pulled the trigger allegedly is Tyler Robinson, 22, from Utah.

Whether he’s executed for Kirk’s murder or becomes another poster boy for Democrat violence—like killer Luigi Mangione–is not known yet.

But we do know that it was the assassination culture of the Democrat left that caused this.

The killing is what happens when political violence is celebrated and excused by political leaders fawned upon by leftist corporate media that hates President Donald Trump and hates the Make America Great Again movement. Scream out that someone is a monster, a Hitler, a fascist, day after day–scream it again and again, all of it carried by the giant American corporate media megaphone–someone is bound to believe you.

And one ended Kirk’s life.

When you dehumanize someone, you’re sending a signal to your allies, and the mentally deranged, to take them out. And multiply that hateful rhetoric by the corporate legacy media spitting it out on a daily basis.

Kirk was a Christian who engaged young people on college campuses. He reached out to young people, convincing them to get married and have children and to love Jesus. He asked young men to not consume porn, to respect women, and asked that we understand the corrosive nature of social media. He was married to a beautiful young woman. They  have two little children, a boy and a girl.

The left hated him for it. Democrats were outraged because they wanted an upbeat and optimistic young leader like Kirk who joyfully and with humor engaged with his opposition. And they were enraged they could not develop one.

“You know how we heal our divides?” he would ask. “By talking with people we disagree with.”

The left is now desperate to change the subject somehow, distract with screams while softening and blurring the consequence of their political hate.

But my friend Miranda Devine, the great columnist for the New York Post understood our nation’s desperate need of clarity. In a recent column she called out the Democrat assassination culture that has been growing for years since Donald Trump was first elected president.

They tried to kill Trump twice. A leftist shot U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and tried to massacre Republican congressmen playing baseball at a park. Transgender shooters have killed children at their schools, the last one being in Minneapolis. Kirk warned of the Democrat assassination culture months ago. Anyone with a social media account can see video of Democrat leaders threatening violence against conservatives, imploring followers to act.

“Assassination culture is spreading on the left,” Kirk said weeks before his death. “Forty-eight percent of liberals say it would be at least somewhat justified to murder Elon Musk. Fifty-five percent said the same about Donald Trump.”

When the assassin was arrested, law enforcement officials held a news conference.

“This is a watershed moment, but we don’t yet know what kind,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said, adding that the present “feels a lot like the late 60s,” when President John F. Kennedy and Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. were both assassinated.

“This is our moment,” Cox said. “Do we escalate, or do we find an off-ramp? It’s a choice, and every one of us gets to make that choice.”

He continued, “Social media is a cancer on our society right now. I would encourage people to log off. Turn off. Hug a family member. Touch grass.”

Leftist panic leads to disgusting behavior and sometimes it is murderous.

For example, Democrat U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar figuratively spat on Kirk.

And Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker blamed the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Kirk himself, and also gracelessly blamed the killing on Trump.

The violence continues.

Utah Gov.  Cox spoke the truth. This was a political assassination. In a majestic and stunning tribute, Kirk’s widow, Erika made it clear that Charlie’s mission would continue and her voice would be like a battle cry.

“The sound of this widow weeping echoes throughout this world like a battle cry. I have no idea what any of this means. But baby I know you do and so does our Lord. They have no idea what they just ignited within this wife. If they thought my husband’s mission was big now…you have no idea. You. All of you. Will never. Ever. Forget my husband Charlie Kirk I’ll make sure of it.

“Rest in the arms of our Lord baby as he blankets you with the words I know your heart always strived to hear, ‘well done My good and faithful servant.”

Think of what happened to American cities after death of violent career criminal and drug addict George Floyd. He was transformed into a saint by Democrats and their media allies as a weapon to hurt Republicans and President Trump. Billions of dollars were lost in the Democrat attack. Cities were looted, businesses were destroyed, at least a dozen were killed.

The do-nothing Soros prosecutors installed by Democrats did nothing. There was no reckoning then.

But Trump picked up a greater slice of the youth vote in the last election. And if you’re thinking about a fitting tribute to Charlie Kirk why not register to vote?

And then vote.

Awaken. Respond with prayer, register to vote with grace in your heart. Do it peacefully, calmly, quietly with good humor, as Charlie Kirk would have wanted.

But vote. And show the haters that you’re not part of that tribe. They will soil themselves from fear.

So vote.

This is truly a turning point.

You can send a message to the Democrat Assassination Culture and their media cheerleaders they will never forget.

Vote.

(Copyright John Kass 2025)

-30-

About the author: John Kass spent decades as a political writer and news columnist in Chicago working at a major metropolitan newspaper. He is co-host of The Chicago Way podcast. And he just loves his “No Chumbolone” hat, because johnkassnews.com is a “No Chumbolone” Zone where you can always get a cup of common sense.

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Comments 90

        1. “Doesn’t work here in Chicago and Illinois.”
          Sean Connery as Jim Malone in “The Untouchables”:
          “He pulls a knife, you pull a gun, he sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That’s the Chicago way.”
          So… If he sends one of yours to the morgue, what does The Chicago Way demand that *YOU* do?

          1. At this point, Chicago is like the Czech Republic before it gained independence. The only response I can see is along the lines of Havel’s “The power of the powerless”:

            – Establish parallel forms of civil government – but without the grift. Not everything attempted by civil government requires civil government’s monopoly on coercion.
            – Start holding parallel elections, where positive voter identification is required. Let’s document if such elections have different outcomes from the official ones.

      2. Congratulation John Kass . Your Sunday column was published on Real Clear Politics morning edition. You’re joined there by “Chicago Way” guest Mollie Hemingway, and other independent writers like Peggy Noonan and Andy Ngo (a journalist from Portland, OR who has been targeted by hate groups and assaulted by rioters.) Ngo has some interesting facts about the Utah roommate, and how young people are brainwashed with hate messages and hormone injections.

  3. Thank you John for always being so truthful. The Left is nuts and killing is their only answer.
    So sad. Christ is in our midst and always will be. Today a very special Holiday Holy Cross my Son’s Feast Day tells us about our Lord. Trust him folks.

  4. Before long, the Democrats, including Governor Money Bags, as well, will end up in the dustbin of history. All we have to keep on voting. By the way, you should write a column challenging Governor Money Bags reasoning that the murder of Charlie Kirk is Trump’s fault. I would like to see his reasoning, other than running his mouth just to attract attention.

    1. I’m with you, Mr Lisicich. Blowhard couldn’t open up his trap fast enough, first showing fake rage then having the gall to say the killing was Trump’s fault. Despicable.

  5. The progressive leftists could not compete with Kirk in the arena of ideas, they tried very hard to intimidate colleges from allowing him to speak but they could not silence him … so they assassinated him.

    The progressives have no idea what they have started.

  6. Mike DeMent

    John, timely and touching article once again. I hope that everyone who reads this stands up with Charlie Kirk, his wife and family. Make sure that you go out and vote Republican and show our country and the world. That we stand for what is right, we love God, Country and Family.

    Just like 9/11, let us never forget Charlie Kirk. God bless America

  7. “Hate has no home here”. Funny how the group that created and still preaches that are the ones constantly responsible.

    JB couldn’t open his trap fast enough to fake sadness, yet “complained” this was Trump’s fault. Maybe as one who called for incitement he should look in the mirror before pointing fingers. Using his “logic”, he would be as responsible as anyone.

  8. I moved from Chicago to coastal South Carolina, and I can confirm that there is an underlying rage, still relatively quiet, in the great majority of citizens here. The democrats cannot recover from what they’ve brought upon themselves.

  9. I’m praying that a true revival comes from this assassination. May this murder not only wake up the sleeping to engage, but more so to bring a revival and awaking in the church. My prayer is that not only that people find their voice and courage, but that Charlie’s followers will also be drawn to scripture, salvation through Jesus, and the church. May churches fill and spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

  10. Garfield, McKinley, T. R. Roosevelt Jr, Ford, Reagan, Scalise, Reagan, almost S.C. Justice Kavanaugh, Kirk…..do I find an evil theme here. No it does not come from both sides of the isle, and it is not time for kumbaya and dialogue, look what happened to the Native Americans after each peace council and peace treaty….annihilation. Like Steve Bannon, we are in power, let us dismantle this “Evil Empire” of hate and ghoulish zombies. When President Trump was in office the first time I emailed the White House to use the tools of RICO to go after Soros and the rest of the left’s behind the scenes wicked fundraisers of terror. Let us use our peaceful legal tools to extinguish these denizens of hate.

    1. Sorry, I forgot Lincoln, could have included Kennedy, though a Democrat, was a Catholic, anti-communist, fiscal conservative, anti-racist, in other words in today’s political climate a target of the Left.

  12. I understand you can not prevent all security breaches but in light of the Trump assassination attempt at Butler, I wish Charlie’s security detail would have sent up a drone to monitor the roofs. Should be standard operating procedure. Yesterday I joined Turing Point USA, gave a donation and sent a mass card to Erika Kirk.
    RIP Charlie…AMEN!

    1. Agree. Why are we not using drones as part of security for these high target individuals? God is in control, but we need to use our God given talents and brains to protect those who are targeted by the crazies out there.

      1. “Why are we not using drones as part of security…”
        Not an expert, but my (maybe hot) take is that once drones are allowed in the airspace it’d be tough to determine friend from foe – at least with the naked eye. If drones are prohibited, then the presence of one could be defined as “foe” by definition, and acted upon accordingly. Plus, if the “foe” carried ordinance, bringing it down would probably cause damage on the ground when it was brought down. That might not eliminate a target on the stage, but multiple casualties in the audience might serve the bad guys’ purpose just as well…

  13. Again Kass nails it. And each of you respondents too, affirm a broad condemnation. Jennings says the time is NOT right for further “dialogue” and I agree. Not now, no “tolerate” nor “rehabilitate”. No! It’s time to cull the herd. (Get them all out of the country if they do not belong here.) Capital crimes demand capital punishment. Televise it, the public consequences of vile inhuman behavior. Make it sure and swift and engaging. We MUST protect ourselves and our women and our children from these miswired freaks. This is not a 1st Amendment issue. In God we trust.

  16. I am being told by my left wing “friends” on X (@pointsnfigures1) and on my substack blog that the right engages in the same violence as the left.

    By the way, when you search for statistics on it, the stats are cooked. This is a link to how they do it. https://cdn.mrc.org/2023-05/DHSTVTPReport.pdf. If you guessed “federal dollars” you’d be correct.

    Secy Mayorkas paid for studies to show right wing violence. Essentially, the “researcher” formed a hypothesis, then found the stats to prove the hypothesis. In unbiased objective stats, you have a hypothesis, then collect information from your sample (which should be randomized). You examine the response data, and see if it supports your hypothesis.

  17. John, thank you again for pointing out causes and the way forward, “Vote”! Yet, we need even more, both in governance and societally as individuals. It begins with truth and rational thought, both of which are the antithesis of Democratic Progressivism. The killer is connected to Antifa, so good governance needs to start with legally dismantling the foundations of those who espouse assination culture. Societally, we have two generations of young people taught predominantly by progressive minded instruction not to think rationally, but emotionally, which enables the use of media to instill hatred and control. We need a return to teaching that there is a Creator God who placed value on all human beings by making us in His image, made us spiritual beings, and who will require an accounting from each person on how they treat their fellow man!
    When you are taught to understand another person is made by God, not just a bunch of “chemicals” formed in an aimless “evolution”, you begin to think differently about others. Progressivism says it cares about people, but in fact cares only about power and control.

  18. Democrats have nothing to offer. It’s been that way since they elected the vacuous Obama as president. Hillary had nothing to offer. Then they elected Biden by blaming Trump for covid and rioting for five months in the streets to make it look like the country was in chaos because of Trump. The country was in chaos, but it was because of them.

    Because they have nothing to offer they have to censor and shutdown debate. A large percentage of them think that assassination is a good way to do that.

    Charlie Kirk’s assassination was an Antifa hit on civilized American values. Anti-fascist movements have long been dictated by communists and that is what is what is happening in America. Antifa’s message is finding resonance among naive and depressed college students like Tyler Robinson who have been indoctrinated in anti-American values in our schools and on line.

    Antifa psychopathy needs to be exposed, discredited and terminated by Democrats and Republicans alike.

  19. Amen John. The darkness of September 10th is turning to light, as people are showing their resolve and expressing their faith in ways I haven’t seen in a long time. This was a clarion call that won’t soon be forgotten. Pray and yes, as you state VOTE!

  20. Mr. Kass, …Again. Fantastic Take! If this is not a case for the truth in original sin and a testimony to Revelations… It appears that many hold on tight to this depravity and a movement supported by twisted capitalists in the media, our government, education, along with other sectors, as they say, ‘birds of a feather”. Each of these, no matter what or where in life they are, slow walking us through their misery, somehow void of a wonderful truth, that they may momentarily or forever see as a foolish concept. It is maddening to many, that if the concept of RESPECT OF LIFE AND KIND ACTS UPON OTHERS lives within them, that other opinions are a real part of every human, and should be celebrated, could bring them closer to peace instead of the desire to go out in flames. It is also frustrating to see many incapable of believing in a lasting satisfaction, which also reals in the good and bad in life, rather relying on the addiction of the need to quickly extinguish real nature of “life as not always a bowl of cherries” by turning to satisfy their human sin, Egoism. You are, once again, so right to remind us that these types of people are in the streets and alleys and will quickly turn the active participants or those that pass with ‘t-shirts” on into hero’s or martyrs. Placing them in the ranks of the true Hitler, Stalin, Vlad III, Bin Laden and of course, Satan. while the grow in numbers and, yes bring us closer to the inevitable! Our faith and the community born of it is designed to offer us the foundation of focus and requires all of us, to respond to protect and nurture the Divine Purpose. We also have our work to do! Many, have had the opportunity to react and be influenced by Charlie Kirk and his WALK OF LIFE… It is now time to build forward, with the help and leadership he has laid at their feet, to bring in his honor and to others, a chance to celebrate the real bounty of life! I know they will.

  21. Happy Sunday John Kass….thank you for this wonderful column. Your words are always needed just like those of Charlie Kirk….always reminding of Jesus’ and forgiveness of the act, but we can always remember it. FAITH FAMILY FREEDOM are words to inspire and God bless you John Kass.
    Life is good, God is great.
    Tom

    1. First, a couple of points.
      1. JFK, RFK & MLK were murdered by our govt, ie intelligence organizations.
      2. This creep murderer comes from a GOP family.
      He was indoctrinated by the educational system.
      This killing was meant to instill fear and therefore silence. The worse possible consequence. I’ve watched Kirk and others debate these neo Nazi/Socialists and their anger was palpable and at times scared me into thinking they were about to attack Kirk/others.
      I believe Kirk was positioning himself to run for office with possibility of POTUS run in 2032. He debates were mesmerizing revealing a real innate intelligence. More importantly, I felt a real kindness and love of humanity in his soul which is sadly lacking in most pols.
      Finally, I hope that gov of Utah runs for higher office, ie POTUS. If he does he better have damn good security.

  23. Thank you for this wonderful column. My husband and I cried together when we heard Charlie didn’t survive. We watched and admired him over the years, working so hard to spread a positive message, to clarify the misinformation that was spreading on college campuses. Without him, there was no opposition to the brainwashing on campuses. And this last election? Charlie made the difference, his tireless efforts brought in the youth voters to get President Trump over the finish line. And the democrats and their media were stunned and more desperate than ever. Charlie is truly irreplaceable and you are one thousand percent right, John – they were afraid of him. Thankfully his influence is only growing stronger now! Kids are watching his campus debates and there are thousands of requests to form chapters of Turning Point.

  24. Thank you John and all of those who have responded today and every day your column appears. None of us is a smart as all of us and the wisdom expressed by the respondents adds to the information we get here. “I fear all we have done is awake a sleeping giant” a quote attributed to Yamamoto but in reality a summation of a number of his quotes by a Hollywood writer, the words ring loud and clear after Charlie Kirk. The quiet/silent God fearing and Bible carrying folk who see the inside of a place if worship twice a week will be silent no longer. Nor will the rest of us who believe in the sanctity of life from conception, that there are only two genders male and female each with their own biological contribution to make to life and society, and that there is no place for “fluidity” here except perhaps a therapists couch. As was stated in other comments here, they could not compete with him so they silenced him for good. I have heard from news sources that the assassin’s roommate was a Trans individual. That puts the shooter squarely in the LGTBQ+ fold. Someone who was lost in their life. What we can do pharmacologically or medically to alter one’s appearance cannot change what you chromosomal are. The fact that two women cannot produce a child unless male sperm is involved. Two men cannot produce a child unless a woman’s womb and egg is found to carry that child. I listened to Charlie occasionally when he showed up on a Facebook feed. He was charismatic and a faith based Christian. He took the Bible as Gods word. I thought his discussion on the Holy Land was superb.
    The event in Utah will indeed go down as a turning point.

    Oh yeah, the wonderful mayor of Chicago has “suspended” one if his staff for ten days after a hateful comment. Yeah sure go home for two weeks and you will be paid out of a slush fund!
    Silent no longer. The sleeping giant is awake. The fire of Charlie Kirk will burn on far brighter than before.

  25. Murder is the only effective weapon evil has versus truth. If evil had better weaponry, golden tongued orators like Obama, Pritzker or Schumer would debate and show their mastery over a Charlie Kirk.
    Kirk brilliantly went into the college campus snake pits which are the Marxist indoctrination finishing
    schools. He has wisely sought to reverse the insidious moral decay since their Leftist takeovers. One of the snakes would kill rather than be persuaded.

  26. Regarding JDP’s comment about those fomenting political violence and it had to stop, I did a simple Google search on how many times he accused others of acting like Nazis and found he had done so multiple times. So I asked him when he was going to stop fomenting political violence? So far no response.

  28. I’ve cried over the last few days. My sorrow for his wife who is now a member of a club no woman wants to be part being a widow. Trust me when I say she will never not know that title.
    I pray for her and her children.
    This one has hit hard. I thought at first it was just me. Yet others have voiced the same opinion.
    Now to the haters and sick people who somehow think his death is a celebration really, really? I’ve read on fb awful words. One that stated he died like he lived cruelly. What the hell is wrong with people? I worry about a nation where hate is not only prevalent it’s applauded.
    I looked forward to this column. I’ve looked forward to your words many times in the past when things happened of which I couldn’t understand why.
    Thank you.

    1. Linda, I feel the same as you. The tears and sadness over what Charlie’s family and this nation have lost will not stop. God forgive those who foment hate in this country. Charlie would have preached forgiveness. We need to pray that Erika Kirk gains strength and wisdom in this most difficult time, so that she is able to continue Charlie’s mission.

  29. “Hard leftists had shut down public discourse at the universities, as they’d shut down open discourse in American newsrooms.” Let that sink in. Those 19 words illustrate what we’re up against. How much longer can we go on living our lives either pretending that 19 word truth bomb doesn’t exist or tune out politically? Get involved. Help a candidate. Run for office yourself if you can. Just moving out of a blue state isn’t enough. I attended a vigil for Charlie last night in Naperville. Not a Democrat office holder in sight. But I did see a very large amount of very young voters. I’m encouraged!

  30. Yianni,
    As has been said countless times before on this, elections have consequences. The challenge is how to motivate our eligible young voters to get off their phones and actually vote – not online or Tik-Toc, but in person, for a candidate in which they can believe and trust. I realize these qualities are few and far between in candidates of late here in Illinois and Chicago, but we must not lose faith. Hope springs eternal, and listening to the late Charlie Kirk, keeps my hopes up for changes yet to come. Thankyou again for this timely and sensitive essay of our times….

  31. Thank you John for the wonderful tribute to Charlie Kirk. I’ve followed him for years and was always amazed by his ability to bring young people together with civil discourse. He would apologize should his facts disprove the individuals position causing distress while at the same time making positive points.
    He was one in a million for sure. I’m disturbed as I was with John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy s assassinations.

  32. “Vote”?

    That’s all?

    No, John. We must do more.

    We must speak the truth, openly, clearly, constantly.

    We must spread the Gospel, by speaking it, by LIVING it.

    Voting means nothing if there is no action behind it. Voting is an occasional event.

    LIVING TRUTH is an everyday obligation. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

    2. Yes, you are exactly right! Vote for conservative candidates. Maybe even run for office yourself, but we need to be more vocal about our beliefs in everyday life. Don’t let the Left take the moral high ground, when we all know that that is impossible. Be sure our children and grandchildren follow the way of the Lord.

  33. Words, when spoken with Hatred in the Heart, can be more destructive than the Bomb. Words can silently reach out to those who are struggling with their thoughts and feelings and make them feel as though they have to act out to destroy who or what they blame. The alleged Assassin, Tyler Robinson, was so enraged by what he thought, and by all accounts never really spoke with Charlie to have a conversation of ideas, in his mind Charlie was the enemy and must be eliminated. He apparently only had conversations about Charlie with people who shared his level of angry. The gun didn’t make him do it, the words encouraged him over and over and over, until he found his opportunity.

    When George Floyd died, we heard our Country’s Leaders calling for violence, saying if you see someone who supports the other Party, make them suffer, beat them, drive them out of restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations. Governor Pritzker recently made a similar speech calling for Illinois Democrats to make Republicans suffer, make them as uncomfortable as possible. Find them and make sure they do not have a moment of peace. To the wrong set of ears, those are dangerous words.

    I am now afraid. I am afraid of people I see on the street. I am afraid to be in public and mostly if there is a crowd. I am afraid in Church, that someone may decide to come in the door who hates what we stand for there. Most of all, I am more afraid for my children, and my grandchildren, who are my reason for living. And every day, I pray that God will heal the hearts of those who speak such evil words, and most of all heal the mind and heart of those who are struggling.

  34. John, our friend, the noted “Historian ” Heather Cox Richardson wrote this morning that Charlie Kirk wHas a “right-wing activist. ” Seriously, Heather? How about that he was a conservative commentator/influencer? She also wrote that he is a young white man from a gun enthusiast family. Nothing about his transgender roommate. This is the kind of crap the left writes about and the Sheeple follow right along with it. God help us.

  35. Any party that cheers the murder of millions of inconvenient babies certainly has no problem doing the same to inconvenient adults. They are a culture unto themselves. Spending decades killing the unborn has numbed them to the value of human life. That can only be fixed a person at a time – like Charlie was doing.

  36. Here’s hoping this is a ‘turning point’. What we cannot do is wring our hands, have memorials, make speeches at vigils and then go on doing the same things we were doing before.

    The problem is the system and it has to change.

    Our political system is all about the mass media – internet, social media and establishment. That fuels a lot of extreme rhetoric on both sides. It also fuels individuals to do horrendous acts.

    What is needed is a systemic change. Something that allows voters to debate issues locally without the media interceding. Let’s create a system that allows policy debates to happen on people’s doorsteps or in town hall meetings – not elevated on mass media where fear and anger get the most attention.

    http://www.hearthepeople.org.

  37. Excellent summation, John. I was surprised how deeply this tragedy affected me. This feeling of overwhelming loss was reserved for my friends & family, not for someone I’ve never met! This is a turning point for our society & I will do my part to honor Charlie’s legacy, encourage respectful dialog & ask our good Lord, every day, how I can honor Him with my words & actions. God speed.

  38. Charlie was trying to reverse the years/decades of socialist indoctrination on University campuses. He was winning that debate and thousands of students heard his words. He was making a difference and for that he was killed..May God’s perpetual light shine upon him.

  40. If you want to know what courage looks like, putting one’s body in the breach to speak for truth and decency, this is it. Charlie Kirk knew he was taking a risk–he spent most of his time in the belly of the beast, on college campuses which, over the past two generations, have been turned (with a few honorable exceptions) into toxic no-go zones for anyone who dissents from the Left. He succeeded in crashing their monopoly from the outside; that’s why they hated him and why so many of them celebrated this.

  41. As dark and threatening as America’s public sphere is now, it’s possible to recognize much to be grateful for. One partial list:

    Charlie Kirk — for heroically extending respectful dialogue even to hateful ideologues with closed minds and corroded hearts.

    Our country — one of such essential freedom and opportunity that it can withstand the assaults of freedom’s double-talking opponents.

    Today’s writer — for moving his invaluable column to a forum for real news and opinion after his old forum was sold into woke bondage, and for enabling helpful dialogue among smart, good-hearted readers who feel like a diffuse family of freedom and good faith.

  42. Pritzker blamed Kirk?! That’s as dumb as Johnson blaming Richard Nixon for Chicago crime. Charlie Kirk is to blame for exercising his 1st amendment rights? Then he blamed Trump, because the Democrats blame Trump for everything. I am embarrassed that Pritzker is my governor. His 2028 Presidential aspirations are delusional.

  43. What happened to Charlie Kirk last week was horrific and sickening. It is extremely sad that a person so willing to openly debate his political views in public would be murdered in cold blood. Condemn this awful crime but don’t politicize it.

    Pretty sure that if you conducted a proper and unbiased study, as Mr. Carter describes above, you would find that political violence is committed by a tiny fringe of lunatics and that there is little to no correlation with political party or philosophy. It is committed by Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and progressives, religiously devout and atheists, white people and people of color, straight people and LBGTQ people. But mostly it is committed by complete and utter losers with no coherent political philosophy, that for some reason known only to God, choose to act out their despair with violence toward innocent people.

    Don’t make the problem worse by further dividing us. It might make you feel better, but it’s wrong.

    I have read this column and the ensuing comments and they are the mirror image of what you’d find on a progressive site following a similarly egregious act of violence committed by someone on “the right”. It is disappointing that so many writers, in an attempt to further inflame the situation, cynically substitute the pronoun “they” for the actual name of whatever individual lunatic committed the violence. What our country needs, especially after events like this, are leaders who attempt to unite rather than divide. I believe that was one of Jesus’s core messages.
    Kudos to Utah Governor Cox for at least trying to lead by calm rather than inflammation.

    1. You ignored the Rutgers study. “48.6% say that murdering Elon Musk is justified. 55.2% say that murdering President Trump is justified.” This creates a climate where the mentally unbalanced will act out. To paraphrase Adam Carolla – “The Left sees Trump as Hitler, and Hitler must be stopped. Therefore, the assassinations of Trump and/or his Lieutenants are acceptable.” You also ignore the dumb statements by Pritzker et al.

      Today’s Left reminds me of Steve Huntley’s excellent column “A little Islamaphobia is a good thing”. He writes that Islam is the most violent religion, by far, because words in the Quran encourage, or even require, violence.

  44. As always, current, spot on and excellent writing.
    This may seem quaint but I put out on X yesterday morning:

    As we process the evil that snuffed out the life of a private citizen in broad daylight for daring to have the audacity of publicly exercising his constitutional right of free speech, a reminder:
    “Remember your ABC’s – Always Be Charlie”

    https://x.com/geoffcaldwell/status/1966892778874601617

    We need an army of Charlies and after seeing what’s happening not just here but in UK, Australia and elsewhere, I’m cautiously hopeful that army has formed. Now it just needs direction.

  45. John,
    Thank you for column today about Charlie Kirk. Sad time for our country. Like the Utah Governor remarked, a depressing 60’s feeling.
    To me, Charlie was blessed from youth with the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord (revere God)along with a joyful spirit! He used these gifts well. May his legacy grow and inspire not only the young, but all ages. God bless him & his family.

  46. Well, Mr. Kass, as you can see, my password worked. I’m into your site as a subscriber. My question now is how does your site operate with respect to subscribers. When you write a new article to you send it out to your subscribers (I’m paid) or do I have to check in and see if you’ve written anything new. I prefer the former, obviously. Thanks, again.

  47. Wow! John nails it again. Brilliantly I might add. The Democrat Death Culture has another success. The mentally ill are easily led. When you feed the illness it is not hard to motivate them to perform acts of violence or suicide. Reports are that the assassin is involved in a relationship with a transexual. Minnesota Democrat Nitwit Tim Walz, wished death upon Donald Trump a few weeks ago, even after two of his political appointees were assassinated a few months ago, he continues with the rhetoric. The media continued with its calling of conservative voices as Nazis. The local ABC outlet (channel 7) eulogized Charlie Kirk and then noted the reasons why he was assassinated, mainly his opposition to ” gender affirming care” for children. Yes, Kirk brought this upon himself. See? There’s a reasonable explanation for everything. When the story broke the media tap danced with using the word ” assassination “. It used the word
    ” killed”, “shooting”, “murder” but not ” assassinated”. That word would martyr Charlie Kirk, like it martyred Abraham Lincoln, The Kennedys and Dr. King. You don’t want to martyr someone like Charlie Kirk. Fox News started to use the word and the media soon had to follow. What everyone needs to start doing is referring to these lunatics as what they truly are: DEMOCRATS. Everyone can see this and the media machine is already going into lockstep by either blaming the assassins conservative background or lack of political leanings for his actions. Bullshit. He was neither. Let’s start referring to these lunatics for what they are: DEMOCRATS.

  48. I am a Democrat. Chicago used to have shootings of politically minded individuals way back when. A lot of it was over Labor Union activists. Not so much the Capone folks but they were less um,political. So,here we are with another Murdoch and Trump moment of martyr creation for their benefit. And before you cuss me out,I did not hate Charlie but did not engage with Turning Point. His widow is correct in her grief and anger that Charlie’s spirit will grow after next Sunday’s memorial service in Glendale. But,Democrats had a few ideas like healthcare reform long before Republicans took over Florida and spread the gospel of law and order,smaller government and low taxes. Or did you forget that Democrats like the Kennedy brothers,MLK Jr. died for their beliefs,too? But yes,Democrats also advocated the Vietnam War so we deserve plenty of blame. Nor will there be unity later. Trump does not know how to dial it back.Neither does John K. They make it all about leftist-progressive conspiracies funded by George Soros or Blubber Butt Pritzker. Not true. Soros does fund progressive groups but he has no hit list for Fox News favorites. But old Rupert Murdoch who owns Fox News and the Wall St. Journal has played Americans for saps for decades. Miranda Devine is another conveniant tool for his selfish end game. Because for Trump and him,it is mostly about winning and belittling anyone in their way. Too bad Chicago has had a string of out of touch Mayors but that Governor Cox in Utah is a Republican and he makes a lot more sense than John,Rupert and Donald right now. Will there be a backlash later? probably. Not that John really cares or he would have realized that only around 40% support Trump. We muddle through all of it and down here in Florida,we can always use stand your ground defense if we shoot first and hire a lawyer,later….God Bless Us,Everyone….

    1. That’s some serious copium there Mark. How about instead of worrying about Trump dividing us, you get your Democrat scumbag politicians like Maxine Waters, Ilhan Omar and Joe Biden to stop calling for attacks on us, justifying the murder of conservatives or to quit calling half the nation semi-Fascist? Maybe that’ll help in unifying us.

  49. So given Mr. Kirks’ own wisdom:

    “When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence. That’s when civil war happens, because you start to think the other side is so evil and they lose their humanity“

    Do you think firing people who have expressed vile viewpoints after his assassination is the way to go? Do you think firing people for viewpoint of which you – and I disagree – gets people talking? Hey, I know the First does not apply to the private sector. But what about firing government employees (public school teachers for instance) – speaking as private citizens – is that not a violation of our foundational belief: the First amendment? If everyone agreed with all speech you would not need a First. The First protects speech of which we do not agree from the heavy hand of government … even if that speech is vile. Maybe actually follow what he said. Ya think?

      1. A teacher, a government employee, even a private citizen has a responsibility to maintain the standards of society. I would not want a teacher who espouses hate to teach my child – you cannot separate the private from the public speech. Either you are responsible for what you say or you not, and you violate the standards of common decency, you deserve to pay the price. My taxes are supporting these bigots, if they cannot be responsible, let them pick litter off the streets, which they will not last longer than a half hour at.

        1. Yes. I understand your view point. But the First was designed to prevent the government’s heavy hand from tipping the scales in our debates. And if the Government intervened in our debates, it was supposedly content neutral. The plain fact remains: your point of view, is clearly at odds to the plain text of the First, inconvenient though that may be.

          1. They could try keeping their big mouths shut. The First Amendment does not you the right to shout “Fire” in a crowded theater. The First Amendment does give you the right of freedom of speech, but citing the First Amendment does not absolve you from the consequences of that speech. Nor does the First Amendment relieve anyone of responsibility for what one says.

        2. Replying to your last post:

          Ironic that you quote Justice Oliver W. Holmes dictum in Schenck, 1919 regarding shouting fire in a movie theatre. Why? Because when I criticize and mock in no uncertain terms the liberal canon my liberal friends go bonkers and accuse me of “shouting fire.” Anyway what Justice Holmes actually said was “… FALSELY shouting fire in a theatre …” It seems the “falsely” is never cited. Even so, regarding protective speech the Court’s present position stems from the landmark Brandenburg decision 1969 (and not Schenck), basically protecting vile and hateful speech. If the consequences of said speech of which you refer – for exercising your First amendment rights – are severe censure by private citizens such as you or I, or even a loss of a job in the private sector, that is one thing (as the First does not apply to the private sector as you know). But if those consequences are loss of government employment (as a public school employee) then that is clearly another thing, and IMO, a violation of the First amendment. And yes. I agree. These days it would be wise to just shut the F up. But that is not what Kirk was quoted as saying in the lead to John’s article (nor a wise path for the citizens of our great Republic to follow).

    2. Incitement is not protected speech. Celebrating a political assassination puts the ethics of the celebrant in question, and people that celebrate political assassination shouldn’t be in positions of great responsibility or teaching our kids.

  50. Happy Sunday:

    Thank you for your column on C. Kirk. Charlie closed his eyes on this earth and opened them looking into the smiling and welcoming face of our Lord. Blessings to his family.

    I hope that every city will start a chapter of Turning Point.

  51. Thanks for your excellent journalism John Kass, in your columns and Chicago Way podcasts. During the 1980’s I was blessed to find employment through the Carpenters Union in then-conservative San Antonio TX, home to 5 five Catholic frontier missions. The city was mourning recent death of Judge John Wood, the first assassination of a federal judge in the 20th century. He was beloved as “Maximum John” because of his record for handing down long sentences to drug lords, smugglers and enforcers. His killers were captured and convicted after the costliest investigation in FBI history at the time. Tragically, the killers enjoyed celebrity status among leftwing types who despise drug enforcement . Their fame far exceeds Judge Wood. The drug lord who financed the murder was glamorized as a cultural icon, while the triggerman embellished his criminal career with outlandish boasts about assassinating President Kennedy. Leftwing Hollywood activists portray him as a Robin Hood-type, unjustly incarcerated. They love to repeat his self-proclaimed alias Charles “Hit Man” Harrelson . It’s sickening. I’m afraid hate groups will attempt the same glorification for the Utah suspect. . . https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/wood-john-howland-jr

  52. Peter Gabriel sang in the song “Biko”
    “You can blow out a candle
    But you can’t blow out a fire
    Once the flames begin to catch
    The wind will blow it higher”
    I believe we’ve come to that point.

    1. OK. Well Ms. Giffords is certainly following Rahm’s dictum: “never let a crisis go to waste” as she refocusses this tragedy to her life’s crusade:”gun control.” So other than making her colleagues in Washington “keep their constituents safe”, how exactly is this to be done? Ban all new ARs as is now the case in Illinois and Maryland? But the weapon that was used to assassinate Charley Kirk was a 30-06 Bolt action rifle; not an AR. So we should ban them as well? Basically your argument – and hers – is an emotional revisit and restatement of her crusade and nothing more. And of course as all Democrats do, they focus on the gun but not the criminal. But no matter where you go or where she goes with that argument, there is that little matter of the 2nd. I’m wondering what you – and she – proposes to do about that? Do you just recount and refocus these tragedies cloaked with pious generalities? Why don’t you – and she – say exactly what you mean?

      1. Bruce: Thank you for reading the article and responding. I believe she said exactly what she means; that everyone has the right to be safe from gun violence, whether it’s Trump on the campaign trail, Kirk on the lecture circuit, Melissa Hortman and her husband (and dog) in their home, children in their schools, and anyone practicing legal free speech. She did not say to ban guns, but to try to close loopholes to keep dangerous people from obtaining them. That is exactly what I mean also. She calls for further background checks and ( I’m paraphrasing) going after the few gun dealers that break the law. I don’t know why anyone could object to that. It’s ironic, and profoundly sad, that Kirk said (again, I’m paraphrasing) that we have to put up with a few deaths to preserve the God-given right to own guns. I don’t know if he was willing to die for that cause. I don’t care if the shooter is radical left or radial right or just plain wacko, I wish there were a way to keep them from accessing powerful weapons. And, speaking of God-given rights, is it God’s will that these dangerous people should have guns? And all the turmoil in the world now, is that also God’s will? If is is, we’re sunk. Thank you again for reading and responding, and for not yelling at me.

        1. Cecelia: Thank you for your thoughtful response. In fact I don’t have THE answer … only a lot of questions. And if I yelled at you in the pst, then please accept my apology for doing so. I will try and do better in the future.

          1. Bruce: You have never yelled at me! I rarely comment on this page but, when I have, people have been pretty nice. The only time I was sort of yelled at was when I took some people to task for fat shaming Pritzgerand acting like a bunch of schoolyard bullies.

  55. It is worth mentioning that Charlie Kirk was raised in Prospect Heights and attended Wheeling high school. Went to Harper College for one semester, then dropped out. Local hero.

  56. Excellent column, John. It seems that every day, our media strive to present a biased viewpoint on news events. Earlier this year, on the day Trump was inaugurated, our local NBC affiliate here in western Kentucky decided it was time to once again remind viewers of January 6th. What an amazing coincidence! The anchor specifically stated that “Five police officers were killed on January 6th at the Capitol.” This is a complete and utter lie; the only person who died that day was Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed veteran who was shot by Michael Byrd, a Capitol police officer.

    1. Jan 6th was an OP by the Democrats and Deep State. The cops let the “protestors” in. They also had what amounted to a skeleton crew given the climate and the rhetoric Trump was putting out. They wanted the capital to be trashed. They put the fencing up after it was over and had that sham Jan6th commission.

      Kirk was taken out by CIA. He was asking questions and getting ready to expose the capture of our nation by the military industrial complex and the Israel lobby.

      He was a potential POTUS candidate. He spoke his own mind. He was a danger

      1. Or more likely Mossad. Kirk had recently began criticizing Israeli policy regarding Gaza, and questioning the events of Oct. 7. Kirk had a huge following and had tremendous influence on the younger generation. Many, including myself, believe Kirk may have one day entered politics, perhaps even getting a Presidential nomination. And any criticism, regardless how minor, of Israeli policy by a U.S. President would be intolerable to “our greatest ally”.

  57. With every passing day it becomes more evident the official story of Kirk’s assassination is a fabrication crafted to deceive the public. It seems absurd to believe that radical trans-activists and furries (whose main skill set consists of screeching obsenities into megaphones and posting their temper tantrums on social media) are responsible for the killing of such a prominent public figure. Anyone looking at the circumstances surrounding this tragedy would conclude that too many things just don’t add up. The shooter entered the grounds (walking with an awkard gait) with the rifle concealed under his pants leg, yet when he jumped from the roof he was able to run unimpeded-was the rifle disassembeled and placed in his backpack? If the rifle even fit into the backpack (unlikely, if not impossible), why didn’t he enter the same way? Then the murder weapon was left in the woods so it could be conveniently found by authorities, complete with pro-trans slogans inscribed on the cartridge cases. What about the plane that departed the Provo airport an hour after the shooting-why did the pilot turn off the ADS-B, which tells ground control the location of the aircraft? Isn’t it odd that groundskeepers at UVU are ripping up the grass where Kirk stood in order to “make it beautiful again”, only days after the shooting? This event prompted the Federal Gov. to target these radical groups as “terrorist organizations”, which may result in future legislation and increased surveillance on private citizens, which will eventually erode whatever liberty and freedom we have Left. Remember how the Obama/Biden administrations targeted Tea Party groups, pro-life activists, and others using the “Patriot Act”?

  58. The holiday season is coming. I will have to bite my tongue as I am told by family and friends how horrible a human Charlie was. All support Jellybelly, Johnson, Duckworth and pile of durbin. It’s commonsense and respect that will not be served. To keep the peace 1 out of 60 can’t speak, can’t make the counter argument. kirk has more bravery than I do, I’m told to keep the peace and take the beating. As the parents and elders age , we try to keep all conversation as polite and bland as possible, fine….I wish I had the eloquence of Kirk, or 1/10th of his bravery.
    Please pass the salt, it was a very nice day today and traffic was a little crazy. See you next year.

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