The president described Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom.”
President Donald Trump wasted no time in placing blame for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, directly pointing the finger at the rhetoric of the “radical left,” even though authorities have not released any evidence regarding the shooter’s motive.
In a video message shared by the White House on Wednesday evening, Trump expressed his grief and outrage over Kirk’s death. Kirk, who was widely regarded as one of Trump’s fiercest allies, played a central role in galvanizing young conservatives and helping expand Trump’s influence among college students.
“I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah,” Trump declared. “Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.”
Trump went on to elevate Kirk’s legacy: “He’s a martyr for truth and freedom, and there’s never been anyone who was so respected by youth.”
After praising Kirk’s devotion to his Christian faith, Trump shifted his remarks to his political opponents. He accused those on the left of fueling the atmosphere that led to Kirk’s death, arguing that people who labeled Kirk a Nazi bore responsibility for the violence.
“It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree,” Trump said. “For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals. This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now.”
President Trump shares a message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived & died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law & the patriotic devotion & love of God.” pic.twitter.com/3fBSgs4Zxa
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 11, 2025
There is currently no suspect in custody, and investigators have not provided any information suggesting a possible motive for the shooting.
Trump, however, pledged that his administration would pursue every individual he claimed “contributed to this atrocity.” In his remarks, he drew connections between Kirk’s assassination and other violent incidents he attributed to the political left, citing the 2024 assassination attempt against himself, the 2017 shooting at a congressional baseball practice that left Rep. Steve Scalise gravely injured, and the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year.
“Radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives,” Trump said.
Notably, Trump did not reference any of the multiple recent acts of violence carried out against Democratic officials, including the shooting of two lawmakers in Minnesota earlier this summer.
His rhetoric is likely to intensify demands from his most ardent supporters for retribution in response to Kirk’s killing.
On Fox News, host Jesse Watters vowed to “avenge” Kirk’s death, saying, “Everybody’s accountable.”
Former Trump ally and billionaire Elon Musk echoed the president’s tone in a post on X, declaring: “The Left is the party of murder.”
“THIS IS WAR,” added Chaya Raichik, the creator of the far-right Libs of TikTok account.
