The Murder of Charlie Kirk
Presenter: Catherine Francis
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Charlie Kirk was a 31 year old conservative activist, media figure, author, co‑founder of Turning Point USA and close associate of President Trump. On September 10, 2025, Mr. Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Shortly after the event began, he was shot in the neck while speaking onstage by a sniper on the rooftop of a nearby building. He died later that afternoon.
Within hours of the shooting, graphic videos were circulating of the shooting on YouTube.
In less than 48 hours, after a short but intense "manhunt", Tyler Robinson, a 22 year old, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, among other charges.
The case has raised widespread concerns over political violence in the U.S., especially violence at public political events. The fall-out has been enormous. A few questions for discussion:
Has political violence increased in the United States (and around the world)? If so, what is causing it?
Many people have posted messages on social media highly critical of Charlie Kirk. Is this appropriate in the case of murder (or political assassination, as it has been called)?
Close to home, a University of Toronto professor was placed on leave after posting the following on X: that “shooting is honestly too good for so many of you fascist c--ts.” Should she have been suspended? Should she be allowed to post what she wants?
There have been suspensions or firings across North America as a result of postings or commentary, including cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! What is happening to free speech rights?
Charlie Kirk was a huge proponent of "second amendment" gun rights. The accused killer's family were also gun enthusiasts. How much is America's gun culture responsible for what happened?
Should the videos of the shooting have been censored/removed?
The alleged shooter was apparently turned in by his own family, who recognized him from images broadcast during the manhunt. Would you turn in your own child? Or was it inevitable given the evidence against him, including recovery of the rifle, videos, palm prints, confessions to his roommate/romantic partner and friends on Discord, etc.?
The immediate reaction was that the shooter must be a radical left wing (Democrat). However, the shooter was from a religious (Mormon) and solidly Republican family and apparently did not vote in the last election. On the other hand, his roommate/romantic partner is apparently transgender. What is the significance of this? Does this mean that the "radical left" is responsible for the shooting.
Donald Trump immediately called for the death penalty and indeed he has been charged with aggravated murder seeking the death penalty. Is the death penalty appropriate for this kind of case (or any case)?
As secular humanists, what is our view of these events?
Please join the Zoom Meeting here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/971381033