At just 31, Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, achieved what few have ever done in a lifetime. His trailblazing vision transformed college campuses, turning strongholds of leftist ideology into vibrant hubs of free speech, faith, and American principles. With infectious energy, he empowered countless young people, inspiring millions to embrace conservative values. As a devoted Christian, husband, and father of two, Charlie lived the values he preached, making our nation stronger with every word and action.
Tragically, that light was extinguished earlier today during an event at Utah Valley University, when a single gunshot rang out. Charlie, addressing thousands of students, was struck in the neck and succumbed to his injuries despite valiant medical efforts. President Trump confirmed the heartbreaking news, plunging the conservative world into mourning.
In the immediate aftermath, MRC President David Bozell appeared on two major platforms to honor Charlie’s legacy, decry the media’s shameful response, and warn against the escalating rhetoric of political violence. His insights remind us why Charlie mattered — and why we must fight on.
On Lars Larson’s nationally syndicated radio program, Bozell shared the profound impact of the assassination on conservative circles, expressing deep grief: “We’re devastated at the Media Research Center. He was a friend of ours, we’re just shocked. My thoughts and prayers to his family and his two children.”
He then described Charlie as a once-in-a-generation talent, emphasizing his unparalleled skills: “All of us thought and wished we could do it as well as Charlie did. He had a skill set that was second to none — sharpest attack, a sponge for information. He was becoming quite the broadcaster in his own right and a vanguard in the social media space for conservatism.”
Bozell also highlighted Charlie’s evolution from activist to podcaster, noting how he outpaced peers in fundraising and influence while building a family. Turning to the media’s response, Bozell unleashed a scathing critique: “Some of the media coverage that’s come out of CNN and MSNBC, in particular, in the immediate aftermath, while Charlie was fighting for his life, was despicable.”
Larson challenged MSNBC’s baseless speculation that a supporter might have fired a shot in “celebration.” In response, Bozell firmly rejected the claim, stating, “I’d bet our mortgages that it was not a supporter of Charlie Kirk who shot him.”
He further criticized the narrative, pointing to MSNBC’s Matthew Dowd, who suggested that Kirk’s rhetoric constituted hate speech. Bozell countered, “When you’re constantly pushing this sort of hate speech? Where was the hate speech? Charlie was inviting college kids to a grassy knoll to debate the issues of our time.” Connecting this incident to a broader pattern, Bozell cited attacks on conservative figures like Steve Scalise, Rand Paul, and Donald Trump, arguing that such events reflect a trend of left-wing demonization.
MRC President @DavidBozell rips the media for encouraging violence against conservatives like Charlie Kirk:
“These guys have let Democrat politician after Democrat politician threaten violence against the conservative movement.” pic.twitter.com/F6G0GkAbqM
— Media Research Center (@theMRC) September 10, 2025
This pattern of vilification, Bozell argued, extends beyond Kirk. “The media have been demonizing Donald Trump ever since he came down the escalator in Trump Tower, and anyone who ever dared to vote for him — all 76 million of us,” he declared. Bozell also criticized pop culture’s role in this trend, singling out South Park: “I hope the South Park guys are happy. They spent an hour, a month ago, berating Charlie Kirk. Now, Charlie took it in jest and laughed along with it. But what else are you gonna do?”
Larson pressed further, asking whether the media would offer any mea culpa for their role in escalating tensions. Bozell dismissed the possibility, stating, “No, they’re going to run from Maxine Waters standing on a picnic table demanding violence against Ted Cruz.” He argued that the left-wing media consistently overlook inflammatory rhetoric from Democratic figures, perpetuating a double standard.
Later, on Newsmax’s Frontline with Carl Higbie, Bozell doubled down, urging the media to confront their complicity in stoking division. “These guys have let Democrat politician after Democrat politician threaten violence,” he said, pointing to President Joe Biden’s remarks: “How Joe Biden got away with saying the MAGA threat is a threat to the brick and mortar of our institutions is beyond me.”
Bozell listed further examples, citing “Tara Setmayer from the Lincoln Project labeling Charlie ‘the enemy,’ Frank Foer from The Atlantic accusing him of ‘antisemitism,’ and Danielle Moodie from The Daily Beast claiming Kirk sought a ‘fascist state.’” “Enough is enough,” Bozell declared, emphasizing a litany of assaults on conservatives.
Reflecting personally, Bozell paid tribute to Kirk’s legacy: “Every one of us in the conservative media ecosystem would have liked to have done it as well as Charlie did. It’s up to us to carry on the torch for him and ensure that he does not die in vain.”
Additionally, MRC President David Bozell also appeared on Newsmax’s The Leventhal Report.
