JD Vance Blames Charlie Kirk’s Assassination on ‘Left-Wing Political Radicalization’
Vice President JD Vance did not mince words Wednesday night, placing direct blame on “left-wing political radicalization” for the assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Appearing on Jesse Watters Primetime, Vance said the accused killer, Tyler Robinson, was a product of far-left ideology that pushed him to commit violence.
“My friend is dead because of left-wing political radicalization,” Vance declared. “And if you want to cut that s— out, then be honest about it, and look yourself in the mirror.”
? BREAKING: Vice President JD Vance GOES OFF on LEFTISTS saying political violence is a “both sides” problem: “CUT THAT SH*T OUT” ??@JDVance: “That is not a both-sides problem. My friend is DEAD because of left wing political radicalization.” pic.twitter.com/M3tL96yJqz
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) September 17, 2025
Shooter’s Radical Views Revealed in Court
Court documents show Robinson’s mother told investigators that her son had “become more political” in recent years, embracing pro-LGBT causes and shifting further to the political left. Prosecutors revealed that in a Sept. 10 text to his transgender roommate, Robinson stated: “I had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Utah County District Attorney Jeff Gray has charged Robinson with aggravated murder and six other felonies. He confirmed Tuesday that the state will pursue the death penalty.
‘Not a Both Sides Problem,’ Vance Says
“This is not a ‘both sides’ problem,” Vance told Watters. “This is a person who grew up in a pretty normal family… and was radicalized by the far left, by the social networks of the far left, by the ideas of the far left, and got so far down the path of radicalization that he killed my friend.”
The vice president’s remarks come amid a national debate over the motives behind Kirk’s killing and the cultural climate that preceded it. Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck and killed during a Turning Point event on the campus of Utah Valley University last week.
Vance Defends Free Speech — and Firings
Addressing the wave of firings and expulsions tied to people publicly celebrating Kirk’s murder, Vance made clear he supports the First Amendment but said freedom of speech doesn’t shield people from consequences.
“The First Amendment protects a lot of very ugly speech,” Vance said. “But if you celebrate Charlie Kirk’s death, you should not be protected from being fired for being a disgusting person.”
He added, “If you’re someone who feels joy at the death of a grieving mother’s son, ask yourself what bad decisions brought you here — and why you won’t get back on the right path.”
Personal Tribute to a Fallen Ally
Vance has remained a vocal figure since Kirk’s assassination. On Monday, he guest-hosted an episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, saying he owed his vice presidency in part to Kirk’s relentless organizing efforts.
“Obviously, the president makes the final determination,” Vance said of Trump’s selection of a running mate, “but it takes a team effort, and Charlie was part of that team.”
Vance also served as a pallbearer, helping carry Kirk’s casket onto Air Force Two in Utah before flying his body to Arizona. A public memorial hosted by Turning Point USA is scheduled for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona — the same venue that once hosted Kirk’s largest student conferences.
The loss of Kirk has not only shaken the conservative grassroots movement he helped build, but ignited a renewed focus on political violence, the First Amendment, and the role of ideology in modern extremism.
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