Ted Cruz Dismantles Kaitlan Collins Over Motive In Kirk Assassination
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) took CNN’s Kaitlan Collins to task during a tense on-air exchange after the network anchor repeatedly claimed that the motive behind the assassination of Charlie Kirk remained unclear — despite detailed evidence to the contrary.
During their interview, Collins downplayed the motive, saying, “We don’t have a motive yet. We don’t know yet. We’re waiting,” while referencing early law enforcement statements and recent interviews with individuals who knew the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
Cruz, clearly incredulous, fired back: “Of course we know. Come on. ‘We don’t have a motive yet’—really, that’s CNN’s position? He happened to fire the gun in celebration?!”
WATCH:
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on the Charlie Kirk assassination: “We don’t have a motive yet. We don’t know yet. We’re waiting…”
Sen. Ted Cruz: “Of course we know. Come one. ‘We don’t have a motive yet. We know we don’t have a motive yet.’ Really, that’s CNN’s position? He… pic.twitter.com/n2ERQpoa73
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) September 17, 2025
The conversation grew more heated as Collins continued to insist that law enforcement had not officially confirmed a motive. Cruz wasn’t buying it. “What you just said is false,” he stated plainly.
Collins argued there’s a difference between what is said legally and what is obvious from available evidence. “With all due respect. You know exactly what I’m saying. I’m not arguing with you politically. I’m saying that law enforcement has not put a specific motive. You know that there’s a difference of what they’re putting in a legal argument and what you’re talking about,” she said.
But Cruz, unfazed, pointed out that prosecutors had already disclosed key evidence pointing to Robinson’s radicalization and motive — including text messages Robinson sent to his trans-identifying boyfriend confessing to the act and explaining his reasoning.
The Texas senator referenced the note left by Robinson, in which he wrote that he “had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” and a subsequent confession that he did it because he “had enough of his hatred.”
“He literally told his boyfriend he did it because of what Charlie Kirk represents — because of his views,” Cruz said. “That’s political. That’s ideological. That’s a motive. And pretending we don’t know that is not journalism — it’s willful ignorance.”
DA: Charlie’s killer “had started to lean more to the left, becoming more pro-gay and trans rights oriented” & was dating his transgender roommate.
The killer also wrote in a message: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hatred can’t be be negotiated out.” pic.twitter.com/5A3pinqBG6
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) September 17, 2025
The exchange underscores a growing frustration among Republicans who believe the media is selectively downplaying politically motivated violence when the perpetrator’s views align with the Left.