Louder with Crowder — "It Isn't Both Sides: They Crossed The Rubicon When They Killed Charlie"

Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Steven Crowder
Guests/Panelists: Gerald, Josh Firestein
Key Topic: The political and cultural aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination, Crowder's call for "lawful defensive violence," the role of the left in fomenting violence, and media misrepresentation of the attacker's ideology.

Episode Overview

This emotionally charged episode responds to the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, exploring the rhetoric, misinformation, and celebration surrounding his death. Steven Crowder forcefully rejects narratives that frame recent political violence as a "both sides" issue, blaming leftist ideology, mainstream and social media, as well as educational and cultural institutions for radicalizing individuals and excusing, or even inspiring, violence against conservatives.

Crowder calls for a decisive change in how conservatives respond to violence: no longer advocating endless "grace" or passivity, but "lawful, defensive violence" as a means of self-protection and deterrence. The discussion is punctuated with examples of left-wing figures and outlets misrepresenting the political inclinations of Kirk's killer, attempts to drive wedges within the conservative movement, and the broader campaign to dehumanize right-leaning figures.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Crowder’s Stance on "Lawful, Defensive Violence"

• Crowder expresses frustration at the expectation that conservatives must always be perfect in their nonviolent response, while left-wing activists “act with impunity.”
• Quote:

  "I am advocating for lawful violence defensively. That has been abandoned for years and I want it to replace where grace was afforded before." (03:21)

• Crowder clarifies he does not condone random or targeted illegal violence but calls for immediate, legal self-defense when threatened.
• Example of the Kyle Rittenhouse and McCloskey cases, arguing they should be the norm for defensive actions, not exceptions.
• Advocates a mindset shift: stop tolerating aggression (“concrete milkshakes at ‘Change My Mind’ tables,” sucker punches) and replace mercy with resolute self-defense.

Timestamps:

• [03:00–06:30] Crowder’s explanation of “lawful violence” and critique of prior conservative passivity.

2. Left’s Celebration and Dehumanization Following Kirk’s Murder

• Montage and stories of leftist figures openly celebrating or justifying Kirk’s assassination.
• Example: Social media posts and public statements gloating about Kirk's death, calling for more violence, and comparing him to “trash that had to be taken out.”
• Notable Quote:

  "I'm surprised that y'all didn't get rid of him sooner... He's dead, y'all. Thank God. One down, couple more to go." — Josh Firestein quoting critics, (10:59)

• Crowder argues such rhetoric is part of a broader leftist culture that seeks to justify violence by labeling opponents as Nazis or fascists.

Timestamps:

• [10:59–13:38] Montage of celebrations/mocking of Kirk’s murder
• [13:38–14:19] Crowder’s reaction: "That's who you're facing..."

3. Misinformation and Narrative Manipulation by Media & Activists

• Disinformation about Crowder exploiting Kirk’s death for personal gain (e.g., rumors about bio changes on X) is debunked.
• Media and online rumors attempt to paint Kirk’s killer as a right-wing or “Groypers” (Nick Fuentes’ followers) rather than acknowledging the attacker’s leftist, LGBT ties.
• Quote:

  "The shooter is a leftist. The shooter is gay, lived with and had a relationship with a man who claims he’s transitioning... The left has been trying to paint this terrorist as a right wing Trump supporter. It might be working." (22:53)

• A recent YouGov poll shows that a significant percentage of Americans incorrectly believe the shooter was a Republican due to these tactics.
• Emphasizes the impossibility of living in a “right-wing echo chamber” due to the dominance of left-leaning media and institutions.

Timestamps:

• [21:17–26:21] On conspiracy theories about the shooter and polling misinformation
• [27:26–32:13] Clarifications about the shooter’s identity and the misleading media narrative

4. Rejecting "Both Sides" Equivalence in Political Violence

• The episode’s core argument: political violence and hate do not exist equally on both sides; the current climate of leftist vitriol and aggression is unique and systemically excused.
• Discussion of the historical and institutional factors contributing to leftist radicalization, including education and entertainment industries.
• Quote:

  "This is not both sides. This is targeted violence against an ideology." — Gerald (51:53)

• Critiques attempts by politicians, pastors, or the public to “tone down rhetoric” or suggest moral equivalence between left and right.

Timestamps:

• [53:24–54:07] Gerald and Crowder on the fallacy of “both sides” arguments
• [54:07–55:18] Crowder’s anecdote on fear and the necessity for conservatives to “make them just as afraid” to commit acts of aggression

5. Actionable Steps & Prescriptions for the Conservative Audience

Crowder lists four steps to counter leftist violence and institutional control:

1. Set your mind to protection – be prepared for lawful, defensive violence.
2. Label Antifa and Black Lives Matter as terrorist organizations via political action.
3. Protect your family’s education – homeschool or choose non-woke private schooling.
4. Identify persuadables, ostracize the committed – focus efforts on those open to truth, not those entrenched in leftist evil.

• Emphasizes urgency: “no more grace," time for strength and active self-defense.

Timestamps:

• [41:29–44:56] Crowder lays out his four-point plan for conservative action

6. Institutional Responsibility and the Role of Educators

• Strong condemnation of educators “grooming a generation of psychopaths” by using Kirk’s assassination as a teaching tool to encourage hatred.
• Reports (with audio) of teachers and students openly wishing death upon Kirk’s family, or watching video of his murder with glee in classrooms.
• Suggests systematic rot in education and a deliberate campaign to desensitize and radicalize young people.

Timestamps:

• [57:55–60:44] Examples of educators and students celebrating or justifying Kirk’s murder

Notable Quotes

• Crowder: "I am advocating for lawful violence defensively... I want righteous, lawful violence to replace mercy and grace where that is what existed before." (03:22)
• Crowder (on media lies): "It is not possible in the 21st century... to be in a right wing echo chamber. It's not a thing." (24:09)
• Josh Firestein: "They are trying to inspire someone to murder them. That is their objective. That is their intent." (45:06)
• Gerald: "This is not both sides. This is targeted violence against an ideology." (51:53)
• Crowder (on educators): "These teachers are not just sociopaths, ...they are actively trying to create an entire generation of psychopaths just like them." (58:18)
• Crowder: "Your anger is righteous. Your desire for justice... is not the same [as theirs]. That's to say that violence from the Nazis was the same as violence from people stopping Nazis. That's the rhetoric the left uses." (58:18)

Key Segments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 03:00–06:30 | "Lawful, defensive violence" vs. endless grace | | 10:59–13:38 | Leftist celebration/dehumanization after Kirk's death| | 14:19–22:26 | Media/online disinformation, narrative control | | 22:26–32:13 | Facts about the shooter; poll misperceptions | | 41:29–44:56 | Crowder's four-point plan for action | | 51:53–54:07 | Gerald on "not both sides" argument | | 57:55–60:44 | Educators radicalizing students post-Kirk death |

Memorable Moments

• Outrageous celebratory statements by left-wing personalities lampooned and condemned by Crowder ([10:59, 57:55]).
• Crowder's "no more grace" declaration: signals a hard break from past conservative restraint ([41:29–44:56]).
• Polling revealing massive confusion about killer's political leanings due to media spin ([26:41–27:20]).
• Explicit warnings to conservatives: Crowder urges self-defense and preparation due to persistent threats ([41:29–44:56]).

Conclusion

This episode serves as a rallying cry for listeners, urging a complete reevaluation of the conservative response to political violence, with an emphasis on self-defense, confronting misinformation, and purging leftist “evil” from public life and institutions. Crowder and his panelists see the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination as a Rubicon-crossing moment that requires new, uncompromising tactics and total rejection of the “both sides” narrative.

End of Summary