Morning Wire: Remembering Charlie Kirk | 9.11.25
Date: September 11, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley (Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief), Georgia Howe
Featured Voices: Donald Trump, Ben Shapiro, Cabot Phillips, Megan Basham, Spencer Cox, Mike Kennedy, Pastor Rob McCoy
Episode Overview
In this somber edition, Morning Wire delivers in-depth coverage and heartfelt reflection on the assassination of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a campus event in Utah. The episode investigates the facts of the shooting, tracks the ongoing manhunt, and honors Kirk's legacy—both in politics and faith. Listeners hear from those who knew him personally and politically, with thoughtful analysis of the event's ramifications for free speech, youth engagement, and the conservative movement.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Assassination: What Happened
[01:05-02:26]
- Incident Summary: Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was shot during a Q&A-style campus event at Utah Valley University, a format he pioneered to engage students in debate.
- The Shooting: Occurred about 20 minutes into the event, during a discussion on mass shootings by transgender individuals. A sniper from a building 200 yards away shot Kirk in the neck. Security responded instantly, but Kirk was pronounced dead at the hospital. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
Notable Quote:
"Put simply, John, he was just an icon for many in the conservative movement, and he played an immense role in the election and reelection of Donald Trump."
—Cabot Phillips [01:25]
2. Immediate Aftermath & Investigation
[02:26-03:29]
- Manhunt Underway: The shooter remains at large; the first arrest was a mistaken identity. Authorities have since launched a federal investigation and asked the public for digital tips.
- Safety Precautions: Campuses locked down, students urged to stay indoors.
Notable Quote:
"Some obvious and eerie similarities to the Butler shooting that nearly took Donald Trump's life."
—Cabot Phillips [02:48]
3. Political and Cultural Response
[03:44-06:15]
- President Trump’s Tribute: National mourning declared (flags at half-mast). Trump praised Kirk's influence and urged unity around constitutional values.
- Wider Reaction: All living former presidents issued statements; even sports teams (e.g., the New York Yankees) held moments of silence.
- Utah Governor's Statement: Governor Spencer Cox forcefully condemned the act as a political assassination and affirmed Utah's death penalty.
Notable Quotes:
"Tonight, I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived and died... An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet, but he failed, because together, we will ensure that his voice, his message, and his legacy will live on for countless generations to come."
—Donald Trump [04:10]
"I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination... When someone takes the life of a person because of their ideas or their ideals, then that very constitutional foundation is threatened."
—Spencer Cox, Utah Governor [05:04]
4. The Conservative Movement Reflects
[06:15-07:23]
- Colleagues Remember: Outpouring of grief and reminiscences from Daily Wire staff, including Ben Shapiro and Megan Basham.
- Personal Testimony: Cabot Phillips reflects on Kirk’s personal devotion and courage.
Notable Quote:
"Charlie Kirk would have been president. His friends knew it. His many, many admirers knew it. And his enemies... they knew it, too."
—Ben Shapiro [06:15]
"He sacrificed his time and his energy and ultimately his life to engage in civil dialogue with anybody who wanted to talk to him."
—Cabot Phillips [06:41]
"Jesus defeated death so you can live. And I believe that's true. Charlie believed that was true. And I think Charlie is more alive now than he has ever been."
—Cabot Phillips, reading Kirk's final tweet [07:05]
5. Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: TPUSA & Lasting Impact
[07:28-10:17]
- TPUSA’s Growth: Founded at age 18 with $10,000, expanded to 3,500 campuses and $92 million in annual revenue.
- Energizing Youth: Kirk credited with boosting youth participation in the 2024 election, notably helping Trump secure the presidency.
- Changing the Discourse: Kirk drew cultural figures (even high-profile athletes) to conservative events, symbolizing a shift in mainstream political discussion.
Notable Quote:
"He poured all of that [money] back into the organization, back into making those powerful, persuasive arguments that were his hallmark."
—Megan Basham [08:04]
"This movement is about the citizens versus the oligarchs. This movement is about we, the people versus the ruling class... America versus the globalists."
—Ben Shapiro [09:24]
6. TPUSA Faith & Kirk’s Evolution as a Moral Voice
[10:29-13:00]
- Launching TPUSA Faith: Kirk’s latest initiative reflected his deepening Christian commitment and belief in the need for moral revival alongside political change.
- Inspirational Leadership: Encouraged young people to embrace faith publicly and confront cultural pressure.
- Pastoral Tribute: Pastor Rob McCoy, Kirk’s spiritual advisor, shared a moving eulogy.
Notable Quotes:
"He did not believe that we would see a political transformation without a spiritual transformation in this country."
—Megan Basham [10:49]
"Charlie did not die, however, but instead he has begun to truly live. His life was secured eternally by his Savior, Jesus Christ. This truth allowed Charlie to face every threat with courage because he didn't fear death... Charlie lived for life and will be remembered for this. Evil has not prevailed and it will not win."
—Rob McCoy (read by Megan Basham) [12:15]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:04-01:05] — News of Kirk's assassination and initial reactions
- [01:05-02:26] — Details of the shooting and its immediate aftermath
- [03:44-06:15] — National and political response, including Trump’s address
- [07:28-09:24] — Analysis of TPUSA’s growth and Kirk’s political impact
- [10:29-13:00] — TPUSA Faith, Kirk’s spiritual leadership, and personal tributes
Memorable Moments & Quotes
-
On Kirk’s significance:
"Put simply, John, he was just an icon for many in the conservative movement..."
—Cabot Phillips [01:25] -
On the meaning of the movement:
"This movement is about America versus the globalists. This movement is about all of us against them."
—Ben Shapiro [09:24] -
On enduring legacy:
"Charlie, we love you... his voice has become bigger and grander than ever before, and it's not even close."
—Donald Trump [04:10] -
On faith in tragedy:
"Jesus defeated death so you can live... I think Charlie is more alive now than he has ever been."
—Cabot Phillips reading Kirk’s tweet [07:05] -
On facing evil:
"Charlie lived for life and will be remembered for this. Evil has not prevailed and it will not win."
—Pastor Rob McCoy [12:39]
Final Reflections
The episode closes with gratitude for the audience and a message of hope in the face of tragedy, reflecting Kirk’s own faith and optimism. The hosts reaffirm their mission to provide trustworthy news, even when reporting is difficult, and promise continuing coverage amid national mourning.
"We also believe, like Charlie, that there is always hope and a new day in God's grace."
—John Bickley [13:06]