Nightly Scroll with Hayley – Ep.134

Kirk’s Alleged Killer Dating Hateful Transgender???
Host: Hayley Caronia
Date: September 16, 2025

Overview

This emotionally charged episode of Nightly Scroll focuses on the aftermath of conservative figure Charlie Kirk's assassination. Hayley Caronia, joined by frequent contributor Andy, discusses new revelations about the alleged assassin, the response from politicians and the public, the role of online radicalization (including Discord chats), and the cultural implications of both the crime and its coverage. There are several moments of debate about unity versus division in the country, scrutiny of emerging evidence, and pointed critiques of media and political reactions. The show closes with lighter segments to help the audience process a heavy week.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Remembering Charlie Kirk & Calls for Unity

Vice President Vance's Tribute

• Vance hosted Charlie Kirk’s show in a tribute, underscoring Kirk’s faith and values.
• Vance calls for unity, but adds a caveat: “But real unity can be found only after climbing the mountain of truth.”
• (Quote, Vance) "I am desperate to wrap my arms around them as we all unite to condemn political violence... But first, we must tell the truth. It's the only way to honor Charlie" [02:52].

Analysis

• Hayley appreciates the tribute, highlighting Kirk’s faith as central to his message (04:45).
• Skepticism about the possibility of true “unity” given the perceived moral divide:
  • "These people are totally demonic... calls for unity, it's such a pipe dream at this point." [05:51]

2. Details Emerge about the Alleged Assassin

Non-Cooperation and Court Proceedings

• Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reported that the suspect is not cooperating with authorities, confessed only to his father ([09:20]; "He said, 'I'd rather kill myself than go to the authorities.'")
• The FBI is seeking the suspect’s direct testimony to confirm evidence.

Discussion of Evidence and Motive

• DNA of the suspect was found on items at the crime scene (screwdriver, towel).
• Ballistics reports and autopsy/outstandings: Hayley and Andy stress the need for solid forensic linkage (gun, bullet, DNA).
  • "That's the bullet that hit... that's the ballistics that match the barrel of the rifle... you're building a rock solid case there." [29:19] — Andy

Questions Raised by the Hosts

• Did the suspect rehearse the crime? He went straight to the roof in 8 minutes despite reportedly not being a student.
• Did the killer act alone, or was there outside help? Unanswered logistics, such as changing clothes and transporting the gun.
• Why did the suspect reassemble the gun and leave it behind?
• Was there a note left, as Discord chats suggest, and what role did Discord or group chats play?
• Lawyer representation for the suspect and those close to him remains unclear.

3. The Role of Online Radicalization: Discord & Motive

Transgender Connection & Online Hate

• Left-leaning voices (e.g., Harry Sisson) denied early claims of the shooter's political or identity-based bias.
• New reporting: the alleged killer was dating a transgender individual, described as angry and “hateful towards Christians and conservatives” (relatives’ account) [13:57].
  • “Hates conservatives, hates Christians—said that this trans boyfriend was not raised that way, but had been radicalized.” [14:43] — Hayley

Discord Chats

• FBI Director Cash Patel: “There are scores of people in this Discord chat room... we have to do this lawfully... [but] lots of family and friends have been spoken to.” [18:27]
• Discord’s statement: found no evidence of premeditation or promotion of the crime on their platform, contradicting FBI suggestions.

Host’s View

• Hayley calls out attempts to blame conservative “culture” for the killer and stresses a pattern of violence linked to online radicals with progressive or transgender identities.

4. Political and Public Reaction

Backlash, Empathy, and Double Standards

• Left-leaning critics question why Vice President Vance hosted Kirk’s show, sparking Hayley’s critique of hypocrisy:
  • “Why can the left not find a shred of empathy for people who are grieving Charlie's death?” [06:58]
• Reports of Democrats refusing to participate in Congressional vigils or moments of silence.
• Sports tributes: NFL and MLB teams honored Kirk, but some (e.g., Bengals, Lions, Ravens) did not, raising debate on whether politics belongs in sports since precedents (e.g., George Floyd) have already “politicized” them.

Gun Laws Focus

• The Guardian questioned Utah’s open carry law in response to Kirk’s killing; Hayley rejects “any law could have prevented this” argument ([41:12]).

Uptick in Kirk’s Impact

• Surge in Kirk’s social media followers posthumously (7m →12m+), suggesting renewed interest in his message ([44:41]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Vice President Vance: “Unity, real unity, can be found only after climbing the mountain of truth.” [03:53]
• Hayley Caronia: “These people are totally demonic... There’s no getting through to these people.” [05:51]
• On the Suspect’s Radicalization: “Hates conservatives, hates Christians—said that this trans boyfriend was not raised that way, but he had been radicalized.” [14:43 – Hayley, quoting a relative]
• Andy: “How many buildings have you been in that you know directly how to get to the roof of in minutes?...” [29:45]
• Cash Patel (FBI Director): “There are scores of people in this Discord chat room... we have to effectuate legal process...” [18:27]
• Hayley on Law and Gun Control Advocacy: “No law could have prevented this. Not one. No law. Whether firearms need to be concealed or not would not have stopped someone wanting to commit murder.” [41:12]
• Andy on Ballistics: “That’s the bullet... that’s the ballistics that match the barrel of the rifle...building a rock solid case there.” [29:19]
• Senator John Fetterman: “You just don’t ever, ever compare anyone to Hitler and those kinds of extreme things. Now look what happened to Charlie Kirk... We have to turn the temperature down.” [45:44]
• Hayley on Kirk’s Legacy: “...there is no way that Charlie Kirk’s name will be forgotten. His movement will be forgotten. There’s no way.” [43:39]

Timestamps for Noteworthy Segments

• [02:46] – Vice President Vance’s tribute & call for unity
• [04:45] – Hayley’s reaction: Discussing Kirk’s faith and “no unity with evil” theme
• [09:20] – Governor Cox: Alleged killer not cooperating, confession details
• [13:54] – Harry Sisson denies leftist/trans shooter narrative
• [14:40] – Transgender boyfriend radicalization background shared
• [18:16] – FBI Director Patel explains Discord chat investigation
• [29:48] – Questions about the suspect’s knowledge of campus, timeline, logistics
• [38:15] – Debate over sports teams honoring Kirk, politics in sports
• [41:12] – Critique of gun law debates after shooting
• [43:39] – Charlie Kirk’s enduring impact: surge in followers, legacy
• [45:44] – Senator John Fetterman’s warning against dangerous rhetoric
• [52:09] – White House press secretary KJP questioned on Biden’s health narrative
• [54:06] – NY Gov. Kathy Hochul’s endorsement of Zoran Mamdani
• [56:43] – TikTok user commentary on selective outrage and “whataboutism”
• [59:43] – Arizona pilot’s tribute flight for Charlie Kirk
• [60:08] – TikTok trend: “Bury me in red/blue”—bipartisan expressions after Kirk’s assassination
• [61:04 onward] – Light-hearted palate cleansers: baby laughs & musical cats

Additional Topics Covered

• Legal Proceedings: Details about the alleged killer’s upcoming court appearance, unanswered questions about legal representation.
• Karine Jean Pierre’s Testimony: Testified she saw “no change in Biden’s competency,” with suspicion cast on the authenticity and sources of her talking points.
• NYC Mayoral Race: Hochul endorses Mamdani for mayor, despite perceived contradictions in his stance on policing and antisemitism.
• TikTok Update: Potential US-specific app (“M” or “M2”) in the wake of legal action against ByteDance.
• “Scrolling Time” Segment: Debates over selective outrage (“whataboutism”), lighthearted viral content for emotional relief.

Tone

Candid, emotionally charged, unapologetically conservative, interspersed with sarcastic humor and moments of earnest empathy. The show moves briskly, alternating between pointed analysis, passionate commentary, and community-building moments.

This summary covers all major topics, memorable moments, and the tone of the conversation while offering structured guidance with timestamps for listeners seeking in-depth understanding of this episode.