Nightly Scroll with Hayley

Episode 131: Rest In Peace Charlie Kirk — Hayley Caronia
Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Hayley Caronia

Episode Overview

Tonight’s episode departs from Nightly Scroll’s usual fiery commentary, turning somber in the wake of tragic news: conservative leader Charlie Kirk has been assassinated at an event in Utah. Hayley Caronia, joined by her producer, memorializes Kirk’s legacy, reflects on political violence, and responds passionately to the way Kirk’s death is being handled in the media and by political figures. The episode blends tribute, fact-reporting, and sharp critique aimed especially at the response from liberal commentators and politicians.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Acknowledgment and Moment of Silence

[03:00]

• Hayley acknowledges “this is certainly not one of those nights” (a reference to the program’s usual tone), asking for a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk.
• She underlines the episode’s emotional weight, saying, “This is obviously some of the worst news that I’ve ever had to report on…"

2. Honoring Charlie Kirk — Tributes & Stories

[03:43–05:32]

• Hayley invites listeners to submit stories and remembrances of Charlie Kirk, even reading tributes already received:

  • “He died in Christ. Good will come from this. Charlie was a defender of our faith, a great patriot, a warrior, a family leader…”
    [04:38]
  • Listener’s anecdote: Kirk took time at an event to wish a listener’s father a happy birthday and gifted American flag socks.
  • “His voice helped guide me to the light and what I feel is morally and ethically correct on the side of history…”
    [04:41]

• Producer's Comment
  [05:32]

  • Hayley’s producer, “producer guy,” shares a personal memory of meeting Kirk at the RNC:
    “He was so polite and so nice and so lovely to everyone, and everyone adored him. It’s just one of these people you can tell is just genuinely a great human being.”

3. Details Surrounding Charlie Kirk's Assassination

[06:14–07:40]

• Hayley lays out the latest facts:
  • Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University during his “American Comeback” tour.
  • Initial suspect in custody was released; police continue to investigate.
  • Hayley highlights that Kirk was known for engaging directly and respectfully with debate—even with those who opposed him.
  • “He was one of a kind at this, and he was the best at what he did…”
    [07:02]

4. Kirk's Impact on Youth & Conservative Movement

[07:40–11:09]

• Emphasis on Kirk’s ability to change minds through fact-based arguments.

• Attributes the shift among Gen Z voters and Trump’s reelection, in part, to Kirk’s and Scott Pressler’s activism:

  “Truly, Charlie Kirk and Scott Pressler carried the 2024 election on their backs.”
  [09:05]

• Kirk’s efforts at bridging generations within the conservative movement and creating a community around conservative youth activism.

5. Personal Moments — Kirk’s Passion and Patriotism

[11:09–12:44]

• Plays an audio clip from Election Night, highlighting Kirk’s emotion:

  “He loved his country so much, he built an entire brand, started a nonprofit. He did the actual work to reach young voters and convince them to uphold Christian and conservative values…”
  [11:40]

• Hayley expresses regret:

  “I am ashamed that I haven’t said it more often, and I’m ashamed that it took something as horrific as this to say thank you to Charlie.”
  [12:15]

6. Political & Media Reaction — Condemnation and Critique

[12:44–20:40]

• Notable quote from President Trump (quoted at [12:54])

  “‘The great and even legendary Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by all, especially me…’”

  • Hayley recounts the progression of news, stating Trump’s post made the loss “real for not just me, but for everyone.”
• Democratic politicians’ statements condemned political violence; Hayley criticizes these as “too little, too late,” accusing them of previously “fanning the flames.”
• Cites numerous public figures (Maxine Waters, Madonna, Hillary Clinton, President Biden) and media personalities, accusing them of contributing to an environment that encourages violence against the right.

Media Critique & ‘Blame-the-Victim’ Narratives

• Abby Phillip (CNN): Calls Kirk “racist”; Hayley calls this angering and baseless.
  [16:53–17:15]

  “They just say that we’re all racist and homophobic and xenophobic. They don’t try to understand where we’re coming from like Charlie Kirk does…”
  [17:15]

• Katie Tur (MSNBC): Speculates on Republicans “using this as justification for something.” Hayley is appalled:

  “We are not going to use this for something. … Charlie Kirk is dead. We’re not using this to push a narrative. We are grieving. … They are assuming that we are going to use this for something, that’s disgusting. It’s reprehensible…”
  [18:53–19:01]

• Further MSNBC commentary:

  • On-air speculation if the shooting was “an accident” from a supporter, which Hayley finds “asinine.”
    [19:52–20:06]
  • Matthew David comments about “awful words leading to awful actions,” suggesting Kirk bore some blame; Hayley condemns this as victim-blaming:

    “Blaming Charlie Kirk. … To insinuate that if you just say something that will maybe get people riled up, you deserve what’s coming to you… We do not have to accept this. This is wrong.”
    [20:42–20:57]

7. Second Amendment & Conservative Principles Unmoved

[21:00–22:20]

• Shares Congressional Rep. Randy Fine’s response to a journalist’s question about whether the shooting changes his view on campus carry:

  “I am repulsed that you would even think to ask a political question when all anyone should be doing is praying for his survival. Never contact me again.”
  [21:55]

• Hayley stresses that Kirk would not want anyone to “go back on their viewpoints on the First or Second Amendment.”

8. Public Reaction and Cultural Divide

[22:20–25:00]

• Highlights examples of online “celebration,” expressing shock at “incomprehensible evil.”
• Calls for unity:

  “We are all human. We have to start seeing humanity in other people again. … We are at a turning point in this nation. Charlie Kirk was right about that.”
  [23:30]

9. Update: Suspect in Custody

[25:00–26:00]

• Reports breaking update from FBI Director Cash Patel: the suspect is in custody.

10. Final Reflections and Call to Action

[26:00–27:49]

• “We cannot let them win. We have to continue this movement and be unafraid in doing so.”
• Emphasizes Kirk’s legacy as a man “willing to have civil conversation … and he died for that.”
• Reiterates condolences and closes with a prayer for Kirk and his family.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He was so polite and so nice and so lovely to everyone, and everyone adored him. … It was an honor to meet him.”
  — Producer Guy [05:32]

• “Truly, Charlie Kirk and Scott Pressler carried the 2024 election on their backs.”
  — Hayley Caronia [09:05]

• “I am ashamed that I haven't said it more often, and I'm ashamed that it took something as horrific as this to say thank you to Charlie.”
  — Hayley Caronia [12:15]

• “We are not going to use this for something. … Charlie Kirk is dead. We’re not using this to push a narrative. We are grieving.”
  — Hayley Caronia [19:01]

• “To insinuate that if you just say something that will maybe get people riled up, you deserve what's coming to you. … We do not have to accept this. This is wrong.”
  — Hayley Caronia [21:00]

• “We are all human. We have to start seeing humanity in other people again. … We are at a turning point in this nation. Charlie Kirk was right about that.”
  — Hayley Caronia [23:30]

• President Trump’s post:

  “The great and even legendary Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by all, especially me. And now he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erica and family. Charlie, we love you.”
  — Truth Social, read by Hayley [12:54]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 03:00 — Moment of silence and personal acknowledgments
• 04:38–05:32 — Listener and producer tributes to Charlie Kirk
• 06:14–07:40 — Timeline and investigation details of the assassination
• 07:40–11:09 — Discussion of Kirk’s influence on conservative youth and movement
• 11:09–12:44 — Personal legacy, family, and Election Night emotional audio
• 12:44–16:53 — Political and media reactions, Trump’s statement
• 16:53–21:00 — Strong critique of liberal media’s tone and victim-blaming
• 21:00–22:20 — Rep. Fine’s text exchange; stance on Second Amendment
• 22:20–25:00 — Reaction to public online behavior, call for unity
• 25:00–26:00 — FBI update: suspect in custody
• 26:00–27:49 — Final thoughts, prayer, and closing

Tone & Takeaways

In her signature direct and emotional manner, Hayley Caronia delivers a tribute that’s both personal and political, refusing to depoliticize the assassination while mourning the loss of a “giant in the conservative movement.” She emphasizes unity, steadfastness in values, and the need to resist normalizing political violence or letting it silence dissent. The episode is a blend of raw mourning, conservative rallying cry, and a media critique, all conveyed with unapologetic urgency.