PBD Podcast Ep. 645: "Charlie Kirk Assassinated In UVU Shooting" – Emergency Podcast
Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Patrick Bet-David (PBD)
Topic: Immediate reaction and reflection on the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU).
Overview
In this emergency episode, Patrick Bet-David reacts in real time to the shocking news that conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University. Speaking within hours of the incident, PBD shares the moment he and a large conference audience learned of Kirk's death, reflects on Kirk’s legacy and the polarizing response, and offers thoughts on what this means for American society and politics.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Moment of the Announcement
- Context: PBD describes being backstage at his own conference, featuring Tony Robbins, when news of the shooting breaks.
- Chaos and Emotion: Attendees are initially told Kirk is in critical condition, but a short time later, word of his death is confirmed as PBD is on stage.
- “Vinnie comes, gives me the hand signal. I said, what do you mean? He says, it's done. Then Kelly comes to the front... and she says, he's dead at that moment.” (03:11)
- Public Reaction: A prayer is given on stage; the room becomes deeply emotional when Kirk’s death is confirmed.
- “Tom gives a prayer, gets on his knees in front of everyone. The room is emotional.” (04:18)
The Aftermath and Speculation
- Media and Social Reaction: PBD touches on immediate responses on social media and mainstream news, noting confusion and conspiracy theories.
- “You hear MSNBC, some hosts are saying, we don't know who the shooter was. It could have been friendly fire from the people that are even on his own side. Nobody knows who shot him.” (06:04)
- Political Divisions Amplified: The polarized reaction is apparent, with some on social media celebrating Kirk’s death while others predict escalation.
- “Certain people celebrating. They're happy. Thank God. All these other messages. Some other people are saying, this is it. We're gonna take the streets. It's gonna be civil war.” (07:05)
- Presidential Response: The president posts two messages; the second eulogizes Kirk and offers condolences to his wife and family.
- Quote from the statement: “The great and even legendary Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the US better than Charlie Kirk... Charlie, we love you.” (08:14)
Reflections on Division & American Values
- Call for Unity: PBD pushes back on the idea that the majority of Americans are as divided as trending topics suggest.
- “Most of us agree with about 80% of issues in life. I would say 90% of people agree with 80% of issues in life… Unfortunately, the 10% that may not, they are so loud and obnoxious that you think it's more than them.” (09:12)
- Freedom of Speech and Responsibility: PBD addresses the dangers of incendiary rhetoric, warning that words have the power to incite violence.
- “You can say what you want to say to the wrong person. Use that word. You incite, you excite them... this could have been planned. This could have been an accident… We have no clue.” (10:17)
Charlie Kirk’s Legacy
- Impact on Youth: Kirk is remembered as a mentor and role model for millions of young conservatives.
- “How many people do you know that watch Charlie's content? The debates for over 100 hours. I put 5 million people worldwide... A 14 year old kid, a 10 year old kid, an 18 year old kid, a 25 year old kid, how many people looked up to this guy?” (11:01)
- Prediction of a Backlash: PBD contends that Kirk’s death will inspire more young people to take up his cause.
- “The enemy won… temporarily. I think this is going to backfire on the enemy because the loss of Charlie and the example he left behind is going to lead to many of them that are going to look up to him saying, I’m going to be the next guy...” (11:27)
Personal and Broader Messages
- Encouragement to Stay Strong: Quoting military wisdom, PBD urges listeners to “stay alert, stay alive,” vowing not to give in to fear.
- “The enemy wants you to be afraid. The enemy wants you to back down… We live in the greatest country in the world with the greatest values, the greatest opportunity, and we’re going to keep doing our part.” (12:05)
- Faith and Optimism: PBD closes with an affirmation of faith and hope, committing to continue discussing and processing events collectively with his audience.
- “I am naturally optimistic because I put my faith on a man upstairs… with him I am extremely optimistic.” (12:12)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Shock of the News:
“When we made the announcement that Charlie Kirk is dead, you heard. You heard the reaction. Many people knew he was shot. Not many people knew he was dead.” (04:07) -
On Social Media Response:
“You go on some profiles on X and you'll see certain people celebrating. They're happy. Thank God... Some other people are saying, this is it. We're gonna take the streets. It's gonna be civil war.” (07:05) -
On National Division:
“Most of us agree with about 80% of issues in life. I would say 90% of people agree with 80% of issues in life... the 10% that may not, they are so loud and obnoxious that you think it's more than them.” (09:12) -
On Charlie’s Legacy for Youth:
“How many people you think this was their role model? A 14 year old kid, a 10 year old kid, an 18 year old kid, a 25 year old kid... As much as it may seem like that temporarily, the enemy won. I think this is going to backfire...” (11:11) -
On Resilience Amid Tragedy:
“We live in the greatest country in the world with the greatest values, the greatest opportunity, and we’re going to keep doing our part.” (12:05)
Important Timestamps
- 01:37 – Patrick Bet-David begins recounting the immediate context and reaction to the shooting.
- 03:11 – Receives and processes confirmation of Kirk’s death.
- 04:07 – Announcement of Kirk’s death to a live audience; room’s emotional reaction.
- 06:04 – Discussion of shooter identity speculation; media coverage.
- 07:05 – Social media polarization and incitement.
- 08:14 – President’s statement and condolences.
- 09:12 – Reflection on the real scope of division among Americans.
- 10:17 – Warnings about dangerous rhetoric and unknown motives.
- 11:01 – Discussion of Kirk’s influence on young conservatives.
- 11:27 – Anticipates the lasting impact of Kirk’s legacy.
- 12:05 – Summarizes theme of resilience and faith.
Final Thoughts
PBD delivers an unfiltered, emotional response to the national tragedy, blending personal experience with broad reflections on America’s values, polarization, and the transformative legacy of Charlie Kirk. The episode stands as a somber but defiant tribute, urging listeners not to succumb to fear or division, but to carry forward the values Kirk championed.