Human Events with Jack Posobiec — October 28, 2025
Overview
In this episode of "Human Events," host Jack Posobiec delves into the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, the state of social and political unrest, and the latest updates in the high-profile murder trial of Charlie Kirk. With analysis and commentary from guest Mike Benz, an expert on political violence and networked organizations, and legal insights from attorney Will Chamberlain, the episode focuses on transparency in judicial proceedings, the structure and operations of Antifa, connections between U.S. governmental agencies and far-left groups, and the broader theme of political violence in America.
Major Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Government Shutdown and Its Consequences
- The U.S. is at day 28 of the government shutdown, with 48 states warning they will halt SNAP food assistance if it continues.
- Host emphasizes the hardship faced by families but also the use of shutdowns as leverage in political negotiations.
“If they can take away these snaps, these SNAP benefits. When is we snapping?” — Jack Posobiec [00:27]
2. Updates on the Charlie Kirk Murder Trial
- The accused, Tyler Robinson, appeared virtually in court, and his defense has requested the removal of cameras from the courtroom to ensure a fair trial.
- Jack Posobiec stresses the importance of public access and transparency in the trial, arguing live cameras reduce misinformation and uphold the public’s right to witness justice.
“Live unedited coverage is the most reliable antidote to misinformation allowing the public to see proceedings as they occur, not as filtered through third party narratives.” — Jack Posobiec [33:52]
- Human Events Media Group will file an open letter to the court opposing camera restrictions in the trial.
3. The Structure and Network of Antifa
- Guest Mike Benz explains that Antifa operates via an international, organized cluster-cell network, not as a spontaneously decentralized group.
- He parallels Antifa’s structure to Cold War-era right-wing networks, arguing that Antifa now plays a similar role from the left in Western democracies.
- Mike Benz draws connections between Antifa activities and larger U.S. foreign policy goals, asserting alignment between government agencies (CIA, State Department, USAID) and left-wing activism abroad.
“They are organized organizations and they operate through a cluster cell network which is the part and parcel of how we do influence operations abroad… I believe the best way to understand antifa… is as a left wing counter populist faction…” — Mike Benz [11:52–13:53]
- U.S. and Western support of Antifa-like groups was compared to NATO’s Cold War tactics via stay-behind networks (Operation Gladio).
4. Governmental and Foundation Ties to Activist Groups
- Benz reveals that certain U.S.-based foundations such as the Tides Center act as fiscal sponsors for groups like Black Lives Matter and Antifa, receiving millions in federal grants.
- He contends this creates a shadow-diplomacy apparatus that blurs lines between nonprofit activism and official state policy.
“The Tides center… has gotten about $27 million in U.S. state Department and U.S. aid grants for some very peculiar things, including the Tides center getting a $2.5 million grant to, quote, secure concrete commitments from foreign governments…” — Mike Benz [27:39]
5. The Debate over Cameras in High-Profile Trials
- With attorney Will Chamberlain, the discussion shifts to the legal arguments for and against banning courtroom cameras in high-profile cases.
- Chamberlain argues public access is a fundamental principle that ensures transparency and maintains trust in the justice system, especially for cases with major national impact.
"Justice is supposed to be done in public. So that we're confident that the system is transparent and operating as according to law… This was the most high profile assassination of an American in a very, very long time, probably since Kennedy.” — Will Chamberlain [35:34–36:25]
- They note that absent official footage, misinformation from secondary sources and AI recreations will fill the void.
6. Remembrance of Charlie Kirk and Conservative Political Violence
- Both Jack Posobiec and Will Chamberlain share personal stories about Charlie Kirk, his impact on Human Events, and the movement at large.
- The conversation underlines the gravity of Kirk’s assassination and the perceived indifference or celebration from leftist circles, reinforcing the need for justice and public accountability.
"A leftist assassinated Charlie Kirk and a slew of other leftists celebrated it. And we just need to remember that.” — Will Chamberlain [47:42]
- They warn of ongoing and future acts of left-wing political violence, encouraging documentation and exposure of those who mock or celebrate such acts.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Political Leverage of the Shutdown
"Shutdowns are terrible. And of course there will be, you know, families that are going to suffer... But it is one of the few leveraged times we have.” — Jack Posobiec [00:37] - On Antifa Organization
“This is not some ethereal metaphysical idea. They are organized organizations…” — Mike Benz [11:52] - On Public Trials
“The public has a right to know… Restricting camera access, restricting live streaming obviously would be a huge problem.” — Jack Posobiec [32:56] - On Loss and Political Stakes
“We absolutely have to see justice done here, and we have to see it done publicly…A leftist assassinated Charlie Kirk and a slew of other leftists celebrated it.” — Will Chamberlain [47:42] - On the Danger of Restricted Access
“In the absence of official courtroom footage, speculative secondary content on YouTube or AI generated reenactments, partisan edits would fill the void..." — Open Letter / Jack Posobiec [33:52]
Key Segments and Timestamps
- Opening: Shutdown Update & Social Tension [00:27 – 01:13]
- Charlie Kirk Murder Trial: Cameras & Transparency [02:25 – 07:05, 30:16 – 34:51]
- Antifa: Organization and International Networks (Mike Benz Interview) [10:29 – 19:11, 21:05 – 29:06]
- Debate on Government & Foundation Support for Activist Networks [27:01 – 28:48]
- Legal Discussion: Cameras in Court & Open Trials (Will Chamberlain Interview) [34:51 – 41:06]
- Remembrance and Personal Reflection: Charlie Kirk’s Legacy [42:20 – 47:42]
- Calls to Action & Closing Thoughts [48:45 – end]
Conclusion
This episode of "Human Events" is a deep dive into the multifaceted crisis points of America in late 2025: a paralyzing government shutdown, the reverberations from the assassination of a leading conservative activist, and the shadowy interplay between state power, activist networks, and public accountability. Through clear-eyed analysis, insider legal and political perspectives, and a sense of personal loss, Jack Posobiec and his guests illuminate the stakes of the current moment and the urgent need for transparency and vigilance in the face of political violence and societal upheaval.
