What Australia's Bondi Beach Shooting Reveals

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show

Episode: What Australia's Bondi Beach Shooting Reveals
Date: December 17, 2025
Host: Charlie Kirk
Guest(s): Yael Eckstein (President & CEO, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews), Kurt Schlichter (Town Hall columnist & novelist), Panel (Andrew Colvett, “Blake,” others)

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on the recent tragic shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach, discussing its implications for Jewish communities worldwide, rising antisemitism, and the ongoing threats posed by jihadist ideology. The show features an in-depth conversation with Yael Eckstein of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews on the attack’s communal impact, international responses, and grassroots activism. Later, the episode addresses gun rights and self-defense following the shooting, the failure of restrictive gun policies, and pivots briefly to domestic tragedies, addiction, and political commentary with guest Kurt Schlichter.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Bondi Beach Shooting: What Happened and Immediate Reflections

(01:09–07:56)

• Charlie and Andrew detail the Bondi Beach attack, reportedly targeting Jews; 15 killed, including a child.
• Yael Eckstein shares her reactions, connecting the attack to global antisemitism and anti-Christian sentiment post-October 7th. She draws on Jewish traditions (lighting the Hanukkah Menorah) to emphasize combating darkness with light:
  • “The answer to darkness is light. That we have to get together and do more good deeds, bring more love to one another.” (02:22, Yael Eckstein)
• International Solidarity: Jewish and Christian communities gathering in public, lighting menorahs, returning to worship spaces as acts of courage and defiance.
  • “No terrorist is going to stop us. And that’s the message that I think is more relevant now than ever.” (04:32, Yael Eckstein)
• Rising Incidents: Data cited—>2000 anti-Semitic attacks in 2024, 1600 in 2025 in Australia.

2. Governments, Security, and Grassroots Responses

(05:15–07:56)

• Failures of Governments: Critique that authorities globally are not doing enough to protect at-risk communities.
  • “We can’t rely on the governments to protect us… The jihadists are speaking out with hatred and calling for a global intifada.” (06:10, Yael Eckstein)
• Action Steps: Advocacy for community responsibility — practical aid, shelters, medical help, and the importance of visible, united resistance.
  • “We also can’t use that as a scapegoat. We have to do more. We have to do whatever we can.” (06:44, Yael Eckstein)

3. Resilience and Outlook from Israel

(07:56–10:14)

• Yael shares Israeli resilience: Even under ongoing threats (rockets, regional terrorism), Israeli society persists in joy and faith.
  • “We have this incredible ability to find joy and faith within the hardships… Israel was voted the seventh happiest country in the world.” (08:44, Yael Eckstein)
• Hope for Peace: Optimism about peace and liberation throughout the Middle East, underscoring a belief that “good always wins over bad.”
  • “He [God] says Israel is forever… good always wins over bad.” (09:54, Yael Eckstein)

4. Tragedy in the Reiner Family and Reflections on Addiction

(11:41–16:06)

• Andrew and panel discuss: The murder of Rob and Michele Reiner, purportedly by their son Nick, illustrating family tragedy linked to mental health and substance abuse.
  • “He had been in rehab at least 17 times for addiction and mental health struggles.” (11:55, Andrew)
• Moral/Spiritual Framing: The dangers of enabling addiction, consequences of permissive parenting, and opening oneself to "dark spiritual forces."
  • “You open yourself up to…dark spiritual forces when you start releasing control… it is a highway to hell in many respects.” (16:06, Andrew)

5. Gun Laws, Self-Defense, and the Australian Context

(18:17–29:26)

• Kurt Schlichter joins and critiques the notion that restricting gun access improves safety:
  • “Is it a great argument that there are bad people out there who want to hurt us…that we should disarm harder? Not a great argument. I'll take my own personal defense in my own hands.” (21:23, Kurt Schlichter)
• Australia’s Gun Laws: Despite restrictive policies, the attacker legally obtained six firearms; the delayed police response questioned as well as the effectiveness of such laws.
• Armed Defense as Deterrent: Example of Jack Wilson stopping a church shooting in Texas cited:
  • “The tactical problem for a mass killer is somebody shooting at him. He's got to engage that. When he's doing that, everybody else has a chance to take cover...” (26:54, Kurt Schlichter)
• Erica’s Quote on The Human Problem:
  • “They think violence is the solution to them not wanting to hear a different point of view. That's not a gun problem. That's a human, deeply human problem.” (24:01–24:14, Erica)
• Charlie Kirk’s Position:
  • “Maybe it’s much more of a brokenness of humanity problem or a sin problem, not the actual tool itself… I think we should have less gun laws, not more.” (27:50, Charlie Kirk)

6. Broader Political Commentary & Gun Rights

(28:48–29:26)

• Guns as Fundamental Right: Kurt returns to American self-concept as “citizens” rather than “subjects,” unwilling to give up fundamental rights:
  • “We’re not giving up our guns. It’s not a discussion. That’s how it’s going to be.” (29:22, Kurt Schlichter)

7. Short Segment: US Filibuster Debate

(31:49–35:43)

• Discussion on the Senate filibuster, GOP power, and the potential for major legislative change if the filibuster is repealed for appropriations or other policy.
• Kurt notes:
  • “The Democrats are definitely, given the chance, going to end the filibuster for everything and do whatever they want. …I would love the opportunity to do whatever we want because we only have three years to prove ourselves and our policies will work.” (33:21, Kurt Schlichter)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 02:22 | Yael Eckstein | “The answer to darkness is light. That we have to get together and do more good deeds, bring more love to one another.” | | 04:32 | Yael Eckstein | "No terrorist is going to stop us. And that’s the message that I think is more relevant now than ever." | | 06:10 | Yael Eckstein | "We can’t rely on the governments to protect us… The jihadists are speaking out with hatred and calling for a global intifada." | | 08:44 | Yael Eckstein | “We have this incredible ability to find joy and faith within the hardships… Israel was voted the seventh happiest country in the world.” | | 16:06 | Andrew | "You open yourself up to…dark spiritual forces when you start releasing control… it is a highway to hell in many respects." | | 21:23 | Kurt Schlichter | "Is it a great argument that there are bad people out there who want to hurt us…that we should disarm harder? Not a great argument. I'll take my own personal defense in my own hands." | | 24:01–24:14 | Erica | "They think violence is the solution to them not wanting to hear a different point of view. That's not a gun problem. That's a human, deeply human problem." | | 26:54 | Kurt Schlichter | "The tactical problem for a mass killer is somebody shooting at him. He's got to engage that. When he's doing that, everybody else has a chance to take cover..." | | 27:50 | Charlie Kirk | "Maybe it's much more of a brokenness of humanity problem or a sin problem, not the actual tool itself… I think we should have less gun laws, not more." | | 29:22 | Kurt Schlichter | "We're not giving up our guns. It's not a discussion. That's how it's going to be." | | 33:21 | Kurt Schlichter | "The Democrats are definitely, given the chance, going to end the filibuster for everything and do whatever they want." |

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Important Timestamps

• 01:09: Introduction of Bondi Beach attack and Yael Eckstein
• 02:09: Yael’s reflections connecting Hanukkah, Christian solidarity, overcoming evil
• 05:15: Antisemitism statistics in Australia; critique of official response
• 06:06–07:56: The call for grassroots, community-based action
• 08:38: Yael on Israeli resilience and faith post-attacks
• 11:41: Transition to Reiner family tragedy, substance abuse discussion
• 21:23: Kurt Schlichter’s argument for individual self-defense
• 24:01: Erica’s statement on violence as a human problem, not a gun problem
• 27:50: Charlie’s stance on gun laws and the moral dimension of violence
• 31:49: Filibuster debate and the prospect for major GOP legislation

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Summary Table: Main Themes

| Topic | Concerns/Arguments | Solutions/Actions Discussed | |-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Antisemitism & Violence | Jihadist attacks, insufficient government response | Interfaith solidarity, grassroots aid, visible resistance | | Security & Self-Defense | Gun control failings, delayed police response | Armed citizens, active protection | | Societal Health | Drug addiction, mental illness, moral/spiritual decline | Strong families, moral clarity, faith| | Political Power/Filibuster | Inertia of change, risk of lost opportunity | Strategic use/repeal, big legislative goals|

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Takeaway

This episode delivers a conservative analysis of terrorism, antisemitism, security, and gun rights—contrasting failed official policies with calls for personal and communal responsibility. It frames both the Australian attack and other tragic events within a broader discussion on faith, societal decay, and the importance of self-defense, activism, and solidarity. The tone is urgent, defiant, and resolute, echoing the show’s broader mission of mobilizing listeners for conservative causes and personal empowerment.

Transcript

[A]

My name is Charlie Kirk. I run the largest pro American student organization in the country, fighting for the future of our republic. My call is to fight evil and to proclaim truth. If the most important thing for you is just feeling good, you're gonna end up miserable. But if the most important thing is doing good, you will end up purposeful. College is a scam, everybody. You gotta stop sending your kids to college. You should get married as young as possible and have as many kids as possible. Go start a Turning Point USA College chapter. Go start a Turning Point USA High School chapter. Go find out how your church can get involved. Sign up and become an activist. I gave my life to the Lord in fifth grade. Most important decision I ever made in my life. And I encourage you to do the same. Here I am, Lord. Use me. Buckle up, everybody. Here we go. The Charlie Kirk show is proudly sponsored by Preserve Gold, the the leading gold and silver experts and the only precious metals company I recommend to my family, friends and viewers.

[B]

All right, welcome back to the Charlie Kirk Show. Over the weekend, of course, there was a terrible attack in Bondi beach where it looks like 15 were killed, including a 10 year old girl. It was a targeted attack by jihadists targeting Jews in Bondi Beach. And we wanted to bring in Yael Eckstein because she's the president and global CEO of ifcj, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, to just explain what this terrible attack has meant to our Jewish friends and worldwide and what's being done about it. So, Yael, welcome back to the Charlie Kirk Show.

[C]

Thank you so much, Andrew.

[B]

Yeah, so just give us your first impressions when you heard this. I mean, obviously after October 7th, everybody's on heightened alert anywhere in the world, actually Jewish communities all over the world. When you see this stuff play out, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

[C]

Well, the first thing that comes to mind is Charlie Kirk and all the terror attacks that we've seen based on hatred that are directed not only towards children, Jews, but towards Christians as well. And what it makes me realize is that this evil and hatred, it's not something from the history books of the past, but it's something that we're dealing with today. So as I light my Hanukkah Menorah on this holiday, and I was just in New York City and I saw the Christmas trees all out in the public squares. It makes me recognize that we need to stand together, those of us who sanctify life against this hatred against Jews and Christians around the world, in order to bring more Light into the world. Because as we see from Christmas and from Hanukkah, the answer to darkness is light. That we have to get together and do more good deeds, bring more love to one another. And I've seen after October 7, how the fellowship has provided over 6 million meals to people who are hungry. We've placed thousands of bomb shelters. We've gone into Syria to help the persecuted Christians with setting up a medical clinic and distributing food boxes. Is that Andrew? When I see this darkness, it just inspires me to bring more light.

[B]

That's amazing. Yeah. And that's. I mean, I know that's what you guys. You guys in some ways have. I mean, these are clarifying moments for the fellowship because you're able to say, what can we do to help? What can we do to bring care, whether that's physical needs, emotional, spiritual. Have you been in touch, Yael, with anybody on the ground in Australia? Have you heard from this. This community directly? I'm just curious.

[C]

Yeah. So the Fellowship helps provide security for Jewish institutions that are at risk around the world, including in Australia. And what we see here is what I think is a heroic response to darkness and terror. And again, it's very similar to what happened after the assassination of Charlie. We saw people coming out now with anger, not burning tires, not pulling down flags, but coming out with love, coming out with respect for one another, singing together, recognizing the only answer to hatred is to stand together in love. And that's what we're seeing in Australia. They went out the Jewish community today, and there were so many Christians who stood with them back to Bandai beach to light the menorah. They all went to their houses of worship without being scared, without cowarding. And they said, we are going to spread the light of God into this world. No terrorist is going to stop us. And that's the message that I think is more relevant now than ever. As we see Christians being persecuted, as we see Jews being targeted, as we see churches being blown up, and from America to Syria to across Africa, and Jews no longer being safe. The message I hear from God is now is the time to stand together. How good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in peace. It's the only way that we are going to get through these very dark days.

[B]

Yeah, that's well said, Yael. And, you know, it's interesting. I'm just looking at some reporting here, and it's. It's like the Australian government and the asio, which is the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, they were aware of heightened threats to The Jewish community. They raised the national terrorism threat level to probable. In August of 2024. Anti Semitic attacks surged in Australia post October 2023. Over 2000 incidents in 2024, 1600 in 2025, including arson on synagogues and graffiti. And Jewish leaders had been pleading with local government officials and warning them of insufficient action. Are you concerned about that? That the message is still not getting through to protect some of these synagogues, these Jewish communities, wherever they may be in the larger diaspora?

[C]

You know, Andrew, if there's one thing that I've seen since October 7th with these attacks on the Jewish community and the attacks on the Christian community, like I said around the world, is that we can't rely on the governments to protect us. The governments have allowed from Australia to what we saw post October 7th in America, what we're seeing today in Europe. The Jihadists are speaking out with hatred and calling for a global intifada. This is what a global intifada looks like and they're not being stopped. If there's one thing that I've realized is that we, we have to hold the governments accountable. We have to call the governments out to do whatever they can to protect Jews and Christians and religious institutions across America, across Australia, across Europe, everywhere in the free world. But we also can't use that as a scapegoat. We can't sit behind our screens in self righteous anger calling for the governments to do more. We have to do more. We have to do whatever we can. We have to go out and stand together. And like I said, through the fellowship, I see what's possible when the grassroots gets together. Since October 7th, we've had flights of aliyah rescuing Jews from all four corners of the earth where they're facing persecution and bringing them home to Israel. We've seen Holocaust survivors who are getting food boxes in the middle of wars and rockets attacks. We're going into Syria where it's dangerous for us in order to provide for the persecuted Christians there. And we're only able to do this because there are millions of Jews and Christians around the world who aren't only speaking out in anger against the governments, but also taking whatever action they can in order to bring comfort and love and light to one another. Because the answer to darkness, especially during this holiday season, is to bring more light.

[B]

Yeah, well said. And you know, it's just, it's tragic that this happened at Hanukkah, the first day, I believe, of the celebration in Bondi Beach. Give us a lay of the land and thank you for Always being so uplifting. By the way, there was, like, a lot of dark news over the weekend, Yael. So you're always so. You're always so. You bring such a positive energy to this, and I know that's rooted in your faith. I want to just take our eyes back to Israel, just briefly, since the peace had been established. What is the vibe on the ground there? How are people feeling? Is it optimistic? Is it contentious? Just want a temperature check.

[C]

Well, there's an amazing resilience that you see in Israel. When I remember, I was in Tel Aviv at a dinner meeting and the sirens went off and there were rockets from Yemen that were being launched directly where I was. And everyone in the restaurant immediately got up and went down to the bomb shelter together. And within 10 minutes, we were back in the restaurant after the rocket was intercepted. And it was as if nothing happened. That in Israel, we have this incredible ability to find joy and faith within the hardships, even in the year after. After October 7, Israel was voted the seventh happiest country in the world. And so we are, yeah, we're both optimistically happy and excited for the opportunity for peace and hoping for more agreements like the Abraham Agreements that will bring a new reality to all the people of the Middle East. And we're also very cautious that we know we're dealing with lots of terror groups from Syria to Egypt to Iran to Gaza that haven't been eliminated. Their people haven't been freed yet. And so we're hopeful that Israel will have peace, that the people, the. The Muslims who are being held hostage by their own governments and terror groups will be freed and enjoy freedom and equality like we do here in Israel. And we're just standing strong in prayer that God promises good days will be ahead. We know his promises for Israel. He says Israel is forever. Israel, ultimately, together with the free world, good always wins over bad. And I just pray that the end of darkness is here already.

[B]

Well, we appreciate. I actually didn't know that you guys provide security for these synagogues and Jewish communities across the world. That's a really powerful thing that you're contributing to. IFCJ.org Yael, so good to see you, and thank you for speaking light into the darkness today. We could use more of that.

[C]

Thank you for everything you do. Keep up the good work.

[B]

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[A]

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[B]

All right, so big, huge story still kind of going on. Nick Reiner, Rob Reiner's son, has now appeared in court this morning. He is, it looks like he's probably the guy who killed his two parents, which is like a terrible, terrible aspect of this case. And 32 year old Nick Reiner, he had been in rehab at least 17 times for addiction and mental health struggles. So there was a big Christmas party at Conan o' Brien's in the Pacific Palisades on Saturday night where guests were decked out in suits and fancy dresses. But one stood out. I'm reading from the rap. Their 32 year old son Nick showed up at the very formal party in a hoodie. So he was freaking everyone out, acting crazy, a source told People magazine, kept asking People if they were famous. So apparently there's just been this whole backstory about Rob's approach to parenting with Nick. I mean, you know, a few deals, details about this.

[D]

Well, he just, it seems we don't know all the details. I'm sure we'll get more. But it seems he did have a relatively permissive attitude, which is some people will say if an addict in your life is destructive enough, you really need to cut them off or they'll destroy your whole family. And usually it's not this literal. But he, he said he had lines like, you know, I'd rather have you hate me as long as you're alive. He said kind of tough love was not, not really his way through life. So you could definitely have the argument he may have enabled him too much coddled him too much. We'll get more details on it, of course.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

And it seems what they did is they argued at this party and he may have followed them home and.

[B]

Exactly. So this is. So it's weird because it's been reported, I haven't seen it confirmed that maybe the Reiners were about to meet with the Obamas. So that's a, a weird twist in the story. Yeah, I'm not suggesting that anything to do with it. I'm just, it's weird, the triangulation of all these famous people. It's Conan o' Brien Christmas party. And then this is what's interesting. So you get this brooding, incoherent Nick Reiner who's wandering around this party in a hoodie and he basically only spoke at length with two people that night, Rob and his mom, the producer and photographer. And what ensued, according to People, there was a very loud argument and certainly not the first that they had ever had. And what was said no one has yet disclosed. Though it was loud enough that several guests heard it. Multiple outlets reporting, citing anonymous partygoers, reps for Conan o' Brien and the Reiners did not immediately return requests for comment. And it wouldn't have mattered much except for the news the following day. That was when the reiners youngest daughter, 28 year old Romy discovered her parents lifeless body at the Brentwood home and victims of a knife attack. Very, very tragic. And she immediately suspected her older brother corroborated Monday with police said that he was responsible for their deaths. So really, really tragic story here and I thought it was interesting. Yeah, go ahead.

[D]

Well let's circle it back to what.

[B]

We were talking about in the first hour.

[D]

We talked about marijuana. Now clearly Nick Reiner was on a much larger array substances that were more damaging. But this gets back to what Charlie would talk about so much that as no, you know, the Bible says no one can serve two masters. And so do you want to have self mastery? Do you want to have be guided by your own moral intuitions or do you want to be enslaved by something else? And what people who have been around addiction or been addicts themselves can tell you is it can start small, but it can grow and grow and grow until it has taken over your life. And people who are severely addicted to drugs, what will eventually happen is they will do anything and they will hurt anyone because they want more drugs. They want to just continue that lifestyle. And that's one of the biggest reasons to just not really let them in the door. Yeah, because the long term Outcomes are not good.

[B]

Yeah. And there's the idea that it is. You know, I don't want to make this overly spiritual, but you do open yourself up to, I believe, dark spiritual forces. When you start releasing control of your mental faculties, of your spiritual faculties, you know, it is a highway to hell in many respects. And yeah, you might look at it and say, oh, it's just, it's just a little pot. Just a little like we're just, you know, whatever. No, sometimes for some people now you might be one of those people out there that doesn't have that problem. Not everybody reacts the same way. But there's going to be a percentage of the population that does and you're gonna have more and more of these people the more you use it, where that can become an opening for really, really dark things. Romy basically said as soon as this happened, she said Nick had been recently living in their parents guest house and was dangerous and should be considered a suspect. My heart goes out to the family. The sister especially had to find her parents dead and had to basically tell police that my brother did it. Probably. I mean, think about that poor thing. A really tragic, tragic story. Do you remember your favorite gift you got as a child? I got a go kart one Christmas. It was absolutely the best gift I ever got. I wish it would have lasted a lifetime. Well, policy genius can help give your family a gift that lasts a lifetime. And that's security. Policygenius makes finding and buying life insurance fast, easy and surprisingly affordable. So if something happens to you, your loved ones have a financial safety net. Life insurance is financial planning made simple. And policygenius is the nation's leading online insurance marketplace with thousands of five star reviews from families who found their best fit. Policygenius lets you compare quotes from America's top insurers in just a few clicks to find coverage that fits your needs and your budget. Their licensed agents will walk you through every step, answer your every question and handle all the paperwork. With Policygenius, real users have gotten 20 year 2 million dollar policies for just $53 a month.

[A]

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[B]

All right, Kurt Schlichter, senior columnist at Town Hall. He's also got a new book, another one of his Kelly Turnbull novels. This is Panama Red. Congratulations, Kurt. I don't know how you turn these things out so quickly, my friend, but this Came out last Tuesday. So congratulations again on the book. Tell us about it.

[E]

Well, thanks. I. It, it helps that I'm no longer a full time lawyer. So I'm excited about that for many reasons, including putting out the ninth of the Kelly Turnbull series. Now, I started the People's Republic series about 10 years ago because of Andrew Breitbart. Really? Because he said we have to go make our own culture. So I decided, well, I'm sick of all these woke garbage, boring books. They talk about feelings. You know, there's a sassy non binary character. No, we're not doing any of that. We're going to get some action, we're going to get some snark, we're going to get some guns, we're going to get some fun. We're going to get some cool conservative action novels. And I wrote People's Republic and Andrew. These have all been bestsellers. Pam.

[B]

I read.

[E]

I believe it's still Amazon's number one political thriller right now. It is selling like hotcakes. And people ought to go out and get Panama Red because it's a lot of fun.

[B]

Oh, that's awesome. Congratulations. Honestly, I think people think of you as a political commentator, at least probably our audience, because they're used to you doing, which you are. You're a great columnist over at Town hall and there's a lot there, by the way. You have your multiple columns, actually. But one of the topics you're talking about right now, it's kind of near and dear because one of the things I've noticed is that after what happened with Charlie, Erica has been asked Multiple times about 2A stuff. Right? What do you think about gun laws? What do you think about access to guns? What do you think about the Second Amendment? And I think it's a really unfair question to put a widow in. First of all, that's now head of a conservative organization. But listen, she's answered them well. Charlie was Pro2A, we're Pro2A. But then it comes up again because of what's happened in Australia. Right? Because in Australia we've got a very restrictive gun culture. And yet this jihadist was able to get access to six legal firearms and kill a bunch of Jews. So you say this week's gun tragedy shows you why you must buy even more guns. Tell us about this. Why are you being even more adamant, Kurt?

[E]

Look, the basis of all rights are armed citizens who can protect themselves. Yes. Our creator endowed us with the rights. It's up to us to defend them. They're not Self executing. And there are plenty of people who want to take them away, including our right to speak freely, our right to write what we think, right to worship as we see fit, our right to keep and bear arms secures all that. You are not a citizen if you do not participate in being able to protect yourself, your. Your family, your community and your constitution. Yes, bad people will use guns. We've all seen that. We, We've seen terrible violence out there. But, you know, after 30 years as a lawyer, I kind of assess arguments and I think to myself, is it a great argument that there are bad people out there who want to hurt us because of who we are and what we believe that, that we should disarm harder? Not a great argument. I'll take my own personal defense in my own hands. It doesn't, doesn't make me invulnerable, but it gives me a fighting chance.

[B]

Well, and you notice the delayed response in the Australia incident? I mean, it was, you know, you had that hero, I forget his name, but it was Ahmed Al Ahmed or whatever, who goes in, grabs the gun and then kind of subdues one of the. Yeah, I mean, a total hero. He ends up taking a couple bullets for that from the sun that was up on the walkway. But there was a totally delayed response. And, you know, if there would have been armed guards at the synagogue, maybe they could have stopped some of the killing. Lives would have been saved. You've got to start playing those scenarios back in your head, too.

[E]

Look, the fact that you're armed and the fact that you have armed guards does not make you safe. It makes you safer. The police are not there as our personal bodyguards, okay? The police are there to respond to violence. And when you get something that's so outside the main, like a mass murder, it's not shocking that it'll take the police time to coordinate a response. It's not necessarily hit on them. Now there are some cowardly cops. The ones in Uvalde need to hang their heads in shame forever. But most of the time, police will fire and maneuver when they get there. But why can't we be there? What's wrong with armed citizens? You know, if I'm. If I'm living at my house in Texas, I'm carrying all the time legally. California, they don't trust a guy who commanded thousands of people with automatic weapons on the streets. But in Texas, they seem to think I'm okay, so I carry a weapon. I may be outgunned, I may be outnumbered. But you know, Andrew, if I'M If I'm engaging bad guys, you know, a retired officer, army officer, they're shooting me and they're not shooting women, they're not shooting children, they're not shooting other citizens.

[B]

That's true. That's a good point, Kurt. Let's hear from Erica. This was at DealBook, New York Times, DealBook, last week. 110. They're living in a day and age.

[C]

Where they think violence is the solution to them not wanting to hear a different point of view. That's not a gun problem.

[B]

That's a human, deeply human problem. Yeah, I thought she. I mean, it's just such a. I get upset because I'm protective of Erica, you know, and it's just a very, you know, given what happened to Charlie. It's a pretty. It's a pretty, you know, I would say tough question to be asking a widow, but whatever, she did a great job and she's absolutely right. It's not a gun problem. That's a human problem. What about that devil's advocate question for you, Kurt? If so, you know, you got all these pot smokers now are about to legalize that. We got all these. We got a bunch of mental illness, you know, has our society fallen so far that we can't be trusted with guns anymore?

[E]

Well, look, there are some people who can't be trusted with guns, obviously criminals, mentally ill people, drug addicts. We've seen the horrible, you know, in just last days, we've seen what mental illness and drug addiction can do. But again, the, the potential for bad people out there to do bad things does not compel me to make myself defenseless.

[B]

Yeah, fair enough.

[E]

The answer to crime is to deal with criminals.

[B]

Well, and the part about this story.

[E]

That'S the deal with law abiding citizens.

[B]

Part of this story. And Blake, I don't know if you have a take on this, but like the son that, I think he's 24 years old, in this instance, he had been investigated by being linked to an ISIS cell.

[D]

He was investigated for links. I think they didn't.

[B]

They found jihadist ISIS flags in the, in the car. I mean, this guy was completely motivated by jihadist ideology. So, I mean, I'm just a good boy.

[D]

That's what the mom said.

[B]

He's just a good boy.

[E]

Kurt, there are bad people out there who want to murder or enslave us. Well, I don't want to be murdered and I won't be a slave. The answer is not a monopoly on violence by an unaccountable Government, but a monopoly on violence by the people, by the citizens. If those guys, those guys were sitting there walking around confident and cool and collected until the police showed up and engaged them. If there was an American citizen, if that was in Texas where a lot of people carry weapons, those guys would not been able to do that. They would have had to deal with the tactical problem of people firing weapons at them.

[B]

Yep.

[E]

I remember maybe a sig P 32365, maybe, maybe a.45, maybe a long weapon. It doesn't matter. The tactical problem for a mass killer is somebody shooting at him. He's got to engage that. When he's doing that, everybody else has a chance to take cover and protect themselves. You know, I'm just what we need.

[B]

I'm just reminded Kurt of that. Remember that hero, his name was Jack Wilson. Do you remember this story in. Yeah, Jack. So Jack Wilson just pulled up an image of him, but this was in. Looks like, let's see here. It was in 2019. He was a firearms instructor and former reserve sheriff's deputy who fatally shot a gunman during a service at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas. And that was on. Yeah, December 29, 2019. He took a single shot and ended the attack, which saved an estimated two. Well, they say 250 people in the congregation, but who knows how many would have ultimately been killed. But I mean that is the sort of that could have been this situation. But Australia has pursued a disarmament campaign. Let's hear from Charlie Kirk. This is the Charlie Kirk Show. After all, he talks about this 118.

[A]

Maybe it's much more of a brokenness of humanity problem or a sin problem, not the actual tool itself. But honestly, I think we should have less gun laws, not more. I know this. People disagree with this. It's a right. People should be able to protect themselves as they see fit. In states that generally have more guns, not less guns like Houston, yes, you do have some more gun deaths amongst inner city gangs. But violent crime tends to go down. And so I don't want to disarm peaceful law abiding people just because some people abuse that tool or that technology. And so when you look at gun deaths in this country, there are 30,000 gun deaths a year. Two thirds of them are death by suicide. Okay, so that that number shouldn't even been in there. The vast majority of the gun deaths that are related, that are the ones in the remainder are individuals in gangs and inner cities that use guns in kind of gang violence.

[B]

So there's lots of categories there.

[E]

Look, I started shooting when I was 6. My dad was a country guy. Even though I'm a BMW driving LA lawyer, I still have that blood in me. I've had guns around me all my life. I've carried weapons as an army officer overseas and here I've never shot anybody, I've never hurt anybody. And there's zero chance I'm going to unless I have a good reason to. Tens of millions of other Americans are just like me, law abiding, peaceful, but ready to defend ourselves, our families, our communities and our constitutions. We're not giving up our guns. It's not a discussion. That's how it's going to be.

[B]

That's right. Let's get a good Americana there, Kurt. Good conversation is about showing respect. It's how we create a space where people are able to share their ideas and to be heard. Charlie knew that. TikTok has always strived to build that kind of place that thrives on respectful connection, where curiosity fuels connection and we can share what's on our minds and learn from each other. When ideas meet respect, good things happen. On TikTok, you can find a mechanic explaining the why behind a problem most of us wouldn't even know how to name. Or a father sharing a lifetime of knowledge with his viewers. Viewers who listen, Discuss and respond. TikTok turns connection into community through small acts of understanding. You can feel it in the comments, in the thank you from a stranger halfway across the world. TikTok is a place where respect opens the door for discussion and discussion helps us build something real.

[A]

Portions of our program are sponsored in part by TikTok.

[B]

All right, go ahead and throw up. This Vanity Fair picture. You get one minute to react to the Susie Wiles interview. And this, this picture goes.

[E]

Why are you talking to Vanity Fair? Let me say it again because I can't believe I have to say it. Why are you talking to Vanity Fair? I mean, was, was Brian Tater Stelter busy? Why are you talking to Vanity Fair?

[B]

Look at the picture again. It is really well shot.

[E]

It's a beautiful shot that hits hard. People who need to answer the question, why are you talking to Vanity Fair? I don't understand it. And then, and then you're like shocked. Oh, well, they, they, they lied about what I said. They misconcept. They taught me out of context.

[B]

Yep. Well, okay, apparently, apparently this, this reporter is, is known for doing books and interviews with chiefs of staff. And I'm getting. My studio is laughing at you. But we're going to switch topics here to Mark. Wayne Mullen kind of made some waves yesterday by saying he's kind of in favor of nuking the filibuster. I have questions, though. I want to talk about the pros and the cons. 181.

[A]

There was a conversation that's taking place saying, well, maybe we don't do all the filibusters, but we just do it when it comes to appropriations. Well, that's where the policy is made, through appropriations. Anyways. I think that's a sound policy for us to have a serious conversation about because we only had three years here. Let's go all in. And I'm in that favor. Where you're at right now is let's go all in. Let's get this thing done. Because we're not going to get immigration policy done with bipartisan support. My position on the filibuster has changed.

[B]

Yeah. So that. Actually, I'll be honest, Blake, that was music to my ears. I was like, if we're not gonna get immigration policy. And I kind of thought about it.

[A]

That's what we talked about.

[B]

It's true.

[D]

You only do this if you're gonna do a big thing.

[B]

But do we have the votes even if we nuked the filibuster?

[E]

Probably not. Remember, there are a lot of people who don't want the revolution or counter revolution that we're. That Donald Trump and the populists are trying to have. There's so many Indiana Republicans spread all through America.

[B]

That is it. I love how you turn that into a pejorative. I mean, it's so good. The Indiana. Don't be an Indiana.

[D]

You gotta do that, though. That'll. That'll motivate them. Yeah, motivate them to tune out.

[B]

Get those. That'll. That'll motivate them more than the R word.

[D]

They're gonna send us the biggest winger in Senate history next time.

[B]

We are all in, by the way, Kurt, on Indiana. We are gonna. Primarily.

[E]

I went to Indiana and talked to them. They're hardcore. And I'm from California, so I know what hardcore looks like, because that's all that's left of us as Republicans.

[B]

Yep.

[E]

Look, the. Look, I would love to maintain the filibuster if we could. I think it is a useful product. But as I wrote in my town hall column a while ago, and I write Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and everybody should go read them. The Democrats are definitely given the chance, going to end the filibuster for everything and do whatever they want. Okay. I would love the opportunity to do whatever we want because we only have three years to prove ourselves and our policies will work. As we saw when Ronald Reagan was elected, that's a little before your time. And when Donald Trump was elected the first time, that's probably before your time, too. It. Our policies do work. It would be good for us to get them in. And then again, there are benefits to having the filibuster, maybe make a deal. Okay, we're either going to make the filibuster permanent by a constitutional amendment or we're going to change it and then use it to our advantage, because you guys are going to do it to us. And we know you're going to do it to us because you've told us you're going to do it to us. I would love to see things like immigration, national concealed carry. Oh, my gosh, it's so. There's so many things we do. Should we do them? Good question.

[D]

Yeah, if you should do it. If you have the votes to pass things that really matter and your next funding threshold is not a thing that really matters. The way, you know, existentially for this.

[B]

Country 50 years in the future, immigration, voter ID, there's a few that are truly, truly important. If we could take the puerto Rico, the D.C. maybe even Guam statehood off the table, I think the country would be much better off. So I don't. Maybe it is a deal, Kurt. I hadn't thought about making a deal because I'm just assuming they'll break the contract as soon as they get power.

[E]

So that's why you got put in the Constitution.

[B]

Panama Red, Kurt's new book. Please check it out. Kurt Schlichter, always a pleasure to have you. Senior columnist at Town Hall. What days do you do your columns again?

[E]

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. They really make the libs and the Fredo conservatives mad.

[B]

Kurt Schlichter. All right, guys, we'll see you all tomorrow. Until then.

[E]

For more on many of these stories and news you can Trust, go to charliekirk.com.