The Matt Walsh Show – Ep. 1657
Title: Don’t Let Them Lie To You. Charlie Kirk’s Killer Is A Left-Wing Terrorist.
Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Matt Walsh
Podcast: The Daily Wire
Brief Overview
In this episode, Matt Walsh directly addresses the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, arguing that the incident was a clear act of left-wing, LGBT-motivated terrorism. Walsh meticulously refutes narratives circulating on social media and in mainstream news that claim Kirk was killed by a right-wing extremist, labeling such claims as deliberate lies. Additionally, he reacts to the public and political aftermath, including leftist celebrations of the killing and conservatives’ responses, such as outing or firing those who expressed jubilation over Kirk’s death. Walsh also highlights Erica Kirk’s (Charlie’s widow) powerful speech, explores the idea of unity on the political right, and defends the recent wave of social punishments against leftists celebrating the assassination.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Assassination of Charlie Kirk: Evidence and Narrative War
[00:00–26:42]
- Walsh’s Position:
- Categorically asserts that Charlie Kirk’s death was the result of left-wing, LGBT extremist violence, not a right-wing attack.
- Presents details:
- Shooter (Tyler Robinson) was dating a transgender-identifying man.
- Shooter referenced Antifa slogans, called Kirk a “fascist,” and left messages tied to leftist subcultures.
- Social media posts from individuals in the shooter’s circle appeared to foreshadow the murder.
- Criticizes prominent left-leaning figures and most media for attempting to spin the narrative, painting the shooter as a right-wing extremist without evidence.
- Examples of Left-Wing Celebration:
- Leftist organizations (including a Utah-based armed queer group) deleted their accounts post-assassination.
- Posts and memes surfaced on Reddit, Blue Sky, X (Twitter), and even among professionals, celebrating Kirk’s death.
- Denouncement of “Both Sides” Narrative:
- Walsh asserts the vast majority of political violence is left-wing in nature.
- Cites BLM, Antifa, church/school shootings, attacks on pro-life centers, and more as examples.
- Notable Quote:
"Just to be totally clear about this, any suggestion that Charlie was killed by a right winger is a flat out bald-faced lie. There is no evidence of that. None at all. All of the evidence points to left wing LGBT extremists. It's not close, it's not ambiguous." – Matt Walsh [22:16]
2. Media Misrepresentation and Elite Gaslighting
[09:50–19:00]
- Media Accusations: Mainstream outlets (CNN, LA Times) and influential individuals (Harvard’s Lawrence Tribe, various Democratic politicians) are accused of downplaying the shooter's motives and running interference for leftist extremism.
- False Attribution:
- Claims that references to things like “Bella Ciao” (song linked to Antifa) could be right-wing are dismissed by Walsh as outlandish.
- Examples given of media figures blaming the assassination on Groypers (far-right) or MAGA types, which Walsh vehemently discredits.
- Notable Quote:
"The official talking point of the left is that Charlie was killed by the right. This is a maneuver that for communist regimes has always been an old standby." – Matt Walsh [10:51]
3. Ilhan Omar and Character Assassination
[15:13–16:20]
- Clip Played: Ilhan Omar calls Kirk a “stochastic terrorist” and references his views on guns, George Floyd, and Juneteenth.
- Walsh’s Rebuttal: Emphasizes Kirk’s commitment to open debate, contrasting this with what he sees as Omar’s justification or rationalization of violence.
- Walsh’s Point: Genuine engagement with the other side has become impossible; leftist rhetoric labels conservatives as “Nazis,” justifying violence.
- Notable Quote:
"If Ilhan Omar were a decent American… she’d understand [murder is never justified]. Instead, within hours of Charlie’s assassination… they’re gloating over his body and encouraging more violence against Charlie's wife, against any other conservative who steps out of line." – Matt Walsh [16:21]
4. The Case Against “Both Sides” Rhetoric
[36:52–39:44]
- Walsh Critiques GOP Calls for Unity:
- Plays clip of Sen. James Lankford, who references violence from both far-right and far-left.
- Walsh argues that violence is overwhelmingly a left-wing issue, not a “both sides” problem.
- Hypothetical Scenario: Argues that if a prominent leftist was killed, there would be riots, unlike the peaceful conservative response to Kirk’s shooting.
- Notable Quote:
“Political violence is a left wing problem. Violence is a left wing tool nearly exclusively… There have been vigils, memorials… none of them have turned violent. Not a single one.” – Matt Walsh [38:08]
5. Erica Kirk’s Powerful Speech
[26:43–28:34]
-
Speech Highlighted:
- Erica Kirk delivers an impassioned speech at a vigil, vowing that Charlie’s mission will not die and that his killers have “no idea what they have unleashed.”
- Walsh describes her as exhibiting “righteous, loving anger,” exceptional honesty, and inspiring resolve.
-
Notable Quote – Erica Kirk:
"You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country... The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry… The movement my husband built will not die." [26:43]
-
Walsh’s Reflection:
“We feel her resolve, her courage, her determination. We also feel her anger. And the anger is important and also rare… It is an anger overflowing with love. It is a loving anger. It is an anger rooted in love.” [28:35–29:32]
6. Unity on the Right and Rejection of Weakness
[39:44–47:00]
- Walsh’s Call:
- Rejects unity with the left entirely, stating unity is only possible around truth, not lies or darkness.
- Calls for internal unity among conservatives, shelving “petty squabbles” in the face of existential threat.
- Division Among the Right:
- Mentions James Lindsay, who refuses to unite after Kirk’s murder.
- Suggests those who still focus on internal criticism rather than the external threat are “irrelevant.”
- Notable Quote:
“I’m extending the olive branch to anyone on the right who I've had any problem with… unless you’re a politician. Now, I reserve the right to criticize politicians at any point. We have to be able to do that.” – Matt Walsh [44:20]
7. “Cancel Culture,” Free Speech, and Social Consequences
[47:01–End]
- Leftist Celebration and Retribution:
- Many leftists have publicly celebrated Kirk’s death—including posting on social media, in professional settings, and disruptions at vigils.
- Unusually, significant numbers of these individuals are losing their jobs—a break from what Walsh describes as a cultural norm of only conservatives being punished for speech.
- Walsh’s Justification:
- Distinguishes between left-wing “cancel culture” (punishing truth, basic facts) and the right’s alleged retaliation (punishing truly abhorrent, hateful conduct).
- Endorses public shaming and firing as appropriate responses, arguing society must have boundaries for decency.
- Notable Quotes:
“The problem with the left's attack on speech is not just that they're attacking speech, but that they're attacking true and right speech.” – Matt Walsh [52:11]
“It's good that these people lose their jobs. It's good that they are shamed and humiliated and must live with the repercussions for the rest of their lives.” [54:06]
“We cannot have a civilized and decent society unless there are severe social consequences for people who express publicly these kinds of sentiments… Monsters should be treated like monsters.” [56:46]
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
On Left-Wing Extremism:
“The LGBT terror cells have been activated and they're effective terror cells because… trans ideology is a death cult. The largest, most well funded, most deranged death cult this country has ever seen.” – Matt Walsh [33:20]
-
On Unity:
“We can unite in truth. We can unite in justice. We can unite in righteousness. We can unite in Christ… but that requires the evildoers to drop their swords and repent… We cannot unite in the darkness. We cannot. We will not.” – Matt Walsh [34:50]
-
Erica Kirk’s Battle Cry:
“The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight, Across America: The movement my husband built will not die.” – Erica Kirk [27:20]
-
On Social Consequences:
“I want them to wake up every single day and the first thing they think is, my God, I wish I hadn't said that. It took my entire life off the rails... I want that to be the first thought in their head every day when they wake up.” – Matt Walsh [54:46]
Important Timestamps
- [00:00] – Show opens; summary of Kirk's murder and episode themes.
- [04:30] – Evidence overview: Shooter’s identity, motives, and affiliated subcultures.
- [10:51] – Analysis of the media’s narrative and progressive talking points.
- [15:13] – Ilhan Omar clip and Walsh's rebuttal.
- [26:43] – Erica Kirk’s speech at vigil.
- [28:34] – Walsh reflects on the significance of widow’s resolve and public anger.
- [36:52] – Sen. Lankford’s remarks; critique of “both sides” approach.
- [39:44] – Discussion of hypothetical reactions if tables were turned.
- [43:00] – Calls for unity among conservatives and rejection of petty infighting.
- [47:01] – Daily cancellation: Outrage at celebrations of Kirk’s murder, firings, and social consequences.
- [52:11] – Defense of “canceling” as necessary in the face of evil.
- [59:32] – Closing thoughts.
Summary Tone and Language
- Tone: Unapologetically combative, urgent, emotionally charged, at times caustic, with frequent appeals to righteousness, justice, and existential struggle.
- Language: Blunt, sometimes inflammatory; religious and moral language (good vs. evil, light vs. darkness); clear delineation between “us” (conservatives) and “them” (the left).
Conclusion
Matt Walsh’s episode is a forceful polemic against what he sees as deliberate left-wing misinformation regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination. He constructs a narrative of escalating leftist violence, a media and institutional cover-up, and asserts the need for unapologetic, united conservative resistance. Walsh spotlights Erica Kirk’s stirring resolve and rebuffs accusations of hypocrisy regarding cancel culture, distinguishing between targeting speech that’s true versus speech that’s “monstrous.” The episode is marked throughout by confrontational rhetoric and a call to action for the political right.
