Alleged Kirk Assassin May Have Confessed Online, National Guard Heading to Memphis: AM Update 9/16

Summary

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The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update 9/16

Episode Title: Alleged Kirk Assassin May Have Confessed Online, National Guard Heading to Memphis
Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly, SiriusXM

Episode Overview

This episode provides a morning update on two leading stories:

1. The ongoing investigation into the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, including new evidence of an online confession by the accused, Tyler Robinson, and probing of social media networks for signs of foreknowledge and ideological motivation.
2. President Trump's initiation of a federal crime crackdown in Memphis, Tennessee, with plans to deploy National Guard troops and establish a dedicated task force, sparking political debate between local and national leadership.

The show features segments with guests such as FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, Vice President J.D. Vance, President Donald Trump, White House and Memphis officials, and includes reactions from affected communities.

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Key Points & Segment Breakdown

1. Tyler Robinson’s Alleged Online Confession & Social Media Evidence

[00:00–07:20]

• Breaking News: Screenshots from Discord, cited by the Washington Post, reportedly show Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, confessing in a group chat:

  "Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. I'm sorry for all of this... I'm surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. Thanks for all the good times and laughs. You've all been so amazing. Thank you all for everything."
  (Megyn Kelly, 03:07)

• Details:

  • Confession was reportedly shared in a separate chat from the one previously referenced.
  • Robinson joked about the shooting, dismissing an FBI-released video as featuring "his doppelganger".
  • The FBI and law enforcement are investigating whether Robinson acted alone and whether online trans groups had prior knowledge or involvement.
  • Embedded potential warning posts include:
    • "You guys, I have something big coming soon... Just be sure to check the news. You'll know it when you see it."
      (From account 'osamu bin Tezuka', 04:13; five days before incident)
    • "September 10th will be a very interesting day." (04:37)
    • After the assassination: "I plead the fifth." (04:43)
    • "We effing did it." (04:51)
    • "Charles James Kirk does not know what's coming tomorrow... This is not a threat, it's a promise." (04:59)

• Law Enforcement Take (Dan Bongino, FBI Deputy Director):

  "There was a significant ideological component to this attack. There appears to be a real significant anger at Charlie Kirk because of some of his ideas..." (05:41) "When you look at some of the bullet casings... and some of the digital traffic... it appears that may have been a part of it. It appears pretty significant in this case..." (06:19)

• Official Response (President Trump):

  "I mean, I could tell you he didn't work alone on the Internet. Because it seems that he became radicalized on the Internet... Looks like he was radicalized over the Internet and it's radicalized on the left." (06:51)

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2. Aftermath & Political Response

[07:20–11:48]

• Robinson Charges: Robinson to be charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.

• Charlie Kirk’s Legacy:

  • Erica Kirk (widow) vows the Charlie Kirk Show will continue.

  • Vice President J.D. Vance guest-hosts, sharing memories and calling for unity rooted in "climbing the mountain of truth":

    "I really do believe we can come together in this country. I believe we must. But unity, real unity, can be found only after climbing the mountain of truth... 24% of self described, quote, very liberals believe it is acceptable to be happy about the death of a political opponent, while only 3% of self described, very conservatives agree."
    (J.D. Vance, 10:11–11:04)

  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt:

    "He had an army of good people who were motivated and passionate. They delivered 110%. And I don't know that Charlie gets enough credit for that." (08:21)

  • Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, HHS Secretary RFKJ, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller reflect on Kirk’s unifying role and urge the administration to combat left-wing violence:

    "There's incredible sadness, but there's incredible anger... We are going to channel all the anger... to uproot and dismantle these terrorist networks..." (Stephen Miller, 08:58–10:07)

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3. Consequences for Celebrating Political Violence

[11:04–12:29]

• Public Backlash: Multiple incidents of people celebrating Kirk’s death on social media lead to firings and suspensions—including an American Airlines pilot, a Secret Service agent, and professors.

• Lexi Kunzel (New Jersey Nurse):

  "I saw this guy... standing there celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk... I look down, I see his badge and it says doctor. And I said, you're a doctor... how are you saying... that someone deserved to die? I mean, to me I was just mind blown."
  (11:48–12:29)

• Legal Action: Kunzel suspended after reporting the doctor's remarks, later reinstated following media attention and legal proceedings. Hospital issues statement supporting a respectful environment after accepting the doctor's resignation.

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4. Federal Crime Crackdown: Memphis Edition

[15:29–17:51]

• President Trump Announces Memphis SAFE Task Force:

  "At the request of Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee... I'm signing a presidential memorandum to establish the Memphis SAFE Task Force. This task force will be a replica of our extraordinarily successful efforts here. The effort will include the National Guard as well as the FBI, ATF, DEA, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations and the US Marshals..."
  (Donald Trump, 15:29)

• Details:

  • Task force to focus on major crime reduction using federal and military resources.
  • President previously targeted Chicago, but plans paused for legal reasons.

• Local Leader Response – Memphis Mayor Paul Young:

  "I'm certainly not happy about the National Guard. I am looking forward to trying to find ways to invest in the things that we're already doing to address crime in our city..."
  (Paul Young, 17:08)

  • Mayor underscores recent local progress and prefers support for community initiatives and law enforcement rather than military deployment.
  • On potential roles for the Guard:

    "...support major events, traffic... helping law enforcement review cameras... beautification in our neighborhoods..."
    (18:01)

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5. Political & Community Reaction

[17:51–21:16]

• Crime Data:

  • Memphis crime at a 25-year low (locally reported), but highest national rate per FBI.

• State Rep. Justin Pearson (Progressive leader):

  "The white supremacist, authoritarian dictator wannabe of Donald Trump is using Memphis as a test case for taking and stripping away power from black communities... This is a dangerous impediment on our democracy."
  (19:15)

• Megyn Kelly’s Counterpoint:

  • Reports a series of recent violent incidents in Memphis, interviewing residents grateful for federal intervention:

    "We’re grateful for the National Guard coming. It's just so dangerous you can't get out of your car..."
    (20:54)

• Paul Young & Stephen Miller echo the complexity:

  • "There's a need for more boots on the ground..." (Stephen Miller, 21:15)
  • "And evidently this is the way that they plan on getting them." (Paul Young, 21:16)

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Notable Quotes

• Dan Bongino, on ideology and online footprints:

  "...it appears that may have been a part of it. It appears pretty significant in this case, especially given the relationship." (06:19)

• Vice President J.D. Vance, on unity and political violence:

  "The data is clear. People on the left are much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence. And while our side of the aisle certainly has its crazies, it is a statistical fact that most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the far left." (11:04)

• Stephen Miller, on focused anger:

  "Focused anger, righteous anger directed for a just cause is one of the most important agents of change in human history." (09:34)

• Justin Pearson, on federal intervention in Memphis:

  "This is a dangerous impediment on our democracy. We can't pretend like these are reasonable people. They are not. And they are coming to hurt, harm, destroy, disrupt and confuse our citizens." (19:15)

• Memphis resident (via Megyn Kelly):

  "We're grateful for the National Guard coming... If the National Guard is going to stop the crime, bring them out." (20:54)

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Conclusion & Flow

This episode captures a tense national moment, focusing on the intersection of digital radicalization, ideological violence, and debates over the appropriate methods for restoring public safety. With detailed reporting and direct quotes from both law enforcement and political leaders, Megyn Kelly moves from the deeply personal aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination to broader cultural and political battles—laying out the competing narratives over unity, safety, and freedoms in a tumultuous America.

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Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

With my job, I can't drink during the week. Weekends are a different story. Ugh. After eight hours of this, I have earned my wine. You know what I'm saying? My family is a lot. It takes me four beers just to hang out with them. Binge drinking isn't all college kids doing keg stands. Oregonians in their 30s and 40s binge drink at close to the same rates as younger people, raising our risk for long term health problems. [e-mail] an OHA initiative. Good morning, everyone. I'm Megan Kelly. It's Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, and this is your AM update. Messages from an online platform reportedly show Tyler Robinson, the accused killer of Charlie Kirk, confessing to his friends, quote, it was me.

[J.D. Vance]

It is a statistical fact that most of the lunatics in American politics today are are proud members of the far left.

[Megyn Kelly]

Vice President J.D. vance delivering a tough but powerful message on unity in American politics while guest hosting Charlie Kirk's show.

[Donald Trump]

I'm signing a presidential memorandum to establish the Memphis Safe Task Force, Federal law.

[Megyn Kelly]

Enforcement and the National Guard heading to Memphis, Tennessee, the next target in President Trump's crime crackdown. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. As President Trump is settling into his new administration, one of the top Democrats in Congress aiming to undermine the Trump agenda is Democrat Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois. And according to our sponsor, the Electronic Payments Coalition, Senator Durbin has a new plan, a government takeover of your credit card. Today, Americans have thousands of choices in credit cards, but they say Senator Durbin's plan will result in less competition and less security. Less. Which means more risk for your credit and your identity. You can learn more for [e-mail] and you could consider telling your senators to stop Dick Durbin's government takeover of your credit card before it's too late. Tyler Robinson, the 22 year old accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, reportedly confessed to friends. According to screenshots from messaging platform Discord obtained by the Washington Post. Robinson posting to a group chat on Discord. Quote, hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. I'm sorry for all of this. The Post reporting the messages were shared by a member of the chat who confirmed the account belonged to Robinson. In the exchange, Robinson delivers the news matter of factly, quote, I'm surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. Thanks for all the good times and laughs. You've all been so amazing. Thank you all for everything. A source telling the Post those Discord messages have been passed along to law enforcement. Robinson is reportedly not cooperating with authorities, though family members and Robinson's transgender romantic partner are Robinson posting the apparent confession in a different group chat than the 1am update reported on yesterday, where Robinson joked about the slaying, suggesting the person in the FBI released videotape was his doppelganger. Officials from Discord claim there is no evidence Robinson planned the attack on their platform. The FBI is investigating online groups probing whether Robinson had any help before or after the shooting. The Washington Free Beacon reporting that the FBI is investigating social media accounts that appeared to indicate advance knowledge of the Kirk assassination, several of which belonged to transgender individuals who posted messages like you guys, I have something big coming soon. Just be sure to check the news. You'll know it when you see it, end quote from an account under the name osamu bin Tezuka Five days before the shooting, after Charlie was shot on September 10, Tezuka followed up quote, well that's that. Another account posted on August 6th, more than a month before the shooting, that quote, September 10th will be a very interesting day, end quote. After the assassination, that poster followed up quote, I plead the fifth, a quip that was reposted by an account cherbom75m, who follows the accused shooter's boyfriend on TikTok. Cher bum75m Moments after Charlie was pronounced dead, posted on X We effing did it. So you have cherbom75m, who follows the defendant's boyfriend on socials reposting the post saying September 10th would be a very interesting day. And the follow up pleading the fifth, then adding on his own quote, we effing did it seems rather telling another user who goes by the moniker Omar posting a day before the assassination, quote, charlie Kirk is coming to my college tomorrow. I really hope someone evaporates him literally, then adding quote, let's just say something big will happen tomorrow, end quote. On TikTok the night before the shooting, a clearly transgender person writing that quote, charles James Kirk does not know what's coming tomorrow, end quote Going on. This is not a threat, it's a promise. We asked Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino about all of this Monday on the Megyn Kelly Show. Do we believe that there's potentially some sort of trans group online that may have had foreknowledge of this attack?

[Dan Bongino]

Well, there's a number of forensic digital pieces we have indicating that this was ideologically targeted. But some of the digital footprints we have and traffic we have that we were able to accumulate after we had the suspect in custody seem to indicate that there was a significant ideological component to this attack. There appears to be a real significant anger at Charlie Kirk because of some of his ideas.

[Megyn Kelly]

Did that include his ideas on transing children and trans individuals?

[Dan Bongino]

Well, when you look at some of the bullet casings, the inscriptions on some of the bullet casings, and some of the digital traffic to people in his network, it appears that may have been a part of it. It appears pretty significant in this case, especially given the relationship.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump yesterday from the Oval weighing in on the latest in the investigation your FBI is investigating the potential role of left wing organizations in the assassination. I'm wondering if you think if Charlie Kirk's assassin worked alone or he worked with.

[Dan Bongino]

I don't know.

[Donald Trump]

I mean, I could tell you he didn't work alone on the Internet. Because. Because it seems that he became radicalized on the Internet. That's just by watching what same things that you're watching and hearing. And it seems like his wonderful parents brought in a wonderful neighborhood, smart guy, great boards, great marks, great student. And then he. Something happened to him over a fairly short period of time. Looks like he was radicalized over the Internet and it's radicalized on the left. He's a left.

[Megyn Kelly]

Robinson is expected to be formally charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, causing serious bodily harm and obstruction of justice. Today, the Charlie Kirk show will go on. Pledged his widow, Erica Kirk in her first public remarks since the shooting over the weekend. The first guest Host, Vice President J.D. vance, who yesterday stepped in to host the Charlie Kirk show from the White House in honor of his close friend, the vp Welcoming high profile Trump administration staffers and other friends of Charlie's from his White House office, each sharing personal stories about Charlie and reflecting on his legacy. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and HHS Secretary RFKJ on Charlie's lasting impact on the Trump administration. He inspired me as a young voice for President Trump and you know, before every briefing, I always pray to Jesus Christ. And Charlie was so outspoken with his faith and I will continue to be in honor of him. He had an army of good people who were motivated and passionate. They delivered 110%. And I don't know that Charlie gets enough credit for that. Well, Charlie was probably the primary architect of my unification with President Trump.

[Donald Trump]

I actually announced my endorsement of President Trump at a Turning Point rally in.

[Megyn Kelly]

Arizona, which was his idea. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller resolving to root out the vast leftist networks promoting political violence in Charlie's name.

[Stephen Miller]

The last message that Charlie sent me was, I think it was just the day before we lost him, which is that we need to have an organized strategy to go after the left wing organizations that are promoting violence in this country. There's incredible sadness, but there's incredible anger. And the thing about anger is that unfocused anger or blind rage is not a productive emotion, but focused anger, righteous anger directed for a just cause is one of the most important agents of change in human history. And we are going to channel all of the anger that we have over the organized campaign that led to this assassination to uproot and dismantle these terrorist networks. So the organized doxing campaigns, the organized riots, the organized street violence, the organized campaigns of dehumanization, vilification, posting people's addresses, combining that with messaging that's designed to trigger incite violence and the actual organized cells that carry out and facilitate the violence. With God as my witness, we are going to use every resource we have at the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, and throughout this government to identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy these networks and make America safe again for the American people.

[Megyn Kelly]

Vice President Vance closing out the show with powerful remarks.

[J.D. Vance]

I really do believe that we can come together in this country. I believe we must. But unity, real unity, can be found only after climbing the mountain of truth. And there are difficult truths we must confront in our country. One truth is that 24% of self described, quote, very liberals believe it is acceptable to be happy about the death of a political opponent, while only 3% of self described, very conservatives agree. The data is clear. People on the left are much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence. And while our side of the aisle certainly has its crazies, it is a statistical fact that most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the far left.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Vance, vowing to go after groups and institutions, including those backed by George Soros, that promote political violence and undermine American values. Reiterating that there can be no unity with people who celebrate political violence in America. The Vice President encouraging all Americans to get involved in politics and civil discourse, including by reporting those who publicly celebrate Charlie's death to their employers. AM Update can confirm a New Jersey nurse who was put on leave after reporting a doctor celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk is now back on the job. New Jersey nurse Lexi Kunsel yesterday morning on Fox and Friends describing the moment that led to her suspension.

[Lexi Kunzel]

Well, I walked into the nurse's station and I just had learned about Charlie Kirk. I saw this guy, I didn't know who he was at the time. And he was standing there celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk, saying how he deserved it. He hated Charlie Kirk and he had it coming to him. So I looked down at his badge because I didn't know, you know, what job, if he was a doctor or a nurse. Never saw him, never saw him before. I look down, I see his badge and it says doctor. And I said, you're a doctor. I said, how is it, how are you saying this as a doctor, that someone deserved to die? I mean, to me I was just mind blown.

[Megyn Kelly]

The New York Post reporting the doctor in question is bariatric surgeon Matthew Jung. Kunzel says she immediately reported the incident to her employer, Englewood Health, and posted about it on social media later that day. She says the following day, Thursday, she was suspended without pay pending an investigation. Dr. Jeung reportedly also placed on leave through the course of the investigation. Kunstel filing a lawsuit against the hospital last Friday in Bergen County Superior Court alleging retaliation. That lawsuit alleged Kunzel was later told by a union rep she needed to start looking for a new job. Within hours of her appearance on fox. Englewood Health telling AM update, quote, consistent with protocol and best practices, Englewood Health diligently investigated the September 10th incident that occurred between a doctor and a nurse at a patient care area. We have accepted the physician's resignation and the nurse is expected to work her scheduled shifts. The nurse was never fired, was never told she would be fired by Englewood Hospital and will not miss any pay as part of our review of this matter. Englewood Health is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all. Many businesses and organizations over the last several days firing or suspending employees who publicly celebrated Charlie Kirk's assassination. The disgraced former employees coming from a range of fields, including an American Airlines pilot, a Secret Service agent, college professors and more sick. Coming up, the next city targeted in President Trump's crime crackdown. Memphis, Tennessee. As some Democrat leaders attempt to whip up a political frenzy, locals say welcome. The flu does not wait and neither should you. When sickness hits, you don't want to be scrambling for medication. You want to be ready. You want peace of mind, knowing your family is protected. And that's where all family pharmacy comes in. These guys make it simple to stock up before you need it. So when the flu or a virus or any illness comes, you already have the treatments on hand. Right now, Ivermectin and mebendazone are 25% off starting at just 2 bucks a capsule plus save another 10% with code MEGAN10. They've got over 200 medications to choose from, antibiotics, hydroxychloroquine antivirals, NAD, methylene blue and more. They even offer emergency kits with essential medications so you're prepared for anything. Just order online. They connect you with licensed doctors to get your prescriptions and ship your medications straight to your door. So convenient. Go to AllFamilyPharmacy.com Megan and use code Megan10. Again, that's AllFamilyPharmacy.com megan. Use the code Megan10 to get your discount when you check out. Protect your family, be prepared and stay safe.

[Donald Trump]

Today, at the request of Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee, who's standing with us, as you know, I'm signing a presidential memorandum to establish the Memphis SAFE Task Force. This task force will be a replica of our extraordinarily successful efforts here. The effort will include the National Guard as well as the FBI, atf, dea, ice, Homeland Security Investigations and the US Marshals and more along the prosecutors. Pam Bondi is here. She's heading it up. This team will deploy the full power of federal law enforcement agencies and enforcement generally to restore public safety and get dangerous career criminals off of our streets.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump flanked by Tennessee Governor Republican Bill Lee in the Oval yesterday, officially establishing a task force to crack down on crime in Memphis. The president hoping to replicate the success of the federal surge of troops in D.C. which resulted in a dramatic drop in crime and more than 2,300 arrests in in just a few weeks. In recent weeks, the president indicating Chicago would be the next major city targeted for a crime cleanup with the help of the Guard. CNN reporting those plans were paused after advisors warned that deploying National Guard troops without consent from state leadership could create legal headaches. That's putting it mildly. However, President Trump yesterday indicating Chicago's day will come. Memphis Mayor Paul Young meantime telling CNN over the weekend he realizes the governor has the power to invite the but he personally opposes mobilizing the Guard in his city.

[Paul Young]

I'm certainly not happy about the National Guard. I am looking forward to trying to find ways to invest in the things that we're already doing to address crime in our city. We've seen significant reductions over the past two years since we've been in office and we want to continue that work. We want more investment in the violence interrupters and the individuals that are out working to intervene and prevent crime before it takes place. We want more support for law enforcement in terms of investigations so those are the things that we do want with regards to the National Guard. It is something that we don't have a choice in, and we're going to do all that we can to make sure that it has limited impact on our community.

[Megyn Kelly]

Despite his opposition, Mayor Young acknowledging a legitimate role for troops to play in cleaning up Memphis. What specifically would you have them do? If you're asked by the governor or.

[Paul Young]

The president, support major events, traffic. And you know, we have the Memphis grizzlies, the Memphis Tigers, big events with a lot of people helping to support our law enforcement in that way. Helping law enforcement, whether it's being a part of our downtown command center where we have cameras and helping law enforcement review those cameras and call for backup when they see things happening, those are the types of activities that I think would be helpful beautification in our neighborhoods and communities. We know that blight is a significant contributor to crime, and if we are able to have support in addressing those things, then it could be beneficial to our community.

[Megyn Kelly]

Those opposed to deploying the National Guard to Memphis cite data released last week by Memphis PD showing crime is at a 25 year low in the city. However, according to FBI statistics, Memphis still had the highest crime rate in the nation last year, with the fourth highest homicide rate per capita. State Representative Justin Pierson, a far left progressive whose district includes parts of Memphis, putting his special spin on the news at a Monday press conference.

[Justin Pearson]

The white supremacist, authoritarian dictator wannabe of Donald Trump is using Memphis as a test case for taking and stripping away power from black communities. Today, it is a conversation about crime. In 14 months, it'll be a conversation about protecting the vote at the boat, at the voting booth. In three and a half years, it's going to be about a presidential election and the need to protect it. And what happens when we go to the polls and the National Guard is there and all the they're doing is asking you, are you sure you want to vote? This isn't just a slippery slope. This is a dangerous impediment on our democracy. We can't pretend like these are reasonable people. They are not. And they are coming to hurt, harm, destroy, disrupt and confuse our citizens. In addition to stoke fear, a white.

[Megyn Kelly]

Supremacist, he says stripping power from black communities. Well, what's actually happening in those communities? Maybe they're fine. Trump's just grandstanding. I got two guns put in my face within five minutes at different locations. It's two different locations. Some people shot up a home with eight people inside early this morning. Another woman was carjacked this afternoon outside a grocery store on Kansas Street. A woman is dead after an overnight shooting in South Memphis. The search is on for a man who shot and killed a woman early yesterday morning. Nearby surveillance video shows three suspects walking moments before stealing the woman's Toyota Corolla and then slamming her on the ground before taking off in her car. Honestly thought he was going to kill me, so I was screaming, don't hurt me. Don't hurt me. Some Memphis residents weary from years of living under threat of robbery, shootings, carjackings, and murder, telling local outlets the federal help is more than welcome. We're grateful for the National Guard coming. It's just so dangerous that you can't get out of your car, you can't go to the grocery store, you can't go to the market or the service station. So, yeah, I want to see the crime stop. And if the National Guard is going to stop the crime, bring them out.

[Stephen Miller]

There's a need for more boots on.

[Paul Young]

The ground, and evidently this is the way that they plan on getting them.

[Megyn Kelly]

Officials say troops could mobilize to the city as early as this week. The exact number of troops expected is not yet clear. But just remember, protecting black lives is is racist and white supremacist. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on Sirius XM Triumph channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platforms. Are you ready to get spicy? These Doritos Golden Sriracha aren't that spicy. Sriracha sounds pretty spicy to me. Um, a little spicy, but also tangy and sweet. Maybe it's time to turn up the heat. Or turn it down. It's time for something that's not too spicy. Try Doritos Golden Sriracha. Spicy but not too spicy.